Craven Home

More Subway Tile Inspiration

2011-10-30T10:51:00.001-04:00

I am still making tile day and night, after work, on the weekends, and after October snowstorms. I have forced AC in on the action just so we can make our deadlines.
I was getting off at the Union Street R train stop and saw these. The image kept a little lightness in my step for the rest of the evening.

Subway tile inspiration-

2011-09-19T16:04:00.002-04:00

This tile mural at he Jay Street subway station in Brooklyn goes on for quite a few yards... it is a wonderful way to spend those few minutes waiting for the next train.

The Small Object Collaboration

2011-08-30T06:00:00.020-04:00

pic above from The Small Object
Sarah Neuburger of The Small Object has chosen a Craven Home wood slice to place her gorgeous wedding toppers on... check it out. You can buy one to preserve your own sentimental treasure at The Small Object.

When it Rains, it Pours

2011-08-29T15:17:00.000-04:00

pic above from Joseph Rose
So we are in the process of renovating our new home deep in the heart of Brooklyn. Prior to that, Molly had surgery (again), and after that we are selling our current home. We are still managing to travel. Lots of change, but it is all new and exciting!
The kitchen tile project from before has transformed into making the tile for the new house. It is great because I got a head start!
It is a rule that never fails- when it rains, it pours. I am doing my day job (Mrs.Craven/virus control), help manage the renovation of our new home, and make tile in triple time. I guess I love it when its pouring, I accomplish so much more than I think I can.

Below- pics of the tile (bone dry, not yet fired in the kiln)

Confession

2011-08-29T14:49:00.001-04:00

It has been exactly 3 months since my last post.
The weather this August is unseasonably just like September.
Summer is over- Ac and I went snorkeling with whale sharks off of the Yucatan coast. Now that I have gotten that adventure out of the way, it is time to start creating in a big way again.

Here it goes.

Stylish blogger award via oral history

2011-05-28T22:25:00.009-04:00

think-make-think by Clifton Burt (haiku by John Maeda)

I was awarded a Stylish Blogger award by Bad Hausfrau back in- oh January. It is actually a great pleasure to return from my most recent neglect of ceramics and the blog to actually meet the requirements of this award. Here it goes.

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

Thanks again Kelley! (original thank you here)

Check out Bad Hausfrau. The pictures are just lovely and the writing is interesting and, well, well-written, which is kind of rare these days.

2. Share seven things about yourself.

I did not realize my desire to be a real part time ceramic artist until creating pieces for my own wedding.

I love New York City and will most likely never leave it.

My shoes size is 6 1/2.

I have to force myself to go on any vacation that does not involve the beach.

I have thin arms and refer to them as my "kermit-the-frogs".

AC and I will sometimes read the same book together. I love this.

I am a sucker for rose gold.

3. Award inspirational newly discovered bloggers.

I am using "newly discovered" very loosely. I have been reading Thoughtful Day since the A Farm Fresh Wedding days.

For inspiration, please click below:

Thoughtful Day - great discoveries posted by a creative designer

Brooklyn Rehab - a refreshingly personal blog created by a savvy fashionable lady

City Lady Country Girl- the life and times of a city lady getting married and building (yes building!) a home with her husband in upstate NY

Mint Peach- my last studio mate and an amazing ceramic artist

New Home possibly found!... creative life continues

2011-05-28T22:20:00.002-04:00

So, I have a real excuse this time... we are moving (just up the street really). A place HAD to be found ASAP though, so it was really the only thing on my to do list. If this is the place... the blog will get very interesting. Gut renovation interesting.

Up next... unfinished business.

getting stuff done- more posts today!!!

2011-04-11T11:09:00.005-04:00

My mood ring says:

Kiln Results

2011-04-07T12:59:00.004-04:00

I am happy to say the kiln firing was a success (as much as can be hoped for when you put clay into an oven that heats up to 2200 degrees F).

I am hoping to take some great pics and send them over to Etsy for more things to (hopefully) be bought and loved in a new home.

Lucky Girl

2011-03-30T09:43:00.006-04:00

pic from dbO home

I have another blog that I rarely post on anymore, but it was what started my new found life in ceramics and plants to some extent. A Farm Fresh Wedding was where I put all of bridal planning inspiration; it helped me stay focused.

AC and I were married at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. I am so envious of all of the planning brides- to-be out there, I absolutely loved planning our wedding. Blue Hill is now using the dinnerware of ceramic artist Dana Oates- the woman behind dbO Home. Please take a look at her beautiful aesthetic. I think she and I share many of the same inspirations. How lucky to be featured at such a magical place full of beautiful views and amazing sustainable food. I am sure that this thoughtful addition to the table can only make the food even better (is that possible?).

See this relevant post

I have the day off to catch up on my other creative life. Don't get me wrong medicine is an art too, you just do not get as dirty.

My second part of my Stylish Blogger award is in its final stages too. So much to do!!

my mood ring says

2011-03-05T17:38:00.000-05:00

Hot Pink Rope Mystery Solved!

