Thanks Eva and Kirk! I hope it's an amazing success!
xo,
Amy
Showing posts with label splendid finds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label splendid finds. Show all posts
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Sycamore Street Press
A little while ago, Eva from Sycamore Street Press contacted me (you might remember them from the orange and gray letterpress alphabet poster I was longing for a couple of posts down). She and her husband were looking for an organization to donate a portion of the proceeds from their 2009 calendar to -- and they were considering AHOPE! Well, their calendar is now available and they are donating fifty percent of the proceeds to AHOPE. So exciting. It comes in two absolutely beautiful colorways, and helps out an amazing organization which, as you know, is very close to my heart -- so how can you resist? Have a look...
Friday, April 11, 2008
playing favorites...
The last month has been an exercise in patience, and also a lesson about my full addiction to the internet. I miss my computer. If it wasn't for the very generous birthday present of a lovely little something that allows me to check my email and manage my etsy shops from something that can fit in my pocket, I'm not so sure I would have any sense of calm at all. Which is pretty sad.
But I thought I would share a few favorite bits of my new place. I've been working away at it, and while there is still much to do, I am pretty content with where it is at the moment. Or at least where it's headed.
Clockwise from top right:
1. This is perhaps the most organized I have ever been in my entire life. What's even more exciting about this picture is that it is sitting in my very own STUDIO space. I am thinking I am going to get to break this room in a little this weekend, and I am really quite excited about this.
2. A small part of a larger art wall. I'm a little in love with the paint color in the living room. It's a light grey.
3. The beginnings of a glove mold collection (with a small porcelain hand thrown in for good measure). My sister finds this very creepy. I think it's lovely and can't wait to find more.
4. Best refrigerator art ever. And I do. Love Tim Gunn.
I've also stumbled across some really great new (musical) artists recently. You might give them a listen. If you into that sort of thing:
- Tina Dico "Count to Ten" - I have a feeling that this is going to get a lot of play in the studio. I like it a lot.
- Jon Foreman "Fall", "Winter" and "Spring" - Three EP's that are really incredible. I really love them all. My dad is a fan too. He especially likes "Winter".
- She & Him "Volume One" - "She" is actress Zooey Deschanel and "Him" is the super talented M. Ward. There is something really charming and endearing about this. If you like Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins "Rabbit Fur Coat" you might like this too.
- Alexi Murdoch "Time Without Consequence". Just really lovely. I was pretty much hooked by the first track.
I'm quite sure I'm forgetting tons, but that just saves more for later I guess. Hope you are doing well. I'm hoping to add some new items to the amelia mae shop this coming week, so keep your eyes open for that.
xo,
Amy
But I thought I would share a few favorite bits of my new place. I've been working away at it, and while there is still much to do, I am pretty content with where it is at the moment. Or at least where it's headed.
Clockwise from top right:
1. This is perhaps the most organized I have ever been in my entire life. What's even more exciting about this picture is that it is sitting in my very own STUDIO space. I am thinking I am going to get to break this room in a little this weekend, and I am really quite excited about this.
2. A small part of a larger art wall. I'm a little in love with the paint color in the living room. It's a light grey.
3. The beginnings of a glove mold collection (with a small porcelain hand thrown in for good measure). My sister finds this very creepy. I think it's lovely and can't wait to find more.
4. Best refrigerator art ever. And I do. Love Tim Gunn.
I've also stumbled across some really great new (musical) artists recently. You might give them a listen. If you into that sort of thing:
- Tina Dico "Count to Ten" - I have a feeling that this is going to get a lot of play in the studio. I like it a lot.
- Jon Foreman "Fall", "Winter" and "Spring" - Three EP's that are really incredible. I really love them all. My dad is a fan too. He especially likes "Winter".
- She & Him "Volume One" - "She" is actress Zooey Deschanel and "Him" is the super talented M. Ward. There is something really charming and endearing about this. If you like Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins "Rabbit Fur Coat" you might like this too.
- Alexi Murdoch "Time Without Consequence". Just really lovely. I was pretty much hooked by the first track.
I'm quite sure I'm forgetting tons, but that just saves more for later I guess. Hope you are doing well. I'm hoping to add some new items to the amelia mae shop this coming week, so keep your eyes open for that.
xo,
Amy
Saturday, February 16, 2008
purchase of the year
Hands down. Best purchase of the year. I won't bore you with the details, but I will say this: Last pair left in the store. My size. Rang up for half of what I expected (which ended up being slightly more than my lunch. Such a steal). Made traveling seven hours with my boss IN A U-HAUL totally worth it.
Luckily I have a boss that 1. is enjoyable to be around, despite being IN A U-HAUL and 2. relishes in amazing purchases even if they are not her own.
It's pouring down rain here today. I'm not at all upset about this, because it was supposed to be ice and I got to wear my new wellies to the grocery store.
Off to clean. Enjoy your weekend.
xo,
Amy
Luckily I have a boss that 1. is enjoyable to be around, despite being IN A U-HAUL and 2. relishes in amazing purchases even if they are not her own.
It's pouring down rain here today. I'm not at all upset about this, because it was supposed to be ice and I got to wear my new wellies to the grocery store.
Off to clean. Enjoy your weekend.
xo,
Amy
Monday, November 12, 2007
etsy finds and busy times
I was browsing through the treasuries on Etsy tonight (these are collections that buyers and sellers can create to feature various items on the site) and came across a little yellow star, meaning that something of mine had been included. I was SUPER excited to see that this treasury was centered around Africa, and that many of the sellers included were also donating in some way.
