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"Sleepy Inuit Village" button ring
I'm fascinated by igloos. It's crazy to think about how early Inuits were able to live and flourish in the harshest of conditions.
There's a dreamy documentary from the 1920's (the first feature-length documentary ever) called Nanook Of The North that follows the lives of a family in the Arctic. Here's a little clip of Nanook building an igloo for his family in under an hour. Complete with a window made of ice and snow to reflect the warm sunlight inside.
And that's the inspiration for my latest creations...
One button...
Two button...
Delectable clothing buttons repurposed into...
"Sleepy Inuit Village" button rings
A miniature Inuit village sits atop the frozen lake of turquoise flecked with gold. Two stacked buttons create the scene of chilly igloos set on a pearlescent stage. Their three-dimensional character and subtle variations are the perfect splash of color for a cold winter's day. Each ring is completed with an antique brass-plated band.
The finer details...
The ring's face is made of 2 plastic buttons made in Italy. The top is a transparent light green, speckled with gold. The bottom button is aquamarine, faceted, and 7/8" in diameter with pearlish speckles. The band is a very strong, adjustable antique brass-plated, 4mm in width.
I have been creating button rings for the past year and this one will finally be listed in my Etsy shop available for purchase. Head on over to purchase your very own.
Each ring is shipped in an itty bitty box, ready to give as a gift. Special attention is given to the packaging to make it special for you or your recipient. It's a lovely gift to give a friend, family member, or co-worker.
"Roadtrip Abound" compass ring
I looove roadtrips. Don't you?
I love the excitement getting up in the morning, packing a lunch, camera, sketch book or possibly a novel to read when we hit our destination. Heading out the door, picking up some mouthwatering pastries & piping hot coffee, and then away we go! The anticipation of the sights we'll see!
Spontaneous road trips are the best. Which direction to go? Who knows what you'll run into.
My love & I have discovered some amazing places, especially being new to Oregon... Silver Falls, Pittock Mansion, Mount Angel...
There's a new comrade in my Etsy shop inspired by roadtrips!
Let me acquaint you with...
"Roadtrip Abound" compass ring
I was enamored when I came across some vintage miniature compasses. I got to thinking about those Cracker Jack prizes. As a child, digging my fingers into a Cracker Jack box and pulling out that delightful lil' prize. I wouldn't think twice about sacrificing my fingers to the stickiness. Wouldn't it be merry to transform these compasses into a wearable?
This vintage miniature compass (3/4" in diameter) actually works, but has had a change of career from function to fashion. Instead of getting you through the woods, this compass will lend your day a note of eclectic style. This piece is finished off with a strong, stainless-steel toned adjustable band.
Finland Folk Dancers
Lately I've been intrigued of my ancestry. During my visit home to Nebraska, my grandma sent me home with some books about Finland. I've been having fun skimming the glossy pages of pictures and drawing in my sketchbook. My old high school art teacher, Ms. D would be proud of my continuous lines.
Poppy Seed drawing print has a slight new look. It will be released very very soon. To pre-order a 5"x7" or 8"x10" print be sure to drop me a line.
I heart buttons. I have so many buttons, it's ridiculous. I have a vintage Pyrex bowl filled with them. Speaking of items soon to be released, I will be listing little surprises in the shop like button rings. Each ring has a antique brass band and is topped off with eye catching buttons.
I did a print & framing custom order last week. Aren't they exquisite? I love these 16" x 20" frames with their milky white mats. From left to right: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Poppy Seed.
I cheese sandwich you
I have so many things to share with you about my recent visit to my homestate, Nebraska. Being there for 2 weeks, I couldn't help taking lots of photography. I plan on dedicating a few future blog posts to the highlights. Above is a shot I snapped in rural eastern Nebraska. I do miss the drives; being out and about between Columbus, Lincoln, and Omaha. It was nice to be reacquainted with the rows and rows of corn stalks. One thing I didn't miss was the 90° - 100° humid mosquito infested summer weather.
When I left Portland at the end of June I began reading my friend, Kim's novel suggestion... The Time Traveler's Wife. Wow, it was such a good read. It's confusing at first with all the time traveling dates. I don't think I have ever read a novel (that was not a mandatory high school or college requirement) so fast. Niffenegger's writing is to die for. I fell in love with her writing style. This is really her first book? I didn't notice. Very well done Niffenegger. Before I read this book I wasn't fond of the name Henry. Felt so old-fashioned. After reading this book, let's be honest, I have a new appreciation for it. I loved the dreamy character Henry. Who wouldn't. He's compassionate, dashing, and a time traveling adventurous stud. I don't normally read chick novels but this one went well under the radar for me. I give it 5 stars. I'm a little leary of watching the movie. It seems like when books are made into movies they are just not as good.
Chick novels... chick flicks... I only like a handful of either of them. Maybe 3 or 4. Love & Sex is an adorable and funny one. I watched this flick a couple times this week. One of my favorite quotes is when Adam says to Kate, "I cheese sandwich you." If you haven't watched it, the 2 were discussing, that after a while, saying "I love you" is like saying "cheese sandwich". Saying "I love you" starts to lose it's meaning.