2011-03-02T11:10:00.005-05:00

The hot pink rope was located and sourced. This is what is was for:
Introducing the first of three items- my AirPlanter, for air plants. The bottom pic gives a little sneak preview of our dining room to be unveiled shortly. I will probably have a few different color options, hot pink was just what I had first imagined.

I am now more thankful for my surgery rotation way-back-when for preparing me in the ways of knot tying. Look at my beautiful figure-eight loop knot! I am now also seaworthy and ship-ready!

I wasn't sure how I was going to make the loop originally, but was inspired by AC's most recent book choice. He is reading Moby Dick for the second time and has been reading me passages he thinks I will like (I was a marine biology major)- so I do have salt water on the brain too.

A mini tile pile!

2011-03-01T14:32:00.004-05:00

I have been busy, busy, busy... I can't spend ALL my time in the studio. I need to
1. Go to the post office
2. Gather the pics for my big dining room post!!!
3. pick and sample glaze colors for these tiles
4. Call a patient back
5. Make dinner
6. Find hot pink rope
(not necessarily in this order)

More Tiles at the studio!

2011-02-23T20:24:00.000-05:00

I love this blog

2011-02-16T14:11:00.005-05:00

Advanced style, Ari Cohen's cabinet of stylish older people, is brilliant. Cheers to all of you fabulous lookers!

mexico dreaming, on such a winter's day

2011-02-15T17:05:00.008-05:00

ours for a week, the view from our cabana- Tulum, Mexico

I'm back- not in the studio, but in Brooklyn. AC and I needed to escape the winter wonderland of 2011. We visited my good friend and excellent cooker of very fine food, Anna. We not only ate well with her, we snorkeled with the manatees on the western coast of Florida. Then we were off to Tulum.

Grace of design*sponge does a design storm that reflects a chosen movie; some of my favorites of hers are living in Party Girl and living in Out of Africa.

Well I have created a little storm of my own devoted to our trip to Tulum/Against All Odds (which takes place all over the Yucatan and Cozumel). The view from our little cabana on the beach is above. What to wear there (with chocolate on top) is below... or you could just grab your old bikini and go. Either way it will be fine- a Mrs. Craven promise.

halter onsie from Opening Ceremony

Lace detail sandals and bathing suit from Anthropologie

Joe Jeans Dylan canvas and leather bag at Alter

dull diamonds bracelet on etsy- via thoughtful day

YUM! The yummiest mexican chocolate I have tasted- if you know of a yummier one, I'm all ears

Here's lookin' at you, Bad Hausfrau

2011-02-02T14:32:00.008-05:00

My friend, fellow blogger, talented creator in cloth, and a junior high classmate, recently picked me, Mrs. Craven, as a great blogger. Can you believe it? It can be hard to make it all happen: a full time job, time with my wonderful guy, time with my sweet dog, creating a warm and inviting nest, and time in the ceramic studio. This blog is where I put up beautiful creations and ideas I am moved by. It becomes so important to me, especially when I cannot make it to my studio. Recognition for it feels good. I will have to respond to the other conditions of the award after my well earned vacation. But until then, K, this post's for you. Thank you, this nomination means a lot to me and is so encouraging (and I really need that little boost).

K stated in her list of 7 things about herself that she collects vintage paint by number. Well this isn't vintage, but Trey Speegle brings paint by number to a whole new and wonderful level. I picked these specifically for their words and the possibility of each of them being little mantras to say to yourself. Some of these pics just don't do his work justice. You can zoom in on his paintings here.

Ceramic Inspiration- Hella Jongerius

2011-02-02T14:09:00.006-05:00

pics from ceramics art daily

Hella Jongerius designs everything. She has a what seems to be a very (very) mixed media exhibit going on right now at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The exhibit is organized by color, very much how I have organized AC's 80 million books along our shelves.

She has an eye for imperfection in the the most perfect way. The exhibit is aptly named Misfit.
Below are 2 works of hers I love from way back in 2004.
Enjoy these pics then head over to Jongeriuslab for intoxicating inspiration!pics from jongeriuslab.com

Custom Living Diorama for S-- Lost Sheep

2011-01-31T11:25:00.002-05:00

Thanks S! I hope you will enjoy pondering the thoughts of the three little lost sheep.

sweethearts

2011-01-25T15:42:00.004-05:00

Sweethearts by Jonathan Lewis at Jen Beckman's 20x200.

wedding dress

2011-01-25T15:22:00.006-05:00

pics from jcrew.com

This winter weather has me wedding dreaming. Hmmm... I know, it is odd.

We had yummy chili at AC's friends' house while watching the football game. E (great cook and chili maker) told us about her recent trip to the J Crew wedding salon with her soon-to-be married sister. I went online to see what J Crew weddings is up to these days. It is hard for me to see a wedding dress without just wanting to get married all over again. I loved the planning and the celebrating so much!
I love thier dreamy new Augusta dress above... which sold out since I saw it yesterday!!

I still love my dress too.

