On Flowers; Fresh and Faux

E claims that my years working in a flower shop have given him a complex about buying gifts of flowers. He simply doesn't know which ones are best. While I haven't decided whether or not this is a cop out, (The fact is that ANY flowers are good. He really can't go wrong.) I solve the dilemma by occasionally buying and combining a few inexpensive grocery store bouquets.



Circus roses are my favorite. I love the variegated petals and the way they absolutely fling themselves open to the sunshine for one bright, vivid, intoxicating week. The scent is incredible and one can't help but see a metaphor there about being open to the world to soak in all its pleasures.



"If a woman has artificial flowers in her house, flowers that need dusting twice a year, but never die, she is closing herself off from any understanding of life or death." -May Sarton in Journal of a Solitude

Yummy Haribo Gummies!

I bought a package of Haribo Raspberries at World Market the other day on a whim and am enjoying them so very much! They are so pretty and the crunchy nonpareils on the outside make perfect contrast with the gum drop insides. And the colors are sublime, don't you think? The blackberries are especially lovely. What's your favorite candy of the moment?

You must go see Coraline!

Enter the Coraline website and you'll be welcomed into a world where "Everything was made by hand." That is no exaggeration. This wonderful tale is full of intricate scale models, stop motion photography, an elaborate dance routine performed by tiny marching band costumed mice and a magical garden populated with glowing bleeding heart lanterns, nipping snap dragons and a hedge clipping machine in the shape of a praying Mantis. There is also one wise and mangy black cat- (After little Elvis, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for those!)

Coraline is a little girl who has just moved into a strange and lonely house with her incredibly stressed out and less than attentive parents. When the quirky neighbor boy gives her a doll that looks exactly like her, she discovers an alternate universe where the food tastes better, the colors are brighter, the nieghbors are more interesting and the garden is enchanted. There are also "better" versions of her parents- with buttons for eyes- intent on having her stay with them forever. That's when thing really begin to get interesting.

Although this movie is technically a childrens' film, it definitely wouldn't be suitable for young kids...there are some unsettling themes. But older kids and adults will enjoy the plot, music and the incredible creativity and ingenuity on display in creating an entire world for the camera by hand. If you've seen it (or if you go) make sure to tell me how you liked it! It's one of the best I've seen all year.

Twenty Questions with Sue of Not For Spot!

I discovered today's Twenty Question's interviewee with the Etsy pounce tool and I know you'll get a kick out of her incredible cookie art too. Sue makes beautiful confectionery versions of 70 breeds of dogs. Each "litter" arrives beautifully packaged in a cellophane bag with a ribbon bow. Let's find out more about her love of cookies and canines and how she combined the two with Not for Spot!

Miss B: First off, tell us a little about you! What is the best thing about life in your part of New York?

Sue: I am a happy sugar artist, which combines my love of sweet things and my need to express myself artistically. My work pretty much reflects my realistic nature. I try to recreate what my eyes see as honestly as possible. The "wow" factor I strive for is for people to say "she nailed it!" or "the colors are perfect!". At times it is a bit challenging on a small cookie, but I work hard to try to get it all right.

Buffalo is known for long, brutal winters and bleak, gray skies, but I have an opportunity to set the record straight! Western New York does have some cold weather, that's for sure, but we do enjoy four distinct seasons here. I love driving into northern Niagara county, where there is an abundance of fruit orchards-- offering apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries and grapes. The geography and weather is wonderful for grape growing, which in turn is great for wine-producing. How did I not mention Niagara Falls? The beauty and power of that place is majestic. I can be at the water's edge in minutes and get a refreshed perspective in my life.

Miss B: Do you have dogs of your own?

Sue: I do have a dog. He was born in a barn on a dairy farm, and although we were told he was part Border Collie, it's pretty hard to see that breed in him. He is speckled and mottled in black, white and gray, and he has ice-blue eyes. His name is Murf.

Miss B: Have you always been artistic?

Sue: Yes, I have always needed to express myself. As a child I drew a lot of pictures, and wrote stories. I hid most of my work though, never feeling anything was good enough. At 19 I went to a photography school in New York City, and began a life in that direction. Although I had a good eye for composition, my lack of confidence kept me from pursuing a career in that field. After many years of colorful jobs, I picked up a pastry bag. I was instantly reinvented.

Miss B: Which is your first love, pastry artistry or pooches?

