It's true. I can just tell.

Holiday Wishes...

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday filled with loved family members and treasured old friends, hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows, overflowing stockings and way too many orderves, snow days and functioning heaters, and new gloves and cashmere socks...or at least a few of the above. I for one had no homemade marshmallows or cashmere socks to speak of, but hey, a girl can dream can't she?

Anyhow, I just wanted to share a little hello and this adorable picture I found mingled in on facebook somewhere. I know my December blogging was a bit of a crap shoot on here. It's a crazy month for a card maker, but I'll be back in full swing this week. So, until Wednesday, stay warm and share all your love.

-Kate

Ring Ring, Ring Ring

I am so in love with this hilarious telephone from Vintage Marmalade. Okay, so it doesn't match a thing I own, but its just so wonderful and quirky. I swear I could design a whole room around it. I can picture it now, all white and mid-century modern with a few splashes of primary red here and there; just like a little peppermint candy. Ugh, love it!

A Fine Frenzy

I'm not really a huge Christmas music kind of gal. I find a good portion of it over the top and just plain over played, but all the same I thought I'd look for a non-cheesy holiday song to share for this morning's Monday movie. And when I stumbled across A Fine Frenzy I knew I had found myself a new musician to love. So, today I've grabbed two little movies for you. Granted, the first up isn't much of a movie; more like a song with a backdrop, but hey, it's a lovely song and if this is considered Christmas music then you can sign me up. Here's hoping you enjoy them both as much as I have this morning...





Good right? And can we just take a second to swoon over her cameo ring?! Love love it. I'll have to hunt down a cute one for myself on Etsy this week.

Wrap It Up...

It's been all snowy and blistery this week making it hard to get out and pick up the rest of my Christmas necessities. So, I've been focusing on all the little things I can do to be prepared for the big week while snugly tucked away inside: like making chocolate covered pretzels to go in those cute holiday gift tins - that is they will go in the gift tins when I get a chance to pick some up; pulling out all the decorations and twinkling lights that I could find to make my house bright enough to direct airline traffic; re-assembling the wreath I made last year after I found it smashed and crammed and all out of shape stuffed into a dark corner in the back of my attic - I swear I put it away last year with lots of love and care...really I swear! And, hands down, my favorite part of buying holiday gifts - wrapping them. I know a lot of people look to gift wrapping as a dreaded chore, but not me. Afterall, I do love a pretty bow.

So, today I've gathered a few of my favorite wrapping techniques to share with you. Hopefully, it will help generate some ideas of your own. Because, afterall, wrapping a gift in a proper box with holiday paper and a bow shows you spent time on it, put care into it, and the person lucky enough to open either that small secret Santa gift or a luxurious cashmere cardigan will feel quite loved and special...and isn't that what it's all about?

1. If you're getting a gift from me this year (or any year for that) chances are it's going to look like this. There is just something warm and familiar to me about gifts wrapped in kraft paper, topped with organic decorations like pine cones and branches and a little woodland inspired gift tag.

2. peony bow: A bow shaped like my favorite flower?! Seriously, do I even need to share anymore? And if the bow proves way too tricky for your little fingers then use some double sided tape and a real flower like shown here.

3. I've been dying to take a go at these fabric envelopes, but my sewing machine is on the fritz and really who has the time to hand stitch anything these days?

4. Love love this idea from Real Simple! Use your printer to decorate your own gift wrap with a special holiday message. Just be sure to wrap the paper on a bias to give it that fun look. Or try this adorable calendar wrap idea, shown above, that's along the same line.

5. Not good at tying bows? Grab some fat ribbon and knot it. It will look just as pretty and no one will be the wiser.

6. bowtie pasta bow: Wrapping a gift for the cook in the family? Add a little whimsy and grab some bowtie pasta and plain string from the kitchen cabinets and decorate away.

7. shopping bags re-purposed: Feel like being eco-friendly? Use your old plastic bags to wrap a present in a fresh way.

