hand drawn note cards

there is something that makes me very happy when I get an actual handwritten note - and nothing more gratifying when I get the chance to write out a few of my own to send to friends. These are simple little paneled note cards with little hand drawn sprouts along the bottom edge, with matching envelopes that I've sprouted along the flap edge.

take out a black pen or marker and make your own note cards from blank paper and envelopes - they make a perfect last minute gift.

Illustration Friday - Renewal

what better to start the year out with than a renewal of love!

I'm very lucky to be able to say I'm Matron of Honor for my sister's upcoming nuptials this summer! This excitement of sharing in my sister's wedding planning combined with a few bridal shower invites to do.... has me making bridal shower illustrations galore. i love sharing the love!

this piece is ink and marker- affectionately titled, "the love jungle"

Wishing you all good things this New Year!

reupholstering vanity - chair that is.

my dear gram gave me this chair years ago - and as you can see, the seat & fabric have seen better days. It was a part of her vanity set as a girl, so it is quite important to me, and took me a while (years) to find a fabric worthy of replacing it.

i found this fabric on my last trip to NYC. Mostly because i can't visit NYC and NOT shop the garment district, luckily. this bit of pretty was in a remnant bin right at the entrance, under a pile of crazy fabrics i had positively no interest in. i scoured that whole store, and as i was getting ready to leave, caught it out of the corner of my eye. i knew what it was for the instant i laid eyes on it.


i'm so pleased with how it came out. if you have never re-upholstered, do not be afraid, it is easy! google it as a how-to, you will find a million ways to do it. i was able to salvage the seat padding and tiny little tacks the original furniture maker used, which made me quite happy. One day i will re-finish the wood as well, but until i get one of my woodworking friends to assess the inlay on the back rest, i won't touch it.

now i'm thinking a gorgeous little purse with the leftover fabric scraps....

NEW recycled hand knit rag toys!

They are made up of recycled cotton flannel strips, ripped and tied into yarn, then knit by hand and stuffed with more recycled cotton flannel. Every toy is one of a kind, particularly because I do not use patterns (but I am working on making them up for a knitting pattern book one day!)


I like to think my place is like a garden for the toys, starting out as something entirely new from older times- a place to come to germinate, grow and get ready to go on their next adventure!
These creatures are the bunny rabbit, the birdy duck, and the giraffe.
I'm certain to try out a butterfly next. Also planning to make other scrap fabric yarn toys....
how about 100% recycled silk, or funky upholstery?? yummy.


hit up my shop for more details and lots of photos!