The Peach Tree

End of Summer....

2008-08-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

(wish - 6 x 6 signed giclee print from elfine)

Is anyone else completely in awe of where the time went? How did it get to be the last weekend of summer?? What did we do with the months of long, warm days??

Well, I have to say, I think I'm ready :) So bring on the fall palate, break open the chestnut tea and get ready to curl up with an afghan and watch the glorious turn of color around us!

In the mean time, how about a long over due display of the 2008 Macy's Day 4th of July extravaganza over a Brooklyn rooftop :)

Enjoy the holiday weekend and here's to a splendid start to Autumn!!

Peach Picks: Family

2008-08-28T09:48:00.002-04:00

(Your Family Tree Customised Bunting from Hoolala)

Well HELLO there!! Man, what a week!

As you may not be aware, I had my lovely mother in town all of last week wrapping it up with the arrival of my brother and his family for the weekend. The smarty pants in me had blog posts all set to launch each day so as not to seem adrift from the computer world. BUT who new that it would take me all of THIS week to finally get caught up on everything l missed the week before?!?

So as my first Peach Pick back into the swing of things, I thought I'd dedicate it to the people dearest to us that we may take for granted the most:

Our Family :)

Female and Male Union from AllenesBeads

Family Arch Decal from ScribbleIt

Siamese twins - pendant from yaelfran

Personalized Custom Silhouette Print from lepapierdesigns

Hung Out To Dry - Print from falldowntree

The Owl Family Ring from dillondesigns

Birds on a Wire from EarthArt

Customized/personalized Birthstone/Family Bracelet from JeMSjewels

Family Fun RECYCLEry from CLAMORED

Personalize Family Tree Dish from elmstudiosonline

a family to dress from goosegrease

What have you been up too??

stephanie congdon barnes

2008-08-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Being from the land of Etsy, I so often overlook (picture little horse blinders here) all of the greatness that lay beyond this one specific handmade movement. I caught a post from Little Love Blue last week, raving about this creator of little creatures. After visiting both Stephanie Congdon Barnes' blog and shop, I can totally see why!

From what I can tell her entire shop is sold out! How's that for mastery, eh? Here are a few of my favorites:

Leo J. Adams

Mrs. Benjamin Ransom

Emily, Lucy & Mary Jackson

And if all of that isn't enough for you, she has a 3-legged kitty named Chester :)

Happy Thursday!!

I have a dream

2008-08-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

TreeHouse Workshop

I'm SOOOO excited about FINALLY posting about my intense desire to simply live in a tree :)

My original inspiration came when I caught a whimsical photograph on the amazing visionary, Janelle Grace's, & Etc. blog.

Glen Erler

I left a comment after seeing the photo above: "I love this last shot. I would live in a tree if it were socially acceptable :)"

And Janelle simply ran with it!

She has since sent me two insanely awesome links to articles dedicated to tree houses.

This one above, from cookiemag.com, I find especially adorable as you're not only perched up in the air in comfort and peace, but have a little bird hole to be sure your nest is secure.

But this one has to be my absolute favorite! If only I could get that darn teleportation machine up and running...

Nescafé Treehouse

So thank you thank you, Ms. & Etc. for someone has finally taken my love for tree dwelling seriously!!

Thank you for being a Friend

2008-08-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

Illustration by WILL BRYANT

Madame Please Sir did a post a bit ago that I thought summed up my thoughts of the etsy/blogging world around me. So often we take for granted the amazing people who have dropped into our loves from various angles of our interests, passions or creative talents.

Kawaii Chi Chi babies from ahyingmui

I thought I'd take this moment to thank you all for being a part of my crafty little life :)

ps... Oh yeah, and you KNOW you have the Golden Girls theme stuck in your head now!

DIY Temari Ball

2008-08-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

Temari Pendant from LuluStudio

I got such a wonderful response to my post on the amazing Suzik, that I couldn't resist sharing a whole collection of different artists' creations as well as a few links to "how-to's".

From Wiki:
"Temari balls are a folk art form that originated in China and was introduced to Japan five or six hundred years ago. Historically, they were constructed from the remnants of old kimonos. Pieces of silk fabric would be wadded up to form a ball, and then the wad would be wrapped with strips of fabric. As time passed, traditional Temari balls became an art, with the functional stitching becoming more decorative and detailed, until the balls displayed very intricate embroidery.