One of the artists is a mother who is creating and selling these necklaces to raise money for her daughter and son-in-law's Ethiopian adoption:
How amazing is that?! I told Katie and she had heard of it already, via another Amy's blog , who has adopted from Ethiopia. So, I guess the word is spreading. Which is so fantastic. The necklaces can be found here.
Another great seller is Hanna from A World Invented, who is currently in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. Check out her shop as well. She does custom paintings of all types of families.
It's all so lovely, I think. And it's really encouraging to know that there are others out there trying to do the same thing. To see the results of that, the joy that comes from all of this, is so uplifting.
As far as news here--I've been plugging away working on the gallery show. I only have two more weeks to finish, and while I feel as though I've accomplished quite a bit, I know I have SO MUCH MORE TO DO. And I'm fighting off a little bit of a cold or something. And while I do believe that the holidays truly are the hap-happiest season of all, it also happens to be the absolute busiest time of the year. I'm a little overwhelmed. But exceedingly blessed. So I am leaning more in that direction.
Hope you are well.
xo,
Amy
One of the artists is a mother who is creating and selling these necklaces to raise money for her daughter and son-in-law's Ethiopian adoption:
How amazing is that?! I told Katie and she had heard of it already, via another Amy's blog , who has adopted from Ethiopia. So, I guess the word is spreading. Which is so fantastic. The necklaces can be found here.
Another great seller is Hanna from A World Invented, who is currently in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. Check out her shop as well. She does custom paintings of all types of families.
It's all so lovely, I think. And it's really encouraging to know that there are others out there trying to do the same thing. To see the results of that, the joy that comes from all of this, is so uplifting.
As far as news here--I've been plugging away working on the gallery show. I only have two more weeks to finish, and while I feel as though I've accomplished quite a bit, I know I have SO MUCH MORE TO DO. And I'm fighting off a little bit of a cold or something. And while I do believe that the holidays truly are the hap-happiest season of all, it also happens to be the absolute busiest time of the year. I'm a little overwhelmed. But exceedingly blessed. So I am leaning more in that direction.
Hope you are well.
xo,
Amy
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
a weekend off
Sorry for the delay in posting. It was a tremendously full (and extended) weekend, which left little time for things such as blogging. But I had a wonderful time with Beth. I am so thankful that she was able to visit when she did. And although I'm in this sort of frenzied mode right now, I know the time off was just what I needed. Here's a bit of a recap:
1. We went to the Girlie Show on Saturday. There were lots of amazing artists and crafters, yet somehow Beth and I ended up buying very similar items from the same girl -- Amity Treasures by Jackie Porter. She has an etsy shop as well. This is the necklace I purchased. I love it. A lot.
2. Beth's dyed vintage slip peaking out from her skirt. She's so L.A.
3. Stuffed French Toast -- delicious. Walnut raisin bread stuffed with loads of strawberries and cream cheese from Cafe 501.
4. Beth's necklace purchased at the Girlie show. An airplane, a brass heart, and a Rocky Mountain National Park charm.
5. The pin I got from the same booth--a white cowboy boot, a black enamel charm and a little sparkle.
6. I am so smitten with my new moccasins. So comfortable and perfect for fall. Just like these, only in chocolate brown (and much less at Shoetopia in Norman).
7. We, of course, made a trip to Blue 7 -- where I couldn't resist buying this bag by Loop. Mostly because I loved it--but a little because the vendor tag is a paper crane. Love.
8. While I was still admiring the paper crane tag, Beth was falling head over heals for this repurposed vintage shirt by Shanna Banana. It's pretty adorable on her, and I gave her much praise for supporting so many local artists and establishments while in Oklahoma.
9. Beth's pin from Amity Treasures. The white square says "Tim" and has a pink astronaut charm and a brass horseshoe. So, an easy sell.
There are so many other wonderful things (things other than purchases) that I wished I had photographed and could include--like all of the wonderful friends we were able to catch up with, and all of the new memories that were made. However, it is some sort of rule, I've decided, that we seem to be completely incapable of taking photographs while visiting each other. I know we'll regret that one day. But for now, we will, I suppose, have to enjoy each other's company undocumented.
The next couple of weeks will be a flurry of activity in preparation for Indie Emporium. So, posting might be a little light. But, I do hope to see you there if you're in the area!
xo,
Amy
1. We went to the Girlie Show on Saturday. There were lots of amazing artists and crafters, yet somehow Beth and I ended up buying very similar items from the same girl -- Amity Treasures by Jackie Porter. She has an etsy shop as well. This is the necklace I purchased. I love it. A lot.
2. Beth's dyed vintage slip peaking out from her skirt. She's so L.A.
3. Stuffed French Toast -- delicious. Walnut raisin bread stuffed with loads of strawberries and cream cheese from Cafe 501.
4. Beth's necklace purchased at the Girlie show. An airplane, a brass heart, and a Rocky Mountain National Park charm.
5. The pin I got from the same booth--a white cowboy boot, a black enamel charm and a little sparkle.
6. I am so smitten with my new moccasins. So comfortable and perfect for fall. Just like these, only in chocolate brown (and much less at Shoetopia in Norman).
7. We, of course, made a trip to Blue 7 -- where I couldn't resist buying this bag by Loop. Mostly because I loved it--but a little because the vendor tag is a paper crane. Love.
