the updated nursery

I just realized last night that a post I wrote last Monday about taking a blogging break to nest-up was never published, further proving the point that I needed to take said break. A friend of mine that was due to have her baby the day after me gave birth a week ago, which really made me feel like it was time to knock some things off my list while I still could. It was a good week.

I didn't really have to change that much in the nursery, all the bigger items stayed. It was fun to dress these shelves for a boy using stuff we had around the house already. That baseball mitt, I thought was my husband's, but he informed me it was from the 1940's or something like that and he couldn't remember how or when he got it. The chalk board belonged to his mom (it was a double hinged one that was falling apart.) You might notice it says "T" but don't start guessing yet, we really don't have a name picked out.

The tricycle photograph is by Sweet Eventide. It's in an Ikea Ribba frame, with a professional mat. The little bookshelves (inspired by this post) are Bevkam spice racks ($3.99 each) from Ikea. I used two here, one on the side of the glider and one on the changing table to house creams and wipes and such.

The bunting was left over from when this was my girl's nursery. I had to flip the pink/girly fabrics that were showing so that the assortment was more boyish. Ryan still thinks there's too many flowers on it but oh well. My mom helped me make the shades out of some sheets we were using in the former guest room. They're the "Max" pattern from Serena and Lily. She made the crib skirt out of the same material.

It's a bit hard to see the mobile in any of these photos, here's a closer shot. The wooden nursery rhyme-themed pieces were part of my baby mobile from the '70's. I updated it with a new, more modern mobile base.

The egg lamp was my biggest purchase for the room. It's more of a nightlight and casts a dreamy glow over the room at night.

The spice rack again, attached to the changing table.

I used a lot of art in the room from the Art Wall website. This little assortment features the other half of my MIL's chalk board, dressed with one of the nursery rhyme mobile parts and Shanna Murray's words. Next to that is an original by Papersparrow. There are two prints in the nursery by Gretchenmist. The photo is a limited edition metallic print by Jen Zahigian of Roadside Photographs. I made the embroidery piece with a sample Hable fabric.

The second Gretchenmist print connects the two little art clusters nicely. The "Small Mighty" photograph is the second Sweet Eventide piece in the room. The tree stump piece is a Gocco print by The Littlest Flower. The banana pinewood derby was made by my husband as a kid. I'm not sure who took the photo, someone with a nice lens (thank you.) The second embroidery piece/clock was also made by me. Most of the artwork was mounted using a Xyron onto wood painting panels, an easy and inexpensive option for framing. Tutorial to follow.

pining four: nursery re-do items

One thing that's really helping me get in the mood to birth this little boy is prepping his nursery. I must admit, I enjoy the girlie frillies and pretties a little more, but it's still been fun to make the room just right for this little mister.

Clockwise:

1) I think this star egg nightlight from J. Schatz would look perfect in the boy's room. (found via cup of jo)

2) This mounted original from papersparrow is around the same price I'd pay for a print plus a frame, a great deal at $50.00, and it's sooo sweet. See papersparrow's other originals here.

3) I'm not sure who the bla bla dolls are really for: me or the kiddos. I just think they are irresistible.

4) I used these for my girl and they worked perfectly. I used the smallest one for her care kit, the largest one to keep a year+ worth of cards and the middle one for incidentals.

my top 12 etsy purchases to date

I was looking through the "purchases" section of my Etsy this weekend and realized that so many of the purchases I had made over the past few years were still making me happy every day. It was really hard to narrow it down but here's a list of my very favorite 12:

1) Seeing these in the nursery every day is like having a may pole or a carosel in the room, how could they not make me happy? $36.00 MyFavouriteDress

2) This guy is just so cheery and cute. Whenever I find him in the toy basket I grab him out and stick him on a shelf or stool, he deserves a showcase, don't you think? $30.00 Buttercupbloom

3) I picked these as part of my top 12 simply because I had been searching for them for so long. The $20 price tag didn't hurt, either. I painted them turquoise and hung them in my kitchen. PattisPolkaDots.

4) $30 for a giant, hand-letterpressed perfect sentiment. I own this in grey and yellow. Hijirik

5) A larger scale Alicia Bock print, perfect for my porthole frame. $50 AliciaBock

6) I know I should stick this in my daughter's room, but I'm keeping it for myself for now. $46 Neawear.

7) This sweet little bird is on display in my girl's room. Her bonnet is made of tissue paper. $25, KidsHaus

8) Can you tell I love to decorate kids' rooms? This is also a great new-baby gift, from Emilie Friday, $32.00.

9) Michele Maule is definitely a favorite, I have her Seven Wishes Screenprint ($15) and ...

10)...original mixed-media painting ($125). They're both in my entryway art wall.