You will cry

2011-01-25T10:25:00.006-05:00

Maurice and his horse, Rocky- pic from the NY Times

This story in the New York Times was just so touching. It came at me from so many places. The focus was the life and death of Maurice Mannion-Vanover, and the lives around his seem so relevent to mine.

From his love of horses (yes, I am the cliche horse-loving girl) to the two men who adopted him, both named Tim (the farmhouse we escape to is owned by our friends Tim and Tim and their little girl May). Maurice clearly had a soft spot for dogs too.

Working in HIV also made it all hit close to home. AC and I found it impossible to read with dry eyes.

the first few tiles....

2011-01-20T11:21:00.002-05:00

Daydream Shepherd

2011-01-19T10:06:00.003-05:00

This can be yours- available in my Etsy shop.

Modern/Vintage inspiration

2011-01-12T14:56:00.004-05:00

pic from uo

pic from Rosanna inc
pics from ou
These combinations of modern and vintage/antique are calling my name.

Oh Chair part 2

2011-01-12T14:36:00.004-05:00

pic from johnhoushmand.com

This chair is just beautfiul. It is made by John Houshmand on a farm in upstate New York. Words of wisdom regarding his craft:
We allow grains to spill. We love crumbling bark. We welcome wormholes.

Me Too, John & Company!

I HEART San Francisco

2011-01-12T11:22:00.004-05:00

Pic above from Heath

It seems like forever ago, but Thanks giving was just 7 weeks ago. AC and I went to San Francisco to be with his family for the holiday. I FELL IN LOVE with San Francisco. It is very easy for me to see how all of his siblings (2 sisters and his older bro) ended up there. If NYC wasn't my first love...

While there we took advantage of visiting HEATH! A gang of us Cravens headed over the bridge to Sausalito for the factory tour. Above you will see how they get their pottery so perfect! It is how they "throw" their pottery- by machines and molded profile templates with a man at the front.

So two of the reasons I wanted to take advantage of our geographical location for the holiday and visit Heath (there are probably a few hundred other reasons as well) are:

1. Clearly I have been in a slump since my unfortunate last kiln load, and I needed inspiration and a pick me up!

2. I am going to make the tile for our kitchen. Gasps are being taken all around I am sure- either from the sheer blah of our current kitchen tiles (pictured below), or my quest to see this project of mine carried out and completed. I told my friend J around Christmas, and all she could muster was as deadpan, "ambitious"- without much faith in me!

If AC and I were to buy tile for our kitchen, it would be from Heath. I went straight to the source for inspiration. The tile pictured at the very top of this post has a third dimension to tile, which might be a little too much for our kitchen, but I love the shape, so I am set. I have a few tile making experiments going on and ahead of me, but I am back in the studio. If not for me at the moment, for our kitchen.

Geez- What have have I been doing??

2010-12-29T10:47:00.002-05:00

Well, I guess that last post of being "back" was a little premature. I was not back. I honestly think that bad kiln load really gave me a case of the mean reds.

But I was up to some good... next post- Heath in San Francisco!

Speed Bump

2010-10-21T12:56:00.005-04:00

A bump in the road-3 weeks ago:

My entire kiln load was ruined. I think my glaze was too thick. This REALLY threw me. I mean it really threw me- I haven't stepped foot in my studio for 3 weeks! The picture above was taken next to the Maritime Hotel on 9th. Looking up and seeing the sign in front of the building struck a chord.

I took some time, worked on the Craven house (before and after pics coming soon!), and I'm back.

I was in a slump, and not quite ready to be back- but these picked my butt up!:
1- a visit from my sister in law. I really love a houseguest.
2- a few sales through Etsy!
3- these from Nest. A tiny little bit of twisted craftsmanship for an extra lift. Some people think they are creepy, I love them.

4- thumbing through the recently published pics of Marilyn Monroe's visit to Banff in the Canadian Rockies. The pictures are full of bears, which I think is great.

Back to the task at hand... studio here I come!

It was a dark & stormy... 2nd Anniversary!

2010-09-15T10:51:00.003-04:00

True to form, our anniversary was a day of misty rain and ominous clouds. This year I was a little under the weather, and loaded up a kiln at the studio anyway (I've been busy!).

AC and I are celebrating a little late this year...

Happiness is

2010-08-31T21:10:00.003-04:00

being at the studio...

(and everything working out in the studio)

What's new at Craven Home

2010-08-25T13:24:00.006-04:00

I am currently working on using my spinning top vase as a hanging airplanter (pun intended). I have a few grouped together on our dining room table now in the NOT hanging version (above).

I am also working on a new series of creations that did well at the flea that I am calling Living Dioramas. I am using animals to tell a little story with a green backdrop they are almost like an adult playset. They are being made in found containers and a few in my own ceramic bowls and trunks. I am hoping to be back at the flea in September (motivation pending...)

Everything here is in my Etsy shop now!

you and me

2010-08-23T16:36:00.003-04:00

I am such a sucker for overtly sweet sentiments. I instantly make all things romantic about AC and me (I did say I like to project on art).