TEMARI Autumn flame. from KNOEVELKES

With the introduction of rubber to Japan, the balls went from play toys to art objects, although loving mothers will still make them for their children. Temari balls became an art and craft of the Japanese upper class and aristocracy, and noble women competed in creating increasingly beautiful and intricate objects.

Temari represent a highly valued and cherished gift, symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty. Also, the brilliant colors and threads used are symbolic of wishing the recipient a brilliant and happy life. Traditionally, becoming a craftsman in Japan was a tedious process. To become a Temari artist in Japan today requires specific training, and one must be tested on one's skills and technique before being acknowledged as a crafter of Temari.

Sun Temari from suzik

Traditionally, temari were often given to children from their parents on New Year's Day. Inside the tightly wrapped layers of each ball, the mother would have placed a small piece of paper with a goodwill wish for her child. The child would never be told what wish his or her mother had made while making the ball.

Alternately, some balls contained "noisemakers" consisting of rice grains or bells, to add to the play value. It is said that traditional temari were wrapped so tightly they would actually bounce."

If you prefer instructions you can actually hold in your hand:

The Temari Book by Anna Diamond from BarrelOfMonkeys

Otherwise, the DIY network has a wonderful, step by step edition complete with illustrations (for me, a little imagery goes a long way!).

So go on, get crafty with your bad self!!

FEATURED ARTIST of the week BROOKLYNrehab

2008-08-16T10:52:00.003-04:00

BROOKLYNrehab

1. What do you create?

Professionally, I've designed everything from clothing to furniture to medical tools. Though these days, I much prefer to design things that go outside the body rather than inside the body. My personal projects are equally as broad. I make jewelry and cast porcelain. I've also been playing around with my new gocco machine. My biggest passion; however, is not really creating but collecting. I love finding discarded treasures and bringing them home. Some are great as is and others I combine or transform into something new altogether.

2. What led you to take up your craft?

I see beauty in all things...I must thank my mother (who is jumping up with joy right now reading this!). She always inspired me with trips to museums and craft events. She taught me the beauty of nature and always had little found objects on display.

There was also a bottomless box full of 70's era craft supplies and an amazing craft book called "Make and Do" part of the Childcraft series (now my mom is feeling bad for accidently giving that book away!).

3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?

I love the moment when it all comes together! I tend to have little themes running in my head....could be a motif, shape, color or even a texture. Whatever the starting point is, I start to relook at the items I've made or collected to see what fits into the theme I'm working on. Suddenly a brown plastic horse perfectly complements vintage canning jars with rusted caps. A tree slice becomes an imaginary creamer to accompany a coffee canister.

I also love collecting supplies. Hmmm collecting is not quite the right word. It's more like an obsession. I have just about everything from glass etching supplies to wood burners. I'd really love to have my own kiln, but that one will have to stay a fantasy.

4. Which part do you find hardest?

Saying "NO" to the perfect item I've found, but can't bring home b/c I don't have the space for it. Though I have found a way to turn storage into a pleasure. I have so many hiding places like my repurposed metal card file.

5. Where do you get your inspiration?

I love nature as much as I love the nitty gritty of the city. I expose myself to everything everwhere. Though these days I'm trying to tear myself away from the computer. Everyone's blogs are so amazing and Etsy itself is a world of inspiration. When I can, I love to troll through flea markets and travel to foreign lands.

6. Do you participate in any etsy groups, and if so, which ones?

Not yet, but I'd love to join one that participates in flea markets and fairs. I've never done a street event and think it would be more fun with great company.

7. What's one material your shop can't live without?

Rust, dust, and charm. I'm drawn to objects with character and hints of a past life.

8. What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?

Just one? How about a 3 way tie...

9. If I could sell one item from my shop today, it would be...

Bubbo bought a set and look how pretty she made it look!

10. If I had enough money to pick one item on my wish list from any
shop on etsy to buy, it would be...

Quite possibly the most expensive item on here! but hey it's on sale :)

Actually I'd be more than happy with this...

11. What are the top three favorite items currently listed in your
store?

Sadly my favorite of all time has already sold (buyers remorse)

but here are my top 2 current items:

I also like the Back to School themed store I made especially for Poppytalk.

