Pink Bathtub Designs

Art Lab for Kids

2012-01-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

I'm thrilled to share with you Susan Schwake's new book Art Lab for Kids. It is chock full of wonderfully creative art lessons including painting, drawing, printmaking, paper and mixed media. The book is a culmination of lessons she has taught over the past 20 years. Children of all ages will easily find a project that they connect with as will adults! I already have my eye on a few of them.

Along with the step-by-step process of each project, Susan spotlights a professional artist who works in that medium. I am so honored to be a part of the Lab 32 "Foamy Stamps" which teaches a kid-friendly way of making stamps and illustrates how they can be incorporated into works of art.

The book was so thoughtfully put together and is an inspiration to kids and adults of all ages. It would make a perfect gift or a nice addition to your own collection. Art Lab for Kids can be purchased on Susan's website here.

Susan is the owner of Artstream, a gallery and art academy in Rochester, NH. You can learn more about Susan here:

Blog: http://www.artesprit.blogspot.com
Website: http://susanschwake.com
Gallery: http://artstreamstudios.com

Why hello blog!

2011-11-29T15:42:00.001-05:00

Gosh, I've been terrible...but also terribly busy, which isn't a bad thing;) But I just had to share with you my first licensing gig! It was with the World Wildlife Fund for their fall/holiday fundraising efforts. I think the cards turned out great. For a $25 donation, you will receive a set of 20 animal-themed cards including mine!

Toronto

2011-10-11T10:04:00.001-04:00

The mister and I spent two weeks in Canada last month. We started in Toronto and made our way east to Halifax, all by train. Toronto was much larger than I had remembered, then again I was there 20 years ago. It's quite a bustling city with a ton of construction. We did a lot of walking and lucked out with fabulous weather! As big hockey fans, one highlight for us was visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame. It was very well done and we actually got to see the original Stanley Cup as well as the current one.

Part of the city skyline with the CN Tower

Ontario Provincial Legislature

City Hall

Another view of the City Hall

St. Lawrence Market

Original Stanley Cup - Hockey Hall of Fame


2008 - 2009 Stanley Cup champs - The Penguins!

Home.

2011-09-29T09:48:00.000-04:00

After two weeks of traveling in Canada, we are finally home. We had a fabulous journey from Toronto to Halifax. We lucked out with beautiful weather for most of the trip. I will be sharing each leg of our adventure, but thought I would pop in and say hello! I'm still going through the 900ish photographs I took. Phew.

In the home studio with Jennifer Bishop of Architette Studios

2011-09-08T10:04:00.002-04:00

My next interview takes us to San Antonio, Texas, to the home studio of Jennifer Bishop of Architette Studios. I was first introduced to Jennifer's work last year through a blog that featured both of our work. I was immediately drawn to her intricate city skylines and super cool construction diagrams. Jennifer is a trained architect who decided to take the plunge into the world of stationery, cards, fine art prints and custom invitations. Graciously, she let us take a peek into her world...

1. First, please introduce yourself. What keeps you busy during the day?
Hello there! My name is Jennifer Bishop and I am from San Antonio, Texas. I have a Bachelors of Architecture from my studies in New York City at Pratt Institute. Being trained as an architect, I have always appreciated precision, accuracy, fine detail and craft. I always strive to attain that perfection (or near to it) through anything I create!

I now work full time with my Etsy shop Architette Studios, and I feel that I have the best clients and have maintained great relationships throughout our on-going processes, projects and collaborations. I enjoy waking up everyday knowing that something new and outstanding is about to be created!

2. Please describe your art, what is your creative process and what inspires you.
Inspirations come from traveling, going to galleries, visiting local wine vineyards, talking in coffee shops, exploring for new and healthy recipes to cook, having lunches with my mom and/or just standing in the paper aisle of any store. I just dream of all the things all those sheets could become!

3. What is a typical day for you? Do you keep to a strict routine or is your day fairly fluid?
My days are pretty loose and free but on most days, it definitely starts with an iced coffee (even in the winter!), a bowl of oatmeal and a 40 minute speed walk through the neighborhood. I check emails, my Architette Studios Facebook page, and Twitter. I also try to keep my online portfolio as up-to-date as possible as well!

I have found that I work best by alternating between two types of days during the week: design days and production days. On design days, I will create proofs, answer messages, relist items in my Etsy shop, and then sketch and design for the rest of the afternoon. On production days I will process, produce and ship orders.

I end the day with some kind of new healthy and organic dinner recipe that I found, and another 40 minute walk, typically with my boyfriend this time!

4. How do you avoid distraction (ie laundry, house keeping, errands, non work related phone calls, etc)? Or do you tend to give in?
I tend to give in. I am the kind of person that once I know something needs to get done, it pokes and prods at me until it does!

5. Does working from home affect your art in any way?
It actually helps my work a great deal. Everything is around me that I could possibly need or want! I am most happy here, and it gives me such a great freedom to create! My boyfriend James runs a successful company from his home office as well, and we enjoy being able to have coffee and lunch runs together during the day.

6. How do you transition from "work" to "home"? Are you able to close your studio door and walk away for the evening? Is it easy for you to do?
It is hard to separate myself from creating because it is such a part of me… but all pens aside, my boyfriend James has taught me a great deal about how to run a business, and one of the best pieces of advice was to “work” just Mondays through Fridays. Of course, it’s very hard to just turn the creativity flow off and on, and it ends up creeping into the weekends in the form of sketching or drawing, but you will not find me in the office answering messages, or shipping! (Unless it’s an emergency!)

7. Working from home can sometimes be lonely, do you miss working with other people such as in an office environment? Or do you usually interact with people (in person) during your day? Is this even an issue for you?
This is not an issue in the slightest. I’ve always been able to create in solitude and can find plenty to do when I am alone. I do try to make it a point to go to lunch with friends or family once every week, as I am also a social butterfly as well!

8. Please describe your studio space (is it a spare room in your home, in your garage, etc.)? Is it an inspiring space? What would you change?
At the moment, I work from a spare room in the house which has super tall ceilings and tall windows which look out onto almost 3 acres of grass and trees. There is a large storage closet which contains most of my shipping materials and is also my makeshift painting studio. I have two large cabinets which house all my paper stock, envelopes, samples, etc. and of course, my desk is right up against the bright windows! It was a two week renovation which included painting walls, framing art, buying new furniture and rearranging to make this home office an inspirational, happy, fun and bright place to work.

9. In a nutshell, do you enjoy working from home? What has been your overall experience?
It has been a great experience! I could not be happier with the direction Architette Studios has gone in during the past nine months of working at it full time. I am able to create, be myself and meet amazing clients who I can help their ideas and dreams become a reality. It has all been a priceless experience and am not sure that I could go back to an “office” environment again and be happy!

10. And the million dollar question...do you work in your pj's, shower and get dressed or something in between?
Haha! I knew you would ask! I get dressed every day, it doesn’t feel like the day has begun until I do!
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Thanks a million Jennifer! Please do visit her Etsy shop, I'm sure your city is represented!

A labor of love.

2011-09-02T09:16:00.000-04:00

Every summer we purchase an overflowing bushel of roma tomatoes from our local farmer's market. It's a daunting task, but almost each and every one of these babies will become sauce or a tasty roasted treat. We stuff the freezer with these gems and will enjoy them all through the winter when all you can get are pink, mealy tomatoes from the grocery store. We pack about a dozen or so of the roasteds into freezer bags then use them in soups, stews or pasta. They are such a treat!

Roasted Tomatoes - Rachael Ray recipe

Ingredients

3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes (about 15)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Directions:

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°. Stem the tomatoes and slice them in half lengthwise. Gently squeeze out the seeds or scoop them out with a spoon.
Lay the tomatoes, cut side up, in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the thyme and garlic. Roast for 40 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 400° and roast the tomatoes until caramelized, about 20 minutes more.
Turn off the oven and leave the tomatoes inside for 10 minutes, then remove to a rack and let cool completely. Peel if desired. The tomatoes will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or for up to 6 months in the freezer.

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/side-dish-recipes/roasted-tomatoes

Finally inspired.

2011-08-31T17:01:00.000-04:00

It figures. Just as orders start rolling in, I get inspired to create new designs. This doesn't happen when I have down time. Nope. Just when I get busy. Well, I guess you just have to roll with it. And that I did. New, bamboo cards!

$15/box of 6.
pinkbathtub.etsy.com

New addition to our furniture family.

2011-08-22T09:49:00.000-04:00

The last coffee table we bought was in 1995. We were furnishing our "new" apartment on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC. It was part of a futon set, which remarkably we still have and has held up great over the years. It currently lives in our basement turned family room. The only other coffee table we've owned was a hand-me-down from my grandmother. It was very traditional with a leather top and gold detailing. Really not our style. We got rid of it about a year ago and have not replaced it. Until yesterday.

We had been looking online on and off for a while, found a few things we liked, but nothing really jumped out at us. We weren't even sure what style or shape we wanted. Then Saturday we decided that we really needed to find a table, it was time to get our living room into shape! My husband suggested the cool antique shop, not far from us, where we had purchased an old church pew. Most of their pieces are made from reclaimed barn wood. So, after a quick trip to Antiques on Washington, we have a new addition...

Indeed it is made from reclaimed barn wood which came from central PA. The man who runs the store also builds the furniture, so not only is it recycled, but it's also made locally! It fits perfectly in the space and is just the right scale. We couldn't be happier with our purchase. Now for a new dining room set...

Note to self: Please get some new pillows for the sofa. Thanks.

Lunch.

2011-08-12T14:04:00.001-04:00

There's nothing better than a homemade turkey club. Traditionally, the sandwich is made with a third piece of bread, but I find that to be a bit excessive and somewhat challenging to eat. To me, the perfect club will have just the right ratio of turkey, crispy bacon, cheese (I like American), ripe red tomato, crunchy iceberg lettuce and a healthy (read: unhealthy) dose of mayo all between two slices of lightly toasted wheat bread.

One word: Yum!

The Travel Blues.