Today the Keep Calm Gallery offers a new print by Matthew Rose (above). It is very sweet and reminded me of the oldie, but goodie below from Village v. 2.0. If only I had more wall space!

They don't love you like I love you...Soft Maps

2010-08-18T16:19:00.002-04:00

These map quilts seem pretty cozy. (via re-nest) I love that the Ft. Greene/Clinton Hill embroidery puts No. 7 "on the map"(AC and I's favorite neighborhood eatery) - they deserve it!

Little ol' me?

2010-08-16T14:53:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Burlap and Blue for featuring my custom chalkboard silhouettes on her blog. She writes a craft-filled DIY blog and makes the greatest cake stands too!

Bears

2010-08-12T13:22:00.004-04:00

pics above from Banquet's etsy shop

AC and I were in the Delaware River Valley in Pennsylvania last week. While there, we saw a bear- a very big bear. It looks small in my photo below, but it was big. It was so beautiful.

If we ever have our own little piece of pleasure upstate (a longtime dream of ours) this screeprint from Banquet will have a place on the walls there.

I have to work. Full Time. Not doing ceramics.

2010-08-09T15:12:00.004-04:00

I am having a little post mini break, back to work blues.

Me: You mean I am not independently wealthy and free to craft away, garden, and play with my dog all day?

Reality: (shakes head with disapproving look)

Me: Huh?

So this print by Reetta (of Finland), is really capturing this mood of toiling. Admittedly, she might not be toiling, I just like to project onto art. Either way, she is still "working" while looking off and clearly thinking of other, BIGGER plans. This fox and I are on the same page.

She describes her inspiration and her etsy shop name, Joutomaa: it isFinnish and means wasteland. Think of it as a magical waste land, where your imagination can run free with my imagenary friends.

Well Reetta, your friends and I are playing.

summer harvest, part i

2010-08-07T07:18:00.003-04:00

Growing garden!

2010-07-30T10:31:00.004-04:00

We are off to the country for a little mini break. I can't wait to see what happens to our garden while we are away! Top to bottom:

purslane - edible weed (which i'm a little scared to eat for fear of the chemicals that are bound to be in the soil in our backyard)

oddly shaped cukes- how did they end up like that?- we are still going to eat them

Squash blossom

Zuccinni growing

natural processes

2010-07-27T11:04:00.005-04:00

I went on a blog stroll last week and caught up with some of my favorites. Two posts really struck a chord with me. One from Thoughtful Day about collages by Alex Anne Mackenzie (pictures above) and the other from Brooklyn Rehab about biological diagram poster reprints (pictures below). I do like all things cute, but I must admit, I like them even more with a dash of darkness. These seem to go together naturally and beautifully.

Posters below available from a great little shop in SoHo, Evolution.

creation inspiration: William Dohman

2010-07-23T12:48:00.003-04:00

pics from wkd studios

I am loving these created by William Dohman in his wkd studios etsy shop.

cloth Knolls

2010-07-22T09:53:00.003-04:00

I went to the Knoll showroom with a friend who is recovering some furniture. The textile swatch wall was eye candy.

The Flea- It was HOT!

2010-07-21T10:52:00.003-04:00

So I had a great time at the flea. The food was delicious, and necessary sitting in the 90+ degree heat for 8 hours! Also, the shaved ice from People's Pops saved me from a heat stroke (see last pic).

A few things sold and I learned a lot... I will be back on Saturday to try again. I am hoping for cooler temps. It's great to share with Small World Terrariums- the day goes by so quickly with all of our chatting! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to shop, grab a card, or say hi!

I few new items and new pics in the etsy shop too!.

oh chair...

2010-07-15T20:56:00.002-04:00

aka chair, you are so nice.

I'm prepping for the flea.

2010-07-14T17:19:00.004-04:00

This weekend I will be joining Small World Terrariums at the Brooklyn Flea!! It's a long story, but to sum it up- I blogged about her terrariums, wrote her, she wrote me back, we met and ate dinner, and that was that. Now we are sharing plant tips and a table at the Brooklyn Flea this Saturday, July 17th!!!

Tanesha Smith Wattley, the woman behind the terrariums is featured in this week's Time Out as one of their "Most Stylish New Yorkers". She is so chic in her photos!

I am hoping for a great turn out... and honest feedback for this little side life of mine.

Maybe not just for kids...

2010-06-25T12:13:00.002-04:00

I love this paper cut out world map by famille summerbelle. It could be for grown-ups too, right?

Sedum sprung

2010-06-09T12:41:00.004-04:00

Our little Hens and chicks are about to flower!

