{Beelzebub (Speck) & Lucifer (Sprocket)}
Sprocket did very well on his first (and only) day on the job ~ he wore those devil horns all day long with no complaints. He also cleaned up after the breakfast party, managed at least 10 rooster crows, and networked with everyone at the event. After the long day at work, he too was looking forward to a good night's rest! Happy Halloween!
Last week I picked up this year's Christmas Ideas by Better Homes and Gardens only to notice that the stylist has used the glitter chipboard snowflakes I had designed for K&Company's Christmas Cheer ~ what a compliment!
Even better, as I paged through the magazine, I got to the "Vintage Glow" article featuring Debbie Dusenberry's Curious Sofa and noticed that the paper book ornaments I have been making were pictured along with all of the lovely vignettes from the shop.
If you get a chance, pick up a copy of the issue for yourself ~ there are lots of great ideas and inspiration in many different styles.
Just in case you missed the Curious Sofa Halloween Show or live too far away to make it, I thought I would post some photos so you would get an idea of what you missed! The photos below are of the artists' work at the show ~ visit here, here, and here to see some wonderful shots of the store display. As some of the artwork is remaining through the Halloween season and more items are being added daily, make sure to visit Curious Sofa to see everything in person ~ it is an amazing store and always provides great inspiration every season. For those of you out of town, Curious Sofa has just opened an online store here.
{Greg Johnson's wonderful display of paper treasures}
{Diane & Madeline Tompkins' array of masks & letterpress}
{Michelle Spaw's beautifully crafted treat bags}
{Lesa Dailey's lovely paper shoes}
{Selection of brooches inspired by mourning jewelry}
{New brooch designs ~ inspired by Victorian ribbon cocardes used in millinery}
{Crocheted masks in cream and black}
{Crocheted earrings complete with spider themed packaging}
{Devilish Dog Accessories ~ devil horns for your dog to wear}
{Dog stand~in for when Sprocket is not available}
{Devilishly handsome models & spokesmen ~ Dick & Sprocket}
Country Home Magazine is back! Well, at least quarterly I think ~ I happened upon my issue at Costco this past weekend. I have been on magazine withdrawal since so many of my favorite magazines folded in the last several years so I am happy to see they are bringing Country Home back even if it is only 4 times a year. The issue seems a bit larger than previous issues and the cover is printed on heavier stock ~ the price is higher too ~ $12.99 ~ that seems to be the trend these days! If that is what it costs to make a quality magazine and employ professional designers, photographers & writers, I don't mind spending the extra money!
Below are a few highlights from this issue ~ the design and layout is a bit cleaner than before ~ a fresher and more contemporary approach to country. The fonts used throughout the issue are elegant and feminine, yet inviting and easy to read ~ I think the whole issue has a kind of relaxing and serene quality to it. I love that all of the rooms look comfortable and lived in ~ they seem attainable to me (a person with alot of stuff!). There are many different features throughout the magazine ~ I've just shown a few of my favorites ~ I especially like the hunting & gathering section and the ideas for reusing vintage finds. Then, my absolute favorite ~ antiquers & junkers and their favorite finds!
As I was leafing through the issue I came upon the page below and noticed something familiar......are you thinking what I'm thinking? You know how sometimes you are out and about and you see something you haven't seen before ~ then, the rest of the day you end up seeing 2 or 3 more? Maybe it's because you've just never noticed it before ~ or maybe it is just a freaky coincidence ~ but this sort of thing happens to me ALL the time!
In this instance, the metal cabinet with the 30 drawers that I posted about here is buried on page 21 of this issue (see it hiding there in the background?)! I wonder if theirs was sponge painted when they got it?! I find it so weird that I haven't seen such a thing for years ~ then, in the space of a week I see two! I am happy to see a different solution for the redo ~ now, in case the brushed metal idea doesn't work out I have a Plan B ~ paint it white!
{all images from Country Home Magazine ~ late summer 2010 issue}
Lately I have been spending much of my free time trying to clean and organize my house and my stuff ~ it has been slow going ~ the dining room table is still not fit for dining! Of course, I am my own worst enemy as I always manage to squeeze in another antique show or flea market between cleaning/organizing binges.
{Love the intricate pattern on the ladies pocket watch!}
Last week at work we were given a frame and asked to do a self portrait which would then be hung in the office. We had two requirements as well ~ the portrait had to have a recognizable image and your name. As usual, I was short on time, so I had to come up with something I could get done quickly. I started out working digitally, but soon gave that up as it was taking too long. Instead, I gathered up some of my favorite things and arranged them on a piece of felt ~ I had to add the photo in via photoshop, along with some additional felt background. 
Here are a few photos from the Valentine Art Show this past weekend at Curious Sofa ~ while the weather was rather cold and dreary, it was warm & cozy in the shop and a constant stream of customers dropped in despite the weather. Only three more shopping days left!
Above are some beautiful letterpress cards and paperworks by TagTeam Tompkins ~ I had to get one of the silhouettes for Dick for his Valentine's card ~ can you guess which one?
{Jewelry by Sarah Elder}
Crocheted, felted & loomed brooches and a felted skinny scarf that were some of what I had at the show. I left my scarves and brooches at the store until Valentine's Day ~ afterwards, they will be available at my etsy shop here.