2011-08-11T10:57:00.002-04:00

Summer. For most, this means vacation. Traveling to fun-filled destinations, warm beaches, exotic locales or home to see the family. For us, it means staying put. We put so much time and energy into our vast vegetable garden that we can't bear to leave it as we might (literally) miss the fruits of our labor. Nor do we want to burden others with the arduous task of watering. So, we wait patiently until the Fall. Meanwhile, what not a better time to reminisce...

Alaska

Berlin

Caribbean Sunset

Bet you can't guess where I am.

Iceland

Maine


Munich

Napa Valley

Oregon

Quebec City

Salzburg

Seattle

St. Croix


Vegas

Vienna

Zurich

Black Eyed Susan

2011-08-08T16:01:00.000-04:00

One not yet eaten by the groundhogs, which have devastated our Shasta daisies and other Black Eyed Susans. They are quite a menace! It got so bad a couple years ago that we had to put electric fencing all around our vegetable garden.

Garden Details.

2011-06-24T10:05:00.002-04:00

Well hello blog.
It's been quite a while, I apologize for the neglect.
I thought I would jump start this baby with some shots from the garden.


Garden Entrance surrounded with raspberries.


Blooming Dahlia

Bee Balm in the perennial garden.

Hungarian Hot Wax peppers.

Tomatoes.

Geraniums.

Crock Pot Black Bean Soup

2011-01-28T16:39:00.001-05:00

Adapted from The Frugal Chef @ thefrugalchef.com

Ingredients:

1 lb. dried black beans, rinsed well
A couple turns of olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 large or 2 medium carrots, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes, with liquid
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups water, low salt broth or a combination
1 T cumin
1 tsp chipotle powder
1 tsp oregano
pepper to taste
Avocado, chopped - optional
Shredded cheddar cheese - optional
Tomato, chopped - optional

Directions:

In a separate pan, sautée onions, carrots, celery and garlic in olive oil until just tender.

Place dried beans, vegetable mixture, tomatoes with their juice, spices and liquid in crock pot. Give it a good stir and set crock pot on High for 6 hours.

After 6 hours, the beans will be nice and tender. With an immersion blender, blend until about 3/4 of soup is creamed. It will have a lovely rich texture.

Top with chopped avo, tomatoes and a pinch of cheese.

Enjoy!

Something new.

2010-12-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

Well, new for me. I know there are a lot of kitchen towels out there, but printing on cloth is something different in my world. I scanned in my original, stamped image then enlarged it a bit, made gocco screens and set out to print. Working with cloth is quite different than paper. Getting just the right ink density is a bit of a challenge, some towels have more and others less. But I guess that's what gives them their unique, handmade look! These four designs are available here.

Vienna 2010

2010-11-15T11:21:00.001-05:00

For my big 4-0, my husband and I took a trip across the pond. We traveled via train through Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Our first stop on the journey was Vienna. It's a wonderful old city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, open air markets, palaces and great food! Here are a few of my favorite moments.

In the home studio with Vivienne Strauss.

2010-11-02T10:15:00.002-04:00

As someone who runs a full-time, creative-based business from home, I'm always interested in hearing about others who are doing the same. There are many positive aspects to being at home, but there can also be drawbacks. On one hand it's so great to work in your pj's and on the other hand it's not so great to work in your pj's!

My fifth interview takes us to Upstate New York to the home studio of Vivienne Strauss. She creates stunning paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor as well as collages often inspired by vintage photographs, movies and even the neighborhood wildlife. She was gracious enough to answer a few questions about her experiences...

1. First, please introduce yourself. What keeps you busy during the day?
My name is Vivienne Strauss and I've been working as an artist full-time for a little over three years now, before that I had many different careers after graduating from college with a degree in Philosophy. My days are spent working on my art and running our household. I'm married to artist Matte Stephens and we both work from home and are lucky enough to spend more time with each other than most couples we know.   I mix household work (cooking, cleaning, etc.) with my work, though chores are sometimes dreaded they can also be a nice break from trying to be creative.

2. Please describe your art; what is your creative process and what inspires you.
My paintings (both watercolor and oil) often are inspired by an old photo, something I've read or a movie I've watched.   I love searching for and collecting old photos and college annuals and being able to justify those purchases is great!   Collage works in a completely different way for me.   I love the act of cutting out images and letting them come together. The more I work in collage, the more I enjoy working with the scraps rather than the previously prized images.

3. What is a typical day for you? Do you keep to a strict routine or is your day fairly fluid?
I find I feel best when I can stick to a routine. Typically I wake up really early, anywhere between 4:30 and 7:30. No matter what, coffee is the number one priority. After that, I generally like to do things that have a beginning and an end first thing (i.e. shipping, grocery shopping, meal prep and errands) then with that behind me it is easier to focus on being creative.

4. How do you avoid distraction (ie laundry, house keeping, errands, non work related phone calls, etc)? Or do you tend to give in?
I try to do all those things first before I start working or do them as breaks from working on my art. Regular exercise helps prevent being restless while I work too. When I have a hard time sitting still to work, sometimes putting a movie in and not taking another break until them movie is over helps a lot. I do take periodic breaks to respond to emails or go for a short walk outside.

5. Does working from home affect your art in any way?
I really can't even imagine working on my art in a studio separate from home, to me that would really defeat one of the great benefits of being an artist.

6. How do you transition from "work" to "home"? Are you able to close your studio door and walk away for the evening? Is it easy for you to do?
I do have a habit of closing the door to my studio only to take sketch books and inspiration to bed with me. When I read and watch movies after working all day, part of me is still always finding inspiration and I try to write down all my ideas even if they don't end up being a piece of art for a long time or I may toss the idea altogether at some point. A lot of my ideas reside inside my head for a long time before they materialize.

7. Working from home can sometimes be lonely, do you miss working with other people such as in an office environment? Or do you usually interact with people (in person) during your day? Is this even an issue for you?
I'm lucky that we both work from home so we at least see each for meals or when we want to take a break. We work at opposite ends of the house so as not to interfere or distract each other too much. Most of my interactions are online ones or the ladies at the post office when I ship our work. I recently joined a book group so I would have a specific time to socialize, otherwise it is too easy to keep putting it off to a future date. It has really got me reading more too which I love. I went through a period where it would take me a month to read one book, now I'm back to a book a week at least.

8. Please describe your studio space (is it a spare room in your home, in your garage, etc.)? Is it an inspiring space? What would you change?
I work from a back bedroom upstairs and my favorite part is having two windows right over my desk. I have squirrels and birds at the feeders just a few feet from me on and off through out the day. That is a really nice distraction and they provide inspiration as well, the squirrel made it into a recent painting I did. Before I worked in part of the dining room which was hard because I had to put everything away at the end of the day just to keep it looking decent. I do still straighten up my studio at the end of the day, but leave out the projects I'm working on.

9. In a nutshell, do you enjoy working from home? What has been your overall experience?
I love working from home! After doing so for three years now, I can't imagine doing anything else. I guess the only downside is managing to take time off from work and no paid holidays.

10. And the million dollar question...do you work in your pj's, shower and get dressed or something in between?
That varies. On days when I don't have plans to go anywhere it is very tempting to just work in pajamas from time to time. More often than not though, I do shower early and dress though it is usually in comfortable jeans and a sweater or a dress and boots.
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Thanks a million Vivienne!

Please visit her Etsy shops featuring original pieces as well as prints:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/viviennedstrauss
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vivstrauss
http://www.etsy.com/shop/viviennestrauss

And be sure to keep up to date with her blog:
http://www.vivienneart.blogspot.com

Some fun press!

2010-09-30T15:03:00.001-04:00

Through Etsy, glo.msn.com found some of my goodies to feature in the "High Notes" section of their 9/30 edition. The section highlights a variety of stationery and paper goods as well as the lost art of the hand written note. I'm honored to be included!

Quebec City :: Window Boxes

2010-09-13T10:49:00.001-04:00

Over Labor Day weekend, we visited Quebec City for the first time. What a fabulous city! We were instantly taken with its charm, wonderful food and very friendly people. I was able to use some of my very basic French, but most people spoke English. They certainly did appreciate when you made the effort.

We toured the hilly, cobblestoned city by foot, taking in the historic sites, amazing views, charming architecture and awe-inspiring window boxes. They seemed to be on every building and were so well taken care of. (They put mine to shame!) My favorite inspiration was an Italian restaurant that had herbs growing in their boxes. I am definitely doing that next year, what a great idea.

More darn butterflies!

2010-08-04T10:06:00.001-04:00

The butterfly bush is really doing its job! We have had such a neat variety of these little winged creatures visit our garden this summer. I've been fascinated with them!

Sunday evening in the garden.

2010-07-19T09:14:00.001-04:00

Last night I followed this little guy around the garden. Appropriately enough, he spent a lot of his time on the butterfly bush. His second favorite was the bee balm.

Summer Berries.

2010-07-09T09:16:00.000-04:00

This year our crop of berries has been outstanding. The raspberries have naturalized over the years giving us baskets full of tasty fruit. Unfortunately the squirrels have recently discovered them and have helped themselves as if invited (any ideas on how to un-invite squirrels?). Luckily we have enough in the freezer to last through the summer. And the blackberries are gorgeous with just the right amount of sweet and tart. They aren't as prolific as the raspberries, but we have been able to sample a few with many more pending.

In the home studio with Stephanie Levy.

2010-07-07T10:41:00.003-04:00

As someone who runs a full-time, creative-based business from home, I'm always interested in hearing about others who are doing the same. There are many positive aspects to being at home, but there can also be drawbacks. On one hand it's so great to work in your pj's and on the other hand it's not so great to work in your pj's!

My fourth interview is with the lovely and talented artist, Stephanie Levy. Working from her home studio in Munich, Germany, Stephanie creates beautiful works inspired by her travels, places she'd like to visit, well-designed interiors and still life. She was kind enough to answer a few questions about her experiences...

1. First, please introduce yourself. What keeps you busy during the day?
Hi, I'm Stephanie, an artist/illustrator and mother of two little girls, aged 4 and 2. I'm American, but I've been living in Germany for the past 14 years. Between my family, making art, and keeping up with my online business - I am busier now than ever before in my life!