8. Use this tutorial and try your hand at making your own wrapping paper. Trust me its easier than you think.

Most importantly, just remember to have fun with it. Giving a gift can be so much more fun than receiving one.

wishing you all a warm and cozy weekend,
-Kate

Snowy Day Inspiration

I just love this picture. Isn't it adorable?! It remindes me of just how much love our holiday letters really do carry with them through the post. Plus, it's perfect for a day like today since it's such a bright and snowy afternoon here in Buffalo. Big fluffy snowflakes are falling outside my window and I almost wish I was sitting in one of my favorite coffee spots sipping hot cocoa with melted marshmallows and pretending to peruse an Art Voice while actually watching all the people hustle by with their heads down and hands snugly tucked away inside their pockets. But, then I remember that in order to get to that coffee shop I'd have to be one of those cold fast walking people. So...I think I'll make my own hot cocoa today.


image found here

The Dog Ate My Homework

Oh dear neglected blog I promise to never leave you again for quite so long. It's just that my laptop was out of commission. Which meant all of my pretty pictures and interesting links were as well and I didn't want to write a post about not being able to write a post. And then for the better half of last week I was so used to not writing and editing pictures for here that I seemed to forget how to budget my time accordingly. So, now here we are two weeks later and I'm all full of excuses.

I have learned a valuable lesson though about the importance of having a back-up. And I'll be looking into online bookmarking sites like tumblr and we heart it this weekend. If anyone has had any experiences with either one please send me an email or leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts. And I promise not to be a stranger again : )

lots of love - Kate


image found here

In The Works and On The Table...

Welcome back to the start of yet another work week! I hope everyone is coming back relaxed and refreshed. I ended up working through the weekend. So, for me, nothing seems much different. I've got a few custom orders in the works for this week (yay!) and I'm desperately searching for extra time to list some more holiday cards and tags before the end of Friday. Fingers crossed!

A Funky Kind of Love

Well, it has officially started. That cold Fall air has turned frigid and moved right inside my home. I swear I'm seconds away from wearing gloves inside! I thought these adorable fingerless Doubs Gloves by Free People would be perfect to give warmth and street cred. Plus, I could stay cozy and still be able to type and text! I'd say this pair is a good find.

I Have An Idea!

Recently, I've been finding that there are a few lovely blogs I just don't make time for anymore. That is to say I just don't have the time to read them. The online journals that I do get to enjoy are the ones that make several quick little posts throughout the day. And I think there is something to that. Those blogs with the little mini-posts, its not just that they fit into my schedule. It's that I find them more fun. They share a lovely image, new product, or idea but all at different times. Sometimes I go back later the same day to see what's new and other times I head over there later in the week and find a whole bunch of posts filled to the brim with eye candy just waiting there for me. Because they're not too lengthy I have time to read them all instead of feeling overwhelmed that I've missed too much.

So, I'd like to give it a try here today and see how it goes. For my regular readers out there I'd love to hear your take on which style of posting you prefer. I'm thinking that with the several mini posts I'd be able to share more throughout the week instead of just Monday, Wednesday, Friday. There are so many fun finds I stumble across every day, but if I don't have a lot to say about it it doesn't get shared. So, I think I'd like to change that - at least for a few days a week.

{image found here }

Don't Forget

I adore this ring - I mean I really adore this ring. Don't you just think its lovely? And if the holidays weren't coming up I'd probably treat myself to it today, but alas the non-selfish season is fast approaching and my sweet little forgot me knot ring will have to wait for me. Please... please wait for me.


{Don't Forget Wire Ring by Whimsy Wire and Wool}
p.s. - isn't that a great shop name?! I just love it.

I Want Homemade Goodies

There is just something special about giving a handmade gift for the holidays. It lets someone know that they are special; that they are thought of. But let's face it not all of us can knit a sweater, print our own cards, or whip up a batch of homemade peanut brittle. I for one have learned there are some things better left to the pros.