12. What undiscovered artisans would you recommend the world to know?

Jane Mount

Margaret Oomen

Camilla Engman

13. What is the best advice you have ever received?

Never give up!

From Etsy, With Love

2008-08-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Mailbox Vinyl Lettering Decals from vinylvineyard

I made a few purchases on Etsy this last week. I can't control myself!! After receiving three packages back to back, having a perma smile plastered on my face from buyers excitement, I couldn't resist sharing them with you :)

The 1st, above, I caught hopping around on the front page. His name is Burp, by April Alexander. My grandmother used to collect frogs so I found him absolutely irresistible. He was with me all of 20min before I swaddled him back up (he came immaculately wrapped) and sent him over on another journey across the country to my grams in Arizona.

My next purchase was one which I had been meaning to make for some time! Like many an etsian, I'm sure, I covet most everything available in Etsy Labs. I wanted something for me but that I could also double as promotional items for the handmade movement. So done and done!

The last is mine... ALL MINE!! His name is Baldwin, by Tim's Sally. Is he not the cutest little man you ever did see?? He moonlights as a pocket mirror and has already made himself at home in my purse.

letterbox blue, 8x10 print from countess

I have three more items (I may need an intervention after this...) coming that I'm just DYING to get :) I'll be sure to share their identities and creators as soon as they come in!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Peach Picks: The White Rule

2008-08-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

Feminine Lacy from shezzy

Now we all know of this silly little rule of no white after labor day. You know, really, I'm not even sure how much people still abide by this. But, I thought, why not dedicate a Peach Picks to all of the wonderfully white things we could use all year round!

Enjoy :)

reaching from allieart4children

Hand Silkscreened Mens Cream and White Necktie Dinosaur from satisfactory

Textured Vase/Utensil Crock from MSPottery

Swiss Dot Puffy Sleeve Shirt from hollystalder

Jersey Coffee Cable Bench from ryandart

Simple White Moonstone Ring from studiometalsmith

Pure from OldMoneybotanicals

Birthing Bracelet from edelmade

Sprout Bud Vase from alinahayes

cream bolero from larimeloom

DEW from SeaFindDesigns

Happy Thursday!!

Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass

2008-08-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

We took another trip to the park late last week. This time we took a road less traveled (different from our usual route) down to the Fulton Ferry State Park in DUMBO. Immediately upon entering the area, we came across the strange little man above.

They have what's called Art Under the Bridge in which they seem to come up with the most bizarrely random themes and collections of work from what I assume to be local artists :)

What we really came for was some much needed fun in the sun time. We lay out a blanket, set out our picnic and soaked up the waterfront. They somewhat recently constructed another art exhibit around the Hudson and East Rivers called simply, Waterfalls.

They are actually quite beautiful for being built on giant scaffolding and give off the amazingly rich sound of rushing, falling water. My only critique would be to light them up in different shades each night :) But that's just me being picky...

It's amazing to me that only 5 years ago, when we first began to frequent this area, how desolate and quiet it was. Now, it booms with crowds at all hours of the day. How's that for neighborhood development!

One of our favorite events down here is the Movies with a View. They set up a giant projection screen just before the underbelly of the Brooklyn Bridge. At dusk, the park is packed and the movie begins, with a lovely view of lower Manhattan.

But for this day, just watching a bubble bee get his pollen on is just fine with me :)

The world through a lens...

2008-08-11T22:30:00.003-04:00

A week ago today, I fell upon a wonderful blog by the name of The Lil Bee. With a wonderfulyl diverse selection of posts, this one entitled namaste. really caught my eye.

It features a shockingly serene selection of photographs by Allan Pollock-Morris. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites here :)

You can check out his entire collection here.

FEATURED ARTIST of the week NestaHome

2008-08-10T18:56:00.005-04:00

NestaHome

1. What do you create?

At the moment I paint, sketch, collage and take photographs. I’m really working towards combining all of these methods into cohesive pieces that take from each of my techniques.

2. What led you to take up your craft?

I’ve always loved to draw and take pictures and up until recently I’ve been in the field of Landscape Architecture. Etsy has definitely given me the motivation and opportunity to sell my crafts and slowly form my own business.