11) This is one of my most recent purchases. The colors of the screenprinted hearts on this napkin are so unusual and bright, and the linen is so pretty. I'm a little sad that it's sitting in a drawer, waiting to be used for a dinner roll basket. I may need to get the tea towel and put it out on display. $14 lineacarta

12) I own two very similar original paintings by this artist and have them hanging together. $75 JKirchgraber. It looks like I've been his only customer.

So, what have been your top 12 purchases to date?

shop love, heartfish press

Where has this week gone? Although I haven't posted on this little blog all week, It's been a really productive one for me. Tons of things crossed off the list, including lots of business planning for 2011...more to come on that later. For now, I have to share these pretty pictures sent to me by Hijiri Shepherd of Heartfish Press. She's got a new spot online for her blog and retail shop, just in time for Valentine's Day.

I personally own 2 of Hijirik's Live What You Love posters. Two? Because I couldn't choose between the grey and the yellow. I'm fixing up my sewing/office space over the next week or so and plan to incorporate one of them, or perhaps both. The two together might look really super.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend! My husband and I are going to dinner tonight and cashing in on a couple's massage Groupon tomorrow. My neighborhood's winterfest is also tomorrow, although it's so cold, I'm not sure how long we will be able to brave the elements. I also plan to see Black Swan with one of my favorite girls ever. Cheers.

merry christmas

I hope you are having the merriest of Christmases. As I write this, my mom, dad, husband, kid and dog are all passed out for mid-day naps (post-pie.)

My favorite part of the season has been preparing for my girl's big day. Her 3rd Christmas on this earth (the 4th if you include the one where she was in my tummy) and she finally gets it. She loves her new doll baby. The way she puts it to bed with blankets, pillows, lullabies and rocking makes me feel like I must be doing something right. She could care less about the dress I made it but that's okay. That was more for me, anyway...I'm learning that a lot of things are. Now I know why my mother always wanted to get us Madame Alexander dolls when we wanted Barbies.

Isn't this image sweet? The super-talented Nancy Julson-Rieley sent it. It's an illustration she drew from a newspaper clipping of her Mother-in-Law from when she was "Miss Snowmobile '69/70." This spunky lady sadly lost her battle with ovarian cancer earlier this year. Nancy thought this vintage rendition of her would be the perfect one to feature for her holiday message this year. One moment captured in time and I can tell so much about about her. How could it not spread holiday cheer?

Merry Christmas to you and everyone in your life: past and present.

start with art, inspiration: khristian a howell's "le grand roue"

This bedroom is inspired by Khristian A. Howell's: Le Grand Roue, 20x30", $65.00. I thought it would be very romantic in the bedroom and of course I picked the largest "statement" size. If you're into something smaller, there are 3 different sizes available.

I found a beautiful headboard (#1, $750) upholstered in vintage fabric from Spruce Home in Austin on Etsy and went from there. The vibe is french industrial. It could be for a fashion-y lady but is also just masculine enough for a young couple, maybe newlyweds. The lamps (#2, $149 each) are tiled capiz from West Elm. I thought they were the perfect size. The bedding (#3 $150/set) is simple all white, and also from West Elm. The dresser (#4, $300) is from Etsy seller Painted Patina. It's a larger piece and could be used for both husband and wife. The bedside tables (#5, $168 each) are from Urban Outfitters. I love that they have wheels, and lock in place. I have always wanted a pair of upholstered benches at the foot of my bed. These X-base stools (#6, $299 each) from Wisteria in grey would be a perfect graphic statement against the white bedding. Grand total for this romantic bedroom: $2,497--including the artwork.

New work from Depuis

There's nothing that can cheer me up more on a cold gloomy day than looking at photographs of places I'd rather be.

Coney Island, 12x18" $59.00

Greetings from Nowhere Large Giclee Print, 23x17" $85.00

Ride the sky, 12x18" $59.00

Mina Georgescu of Depuis has posted some new pieces to her shop which are taking the place of my "happy lights" today. Each of these new pieces has its own unique vintage look and feel, and would make a perfect "home" gift, if even to yourself, your honey or your little one this year. Which is your favorite?

new work by corella illustration

New for the season, five new pieces by Corella Illustration. These characters have serious soul, don't you think?

1) Sid Loves His Flanel Shirt, $20.00

2) Polar Bears Love Flanel Shirts, $20.00

3) My Blue Owl, $15.00

4) A Hedgehog in Our Flowers, $15.00

5) Wolves Love Winter Hats, $10.00

new original work from annamaria potamiti

If you remember the past work of Annamaria Potamiti, and her work displayed in Art Walls's Bedroom you will notice a sharp change in her voice between the former and the new. As Annamaria puts it in her blog: "I had this really strong urge to pick up my brushes and just paint everything in my home. I felt my work was becoming very graphic and I missed the sensous way in which an oil painter engaged in their subject matter."

