Through this GIANT door…
Beyond the tiny keyhole…
We saw stars…
During our trip to Europe we stepped inside a massive church and saw stars everywhere. I’m used to seeing five-pointed stars, but I’m clueless about these eight-pointed ones. Would anyone happen to know their significance? I’m considering doing a project using this form and it’s always good to learn about the background beforehand. Any thoughts…anyone?
This past weekend we finally made it to our getaway place in Kennebunk, Maine. It’s less than a two hour drive from where we live, but our schedules have been so busy that we haven’t been back since November. There’s so much about this place that I so deeply love…most of all, the beach. Even though it was really windy and cold outside, we headed straight for the shore as soon as we hit town.
To keep my feet warm I wore my trusty winter boots. And Brook stayed pretty toasty in her down jacket. However, after about ten minutes I wished that I had thought to wear a hat. Gloves would’ve been nice too (notice my hand in the photo, instinctively curled-up trying to avoid the cold air.)
However, despite the unpleasant cold we all had a great time together. Something about this place just feels good. I think it has a lot to do with the light and the way it hits the water and shimmers and dances through the waves. And the thrashing sound of the waves make me feel nervous and on edge, yet the powerful noise drowns out my mind chatter, somehow giving me a peaceful quiet. Then there’s the surprise element of finding treasure that makes me ridiculously giddy. Everywhere I look there are shells to admire, pick-up, bring home and make into jewelry or keepsakes. And the sky, I can’t not mention the glorious sky. It’s all so magical. It makes me feel so small, humbled, blessed… so happy to be alive.
And look at Mac. He might just be a dog, but he gets it. He gets why we love the beach so much. Every time we bring him with us he runs around like a lunatic full of joy, bliss…so happy to be alive.
Ah, Maine.
Jewelry and Valentines Day seem to go together hand in hand so I’ve been having fun making these bits of bling. Creating these tokens of love didn’t require spending lots of time or money. For instance, I purchased a small box full of 18 glittery red hearts for just $4. And most of the other components like the silver heart, black button, beads, etc. , are repurposed vintage finds. Taking scraps and turning them into something new and possibly even wearable…oh such bliss!
XXO – Happy Heart Day!
I’ve never been a big sports fan and neither is Bill really, so it’s ironic that thirteen years ago on Superbowl Sunday, Bill chose that particular day to pop the question, “will you marry me?” This big deal moment happened spontaneously and quietly for us. We were getting ready to head over to watch the game at a friend’s house. While casually chatting about this n’ that, Bill somehow got onto the more serious subjects of life, us, the future…and then seemingly out of nowhere he popped the question. There were no bells or whistles, no other distractions. It was just me and Bill in a quiet room, and it was perfect.
Ever since this moment I’ve become a devoted fan of Superbowl Sunday. Every year we watch the game together and year after year, I’ve enjoyed looking back at our quiet moment together – the day that changed our lives. Yesterday, to celebrate this anniversary Bill gave me a few sweet things. After being together for so many years he knows me well. He knows my addiction to chocolate and the ones that I particularly love most. He knows that I hate it when my hands get cold so he bought me these heart-shaped hand warmers. And he knows that I like simple black tees so he found this special one printed with “<3” (geek-speak for heart – a nod to his tech world.) I love how this heart symbol includes the number 3, my favorite!
This past week I haven’t been feeling well – it’s nothing serious, just a cold or possibly the flu. However, the stuffy-head symptoms (especially sinus migraines) can be tough to deal with. Most of the time I’m a happy person, but every now and then, when my body isn’t acting normally, I fall into a bit of a slump. Luckily for me, yesterday I received this unexpected package full of cheer from my friend Lisa. These little goodies instantly perked me up!
I met Lisa through blogland. Her simple and elegant style caught my eye, and the way she so artfully executes the smallest of details is flawless. Not only are these little packets gorgeous on their own, Lisa has filled each one with sweet smelling lavender. Just one whiff of this calming fragrance and I feel better already. Thanks to Lisa’s generous spirited offering, I’m off to a good start for the week.
In the current issue and second volume (Winter 2010) of GreenCraft there are some really great ideas. Towards the back of the magazine, there’s a super-creative project by Cynthia Shaffer that involves knitting mini-baskets using string from the inside of old baseballs (so cool!) And within the article “Grocery Bags: Artfully Altered”, I share a heart-shaped project that’s just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Here’s a simplified and mini version (roughly 6″ across) that I made using a brown paper lunch bag. I always have a stack of these inexpensive bags handy for all sorts of projects (and Brook’s school lunch!) To add a personal touch, tuck a sweet note inside (don’t forget to leave one of the top heart curves open/unsewn.)