3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?

Actually, I most enjoy packaging my items to go to the post office. It’s a nice feeling to know someone liked something of yours enough to purchase it. It’s a sense of relief to actually get the item packaged up and out the door.

4. Which part do you find hardest?

I find the inconsistency of income to be the hardest at the moment. You really never can tell what kind of week/month you are going to have and when you do have either of these it’s often unknown as to why that was. Hopefully Etsy will get us some stats soon! Hint, hint.

5. Where do you get your inspiration?

Most of my inspiration comes from my travels. Right after college I decided to enter into a program that allowed recent graduates the opportunity to live and work in London.

(by lukeroberts as seen on Flickr)

I had been to London before but I really wanted to get to know the culture and to live, work, commute and be one of them. It was the most difficult yet rewarding experience of my life.

6. Do you participate in any etsy groups, and if so, which ones?

I participate in the Interior Design Team and my local Street Team AZ Crafty Burritos.

7. What's one material your shop can't live without?

Paper. I’m constantly printing photos, doodling, sketching, etc.

8. What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?

I just purchased a print from Yellena and I have to say, it’s my most favorite purchase yet.

I think she is so talented and even her prints look amazing. Someday I hope to buy an original.

9. If I could sell one item from my shop today, it would be...

I’ve had this one painting in my shop for the longest time. It’s titled ‘Things Could Be Better’.

10. If I had enough money to pick one item on my wish list from any shop on etsy to buy, it would be...

I’d really like a Moop bag at the moment.

11. What are the top three favorite items currently listed in your store?

‘The Library’ print

‘One Classy Fixture’ print

‘Let yourself grow’ painting

12. What undiscovered artisans would you recommend the world to know?

There’s an artist/shop called Olofsdotter that I LOVE. I don’t think she is really ‘undiscovered’ in the art world but I don’t see her that much on etsy.

13. What is the best advice you have ever received?

Hmmm. That’s a tough one… I’ve gotten a lot of great advice from my dad who has owned his own business for ages. Advice from anyone that has been successful is always good.

Let the Games Begin

2008-08-09T10:45:00.006-04:00

Though there is much controversy surrounding the 2008 Beijing Olympics, while watching the opening ceremony you couldn't help but feel the magic and shear excitement of this grand event.

For those of you who had the opportunity to tune in, we know we'll never see anything quite like that again.

Game on!

Urban Post-Mortems

2008-08-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

BEWARE: What you're about to see, might chill your very soul!

A Mountain Hotel
Catskills, NY

Just kidding :) Really, come back! I caught this great blog post last week over at JLC STUDIO blog. It featured a skin scrawling, frightfully surreal website called Dark Passage.

School for Girls
Dutchess County, NY

Growing up in a wee little town of 6,000 people, I loved exploring the country and any old abandoned building I stumbled upon. So you can imagine, this website is RIGHT up my alley. I thought I'd share some of my favorite shots!

Abandoned Trains
Pennsylvania

Power Station
New York

School for Girls
Dutchess County, NY

Factory
Pennsylvania

Be sure to check out the selections from JCL!

Peach Picks: Coffee

2008-08-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Morning Coffee Print from studiolyon

I'm a HUGE tea drinker (I have a whole drawer in my writing desk dedicated to boxes, jars and packets of tea) but after seeing the above print, I couldn't resist seeing what other Etsians had to offer in the Coffee genre!

I hope you enjoy the following :)

vintage carrying case and coffee cups from moxiethrift

java fix coffee bead from stargirljoolz

COFFEE Addict Recycled Magnetic LOCKET SET from polarity

The Mustache Man Mug from OliveVintage

Cold Coffee from Earmark

Because gramma put whisky in her coffee. from PorchlightVintage

Cafe Mocha Soap Bar from dennisanderson

coffee or tea from syko

Coffee Shop Matchbook Cover Art Print from colorflystudio

Breakfast Blend from TheRoaster

BUZZ, BUZZ, BUZZ from nateduval

Happy Cuppa!

An afternoon at the park

2008-08-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Blogmaster2000 and I went to check out a series of bands at Central Park's SummerStage this Sunday. We made it just in time (don't you love when that happens!) to see Janelle Monae, whom I'd only just heard the night before.

