A Tea Leaf Blog
Today I'm editing photos I took of A Tea Leaf jewelry. Stay tuned for sweet wearables that will be in my Etsy shop! PS: This Molly Muriel Lemongrass candle smells amazing!! PSS: Raindrop print by Year Round Co!
Okay okay... Here's a sneak peek of those sweet wearables that will be in my Etsy shop very soon! Reindeer moss necklaces in colors of pink red, purple blue, chartreuse green, & kelly green.
This morning while walking my dog I picked some dandelion fluff. Now to turn them into wish necklaces! One of them will be a gift for my sweet neighbor.
Limited time SALE! $15 each! 'You are my Rock' 8x10 art prints! Sale ends Fri, Nov 22th. Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/114718148/sale-yep-you-are-my-rock-oceanside-beach
I got a chance to explore the wilderness! I started at Pittock Mansion making my way down Wildwood Trail. It was a beautiful day. The tall trees swaying in the wind were mesmerizing. I'm so thankful to live the in Pacific Northwest. Enjoy the snaps!
Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate with Justin. Saturday we spent most of the afternoon exploring in the woods at Forest Park. It's so lush & green. Everywhere you look there was an array of trees, mosses, and ferns. I think it's pretty wild that the forest is so close in to downtown Portland. We both agreed we ought to explore the trails more often... maybe once a month.
Along the trail we got to see the Stone House, a landmark built in the 30's.
A few weekends ago I got the opportunity to spend the night on the coast. It was wonderful. Especially getting to share it with family. The weather was warm which is rare for the Oregon coast. The visit included places such as Seaside, Rockaway, and Cannon Beach. I'd thought I share some photos that bring a smile to my face. Hopefully they will do the same for you.
One of my favorite Stumptown summer activities is to drive out to Sauvie Island. Just ten miles northwest of downtown, I love exploring this expanse lush area. Off on Gilliand Road we stopped at Columbia Farms to do some berry picking.
We couldn't have picked a better day to visit. There were not very many others out that day surprisingly. Walking through the fields and sun shining down makes you really feel at ease. We took our time picking blackberries, marionberries, and boysenberries. It was hard to resist nibbling them right then and there. So sweet, so tart!
Now the time has come to share!
I'm so thrilled to share with you a new necklace created by me. And it's available in the shop!
"The Berry Picker's Heart" - necklace
The pendant's face is composed of 2 elements. The top is a slightly domed, vintage lucite cabochon with a burgundy raspberry shade in the craters. The bottom element is a Patikan wood square pendant made in the Philippines that measures 35mm in width & height. The woodgrain may vary slightly from the one pictured since it's real wood. Patikan wood display a rich and distinctive grain that makes each unique.
Each necklace is completed with an antique brass-finish chain. The necklace is a 3mm chain, 20" in length, finished with a lobster clasp finding.
Necklaces are shipped in an adorable box, ready to give as a gift. I pay special attention to the packaging to make it special for you or your recipient. It's a lovely gift to give a friend, family member, co-worker, or partner.
I'm looking forward to revisting Sauvie at least once more before the summer season ends. Any of you readers out there do share if you have any favorite spots on the island. I would love to hear about them!
Over the warm weekend my husband & I retreated to the majestic Laurelhurst Park. Sometimes I forget how close it really is. With our flip flops on, we trudged out to the perfect partial sun spot.
Metallic Champagne flip flops & Matte Merlot Nail polish: Gap
We brought our favorite picnic blanket and pillows, packed club sandwiches, and sweet sugary beverages.
Leaf picnic blanket, pillows: Target. Black bear canvas tote bag: Crafty Wonderland Shop
It was so nice to just kick back, hear the birds a chirpin' and get lost in our thoughts. Above our heads... leaves were getting along swimmingly with the bright blue skies and sunshine.
Red shades: Be*Mused Boutique. PDX Represent t-shirt: Tender Loving Empire
I'm currently reading Area 51 by Annie Jacobsen. It's a bit overwhelming just looking at it's thickness! I found out about the book on the Daily Show with John Stewart. I normally read fiction but hearing about it really intrigued me. Hopefully I make it to the end. Only 2 hundy and some odd numbers to go. Eep.