This is off subject, but I'll give you a little heads up of what I have been crafting up these days. I crafted these... "Handpicking La France Pears In Japan" earrings. When the day comes that I get to visit Japan, I do hope to visit a pear orchard. I love how the La France Pear is uniquely spherical, like these lemon jade beads. I have listed a few pairs in the ol' Etsy shop. Click here to be directed to my shop.
Well I hope you lovelies have a great weekend. If you are in Portland... stay cool. It's going to be a warm one! It would be a good time to go to the coast.
Take this here rain check
Good morning to you all! It's very early for me... 4:00am. Some silly reason I've been waking up this time early every day this week. Let me state– THIS NEVER EVER HAPPENS. I heart sleeping. Make that a gigantic heart. Ok, so I've been pretty terrible about updating this blog. Eek! Has it really been 3 weeks since my last post? I really need to kick myself in the rear. It even has been perfect blogging weather...rainy. Bleh, I am pretty tired of this stinking hard core rain we have been having in Portland. Well, I don't hate it completely. I love having my apartment windows open. Hearing the pitter-patter is nice. And so is the smell. Mmmm. But I am yearning for a little Vitamin D and bicycling that doesn't involve soggy skinny jeans.
For some odd reason the rain has gotten me thinking of "David the Gnome". If you were a child in the mid to late-80's like me & you had cable... you probably were a big Nickelodeon fan. I'm curious how many of you out there liked the TV show "David the Gnome"? I had a flash back of being around the age of 5, all curled up on the couch with my mom, watching the show that would eventually be subdued by an afternoon nap. All while it was raining, of course. I wonder what I would think of it, if I watched it today. My mom sure loved it. And I'm pretty sure today I'm the same age as she was then.
Very soon I will be making my first roadtrip of the season out to the coast. And absolutely NO Mr. Rain! You are sooo not invited. Sun? absolutely!
Speaking of roadtrips, remember when I posted on here about my drive out to Mount St Helens? Oh... back in the Spring of last year? Well here's the post if you would like to read it. With all this H20 jibber-jabber, here are some earrings that I crafted. With Clearwater Lake on the brain, I named them...
"That time my toes met the shoreline"
:: View in Etsy Shop ::
I adore these faceted glass beads. They're awesome! See how their colors, teal & amber, blend together? It's especially cool how they hit the light. I really wish I had more of them. Yes, unfortunately I only will be able to make a few more. I guess you can say they are limited edition. He he.
Well you nice folks have an excellent weekend! I will leave you with a sketchbook drawing from yesterday. Enjoy!
Maybe see ya on Monday!
Caturday
Today has been fun. I took a trip down to Jo-Ann's, stocked up in some crafty supplies. I'm getting ready for the humongous show coming up next weekend! I then hit up Best Baguette for lunch. Delicious! It's becoming one of my favorite lunch spots. It's like French and Asian food fused together. This time around I ordered the grilled chicken with Asian spices on a baguette. I couldn't resist ordering one of their Mango Boba teas as well.
After lunch I made a visit to the Goodwill and found a vintage suitcase for only 7 bucks. What a steal! I also found a vintage travel Scrabble game. I plan on making some jewelry out of these mini letters. Since I brought them home, Yoshimi has been really into playing with the letters. I better be careful and keep them away from her. Otherwise they may be on the floor in every room very soon.
I'm really excited for next Saturday and Sunday! I've been counting down the days until Crafty Wonderland's Super Colossal Spring Show. Everyday I've been doing a little bit to prep for it. I have even made some new handmade goodies that haven't made their way into my Etsy shop. I found some great frames at Ikea the other day. At next weekend's show I decided that I will be selling some of my prints already in frames like above. I have even went in and signed the mattes.
Yesterday I found out where my booth will be next weekend! I posted it so you know where exactly where to find me and my handmade goods. I'm super stoked about my neighbors too... Soma Venus & Camp Smartypants. We are going to have so much fun.
Welp, need to get off the Mac. I have a date with crafting for the rest of the evening. Maybe Yoshimi will join in on the fun. Checking out the dvd collection... maybe watch some Veronica Mars (Yes, I'm a geek), Curb Your Enthusiasm, or Freaks and Geeks? Decisions decisions decisions.
Sunny & Swell
What a BEAU-TI-FUL morning we have here in Stumptown. I enjoyed the sunshine on my way over to Crema. I thought I would share some of the rays that are shining in the office.
I signed up for a DailyBooth account the other day. Do feel free to add me as a friend on there. In the past I've been kinda hesitant to sign-up but after moseying around a lil' bit and viewing other users silly faces I was persuaded. DailyBooth is basically like a visual journal. It's a place where you can upload and share portraits of yourself on a daily basis. Pretty fun concept, eh??
The last three days I have been blaring (at least twice a day) the new She And Him album, 'Volume Two'. My husband would say he can vouch for this. He doesn't have the nerdy obsession for Zooey as I do. And hey that's okay. The album is not released yet– won't be until March 23rd. Thanks to NPR's website you can stream it! Take a gander here.
Wait, wait! Don't leave yet. I know, you're about to think... tl, dr. BUT I have some very thrilling news.