So this season I have vowed to celebrate a homemade Christmas without having to make a thing. And while, yes, I will be hand printing a few gifts here and there mostly I will be seeking out items made by others. This year Etsy is going to be my shinning beacon; guiding me to the handmade goodies. With so many talented and independent artisans and crafters to choose from the most difficult obstacle I fear I'll have to face is convincing myself to not buy everything! And today I'm diving deeper into my hunt with some homemade sweet treats that would make great hostess gifts or stocking stuffers for the holidays.

{clockwise from top left: chocolate covered pretzels, not your grandma's peanut brittle, chocolate and caramel covered apples, mint chocolate rice crispy squares, homemade maple marshmallows, pumpkin ginger sandwich cookies, peppermint bark, caramel popcorn}

I Want Candy

Ever wake up in the morning with a song in your head? Of course you do. We all do from time to time right? Although I do find it a bit odd since I spend most of my time not listening to music. I can't imagine how anything could find its way into my fresh out of R.E.M. subconsciousness. But, regardless of my frequent musical abstinence (which is due in part to a computer/itunes disaster that put me off reloading my music into my computer for a 3rd time rather than an aversion to stimulating sounds) I still wake up with a song in my head more days than not. Occasionally, I can even recall dreams where music was playing throughout the entire thing - anyhow, back to this morning.

Despite getting up an hour earlier, I feel rejuvenated and energetic and I believe its because I woke up singing this song. This song put such a smile on my face and is so rooted in my mind right now that I'm going to whip up a whole new I Want Wednesday post for later this afternoon because of it. Although, it could just be because I'm a sucker for sweets! Anyhow, enjoy your 80's flashback and the rest of your morning :) I'll see you later today with some yummy finds.

Waiting Is The Hardest Part...

Okay, okay I know I already talked about this film back over the summer, but its just so hard to wait for it to come out! Never in my life have I been more excited to see a film than I am to see this one. I have literally watched the trailer countless, countless times and I had to share it today for this morning's movie. I am not your typical Tim Burton fan. I mean, I didn't even bother to see Sweeney Todd despite the fact that I'm fond of the original play. But, this movie of Alice in Wonderland is based on one of the greatest books of all time - one of the truest, purest forms of story telling that I have ever read. It's a story for kids and adults alike. It's a tale that was meant to awaken a resting imagination and its one story, that I have always found, makes the colors of our world seem brighter.

While there have been several movie versions of the book made this trailer seems to nail it just right and I have high hopes for Tim Burton's interpretation. I do hope that many of you will find some time to carve out and read the book first (psst, or just borrow it from the library for free). Trust me its worth missing a few nights of Grey's Anatomy for. I for one plan on giving it another read before I see the movie in March - oh, March! Are you really that far away?

In the Works...

Some pictures of projects in the works. The ornament and ornate swirl Christmas tree images have already been burned into screens and will be released into the Birdcage Cards' shop this upcoming week. The birch trees you may already recognize from this card set. While, the flying birdcage (a possible new logo) and the bows I'm still playing with and have been on and off for a month now. I'm debating size, color, and whether or not some will have sketched tags hanging from them. I also have a few more cards coming out this week but those will have to be a surprise! I'll give you a hit think classic ladylike elements inspired by the John Dillinger film Public Enemies staring Johnny Depp and Marion Cotillard.

Feminine Frills

So, I promised some work in preview today and I plan to keep good on my word, but before I show you what I've been up to I thought I'd share some of the lovely things that inspired a new series of cards I've been working on with ultra feminine details.