2. Please describe your art; what is your creative process and what inspires you.
I create mixed media collage artwork of things that delight and inspire me. I love to travel and visit new places, I adore beautiful interiors and interesting design, and I also enjoy baking and cooking delicious treats. All of these themes appear fairly often as subject matter in my artwork - sometimes simultaneously. I create ink drawings and layer these with different types of papers and paint. My collages are usually quite colorful and full of pattern.

3. What is a typical day for you? Do you keep to a strict routine or is your day fairly fluid?
7 am: I wake up, get my children ready for preschool, eat a quick breakfast, and walk them down the street to their school.

8:30 am: Afterwards, I try to get in at least an hour of walking outside - especially now that it is summer - to get some exercise and fresh air before I start to work. Sometimes I can combine this with running errands like grocery shopping or going to the post office.

10 am: I'm back at home, and when it's a "good day" and I don't have any terribly urgent deadlines to meet dealing with some sort of bureaucracy, I can actually create new artwork in my home studio for anywhere between 3-5 hours. Other days, I must spend at least part of this time tending to email, paperwork, bills, taxes, etc.  Optimally, I try not to turn on the computer before at least noon, and then I take care of updating my blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr. During these hours the time flies by so quickly, it is amazing.

3 pm: I look at the clock and I am usually shocked to see that it is already time to go pick up my children from preschool. We all go for an ice cream or to the playground or do something else fun together.

4:30 pm: My husband comes home from work. We have some tea together and attempt to exchange a few sentences with one other (which is usually impossible because the kids are hopping around and want to tell Papa all about their day too!) Then, either my husband or I make dinner.

6:30 pm: We all have dinner, and afterwards we start getting the kids ready for bed - and depending on how quickly they go to sleep after reading bedtime stories, we may or may not have time to spend together as a couple before we go to sleep. Sometimes I get back online and try to answer email, relist artwork in my shop, and take care of the “business” side of things.

Before my children were in preschool, I would often start a complete second work shift and work on my collages and/or on the computer until the very wee hours of the night. I basically went around like a zombie for a couple of years, with only 3-4 hours of sleep each night. I did get a new website built and opened my online shop, but the negative result was that I developed a little thyroid problem last summer, and since then I have been trying my best to eliminate all-nighters. I only do it when I have a deadline that I can't otherwise meet.  

It is sometimes frustrating to have so little time during the day for my artwork, but it is also important for me to spend time with my children and my husband. I often think there are simply not enough hours in the day to do all of the things I want to do! But having daycare for my children now definitely helps, and I am getting more sleep these days. And my thyroid is fine now :)

4. How do you avoid distraction (ie laundry, house keeping, errands, non work related phone calls, etc)? Or do you tend to give in?
Oh, that is a big problem for me! Often when I come home after my morning walk, I look at my apartment, see all of the housework that needs to be done, and feel a bit overwhelmed by it all. Sometimes I give myself a time limit - like 30 minutes to 1 hour - to get as much housework done as possible, and then I force myself to stop. Most days I just throw a load of laundry in the machine, and unload/load the dishwasher, forget about the rest, and get busy doing the work I actually enjoy :)

5. Does working from home affect your art in any way?
I probably work in a smaller scale because I don't have very much workspace at home. I would love to have a large studio where I could really spread out and create some big scale artwork too.

6. How do you transition from "work" to "home"? Are you able to close your studio door and walk away for the evening? Is it easy for you to do?
I don't. I wish I could. I do try to turn off the computer at a reasonable time in the evenings and resist working too much on weekends. It seems like I never have my personal "to-do" list under control, that there is always more to do than I can possibly accomplish during my limited hours during the day. My dream would be to have a large, separate studio one day – perhaps in a large studio collective with other artists. While I’m dreaming, I’d also like an accountant, and some household help.

7. Working from home can sometimes be lonely, do you miss working with other people such as in an office environment? Or do you usually interact with people (in person) during your day? Is this even an issue for you?
I don’t mind working alone so much, because most of the remaining hours of my day are filled with my family. However, I do miss having “real life” contacts with other artists. In my dream studio collective situation, I would have artist “neighbors” that I could go over and visit, get inspiration, share a cup of coffee. I do have to say that I have made some wonderful contacts with other artists through the Internet, and their encouragement and help has made a world of difference for me! I couldn’t have accomplished all of the things I’ve done during the past 2 years without the support of so many online artists friends. (Thank you!)

8. Please describe your studio space (is it a spare room in your home, in your garage, etc.)? Is it an inspiring space? What would you change?
My “studio space” has basically taken over our former living room. The computer, my worktable and all of my supplies, as well as the children’s art table and supplies all share this room. The only thing that perhaps still qualifies the space as a “living room” is the sofa and our tiny TV – which we hardly ever watch anyway – no time! It’s not an ideal situation, and it is one we want to change, but rent prices are incredible in Munich, it’s like living in NYC, so we improvise for now. But we do have big plans for the future.

9. In a nutshell, do you enjoy working from home? What has been your overall experience?
It has its advantages, and I am glad that I can do the laundry at the same time that I work! But eventually, I would like to have a much larger, and perhaps separate studio. We shall see what the future brings!

10. And the million dollar question...do you work in your pj's, shower and get dressed or something in between?
Since I have to get up every day to bring the kids to preschool, I’m showered and dressed by 8 am. But – I am sure that if I didn’t have that responsibility, you’d catch me occasionally in my pajamas ;)
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Thank you so much Stephanie!

Please do visit her Etsy shop where you can purchase her original work as well as prints. She shares her travels, creative process, new artwork and the occasional recipe on her fabulous blog!

The Garden.

2010-06-16T12:05:00.002-04:00

It's one of those days where I can't seem to sit down and focus on what I need to do. I feel a bit restless for some reason. So what not a better opportunity to head out to the garden, while the sun is shining, and snap a few photos.

Our garden is going gang busters due to the many days of rain. We already have a nice crop of peppers as well as a few tiny green tomatoes. The peas and beans are going crazy and the raspberries are taking over the yard! The flowers are beautiful as well, I'm especially enjoying my hanging baskets which are bursting with color. Here's a few of my favorite shots...

Capitol Hill & Eastern Market

2010-05-25T09:41:00.003-04:00

One place I wish I had taken more advantage of during my years in DC is Eastern Market. Situated in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood (which has come along way since my tenure in the city), Eastern Market is a public market that offers a wide range of fresh food including meat, seafood, cheeses, produce, bakery items and fresh flowers. On the weekends you can find farmer's markets, arts & crafts vendors and live music. They even have a flea market on Sundays.

There wasn't too much going on when I visited as it was a Thursday afternoon. It was still quite enjoyable to peruse the cases brimming with gorgeous foods. The bakery items alone made you stop in your tracks and I won't even mention the beautiful flower stand;)

San Francisco + Napa Valley

2010-05-07T10:07:00.004-04:00

We had a fantastic trip out West last week. We packed in a lot for only being there four full days. We visited vineyards and wineries, caught a baseball game, strolled through Chinatown and Japantown, enjoyed the Saturday market at the Ferry Terminal building and of course wined and dined! On top of that, my dad came up from Los Angeles, friends came down from Portland, finally got to meet my wonderful sales rep and the weather was outstanding! See, awesome trip.

Here are some of my favorite images.

In the home studio with Kristin Loganbill of Moontea Artwork.

2010-04-21T09:38:00.005-04:00

1. First, please introduce yourself. What keeps you busy during the day?
Hi- I'm Kristin Loganbill, owner of Moontea Artwork. I make hand printed paper and fabric goods. I keep busy with a million things in a day: Drawing, carving, printing, folding paper, packaging, mailing, writing invoices, sewing, ironing..... and so on...!

2. Please describe your art; what is your creative process and what inspires you.

Much like you, Noelle, I hand carve blocks made from my own drawings. Sometimes I turn the carvings into silkscreen designs, and sometimes I use them, as is, to print on paper or cloth. I am greatly inspired by what is around me in nature- leaves and flowers and birds and animals- I also love rocks (who doesn't- right?!!).

3. What is a typical day for you? Do you keep to a strict routine or is your day fairly fluid?
I do try to keep a routine (maybe not so strict). I like to take my time in the morning and not rush around- if I wanted to rush to work, I'd work for someone else- haha!

Anyway I have my morning green tea, do some yoga or pilates, then have a leisurely breakfast. I usually start working about 10 or so. After that I pretty much work until 10 in the evening, but of course take time to have a healthy lunch and dinner.

4. How do you avoid distraction (ie laundry, house keeping, errands, non work related phone calls, etc)? Or do you tend to give in?

I try not to give in to distractions, unless an emergency of course. I get very cranky when I have distractions, so I do various things to try to avoid them. For example: My phone is skype (computer phone) so I don't usually answer, and just return calls when I have designated time. Also, I try to run all errands on the same day, so I am not running around distractedly, (plus I live out in the country, so I have to plan my days in town efficiently anyway).

5. Does working from home affect your art in any way?
I think living out here on a farm gives me the inspiration I need to do my art. We also live about a half hour from the beach which is another source of inspiration and relaxation.

6. How do you transition from "work" to "home"? Are you able to close your studio door and walk away for the evening? Is it easy for you to do?
I have a separate studio, but the lines are a bit blurry. I often "take work home". Sometimes in the evening I'll watch a movie and sew and stuff sachets, or draw. But most often I'm just working in my studio until bedtime.

7. Working from home can sometimes be lonely, do you miss working with other people such as in an office environment? Or do you usually interact with people (in person) during your day? Is this even an issue for you?
I guess I've always been a bit of an introvert, so it doesn't bother me at all to work alone. We frequently have friends come out for the weekends, especially in the summer months, so I do get my share of social interaction.

