watercolor cards

...have been on my list of projects for the summer. So, last night I finally got out the supplies. Of course, it took a oh-no-it's-midnight-and-i've-drank-too-much-coffee-what-do-i-do-now incident for me to get around to it, but nonetheless--it was a treat! I can't wait to imitate the upcoming autumn colors and creatures.

Also, how beautiful is Etsy seller dimdi's fox? Oh, and I just saw that she does birds too. That chickadee! (I have this thing for chubby birds...? I don't know.)

[top image: me // bottom image: dimdi via Abbey]

the earth is mostly just a boneyard

...But pretty in the sunlight.

I just finished a novel that--with absolutely no doubt--has changed my life. I can't recall ever being so effected by characters as I have been by those in Lonesome Dove, especially Augustus and Clara. In particular, there's one line that I can't stop going over in my head. I've never heard life condensed so simply, yet beautifully, as: It's a fine world, though rich in hardships at times. 

I've been daydreaming of cattle trails on the bus, and have been constantly confused about which life I'm actually living--maybe it's a little of both?

Either way, it feels great to be alive, and I'm sure Gus would agree.

[Photo taken at dawn in Union Grove State Park]

simplicity

...is inspiring.
I need to get my scalpel out of the drawer, and take on some paper projects.

[Image from mrYen's etsy, via Design*Sponge]

thrifty patterns

My weekend consisted of nothing less than thrifting, eating, making my first batch of yogurt (a post to come!), and drinking fancy beers over casual conversation. I promise more elaborate posts in the near-future, but for now I'm swamped with a new job, old friends, and this wonderful thing we call summertime.

metallic deco

The design community is going crazy over Coralie Bickford-Smith's latest project--she's brilliant! As a senior cover designer at Penguin Books, Coralie is absolutely incredible at her job. (I'm sure you've seen these beauts before. Those colors! Those patterns!) 

And to continue with my Flapper-Era infatuation, she just designed this new set of F. Scott Fitzgerald classics. They're sadly, but conveniently (hello, Christmas!), not being released until November, and unavailable in the U.S.; however, you can pre-order and have them shipped from the UK via Waterstones.

Their designs are wonderfully playful, yet systematic, and they would create a lovely display on a bookshelf or nightstand. I think I might play a little game with myself, where I buy one, read it, and buy myself another as a reward for completing the last. See how that works? Hehe, a surefire way to amass the collection.

If you're not finished lusting, read this cute and informative interview.
(All images via Coralie's website)

the end of the world

The Great Salt Lake
07.29.10

le week-end

i have such a to-do list this weekend, mostly involving tidying up my apartment. between our mess and my roommates' two cats, our place is beginning to resemble grey gardens (with me playing the role of little edie, of course).

doesn't her outfit get you excited for autumn? me too.

have a lovely weekend!

hello, mrs. gatsby

I've been dreaming about the Jazz Age Lawn Party at Governors Island, ever since reading an article (which one, I can't remember) last year. It takes place annually, and adventurers can take a free ferry from Manhattan or Brooklyn. Aigh, it's too bad there's not one sailing from Chicago.
Anyway, the actual event is so affordable! And look what the New York Times listed as the going-ons:

Picnickers can relax on the lawn at Colonels Row, while daddy-o’s and flapper girls get hot to the music of Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra. There will be Charleston lessons, pie-recipe contests, hat parades and other revelries from the era. Period attire is encouraged, and outside food is welcome, but alcohol must be purchased on the island.

I'm only bringing all of this up, one, because it's completely wonderful, and two, because The Sartorialist has some great photos from this year's party (here and here). I love any excuse to travel to another era in clothing, and love those men in their seersucker shorts, bow ties, and saddle shoes.

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

[image from The Sartorialist]

a simple thank you

 

I had a party in may to celebrate my college graduation. So, of course, here i am, almost three months later, getting around to making the well-deserved thank yous. I wrapped letter stamps together with rubber bands and painted-on and stamped acrylic ink. They're simple, but thoughtful, and i filled each one with a handwritten message (there are few things i find more annoying than generic "meaningful" cards with a signature). And--hey! if it wasn't for these friends and family of mine, I probably wouldn't have been able to do that whole let's-take-a-two-week-roadtrip thing. And boy, was that a thing.

I was recently given this vintage box of stamps, which used to belong to my great-grandmother. I had never seen her use them and wonder what exactly she used them for (an obvious solution: I'll ask!), but you should know that she was/is very much an artist. Her and my great-grandfather--whom i never met, but have heard was more often referred to as "Damnit John!" than anything else--would winter in Brownsville, Texas. they would load up their RV with art supplies and an organ, and while in the south, she would give organ lessons and teach painting classes to all of the other winter Texans.

Maybe that's how i inherited all of my bohemian whims.

P.S. I picked up that fork stamp today :)