If you have spied my Instagram stream lately (hint it’s on the lower right of this here blog) it has been a bit Frenchie heavy. I haven’t been out much and she’s a willing model, but only because she sleeps about 23 hours a day. Karm of Karmomo an incredibly talented illustrator and lettering artist noticed and illustrated this sweet illustration for us (myself and the Frenchie). Karm wrote that she just started her blog, which is always exciting for me, because even if you think there’s a zillion blogs in the world, the world could always use your unique voice and you sharing your unique talent. I know everyone has a talent (or two or more) and if you are willing to share it you can’t imagine what doors that could open for you.  You don’t need to start your own blog either but contact a blog/site you love and see if you can share. Just a thought…

I have been working on the digitizing your calligraphy/lettering screencast tutorial for you and now I need to edit it.  I am not in love with the quality of the screencast, it was recorded using Quicktime and I am hoping to learn how to edit in IMovie (I signed up for a 7 day free trial at Lynda.com).  I did look at Screenr which looked like it would be easy enough and better quality but I can’t get Java to download to my Mac, so frustrating, any suggestions for this or an alternate free screencast program? I would love to start doing more video tutorials for you and I know that the digitizing of your lettering has been so requested, I hope to have it to you by Thursday!

I just discovered Berin Made, I am loving the charming lettering, get ready to pin some pretty lettering inspiration and some sweet diy’s! I haven’t been doing any lettering myself lately because I can’t get the energy up to pull out the ink and nibs (and oh, yes sitting up for more than 15minutes at a time is a little difficult) but Erin Hung of Berin Made has me excited to pull out my sketch pad and pencils and just start playing again.

Craftsy is another on-line video crafty class resource (they have some cooking classes that look great) they are currently offering a deep discount on their classes.  I just noticed that they have a bunch of free mini classes too!  I think this free zipper class would be perfect for the newbie sewer.

On a super bright note I have started to feel so much better. I have started to walk, not very fast mind you (or very far) but that hasn’t stopped me from downloading a free pedometer app.  I am loving being able to keep track of my progress and it makes me feel like I have accomplished something each day.  If you aren’t sick and haven’t been moving your body lately, I highly recommend getting out and walking, it’s low impact but you will be amazed at the results. I have been able to walk over a mile a day and working on adding to that each day.  Of course, I wish I could do more and try something a little more exciting but baby steps.

Wishing you the start to a great week!

P.S. Do you have a unique talent/skill or tip you want to share here, send me an email!

Maybe it’s something in the air all these amazing talents willing to share their knowledge and expertise; whatever it is I am feeling so lucky and grateful, you? The sharing of knowledge and “secrets” seems to be more prevalent in the photography industry but I do hope other creative industries catch on and it becomes more and more accessible to learn from individuals that are at the top of their craft. I would put Meg Fish at the top of hers, she’s an amazing photographer specializing in pregnancy and baby. The light she captures is just so beautiful, soft and ethereal.  I love that her photos are never contrived and the tones are perfect for a baby–buttery soft and filled with love. When she mentioned she was coming out with a book, (soon to be series!), I knew that it was something that I must spread the word on. I have poured over the first one in the series–‘Portrait’ several times now.  I love that it is written in Meg’s voice, it’s as if she is there teaching you, it’s very easy to comprehend and I loved all her tips (especially her posing guide). You will need a basic knowledge of Photoshop to follow her very easy + effective editing steps and of course your camera. With her soft reassuring tone, I am sure you will be able to create some beautiful images of your own. It is geared towards newborns, but I am a fan of Meg’s photography in general and feel like the tips could translate to other subjects pretty seamlessly. If you are looking for a photo 101 course this is not your book, but if you are like me always looking to enhance your skills and learn from someone who’s work you admire than I think you will be thrilled to add this to your photography library!

P.S. She offers both a PDF version (for those that can’t wait) and a hardcopy, you can find it here.