8. Please describe your studio space (is it a spare room in your home, in your garage, etc.)? Is it an inspiring space? What would you change?
When we moved to this farm we made the tractor barn into my studio. The floor was dirt, and there were only rafters and solid aluminum doors. We poured a floor, put in lighting and a ceiling and put in huge glass roll-up doors. So now there is lots of light, and I look out onto woods and fields.

9. In a nutshell, do you enjoy working from home? What has been your overall experience?
Oh yes! I actually planned my life in order to work from home! It's true I work more hours than I would if working for someone else, but it's fully worth the trade-off. The flexibility (going to the beach on a wednesday, or gardening if it turns out to be warm) just makes it soooo worth it. Not to mention I get to make a living doing my art!

10. And the million dollar question...do you work in your pj's, shower and get dressed or something in between? (Please note, I'm currently in my pj's...LOL)
I hardly ever work in my pjs- unless it's a rainy movie day and I have work I can do in my lap.... For me, showering and dressing gets me in the work state of mind. It might sound strange, but I even put on make-up (granted I don't wear much) but I just like to feel clean and presentable even if just for myself!

Thank you so much Kristin! Please visit Kristin's Etsy shop to peruse all of her wonderful goods!

Garden Goodness.

2010-04-15T14:19:00.004-04:00

Some new designs to celebrate the garden! We've got vinca, tulips, black eyed susans, petunias and lily pads. I'm also playing around with some new colorways which are a bit more subtle and earthy. They all come with 100% recycled kraft envelopes. I will be listing them in my Etsy shop.

Before & After :: Dining Room

2010-04-08T11:00:00.002-04:00

When we moved in, our dining room was awash in gaudy gold and beige wallpaper, decorative trim, over-the-top drapes and valances all topped off with a drop ceiling of acoustic tile. I can't even imagine how much was spent on it.

We finally got our hands on the dining room in the Spring of 2007. We took down all the hideousness, re-plastered the walls and ceiling, painted, put up new lighting and just this January had the floors redone and the floor trim put back up. (How is that for procrastination?)

Before:

After:

It's definitely an eclectic bunch of stuff...old, new, vintage, modern, hand-me-downs, handmade pieces, treasured artwork and the like. As with any room in this house, it's a work in progress. But for now, it is a wonderfully light-filled space perfect for entertaining.

Cheery Blossoms.

2010-04-07T09:28:00.002-04:00

So, I started to type "cherry blossoms," but it came out "cheery blossoms." Works for me. They certainly are cheery and so beautiful. The grand weeping cherry tree stands about 30 feet tall in our front yard and has quite a dramatic presence in the Spring. Occasionally cars will stop in front of the house to get a better look and even take a picture.

Happy Easter & Spring!

2010-04-04T10:32:00.002-04:00

Out with the old, in with the new.

2010-04-01T10:23:00.003-04:00

I guess Spring has really gotten into my bones this year. I'm feeling quite a rebirth with getting house projects done, cleaning out closets, ebaying old things and, finally, dusting off the cobwebs of my poor old website. Yesterday, I felt inspired to start working on it. I wasn't really sure what I was going to do, but turns out, I took down the old shopping cart along with excess pages and turned it into what I like to call a "portal." It's only a few pages and will easily direct you to shopping, various social marketing stops and how to get in touch. See, simple. I still may tinker with it a bit but other than that, I present to you the new Pink Bathtub Designs!

p.s. The middle photo is the same one as my blog banner.

Fun with photography.

2010-03-10T10:18:00.002-05:00

Telephoto lens + wildly adjusting levels = Fun!

Before & After :: Living Room.

2010-03-02T14:22:00.003-05:00

To me, a house isn't a home until you've touched just about every space within it. It's been six years in the making, but my husband and I have finally reached this point. When we bought our early 1930's era house, we loved it for its unique architectural details, abundance of space and clean slate (read: nothing was our taste and everything had to be redone). Most potential home buyers want everything renovated, updated and move-in ready. I totally get this. But it's not us. We are able to see through bad kitchens, ugly carpeting, horrific wallpaper and wildly unappealing paint colors.

So, our first project was our main living area which is located in the front of the house. All the walls were painted a pinkish-white with formal white carpeting covering what we hoped would be hardwood floors in good condition. We took down the old drapes and rods. Then began transforming a dull and sterile room into something that was warm, inviting and ours.

Before:

After:

As you can see, we did have lovely hardwood floors underneath the carpeting. They were in good shape, but were discolored and dull after being hidden for so many years. We recently had them refinished and couldn't be more pleased. Since there was no fixed lighting in the room, we had recessed lighting installed and it has made quite a difference. Our furniture is definitely a mish-mosh, but we love the eclecticness of it. And, of course, it is still a work in progress as we need to get more art on the walls. We had taken out some tall furniture and haven't had a chance to fill the wall space.

Thanks for taking a peek.

New dish.

2010-02-25T10:52:00.003-05:00

The other day I was introduced to the food staple of Quebec, Poutine. According to the Wiki, it is pronounced something like "poot sin." Traditionally, it consists of french fries topped with cheese curds then smothered in gravy. The version that I had was called "Disco Fries" and included beef, mozzarella cheese, green onions and beef gravy all atop french fries. It was heaven on a plate. So, being somewhat health conscious, I decided to try my own interpretation using baked fries and chicken. I believe the key to this dish is the gravy, and making sure that it is hot enough to melt the cheese.

So, here's the run down...

I baked potato strips then topped them with caramelized onions, sauteed chicken, mozz cheese (although, I think that a sharp cheddar might work better), green onions and finished it off with homemade chicken gravy. Dear god it was good!

For my next Poutine production, I would like to try a vegetarian edition using mushrooms and a mushroom based gravy. The fun thing about this dish is that you can get very creative or keep it super basic.

Winter is among us...

2010-02-16T10:22:00.003-05:00

...and is always good for some inspiration!

I hope all of my snowbound friends are staying safe and warm. It's been quite a February so far!

My new "snowy day" stationery sets are available here.

Just a tease...

2010-01-23T15:51:00.000-05:00

...but a good sign.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T09:42:00.004-05:00

Where the heck has this year gone? Weren't we just picking fresh tomatoes from the garden, enjoying long, sunny days and having family BBQ's? Now a blanket of snow covers everything and I'm already thinking of goals for the new year. I am excited for what is to come. But as we head out West for the holidays, I look forward to seeing my peeps and a much needed break from the studio.

A very Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!

New product - Personalized Area Code Stationery.

2009-11-19T14:01:00.004-05:00

Just in time for the holidays! These are in answer to the many requests I receive for custom Area Code stationery. They are a bit easier to make (not all the block printer's ink and mess) as they are printed on my high quality ink jet printer and then I hand stamp the telephone. I think they are a perfect gift for just about anyone.

You can find them in here: Jet Set Paper Etsy shop.

Love some good press!

2009-11-04T08:33:00.005-05:00

My red JFK Jet Set Journal made it to the front page of New York magazine online! I had no idea they were going to be featuring my product, so it was quite a shock when orders started rolling in from seemingly nowhere. Love when that happens! And the article (ok, blurb:) is spot on.

Cupcakes!

2009-10-22T13:26:00.006-04:00

Is it just me, or are cupcakes really "in" right now? And why wouldn't they be, they are little bits of goodness. I've come across so many recipes that have gone beyond the plain ol' chocolate or yellow types of yesteryear. So, here I go jumping on the cupcake bandwagon!

Recipe cards and set of FREE gift tags are here.

One year ago today...

2009-10-21T10:40:00.006-04:00

...we were enjoying our first full day in Berlin. I still can't believe it's been a year. Time sure flies...

What's left of the Wall.

Berliner Dom

Brandenburg Gate

Who doesn't love a funny little truck, especially one that sells pizza!

Autumn Inspired :: Golden Tree Stationery

2009-10-16T10:01:00.006-04:00

Inspiration ::

Result ::

New, in Etsy shop.

Figs.

2009-10-15T11:37:00.009-04:00

Not sure how I got figs on the brain, but I did. There's something appealing about their shape and color. They have an exotic air about them. I printed the first image in a sage-y green then double bumped with a light eggplant color, it gives them a bit of a 3D look. Something different.

The note cards come in a pack of two with 100% recycled, kraft envelopes for $5.50. The tags are $3.50 for 5.

In the home studio with Holly Ward Bimba of Golly Bard.

2009-10-08T14:02:00.022-04:00

As someone who runs a full-time, creative-based business from home, I thought it would be interesting to hear from others who also work from home. There are many positive aspects to being at home, but there can also be some drawbacks. On one hand it's so great to work in your pj's and on the other hand it's not so great to work in your pj's!

My second interview is with the very talented Holly of Golly Bard. When I came across a listing on Etsy, I was an instant fan. Her nature-inspired work is chock full of whimsy, textural detail and pattern all with a very organic feel. You can't help but be drawn into her lovely, unique world.

And away we go...

1. First, please introduce yourself.
Hello, I’m Holly Ward Bimba. I am a full time artist. I work from my home studio in Upperville, Virginia. I design my own stationery, do freelance work as well as create paintings for my shop on Etsy, Golly Bard.

2. Please describe your art; what is your creative process and what inspires you.
I paint with watercolor. It is my favorite medium. I am inspired by: natural history, the weather, insects, bugs, birds, patterns, wallpaper and anatomy. These days I find myself observing the world around me.

3. What is a typical day for you? Do you keep to a strict routine or is your day fairly fluid?
I get up really early. Tea or espresso is a must. I do my best painting before noon. I absolutely need natural light. I listen to music while I work. I usually make a big mess and my work sprawls onto every available surface. My dog actually keeps me on a schedule because she has an amazing internal clock! I try to paint every day. I take a break to walk the dog twice a day. I often bring my camera with me. In the afternoon I do office work and whatever else needs doing.

4. How do you avoid distraction (ie laundry, house keeping, errands, non work related phone calls, etc)? Or do you tend to give in?
Life interferes and I let it. That is the advantage of working from home. Actually, I am easily distracted. I love distractions.

5. Does working from home affect your art in any way?
Yes, I work a lot smaller. I also think I create more because I can leave things out and get right back to work when I am inspired. There are fewer barriers between my work and me.