Lately, I've been drawn to all things ladylike especially those that are a bit tousled. From bows on bracelets to ruffles in home decor if its frilly and feminine I'm all over it! Here are a few images from my inspiration folder:

{clockwise from top left: hinge cuff bow bracelet from Betsy Johnson, messy bow and rhinestone headband from BeSomethingNew, Halle leather flats from report footwear, rosette napkin rings from Martha Stewart, ruffled shower curtain from Target, bow tie napkin from Martha Stewart, pink and latte modern ruffle pillow covers from Hettle, barquentine skirt from Makool}

Emergency Broadcast

I interrupt your regularly scheduled I Want Wednesday post to bring you something I need - homemade chicken noodle soup like the one above made from this recipe. And quickly too! I've been attacked by a cold virus and I need some warm broth and a good night's sleep to set me right again.Then, by tomorrow when I'm feeling a little bit better (finger's crossed) I'll be needing this awesome soup and sandwich ceramic tray for one of my favorite comfort foods - a grilled cheese sandwich and a small bowl of some yummy tomato soup. Seeing as how I'm sick and all I'll probably want to eat it snuggled up on the couch and this way I won't have to manage a dangerous balancing act of soup bowl, sandwich plate, and what to do when I want to dunk. Cause we all want to dunk don't we? I mean, after all, that is the point of the tomato soup is it not?

Okay, okay I'm off to take my aching bones back to bed and on Friday I'll be sharing some sneak peaks of a few new projects in the works, aching bones or not!

Sailor's Delight

Hi and welcome back to the start of another work week! I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween weekend. I just love Halloween and this was such a good one for us here in Buffalo. There was a strong wind rustling the leaves about and the moon was quite large and luminous ; perfect for creating a spooky ambiance. Although, because we had over 150 trick or treaters at our house this year it meant it was a long time sitting outside on the front porch in the cold. And now, unfortunately, I've been feeling a little icky since Sunday with the sniffles in full effect. Oh well, I guess it comes with the territory of living in good old cold Buffalo. No use complaining, huh?


{Barn Owl print by Lucy Grossmith}

A Goody Bag For Grown-ups

Yay! I'm so excited because today is A.) Friday and B.) my free gift from Gemma Correll came in the post today along with a few extra little ditties tucked inside. A short while ago I won this giveaway over on Pikaland. The email I received that told me I was the big winner - well let's just say that it was one message I was truly ecstatic to find in my inbox. I have had such a great big artist crush on Gemma and her witty style for some time now. So, I am truly over the moon about my lovely new tote bag! Too bad I'm too old for trick or treating 'cause I'd love to stash loads of sweets inside it. And those few extra ditties I mentioned - two cute postcards of her work. I think they'll look lovely framed and hanging in my hallway.
Wishing you all a fun and safe Halloween weekend full of lovely surprises.

Back to School Decor

I don’t know about you but I loved school. And having finished college a few years ago I’m feeling a bit nostalgic for some school yard flair. Those plaid skirts I wore back elementary and junior high school were so sweet, but sadly my old jumper from 8th grade no longer fits (yes I did try, but in my defense it was for Halloween). I figure there has to be a grown up way to incorporate some classroom love back into my life. Here are a few favorite ideas I’ve picked up in my search…

{clockwise from top left: I have to have to have these memo pad dishes, inexpensive and stylish conceal wall book shelf, lovely screen printed Jane notebook that brings forward memories of Austen's finest work, SAT Math Concepts shower curtain for those looking to smarten up in the shower, canteen utility chair - a modern interpretation of a classroom staple, these Periodic Table of Sentiments note cards are the cutest idea! I'll have to snag a few for my stash, ultra cool porcelain salt and pepper shakers for a sleek table setting, and lastly, these library card bookplates are the perfect way to let any book borrower know exactly when and who to return that good book to}

More A+ finds:
- super cute hanging antique chalkboard for writing grocery lists, schedules, or a dinner menu
- try one of these mathematician keepsakes for a cute stocking stuffer
- looking to stash the clutter? these girly locker bins are fun youthful idea for storage
- practice your art skills by sketching these animal manikins; plus they'd look great on a bookshelf

Bust a Move

Okay, okay I admit this is a pretty cheesy video, but I can't help it! It's so dumb its funny. I'm a sucker for bad acting 80's movies with any kind of choreographed dance moves. And yes, the break dancing ones are the best. So this little video brings back all my latch key childhood memories of watching 80's movies replay over and over on HBO after school. And come on, are those Barbie shoes for Ken that those dancing digits are sporting?! You have to admit its at least a little bit entertaining...right?