Of course some drawin' in the Moleskine had to be had. I love the post lanterns that line the paths paved around the park. I don't know much about the history of Laurelhurst, but I bet there is some rich history among these grassy rolling hills... and all the homes that sit amidst.
Grass resin necklace : Fernworks / Faryn Davis
In the center of the park there is a pond. The blue green water is mesmerizing! I can picture little boats floating in the calm waters around the ducklings and bubbly springs.
It feels good to get back into writing. I know I've been a stranger for the past few months or so. My plate sure has been full this summer. And lengthy visit back to the Midwest was done.
It's a brand new week lovelies. I hope you have a good one. xoxo, Alissa.
I thought I would share a lil' bit of my weekend with you.
Over the weekend I created my very first desert terrarium. And I believe that this is just the beginning of something awesome! Learning to make terrariums has been on my lengthy mental to-do list for a long time.
It was so meditating for the mind. I really enjoyed arranging the pebbles, dirt, sand, and succulents. It took a few attempts to place them to be pleasing the eye. It's an art form. Collaging in a sense. One thing I learned is that you really have to be patient when creating a terrarium. Kinda in a nerdy bonsai trimming way. I used two adorable succulents, on the left "Babies Toes", my favorite new succulent discovery. Too funny. And I added a few souvenirs from trips to Oregon's ocean beaches.
For the longest time I've been fascinated with nature being encapsulated within a structure. I probably first became aware of concept (on a much larger scale) as a child, from The BioSphere 2 in Tucson, Arizona in the early 90's. Then in yearly visits to the immaculate Lied Jungle & Desert Dome at Omaha's Zoo.
Some of you out there may have pondered the idea of making your own terrarium. Maybe wondering how to go about it. Well I began by reading a post on Indie Bliss for wedding centerpieces. The photos on there are fantastic and inspirational. I do recommend reading the responses at the bottom of the article. There are some great tips in there.
I also discovered this video on Martha Stewart's site that is worth watching. Arrested Development fans will get a kick out of watching Jeffrey Tambor side kickin' it with Martha. Click on the image above to redirected to the video.
Portland, Oregon had it's very first snow of the season yesterday. It's the first time that it has stuck itself to the ground. To be honest, I wasn't too thrilled that it was coming our way. Being born and raised in the Midwest, I've had my fill. But, I admit, it was exciting to wake up to a winter wonderland. Especially with the flakes planted on Stumptown's many many trees.
Yesterday afternoon I went for a stroll around the neighborhood. It's been awhile since I've been surrounded by zillions of tiny snowflakes. It was sorta magical. Especially walking through my favorite secret courtyard.
Once my picture-taking finger felt numb, I ended the chilly walk. I came back to headquarters and rejuvenated with some chamomile tea off the stovetop and a couple of nuked blueberry muffins that Just & I made last night. Mmm.
My husband, Justin and I drove out to the coast this last Saturday. We finally celebrated his birthday, it was in the beginning of July.Here are lots of photos! Enjoy! Feel free to leave a comment.
Out on the open road - Hwy 99W
Rectangle shaped stacked hay bales
We are almost to the finish line!
Look! It's a deer!
Standing on Proposal Rock
Looking up at Proposal Rock
Looking up at Proposal Rock - close up
Crevice in Proposal Rock
Seaweed find
Where's Proposal Rock?
Close up of the orchids on Neskowin Beach
Looking out Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, OR
Crafting at Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, Oregon
My sandy foot and crafting/drawing tools
Looking out Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, OR
Sea Lions at Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, OR
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.
What better day to announce my new website and blog than today... a day full of warm fuzzy thoughts swirling in one's head of significant others, friends, and family... Valentine's Day! I am very excited to finally buckle-up and get this blogging shenanigan going. Within the past year, I have followed a new path in my life by moving to this new state. This has made me determined to spend each meaningful day doing what I love to do... exploring and creating. I'm loving every moment of venturing forth in Oregon's inviting array of beauty by taking snaps, drawing, and collaging. Thanks for stopping by and visit again for more peeks into my life of documentation and imagination. I hope everyone's day is filled with smiles, love, and laughter. Happy Valentine's Day!