6. How do you transition from "work" to "home"? Are you able to close your studio door and walk away for the evening? Is it easy for you to do?
It is hard to completely walk away. I am always thinking about something. I like to cook and so I usually stop work around dinner time. I love to read, go on outings with my hubby. I enjoy watching movies, and taking long walks. So I think I do find ways to break away.

7. Working from home can sometimes be lonely, do you miss working with other people such as in an office environment? Or do you usually interact with people (in person) during your day? Is this even an issue for you?
I love working alone. I see people, talk to people every day, so I still feel connected.

8. Please describe your studio space (is it a spare room in your home, in your garage, etc.)? Is it an inspiring space? What would you change?
It is a spare room in my house. It is tiny and utilitarian. I would love a bigger space with more light and storage.

9. In a nutshell, do you enjoy working from home? What has been your overall experience?
I love working from home, without question. I have projects that take me away from home and it is fun to get away. However, I am always glad to return home. It is a comfortable workspace and I work best from home.

10. And the million dollar question...do you work in your pj's, shower and get dressed or something in between? (Please note, I'm currently in my pj's:)
I try not to stay in my pajamas too long, though they are cozy! The thought of someone coming to the house and seeing me looking so unkempt, motivates me to start my day, clean, freshened up, dressed. Much to my chagrin, the UPS man has seen me in my pajamas a couple of times. Oops.

Thanks so much Holly!

Please visit Holly's two Etsy shops, her artwork and stationery. And she blogs too!

Autumn Green.

2009-09-29T10:47:00.004-04:00

In honor of Poppytalk's Autumn Colour Week: Tuesday - Green.

Brand, spankin' new products.

2009-09-23T10:14:00.011-04:00

I've been tossing around the idea of custom moving cards for a while now. I jotted down some ideas a couple weeks ago, but they just didn't fly. So yesterday, feeling creative, I finally sat down and knocked out a few. Each image is individually printed with my hand carved blocks. I think they are fun and unique! They are available in my Etsy shop and come in a set of 10. But of course I can always do more.

I knew I loved Milwaukee!

2009-08-29T16:40:00.005-04:00

This afternoon I noticed a bit more activity than usual in my Jet Set Paper shop. Typically it means that someone was kind enough to mention my goodies on their blog or website. So, I googled "jetsetpaper" and found the culprit! The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online has a blurb about my MKE Jet Set Journal! How fun is that? You can read it here.

Pie.

2009-08-28T16:04:00.006-04:00

On my list of things to do this summer: Make a pie. Have I done this? No. But, did I make some new "pie" stationery? Yup. It's much less time consuming and has zero calories! I like that. This fun set of flat note stationery would make a cute gift for the baker, pie/sweets lover or sweetie pie in your life. It comes in a set of 6 with envelopes for $9. You can find it right here. And if you need some more pie, check out my fun pi/3.14 recipe cards. They come in a set of 5 for $4.50. I know, they are a bit corny, but, hey, that's what I do.

In the home studio with Marisa Haedike of Creative Thursday.

2009-08-19T10:46:00.013-04:00

I'm so excited to introduce my new series "In the Home Studio with..." As someone who runs a full-time, creative-based business from home, I thought it would be interesting to hear from others who also work from home. There are many positive aspects to being at home, but there can also be some drawbacks. On one hand it's so great to work in your pj's and on the other hand it's not so great to work in your pj's!

I'm thrilled that my first guest is the wonderfully talented and super sweet Marisa Haedike from Creative Thursday. She paints, she writes, she sells, she podcasts and now she teaches! So without further ado...

1. Please describe a typical day. Do you keep to a strict routine or is your day fairly fluid?
Ah yes, the typical day that's never really typical. Although I try. I try to have a typical day. As much as I love the freedom of being an entrepreneur, I have found that having some structure is very helpful in staying focused. With that said, I do love to keep a certain fluidity to each day. Every day does include a latte in the morning and email, although I am in the process of limiting email time to twice a day and even going an entire day without checking at all on the weekend . It's so interesting to realize that as more of my life becomes expressed and shared online, now via blog videos and an e-course I am teaching ~ the more I recognize the importance of taking time away from the online world it to be in my actual life.

2. How do you avoid distraction (ie laundry, house keeping, errands, non work related phone calls, etc)? Or do you tend to give in?
Such a great question. I find that I give in when I am avoiding beginning a project, even if it is a fun project that I'm looking forward to. I seem to have a habit of wanting everything "done and in order" before I start. But since I know this about myself ~ sometimes I just gently push the contents of my often disorganized desk, put down one of my wood panels and start painting. The distraction factor or personal chores, errands and events is definitely one of the obvious challenges of working from home, but I still LOVE working from home. It's such a treat.

3. Does working from home affect your art in any way? Does it inspire it?
Well, I do share my home with 3 animals and since I paint animals, I'm sure their antics and cuteness inspire me daily. Also I'm happy at home for so many reasons, but especially because I get to share my life with the man I love and that happiness can't help but come through in my work.

4. How do you transition from "work" to "home"? Are you able to close your studio door and walk away for the evening? Is it easy for you to do?
Funny you mention a "studio door" because if I have one wish right now it would be for a studio door. My studio is actually somewhat attached to our living space. It is a sun room that extends past our dining room and also has a door that goes into our garden. While it is a beautiful, bright sunny space, it is wide open and connected to everything. I'm realizing that it may help me to focus better if I could close a door now and then ~ It seems that the animals we live with don't have any boundaries or understanding of "work" time when it comes to being let in and out of our home. But I say this as I write answers to your questions from my laptop on the sofa. You see, because of the laptop, I really work "everywhere" in the house so the walk away for the evening is a boundary I just have to learn to set and I will say I'm getting better at "walking away" all the time. It's so important to take those breaks.

5. Working from home can sometimes be lonely, do you miss working with other people such as in an office environment? Or do you usually interact with people (in person) during your day? Is this even an issue for you?
You know, I don't miss working with people in an office environment. I always found the time wasted in dealing with human dynamics and senseless meetings every day far outweighed the creative companionship that came from working with others at an office. Now I have the best group of creative friends and we make time to get together regularly. When we do meet with each other, it's in support of one another ~ and it's always inspiring and energizing. I'm the kind of creative person that can easily be depleted energetically by uninspiring social interaction so I'm learning to be more selective about my social time, instead preserving my energy and my time for my creativity.

6. Please describe your studio space (is it a spare room in your home, in your garage, etc.)? Is it an inspiring space?
Minus the lack of a door and a little more insulation in the roof for extremely hot or cold days, I love my sunroom studio. Surrounded by windows, a slanted roof with exposed, white painted paneling and beams, it's cozy and inspiring.

7. Do you enjoy working from home? Would you change anything if you could?
I love working from home. I used to dream about it during my days spent in an office... it's a dream come true.

8. And the million dollar question...do you work in your pj's, shower and get dressed or something in between? (Please note, I'm currently in my pj's...LOL)
I was doing the PJ thing for a while, I mean who doesn't? It's one of the treats of working from home. But I found over time that I never felt "ready" for my as I mentioned before, non typical days. I feel better when I get up and shower first. A shower is a symbolic "clean slate" to the start of my day. It clears my mind. I feel fresh, awake and ready for what's next!

Thanks so much Marisa!

That time of year again.

2009-08-18T11:12:00.003-04:00

It's mid-August in Pittsburgh. That means purchasing a full bushel of romas from our local farm market, spending a full day in a hot kitchen, roasting the hell out of 15 dozen tomatoes and then freezing the tasty treats for winter. This is precisely what I did on Sunday. And oh are they lovely.

This past winter, we went through every single wonderful Ziplock bag of tomatoes. We used them in soups, stews, chili and of course on pasta. It's a little bit of summer in the midst of a cold, cold winter which feels like it's never going to end. The recipe is tried and true. This year I used a melange of herbs from my garden. I chopped up basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano and a few sage leaves in place of just using straight thyme.

I can't wait for winter! (Did I really just say that?)

Checking in.

2009-08-13T17:40:00.004-04:00

I'm back from a fantastic week out West where I hung out with family and spent a weekend away with some wonderful friends I hadn't seen in years. I'm feeling rejuvenated and inspired. There's something about reconnecting with old friends that is so very good for the soul. We caught up on our lives, the good parts and not so good parts. We laughed a lot, I mean the kind where you either cry or pee your pants or maybe both. We ate, enjoyed a few adult bevies (really, just a few), went dancing, basked in the sun then talked some more. It was truly great.

I'm ready to jump right back into things and am quite excited about a new series of upcoming blog posts. As a creative type who has a small business and works from home, I thought it would be fun to see how others handle the pros and cons of working out of the house. There are mostly positive aspects, but negative ones can sneak in too. I will be posting my first interview early next week. Stay tuned!

Adventures in canning.

2009-07-30T10:37:00.007-04:00

So, what do you do with a gabillion cucumbers and hot peppers from the garden? Well, you give some away, you eat some and then you make pickles. And pickles we made. Being new to the process, I let my husband take the lead as he has had some previous canning experience. What you need: jars (preferably Mason), cucumbers, hot peppers (optional), dill, garlic, pickling salt (which we couldn't find so we used Kosher salt), vinegar, water, a few large saucepans and a canning pot (or super large stockpot).

In a nutshell, you sterilize everything, make a brine, stuff the jars and set in a bath of almost boiling water. Then, place them on a kitchen towel and cover with another towel. Once cooled, they should self-seal and then store in a cool, dark place. We are still trying to find out how long they need to sit, our recipe didn't say.

I thought it was going to be a more involved process, but it was really quite easy and fun. I'll let you know how they turn out.

Garden goodness.

2009-07-28T14:18:00.007-04:00

Oh I love this time of year! Our garden is starting to explode with goodies. We have amazing peppers such as Poblano, Hungarian Hot Wax, Jalapeno, Sweet Banana, Gypsy, Giant Marconi and Cubanelle. (We stuff them with cheese then throw on the grill...so good.) We have a million cucumbers which we are going turn into pickles. And of course many varieties of tomatoes which are just starting to ripen. We are also growing my most favorite thing ever...corn! It is so fun to grow and doubles as a very nice privacy screen.