I was accepted into Crafty Wonderland's Super Colossal Spring Show! It will be at the Oregon Convention Center on May 1st and 2nd. Be sure to mark your Google Calendar, iCal, Moleskine, etc. It's going to be glorious... 200 vendors with their handmade goodness. Keep posted on Crafty Wonderland's site.
Last but not least... I have drawn a new kitchen herb. May I present Nutmeg.
Nutmeg print :: 8” x 10” :: View in Etsy Shop
"Nutmeg is usually associated with sweet, spicy dishes — pies, puddings, custards, cookies and spice cakes. It combines well with many cheeses, and is included in soufflés and cheese sauces. In soups it works with tomatoes, split pea, chicken or black beans. It complements egg dishes and vegetables like cabbage, spinach, broccoli, beans, onions, and eggplant."
I found a photo of the actual fruit. I'm amazed of the dried "lacy" reddish covering of the seed... I see a resemblance to human capillaries.
A Tea Leaf at TinyHidyHo Holiday Shoppe
Attention Portlanders out there!
Stop by the Tinymeat store on North Williams to find local handmade gifts! It's a great place to pick out those last minute gifts, treat yourself to something sweet, or chit chat with Tinymeat owner, Michael! My handmade goodies are there, as well as a dozen other local artists' & crafters' work.
Tinymeat's address is 3808 N. Williams, Portland, OR - Located in the same building as Cha Cha Cha & Ristretto Roasters.
New Earrings, Giveaway, & Etc.
Oh my! I haven't written a blog post since October 12th! Here's a quick run-through of the latest.
New Earrings... October Nights and Black Kitten's Green Eyes are available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.
My Dill drawing of my Herb Series is featured in an Etsy Treasury called Dill or Sweet. They can't be beat! Click here to view.
On Sunday, November 8th I will be selling my art and jewelry at Crafty Wonderland. More info here!
I'm doing my very first give-away on here! I will be giving away an 8" x 10" print of my Poppy Seed drawing!
There are 2 ways to win:
- Send a tweet on Twitter with the hashtag: #atealeaf. Maybe something like: "Hoping to win this awesome print: http://tinyurl.com/poppyseed! #atealeaf". I'll watch the hashtag and automatically register you for the contest.
- Or register using Facebook. All you have to do is invite 10 friends to become fans of the A Tea Leaf Facebook fanpage here. Once you've done that just let me know in the comments below and I'll register you to win.
The winner will be contacted and announced on Friday, November 6th.
New Earrings & Mint drawing
It's Friday! Woo-hoo!
Well it's just about over with, isn't it? I'm staying home this evening due to feeling a bit under the weather. Hopefully things turnaround with the help from hot tea. I mean come on, who wants to be sick over the weekend? Surely not I.
I don't know if you noticed but 2 new sets of earrings made their way into my Etsy shop yesterday. I'm having so much fun using these little twig beads that I acquired awhile ago.
Float on Clouds - Earrings - View in Etsy Shop
One More Song - Earrings - View in Etsy Shop
Lastly, a new plant is added to my Herb Series! I've been pretty anxious to post this one.
Mint - 8" x 10" Print - View in Etsy Shop
Well that's all for now. I'm gonna kick back with a steamy cup of Chamomile tea, snuggle with my cat, and watch a movie borrowed from a friend. Hope all you lovelies have good weekend and enjoy that crisp Autumn air.
Wallets!
Tinymeat™ and I have united our creative powers to bring you...
Weeping Willow Wallets!
They are now in the Etsy Shop for only 15 buck-a-roos.
Exterior
The wallet's exterior has my 14th work of my Standard Movement Series, 00014 - Weeping Willow.
Interior
The wallet's interior is antique ledger paper. Coffee ring and scribbles included! Sewn by Tinymeat™ himself! How cool is that?!
Self Portrait Thursday
I joined this nifty group on Flickr called Self Portrait Thursday. What a cool idea!
Here's my first submission!
Yep, that's Gretel! She's hanging out at the A + J pad for the week. She loves jumping on my lap while I'm at the computer. Lol. She's such a sweetheart. Check out my new goldfish necklace, it's so awesome. It was made by my new pal Little Bear. Oh boy, I gotta get going! I need to start packing up my art for today's event, Last Thursday on Alberta. Hope to see you there!
PS: A new addition will be making an appearance in my Etsy shop tomorrow. I'm super excited for it to join the others. So do check my blog tomorrow! Yay!
Greeting Cards
Tomorrow (Friday)
Tomorrow something new will be making an appearance in the ATeaLeaf shop. Something that you personally have some say in. Do check back at 6:00am PST.
Weekend Crafting
Besides doing a significant amount of bike riding over the weekend, I also spent some time crafting up a storm. Check out these beauties, all available for purchase in my Etsy shop...
Perimeters Of The Koi Pond - earrings – Click here or photo to purchase & more info
Retold Tales That Are In Owl's Hearts - earrings – Click here or photo to purchase & more info
Little Beavers, Little Tree Stumps - earrings – Click here or photo to purchase & more info
Someday I'll Own A Seafoam Fender Stratocaster - earrings – Click here or photo to purchase & more info