Knit me a log cabin...

Though it doesn't feel like winter here (freak heat wave!), most of you are probably reading this from cooler climes and will still appreciate the cozy-ness of this Anthropologie display... Some of
their displays are more standardized these days and perhaps your local store has something similar... But I figured this was worth sharing, regardless...)

What sweetness is this display? I couldn't fit the whole scene in my view, but you get the point. My whole heart warms looking at this scene.

Esmeralda designs

I've met the sweetest designers at the show these past few days. It may be a bead show, but there are so many fabulous designers and vendors... That I think the show name is a misnomer.

See here, a jewelry designer that I've met... Esmeralda Designs and her etsy shop...

She describes her artwork as "raw ethereal avant garde Eco metal works" - and yes, that is how I'd describe it. Looking at her rings, I was reminded of some of the things I would see in my summer of archeology in Israel. These rings are magnificent... They have words and meanings, ancient qualities and something new and fresh... Though modern is not the word. Ancient. Lovely.

I feel as if I put one of these rings on that it would make me feel transcendent to time. One can dream...

(oh, and her materials are recycled...)
Wow.

Flickr

hey friends.
I uploaded a ton to Flickr tonight. I've been signed up, but not really ever used it before...
are you all on it? do you use it?

Have I told you lately? (Dohippy)

Talking to people about my Dohippy bags always reminds me why I love them. I haven't yet been able to find a good way to demo online (I know, I need a video!)... how they work, but it's great to see people's eyes light up with surprise at how many ways one bag works. I always hear, "these are SO clever!" (at which point, I explain how I inherited the inventing gene from my dad...)
So here is my attempt at showing one bag, MANY ways. I really need to photograph these for etsy... I have a fabulous batch of about 30 right now...

I really love skirts...

Wearing this with my Out & About skirt today. I've been wanting to
make something like this for a while...

"The beauty nature creates"

I bought this ring from a lovely lovely man who sold it to me along with a free lecture on how God created a good world, filled with beauty that we were made to enjoy.
The ring is made of the tiniest slices of cross sections of shells, placed together with meticulous care and "love". I'm loving it's beauty, nature and RED!
And now every time I look at it, I am going to think of the sweet artist who points to the Greatest Artist.
(ps... He does not have a website, or I would post it...)

Good morning, Pasadena!

Here we go!
See HER (maybe, annabella?) new shirt?
I've got one, too...
I love skirts!

Pasadena Bead and Design Show

Well... at the last minute, I accepted an offer for a booth at the Pasadena Bead and Design show.
I have no idea what to expect - except that it's 4 days for me in a hotel ballroom with C-r-a-z-y carpet - WHO DESIGNS STUFF LIKE THAT? (oh, yeah. me a few years ago)

So, J and I cranked tonight- making cute backdrops, signs, and I even made some super cute t-shirts for me and my friend, the mannequin to wear... I'll send images of them tomorrow...
you'll love them.

which makes me think... I wonder what the mannequin's name should be? We call her "HER" around here, but after all these adventures together, I think she needs a name. Perhaps something like Penelope, or ... oh dear... it's really late, and I need to NOT be blogging about my mannequin's name at 1.20am.
goodnight..... see you tomorrow, with some fun photos to share.

more on that.... CPSIA information and petitions

--- here is a petition to sign if you are interested...

"CPSIA Impacts on Children's Apparel Industry"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA?e

and http://www.handmadetoyalliance.com

Have a latte. a really soft one.

I was fishing around on Facebook the other night and saw that one of my friends makes knitted food as toys. Seriously, the cutest stuff.  The sad part is that I found out because she is as concerned about the CSPCIA as I am. (Read the link to find out why I won't be able to sell baby slings, blankets, or baby skirts in less than a month unless something happens)

When I have more time, I can try to post about that...

but for now - I had to share the pieces that I commissioned from her. They are literally melting my heart... The mug is for me. The other is for a friend of mine who is a Starbucks RED CUP junkie. She has a stack of them at home that she uses for her own personal Starbucks-at-home lattes.  I felt she needed one of these and almost burst with excitement when I gave it to her. 

I think I might have overwhelmed her with my excitement - but I thought this was the funniest thing ever.  My kids are begging for lattes of their own.  Aren't you? 

(order them quickly, I think the CSPCIA gets enacted Jan 31. Which also means I may have to stop selling the spinny skirts and slings by then, as well - unless something happens)