Home Sweet Home

2009-07-20T11:56:00.005-04:00

As a participant in Poppytalk Handmade's newest Marketplace "Home Sweet Home," I decided to list a couple new cards with dwelling motifs. You can visit my table here.

1. "moonlit yurt*" blank note cards, set of two for $5.50.
2. "new home" greeting card with "congratulations!" on the inside for $3.50.

*a portable, felt-covered, wood lattice-framed dwelling structure traditionally used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia. (Thanks Wikipedia!)

Trunkt

2009-07-16T16:35:00.004-04:00

I've spent the past two days updating my Trunkt portfolio, it's been collecting dust for a while now. I'm hoping it helps generate more traffic to my Etsy shop as well as creates some wholesale interest. If you're not familiar with Trunkt, they are a website dedicated to showcasing artisans and their wares from around the world. They've really done a nice job updating the site over the years.

Dads and grads.

2009-05-28T09:42:00.005-04:00

I'm going to blame too much Twittering and Facebooking for my lack of blog attention. Yeah, that's what I'll do...

So, in an effort to get back on the blog bandwagon, I thought I would share a couple newish cards for the dad and/or grad in your life. The surfboard card harkens back to my days growing up near the beach in Southern California. And I just love an old school typewriter! They can both be found here and here.

Just stop.

2009-05-13T11:16:00.002-04:00

Just stop and look up at the birds soaring through the air.
Just stop and take a really deep breath.
Just stop and call your mom to say hi.
Just stop and feel the cool wind on your face.
Just stop and take in the brilliant green of mid-Spring.
Just stop and give your loved one a giant hug.
Just stop and sit down to read, the laundry will be there in an hour.
Just stop and realize that life can be complicated and messy yet beautiful and exciting.
Just stop and know that you are not alone and we are all connected.
Just stop and notice the little, wonderful details of life.

Recent Amazon order.

2009-04-25T11:45:00.003-04:00

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg
Ordinary Sparkling Moments by Christine Mason Miller
Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts

Can't wait to dive in!

The Cookbook Project: Recipe 6

2009-04-22T09:10:00.008-04:00

Now here was a fun recipe! Who doesn't love a good schnitzel? This book was a joy to look through despite some funky sounding dishes (deviled pig's feet and veal kidney on toast anyone?). I adore the whimsical illustrations throughout the book as well as the traditional cooking techniques.

Luchow's was a German restaurant in NYC, located on East 14st Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues. It was opened in 1882 by August Luchow, a native of Hanover, Germany, and closed in 1982. I feel honored to own a little piece of their history...100 years in business is nothing to sneeze at!

Book: Luchow's German Cookbook (1954)
Author: L. J. Mitchell
Recipe: Breaded Pork Cutlet (Schnitzel)
Page: 119

Came from: My grandmother's cookbook collection.

Why this recipe: Reminiscent of our trip to Germany in October of 2008.

Main ingredients: Pork (actually called for veal, as in Wiener Schnitzel), flour for dredging, batter of egg, milk, parm cheese, flour, nutmeg, parsley and lemon...and of course butter.

Process: Pound pork until thin, dredge in flour then dip in batter. Cook in olive oil (called for butter) until golden brown, a few minutes on each side. Set aside in warm dish and add 2 T. butter and juice of 3/4 of a lemon to the pan, whisk together then spoon over cutlets.

Outcome: Well, the Mr. went back for seconds. I really enjoyed it, it was wonderfully fresh and not heavy as one might expect. Loved the thin pork and the lemony sauce. The nutmeg in the batter really gave it that authentic German taste.

Make again? Oh sure...especially when we are feeling nostalgic for Germany.

Join the Cookbook Project Flickr group.

Psst: Since I don't list the complete recipe, feel free to contact me or leave a comment if you'd like me to email it to you.

South Coast Botanic Garden.

2009-04-10T10:04:00.011-04:00

These photos were taken recently at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, California. If you are in Southern Cal, it is worth a visit. I grew up not far from the Garden, but never truly appreciated it until I no longer lived nearby. (Isn't that always the case!)

Situated in one of the most favored growing areas in the world, the 87-acre Garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants and about 100 rare trees and shrubs. Over 200 species of birds can be sighted throughout the various smaller gardens such as the Mediterranean Garden, Rose Garden, Cactus Garden and Japanese Garden.

It's a great place to take the kidlets and make sure you wear good walking shoes. Traversing the grounds and small hills in flip flops wasn't the best idea;)

p.s. The wisteria photograph is for sale in our PhotoG Squared Etsy shop here.

Back in PA.

2009-04-06T13:25:00.006-04:00

Just back from a ten day trip out West. It was a wonderful getaway, but I'm so glad to be home. Trying to get back into the work groove today, but it is mighty difficult. So, I'll leave you with a few shots from the vaca. Cheers!

House Beautiful Online

2009-03-24T11:14:00.003-04:00

House Beautiful online featuring Etsy artists. Here I am and here's my Jet Set Journal.

Be sure to check out all the other fabulous artists! HB really did a wonderful job with the magazine and online version. It was great exposure not only for the artists featured but also for Etsy.

Thanks HB!

A couple things.

2009-03-18T08:48:00.008-04:00

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe we're already in the middle of the week. Where did Monday go? Well, it's actually fine that Monday is gone, it was a terribly dreary day. Today the sun is shining and spirits are lifted!

Yesterday was a fun day, as I officially opened up yet another Etsy shop. (I know, I must be crazy.) This one focuses on photography, and more specifically, my husband's and mine. We call ourselves PhotoG Squared (like a photog but also G is the first letter of our last name and squared, well you get that). I listed six pictures...three groups of two photos that compliment each other (or at least I hope they do). I've been wanting to sell our photos for a while, but have not been happy with the quality of the prints until now. I recently purchased a high end inkjet printer which uses archival inks and combined with some beautiful paper makes a lovely product. So, we're off and running. I feel like such a newbie...0 sales and only a few hearts. But we have to start somewhere!

One last bit. Linda Woods from the Rev It Up List blog did such a nice post about my Etsy shops yesterday. It's always interesting to hear how other people describe you and what you do. I love this quote: "She expresses her love for life and travel through her paper arts in a variety of journals, note cards, prints, and more." I think she is spot on! Thanks Linda!

House Beautiful Magazine

2009-03-13T11:03:00.009-04:00

I am honored to be included in the April 2009 issue of House Beautiful magazine. My PIT Jet Set Journal was among 22 Etsy items in their "Get Cozy with Etsy.com" section...a whole spread! There are so many talented Etsians in the bunch including one of my favorite potters, Whitney Smith. (I proudly own two of her pieces). You can see the whole lot of us on pages 108 & 109.

I can't wait to read it cover-to-cover as it is all about getting cozy, which I am totally down with, especially since there is still a chill in the air.

Daffodil love.

2009-03-11T12:26:00.005-04:00

We are starting to see signs of Spring here in Western PA. It's not much yet, but it gives us all hope! It's been an awful winter, very cold and dreary. So, to continue with my Spring flower theme, I have created some simple daffodil cards. They are perfect for a thank you, hello or even a sympathy card. They come with 100% recycled kraft envelopes.

From my boards.

2009-03-06T10:24:00.003-05:00

I have a bunch of cork and magnetic boards all around my studio which prominently display bits and pieces of memories and things I love. There are photos of my family, notes, artwork, ripped out magazine pages, postcards, buttons, etc. They give me inspiration, smiles and support.

This is a photo of my brother and nephew taken back in 2004. I adore it. The whole famdamily (I say that with sincere love) was in Bar Harbor, Maine for my mom's birthday. She'd always wanted to go there, so we all traveled a long distance to surprise her. It was a fun and very memorable week.

More faves.

2009-03-05T15:38:00.004-05:00

I'm having so much fun with the "Favorite Things" topic, that I thought I would post one last photo. They have no monetary value, but such sentimental ones. I feel as though they are a unique snapshot of my adult life. The earliest one is from a 1987 Dodgers/Expos baseball game, when I was 17, and they go right up to today. The last one being from a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game a few weeks ago. And there is so much else in between!

Favorite things.

2009-03-04T13:29:00.007-05:00

This week's Unravelling assignment is to photograph your favorite things...those inanimate objects in your life that have meaning or evoke emotion. The meaning can be as little as it just simply makes you smile or as big as it was a prized possession of your late grandmother. It's about taking a closer look at what you surround yourself with...the small and large mementos of your life and their stories.

It's been an interesting assignment for me as, lately, I have been grappling with the whole concept of "stuff." My husband and I have been amassing "stuff" for many years, and no matter how we try to weed through it all, it still seems to multiply. I'm finally to the point in my life where I no longer need to hold on to things unless they are truly special or have some practical function (like measuring cups). I've given myself permission to let go of things even if they were my grandmother's or a dear friend had given it to me. If it no longer appeals to me or serves a purpose, it's time to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy it. It's been quite freeing and makes those meaningful objects in my life that much more important.

Hittin' the Gocco.

2009-03-02T11:08:00.004-05:00

New month, new Gocco print! (Hmm, maybe this is a new thing...)

This is a limited edition of 30 and is new in my Etsy shop. I don't work a lot with black, but I'm loving it. I think this would be a cool edition to a sewing room, office or studio. It's shown here in a simple black IKEA frame. It's available here.

Spring is coming...well, in my studio at least.

2009-02-26T10:24:00.005-05:00

I'm trying to beat the winter blues by creating some new Spring-y cards and stationery. Because they're usually the first of the Spring bulbs to bloom, I started with the Crocus. I love these little flowers as they add a punch of color to the dull and dreary winter landscape. They always give me hope that Spring is truly on it's way. Available here.

psst. More bulb flowers to come!

The Cookbook Project: Recipe 5

2009-02-23T10:54:00.006-05:00

Book: Kyra's Secrets of Russian Cooking (1961)
Author: Kyra Petrovskaya
Recipe: Spicy Chicken Casserole (Tchakhokhbili)
Page: 98/99

Came from: My grandmother's cookbook collection.