So...Tailgates Are About Food or Football?

Good morning and welcome to all my new followers! I hope everyone had a nice weekend. I spent mine relaxing with family. I was lucky enough to have a super fun sleepover, with matching owl pajamas, and my niece on Saturday. And on Sunday, I went to a tailgate party to celebrate the engagement of one of my cousins. I'm not a football fan so I didn't know what to expect, but there was tons of yummy comfort food like mac'n cheese, chicken wings, and chocolate fondue for all sorts of sweets. Oh, and I should mention it was held here in a big opened up banquet room with a huge projection screen showing the Bills game. I swear the players looked as big as I imagine they are in real life! And the little thank you gifts were beer koozies in Bills colors with the couple's names and the date of upcoming wedding printed on them; so fun! All in all it was a very fun experience. I came home with a full tummy, tight jeans, and a re-affirmed love of a good beer.

image via Real Simple

p.s.- stay tuned for today's Monday Morning Movie. It's gonna be more of an afternoon matinee.

Bundled in Style...

With Fall in full swing it's not just the crisp cool air or the changing leaves and sprinkling of color on the roadways that has me excited. Despite my cold fingers, it's all the lovely ways to define my style while staying warm that keep me really happy. Here in, oh so cold and frigid, Buffalo, NY us natives spend most of the year in some kind of outerwear. Let's face it, I could wear cute clothes every day of the week and all anyone would ever see would be my winter coat! It's a well know fact that all you need to be styling in this town is a great coat and good haircut. And even though I've already snagged a fabulous military inspired A-line for the season I thought I'd share some sigh worthy styles for you ladies who've yet to find your perfect match.

{wool ribbon script coat in charcoal, double breasted A-line coat in boucle, Michelle wool coat in Cerise, Not just an amazing faux fur Bisous Stella Chubbie coat, but such incredible photo styling; don't you just want to breathe that kind of ladylike elegance?!, Sasha Coco Coat with a gorgeous scarf collar, Pita Coat in a multicolored knit}

{snug plaid wool coat, cute and cropped at the waist Genti blue jacket, Mulberry wool military coat, fur-trimmed twill coat, and last but certainly not least an adorable wool duffle coat in mustard that you may recognize from this week's Monday Morning Movie on Orla Kiely's new Fall line}

And for a chilly weekend, here's a few more cuties to browse:
- Rouge Plaid Ruffle Hem coat by Fred Flare
- Vintage 1960's Carpet Bagger coat
- Graphic Garland Amanda coat by Kate Spade
- Alford trench by twenty8twelve
- Song Bird coat by French Connection

Magically Disappearing Days

Yesterday, I took a trip over to one of my new (to me) favorite blogs Mint and found the start of new series called Howdy Do It. Both Ellie, of Mint, and Margot, of Pitch Design Union, teamed up to take turns on each other's blog each Monday and share useful tips, tricks, and short-cuts to help out independent designers working freelance and/or running their own businesses, like myself. I don't want to give too much away and re-cap their posts from this week. Afterall, I'm sure you'll want to read each one for yourself, but I gotta say I found solidarity in what these two smart cookies had to say. While reading Ellie's post, in particular, I found myself serveal times saying "wait a minute, did I write this?".

You know, working from home and on your own can be both exhilarating and terrifying. Especially, when that long list of to-do's is all up to you and you alone. My days start early. They end late. The breaks are few in between and still the time just seems to vanish. Poof! It’s gone. And it’s starting to make me a little nervous; like I’ve been busy working all day, but what did I really get done?! So many tasks take longer than I anticipate and time is a precious commodity in my world. So, Ellie suggested keeping a time log for one day just to keep track of where your time really goes. And the best part is that she has, oh so generously, shared some adorable pdf's to download and print out our own pretty logs. You know, something to entice us with.

