Hibernation Mode

The holidays are over, snow is covering the ground, a chill has set into the bones of this old house, and I am officially in hibernation mode. I am gathering my arsenal of space heaters, thick socks, warm beverages, blankets, and my beautifully melancholy "winter music mix" (i.e. Rosie Thomas, Ray Lamontagne, Josh Garrels....) and focusing on our nest. I'm making it cleaner, more organized, more cozy, and making sure there are plenty of snuggle stations tucked in each room.

It's becoming the perfect environment for crafting and sketching! We've got a new sewing machine, a newly-organized craft supplies pantry (thanks, mom!), lots of yarn, and a stash of vintage fabrics ready and waiting to be crafted into beautiful things for our nest. I need to get crackin! (right after I sip a cup of tea, take a hot bath, and nap) ; )

In the meantime, here's a handful of beautiful, crafty photos (some of my recent flickr faves) for your inspiration!

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Arian : )

A Blog Party!

Michelle of Scissor Quirk is hosting an amazing blog party right now that is busting at the seams with giveaways, guest posts, and interviews. She's giving away two of my prints (of your choice)! So if you'd like a chance to win, hop on over and leave a comment!

There really are a ton of super-talented artists and crafters taking part in the party and so many great things to win. So go!

Arian

"Awaited" Shirts

My rockstar sister is one of the masterminds behind Crossroad's annual Christmas show, "Awaited". It's the most artistic and creative representation of the Christmas story I've ever seen. And for the past couple years I've had the pleasure of creating the 200+ cast and crew members' special thank you gift! Two years ago they got my Christmas cards. Last year I got to create a custom art print for them. And this year I got to do t-shirts! (Hopefully they are not getting tired of me ; )

The text is a collage of phrases from the show.

Here are a few pics of "Awaited" last year....its pretty wonderful. Can't wait to see the new and improved version again this year!

(photos courtesy of Crossroads)

Off to do some Christmas shopping!! (This is the time of year each year when we realize that our hopes of making all our gifts this is again unrealistic.) ; )

Arian

T-shirt/cd Give-Away!

I just finished another t-shirt for one of my fav bands, Seabird (sweet music video here). And I'd love to give one away along with their new Christmas EP.  With Thanksgiving over, I think it's officially okay to listen to Christmas music...very loudly.

So leave a comment here and let me know your favorite Christmas song/album (besides this one of course ; ) I'll randomly pick a winner on Thursday so check back! I'll be grabbing the shirt on Sunday evening so, if you're the winner, make sure to email me with your shirt size before then.

Family Portraits!

 For the second year in a row, we took part in our talented friend, Jon Willis's, Simple Portrait Project.

 As much as I love last year's photos, I think these have to be my favorite family photos ever!! I love black & white photography. Jon always does an amazing job.

 I mean, look how studly my three men look!

Jude's face in this one below cracks me up every time. That kid.

And Jon took this shot to match my sister, Tye, and Dexter's family photo. Hilarious.

This week I have lots of printing, packaging, and shipping to catch up on.  Hudson's 6th birthday is later this week so I'm hoping to do lots of decorating too!

Hope your week is off to a good start!
Arian : )

A Little Inspiration

Just a few things to make your day a little prettier...

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I want this. : )  Cozy and vintage and green....three of my favorite things combined!

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Dreamy makeshift bed tents. Reminds me of all those "Where the Wild Things Are" forts from awhile back

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Boots + frilly dresses.

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Vintage game boards as wall decor. Genius.

This pretty, illustrated tea set from Studio Violet. I'd love to illustrate a set like that!!

Color coordinated dishes from Rachel Denbow.

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Beautiful colors.

This display at the Ohio Valley Antique Mall. I'm going there with my mom and sister tomorrow---can't wait!!

I hope you're having a cozy weekend! Jude sure is! He slept well past 10 this morning in the movie-watching couch nest we cuddled in last night. We watched "Hook"--such a fun movie : )

Arian : )

No Carve Pumpkins

Tomorrow is the first day of October, the day when I can officially buy pumpkins. I admire the passion of my neighbors who have had their hay bales, scarecrows and jack-o-lanterns up since late August but I try to hold out til 10/1.

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I'm sure we'll carve our fair share of jack-o-lanterns but here are some "knife-free" pumpkin decorating ideas. (Due to the apple-cutting/hand-stabbing incident of '93, the wood staple puncture of '90, the x-acto blade debacle of '95 and the more recent "call 911, Arian has pneumatically stapled her fingers shut" catastrophe of '06,  my family thinks it best to keep me away from sharp objects). True story.

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So I'm ready to get out my paint brushes and my glue gun (forgetting about the time I accidentally glued my underware to my pants) and start decorating some pumpkins!!

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Aren't these amazing!?

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Yay! I'm feeling inspired and looking forward to tomorrow!

Arian : )

Party!

Yesterday's bridal shower was in one of the coolest spaces around--The Speckled Bird. Unfortunately, it's currently not open to the public, it's just available for special events. But it's such a creative treasure of a place full of amazing art, vintage pieces, and great lattes. I want to live there.

I love how the artist who decorated the space used a lot of up-cycled materials

like soda bottle caps

and wine bottle corks

and mirror glass

And I love all the great vintage pieces through out

like this amazing lamp.

and these chairs

and this mirror.

It's across the street from this beautiful church building (maybe you recognize it from this post or this one).

So it was pretty much the best situation a girl could ask for. A wonderfully artsy and vintage space, endless lattes...

my grandma's vintage dress,

lovely friends,

piles of markers for coloring with,

and more desserts then a girl should be exposed to.

THAT's a party : )

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Arian : )