Why this recipe: According to Kyra, this was a favorite dish of "the late" Josef Stalin and technically the dish was ripped off from the Georgians. I liked the story behind it.

Main ingredients: Chicken, onions, tomatoes, stock, lemon and dill.

Process: Brown the chicken in a dutch oven, add all ingredients except lemon and dill, and slow cook for about an hour. Quite simple.

Outcome: A very good and hearty meal for a cold and snowy Sunday evening (which it was!). The chicken was super tender and the simple, basic ingredients made for a very fresh and flavorful dish. I loved the lemon and dill added at the end. The funny part is that the only "spice" to the dish was "salt and pepper, according to taste." There was nothing spicy about this dish! I guess the Russians have a very low threshold for heat;)

Make again? Yeah, I would, but would add some actual spice!

Join the Cookbook Project Flickr group.

Psst: Since I don't list the actual recipe, feel free to contact me or leave a comment if you'd like me to email it to you.

Unravelling eCourse.

2009-02-18T09:56:00.007-05:00

This week I began the 8 week e-Course, Unravelling: Ways of Seeing Myself by Susannah Conway. I'm joined by 115 other people from around the world and we all hope to reconnect with ourselves while examining where we've been and where we're headed. We're encouraged to comment on the group's photos thus connecting with each other. So far, it's been quite enjoyable and already a bit revealing. As is obvious from the photo, the first assignment was photographing feet.

Blog Giveaway Winner!

2009-02-17T12:13:00.002-05:00

Congrats to lilacpop for winning a six pack of Daisycakes Soap's lip balms. I really appreciate everyone who came by and participated. It was so much fun, that I just might have to do another one! Also, thanks to all of those who visited Daisycakes' blog!

The Cookbook Project: Recipe 4

2009-02-16T12:59:00.003-05:00

Book: Best Recipes of Alaska's Fishing Lodges
Author: Adela Batin
Recipe: Red Glacier Grits
Page: 273

Came from: The Anchorage Museum Shop on a trip to Alaska in 2001.

Why this recipe: I wanted to do a Sunday brunch dish and I love me some grits!

Main ingredients: Grits, sausage, green chilies, eggs, cheese, salsa (how can you go wrong with these ingredients!)

Process: Couldn't be easier...cook the grits, mix all ingredients together, throw in a casserole dish and bake! And make sure to add plenty of cheese to the top, 'cause there's not enough mixed in...ha..mmm...

Outcome: When it first came out of the oven, it was kinda runny and somewhat non-appetizing. But, it did thicken as it cooled and was then easier to dish out. It was very, very tasty albeit rich. It was definitely a hearty Alaskan breakfast!

Make again? I would, but probably won't.

Join the Cookbook Project Flickr group.

Psst: Since I don't list the actual recipe, feel free to contact me or leave a comment if you'd like me to email it to you.

West Virginia Morning.

2009-02-11T14:54:00.006-05:00

The mister and I ventured out last night for some fun. We headed to WV for an evening of wining, dining and playing a few slot machines (and maybe a bit of roulette). It was a nice getaway and helped combat the winter drearies. (Who couldn't use a night of revelry every now and then!)

This morning as we were heading home, we couldn't help but stop and shoot a few photos. The fog coming off the pond (lake?) was mesmerizing. It looks really cold, but in fact it was in the 50's. There was still ice on the pond though. I love the contrast of the bare, dark trees against the bluish-white of the ice and fog. We could have taken pictures all morning.

Giveaway - Daisycakes Soap Etsy Shop!

2009-02-10T08:51:00.006-05:00

I've been a fan of Jean-Marie, aka Daisycakes Soap, ever since I discovered Etsy. Her products are simply fantastic and are lovingly made with the highest quality ingredients. She's been an Etsy Featured Seller as well as an Etsy Success Story. If you aren't familar with her products, here's your chance to try them for free!

Win a 6-Pack of Daisycakes Lip Balms!

Choose any 6 individually packaged lip balms:
NEW Clover Honey-reformulated and better than ever!
NEW Dulce De Leche
NEW Coconut
NEW Cappuccino
NEW Peach
NEW Watermelon
Raspberries & Cream
Natural Peppermint
Lemon Meringue Pie
Key Lime Pie
Chai Tea
Green Apple
Courvoisier Brandy
Black Cherry Vanilla
Mint Chocolate Chip
Pineapple
Lychee Fruit

All Daisycakes lip balms (.15 oz each), soothe & protect lips without petroleum or chemical preservatives! The base for the balm includes cocoa butter, sweet almond & jojoba oil and slick, vegan-friendly candellila wax.
********************************************************************************
To enter, just:

1. Visit http://daisycakessoap.etsy.com
2. Come back here and comment on your favorite item.
3. If you buy something from daisycakessoap during the length of the giveaway, leave a second comment so your purchase can be verified and your name entered in the drawing FIVE more times!!

On Tuesday, February 17th, the giveaway winner will be selected by http://www.random.org/
and will be notified right away.

The winner has 3 days to claim their prize by contacting Daisycakes directly on Etsy at http://daisycakessoap.etsy.com

p.s. Go check out Daisycakes' blog for a chance to win an item from my shop!

Old Christmas Cards.

2009-02-09T14:59:00.003-05:00

What do you do with your old holiday cards? Or any other cards for that matter? I hate throwing them out, especially the ones with pictures, but really, why do I need to keep them? I do enjoy going back and looking through them, but is that reason enough to hold on to them? I feel so bogged down lately with stuff. And this surely isn't helping. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them!

Friday.

2009-02-06T15:52:00.003-05:00

I've been in a funk all week. It probably has something to do with winter, it happens every year. I've just felt off. Disorganized. Unmotivated. I finally have some time to get things done and yet I can't seem to step up to the plate.

I'm hoping that this weekend's house improvement project straightens me out. We are redoing a guest room. I'm thinking of a light robin's egg blue. We have no blue in the house, so I think it will be perfect. GSD (getting sh*t done) especially around the house always makes me happy.

It's also supposed to get into the 50's this weekend, so there's that.

Hope you all have a great weekend. Cheers!

The Cookbook Project: Recipe 3

2009-02-05T10:41:00.013-05:00

Book: Bruce Aidells' Complete Sausage Book
Author: Bruce Aidells + Denis Kelly
Recipe: Tortilla, Vegetable and Chorizo Soup
Page: 170

Came from: A gift to my husband because he loves sausage. (Mind you, he does not cook, but he is a mean BBQ'er)

Why this recipe: I enlisted the aid of Mr. Pink Bathtub and he chose it, he knows we both love a good tortilla soup.

Ingredients: The usual plus garbanzo beans, fire-roasted Anaheim and red peppers, corn and lime juice. (I decided to nix the zucchini that it called for). It also called for frying up some tortilla strips, I opted to bake them and they were fantastic!

Techniques: Just chopping, roasting, sautéing, boiling, etc...

Process: Fairly simple (see above) although somewhat time intensive. But once all the ingredients were added, it didn't take long to cook. That's probably why it tasted so darn fresh, it wasn't overcooked or boiled for 100 hours.

Outcome: Ridiculous! Seriously some of the best tortilla soup I've ever had...and I've had my share. All the basic ingredients together gave it a wonderful flavor. The only herbs/spices added were 1 tsp of oregano and 1 tsp of cumin. Usually, I'm more about the toppings on tortilla soup, but with this recipe, you'll actually like the soup better!

Make again? For sure. I got 6 meals out of it...two dinners and four lunches. In fact, I'm craving it right now!

Join the Cookbook Project Flickr group.

Psst: Since I don't list the actual recipe, feel free to contact me or leave a comment if you'd like me to email it to you. It's that good.

New Print!

2009-02-04T11:45:00.006-05:00

My fancy, shmancy new archival printer has been unloved these past couple months, so I finally decided to make use of it!

Brand new, "Peapod Stirfry" is an open edition print of my hand printed original. The paper size is 5x7 and the image is about 4x4. I think it is quite fun and whimsical and would be perfect framed and hung in a kitchen or casual dining area.

It is listed here.

The Cookbook Project: Recipe 2

2009-01-28T09:12:00.010-05:00

Book: Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook : Recipes from Hunan Province
Author: Fuchsia Dunlop
Recipe: Stir-Fried Rice with Pork and Shiitake Mushrooms
Page: 258

Came from: Williams-Sonoma, was on super-sale, thought it would challenge me to learn some Chinese cooking.

Why this recipe: Wanted to learn how to make stir-fried rice and there weren't a lot of ingredients. (You should see some of the other recipes in this book!)

Ingredient: Dried shiitake mushrooms

Techniques: Cooking in a wok.

Process: Very simple...get everything prepared beforehand, then add ingredients to very hot wok. Cooks super fast.

Outcome: Yum! I added some extra veggies to make it a bit healthier. I also left out the salt since I was already using soy sauce (low sodium, which is not low by any means). It was a tad bland, but still tasty. This recipe was pretty basic, so you could really add other goodies to bump up the flavor. Next time I would add a splash of pineapple or orange juice.

Make again? Definitely. It made for a quick weeknight dinner!

Join the Cookbook Project Flickr group.

The Cookbook Project: Recipe 1

2009-01-23T12:45:00.022-05:00

Book: How to Cook Everything Vegetarian
Author: Mark Bittman
Recipe: Naked Tamales w/Chile Cheese Filling
Page: 547

Came from: Gift from NPR donation.

Why this recipe: I love Mexican food and it's so hard to find authentic or even good Mexican food here in Pittsburgh, so I thought I would branch out and try something that didn't involve taco shells! I will admit that I went for the easier route by nixxing the cornhusks and going for the "naked" version.

New ingredient: Harina de Maiz.

Techniques: Baking in water bath and roasting your own peppers.

Process: Make a masa, or dough, as well as the filling, layer and bake. It was a bit time consuming and utilized a fair share of dishes. Not a meal for a quick, weeknight dinner! It called for a homemade enchilada sauce, but I used canned to save time.

