long weekend

Memorial Day weekend has always been a busy one in my family. I was born the day after, and wouldn't you know it, my other half was born on Memorial Day. Because of this it's always a bit of a two for one holiday,or now, a three for one. This was the first year that we hosted something and it was nice to have everyone there and to get to have it by the lake. We made a vegetarian version of this delicious sandwich. There were lots of leftovers to enjoy as well. Even though it sometimes stresses me out a little, I really thrive on planning these sorts of things. I especially love the details, like hording my used coffee cans to use for a centerpiece.The problem is I suffer from post even let-down. It always happens. After all the hustle and bustle and company, I'm always a little sad it's over.

So, today was rebound day. We took a crazily long walk for frozen custard happy hour. Mondays, 99 cent cones at Rosati's. That alone can cheer a girl up, but then there was this sale. Patterns were only 99 cents, and I thought I might randomly grab a skirt pattern or two. Then I spotted the Built By Wendy patterns. I thought that there was no way they were part of the sale. I really love them, but at $15 a piece and being a completely novice seamstress, I can't begin to justify it. So,I hesitatingly, took four to the front and wouldn't you know it...99 cents! Built By Wendy patterns for the price of a happy hour ice cream cone. Now I just need for my studio to not be 110 degrees right now...

let's swap

Have you signed up for the 5x7 swap yet? It's a good deadline enforced way to create something (and you get to receive something). Plus, this year it will be accompanied by a show. This is what I worked on last time:


You can sign up or get more information here.

a glint of goldfish

Well, they the new notecards are finally here. They're pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself. I'm off to update the shop for now...

finds on the line

It's been a long, hot, busy day, but I wanted to post some photos of my favorite finds from the thrift store this weekend. Here they all are drying on the clothesline. Oh, how I love hanging clothes on the line.Better yet, is how they smell when they come inside.

In the current issue of Martha Stewart Living
, there was a nice little tutorial for making a summer bag out of a lone pillowcase. I didn't have any orphaned ones around the house, so I was on the hunt when I was shopping. There were a few good contenders, but this was perfect:

I'm actually kind of glad that it was a loner at the store, because otherwise I would've have wanted to use them on a bed and not for the project. You can view the tutorial here.

Off for a late evening walk with my boy and my dog...

catch-up

This has been a pretty busy past few days, compounded by the fact that I apparently injured myself in a Pilates class. While I'm sure this is not all that uncommon, I still feel silly. It was serious enough that lifting an english muffin was painful. I think I'm on the mend now,thanks in part I'm sure to the coconut cream pie custard Devin brought me from Rosati's.
Friday I had a chance to see Art Spiegelman give a talk moderated by New York Times art critic, Michael Kimmelman.While, he didn't spend as much time on the Maus as I suspect many audience members would have liked, it was really interesting. He had a lot to say about the evolution of the comic book and the graphic novel and their place in the art world.

Best of all, it was a free event that even included a reception. It was held in Cleveland Public Theatre, which is a really great space. They did an amazing job doing a minimalist sort of renovation in a historic theatre. I'm looking forward to going to more events there.

The theatre is located in the Gordon Square Arts District. I like this neighborhood a lot, and it is really coming into it's own. They have the new Ecovillage, a national pilot project to create an ecologically sound neighborhood whose target area is the quarter mile surrounding the new RTA station.. And, finally, what all thriving neighborhoods need, particularly one with a theatre is a great coffee house.

We went to Gypsy Beans & Bakery, which doesn't just make an amazing Mexico City latte with chili and cinnamon, but is really a great community asset, supporting local businesses. Their website serves as a great link to the neighborhood.
We also had some weekend company and did a little shopping and thrifting, followed by a trip to Johnny Mango's to use Devin's birthday coupon.
Tomorrow, some of those thrift store finds.

busy, busy

Visits to mom, catching up on things around the house, and most importantly, working on new designs for cards have kept me busy around here. I hope to add the finishing touches to the card sets in the next day or two and have them up in the shop very soon. I'm really excited about them. More soon!

Happy Birthday, Ramona!