8. While I was still admiring the paper crane tag, Beth was falling head over heals for this repurposed vintage shirt by Shanna Banana. It's pretty adorable on her, and I gave her much praise for supporting so many local artists and establishments while in Oklahoma.
9. Beth's pin from Amity Treasures. The white square says "Tim" and has a pink astronaut charm and a brass horseshoe. So, an easy sell.
There are so many other wonderful things (things other than purchases) that I wished I had photographed and could include--like all of the wonderful friends we were able to catch up with, and all of the new memories that were made. However, it is some sort of rule, I've decided, that we seem to be completely incapable of taking photographs while visiting each other. I know we'll regret that one day. But for now, we will, I suppose, have to enjoy each other's company undocumented.
The next couple of weeks will be a flurry of activity in preparation for Indie Emporium. So, posting might be a little light. But, I do hope to see you there if you're in the area!
xo,
Amy
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
between the sneezes...
I'm a little under the weather. Or, actually, significantly under the weather. I don't really think it's anything more than allergies, but I certainly wish I could turn out all of the lights and curl up in bed and stay there for a while. No such luck. There's no time for such things.
This past week has been focused solely on preparing for Indie Emporium. I did allow myself a little bit fun last Sunday, and accompanied some friends to Blue 7 for the Tom's Shoes trunk show. Do you know about Tom's Shoes? Click here if you want to learn more. Basically, it is an amazing company that gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. Amazing. They were sold out of my size in the style I wanted, so I didn't end up purchasing a pair that night. But, oh, I will. I did end up buying this ring, though:
I couldn't resist. It's actually really similar to a ring that I had been eyeing at Anthropologie a while ago. Only this ring (the one from Blue 7) was only SEVEN DOLLARS. And the one from Anthropologie was--surprise!--at least 20 times more than that. Which is ridiculous, really (unless, of course, it came from a tree that grew in a magical forest. Then I totally understand.).
I am also now in the possession of new business cards! They arrived a few days ago, and I am quite pleased with the results.
They are double sided--one side for Project 8256 and one side for amelia mae. I went for a new look with Project 8256 -- away from the orange and turquoise. I found it extraordinarily difficult to get the look I wanted for the amelia mae side and still somehow coordinate with the original color scheme. And I do love graph paper.
But the best, BEST news is that in exactly one week from tomorrow my best friend Beth is flying out from Los Angeles for a visit. This will be the first time in several years that we have been able to visit each other more than once a year. I can't wait. As busy as I am, and as much as I have to do, I know that taking a few days to talk and shop and eat great food is just what I need. I'm hoping that I will be, and that my work will be, the better for it.
Hope all is well with you.
xo,
Amy
This past week has been focused solely on preparing for Indie Emporium. I did allow myself a little bit fun last Sunday, and accompanied some friends to Blue 7 for the Tom's Shoes trunk show. Do you know about Tom's Shoes? Click here if you want to learn more. Basically, it is an amazing company that gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. Amazing. They were sold out of my size in the style I wanted, so I didn't end up purchasing a pair that night. But, oh, I will. I did end up buying this ring, though:
I couldn't resist. It's actually really similar to a ring that I had been eyeing at Anthropologie a while ago. Only this ring (the one from Blue 7) was only SEVEN DOLLARS. And the one from Anthropologie was--surprise!--at least 20 times more than that. Which is ridiculous, really (unless, of course, it came from a tree that grew in a magical forest. Then I totally understand.).
I am also now in the possession of new business cards! They arrived a few days ago, and I am quite pleased with the results.
They are double sided--one side for Project 8256 and one side for amelia mae. I went for a new look with Project 8256 -- away from the orange and turquoise. I found it extraordinarily difficult to get the look I wanted for the amelia mae side and still somehow coordinate with the original color scheme. And I do love graph paper.
But the best, BEST news is that in exactly one week from tomorrow my best friend Beth is flying out from Los Angeles for a visit. This will be the first time in several years that we have been able to visit each other more than once a year. I can't wait. As busy as I am, and as much as I have to do, I know that taking a few days to talk and shop and eat great food is just what I need. I'm hoping that I will be, and that my work will be, the better for it.
Hope all is well with you.
xo,
Amy
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I just finished reading Craft Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco, and it honestly couldn't have been published at a better time. Unless, perhaps, that time was, oh, three months ago. I know that if you read the same crafty/design blogs as I do, you have certainly stumbled across this book, as it has been popping up all over the place. On the off chance that you have not yet heard of it, and you are, like me, trying to "turn your creative hobby into a business", then let me assure you that this is a MUST READ. It was really so, so helpful and I am sure I will refer back to it many times.
Completely unrelated to books and such, but equally important: I was updating my blog profile (i.e. adding an email link should you need/want to contact me without having to set up an etsy account to do so. whoops!), and noticed that it had my "industry" listed as ACCOUNTING. Now, you probably don't know me well enough yet to know how absolutely ridiculous that is. I don't think there are many other professions that I could be less suited for. So my apologizes if you had been visualizing me crunching numbers day in and day out. That vision is untrue.
If you feel the need to visualize me doing something, you can picture me making hundreds of little sets of gift tags, because that is all I have been doing lately. Why, you ask? Well, keep your eyes peeled for an update later this week with one, maybe two really exciting announcements. But definitely one.
xo,
Amy
Completely unrelated to books and such, but equally important: I was updating my blog profile (i.e. adding an email link should you need/want to contact me without having to set up an etsy account to do so. whoops!), and noticed that it had my "industry" listed as ACCOUNTING. Now, you probably don't know me well enough yet to know how absolutely ridiculous that is. I don't think there are many other professions that I could be less suited for. So my apologizes if you had been visualizing me crunching numbers day in and day out. That vision is untrue.