Sue: My first love is definitely pooches! I have always been a dog lover. I am of the "Lassie" generation. I will even publicly admit that there was a time in my life when I wanted to BE a dog! When my little cousins came to visit and we played "house", I sat in the corner and panted, barked, and ALWAYS begged for the part of the dog.

As I got older, when all the girls in my neighborhood were dressing their Barbie dolls, I was studying "The Big Book of Dogs", my most treasured possession. I knew every breed, and actually assumed everyone did. "Come on, it's a Shipperke! ...You, know, black, with pointy ears and no tail!...How can you not know that?" I would get so frustrated with the lack of knowledge around me.

Miss B: Your website describes fourteen years of experience as a pastry artist and cake designer! Tell us about the creations you make. What was your most elaborate confection?

Sue: I am still currently working in a very creative, upscale bakery. My cake-pals are amazing people, and their dedication is very inspiring. Several of my favorite projects included recreating a window from Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin Martin house on a wedding cake, and a Taj Mahal birthday cake. My most elaborate confection was a birthday cake for the curator of the Albright Knox Art Gallery, a very realistic portrayal of the 1890 building, which is a beautiful landmark.

Miss B: What inspired you to begin Not for Spot?

Sue: I have always enjoyed making cut-out cookies, first with my mother when I was a child, in preparation for the Christmas season, and then as a mother myself, with my own children. I became bored with the usual holiday shapes, so I added several animal cutters to our repertoire. The dog cookies seemed to be favorites, so I began trying to find different cutters to add to our holiday mix. A simple wish, "wouldn't it be cool to JUST make dog cookies?", spoken to my cousin, Guy, and here I am now! A dog-lover himself, Guy became my business partner, and he has turned my whimsical wish into my new life.

Miss B: Your shop says you can make a cookie version of 70 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. (There are more than 150 different kinds of dogs recognized by the AKC!) Are there any breeds you haven’t done yet?

Sue: At the present, I can do about 70 breeds. I have a few more in the works, but until I figure out the lines and colors that define the breed I'm trying to refine, those cookies are just snacks for my family! Sometimes I think they are super critical just so they can eat them...

Miss B: Which breed is your best seller?

Sue: I am very surprised at the popularity of the Chihuahua! A close second is the Beagle. Although they are not popular by most standards, I can do the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Bouvier des Flanders as well.

Miss B: Walk us through the process of making these little tiny works of art.

Sue: After the dough is made and chilled, I roll it out using my mother's wooden rolling pin. It is at least fifty years old. That is a personal, nostalgic comfort for me, every time. After baking, each cookie is iced by hand with a pastry brush and a warmed vanilla dip icing. After setting for an hour, each cookie is "cleaned"; that is, gone over with a small knife, to remove any drips. Then, some are airbrushed to give realistic detail, like the black saddle pattern on the Beagle or the brown/black colors on the Alaskan Malamute. Next come the eyes, for I can't bring myself to work on my pups without their faces looking at me! I add lines, texture, and features with warmed colored icing in a pastry bag, and then they are set aside to rest and dry.

Miss B: Do you begin with sketches? Do you create your own cookie cutters?

Sue: Sketches? No way! My little sugar cookie is my canvas! As I mentioned earlier, my family likes to eat what I deem unacceptable. If I squeezed the pastry bag a little too hard and a Bichon Frise's nose comes out as a black blob, he is consumed by my son or daughter. So far, I haven't ventured into the arena of cookie cutter making, but I know that is next, for what is available on the market is somewhat limiting.

Miss B: Do you participate in fairs or shows? If so, what is your favorite part of the experience?

Sue: We have participated in several local dog shows as vendors. There is great anticipation and excitement in being around hundreds and hundreds of dog people at once. The compliments are very flattering, and constructive criticism is sometimes helpful as well. I always bring my camera, and my favorite part of the dog show experience is getting wonderful photos in the ring, and candid shots of the dogs acting like regular pets as they are led around, outside of the ring. It's all good to me, and I get to study some breeds that I usually only see in books.

Miss B: What do you wish you had known before you got started? What advice do you have to people starting their own creative small businesses?

Sue: I wish I would have known the length of time it really takes to get a business off the ground. Long hours and sleepless nights don't really have anything to do with success. I am proud of my little cookies, and despite the time it has taken to get everything in order, there were no compromises that needed to be made. My advice to people wanting to create their own businesses is this: LOVE what you do, or don't do it. Your product needs to fit into your life without being work. Many folks may offer advice and have helpful ideas, but stay on your path and be true to yourself. I believe people can recognize what is created with love. Money is secondary to sharing something you've created with your hands.