I think its a great idea. The pdf's came out super cute. And I'm definitely going to give these time management sheets a try. I’m really looking forward to the continuation of this series, if for nothing else than to know that I'm not alone and that other empowered women are facing similar obstacles.

Walk This Way with Orla Kiely

Welcome back to the work week! I hope everyone had a nice and relaxing weekend. I know I did. Sunday I went from pajamas to shower to a new pair of pajamas. It was wonderful. I also stumbled into today's Monday Morning Movie, Orla Kiely's new video lookbook for Fall 2009. I instantly fell in love with it and knew I would have to share it right away.

Its just so fun and girly what with their long legs doing their silly moves. Plus, the clothes are gorgeous. They're kind of fresh faced schoolgirl meets tastefully sexy and super hip secretary. I mean really, I'd like one of each. And did you see that blue A-line coat with the fur collar?! Sigh...to die for - and I don't say that often. Go ahead, take a look and feel free to share your to die for favorite. I'm sure everyone will find something to love in this awesome mix.

Tell Me Your Secrets...

I don't freestyle with my word processor anymore. Since I started my blog I just don't seem to write for me anymore. I use my spare time for virtual hunting and pretend shopping. Which are two things I rarely, if ever, did before.
This morning I sat down for breakfast with my November issue of Real Simple to discover a great article where a handful of writers and photographers were asked to share their favorite time of day. I remembered at that moment that my favorite time had always been when I took a quite moment to journal - when I would dialogue with myself through pen and paper or buttons on a keyboard. You know, keeping a journal is like going to the therapist, seeing a new movie, and visiting with an old friend who always gives the best advice all rolled into one. It gives you a chance to process things that you normally would dismiss or flat out be too busy to notice. And it used to be a fundamental part of my week.

A friend of mine wondered the other day why I didn't do creative writing on my blog and suggested that it might be a fun idea for me to try. And I was left thinking - shit, I just don't write anymore - at all. When the hell did that happen? The journals I keep now have evolved into visual scrapbooks; full of doodles and pictures I've sketched in my free time. But, rarely do they house words.
You know maybe I gave up on it because I was sick of listening to myself over think things, but along the way I stopped thinking about anything that was personal, about anything intimate. So, no more neglecting myself and ignoring the things that need to be dealt with. From now on I am making an effort to listen to what I have to say. Will you do the same?


{all images by Kate Kane for Birdcage Cards}

I Want a Little Shimmer With My Wool...

With Fall officially underway and Winter close behind I've been scouring through the attic lately looking to dig out warmer duds. To be honest, while I'm ecstatic to see some favorite cardies I must admit that I've been wanting something new. And in my experience the best way to make old duds feel new again is to accessorize with fresh finds. So today I wanted to share a few things that are on my If I Had an Extra Million Dollars Lying Around That I Had to Spend on Myself List I would definitely buy...


llana ruffle leather flats via Report Footwear, layered rhinestone bird necklace via Betsy Johnson, large hanging bow earrings via Betsy Johnson, nested ring with diamonds via Vale Jewelry, Kenzie lock bracelet in black and white by CC Skye via esteffe

I'm Not Boasting, I'm Just Really Excited...

Just wanted to gush a bit today because I'm so excited to have been included by the ever talented Sam of inklore in one of her link:lore features! If you have a chance, when you head on over to read the interview, be sure to take some time to explore not just her lovely blog, but her amazing online shop too. It's full of gorgeous hand printed textile wares and accessories for yourself and your home. With the holidays just around the corner I plan on making a few virtual shopping trips there myself!

Monday Morning Movie: Vincent

Halloween is fast approaching and for those of you that don't already know it is one of my absolute favorite holidays. Caramel apples and crazy costumes, free candy and ding-dong-ditch, horror movies and, well...sleeping with a light on. Halloween is that one week in the year when, for some reason, all of America collectively decides to scare our children. Yeah, its great isn't it?

Anyhow, I was trying to save this mini-movie for the last week of the month, but, well excitement got the best of me. So, here's a tiny taste of Halloween fun to come, something a little dark and sinister.

