show and tell

I told you I cut up the wallpaper book:

And I spent a couple of days laying out the pieces on a huge plywood board (measuring approximately 4 x 8 feet)....

And then I got out some PVA adhesive (available here) and got to pasting. I even took out the window squeegee and felt all professional wallpaper-er-like smoothing it down.

And I am so, so pleased with the results (not quite this, but still...).

I really wanted to wait until it was hung in my dining room to show it to you, but given it's unique hanging requirements, that could be a while. And I just couldn't help myself.

Isn't it just the bees knees?

xoxo

sit still, Henrietta

This very active little owlet is on her way to Australia - where I'm sure Pip will take very good care of her until she can be auctioned off for the Mirabel Foundation.



Now sit still, Henrietta.

good owl.

xoxo

ps: Henrietta was made from a free pattern that I found here, via Meet Me at Mikes.

old school

A couple of weeks ago, I found out that I was chosen to participate in "Old School" - an exhibition at Uppercase Gallery in Calgary.

"The 'Old School' theme will celebrate the aesthetics of twentieth century education through an art exhibition and companion book, as well as curated objects. It is inspired by vintage flash cards, old desks, biology class, science fairs, crayons, card catalogs, textbooks, class photos, teachers, yearbooks, lunchboxes, gym class, maps, lockers, report cards, film strips, recess, spelling, chalk... and the list goes on!"

Playing with this theme is SO up my alley. I thought it would be really fun to create some mixed media pieces for the show. But this morning, I saw that the list of participants was up on the Uppercase Gallery website. ohshit ohshit ohshit. I am so honored and excited and terrified to be keeping company with the likes of Lisa Congdon and Jennifer Judd-McGee and Renee Garner "(and the list goes on...)". They are, like, real artists whereas I just like to make stuff. oh shit oh shit oh shit.

I need a pep talk.

xoxo

Happy Mother's Day

Collecting ephemera is not a new thing for me. I've long been the keeper of old family treasures and keepsakes. This card was written by my dad's dad to his mom in 1939. His handwritten note on the back of the card is hysterical:

"Having a swell time in Eau Claire. Almost got cracked by some drunken (BLEEP) and we're laying over right now repairing a blow-out. Send a card later. Wally"

Well if that isn't a fine mother's day sentiment, then I don't know what is.

Have a lovely day.

xoxo

Pattern

I thought I'd share a few more of the vintage wallpaper samples from the "Mod Impressions by Michel" book today:

"happening" on vinyl

"nicole" - flocked

"flowerland" on vinyl

I cut up the sample book. I've been staring at it for months, trying to figure out what to do with it. I'd like to hang a bunch of the pieces in my house. Should I make a huge collage? Frame them? Just pin them up on the wall? The pieces are about 11x17 each and I love a lot of them.

As much as I'd really, really love to do a wall like this (how amazing is that?!?), my husband would kill me. So it's can't be as permanent as actual wallpapering. What do you think?

xoxo

Stitchy Woman

Hiya, lovelies!
I'm over at Feeling Stitchy today sharing my interview with Claudia Marchan of Stitchado. Pop on over to say hello and check out some of Claudia's bea-you-teeee-ful work.

(photo courtesy of Claudia Marchan)

xoxo

Vogart 240

Well good morning, lovelies! I didn't realize how long it's been since I've shared a transfer pattern with you. But don't fret, for I have one to share today:

Vogart 240 - Adorable Kittens and Puppies for Every Use

I always love the descriptions on the back of the packages:

"Colors: Use bright gay colors for children's wear. Follow the color suggestions as illustrated on the beautiful 4 color printed cover."

"Suggested Materials: Give the custom look to ready made garments with these "adorables." Sacques, Kimonas, Rompers, Play Suits, Creepers, can all be given that handmade individual look with a few moments of happy stitchery - for this purpose, this selections of motifs is ideal."

Please let me know if you use these patterns to made a "Sacque" for someone you adore, as I would love to see it!

xoxo

This is....

This is the pair of shoes that I could sleep in if I could.... (this week's theme chosen by Hip Hop and Banana Bread - and how GREAT is that name?!?!)

I bought these (yes, pink!) leather shoes at a shop called Penelope's (also a FANTASTIC name, if you ask me) on Division in Chicago a couple of years ago. They feel like a cobbler made them just for my feet. And they're so, so soft - like buttah! So I guess they are the shoes I would sleep in if I could.

And I would wear them here, in the comfiest bed in the world, my own:


Although sleeping in these shoes would certainly not please the Mister.

xoxo

color week: blue

I have a thing for vintage globes:

...and blankies

... and old schoolhouse maps!

My mom is on her way in, so I'm off to the airport to pick her up. Today is a warm, gray, drizzly, beautiful day here in Chicago. A good day to curl up on the couch with a soft blankie and a cup of tea and read a good book. I hope your day is just as beautiful.

xoxo

color week: pink

I sure love me some pink. I have a pink bike, a pink camera, and pink shoes. I haven't worn pink lipstick since fifth grade, but I believe my color of choice back then was called "Silver City Pink".

Yet even after this very long love affair with the color, I have very little pink around my house.





Truth be told, today's colors were actually supposed to be pink and red. And I know that for good feng shui, you're supposed to have a bit of red in every room, but I couldn't really find any red at all in the house. That probably explains a lot.

xoxo