Putting an Etsy order together... 8x10 art prints of my Herb & Spice Series, Rosemary & Black Pepper!
Writing a lil' personal note on an ol' Bingo card for this Etsy order. Trying out one of my new favorite Washi tapes that has pears! Sooo kawaii!
Valentine's Half-Off Sale
'Ello! I hope everyone had a wonderful heart day. Mine was pretty nice. I'm kinda of a romantic nerd for the holiday (and all the time). Last night entailed dinner with my husband at a nearby public house. After eating cheeseburgers & drinking lovely wheat-y beers, we did a hand-holding stroll around the neighborhood. We also did some some gift exchanging which included a record vinyl album & cute lil' designer collectible toys.
Guess what?! On the internets I'm offering a half-off discount on my handmade heart goodies. Click images above to view. It's this weekend only & limited quantity. So don't dilly-dally, if you have been all googly eyed over them. Sale end's Sunday night (2/17/13) at midnight.
Valentine Heart Garland
It's here! It's here! It's here... just in time for Valentine's Day!
Handmade by yours truly. Hand-punched. Hand-dyed. Hand-threaded.
Hearts are made of pages from a 1960’s Funk & Wagnalls Standard Family Dictionary. Each garland is unique. As a little added bonus, you may discover vintage illustrations on hearts.
15 hearts + 6 feet long Choose from dip-dyed red or original. Purchase garland here in my Etsy shop!
Hang the garland on a wall, doorway, window, or anywhere.
I hung the garland on top of a vintage map in my living room. 'Oh Darling, Let's Be Adventurers' screen-printed art poster is by Fifi Du Vie.
Still Time for Christmas Delivery
There is still a wee little time for ordering Christmas presents in my Etsy shop if you're in the United States! Most orders go out the next day.
All other new orders from now through Christmas will be shipped via USPS Priority which usually takes 2-3 days to arrive (in the US only). Happy gift shoppin'!
You Are My Rock
A few months ago my husband & I celebrated our wedding anniversary at the Oregon coast. We decided to check out Oceanside beach after a friend suggested it. We were so thrilled that we chose it as our destination. Haystack rocks of all shapes & sizes. We even climbed on some of them to explore hidden tide pools. I really loved how the fog would come rolling in and settle around the rocks. The sun did make an appearance at sunset. If you ever have a chance to go out yonder, do go. Pssst... There's even a secret tunnel!
Art print now available in my Etsy shop. Specify size as 5x7 or 8x10.
We had such an awesome time out there that I wanted to capture it. I created this art print so others can embrace the love they have for each other.
Feel free to share your favorite spot on the coast & why. Whether it be West or East Coast. Or even if it's beyond the United States.
Wildwood Trail
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!
Sweet Birthday Treat
Today is my 30th birthday and as a special treat to my fans I'm offering free shipping to orders over $30! Just head on over to my Etsy Shop & add coupon code 30BDAYTREAT.
Mark your calendars
I along with 200+ artists will be participating in this years Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Spring Sale at the Oregon Convention Center! It is Saturday, May 12th which is the day before Mother's Day! What a perfect day excursion for you & your mom. Or maybe this would be a great opportunity to pick out something special for her. Especially something that is unique & handmade. :)
(Click on the map to be redirected to the vendor list.)
This time around I will be booth #91, right dab center of the map! Feel free to stop by my booth & say hello! I will be selling mini sphere terrariums, greeting cards, art prints, jewelry, and garland. I've been working hard in the studio making some new items too! Weee!
You don't want to miss this fun event!
Valentine's Hike
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 Birthday Blog Post to my Sister
24 years ago today, 1988, I was ecstatic that my very own sister was born. A little sister that would play with me all day long! Barbies! Legos! House! Here's a snap to show you how proud I was. Check out that bighearted smile.
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be without my sister.
I wouldn't have a shoulder to cry on, I wouldn't have someone to listen to me, I wouldn't have someone to wipe my tears.
Vise-versa.
I wouldn't have to block my room's doorway with my Sesame Street footstool so she couldn't crawl in & mess with my stuffed animal set-up.