If you feel the need to visualize me doing something, you can picture me making hundreds of little sets of gift tags, because that is all I have been doing lately. Why, you ask? Well, keep your eyes peeled for an update later this week with one, maybe two really exciting announcements. But definitely one.
xo,
Amy
Monday, August 13, 2007
curiouser and curiouser...
A big thank you to Ez at Creature Comforts for blogging today about The Curiosity Shoppe. I had not yet heard of this treasure trove--and I am completely smitten. A few of my favorites:
Clockwise from top right:
1. Bird Tray Set. Yeah, I'm still not over the whole bird trend. Sorry.
2. Letterpress Art Print. So pretty. And so incredibly affordable.
3. Red Dogwood Apron With Rickrack Trim. I'm not entirely sure if it is my previous time as a shopgirl at Anthropologie, or my somewhat befuddled (and yet not fully realized) domestic tendencies, but I think vintage-style aprons have a certain sweetness to them that I find really appealing.
4. You're Swell Card. If only it came in a set with a "magical" or a "goodness gracious" -- it would come frighteningly close to totaling out my vocabulary.
5. Gothic Dessert Plates. Silhouettes AND unbreakable melamine. Delicious, indeed.
6. Alabaster Stag Head. This is about as "outdoorsy" as I get. Especially in August in Oklahoma. Yuck. But I think this is truly lovely.
Other good news for the day is that it is the middle of the month which means I am granted more e-music downloads. This is excellent news. I just downloaded the new Waterdeep album "Heart Attack Time Machine" and, oh yes, it is very good. As expected.
A good Monday for you? I hope so. I hope it is a most excellent start to a wonderful week.
xo,
Amy
Clockwise from top right:
1. Bird Tray Set. Yeah, I'm still not over the whole bird trend. Sorry.
2. Letterpress Art Print. So pretty. And so incredibly affordable.
3. Red Dogwood Apron With Rickrack Trim. I'm not entirely sure if it is my previous time as a shopgirl at Anthropologie, or my somewhat befuddled (and yet not fully realized) domestic tendencies, but I think vintage-style aprons have a certain sweetness to them that I find really appealing.
4. You're Swell Card. If only it came in a set with a "magical" or a "goodness gracious" -- it would come frighteningly close to totaling out my vocabulary.
5. Gothic Dessert Plates. Silhouettes AND unbreakable melamine. Delicious, indeed.
6. Alabaster Stag Head. This is about as "outdoorsy" as I get. Especially in August in Oklahoma. Yuck. But I think this is truly lovely.
Other good news for the day is that it is the middle of the month which means I am granted more e-music downloads. This is excellent news. I just downloaded the new Waterdeep album "Heart Attack Time Machine" and, oh yes, it is very good. As expected.
A good Monday for you? I hope so. I hope it is a most excellent start to a wonderful week.
xo,
Amy
Thursday, August 9, 2007
ups and downs
I've had a hor-ri-ble day. Not for any particular reason, really. Nothing catastrophic happened (thankfully). It was just -- bad. But, luckily, a couple of nice little moments happened, so all was not lost:
1. I had, quite possibly, the greatest-conversation-ever with, quite possibly, the most-adorable-six-year-old-boy ever. He had a hard time saying his s's and couldn't say his r's at all, which I think just piles on the cuteness. It was one of those conversations where every single sentence starts with "Hey! Guess what!". But at six, there are a lot of really, really exciting things going on, apparently. Like--guess what--he has a new little baby sister and she already has her first tooth, and he has alll of his. And--guess what--he's about to start first grade and he even got a card from his new teacher and he can spell his whole name, even though his first name has a silent 'e'. And--guess what--he only got to swim a little bit this summer because his dog chewed the bottom of his kiddie pool and now it won't hold water. You get the idea. Pretty adorable. And certainly a reminder to celebrate the little things in life.
2. I went to Blue 7 today, (the local boutique that is so generously giving Project 8256 some floor space and not taking a single dollar) for my fortnightly restocking of prints. I have to admit that I have been feeling a little bogged down lately, but knowing that there is this other aspect to Project 8256 that requires so little effort on my part is this ridiculously huge weight off of my shoulders. Really incredible. You should go shop there. And buy lots and lots of things of which they do make a profit.
Here are some other little things that make me happy:
1. I treated myself to some new shoes. Maybe a little ridiculous, maybe not so practical. But I like them. And don't worry, they will be worn exclusively with jeans. No skirts.
2. My friend Lauren lent me her copy of Flower Drum Song. We have a mutual, nostalgic, love for a movie musical. I haven't seen it in so long. And I know it is so full of cliches and stereotypes on many levels. But oh, man. My sister and I were raised on this stuff. I only vaguely new about New Kids On The Block, but ask me to recite allll the lyrics to "Gypsy" or "My Fair Lady" or, really anything by Rogers & Hammerstein and I could deliver. What weird kids.
3. Packaging for amelia mae. I printed it on graph paper. And graph paper makes me really, really happy.
I've also really been enjoying St. Vincent's "Marry Me" album. It has a lot of layers and textures, which I really like. But not in that over-produced "my seventeen-year-old brother just hooked me up with his casio keyboard and his new "killa beats" cd" kind of way. If that makes sense. I especially like the title track, Your Lips are Red and Landmines. So check it out. If you want.
