Shake-it!

I'm sure you've heard about it, but have you tried the Shake-it Polaroid App for iphone, totally my opinion but an awesome way to spend 99¢. The sound effects ...genius! 

Trying to keep it focused right now with much going on, however I hope to be back this week to share some very talented artists with you~ Have a great day ~

Back to the Garden

Back in my neighbors garden today for a wider look at the trees and sculptures, a little overcast and perfect for photographing. All of the work you see, pruned tree's, brick paving, sculptures, koi pond, are handmade by my neighbors, Martha and Bob, so talented and creative.

and it's only May!

Incredible Nature~ Color and Pattern

Hello! Another beautiful Monday!

This morning I spent a little time with my camera in my neighbors yard, she is a master gardener and the images that follow are the culmination of 40 years worth of work or art rather. It just amazes me the attention to texture, and pattern, and color not to mention knowing what time of year that it will bloom and what lovely plant it sits next to and how it will compliment the others.  A postage stamp yard that year round provides inspiration for many painters and photographers. Enjoy!

Isn't that red peony amazing! Martha's garden is also chock full of sculptures, most of which she made from re-purposed industrial materials, I'll share those next time~ 

Renegade Craft Fair

Hi again, bumped into some fun reading today- I'm sure you have heard of the huge multi city- Renegade craft fairs, the storque  has a great article promoting the Austin Fair this weekend. 

Have you ever participated in a craft fair? Have you ever been to Renegade? I have thought about it but.... I would need to get my feet wet in a much smaller venue. While strolling thru the website I found some great shops and links- here is my favorite, the opening is such a fantastic way to communicate your inspiration have a look-  at Viva Zapata Bags

Wasn't that website great!!

Yellow Fixation

Everything yellow attracts my eye lately~

All the little ponies, Kiki and Poly

Caution Light ring, Dandy Apple

Three quince in autumn, Ajawin

Fun Three, Otis Pepper

Horizon pleated tote, Modern Radar

Sugar and Cream, Pigeon Toe Ceramics

Yellow Notecard, Pretty Much Art

Vintage Ribbon, Package in Style

Love Pillow, Honey Pie Design

Just so sunny~ what's on your color radar?

Silent Auction for Hailey

Just thought I would share a silent auction going on next week.

The lovely Heather of Fabulous Fun Finds Blog, is seeking donations and for you to bid on items for Hailey Angel~ you can read her story here, a very personal one. There are many things to choose from, have a look or lend a hand a donate something handmade.

Water Cooler Talk ~ Part 1

Hi again, hope you are off to a productive week:) 

At the beginning of the month I usually have a bit more time for this space here, so I was contemplating this blog and blogging in general and I got to thinking about how much of my daily blog reading (and commenting) is like water cooler talk- is it the same for you too? 

As many of us are self employed, or work mostly independently or with clients it leaves out the opportunity to get feedback with co-workers, it seems brilliant to be able to "connect" daily in a way that is most convenient, online. Recently had a relative read my blog and comment that she felt guilty reading it, because it sounded like I was talking to a "friend". Hmmm, not sure at first what to think about that, but now that I've mulled it over, I'm going to take it as a compliment. Since it is named after my shop~  I did want this space to reflect the same ideas and be a cozy, friendly atmosphere.

 I have noticed a common thread often talked about: over scheduling, time management or how we as women can do it "all". So why not share what we do that works, and pass it along? 

I for one an open to any suggestions of what you do in your work week or home life that makes it just a little easier~  For example, I suck at twitter....how do you do it  well and have it not be something that is totally distracting~ seriously, I'm all ears.

So here are two things to kick off this series(?) that help me, I do hope you comment and share what works for you and pass it along~ and any help on the twitter thing too :)

First up- two sketchbooks, I'm a sketcher, and a doodler, I can't talk on the phone without a sharpie in my hand and pad in the other. I keep one big one for the graphic design job and one for Hettle, different colors, I keep everything that I am working on currently in each one. I also put them away so I can only work at one a time~ helps keep things focused.

and this thingy, not sure if you call it a "weekly planner" or not, I like it because it has no dates on it~ just Monday thru Sunday, it's less demanding than a calendar, more like a weekly note collector, but because it has day's I can write down when I'm making phone calls, or setting up appointments or meeting with vendors, even the kids playdates. Also, I can rip out the page and start fresh, easier than crossing things out on a calendar.

These are just a few "low tech" solutions~ we'll see how this all goes and add (hopefully) some of your suggestions etc. So what do you think?