Beautiful Type!

I've always been fascinated with unique typography, but my jaw just drops at bend-the-rules, out-of-the-box, thinking-harder-than-I-need-to typography.

I've experienced that reverence with Marian Bantjes' work, but have now become a fan of Yulia Brodskaya too.

I thankfully have spotted her work on Death By Kerning's blog and hope to keep up with it on her site.

Check her out!

when good ideas go bad...

this post from 'posie get's cozy' is hilarious...she was trying to make a cute nightgown...

My "Sewing Books" Short List

I've been bookmarking how-to's and sewing patterns like crazy these days and I can't help but stumble upon some tempting book buys too.

After Sabrina's post on Sewing, seems like everyone might be interested in my discoveries (if you haven't found them already!):


Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter


Simple Sewing with a French Twist by Celine Dupay



Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol
(FYI: This book is available at Akron's library)

**And for Anna Marie Horner fans out there, I found a bonus pattern you can download here:
http://www.amazon.com/Seams-Me-Reasons-Love-Sewing/dp/0470259264/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_cart_4
It's under the small links where you can buy used or new, a bit below the price in a gray outlined box.
(Someone needs to redesign Amazon's site indeed)

Pay it Forward

Well, I happened upon a friend's blog that I check once in awhile. It just so happened the friend posted a Pay-it-forward (see below) game, and I got to be one of the first to see it! I think it was the first contest I won in my life. : ) I got a fun package in the mail today of the coolest stuff that I've never seen in a store!

So, now it's my turn to have the joy of sending someone a prize. Be the first 3 people to rsvp to this post, and you'll get a free gift.

Here are the official "rules": The exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and pay it forward.This is how it works... I am going to agree to send something fun, cute, & nice to the first 3 blog owners who post a comment on this entry. In turn, those three will post this information and pick 3 people they want to send something to and so on.

Unfortunately, due to postage costs, I can only pay it forward within the United States.

If you are interested in participating, be one of the first 3 blog owners to leave a comment! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found. Just a gift that will make the person smile. There are no cost restraints, but don't go crazy! If you'd like to join in, be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment. You have to promise that you will then post about this on your blog, link to me, and then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through your blog. I hope people like this idea. It's a small way to bring a smile to someone's face!

have fun!

SLR training

Hi gals~ I need to figure out how to use my new toy, a Canon SLR camera. I've researched some classes through Akron University and Cleveland Photographic Society and found some evening beginner through intermediate classes between $60-150... does anyone have any suggestions for other options on how to get acquainted with my new friend?

Sewing

Seems like we have the same new hobby, sewing. I found a few great site with free patterns. Here is one of them:
http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns
Martha Stewart's craft page is my favorite:
Crafts by Technique
Although if you are looking for a great book with lots of patterns and inspirations I suggest Anna Marie Horner's new book:
Seams to Me
This was my favorite Christmas gift this year.

Best Life 2009

I am not one to watch weekly talk shows but Oprah is having a best life theme this week that seems to be pretty good. Today was about Financial freedom. I don't know if anyone has heard of Susie Orman but this week Oprah has a link to download her new book for free. Who doesn't like a free book? So if any one is interested here's the link:
http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20081119_tows_bookdownload
Happy 2009!















I can't remember if I shared this before, but I love Gigi's creations. She is a super fun creative gal. I am crazy for these cute pins.

still reeling in sweet thoughts

I am SO getting into this baking thing! I got a hot red mixer for christmas so I'm still in the mood for sweets even after christmas:) And how can you not love cupcakes (Sabrina, I totally understand) They are so cute and there's so many variations and embellishments to add not to mention the flavorings and cake part. I ran across this gal's blog that sells cupcake and baking accoutrements. i love the printed cake cups and gnome cookie cutters! check out bake it pretty.

an om-my-gosh artist

I was just introduced to the work of Rob Ryan...and wow! He's known for his intricate papercut pieces. check him out for some wonderous inspiration! I like the writing in his pieces too.

Vogue Knitting

Only recently have I grown interested in knitting. In my online search, I came across this site for a magazine called Vogue Knitting. They have cool patterns for clothing, scarves and purses. With an investment in needles and yarn, plus the new sewing machine I got this Christmas, I think I'm going to make myself some clothes!

{handmade} giftables

Happy New Year Everyone!! So I ran across these adorable cards while I was at Paper Trails, a stationery shop in Rocky River. Night Owl Paper Goods makes these cute and whimsical yet retro feeling cards and gifts. I just loooove the cards on actual wood that look like they are illustrated right on the thin wood board. And they are green!