Okay, so my day is seeming a little less gloomy now. Plenty to be thankful for. Hopefully for you as well.
xo,
amy
1. I had, quite possibly, the greatest-conversation-ever with, quite possibly, the most-adorable-six-year-old-boy ever. He had a hard time saying his s's and couldn't say his r's at all, which I think just piles on the cuteness. It was one of those conversations where every single sentence starts with "Hey! Guess what!". But at six, there are a lot of really, really exciting things going on, apparently. Like--guess what--he has a new little baby sister and she already has her first tooth, and he has alll of his. And--guess what--he's about to start first grade and he even got a card from his new teacher and he can spell his whole name, even though his first name has a silent 'e'. And--guess what--he only got to swim a little bit this summer because his dog chewed the bottom of his kiddie pool and now it won't hold water. You get the idea. Pretty adorable. And certainly a reminder to celebrate the little things in life.
2. I went to Blue 7 today, (the local boutique that is so generously giving Project 8256 some floor space and not taking a single dollar) for my fortnightly restocking of prints. I have to admit that I have been feeling a little bogged down lately, but knowing that there is this other aspect to Project 8256 that requires so little effort on my part is this ridiculously huge weight off of my shoulders. Really incredible. You should go shop there. And buy lots and lots of things of which they do make a profit.
Here are some other little things that make me happy:
1. I treated myself to some new shoes. Maybe a little ridiculous, maybe not so practical. But I like them. And don't worry, they will be worn exclusively with jeans. No skirts.
2. My friend Lauren lent me her copy of Flower Drum Song. We have a mutual, nostalgic, love for a movie musical. I haven't seen it in so long. And I know it is so full of cliches and stereotypes on many levels. But oh, man. My sister and I were raised on this stuff. I only vaguely new about New Kids On The Block, but ask me to recite allll the lyrics to "Gypsy" or "My Fair Lady" or, really anything by Rogers & Hammerstein and I could deliver. What weird kids.
3. Packaging for amelia mae. I printed it on graph paper. And graph paper makes me really, really happy.
I've also really been enjoying St. Vincent's "Marry Me" album. It has a lot of layers and textures, which I really like. But not in that over-produced "my seventeen-year-old brother just hooked me up with his casio keyboard and his new "killa beats" cd" kind of way. If that makes sense. I especially like the title track, Your Lips are Red and Landmines. So check it out. If you want.
Okay, so my day is seeming a little less gloomy now. Plenty to be thankful for. Hopefully for you as well.
xo,
amy
Thursday, July 26, 2007
give (and buy) a little bit...
I have had one of those weeks where I keep doing things like tripping and falling, and dropping things, and somehow getting caught in the middle of some sort of cycling event and almost (but not really) hitting a man after he fell off of his bicycle in the middle of my lane. But all is well, that week is in the past, and so I can blog about only good news and lovely things.
I have been emailing (through etsy) with the lovely shop owner of lulella who approached me about donating a portion of her earnings to AHOPE. How incredibly generous. Katrina lives in Vermont and is all about reusing goods that already exist and turning them into new and beautiful things. She has really adorable items in her shop--such cute plush items (love this owl), precious clothes for little girls and the sweetest greeting cards. She is donating 20% of her profits from this doll to AHOPE:
So cute. And completely handmade. I would have loved, loved this as a little girl. And part of it is going to a really great cause, so check it out. Thanks Katrina!
Some other exciting Etsy news is that one of my very favorites, Mati Rose McDonough of Suspect Shoppe is having a print sale. It's this week only (July 25-31st) and it's BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! So, should you be looking for my favorite cat-in-boys-underpants-and-tubesocks-robbing-a-bird-of-its-feathers painting, or the beautiful "believe" -- you could get them both for the price of one and then our walls could be doppelgangers (only without the bad-luck part). That would be splendid. She also has some ridiculously adorable zoo animal prints which would be so perfect in a nursery. I would buy them myself for my soon-to-be niece or nephew, but it isn't my child, or my home, and sometimes I have to let my sister and brother-in-law make those kinds of decisions themselves. But only sometimes. (hint, hint katie -- the monkeys and the elephant... )
Be on the lookout this week for some new items in the Project 8256 shop. I think that some more along the lines of this one might be making an appearance:
Be blessed. And thanks for reading. I really do appreciate it.
xo,
Amy
I have been emailing (through etsy) with the lovely shop owner of lulella who approached me about donating a portion of her earnings to AHOPE. How incredibly generous. Katrina lives in Vermont and is all about reusing goods that already exist and turning them into new and beautiful things. She has really adorable items in her shop--such cute plush items (love this owl), precious clothes for little girls and the sweetest greeting cards. She is donating 20% of her profits from this doll to AHOPE:
So cute. And completely handmade. I would have loved, loved this as a little girl. And part of it is going to a really great cause, so check it out. Thanks Katrina!
