blog friendships

50 posts later. I started this blog at the beginning of the year, ambivalent about its purpose and destination. I was hoping to subtly generate interest for my work, to explain my process, and show off unusual pieces.  The personal stuff, which terrified me at first, has crept in here and there. I also found that I love to share discoveries of beautiful things and talented people. 

What I did not anticipate or expect was the friendship that evolved with other bloggers. We never met in person, or chatted on the phone. Instead we have communicated through comments, emails, and by reading about each others work, struggles, delights, and adventures. It is a special kind of friendship, unassuming and generous, spanning vast geographical areas. If we really got together over coffee or wine there is a chance the conversation would grow dull, but I sincerely doubt it...

I commemorate my 50th post by celebrating these friends, whom I would never have "met" if I had not started this endeavor, and all of whom are wonderful writers, photographers, artists, and inspirations. Thank you Julia, Mrs. French, Marie Louise,  Tyler,  Tracey, Patricia, and everybody else who have stopped by to visit these past months. You warm my heart!

47 and counting

Today is my birthday. My little guy is feeling much better, which is the greatest gift of all. He is back home playing with the dogs, cracking wry jokes, and delving into his favorite books. He even baked his signature chocolate chip cookies. He will need some additional medical attention for the next few weeks, but we are all hoping for a full recovery. Having a seriously ill child truly makes you reflect on what is important in life. So my birthday promise is to slow down and to live my days more fully, embracing every moment I have with my sons.

My mother and sisters sent me this beautiful necklace by swedish jewelry designer efva attling. Her work is world renowned and I am honored to have one of her pieces. The silver droplet is so sensual and simple. Tusen tack mamma, katta, och ulrika!

My lovely husband and the boys gave me a bicycle, which I will pick out from here. I am thrilled to be able to pedal to the market and the post office without leaving carbon wheel prints. Tonight we are off for a family dinner at duners. Life at 47 is bliss...

tender love and care

My youngest son is sick and needs my full attention, love, and devotion. I am taking a break from work and blogging for a short while and will return when his health and happiness are restored.

random delights

Back in the ambitious days I thought I could do one post a week featuring a few of the many people, places, and objects that delight my heart. Reality caught up with me, and therefor my reoccurring collection of inspirations now have a new name; random delights. They may still happen weekly, but the pressure is off...

saima says design

Washington based graphic designer Saima Says specializes in exquisite custom invitations for weddings, baby arrivals, and other joyous events. Her designs are modern, elegant, and playful, while reflecting the style and personality of the people the special celebration is for.

alison tauber

Surface designer, screen printer, and embroidery whiz alison tauber is one of my etsy favorites. Her reasonably priced objects are both pretty and functional and her designs are simple yet fun and colorful. Her etsy shop is always well stocked – I have been wearing this t-shirt all summer long. You can find her lovely fabric patterns and beautiful custom pillows on her website.

feel more human

This freshly founded website is a destination that looks and feel unlike any other web retailer or blog. It is a place for stylish green shopping and beautiful design, but also for eco-friendly ideas, information, and sharing. You will find work from independent artists such as dovetail, studio 1am, and inleaf along  with well known brand names like eva solo, amenity, and thomas paul. The site also feature articles like the one about an organic school lunch project in Chicago, a new electric motorcycle, and do good resources.  

moths and lilies

As this happy weekend near and end want to share some treats from my garden. The gigantic brown moths (I actually think that's what they are called) were clinging to our climbing rose early one morning. Their pattern and delicate detailing are just magnificent. The common daylily is in full bloom right now. Each dawn a new bud unfolds just to end its glorious life span by dusk. And the next day there is another ready to steal the limelight.

inleaf on craft synergy

I am thrilled to be part of Patricia Zapata's interview series on craft synergy this week. Through thoughtful question and answers craft synergy feature artists and artisans while showcasing their work.  It is an honor to be in such talented company as Michelle Engel Bencsko of Cicada Studio, Erin Lang Norris of Yellow Canoe, Lisa Solomon, and many more. Make sure to visit Patricia's other blog a little hut where she highlights her own beautiful work and artistic reflections.

sun and surf

We have returned from a delightful week filled with sun, sand dollars, crabs, surfing, bocci games, scrumptious meals,  sun tan lotion, sandy toes, shell hunting, sweaty morning jogs, swimming, chilled wines, beach strolls, movie watching, scrabble playing, sky gazing, giggles, reading, and family warmth. Splendid.

 

heading for the beach

We are off to Sandbridge beach for a few days of family fun and much needed relaxation. It is such a beautiful place, as evident from these pictures from previous visits. Will be back soon. Happy summer everyone!

pillow talk

The pillows for Juno & Jove are out the door, waiting for the friendly ups driver to take them on their journey south. They turned out great. All of them are stuffed with my new organic wool inserts from Holy Lamb Organics, which are incredible soft and cushy while holding their shape nicely. The photos show a small, but representative part of the order prior to shipment. I look forward to collaborating with Juno & Jove and I appreciate their effort to combine the importance of people, planet, and craftsmanship.

way behind

Yet again I got caught up in the busyness of life. School is nearing an end which means graduation ceremonies, music auditions, soccer parties, end-of-semester projects, and exams. Most of which I did not personally partake in, but sometimes having the supporting role is just as engaging and time consuming. I have also worked on several retail orders which is always fun and rewarding. Shipment has gone out to shops like ink & peat in Portland, Oregon, field in Larchmont, New York, Eco-Artware, Washington, DC, and La Vie En Rose, Norwalk, Connecticut. This week I am finishing up a large pillow order for Juno & Jove in Sarasota, Florida. Needless to say my garden is badly neglected. Luckily it still looks green and and relatively happy. My evening stroll amongst the lushness left me most satisfied.

Hydrangeas and parsley in bloom.

Asian pears and roses.

Chard and allium.