Thank you so much Sue for taking us behind the scenes. I love your whimsical treats- and I can attest that they taste as wonderful as they look!

Re-Styled Scented Soaps with the Fab Miss B

I found some fancy scented soaps (one of my weaknesses in life) on super sale at Pier 1, but the packaging left a lot to be desired. I decided to give them a boutique style make-over.



If you'd like to join in the DIY fun, you'll need some fancy pants soaps (easy to find at Marshall's or World Market), some pretty coordinating papers, (mine are by Martha from vile Michaels. Despite my protestations, I can never seem to ditch that scoundrel. He treats me terribly and I always come back for more.) Scissors, and trusty scotch tape.

If your soaps aren't wrapped in plastic, you may want to wrap them in tissue to prevent markings on the decorative paper.

You'll also need coordinating ribbons, that good old Sharpie and some pretty labels. Copy the names of the fragrances onto the pretty labels in your best handwriting, and don't be afraid to make them sound fancier if need be. Mine were already in Italian (I think?).


Now don't those look prettier? Just wrap them like ordinary presents, making sure to fold the corners neatly and secure the ribbon with the sticky label. Voila- boutique style soaps for $1.15 each. More proof that fab and thrifty aren't mutually exclusive. Look for at least a few of these in my next Giddy Giveaway!

XO-

Miss B

Bedroom Switcher-oo

Here's our winter bedroom. Very cozy, but...


...I decided a little change-up was in order. I rescued our old duvet cover from the storage unit while we were in MN and added these shams (ten dollars!) from the sale section at Urban Outfitters. (Never buy any of their cheaply made stuff at full price- that's my motto). I scored the feather toss pillows with silk covers at Goodwill- a spin through the wash and good as new.


I'm so happy with the colorful new look. Have you done any nest feathering for spring? It's coming soon, I promise!

So and So Said Volume 11

Click on the image to see it larger. Happy Sunday y'all!

Sneak Attack!

Have you heard of the Etsy Handmade Movement's Sneak Attack? Seasoned sellers suggest new or undiscovered shops and three times a week a new "victim" is chosen. After the "victim" is announced, visit the shop and make a purchase, including the message "Sneak Attack!" in the notes to seller. What a fun way to discover new talent on Etsy and practice a random act of kindness at the same time! For e-mail reminders, you can sign up here. I've already "attacked" here and here. Go check it out!

Revamp Your Old Coasters with Miss B

I've never been much for coasters since we didn't use them growing up and there always seems to be a book or magazine handy to rest a beverage on. (At bottom though, I'm sure the real reason is that I've never owned any truly nice pieces of furniture!) But Momma D had these plaster coasters here at the Vegas pad, and I found another set at the Goodwill. The second set had wine bottles on them and in my zeal to finish this project I didn't get before pictures. If you want to give a set of plaster (or cardboard) coasters a makeover, you will need the following:

Acrylic Gel Medium or Mod Podge
Stiff medium sized Paintbrush
Some Cool Paper Ephemera, maybe some stickers etc.
Sharpies, if you'd like to doodle on them a bit like I did
Scissors

And don't forget the coasters! Make sure they are clean and dry first.



First, trace the shape of the coaster onto your paper ephemera. Then carefully cut the circle out. You may have to trim it down a bit more to make it fit neatly since your outline will be a tad larger than the actual coaster. Repeat for the entire set. I found that my pencil left marks on the plaster, so I only used one coaster to trace and then erased the pencil marks at the end.

Decorate the paper circles as desired. I just used my trusty sharpies to pick out the details on the images for a pop art feel. My ephemera is from a book about the Wild Women of the West that I found at a thrift shop.



Next, use a stiff brush to coat the top of the coaster as well as the underside of your paper. Getting both sides wet at the same time will help prevent air bubbles and buckling. Quickly apply the paper to the coaster, working from the center outward to prevent bubbles. Let dry for at least ten minutes. Repeat process for the entire set.



To finish up, you'll want to seal the paper ephemera. Use your stiff brush to coat the surface once more with acrylic gel medium. Make sure to vary the direction of your strokes to give an interesting pattern to the surface. Let them dry overnight.



Voila! I might have just become the kind of girl who always uses a coaster. Katie, aren't you proud?