Some other exciting Etsy news is that one of my very favorites, Mati Rose McDonough of Suspect Shoppe is having a print sale. It's this week only (July 25-31st) and it's BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! So, should you be looking for my favorite cat-in-boys-underpants-and-tubesocks-robbing-a-bird-of-its-feathers painting, or the beautiful "believe" -- you could get them both for the price of one and then our walls could be doppelgangers (only without the bad-luck part). That would be splendid. She also has some ridiculously adorable zoo animal prints which would be so perfect in a nursery. I would buy them myself for my soon-to-be niece or nephew, but it isn't my child, or my home, and sometimes I have to let my sister and brother-in-law make those kinds of decisions themselves. But only sometimes. (hint, hint katie -- the monkeys and the elephant... )
Be on the lookout this week for some new items in the Project 8256 shop. I think that some more along the lines of this one might be making an appearance:
Be blessed. And thanks for reading. I really do appreciate it.
xo,
Amy
Monday, July 16, 2007
amelia mae
I am really so excited to introduce you all to my new little project: amelia mae
It's really something that I've been trying to do for a very long time, so I'm just so, so excited to finally see it up and running. For the time being, I think that it will be mostly stocked with an assortment of gift tags. But I do hope to include originals, as well as some other little gems I have rolling around in my head right now.
There is currently only a small assortment listed, but be sure to check back throughout the week, because I will be adding more and more and more! So, here is how you can use amelia mae tags to make the perfect present:
Delicious, no? Now, not to worry because I am still working on Project 8256. It is still extremely important to me, and something I am still so passionate about. But I am taking a wee break this week to get everything together.
I hope you are all doing well. Have a lovely Tuesday.
xo,
amy
It's really something that I've been trying to do for a very long time, so I'm just so, so excited to finally see it up and running. For the time being, I think that it will be mostly stocked with an assortment of gift tags. But I do hope to include originals, as well as some other little gems I have rolling around in my head right now.
There is currently only a small assortment listed, but be sure to check back throughout the week, because I will be adding more and more and more! So, here is how you can use amelia mae tags to make the perfect present:
Delicious, no? Now, not to worry because I am still working on Project 8256. It is still extremely important to me, and something I am still so passionate about. But I am taking a wee break this week to get everything together.
I hope you are all doing well. Have a lovely Tuesday.
xo,
amy
Sunday, July 8, 2007
old and new
I'm not entirely sure how I seem to only blog on Sundays. It isn't intentional. Or planned. Or certainly not written down, because I do so prefer a mental note. But anyhow, it's Sunday. Again. And here I am.
So over the last week or so..I've been toiling away at this:
and this...
The close-up is on the right. There's still a bit more to be done. The shapes were cut from the pages of an old novel--from the blank space that is at the end of each chapter. The book is perfectly musty and water-stained. Or was, rather. It's now been pretty much cut to bits.
AND...this week I got a very exciting parcel in the mail from a very talented (and new) Etsy seller: lucky me beads
It's a pulley. On a necklace. I couldn't resist. And I couldn't be more pleased. So, should you be interested in repurposed vintage jewelry, you should definitely check her out. (Photo from luckymebeads.etsy.com)
So overall, a rather nice little week. And to top it all off, I got to hear little stories of people gifting or receiving my prints for wedding gifts, birthday gifts. That really just warms my heart to near bursting. I take gift giving very seriously--as in focused, on a mission, seriousness. So it means a lot. a lot. to know that someone has selected something I did as a gift. And to know that, on top of that, there are others like my sister and the kids at AHOPE that then benefit from that, well that's pretty much splendid.
I hope you all had a lovely 4th. And a relaxing weekend. I am off to c-l-e-a-n. Much overdue.
xo,
amy
So over the last week or so..I've been toiling away at this:
and this...
The close-up is on the right. There's still a bit more to be done. The shapes were cut from the pages of an old novel--from the blank space that is at the end of each chapter. The book is perfectly musty and water-stained. Or was, rather. It's now been pretty much cut to bits.
AND...this week I got a very exciting parcel in the mail from a very talented (and new) Etsy seller: lucky me beads
It's a pulley. On a necklace. I couldn't resist. And I couldn't be more pleased. So, should you be interested in repurposed vintage jewelry, you should definitely check her out. (Photo from luckymebeads.etsy.com)
So overall, a rather nice little week. And to top it all off, I got to hear little stories of people gifting or receiving my prints for wedding gifts, birthday gifts. That really just warms my heart to near bursting. I take gift giving very seriously--as in focused, on a mission, seriousness. So it means a lot. a lot. to know that someone has selected something I did as a gift. And to know that, on top of that, there are others like my sister and the kids at AHOPE that then benefit from that, well that's pretty much splendid.
I hope you all had a lovely 4th. And a relaxing weekend. I am off to c-l-e-a-n. Much overdue.
xo,
amy
Sunday, July 1, 2007
some favorites...
Goodness. It has been quite some time since I have updated this little blog. So sorry for the absence.
I thought I would share a few of the little things that make me smile from time to time:
1. A new favorite t-shirt. Of a very angry bear.
2. My favorite olive green flats. I've had these for a while, but noticed that other colors are available here.
3. I love these bangles. I am quite sure that I wear them too much. I think the entire lot cost about 6 dollars. So I got my money's worth.
4. I'm still not entirely sure why I love this ring so much, but I do. It says "Sheila" -- not my name, nor anyone I know. But I had to have it.
Okay. Back to work. Hope you are having a lovely weekend. And I hope the sun is shining where you live, because it certainly hasn't been shining here.
xo,
Amy
I thought I would share a few of the little things that make me smile from time to time:
1. A new favorite t-shirt. Of a very angry bear.
2. My favorite olive green flats. I've had these for a while, but noticed that other colors are available here.
3. I love these bangles. I am quite sure that I wear them too much. I think the entire lot cost about 6 dollars. So I got my money's worth.
