It's that time of year...

Here's to 26!

I am and always will be a November's Girl.

xoxo

CRAFT Flickr Pool

I recently stumbled across the CRAFT magazine flickr pool where anyone can upload photos of their own crafty wares, works in progress, or DIY ventures they just plain admire.

I had several photos that fit the criteria and uploaded away...so go check it out if you need some inspiration or want to upload some projects of your own that you're proud of. Rumor has it the elves behind the curtain over at CRAFT peruse the pool weekly and feature great new finds periodically on their blog.

I'm looking forward to regularly browsing this group's uploads!

Weekend Deals on Etsy!

If money's a little tight this holiday season or you just like to shop a good deal, hop on over to this Etsy article highlighting several shops that are having sales for the weekend. I curate and write this series each week for the Storque, Etsy's blog, and just know my momma would be proud (if anyone can sniff out a good deal, she's your woman)!

Look for it each weekend for exclusive promotions going on during those days. We've got an even bigger plan brewing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday so stay tuned...

Enjoy, xoxo

I need your help!

I saw this incredible "pocket light" on the ponoko blog and absolutely cannot find where to purchase it anywhere! I wanted to buy like 5 of them and give them as fun little extra gifts for the holidays, but I can't for the life of me find them. So, please help me find where I can buy these:



The designers are Hyun Jin Yoon & Eun Hak Lee. The pocket light is the size of a credit card and can fit in your wallet. It's so clever and I just cant stand the fact that I might not be able to find it. I must have one.

sniff, any ideas?

Baby shoes giveaway!

I made baby shoes! I've always admired handmade baby shoes and am an avid buyer of them on Etsy. I've also always secretly wanted to learn how to make some of my very own. Just like many "makers of things," I have piles and piles of fabric, trims, buttons, and odds and ends in my apartment. So I was able to put a few of them to good use. I just love these little shoes.
Since these were a practice pair and the stitching shows through a bit on the seams, I'm going to give them away to the first commenter that would really like to have them. Just leave me your email address and I'll get your contact info to send you your new baby shoes. They sure would make a great gift this holiday season for those of you that don't have little ones in your immediate lives.

Here's to learning new things and using what you've got around the house!

Study in Red

Ashley, a great friend, coworker, and photographer has been giving me both camera advice and teaching me little tips and tricks here and there. I don't think she'd mind me sharing this tip, so here goes:

To get a quirky and natural red glow just place your hand or finger over the flash on your camera while taking photos. I tried it out and here's what I came up with on my first try.




It's a great technique to use at night when a flash may be a little *too* harsh.

Clever, hey? Thanks Ashley!!

Business cards in a pinch

I had an event I needed to attend this weekend where my fork bracelets were on display and was completely out of my favorite moo cards that I use for my business cards. Since moo is located in the UK, I just scooped up a few different papers I've had laying around including menus I had from a french brasserie I used to work at. Then I cranked up my trusty old typewriter, shaped scissors and sewing machine. Finally, I just sewed all the components together with a simple stitch. Couldn't be simpler.

Each one is unique and I have a special spot in my heart for the ones where I actually messed up the typing.

Sometimes happy accidents can turn out better than one imagines. I have admit I like the look of these much better than my moo cards, but they are pretty labor intensive. It took me about 45 minutes to whip up 20 of them so they aren't really a cost effective tool for me at this time. But hey, what a great result when I was in a bind!

Here we are at the event, twas a fun evening for all.

Baby Update

This past weekend I went down to VA to help throw a baby shower for my sister. It was a swell time and I was finally able to give her the baby blanket I had been knitting for months. She got a lot of blankets...all so cute (I wouldn't have minded swiping one of them to be honest)...but I hope she'll be able to use this one and that maybe little Virginia Elizabeth will fancy it as well.
I love this shot of Teller cause it shows off her baby bump pretty well. We're just about 5 weeks away at this point. I can't wait to meet you and spoil you little Virginia!

xoxo

In the area?

If you're in the NYC area, come out this Saturday to the "Where I'm from Tour: Toronto meets New York." There will be live music and local artists (including yours truly) on display. It will be a great way to meet new people in the music and art field and I'm looking forward to it!

Details:

• November 8 ,2008
• Doors open at 10pm
• WHERE i AM FROM TOUR: TORONTO CANADA MEETS NEW YORK USA
• live at: SUPREME TRADING, 213 NORTH 8TH ST, BROOKLYN NY 11211
• RSVP no later than November 6th at toughdumplin.com for $5 Cover
  

See you there, xoxo

Ice Teeth?

As many of you know, I have a "thing" about teeth. Yeah, it's a little weird and quirky, but hey...so am I. So at the opening of Fred Flare the other night, I was delighted to find the above ice tray.
That's right, it's an ice tray in the shape of dentures or a whole row of teeth. I squealed inside at the thought of the next time my sweety comes up here and I plop one of these suckers in his scotch glass...but I guess I've gone a spoiled the surprise at this point. Oh well, it was worth it to be able to show you guys.
So yeah, I was pretty happy with this find. Check out Fred Flare online for some really clever and quirky gifts this season!

On a side note, I'm sitting here watching the results of the election as they are updated. I've always been one to stay up and watch the results. This year, I really felt proud to be an American with the ability to cast my vote. Here's to history in the making.