I love this blog

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

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

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.

sweethearts

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

Oh Chair part 2

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!

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

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...

cloth Knolls

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

Victoria.

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.

working with real wood

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.

Wedding Inspiration

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!

Small Steps

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!