This little pot reminds me of a small foreign world... the very beginning of a terrarium. I have been emailed this NY Times article about terrariums by a number of friends. I am glad this gardening craft is taking off. Pretty timely too after making that custom terrarium last week. Here is another I made at the same time

The article mentioned Small World Terrariums. I love seeing the green growing work of others. She specializes in terrariums for special events too!
pics below from Small World Terrariums

A Day at the Garden

2010-06-02T12:38:00.004-04:00

AC and I spent the most beautiful Sunday at the New York Botanical Garden's Emily Dickinson, The Garderner exhibit. Her poems were displayed throughout the gardens. One of favorites of her prose:

"Faith" is a fine invention

When Gentlemen can see—

But Microscopes are prudent

In an Emergency.

Craven Home Custom

2010-05-29T16:00:00.002-04:00

A friendly customer stopped by to design a terrarium for her fiance's birthday! It was fun to create what she had envisioned... Thanks S!

Ceramic Inspiration:Stephanie DeArmond's Slab Built Porcelain Letterforms

2010-05-26T16:21:00.003-04:00

pics from stephaniedearmond.com

Victoria.

2010-05-26T13:28:00.002-04:00

I have recently rediscovered the Victory Garden Cookbook. It takes you from seed to recipe for a number of veggies. The descriptions and gardening tips are helping us this year!
Victory Garden cookbok cover above. Our backyard mint and lettuce below.

ABC Kitchen....yum

2010-05-24T16:28:00.003-04:00

photos above from ABC Home

I recently ate at ABC Kitchen (Jean-Georges new farm to table restaurant). You start this meal by drooling over the home goods walking to the back of the store (why would you ever enter directly from the street??), and it really does get better from there. I know ABC offers Jan Burtz' "Bella Porcelain" place settings for sale, but I thought it was great that this new "kitchen" serves off of them.

Thoughtful food served on hand made dinnerware. Food really can inform a ceramic piece and sometimes vice versa.

working with real wood

2010-05-21T16:19:00.006-04:00

It has been so hard to make the studio a priority with so much "life" happening. AC and I had to do something we felt we could have control of though... we designed and built planters!! The planters are like my littel terrariums but much bigger. Given that we have a Brooklyn brownstone (pretty shady) backyard, we are experimetning with plants to see what grows best. Mandevilla vine is a sure bet, but we'll see how the cucmbers and squash do! Our little concrete desert backyard is greening up nicely.

I must now make time for the birdfeeder sitting half done and neglected in the ceramic studio.

The beginnings of a Bird feeder...

2010-05-14T14:40:00.003-04:00

We'll see how it turns out...

bud vases

2010-05-10T19:44:00.004-04:00

Perfect for a beach wedding! Or a little spring picnic.

Couples that last

2010-05-04T14:31:00.003-04:00

AC and I are lucky because both sets of our parents stuck it out and stayed together. Here's lookin' at you guys: Rosemary & Chuck and Pat & David.

Above: Jonathan Adler Lord and Lady mugs and a no longer available Im Smitten letterpress print.

Natural Easter Egg Dyes

2010-04-03T10:36:00.005-04:00

pic from Housemartin via inhabitots

Martha Stewart has recipes for natural easter egg dyes, sorry PAAS:

Red Onions make a sienna color

Red cabbage make a blue

Coffee makes a brown

Beets make pink

and Tumeric makes a yellow

good wood

2010-04-02T15:19:00.003-04:00

These home goods came from Dransfield & Ross. I love faux bois, but even more I love the hoof detail on the stool. The needle point detail is stunning.

Pizza and Puerto Rico

2010-03-17T16:32:00.003-04:00

This past weekend AC and I went out for a fabulous dinner at Saraghina in Bed-Stuy. It was well worth the short trip further into Brooklyn. What stood out most for me was the capocollo pizza.

AC and I are off to Puerto Rico to warm up. I can't wait to relax on the beach and dive into some mofongo.

Wedding Inspiration

2010-03-16T19:52:00.003-04:00

Just when I needed a pick me up... one showed up!

Remember the AFFW reader who asked to borrow our wedding invitation design?

Style Me Pretty covered her wedding last week. If you look closely- you will see the design in the mix of the photos. I am so glad K and J had such a beautiful day!

Winter Chard

2010-03-15T23:13:00.006-04:00

AC really likes to cook, and we love cooking together. My favorite cookbook is the Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters. It works for me because she doesn't just list the ingredients, number of servings, and directions. She explains how to shop for an item (from anchovies to squash to vinegar), when it is in season, and the flavor and textures you should strive for.

Knowing this AC brought home her newest book, In the Green Kitchen, and it does not dissapoint. She has asked many different chefs to submit recipes that support cooking basics- the intention is to free every cook from recipes so they always make a meal with what they have or what is in season. Dan Barber is included in the mix- he will always have a place in my heart...
We used the Whole Wheat Spaghetti and Kale recipe to make Semolina Spaghetti and Swiss chard (from the Fort Greene farmer's market). DELISH!
Some pics of the meal prep are below, taking photos of food is pretty tricky! Swiss chard belo featured in a Craven Home bowl (wink).

Snap out of it! It's almost been a month!

2010-03-15T20:52:00.004-04:00

Okay, this winter has hit me a little harder than I thought. Even though I haven't been able to really drag to the studio I have still been tucking little pieces of inspiration in my pocket. The next few posts are just snippets that have made big impressions on me recently.