I wouldn't have someone that I could hook up to the sled & see how far our dog, Chelsea could transport... not realizing how dangerous 27th Street was.
Nor would there be someone I could play an April Fool's joke on by drawing huge spiders on paper & cutting them out & using clear tape to attach them to her bedroom ceiling in the corner.
I am thankful for having that younger shadow following me whenever I needed her. Best friends have changed with time. But my sister has been the best friend that has stayed my best friend forever.
I love you Sis. Wishing you a very sweet birthday!
Warm Coastal Winds
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.
The simple things
This weekend I took it pretty easy and got some much needed me-time. I've had a pretty full plate on my hands. So I indulged in some simple pleasures.
Took a drive out to Suburbia to visit my favorite beauty store to browse nail polish, Ulta. I picked out this charming color called Turquoise & Caicos made by Essie. I love any good shade of seafoam green. I don't know if you have ever noticed. Ha!
Kicked back for hours on end reading All About Lulu, a novel by Jonathan Evison. Bought this book over a year ago on a whim at Powell's, read a third way through. I decided to pick it up again. And I'm glad I did!
Took a stroll to a cute local pet shop, Furever Pets. I couldn't of come home empty handed! I surprised Yoshimi with a new mylar ball, her favorite toy of all time. They seem to disappear in this household.
Berry Picker's Heart
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 & Into the City Forest
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.
Follow-up: ’11 Super Colossal Spring Sale
This year's Crafty Wonderland Spring Sale was awesome!No surprise. When has it not been awesome?!
This is the second year that the Spring Sale has been held at the Oregon Convention Center. This year it was also just for one day only.
(via craftywonderland)
Rad goodie bags were given to the first 200 shoppers in line.
(via craftywonderland)
There were book signings of some crafty talented authors, Cathy Callahan, Heidi Kenney, and Susan Beal.
(via craftywonderland)
There were free craft workshops for visitors, like glittered bird pins. Put a bird on it, FTW :)
(via craftywonderland)
Some snaps of my booth!
A new Crafty Wonderland mascot has been released! It was created by the witty, Ryan Berkley.
(via craftywonderland)
I treated myself and purchased my very own 'Dolls for Friends'! I've been wanting one for a very long time now. My cat looks thrilled.
Thanks to all that help make this one of Portland's best craft events!
I can't wait for the next Crafty Wonderland, December 10th and 11th. Mark your calendars!
Follow-up: '11 Lewis Garden Fair
Happy Monday to you all!
I want to thank you all that came out to the Lewis Elementary Garden Fair on Saturday to support the school's garden educational program!
For those who couldn't attend I thought I would share some video & photos with you.
I loved the music program performed by Lewis students...
Alea's groovy Garden Fair ensemble
Tea & cupcake, bake sale goodness
My booth...
More photos from the event here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/lewiselementary/sets/72157626560423180/
Goodies that I got to take home!
This Saturday: Lewis Garden Fair
Come join me this Saturday, the 23rd at Meriwether Lewis Elementary School's Garden Fair!
This will be my 2nd year as an art vendor!
"Meriwether Lewis Elementary School’s Garden Fair is a family-friendly plant sale and garden-inspired art market of handmade goods by local artists. We invite the entire community to enjoy a fun-filled day of plants, art and music!"
"This event will feature live entertainment, a bake sale and student-led tours of the Lewis Learning Gardens. Check out the master plan for our gardens and learn how Lewis is becoming a leader in Portland’s “green” school initiatives. Lewis Elementary is located in the Woodstock neighborhood of Southeast Portland. Proceeds from the Garden Fair will support Lewis Learning Gardens, our outdoor educational program that teaches students, grades K-5, about gardening and sustainability practices, including garden care and planning, recycling, composting and water management and more."
My desert terrarium
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.
"Fixed Cerulean Stare" earrings
I recently created some new stud earrings!
Fixed Cerulean Stare - earrings
These earrings are inspired by my silly & affectionate cerulean-eyed Ragdoll cat. These vintage deep blue glass cabochons from West Germany are set in antique brass plated bezel settings. The studs are approximately 10 mm in diameter and have a light weight to them.
View listing on Etsy here!
Surrounded by snowflakes
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.