4. I'm still not entirely sure why I love this ring so much, but I do. It says "Sheila" -- not my name, nor anyone I know. But I had to have it.
Okay. Back to work. Hope you are having a lovely weekend. And I hope the sun is shining where you live, because it certainly hasn't been shining here.
xo,
Amy
Sunday, June 10, 2007
it's really all in the little things
And so goes another weekend...
I hope you all made the best possible use of the weekend. Mine was spent rather entirely at my bill-paying job, so it went quite fast. But I have a three-day weekend coming up so there is some end in sight. Here are some other little odds and ends that are making me happy right now...
1. I keep finding these wonderful little treasure chests on the web from ladies blogging about their incredible finds. Having moved back to Oklahoma after living in Chicago for two years, I do sometimes miss the variety and so on. So, I'm finding these collections indispensable and inspiring and so much more. I have known of decor8 and design*sponge for some time, but just discovered Creature Comforts (thanks to decor8 for that one) and design is mine. And I'm loving them all. So check them out if you're interested in that sort of thing (pretty things and great design and good ideas and so on). As I'm writing this, the most recent post on design is mine is about a children's clothing company that is "organic, fair-trade, sweatshop-free, and beautifully designed". Sold. Blog=bookmarked.
2. I'm not much of a television girl anymore. Not really at all. But when I was in LA, my little Beth coerced me into watching an episode or two of the Office and I must say I'm glad she did. I netflix-ed season 2 and have been watching the first installment in bits and pieces. Granted, it does stick out a bit in my netflix queue, among a rather large assortment of documentaries and indie films just waiting to stop in for a visit, but it is quite funny. I think it makes me appreciate the little nuances and oddities of my own (cubicle-free) bill-paying job a bit more.
3. I'm seriously considering a quick little day-trip to Dallas sometime soon. I need a little getaway, a refresher--some inspiration. And so I keep dreaming of Anthropologie, Urban, and so on. And I'm a sucker for a little cropped jacket and I have a feeling I might find one at XXI Forever for next to nothing. I'm trying to decide if I should work in a trip to the Dallas art museum. But it is only a day trip. So we'll see.
4. I listed these two in the shop this weekend, with their third mate joining them tomorrow:
Yes, they make me happy too.
Hope you have little things that make you happy as well. Or big things. And I hope Monday treats you well.
xo,
Amy
I hope you all made the best possible use of the weekend. Mine was spent rather entirely at my bill-paying job, so it went quite fast. But I have a three-day weekend coming up so there is some end in sight. Here are some other little odds and ends that are making me happy right now...
1. I keep finding these wonderful little treasure chests on the web from ladies blogging about their incredible finds. Having moved back to Oklahoma after living in Chicago for two years, I do sometimes miss the variety and so on. So, I'm finding these collections indispensable and inspiring and so much more. I have known of decor8 and design*sponge for some time, but just discovered Creature Comforts (thanks to decor8 for that one) and design is mine. And I'm loving them all. So check them out if you're interested in that sort of thing (pretty things and great design and good ideas and so on). As I'm writing this, the most recent post on design is mine is about a children's clothing company that is "organic, fair-trade, sweatshop-free, and beautifully designed". Sold. Blog=bookmarked.
2. I'm not much of a television girl anymore. Not really at all. But when I was in LA, my little Beth coerced me into watching an episode or two of the Office and I must say I'm glad she did. I netflix-ed season 2 and have been watching the first installment in bits and pieces. Granted, it does stick out a bit in my netflix queue, among a rather large assortment of documentaries and indie films just waiting to stop in for a visit, but it is quite funny. I think it makes me appreciate the little nuances and oddities of my own (cubicle-free) bill-paying job a bit more.
3. I'm seriously considering a quick little day-trip to Dallas sometime soon. I need a little getaway, a refresher--some inspiration. And so I keep dreaming of Anthropologie, Urban, and so on. And I'm a sucker for a little cropped jacket and I have a feeling I might find one at XXI Forever for next to nothing. I'm trying to decide if I should work in a trip to the Dallas art museum. But it is only a day trip. So we'll see.
4. I listed these two in the shop this weekend, with their third mate joining them tomorrow:
Yes, they make me happy too.
Hope you have little things that make you happy as well. Or big things. And I hope Monday treats you well.
xo,
Amy
Monday, March 26, 2007
deer and raindrops...
Listening to the rain and iTunes + packaging up an etsy purchase = a very nice evening indeed. Don't you think? Very lovely indeed.
Earlier today I was killing/wasting time, looking around one of my very favorites-- Velocity Art and Design--and came across this tray. After my mouth stopped salivating, I remembered that I had seen it before and, apparently, forgot about it--in what, as my sister so nicely put it, the exhaustion that is my mind. I'm staring at this tray thinking, how amazing would this look hanging in a kitchen? In a kitchen with bright, raspberry colored walls! No-turquoise! With other vintage plates hanging alongside it! And then reality hits and I think that perhaps a pink kitchen with wall decor that includes a deer tray may not be the best idea for, well, the gentlemen callers. You know, a sort of "You had me at hello, but lost me at the kitchen" sort of thing. Tragic.
Now, I am left staring blankly at the computer screen thinking "Surely, surely, I have something else of interest to share." But, no. I don't. No, just a deer tray (and perhaps the matching squirrel one as well?). Sorry for the lack of substance. But I do hope you have little things in your life that get you excited. Everyone needs a little bit of that.