Annamaria goes on to say that immersing herself in oil painting again was "awkward" from the beginning... "strange and totally gratifying, like eating big chocolate bars all day!" I say, if the voice in your head starts to change it's tune, it's time to listen to it. Congratulations on all your great new pieces, Annamaria. They're beautiful!

meet art wall artist: silvana ferreira of leefee studio

Silvana Ferreira of Leefee Studio is the creative behind the lens of these worldly photos. Armed with multiple cameras and a passion for simple beauties, she's managed to emit a tone of love for the quiet adventure - until now, I didn't realize such a thing existed.

(AW) Have you always been a photographer?

(SF) I've always been very observant, curious about the world and fascinated with light - traits I think all photographers (and most creative folk) share but I didn't start getting into photography in earnest until a couple of years ago. I have been all over the map when it comes to choosing a profession and always felt that it was unfair to be asked to pick one thing to do. As a teen, I wanted to be everything from a game ranger to an illustrator, and even actress! I then developed a fascination for film and was determined to produce features for children like The Neverending Story or land a job with Jim Henson. I went to film school and it was there that I discovered how much I loved the still image. I took a few photography courses and really enjoyed the darkroom process. I would be giddy waiting for my image to develop. Film has a special quality that I still love today. Then came a big dose of reality and practical thinking and although I continued to shoot casually, it would be years before I really returned to photography and started using some of my graphic design training (yes, I did that, too - told you I was all over the map) for processing my images. I still struggle with the title "photographer" and I'm not sure I deserve it yet. I learn something new every day and above all else, it is a part of my life that brings me joy.

(AW) Could you talk a bit about your process?

(SF) I typically have my camera handy wherever I go and am always scanning my environment for a great subject or vantage point. Lately I can be found carrying several cameras in a homemade camera bag of sorts. I like to have my digital SLR, Polaroid SX-70 and my Yashica Mat 124G with me. It's a shoulder killer! I don't usually plan what I'll be shooting and rarely shoot indoors. I never use a flash and typically shoot in the early morning, late afternoon, on cloudy days or in the shade. I rarely leave an image the way it is straight out of the camera. I always make minor tweaks and often more extensive post-processing to my photographs on my trusty Mac. I have been known to play with an image for hours. My husband occasionally hears me squealing in my office when I achieve an effect I love.

(AW) Where do you like to create?

(SF) I'm very fortunate to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I can easily access a plethora of interesting subjects from my home base in a sleepy coastal town. I'm also incredibly "shutter happy" when I travel. There's so much to discover. I still maintain that it is nearly impossible to take a bad photograph in Paris. I like to think that 60% of the creativity involved in my photography happens in the editing process. My true creative space is my little office. It's bright and airy with a peekaboo ocean view. I have my computer desk on one side of the room and a craft table with art supplies on the other. There's an inspiration board filled with eye candy on one wall and loads of books around me. My little fox (rescue mutt and great friend), Mina, is usually napping in her bed in the corner. I drink lots of tea all day. The room is really a pleasure. I'm so grateful for this little oasis.

(AW) It sounds like the perfect room for art-making - especially with Mina there, who sounds open to collaboration. What fascinates you about nature?

(SF) I once had a boss who used to say to know-it-all or completely disoriented people, "Now - I'm gonna bring you back" (waving his finger in front of him) and proceed to explain the reality of the situation to them. ;) Nature does this for me. It "brings me back" - it's the great equalizer and it reminds methat I am a tiny part of a much larger thing and I need to respect it. I think I show a reverence for the earth in my work. Nature also has a soothing effect on me. People are complicated, interesting creatures (I love documentary photography) but I frequently choose to omit human subjects in my work. This choice creates a sense of quiet serenity that I strive for.

(AW) Who inspires you to make your work?

(SF) I'm easily fascinated and I think a natural curiosity about lie and appreciation for simple pleasures makes a very inspired (and grateful!) person. It took me too long to figure this out. My work is certainly inspired by other photographers. Flickr is such an amazing place; I've found so many wonderful talents there; they influence my work and motivate me to improve. There are several classic photographers I love: Tina Modotti, Dorothea Lange, and Imogen Cunningham, to name a few. Etsy faves like Alicia Bock and Irene Suchocki are so inspirational in their runaway success as self-taught artists. More than anything, though, nature with its abundance of color, pattern, texture and light is my exquisite muse.

(AW) That is quite the list of remarkable ladies. Dorothea Lange was one of my first heroines, and all the others are certainly worth a deep look of their own. Thanks for stopping in today, Silvana.