Zoology!

Come visit my latest treasury of zoo inspired items before it's gone for ever!

What to Wear?

We're heading to a wedding in a few weeks and I'm in the midst of a debate about what to wear. It will be cold, but of course, we'll be inside and I can brave the wintry blast from the car to the heated venue. Here are my options:



Okay, so this is technically a bathrobe, but who would know? It's silk and has a lusciously long wrap around ribbon belt and flouncy sleeves. I have been lusting after it for months and thought it wasn't to be and then spied it on super duper clearance for $30! I've been living in this. It makes me feel elegant first thing in the morning, and there ain't much that can do that!



This one isn't truly in the running- it's a bit too dour. I just wanted to show it off. It's vintage, silk, chiffon and I paid $5 for it. It makes me feel very Betty Draper, in a good way. Eric says it reminds him of this scene in True Lies.



This one is electric blue silk. I like the way it rustles and swishes. Definitely a great dress to dance in!



Another score from the clearance rack at Anthropologie. (Does anyone else have a love hate thing going with them? I feel like their products fall apart after a few uses, The prices are astonishingly high, the sales people snooty and rude, but the products and displays suck me in despite it all! However, I refuse to pay full price for anything there. I'd love to quit entirely. Am I the only one?)

Please vote for your favorite ensemble in the comments. I love them all and don't have many occasions to get dressed to the nines. I just can't decide! Help!

Defending Make Do and Mend: A DIY Manifesto

The "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster from World War II era Britain is so popular my eyes burn when I see it. It's even become the subject of tender satire. But I've been thinking a lot lately about it's only slightly less well known cousin "Make Do and Mend".

Our culture of buy, use, and toss has wider implications for our pocket books, the environment and our national ethos. Do It Yourself isn't just about saving money, though that is a wonderful benefit. It's also about taking the time to consider a problem, being resourceful and self reliant. It also forces one to be more thoughtful about how one uses and disposes of things. In my opinion, careful thought is always worth cultivating.

In my office, there are three mirrored closet doors that have stubbornly refused to stay on the sliding tracks. It's been quite hazardous actually. Since I can't stand to look at the clutter of art supplies in my closet, I've had the doors propped against the closet opening. This has created steadily mounting chaos inside the closet, since I toss things in to avoid lifting the doors out of the way. There was also a greusome accident when one of the doors toppled over and cut E's arm.(It could have been much worse, but it was still scary.)

After we examined the doors, we discovered that the wheels on the bottom were snapped off. A trip to Home Depot with the offending parts and some screw driver wielding by E put things right. Admittedly, this is a small thing. But taking the time to asses the problem, find a solution, install it and see the resulting improvement in my daily life was immensely satisfying. I have a feeling I'll see a boost in productivity in my office as a direct result.

So while "Keep Calm and Carry On" has value, (who can't benefit from more deep breathing?) I'd argue that "Make Do and Mend" is even more relevant for my life right this second. Which concept has more relevance for you?

Twenty Questions with Iris of Paulette Editions!

Today's interview is an exciting one for me- I've been admiring Iris's work and shop for a very long time now and every time I visit her shop I find myself adding all her new work to my favorites. So it's a real pleasure to go behind the scenes and learn more about her creative process, and the inspiration she finds in flea markets and the cobbled streets of Zurich. As always, click on the photos to go right to the listing!

Miss B: First off, tell us a little about you!

Iris: My studio, where I’m working as an illustrator and graphic designer, is situated in the old city of Zurich and I’m living with my husband in an old house a bit outside of Zurich, near the lake and a few steps from nature... I’m so lucky to have this privilege. Currently I’m working a lot and if I’m not in my studio it goes on in my head… the days just don’t have enough hours for me…


Miss B: I’ve been lucky enough to visit Zurich, but of course a tourist has a
totally different experience than a resident. What is your favorite thing
to do in your city?

Iris:I really would like to see Zurich once through the eyes of somebody who has
never visited this place before. I guess I would like it… Zurich is so small and clear. I love to walk and walk through “my” city – there is probably no corner or street I don’t know – but still I do discover new places. And of course I love: seeing friends (right now not often enough!), cinema (ditto!). And in the summertime (I hope it’s coming soon!) I love going to the fresh market very early in the morning – cooking is a favorite thing to do!


Miss B:When did you begin making art?

