Happy 2010!

I can't believe that the first decade of "the new millennium" has passed and 2010 is here already!

I'm not one for New Year's resolutions - I believe in changing when you are ready, and not waiting for New Year's day, or Monday, or next week to begin anew. That said, I've been feeling for some time that I had to revitalize my much-neglected blog, and so I'll begin today, since that is when I'm ready to!

Here's a belated peek at my holiday cards and this year's wrapping. Several years ago I switched to all white wrapping paper, partly as a way of simplifying my life (I always have appropriate paper on hand for any occasion) and partly because it's a great creative backdrop for me - with beautiful ribbon, my prints, and other embellishments I can always find a fun way to wrap a package.

I'm not really one for choosing the most traditional colors, so instead of having a red and green Christmas, mine was orange and blue! My cards were hand printed orange mittens, and I printed strips of white paper with the mitten pattern in orange and blue, to wrap around my white packages. Then I added tags with the same pattern, and various blue and orange ribbons (I especially like the blue/orange multi stripe ribbon) to complete the packages. I loved that they were fun, warm and unexpected (hmmm, and I'd like to think that description sounds quite a bit like me, too)!

Inspired: Snowflakes

I have always been enamored by snowflakes - they are a marvel to me - a lovely symmetry, complex yet simple. As is fitting for the season, I've been seeing them everywhere the recently, but not just literal snowflakes. These snowflake-like images bring back memories, not only of many delightful winter days, but of a favorite childhood toy - the Spirograph!

It all started with my daily peek at a favorite blog, Cafe Cartolina, where I saw this lovely jewelry from JenJewelry. Little pieces of wearable art, so much like the pieces created with a Spirograph - maybe even better... (just this jewelry addict's opinion). I wonder if Jen was inspired by the Spirograph when creating her amazing collection?

Then, a few days ago I was in Restoration Hardware, browsing through their novelties and toys, when I found the Hypotrochoid Art Set, in a little tin, so reminiscent of the original Spirograph! What a sweet creative outlet these would make.
And again, yesterday, as I browsed through the holiday issue of Martha Stewart Living, I found these beautiful lacy yarn pieces, created with a tool called the Knitwit. (Apparently it's been around since the '70's, and I believe it's the only craft I've never attempted - or even seen!). Martha shows examples made with some of the most beautiful yarns, and uses them to make pillow covers, embellish sweaters and more. So charming. (Add this to my list of crafts to try.) And it's all quite fitting, given that winter is arriving and snowflakes are flying, and very inspiring.

Hmmm, I am envisioning some spirograph inspired snowflakes in next year's collection.....

Happy Halloween!

I've always loved Halloween - the fabulous costumes, kitschy decorations, wonderful festive celebrations, the chocolate - what's not to love!

I especially adore the extra-creative handmade costumes (and, all modesty aside) I must admit I've won a few costume contests with my own hand made creations!

When I was a kid, I loved trick-or-treating, and in my town, so many people went over the top to welcome the trick-or-treaters - with costumed hosts, cider and donuts, spooky tunes and wild mazes to work your way through and earn your treats!

I don't get many trick-or-treaters, but I have pulled out my witches hat and cape, and have a bag of sweets and some little pumpkin badges ready for the little ones! Can't wait!

Happy Halloween!

Lovely Days

Every year I love the process of creating my calendar... each month different, including new designs and old favorites. I design some months with great ease, and others challenge me each year, which is all part of what I enjoy about creating the calendar. I think about all the joys that each month brings - the grand New England snowstorms, the first juicy strawberries of the season, wonderful seaside adventures - and translate those into my calendar.

In addition to a desk calendar, this year I designed a two wall calendars as well. These are hand block printed, and at 11x14" fit perfectly in a standard frame. I had great fun carving the much larger blocks needed to print these calendars, and I'm so happy with them that they'll surely be showing up on new products in the coming year (but you'll have to wait to hear more about that!).

Calendars will be available in my etsy shop and on my site in the coming weeks.

Hazy, Hot and Humid!

Despite being a beach lover, I am definitely not a lover of the hazy, hot and humid days that seem to fill the summer. The past few weeks have been sticky, so I've been hunkered down in the air conditioning, printing, and thinking cool thoughts. Here's a little peek at some of the "cool" designs I've been printing recently.

I'm loving the simplicity of these little snowy woodland creatures which are new to my collection this year.

Now, I don't want you to think I'm wishing summer away, but these do make me fondly remember the joys of a fresh (light!) snowfall.

Happy Birthday to.... me!

{oh, and honestly, I'm not the least bit crabby about it!}

Happy 4th of July!

Flags are being flown, familes and friends gathering, barbecues being prepared, and patriotic marches are booming along parade routes and in back yards (hmm, wonder where my CD of Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops playing patriotic tunes is?), and fireworks will fill the night. So many wonderful traditions!

It's a lovely day here in New England (ok, not the best, but after so many filled with clouds and rain, it's pretty darn good!) - the perfect day to celebrate our independence!

Happy 4th of July, friends!