Chalkcloth Tabletop

I am so done with rectangular placemats on my round kitchen table.  It drives me nuts.  Just NUTS.  But a standard issue round tablecloth is a no-go either with my two jumping bean boys who would most certainly rip the thing off, dinner plates included, the first minute I put in on. But a chalkcloth tabletop?  I could get behind that.

Spotted two weeks ago on one of my daily reads -- Sweet Sweet Life -- I haven't been able to get the image out of my head.  Amy just bought some yardage from a local Etsy seller and cut it to size. 

Voila!  Table covering and kid distraction all rolled into one. 

Image credits: Amy Hanson of Sweet Sweet Life

Linnea Prints

The first time I spotted the Linnea Calendar at my local Paper Source, I was instantly drawn to it.  I love woodblock prints, and although I wasn't sure of the technique that was used, the calendar reminded me of one of my very favorite artists, Sabra Field.  But like most fabulous things I see when I'm and about running errands with my children, I promptly forgot all about it.

So this past weekend while I was catching up on my Google Reader, I came across a fabulous mood board that used a Linnea poster...so excited to discover these again!

As it turns out, the Linnea posters, calendars, cards and more are created by the mother/daughter team of Linnea Asplind Riley and Johanna Riley Kriesel, who specialize in "bright, bold graphics with images that appeal to children and adults alike." 

You can say that again.

Image credits: Posters and prints from Linnea Design, from $2.50 {no, that is not a typo!}

IKEA Hack: DIGNITET as Inspiration Board

A recent exchange with my friend Christine -- who's currently redoing her office -- reminded me of something I meant to post long ago.  I'm also in the (endless) process of updating my home office into a lovely creative zone, and I needed to find a solution for a long wall that my desk faces.  I thought about shelving (too heavy, visually and literally), a mirror (up at 5:30 a.m. to write? no thanks), and a series of prints (I've done that little trick in three other spaces in the house)...but nothing seemed right.  Then as I was cruising IKEA one afternoon, I came across the DIGNITET system in the Textiles department.  Meant to be used as a curtain wire in lieu of a rod, the DIGNITET system had all the right qualities for my wall.  It was super long (up to 197 inches), could be hung from the wall or the ceiling, was lightweight, and was easy on the wallet ($14.99 + $4.99 for each package of clips).  I snagged a kit plus two boxes of clips and a couple of days later (when I finally got around to installing it) I had the foundation for an ever-changing inspiration board.  Love it.

Image credits: IKEA; Paige Lewin and her slammin' photography skills (I'm working on it)

Artist Sophie Blackall and Missed Connections

Have you heard about the Missed Connections blog?  I hadn't until I came across it here, but man, is it fabulous. Using posts from Craigslist New York "Missed Connections" as inspiration, Brooklyn-based artist Sophie Blackall has created a series of funny, whimsical and oddly romantic illustrations. She received so many requests for works from her blog, that she now sells them in an etsy shop.  Lucky us!

{These sure make me miss living in that quirky and fabulous city...}

Image credits: Sophie Blackall's Missed Connections

Holiday Gift Guide: Abby Glassenberg Soft Sculpture

And while we're on the subject of amazing women who have left a career track to explore a creative interest, I have to mention artist Abby Glassenberg.  Four months ago, I was lucky enough to meet Abby when our kiddos ended up in the same kindergarten class at school.  A Hopkins- and Harvard-educated former teacher, Abby began reading craft blogs and revisiting her love of sewing while on maternity leave with her first child.  What followed was a decision to dive into art-making and motherhood full time, and a fabulous and fun blog on crafting and motherhood.  I have no doubt that Abby was an incredible teacher, but she happens to be a really incredible artist, creating pieces with which I would love to fill my house -- handmade, beautiful and filled with personality.

I've seen her work up close and it is even more amazing in person than when photographed.  The detail is incredible, the craftsmanship is exquisite, and oh, those incredible faces!  But make no mistake, while her soft sculptures are meant to be adored, they are not meant to be tossed around like a stuffed animal (for hands-on lovin', Abby offers a selection of soft toys).

 

Late next year, we can all get an inside glimpse of the talent and work that goes into her soft sculpture when her book of fabric bird sewing patterns published by Interweave is released.  But until then, the only way to own an Abby Glassenberg original is to visit her etsy shop or one of the boutiques and galleries that carries her work. 

Image credits: Abby Glassenberg