Above are the Bearded Men by Ashley G I bought from Gallery Revisited a few years ago. The bottom pictured shows them with my own bearded man, AC going through old CD's on a rainy cold winter day. These men with beards are clean and modern, but warm and fuzzy too- a lot like AC.

California Dreamin'

2010-02-22T13:51:00.004-05:00

So in addition to wishing for warmer weather, I am hoping for all the brides-to-be right now to have an amazing wedding like this one. Vy (a.k.a. my first customer!!) did put a tremendous amount if DIY power into her beautiful day. From the vintage typewriter guest book to the sweet jelly jars holding the flowers on her tables.

Cheers to Vy and Micheal! These pictures come from the Style Me Pretty posts about their big day.

Pics from paradise and taking baby steps

2010-02-17T09:50:00.005-05:00

In all of this gorgeousness, I did not get my hands on clay. I was not disciplined. A little more on the creativity blues and a note to file-
It is very hard to work full time and have a full home life complete with husband and dog AND apply yourself to a mini ceramics life. It is one tough nut to crack, but I am determined to crack it.
There is also the benefit of renewed hope: After selling NOT ONE THING in January (which apparently happens to a lot of people) I have sold again in February.

Mini Holiday V-Day

2010-02-12T12:15:00.005-05:00

pic from Something's Hiding in Here

AC and I are off to our friends' amazing farmhouse for the long weekend. Thank you T & T! We'll be spending a quiet Valentine's Day together, and I will be bringing clay to hopefully work a little. This little gift for your sweetheart (found via Thoughtful Day) is still available at Something's Hiding in Here on Etsy. Their other items are really great too.

Two Archer Hairlines Under One Roof

2010-02-11T13:58:00.002-05:00

pics from pentagram.com

I was doing my blog rounds (which I haven't been doing for the past few weeks...) and came across this What Type are You? quiz on a few of them. I am Archer Hairline... AC took it and he is TOO! Have some fun here.

Playing Hookie

2010-02-09T13:34:00.006-05:00

guggenheim and central park trees

Yesterday, I took the day off, and instead of going to the studio... I played hookie! AC and I went to the Tino Sehgal exhibit at the Guggenheim, drooled over fabulous functional objet d'art (Craven Home's MO) at the Cooper Hewitt Store strolled around the reservoir (and froze our butts off!), then headed back to BK for fancy hot dogs at Bark. It was a great one day get-not-so-far-away.

I am very impressed with the full disclosure of Bark's food-a list of EVERY ingredient's source is on every table. Needless to say, when you've got nothing to hide its easy to disclose. The food was great and recession proof. They are very upfront with being local and letting nothing go to waste.
beautiful pine (reclaimed wood) table at Bark

Bun

2010-02-04T10:38:00.005-05:00

pics from Ladies & Gentlemen Etsy shop

This is just adorable! From Ladies & Gentlemen, this bunny lets you decide. Available here.

Acorns!!!!

2010-02-03T14:56:00.004-05:00

For the squirrel who sang all summer!

I think these little acorns are perfect to add to terraiums or planters, pile them up in a pretty bowl for a tidy centerpiece, or make them wedding favors. Now available at Craven Home on Etsy.

The Creativity Blues or A bird by the same Name

2010-02-01T12:25:00.005-05:00

I work full time in HIV Research. It gets really hard to stay on top of creating after 5. Sometimes I am just plain pooped. Every weekday I do the Brooklyn to Chelsea commuter dance and walk in, admittedly, a little down that I can't just wake up and go to the studio. I have many ideas that never make it into clay.

One of many things saves me...I am lucky enough to work in a really beautiful clinic. At the end of my commute and at the end of everyday, I see this pink bird painted by Ann Craven- no relation. You can't tell, but it is about 5 feet high and 3 feet wide and hangs in the waiting room. It gives me a boost.

Thanks Ann! Today I will make it to the studio!!

The Gallery At my Studio- Lyndsey Baldwin

2010-01-25T12:58:00.006-05:00

pics from lyndseybaldwin.com

My studio is in Screwball Spaces in Gowanus/Red Hook, Brooklyn. The main show space there is called Sweet Lorraine Gallery. I walk the hallways to my studio and I love taking my time getting there by walking through the new art displayed.

This month Joetta Maue curated a show, aptly named conective thread, that is absolutely amazing. There was an Art Talk yesterday that I couldn't make, but I wish I had. The artists are all inspiring.

Lyndsey Baldwin has a few embroidery pieces up now- and I just love them.

A Few New Things in the Etsy shop

2010-01-24T16:34:00.004-05:00

After the holidays, I came down with... PNEUMONIA. How did that happen. Well, I am on the mend and have a lot more energy than the past few weeks. I went to the studio to start working on an idea I have had for awhile and can finally explore- pics to come soon! I have finally put up a few more items in my Etsy shop.