Iris:Yes me too, I’m one of those who started very early... I guess if I had a pencil in my mother's belly I would have been drawing there... who knows if it’s the genes or just the support of my family – my grandfather was a gifted painter, I still can remember the smell of his studio, my mother made beautiful ceramics, unfortunately she stopped creating, maybe –hopefully – she’ll start again…

Miss B:In your profile, you describe a love for “the charisma of old things.” This is one reason that your work resonates with me personally. I hoped you could tell us more about why and how old things inspire you.

Iris:This is a question I’m asking my self sometimes. I think these old things inspire me by the story they tell just by being old and they have this perfect look just because they are not perfect (and new) anymore.

Miss B:I’ve noticed you use a lot of antique imagery in your work. Where do you
find these vintage images? Do you have a special method of cataloging them?

Iris:If I could choose between shopping the famous Zurich “Bahnhofstrasse” or a flea market you can imagine where to find me... I’m a bit obsessed with collecting vintage books, images, objects… and to keep everything in an order is an ongoing fight with this obsession. But it’s getting better, I have a lot of drawers, boxes and maps, all chalked up!



Miss B:What is your artistic process like? Do you make sketches first, or do you
work primarily on the computer?

Iris:It always starts on paper, with a pencil, a brush or a pen – in my studio,
at home, while watching TV. The computer became a good friend, but still it’s boon and bane. This machine is wonderful and of course I’m using it for part of my work! But it takes away a lot of spontaneity and deletes imperfection – sometimes these are the ingredients for beauty.

Miss B:Do you keep a journal?

Iris:It’s more loose paper I’m binding to books.

Miss B:What inspired you to begin your shop, Paulette Editions?

Iris:I discovered Etsy by surfing the net, sudden and very unexpected. I was
hooked to it instantly! To see all these creativity was really amazing and inspiring. I can hardly find this kind of candidness and exchange here in Switzerland.

Miss B:Any tips for new sellers after more than a year on Etsy?

Iris: I’m still enthusiastic! I remember before I listed my first item I sat down and tried to build myself a concept. I really took enough time and started – more or less – well prepared. This helped me a lot. I think it’s good to have a certain line and then to develop it constantly. A personal, but professional service, interacting with other sellers and keep your shop fresh!


Miss B:What advice do you have for developing artists?

Iris:Follow your own ideas but still get inspired by anything surrounding you. And show your art! Selling online can be just recommended for this! It opens so many doors, you get in touch with new and interesting people and you’ll get feedback. Nevertheless, I think it’s a never ending process to find your own language in art… this is what's making it so fascinating.


Thank you so much Iris. I think I've fallen even more in love with your work now that I know a bit more about your philosophy and inspiration. Thanks so much for chatting with me!

So and So Said Volume 10

Hope you had a lovey dovey Valentine's Day! Click on the image to see it larger and see them all here.

And the Winner Is...

Congratulations to the lucky winner, Shel, who will recieve this pretty pendant in the mail! Thanks so much for all your comments- I enjoyed hearing your love stories! I'll be upping the ante to two giveaways per month, so keep your eyes peeled for February Giveaway number two coming up later this month. Good Luck!

Happy Valentine's Day

Remember making those elaborate cardboard mailboxes for your desk in grade school? There is nothing like the human drama of eight year olds bestowing love notes and candy on each other. The preparations for the big day could take weeks. May your mailbox overflow with lovey dovey notes today! Here are the epistles I sent out. I hope you eat loads of chocolates and enjoy doing Cupid's work!

The Luxury Bathing Suit

If I casually lit candles with twenty dollar bills and used Benjamins for kleenex, then presumably, I would also have five hundred dollars to blow on a swimsuit. The reality is that if I purchased this suit at that price, my husband would force me to wear it for the rest of my days to every conceivable social engagement. (Not unlike Rhett's forcing Scarlett to wear that outrageous red dress to Melanie's birthday party.) I think I'll just admire the fabulous detailing from afar and wait for Target to whip up something similar. What are you wearing for swimwear on vacation this year?

Monogramed Pajama's for your favorite Gent

I've convinced E to wear old fashioned two piece pajama sets ala Clark Gable in "It Happened One Night"- all he's missing is the slicked back hair and a pipe. But for Valentine's Day I added an extra special touch- his monogram on the pockets. I think the second one turned out the best,(curliques are hard to stitch evenly!) and I changed the button thread to match too. All told, I think it looks quite dapper and certainly extra personal.