Outcome: Very tasty! It was moist and flavorful and the chile/cheese filling was delectable! I think the tamales could do without the rich enchilada sauce, maybe just add some freshly chopped tomatoes and a hint of cilantro. Also, I did not miss meat whatsoever.

Make again? Absolutely!

The Cookbook Project.

2009-01-23T10:48:00.012-05:00

I love to cook. I love to try new recipes. At times, though, I feel inundated with magazines full of gorgeous recipes and overwhelmed by a bookshelf full of cookbooks, most of which have barely been opened.

I have old and new cookbooks. Generic and food specific cookbooks. Many cookbooks that were my grandmother's. I have cookbooks specific to a country or a region. I have an entire collection of Time Life "Foods of the World" cookbooks from 1971 and Trader Vic's cookbooks from the '40's. I have fancy restaurant cookbooks. Salad dressing, fish, cookies, BBQ, Splenda, sausage...yup, they all have a cookbook on my shelf.

So...

In an effort to not only try new recipes, but also new ingredients and techniques, I've taken on the self-imposed challenge of making one recipe from every single, solitary cookbook on this shelf. It's not quite as daunting as making every recipe from Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Childs as documented in the fun book Julie & Julia by Julie Powell. But, still an exciting task nonetheless.

I don't really have any rules, except that I have to go in order, top to bottom, left to right. I will choose a dish that I've never made, uses a new ingredient or a employs a new technique. I hope to make one dish a week.

My goal is to have fun, find a few new favorite dishes, learn some new techniques and come out with a sense of accomplishment. Edit: After thinking more about the project, I also want to become a better blogger and learn to photograph food better!

The first book on the top shelf is actually a favorite of mine and a vegetarian bible to many. It's How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman.

Stay tuned!

Oh, and I started a Cookbook Project Flickr group if you'd like to challenge yourself and join in the fun!

Winter.

2009-01-21T14:14:00.005-05:00

Oh so cold, but oh so beautiful...

1000 Handmade Greetings.

2009-01-20T16:30:00.004-05:00

I received my copy (actually two copies) of 1000 Handmade Greetings today. My "Peace on Earth" holiday card is one of four cards featured on page 216. Yippee! Unfortunately, it was categorized incorrectly under "print gocco" (it should have been in the "hand-printed, stamped & stenciled cards" section), but I am very excited to be included nonetheless!

The colorful book is beautifully laid out on high-quality paper and features many talented artists and techniques. I am honored to be a part of it and can't wait to delve deeper into the book. There's so much to look at!

The book can be purchased from Amazon.

Garden Gnome.

2009-01-15T10:25:00.004-05:00

You can just see his hat poking out of the snow. And, yes, we have one. I swear it was a gag gift yet it has somehow come to be a part of our landscape. But really, who doesn't enjoy a good garden gnome?

Last day of 2008...really?!

2008-12-31T09:42:00.006-05:00

Man, oh man...I have been really bad about updating my blog. Sheesh. I guess a few trips late in the year and some holiday guests are partially to blame. I also took some time off to regroup and reorganize...I had a busy (and fun!) 2008.

Looking forward to 2009 with a new cooking project, that will tie into my recipe card line, and of which I will be blogging about (it's going to be cool, I promise). New products, designs and collage projects are a given and hopefully some more arts/craft shows (as I claimed for 2008). I will also be able to delve into the world of archival prints and preprinted goods with my new fancy-pants printer which means the possibilities are endless!

I wish everyone a healthy, fun and creative 2009!

A whirlwind few weeks!

2008-11-11T10:22:00.004-05:00

It's been a crazy few weeks...back from our two week trip to Europe, and what a fantastic time we had. I can't believe it is over. We had been planning it for so long and it went by so fast, but we certainly enjoyed every minute. Above is a picture of the Dom in Koln (Cologne Cathedral), what a spectacular structure it is.

Then got home and had one week to prepare for Handmade Arcade. It was a fun show in a new space, the Hunt Armory...much more light and wider aisles. Every vendor that I talked to said that they did well. I was happy with the turnout and my sales.

Now it's back to normalcy and trying to get some wholesale and custom orders out the door! And the holidays are right around the corner...where has this year gone!

More photos here.

Hello and much needed break!

2008-10-16T10:01:00.004-04:00

I will soon be using my very own Jet Set Journal! The Pink Bathtub studio will be closed for two weeks starting the afternoon of Friday, October 17. Yup, we're taking a vaca...I will let you know all about it upon our return!

And upon our return, I am going to be crazy busy getting ready for Handmade Arcade which is the weekend of November 8 + 9 here in Pittsburgh. If you are in the area, come check it out. There are tons of great vendors and is an excellent place to start your holiday shopping. (I know, I really did just say "holiday shopping"...eep).

What else...oh yes, I finally gave in and climbed aboard the Twitter ship! You can follow me here. It's actually quite fun and doesn't take up too much time.

(Oh, and I am having a free shipping special in my Etsy shop today only!)

Be well!

1000th Etsy Sale!

2008-09-29T15:11:00.005-04:00

Another cool milestone...my 1000th Etsy sale! My Etsy journey began back in February of 2006 and I actually sold something the first day I listed items. What a fantastic experience it's been and continues to be. Not only have I grown my business on Etsy, but it's been fun to watch Etsy grow as well. There have been so many improvements since I began selling. Thank you Etsy!

It's that time of year!

2008-09-18T11:55:00.003-04:00

Apple, walnut, cinnamon, chocolate chip cake here I come! Oh, gosh, it's my favorite thing to make with apples. It's an older recipe from Cooking Light. It doesn't call for chocolate chips, but I gotta have 'em in there.

Here's the recipe.

Oh, right, it also doesn't call for walnuts, but again, they are a must for me!

Geeky, I know.

2008-09-17T10:39:00.004-04:00

I was really trying to think of something other than 3.14/pi to use, but just kept coming back to it, so I gave in...

Fall Cards

2008-09-16T11:56:00.004-04:00

Well football is back (Go Trojans and Steelers!) and the humidity has subsided, so Fall must be in the air! Today I was in the mood to come up with some new cards utilizing more subtle, autumn-inspired colors.

These are 4-bar size, 3 1/2" x 4 7/8" folded, which a bit smaller than my normal size. They will be in my Etsy shop available in packs of two with 100% recycled, kraft envelopes.

My time management skills.

2008-08-27T15:11:00.005-04:00

Are quite flawed. I seem to always come up with new designs and/or products when I am the most busy. I have 7 wholesale orders to work on and yet I felt compelled to whip up and list these new flat notes. Perhaps it's a bit of procrastination? (Oh, and what do you call blogging? Procrastination.)

I'm loving that they are a smaller size (4-bar) than my usual flats. My hope is to come up with a new line of these smaller cards.

I call these "peach sangria" and they come with 100% recycled, kraft envelopes.

Available here.

Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes!

2008-08-25T09:52:00.006-04:00

What does one do with a very large bushel of roma tomatoes? One spends an entire Saturday afternoon watching many hours of the Olympics (kinda sad they are over) whilst making many batches of roasted tomatoes and tomato sauce! Then one freezes everything to enjoy come winter when all one can find are pink, mealy tomatoes at the grocery store.

Portland Neighborhoods Series

2008-08-20T11:52:00.007-04:00

I spent a large portion of yesterday whipping up some new Portland ACEO's. I decided to focus on the close-in neighborhoods which I am pretty familiar with as we used to live in the NE section of the city. I even came up with a new bungalow stamp which adds some accuracy to my pieces. You can't cruise around these old neighborhoods without marveling at these architecturally significant homes. In fact, it got me thinking about our old bungalow (pictured here). I loved it from the outside, but over the years the interior got kind of chopped up. It definitely had a funky floor plan. But, oh, we did love her and spent many nights sitting on the front porch! The current owners have painted her a brick color which looks great.

The ACEO's are available in my Etsy shop.

Portland ACEO's

2008-08-19T14:08:00.005-04:00

Works in progress.

Pie time!

2008-08-06T11:31:00.007-04:00

About a month ago I blogged about our raspberries just starting to produce fruit and how we were slowly collecting these red and gold babies for a pie. Somehow time has flown and a pie has finally been made!

I used Bob's Red Mill whole wheat pastry flour and his recipe for the crust. I cooked my raspberries on low with some sugar and a hint of water, but they came out slightly runny. I wasn't sure if I should reduce them or just strain some of the liquid. I did the latter as I didn't want all the raspberries to break up (which they were starting to do). Even with having to kinda wing it, the pie turned out to be a hit. The crust was flaky and tasty...I'm sure that had nothing to do with the obscene amount of butter I used!

So, I'm not thrilled with my vague recipe for pie filling. Would you mind sharing yours?

Etsy shop ACEO promo.

2008-07-30T11:40:00.007-04:00

I'm not really a big "sale" person...but I thought it would be fun to do an Etsy ACEO promotion. I've got a rather large inventory right now as I just love making them! So, in hopes of finding happy homes for these little guys, I thought I would give it a go.

Here's the gig: buy two, get one free. "Purchase" three of your choice then I will send you a revised Paypal invoice. Easy enough, right?

Sale ends: Sunday, August 3.

Oregon and Washington series ACEO's.

California series ACEO's.

My card making process.

2008-07-29T12:18:00.012-04:00

I thought I would share with you how I go about making my cards from inspiration to final product. So, here goes...

Inspiration usually comes directly from my garden. Today it was nasturtiums.

From my photos or just being out in the garden, I draw the subject matter then trace it onto tracing paper.

From the tracing paper, I transfer the image onto the carving surface by rubbing the traced image onto the block with my carving tool handle.

I test out the stamp on scrap paper to see how it looks and to do some fine tuning. I might need to add some more lines or clean up around the edges. Personally, I like to leave some extra little bits here and there to add character and give a sense of motion.

Once my blocks are good to go, I then play around with different designs and colorways until I come up with something that is visually pleasing. Not all stamps become final designs or products.

And then voila...the final product!