Saizzi River Studios

Our friend Shank is one of the most talented people I know creatively. Over the years, whenever one of our group of friends would get married, one of the most highly anticipated gifts any of us would receive was the one from Shank. He would give the couple a piece of artwork that he made. Each one of them is so completely different ... and perfect for people receiving the gift! Our friends Andrew and Shelly were the first ones that I remember to receive something from Shank. They got a beautiful graphic textile piece. Leif & Melissa have a color painting hanging in their house, thanks to Shank. And we have an etching he made. Last year when we were visiting his house for his wedding, he showed us his studio and what he was currently working on. Amazing birdhouses! In fact, they were the centerpieces at his wedding. They are absolutely beautiful. Recently, he opened an Etsy shop called Saizzi River Studios. Check it out! The birdhouses are fully functional. Although, I'd be thrilled just to have one sitting in my house. They are amazing.

Stained Glass Butcher Diagrams

Oh my gosh, do I wish we had somewhere for one of these. Stained glass butcher diagrams of cow, chicken and pig by Halona Glass. (photos via Halona Glass) 

Hand-Died Quilts

 

I have a bit of a weakness for textile art. People like Anni Albers absolutely blow my mind. I've sketched out and dreamed of making a quilt for years. But I know my limitations. Besides the fact that I have no idea how to sew, I'm way to antsy to finish a project like that. (I still have a needlepoint I started making in 1987 that sits in my dresser only partially done). It amazes me when people possess the quilt-making skill -- and I think these hand-dyed ones by kimem are really beautiful. (via Freckle Farm)

Debbie Carlos

I recently saw these prints on Poppytalk, and absolutely love them. Especially the top one. Dreamy. And I was especially thrilled when I realized Debbie Carlos is a SAIC grad and local artist. Her prints available via Poppytalk Handmade and Etsy.

Katie Daisy

Images from The Wheat Field. (etsy - website :: via s a s s)

Papel Picado

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, check out this awesome shop for papel picado. Ay Mujer even offers custom name versions. They are too great!

Woodland Theme

We are done having babies. But if that wasn't the case, I think a woodland theme would make the most adorable nursery. Oh, and if we weren't done having babies (but we are), and we had another boy (which we would), his name would be Van. (All images, Big Bear bean bag and "wood" pillows by Chic Sin Design.)

Wood Stools

I absolutely love these. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. In fact, I'd like not just one, but a bunch of them. (Available at Wood and Wool Stool)

Missed Connections

Craigslist has a section called "Missed Connections." It was new to me, but some are really pretty funny. Artist Sophie Blackwell draws her interpretation of people's missed connections. Adorable. (Missed Connections Blog || Etsy) (via Cup of Jo).

Seven Deadly Sins

I've mentioned these before, but I just love them. I know the perfect spot to hang them. Seven Deadly Sins by Trixie Delicious.

Tweet!

Isn't this a beautiful bird feeder? Oh my gosh, and the red cardinals that have been frolicking around on our fence would look great nibbling from it. If it weren't for the squirrels. Or the fact that we don't have a tree to hang it in .... (photo courtesy of Joe Papendick)

Etsy :: Eco

UL ... Reuasable Le Petit Sandwich Bags by Evelyn Fields
UR ... Bird Feeder. Reclaimed street lights by Red Yellow and Blue
LL ... Cable Knit Coffee Cozy by Wayside Violet
LR ... Recycled Coffee Sack Bag by Ustya

Etsy :: Kid's Stuff

UL ... The Owyn Toy Box by Mod Mom Furniture
UR ... Moccasins Recycled Baby Shoes by Kaboogie
LL ... Tot Town Crayon Holder by KateWDesigns
LR ... Chalkboard Placemat by ChristinaChristina

Playhouse

(photo courtesy of wove)

Isn't this Dreaming Spires Willow Playhouse by wove amazing?

Easter Eggs

(photo courtesy of astash toys)

Not sure why, but I was completely surprised to see Easter is only a few weeks away. I love these felted eggs by astash toys.

Train Necklace

H & C are huge fans of trains. Still. Probably forever. The obsession may be slowing down a little bit, but I think there will always be a place in their hearts for trains. I found this graffiti writer subway necklace on Etsy a couple weeks ago, and can't help but think how much I'd love one with my boys names on it. (Photo and necklace by DMD Metal).

I'm in Love ...

Can you even stand how cute this is? Storm would looks pretty silly wearing a hat with a big blue flower on top. Just imagine how embarassed he'd be then! Still, I think this dog, wearing this hat, is one of the cutest things I've seen. (Blue Blossom Dog Hat -- size small, of course -- by BeanTownHandmade).

Snow & Cold Again

(Snowman by C)

It's so cold out, and even snowed again last night. And while I've been a trooper about it until now, today it's chilling me to the bones. C can't stand the cold either. He said he "misses the beach and the flowers." But, H was jumping up and down with joy when he saw a thin layer of snow dusting the sidewalks today. "My snow is back!" he sang.

In honor of the frigid cold weather, check out the beard hat I found on Etsy. Rusty Roger Beardaclava. Now that's funny.

Etsy :: Ruffles

UL ... Le Coquette Ruffled Scarf by bonzie
UR ... Snowflake by tinctory
LL ... Ruffle Apron in Dove Grey by 2021 Leslie
LR ... a tough ruffles pencil purse in lemon yellow by madebyhank

Etsy :: Tea Towels

UL ... Bristol Cranes Tea Towel - Industrial Architecture by arctic circles
UR ... Red Rooster and Hen Toile Embroidered Tea Towel Set by The Tattered Towel
LL ... Tea Towel 'Grassy' Set by flying rhymes
LR ... Block Print Deer Towel by artgoodies