It’s likely that by now most of you are familiar with Rebecca Sower’s efforts towards helping those in need. She is an amazing artist with a huge heart. To raise funds Rebecca has set up an Etsy shop, Haiti By Hand. In this shop there are many wonderful handcrafted items to choose from, and 100% of sales will go towards rebuilding efforts in Despinos, Haiti.
I recently made this necklace with a pretty pouch. Do you recognize the bracelet from my last post? Both are currently available at Haiti By Hand – I hope that you’ll stop by there to browse.
This past weekend I felt an urge to get in a jolt of color so I stopped over at Five Crows. This shop is chock full of handcrafted items from many local artists, myself included. Bill and Brook came along with me, which made this outing even more fun.
We started off the morning at Brook’s basketball game, after which we went for a hearty breakfast/lunch with my mother-in-law. Then we did one of Brook’s favorite activities (in the car, anyway – riding through the car wash) before heading to Five Crows to drop off some jewelry. After this we ran over to another shop to pick up some felting needles, then to a bakery (cupcake for Brook and a decadent slice of mocha cake for Bill and me to share.) We still had one more stop before going home – Bill needed to get his H1N1 shot (better late than never.) Brook and I hung out in the car together chatting while we waited for Bill.
On busy weekend days like this we try to make the most of our time together even if it’s spent driving around doing errands. During “car time” we have an opportunity to connect and to share whatever’s on our mind…so important don’t you think?
Before the weekend I made this bracelet. It’s not my usual thing to use bright colors but every now and then, this urge pops up , which is what led me to hop over to Five Crows in the first place. I think that I’ve been needing a break from the dull, darkness of winter and a shot of color could be the cure for now – something to hold me over until the vivid flowers and greenery return. It’s funny how when I get too much of the “white” wet stuff outside, I begin to gravitate towards using more color in my projects. I’m sure that come spring, I will long for my softer palette again.
You know how it is when you’re traveling…the eye captures every single detail that would normally be missed at home. For instance, while aimlessly walking around Europe we kept coming across the number three. Perhaps this is because I’m subconsciously always thinking about my family…our cozy little family of three. Whether I’m looking forward, down or just around, this number keeps popping into view. Is this luck or habit? Either way seeing this number makes me smile.
I love these unexpected moments of happy. And to keep the good thoughts going, I often use “3” in my projects.
Early last week before the Haiti earthquake devastation, I was sitting in my studio thinking about these words.
These specific words circulated around my mind as I was preparing to make a batch of cheerful charms to contribute to my friend Cheryl’s volunteer program to help the women and children at a local safe home. Cheryl was in the process of putting together a kit containing writing and art supplies for each of the thirty residents. These gifts are meant to encourage the women in this home to find and express their voice through writing – a possible therapeutic exercise in the healing process. As soon as Cheryl mentioned her plans for these little packages of hope, I felt compelled to contribute. Several years ago I started wearing necklaces with positive words and found that doing this one small thing helped me to gain a more positive perspective. Even though I know that my personal struggles might not be anywhere near what the women and children in this home have suffered through, I thought that it would be a good idea to share something that worked for me by making charms for these women. The charms, along with Cheryl’s other donations, are being completed today at an event at Brook’s school in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. The main focus of the event is on spreading the message of giving back.
While in the middle of making these charms, the shocking news of the earthquake in Haiti arrived… shaking me up…waking me up. When something as horrible as this happens, what can anyone really do? If we’re in a position to donate money, we can choose to help out this way. But judging by what I’ve been hearing in the dollars department, the billions needed seem so out of reach. This realization led me to feel helpless… powerless. What can anyone do to help when there’s such an overwhelming need? And physically going there to help out isn’t even an option (I’m not a trauma surgeon or a UN worker or…plus one could easily become part of the problem arriving without enough personal supplies like food, water, etc.) The only option is to leave it to the organizations that have the know-how and resources, but these organizations need money…doesn’t it feel like it always comes down to money?
After a couple of days wrestling with these questions and thoughts, it occurred to me that I could channel this frustration of not having billions of dollars to donate by trying to help out in other ways. For instance, I could continue to send smaller amounts of money to Haiti, and at the same time, I could focus more on directly contributing to causes closer to home. There are plenty of organizations practically in my backyard that are currently in serious need of assistance. I would like to believe that making an effort, any effort at all, could somehow make a difference in the end. The trick is getting more people involved right? Am I being naive or can we each make a difference a little bit at a time?