P.P.S. Meg generously has put together a mini mag/tutorial called ‘Finding the light’ it’s free!

P.P.P. S. She also offers a template for baby’s first year photo book, which is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen!

I have some pretty lofty plans for the shop , even though they are temporarily on hold my enthusiasm can’t be dampened. A few months ago one of my suppliers developed an even better ink for fabric (and wood and clay, oh my!) I am always up for testing new products but I am super picky and not all new items get to come on board. This new ink delivered in spades! I am beyond impressed and couldn’t wait until it was available so I could offer it to my clients.  I love the current ink I carry (I think on fabric it gives a nice rustic/worn look) but this new ink works especially well on fabric as you can see from the before and after image above. The stamped impression is so nice, crisp and the color is so concentrated. A little tip here, no matter what ink you use you should put a piece of cardstock behind your fabric so the ink doesn’t bleed to the other side. If you want the stamped impression to last you need to set it with an iron on low heat (no steam). The only current drawback right now is the color options are limited and as mentioned it is concentrated so if you aren’t inking your stamps like I taught you, you could find yourself with an awful mess on your hands (literally). I’ve tried it on wood with great results (use a heat gun to set) and am anxious to try it on clay.  I know that the options of stamp ink can get confusing and the pigment inks I always carry are great for all sorts of uses (fabric included), but sometimes if you find something better it’s just too good not to share.

It’s been a little slow around here on my sofa, but I have tried not to be idle while trying to get myself through this odd time in my life. I have done a ton of research on line on anything and everything and have even taken some classes.  I am listing some of the places & things I have found along the way that I thought maybe you might be interested in as well!

Creative Bug is a destination to take all kinds of self-paced crafty classes via video by experts in their field/craft. They recently have made their classes available ala carte which means you don’t need to have a monthly subscription in order to partake in the fun. I took this jewelry class and want to take this one next. I also have hopes to one day break out my sewing machine again and this whole cloth quilt by Ana Maria Horner looks like a project even this sewing novice could tackle. Did I mention Heather Ross teaches a classes?! I love her to pieces and this sundress couldn’t be easier.

I haven’t been eating much but I have been gearing up for the day when I will be able to. I have been voraciously consuming food blogs and reading cookbooks. I ordered Meatless, Martha Stewart’s new vegetarian cook book. I love Martha but I admit that a lot of the recipes have multiple ingredients for one meal and a fair share are very caloric, so they will need to be adjusted accordingly. I don’t want to deter you, there are a ton of recipes to choose from, beautiful photographs (of course) and lot’s of recipes that look like total winners. On the opposite end of the spectrum I also purchased Homemade with Love by Jennifer Perillo, it is in the same vein as Jam it, Pickle it, Can it by Karen Solomon which is one of my favorite books for making almost any of the things you would normally buy off the shelf (like condiments or crackers) from scratch. I have just started flipping through Jennifer’s book and love the idea of her all-purpose baking mix which is the basis/shortcut to make everything from pancakes and waffles to muffins. The mix does include sugar, which I don’t really eat so I would like to see if this would work with a natural sugar substitute. I am up for experimentation though, I’ll keep you posted.

Some of the food blogs or blogs with a food category I have found that I have enjoyed are Skinny Taste, these mini omlettes look perfect for on-the-go breakfasts.  Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Wellness has some great plant based recipes and I have tried some modified versions of her smoothies with great results. One of my latest obsessions is The Chalkboard Mag by the Pressed Juicery, it’s not just food but great wellness tips on everything from food to cosmetics presented for the modern bohemian, it’s very well put together and a wealth of health information, check out their Guest Editors & Experts (very impressive!)

I know this a lot for today. I have also been researching budgeting/financial planning and even though it’s not the most exciting subject I will try to do a round-up next week of some resources I have found useful that might be of use to you as well.

Have a wonderful weekend!

photo & rosemary print by eva juliet