Ceramic Inspiration: kg + ab

2010-01-12T10:00:00.002-05:00

pics from kb + ab

Bear Love. Mixed Nuts. Cupcake Container.
All made right here in Brooklyn.
I am inspired to to do a few things in porcelain now.

These are all available at kg + ab's etsy shop.

I Love You AC

2010-01-11T11:27:00.004-05:00

AC and I were in Hawaii for the holidays- we were rushing around getting life in order and gathering Xmas presents for our nieces before we left. So, we decided to have our own Christmas gift exchange when we returned to NYC. Well, I am a lucky girl. AC always buys me the best jewelry. I'm serious- he just knows me, and he did it again. He bought a ring made by Bittersweets NY. Above are a few of their other delightful pieces!

Things to Come

2009-12-20T16:34:00.004-05:00

I am working on a set of hoof vases (I have put them on the back burner for FAR too long- more on my inspiration later). The picture above shows a hoof prototype displayed in a Craven Home trunk based glass cloche. I have taken a section of a vintage commercial mold (it was the base for an eagle on a branch) and have re-purposed it. It is now the base for a glass cloche display. Put something precious in it. Believe it or not... they ARE available here.

Small Steps

2009-12-20T16:26:00.003-05:00

So, I feel things are off to an excellent start. I have surpassed my goals for the year... granted, they were small goals, but they were met! I sold quite a few things to friends and fellow artists, so I am more than happy. The spinning top vases are doing well! There are only 2 left!

Inspiration: Seb Lester

2009-12-08T09:45:00.007-05:00

pics from www.seblester.co.uk

Seb Lester really knows his fonts. Both of these are available at one of the very best online print galleries that focuses on graphic type and fonts, The Keep Calm Gallery across the ocean.

Holiday Show

2009-12-07T09:40:00.001-05:00

the studio set up before the holiday show

Thanks so much to everyone for creating the small crush in studio #53 at the Holiday show on Saturday. Despite the crummy weather, the turnout was amazing. I was happy to host what turned into a mini party.

Thanks and Thanks!

Boat Cleat Hooks

2009-12-04T13:26:00.004-05:00

pics from delongceramics.com

I really like these slip cast boat cleat hooks. Well thought out by Denise Delong. They are available in many colors here.

I am leaving work (my non-clay related job) early to start setting up and enjoy the excitement before tomorrow's show (of course it is going to snow!!... but the wine and beer will keep us warm).

Ceramic Inspiration: Perch

2009-12-01T13:51:00.003-05:00

All pics from Perch

Perch has had a number of their designs circulating for awhile. They have become classics in my book. Their pieces seem to be direct descendants, or the next logical step from Eva Zeisel's beautiful work.

Craven on Beard, or working with our hands

2009-11-30T14:58:00.006-05:00

AC planned Thanksgiving 2 on Saturday night.

Potato and Leek soup

Left over turkey

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Pickled Radishes

and... James Beard's Cream Biscuits (article about Beard and the recipe here from the NYT last March).

These are so quick, easy and especially delicious!

Finally, the spinning top vase

2009-11-30T14:46:00.005-05:00

I have kind of been working out the kinks with this vase for awhile... I have looked at it like a struggle won. Yes, that is one of those old metal spinning tops (quite a few experiments were required)! I am also seeing the light in my studio is b-a-d for photos.

Mistakes were made

2009-11-27T14:31:00.003-05:00

What happened here? Looks like nothing from above... I am finally near the point of happiness and functionality with my sihouettes, and then this. I put the damn flat piece on a stilt and it warped in the kiln. ugh- lesson learned the hard way.

What happened here- what are those bumps? No clue, I am thinking I didn't pull it out of the glaze fast enough and it went on a little thick. I kind of like the way it ended up, but it is a "second" none the less.

Kiln Time

2009-11-22T15:57:00.007-05:00

Another kiln load...

These have to be glazed and then back in the kiln they go!

Above from top to bottom: hand detailed bowl full of urchin bud vases, a bowl full of (sea)biscuits, a slip cast bottled with a hand detailed stopper.

Nathan Vincent is Amazing

2009-11-20T10:22:00.005-05:00

pics from Nathan Vincent's website

Nathan Vincent has a few of his pieces on display at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in NYC. I just love his wit regarding (in his words) "gender permission" in knitting and crocheting. You go guy!

Jeff Zimmerman Inspiration

2009-11-17T14:07:00.003-05:00

pics from R 20th centruy

Now at R 20th Century downtown. Just lovely!

Putting yourself out there

2009-11-16T13:41:00.006-05:00

So, I am having a little anxiety about my first time really sharing my work with the world- (if anyone should wander into #53 for the HOLDAY SHOW at my studio space). I am sure this is something that everyone who creates feels at some point.

AC can be amazing. I was telling him about this and he referred me to an old favorite that absolutely adds some bravery to my nervous state. Sing Your Life on Kill Uncle was the boost I needed. Have a listen here.

So, stop by on December 5th for an up close and personal with Craven Home.