Mixed Doily Minis

One of the best parts about being a stationery designer is that when you need something that can't easily be found you can just make it! So that's exactly what I did.

I took my favorite muted colors and my favorite current concept (paper doilies) and whipped up some small 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" folded note cards. I love mini note cards because they truly are the most versatile kind of stationery. You can slip the card in its envelope and tuck it inside a present as a lovely gift enclosure. You can punch a hole in one of the top corners, thread some ribbon through, and hang it from a bottle of wine as a gift tag. Or you can write a secret message inside and tuck it under a pillow, into a briefcase, or on top of a box of sweets! They're just so darned useful.

I send cards all the time through the mail when I can't be there to say something meaningful in person or when I need to tuck some cash inside in lieu of a gift. But, I mean think about it, when you're right there presenting the gift in person do you really need a $4.00 card to write three little lines in? Nope. All you need is a tiny little gift card where you can write "Happy Birthday" or "Congratulations! Love you tons" inside and be done with it. Honestly, it's my idea of the perfect arrangement.

And because these little guys are such a big hit every time I use them, because I know just how hard it is to find them, and because I know how useful they really are I decided to offer these Paper Doily Mini Note Cards paired with 6 very soft muted orange colored envelopes (not nearly as dark and vivid as shown in the pictures) in my shop. While you're there feel take some time to browse through and see what else is new. I've been quite the busy bee and I'm not even close to being done for the season!

I Heart Suspect Shoppe

I was browsing through paper n stitch this morning and stumbled across this lovely print from Suspect Shoppe. From the thoughtful color scheme to the whimsical concept it's really quite breathtaking. So, I immediately headed over to the artist, Mati Rose McDonough's, Etsy shop to see more of her amazing work.

The thing with art is, while you may be able to appreciate all of it, some of it just fits better than others. And the work of Mati Rose fits me like the perfect pair of worn in leather flats from jcrew. I would if I could buy one of everything, especially one of the prints of her collage birds or lucky elephants. Oh and how I'd love to get my hands on the original painting of slate junco. As you all know I'm a sucker for collage work.

So, while I'm turning over my couch cushions and counting the change from my piggy bank be sure to take some time and head on over to Suspect Shoppe. Its like walking through the most beautiful dream.

Forget Me Knot

I've got a to-do list the length of Mt. Kilimanjaro and that's just my one for Birdcage Cards! I've written everything down in hopes that it will help me better organize my time, but I fear that all I've done is waste a good twenty minutes writing it. Oh, and let's hope I haven't forgotten anything either! So, before I start to feel overwhelmed I will take a breath and remind myself of a promise I made not to long ago; to tackle each adventure one at a time and to always be mindful of the task at hand. Aahhhh, there I feel more in control already. Now wait, what was I supposed to be doing now?

image via krisatomic

Just Another Couple Of Bucks...

Check it out! My Buck It Up Note Card was featured in this fun deer centric treasury! Ahhh, a happy Saturday indeed. Head on over and check out all the other fun fawn themed items from my fellow Etsy artisans.

Wall Art

Stumbled upon this super cool wall vinyl the other day at PopWall. I was never big on wall decals before simply because I've always been afraid that I would waste my money by messing up on the placement. Stick, un-stick, unfortunately, no re-stick. But, this paper evolving into an origami bird decal literally had me saying "wow". If they're making wall vinyls this cool then I'm gonna have to suck up my fear, 'cause this bad boy is too awesome to pass up.

Oh, and I should mention, there are wall stickers that do re-stick. A few months ago I was lucky enough to win a giveaway from Mae over on the Yellowgoat blog. I snagged some amazing Babushka Doll fabric wall stickers for my niece and these bad boys stick, un-stick, and re-stick with ease. Its a great product and I'd highly recommend some for the little one(s) in your life.

