A Closer Look at Ottoman

sword + fern

The last time I was in Portland (earlier this summer), I dropped off a small package to a wee shop that has the feel somewhere between a natural history museum and the squirreled-away collection (*treasure*) of a creature of the forest (therefore, either we shrink upon entrance, or the contents grow to our size). The shop is sword + fern, and the forest creature whose collection you will discover upon entrance is Emily Baker. Even though it's a small shop (and to it's benefit), one could spend hours pouring over the incredible contents.

What was inside the small package I dropped off is now on display (and for sale!) here...

(image from sword + fern)

(image from sword + fern)

Anything look familiar? If I've whet your appetite for more, here are the latest arrivals...better yet, if you are in the Portland area, or plan to visit soon...stop by and tell Emily "hi" for me.

 

Wildflowers

It's been a cold, gray, and wet spring...but the flowers still bloomed.

These, what I believe to be, wild irises come in white/purple and yellow/purple. You may notice the ever-present blackberry seedlings that constantly have to be mowed.

This white and purple furry little fellow is intriguing and I'm not sure what it is.

I'm sure there are more types of flowers in bloom right now, this is just what I saw in one stroll outside. I know there are some wild strawberries that bloom as well; I have yet to find a strawberry on one of the plants...methinks they are eaten rather quickly by the wild creatures around these parts.

Today is truly sunny, one of the few days that has been so this spring. On Sunday, we had a really intense thunderstorm (for Oregon) with an incredible, yet brief, downpour.

I actually enjoy thunderstorms, but was a bit concerned about my succulents again, as they got more rain. I plan to investigate how they are doing with all the rain they've been receiving...to see if any have simply gotten too much and have perished. Oh, I do hope not!  I have been pretty busy and haven't checked on them every day. I'm sure the ones who have weathered the weather are enjoying the sun.

Oh! and I failed to mention that the darling Kristal of rikrak included me in an Etsy blog article on collecting (pincushions). You can read the article here. Thank you, Kristal!

 

Stacking Rings

Well, we're home from our trip and I'm adjusting to life as usual. It was wonderful to see family. I was hoping for the Southern California sun, but brought the Oregon rain with me...poo.

So, I've been thinking about stacking rings lately, I'm sure I'm not the only one. I love the idea of mixing and matching and that a collection can be added to and edited over time. Here's a few of my current favorites.

(above image - Satomi Kawakita Jewelry)

I love the scalloped edge on this Satomi Kawakita ring. It's simple and comes in silver or gold (I prefer silver in rings). I think this would make a nice period at the end of a sentence with the scalloped edge only on one side (or one on each end!). By the way, you can head over to the unruly things blog and see the maker of this ring with loads of stacked rings on her own fingers!

(above image - Macha Jewelry)

I love the Macha Jewelry Etsy shop...there's loads of great rings...this Tiny Stud Ring silver is just one of them.

(above image - Julie Nolan Jewelry)

This Brass Twig Ring (I like the brass as an alternative to gold and that it's an unusual metal for a ring) is made from a mold of a real twig. I love the texture.

 (above image - Dreams and Jewelry)

Again, I'm drawn to texture...and this ring is made from recycled silver (and if you love that as I do, you can do a search on Etsy for "recycled silver ring" or gold for that matter). This ring is entitled stardust oxidized signet ring...subtly beautiful.

On another note, the lovely ladies over at Etsy Stalker featured one of my Moss for your Wall pieces...head on over to check it out. Thank you Beatrice and Violet!

Oh yeah...and yay...the sun is out!

Lichen and Moss In Situ

I found a couple of my pieces in use at their new homes recently...where they should be. I think they look quite happy.

Up first in the home of Becky, aka sweetie pie press:

A Lichen Lavender Pincushion...on the right side of this lovely decorated mantle (follow the line of the garland to the right). Psst...I have just one more Lichen Pincushion as well as other clearance items here.

Becky's work, including the silhouettes above the mantle can be found here.

Next, a Moss Jar in the studio of Jessica, aka Minature Rhino:

It's right there to the left of the Messages in a Bottle Jessica has lined up.

You can find Jessica's work including those lovely Messages in a Bottle here.

Thank you ladies, you brought a little sun to my (literally) rainy day.

A Great Group

I found myself in a wonderful treasury just now...lots of favorites here and some new ones too.

You should be able to click on the image to make it larger if you'd like to look any of these up.

Also, I found this via this post yesterday....I've been seeing this shop's work here and there and I'm glad I now know where they came from.

Yipee...tomorrow's Friday!

Blooming While Snowing

It's snowing as I write. The flakes are small and few and seem to be falling in slow motion. It is helping a bit in this weather that my Christmas Cactus is blooming.

I think I'd like to get a couple more of these in different colors, maybe a fuchsia and a white one.

I've never forced bulbs in the winter. Have you? Which one(s)? I think it's a wonderful reminder of growth when growth is halted outside...even in green Oregon.

On the topic of plants, I've listed a set of four plastic flower frogs in my shop. They aren't new, but I'm not sure if they are vintage...so I've listed them simply as a supply. I think they work nicely to hold name cards at the holiday table. Thanksgiving is in two days...I hope you have a lovely meal.

Here's the flower frogs...

Also, A big thank you to the rikrak studio for this feature. A post inspired by tatting.

Stay warm and cozy today...and if you're someplace warm...send me warm thoughts.

More Gift Tags

I did a bit of a listing marathon on Etsy yesterday of more gift tags. Here's the results (Oh dear, have I been listening to too much election coverage, or what?)...

For You - gift tags (set of 20)

I made larger quantities of the gift tag sets (with a discount for the larger amount too)...just in time for the holidays...but, heck, they can be used any time of year and for any occassion!

Personalized Gift Tags (set of 20)

Make Your 20 Gift Tags Double-sided

The above is an add-on for 20 gift tags to be printed on the reverse...perhaps for a secret message...and customizeable.

To and From Gift Tags (10 of each)

These To/From tags are a quantity of 20 (10 each of TO and FROM)...with plenty of room to write a name yourself.

To and From Gift Tags (20 of each)

Yes, the above listing has a total of 40 tags, again 20 of each. All of these tags are dyed with tea, are made from scrap fine paper, and have an iridescent layer on them (red, yellow or blue...chosen randomly...unless your wee heart cannot live without a certain color). The TO gift tag in the above photo is with the blue iridescent layer and the FROM, red.

Also, I want to write a little thank you to marinatea84 for making such a lovely treasury with myself included that made the front page of Etsy yesterday.

And, a thank you to Meredith for including me in this blog post.

Happy Wednesday!

 

Front Page by Odette New York

I just missed the front page that I was in a bit ago curated by Odette New York. It's stunning....

Do check out the Odette New York shop as well...beautiful work!

Front Page this Morning

Thanks to Alyssa of BROOKLYNrehab, this wonderfully curated treasury made it to the front page this morning with one of my Personalized Doily Paintings included! Thank you Alyssa!

The Blues

Wow! Check out this treasury that just made the front page of Etsy...it's not as easy to make it up there...the community is growing! So, it's pretty exciting and remarkable when it does happen.

Speaking of blues, I usually love the fall season, but I find myself dreading it this year. We had so much rain and cold (oh, that cold damp) through the spring, that I'm hoping for an indian summer!

So some links....

An alphabet carved from the graphite tips of pencils.

More about the materials that were used in mummification.

A blog devoted to interesting letterhead designs (typography!).

Travelling? Here is one blogger's list of non-perishable healthy snacks for travel.

Enjoy the sunshine! And, thank you, dear readers, for your comments on the last few posts. I enjoy them so very much.