When it Rains, it Pours

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)

mexico dreaming, on such a winter's day

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

A Few New Things in the Etsy shop

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.

Finally, the spinning top vase

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.

Kiln Time

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.

Putting yourself out there

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.

A day of Logo and Nesty

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.