Amy
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
gift (I)deas.
I was perusing a magazine this afternoon, and came across this most excellent gift idea for mothers using formula. The short little product snippet talked about how having to mix formula while out and about could get quite messy, and so on. As my direct experience with infants is rather limited, this had not occurred to me. But with this new bottle, you fill the main part with water and then measure out the formula into the top compartment. When the wee little baby is hungry, you just twist the top and give it a shake, and then you have formula. Brilliant. I'll definitely be getting my sister one. And I think I might get one for myself. You know, perfect for baby/auntie days out. (Especially when said aunt will be much too preoccupied with her previously disclosed inexperience with infants to worry herself over such things as formula on such splendid days out.)
But enough about silly baby things...
If anyone reading this knows anything about computers (and I'm fairly confident my "audience" consists of about four people), I am having trouble with my keyboard. I have this big, fancy computer and, though our relationship got off to a rather rocky start, I really thought we had moved past all that. But then, all of a sudden, it decided that the capital "I" did not exist if I pressed the left shift key (which I normally do). lower case = i. right shift key = I. left shift key = . Nothing. Emptiness. Why is it doing this? And why only with "I"? And why does it have to be the one letter that is capitalized, especially in a blog written in my own voice, the most? Why not Q or Z? I hardly ever need to capitalize those. Thoughts? Ideas?
Hope you have a beautiful Wednesday. Sorry this entry is nothing but baby bottles and mischievious keyboards. What a bore.
xo,
amy
Thursday, March 15, 2007
a list...
I thought I would take a little mini-break from writing about prints. Not for any particular reason. But I am really very, very sleepy and I am a little afraid that it might not be all that coherent. So instead I thought I would share 5 things that are making me really happy right now:
1. I ordered this little gem from a favorite etsy artist of mine the other day. Her name is Mati McDonough and I have already two of her prints. One of them is among my favorite items on my wall, because how many people, really, can say that they have a painting of a kitten wearing boys underpants and tube socks clipping feathers from a bird to add to his angel wings? Who among you can claim that? That's right. I love her work because, and this is intended as a compliment, she paints like a child sings. You know: free, unafraid. Anyway, it's currently in transit and I am really excited about getting it. Don't you love the anticipation of packages?
2. I visit my bestest little Beth in only three weeks from tomorrow. I probably could have listed five things that make me happy centered on this trip alone, but we'll leave it at that. I simply adore this girl, and as we seem to only get to see each other once a year, I am all a-twitter with anticipation.
3. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately, and I am fully confident that Spring is finally here. As much as I love to layer -- and I do -- it is nice to not have to put a thousand things on before walking outside.
4. I keep revisiting my Margot & the Nuclear So & So's album. You should give them a listen if you haven't already. I'm particularly enjoying the tracks "Skeleton Key" and "Paper Kitten Nightmare". We will ignore the fact that I am really -- not at all -- a cat person, and that kittens have come up twice in this list. We will also ignore that I could do several lists just on music that is making me quite happy right now. You could click on the profile link to the left of the screen for a short list, if you're curious. And I'm serious about the suggestions. Should you have any.
5. I have gotten to reconnect with several old friends since launching Project 8256. Which also means that I am checking my email even more compulsively than I already did. I am also meeting such lovely people through etsy as well. I am anxiously awaiting another very special package from a different designer on etsy (who, unfortunately, must go unnamed for the moment, because it was ordered especially for someone's birthday - see #2). She took the time to look at our etsy site and write a sweet little note. So nice.
So, all in all, not such a bad week. Hope yours is happy as well.
amy
1. I ordered this little gem from a favorite etsy artist of mine the other day. Her name is Mati McDonough and I have already two of her prints. One of them is among my favorite items on my wall, because how many people, really, can say that they have a painting of a kitten wearing boys underpants and tube socks clipping feathers from a bird to add to his angel wings? Who among you can claim that? That's right. I love her work because, and this is intended as a compliment, she paints like a child sings. You know: free, unafraid. Anyway, it's currently in transit and I am really excited about getting it. Don't you love the anticipation of packages?
2. I visit my bestest little Beth in only three weeks from tomorrow. I probably could have listed five things that make me happy centered on this trip alone, but we'll leave it at that. I simply adore this girl, and as we seem to only get to see each other once a year, I am all a-twitter with anticipation.
3. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately, and I am fully confident that Spring is finally here. As much as I love to layer -- and I do -- it is nice to not have to put a thousand things on before walking outside.
4. I keep revisiting my Margot & the Nuclear So & So's album. You should give them a listen if you haven't already. I'm particularly enjoying the tracks "Skeleton Key" and "Paper Kitten Nightmare". We will ignore the fact that I am really -- not at all -- a cat person, and that kittens have come up twice in this list. We will also ignore that I could do several lists just on music that is making me quite happy right now. You could click on the profile link to the left of the screen for a short list, if you're curious. And I'm serious about the suggestions. Should you have any.
5. I have gotten to reconnect with several old friends since launching Project 8256. Which also means that I am checking my email even more compulsively than I already did. I am also meeting such lovely people through etsy as well. I am anxiously awaiting another very special package from a different designer on etsy (who, unfortunately, must go unnamed for the moment, because it was ordered especially for someone's birthday - see #2). She took the time to look at our etsy site and write a sweet little note. So nice.
So, all in all, not such a bad week. Hope yours is happy as well.
amy
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