They are always on my mind

2009-11-10T13:00:00.007-05:00

pics from Velocity art and design

Terraruims. These containers from Roost are simply beautiful. Both of these containers are available at Velocity Art and Design.

I am working on terrariums with found or recycled containers... with a few Craven Home additions. I went to the flower market on 28th street and scooped up a bunch of clump moss (with the help of T) for the rest of the terrariums I will be working on this week. Below is an example of a Craven Home terrarium with a different kind of moss, and no ferns. A vintage wood base ceramic mold was used to create the base and a recycled glass cloche finishes it off.

As the winter comes, it becomes so important for me to see a little green. Terrariums are the perfect thing to daydream about greener scenes during winter- they need just a little sun and a spritz now and then to stay alive. Absolutely wonderful!

A day of Logo and Nesty

2009-10-28T18:38:00.004-04:00

I have taken a couple of days off to work in the studio. There will be an open house and I think I will FINALLY feel confident to participate! Above, the Craven Home logo pressed into clay and 3 little nesting bowls! They will make an appearance in the December open house.

Stem

2009-10-27T16:16:00.002-04:00

We stopped by the new flower shop in our neighborhood over the weekend. It is a cozy beautiful space. Stem is at 112 South Oxford in Fort Greene.

Heather Knight of Element Clay Studio

2009-10-23T10:19:00.007-04:00

Pics from element clay studio's Etsy page

Her work strikes a chord with me because of its obvious reference to nature. Her blog is such an honest account of her life as a ceramic artist, I love checking in every so often to catch up with her. You can buy her work here.

Seeking the Muse

2009-10-22T15:26:00.007-04:00

Weddings have a way of encouraging us to be our very best, and many brides and grooms are surprised by what they discover. It happened to me and my first customer is no exception. The wedding inspiration page she shared with me showed such thoughtfulness and really displayed her unique style. She was kind enough to send along a few pics of the ceramics she commisioned from Craven Home in HER home (post-wedding, of course). She has started her own blog, Seeking the Muse.

Weekend in Queeche, VT

2009-10-12T11:17:00.006-04:00

Our friends Ali and Pete (Congratulations!) had a wedding in Queeche, VT a little over a week ago. I had my bachelorette weekend there and was excited to have AC with me this time around. We hiked the gorge and strolled the streets of Woodstock, VT. It was a misty autumn weekend which made the nuptial affair very romantic (I am not at all biased against a rainy-day wedding). Wedding aside, the highlight of our weekend was visiting Simon Pearce (a few times). It is the ultimate in hand crafted pottery and glass.

I was in pottery heaven. The restaurant does absolute justice to the pottery as well. We were seated at the best table in the house (No. 2) with the view below. The restaurant is progressive- recycling its cooking oil and sending kitchen scraps to a chicken farm for feed.

Doing a little reading for this post I came across a wonderful blog, The District Domestic. The recipes, chef interviews, and restaurant trips she writes about are thoughtful and her blog is a feast for the eyes. In her words she wants to "share my passion for incredible food, beautiful days in the garden and fine homekeeping."

2009-10-11T10:38:00.003-04:00

Around our anniversary a few weeks ago we received the last spoils of our wedding. An absolutely gorgeous recycled glass vase (packaged wonderfully) from Brook Farm General Store.

And the Albertus Seba Cabinet of Natural Curiosities.

Thank You! Thank You!

Rectangles and circles

2009-10-10T17:50:00.007-04:00

For my birthday AC and I took Metro North to New Canaan for a tour of the Philip Johnson Glass House. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. Philip Johnson created the perfect balance of hard and soft, lines and curves, empty and full.

I left in awe.

above: custom built hinged solid surface to cover his kitchen counter.

I'm back again.

2009-10-10T17:22:00.003-04:00

Wow, I've been away too long... but I am not empty handed. The new logo was inspired by ideas given to me by our friend Tim O. (owner of that gorgeous farmhouse). I am watching over my slip-poured pieces as I do these next few posts. What an inspiring few weeks we have had.

Craven Home First

2009-09-13T12:53:00.003-04:00

So, before the store is stocked, Craven Home made its first sale. Yay! VT comissioned me to make these pieces (which will be in the store very, VERY, soon). Thanks VT!

Perfect Day

2009-09-13T12:49:00.004-04:00

AC and I had the most perfect 1st anniversary yesterday. He brought the most gorgeous flowers to me and I made him a card. I think I got the better end of the deal!

Feeling Furry These Days

2009-09-12T01:38:00.005-04:00

pics from Sharon Montrose on Etsy

I do love animals, and I guess it shows from my recent posts. These photos taken by the Etsy featured seller this week, Sharon Montrose, are just beautiful. She sells larger limited editions of these at The Animal Print Shop.

Wallpaper-from Madison & Grow

2009-09-01T14:56:00.005-04:00

I have a wallpaper project for our home floating around in my head. I am really enjoying the blues and yellows at Madison & Grow. They use recycled paper and their images are designed by hand!

all pics from Madison & Grow