Silvana's photos, "Bright Stars" and "Rosettes in Green," are hanging in the Porch on Art Wall. For a peep at her portfolio, stop by her website. Should you happen to fall in love (as we have), her Etsy shop is full of prints. And for "onlookers seeking calming distraction" - all of us, yes? - her blog is a lovely place to visit.

meet art wall artist: rachael taylor of rachael taylor designs

Rachael Taylor of Rachael Taylor Designs has laced together a flowery style with colors and textures sure to spoil us all. She's hand-drawn and designed all of her patterns from her studio in the U.K. The patterns can be found on lamp shades, wrapping paper, cards, bags, home-goods, clothing and wrapped canvas. Today Rachael will share a little on process.

(AW) How long have you been in design?

(RT) I graduated with a BA honors degree in Textile and Fashion Design in 2005, and I have always loved art and design since a young age. I've always been a very creative person.

(AW) What makes a successful design, in your eyes?

(RT) Originality - something that's a bit different and less ordered. I appreciate it when the designer's passion and personality come through in a piece. Designs that are a bit more experimental and less commercial always appeal to me more. I love color! A striking palette can really grab me instantly.

(AW) To what extent does photography play a roll in your work?

(RT) I've always worked as a surface designer since leaving UNI. However, in the last two years I've really developed and gained more confidence in myself and trusted my instincts more. I studied art in college and that path seemed to naturally progress for me. I also love drama and dance, and anything that involves creativity.

(AW) What's your take on marketing versus making?

(RT) You definitely have to get the balance right between the designing/making and the marketing. Marketing really does work, if you have worked on something you're proud of, you need to get it out there and spread the word. So others can appreciate it, I've generated a few new clients from just people following me on Twitter, etc. I also love the honesty that people give you, as really you are putting your work out there to be judged, which is a bit intimidating, but if you receive genuine great feedback, it makes you realize that there's a market for you. I'm genuinely flattered every time I receive any nice comments. Marketing can distract from the designing, so you have to get a plan that works for you. I set myself weekly goals that are achievable.

(AW) Yes - the "weekly goal" seems to be my ticket to creativity this summer - working full time tends to take from my creativity, but I want to keep making things. What inspires you to make your work?

(RT) Anything goes with my work. I try to let things just come to me naturally. I go out walking with my camera, then sit and draw in my sketchbook for days. I try not to restrict myself in any way. Half the time it depends on what mood I'm in, and music really influences my work. I have my music playing really loud and generally just get doodling and see what happens.

(AW) And your routine seems to be liberating some wonderful ideas after all! Thanks for stopping in Rachael.

Rachael's prints, "Layered Foliage and Leaves" and "50's Inspired Quirky Print," are in the Porch on Art Wall. Stop by her Etsy shop for more prints and the like, and take a peep at her blog for some cheerful imagery and updates.

tuesday's top 12: hot air balloon

This week's top 12 is inspired by a sweet summer memory from my childhood. Every year around the 4th of July it was a special treat to see the "Garcia's Pizza Hot Air Balloon" flying high above my hometown: the original flying tomato. Here's my list of top 12 hot air balloon inspired finds inspired by that memory:

1) Royal Aero Model Balloon. So cute in the corner of a nursery or screened porch.

2) Wish Lanterns. I saw these in real-life this weekend at my brother-in-law's wedding. So, so beautiful.

3) Original Goodbye ACEO, $35.00, PainterNik

4) Hot Air Balloon Limited Edition Screen Print, $40.00, Jen Skelley

5) Original Mixed Media Painting on Vintage Bubble Oval Frame, $250.00, LuciaJohnson

6) Hot Air Balloon "Hello" Cards, set of 4, $6.00, paperinstyle

7) Handmade Tile Coaster Set, $13.00, littlecoastergnome

8) Balloon and Flowers Art Card, $1.50, twoguitars

9) Hot Air Balloon Screenprint, $20.00, bangbangyourethread

10) Pink Roses, Giraffe and Hot Air Balloon Print, $10.00, BlackBaroque

11) Fly Away With Me Card, $5.50, bybelinda

12) Hot Air Balloon Invitation, $1.50, SpillingBeans

leefee photography giveaway on her blog

Silvania from Leefee Photography has graciously decided to donate the profits of her shop sales over the next few weeks to organizations that are helping with the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. To kick-off this fundraiser, Silvania is also giving away a set of four 5x5" prints or two 8x8" prints. To enter, go to Leefee Photography on Etsy and note the name of one piece you love, then go to the Leefee blog and leave a comment on this post with the name of the print and why that piece speaks to you. Comments will be taken through July 9th and the winner announced on July 12th. Good luck!