Woodland Wonder

I've been fast and steadily working my way into Fall. And now that its cold both inside and out I keep wondering about all the little critters getting ready for winter; filled to the brim with busy work. So, while I snuggle up inside with two pairs of wool socks on (I'm plagued with the coldest feet in Buffalo) I thought I might take a virtual trip through the woods and see what everyone is up to...
It seems I'm not the only animal to think of layering up. Check out that Gentle Deer Man. He's got a scarf and everything! Oouuu, and it seems that the birds are already migrating south. And hey, look, those bunnies are on the run - headed for warmer weather I'm sure; flock purse and Jackrabbit Necklace. Ouch, looks like some deer met his untimely end. Did you see those Vintage Deer Antlers mounted on the wall? Yeesh. It's getting colder too. I probably should have dressed warmer like in this Plaid Flannel Bustier Top - cute right?! Talk about standing out from the boys. Maybe I should accessorize too, with a cute Brown Bear Brooch. What do you think, too much? Naw, just right. Afterall, when in Rome dress the part! Awww, look at this little leaping bunny nightlight. He jumped right over the moon! I didn't know they could jump that high. Did you? Oh, and this must be his friend Butterscotch Tweed Fox - wait. No time for introductions. I think I smell a fire. There, a cute little cabin in the woods! I wonder if anyone's home. I wonder if they have any mounted deer in there? I don't know its pretty cold out here though. Maybe I should just suck it up and go inside; Buck It Up Note Card.

Hello? Hello? Nope no one's home. Oouu, I love what they've done with the place. That knitted apple tree pillow looks so soft and cozy and I love that print, My, What A Big Heart You Have. And, that birch pendant light is just fantastic. Cabin in the woods or not I'd love to own that piece. You know, this place seems pretty authentic. They have an enchanted forest table set with maple seed pod napkins, and look, another cozy pillow. This one is a stitched applique pillow cover of an evergreen forest. I bet someone made that by hand. Sigh...this print, this one here is my favorite. I wish I had a cozy little acorn to call my very own; A Quiet Forest print. Must be a man and woman that live here because there are twig hair pins and log cuff links. I wonder if I snagged one of those hair pins if anyone would notice. Its just that my bangs won't grow out fast enough and I forgot to clip them back before I left the house and....hey, wait a minute that plaid bomber jacket looks pretty warm. That might come in handy on my walk back home-shhh! Someone's coming. Hide!

Too Cute For Words...

Oh, The Temptation from Steve V on Vimeo.

It's All About The Process

I love when writers and artists share their process. Afterall, what's that phrase? It's not where you end up but how you got there that matters. Its the journey, the discovery - that's the fun part. So, when I came across the preliminary sketches of, children's book author and illustrator, Madi's new book I'm A Little Bit Scared Of... you can imagine my excitement.

The book is amazing! I mean I adore mixed media in general, but her use of collage work in this children's book is just stunning. Here take a look and see what I mean...

Madi's use of fabric, paper, and original drawings all meld perfectly together to form a cohesive world for her characters. Speaking of, let's take a look at some of the behind the scenes work that Madi was kind enough to share on her fun website. As I browsed through, myself, I couldn't help but wonder what the weight of each page in her sketchbook must feel like; with all the layers of fabric and paper glued around and on top of her sketches. It's definitely one sketchbook that I wish I could finger through personally.

Finding Madi's website reminded me to enjoy the process. I'm always in such a rush to get the mundane things done and out of the way with that I often miss the beauty in them. So, this weekend I'm tasking all you fabulous ladies with a little challenge - try something new just to see what it feels like. If you always need music on when you clean the house, try it in silence instead; listen to the sounds of the activity at hand. Try a new food just to process the smell of it. Take the kids for a mystery ride just to enjoy getting them ready and loading up the car.

Whatever it is just be mindful of the process and enjoy the journey. Don't just rush and hurry up to get things over with so you can start the "fun" stuff. Life and everything in it is the fun stuff. Take the time to notice all the little things. Afterall, we only get this one chance, this one life to experience. So soak it up while you can and enjoy each and every moment. Besides, even if its painful or boring you're lucky to have it.