She's one of the most amazing showmen, vocalist, songstesses I've EVER been in the presence of. We had actually planned to go to see Imani Coppola of Little Jackie, but Janelle definitely stole the show.

In the midst of it all we had a chance to sit under the shade of a plain tree and enjoy some sandwiches and greenery :) This is one of my favorite shots from the day.

I hope you all have a chance to get outside this week!

Etsy Pets

2008-08-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

(Tala and her little bird from veganmichele)

Sometimes I get lost in the luminous, inspiring images on Flickr :) I'm a member of a zillion photo sharing groups and have only recently taken the time to really go through each one, seeing what they're all about. One of my absolute favorites that I perused this weekend was Etsy Pets.

(Puck from wolfrowanwood)

It's a lovely little group dedicated to the furry, scaly and finny in our lives! I highly recommend checking it out! You can also check out the plethora of others that I'm enlisted in here. And while you're there, let's be friends!

Here are a few of my favorites:

guess who had a bath? from giolou

Beta & Mom from shesewslovely

out! from Brooke Medlin {gemmafactrix}

Perry from ShellVergel

mr. katinka naps with seven cats. from KatinkaPinka

King! from King's Jelly

Guilty from island_costumes

Tiny little Toad from Duffy Designs

Have a wonderful week!

FEATURED ARTIST of the week lillyella

2008-08-02T07:00:00.003-04:00

lillyella

1. What do you create?

I create jewelry mainly comprised of brass or silver stampings and glass, stone or vintage beads.

2. What led you to take up your craft?

I've always loved art, ever since I was a small child I knew it would be my life. I have to thank my parents for being so encouraging and supportive in all my adventures! I went to college for graphic design and photography understanding that if I wanted to eat, I better be prepared for a real job, but I have always spent all my free time crafting. Everything from sewing and crocheting to woodworking and paper crafts, but beading and jewelry has always been there - something I always come back to. Almost like a safe zone or something! I enjoy it immensely and it is an escape and an outlet at the same time. My hobbies are a curse and a blessing. I am obsessed - I don't know what to do with myself when I am not creating. I work all day - from 7am until sometimes 3 in the morning! But I love every minute of it.

3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?

That is a hard question - this is probably a totally nerdy answer but I love organizing my supplies! And shopping for new ones of course! I love hunting for great vintage finds - of all kinds really, not just supplies. Thats how I found my circa 1900 engagement ring! Then next would be creating new designs. Im so bad - I'll stay up all night just to work on a new design if I didn't have time during the day. I also really enjoy hearing back from people who have purchased my pieces and creating jewelry for weddings.

4. Which part do you find hardest?

Trying to balance my life is hard - I also have a graphic design business - and a house - and a boyfriend - and 13 animals - and a thousand projects around the house! I understand that working for yourself brings its benefits and its downfalls. I will never have a steady paycheck - some days I wont have two pennies to rub together and other days I can go out for enchiladas!

I will never have a set schedule or be able to "plan out" my week. But the benefits far outweigh everything else.
I also really dislike taping shipping labels to packages! A couple of my cats interviewed to help out in my packing and shipping department, but their lack of opposable thumbs and abundance of fur disqualified them - so alas - it is still my job!
lastly I would say my paranoia about my work being perfect. I get still nervous with every piece I send out that every little loop isnt perfect or that someone will dislike it. I have been so lucky to have such wonderful customers and feedback so far though.

5. Where do you get your inspiration?

This answer is probably typical - but mostly from things I love. This could either an element in nature - such as a waterlily, which is a focal point in many of my favorite designs, or possibly a specific material or bead I find.

6. Do you participate in any etsy groups, and if so, which ones?

Not yet - but I have been trying to get my act together and hang out with some

Cleveland team members and I'm also interested in the

Etsy for Animals team and donating some of pieces to causes along those lines.

7. What's one material your shop can't live without?

Brass charms!

8. What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?

Oh that is hard - I love them all! I have only made a few purchases (but lots of favorites saved for my birthday!!)
but it would be a toss up between two custom pieces I requested - this beautiful lotus tile:

or this adorable pin cushion fashioned after my late, great canary - figaro:

I did also just receive yesterday this awesome T from Noelle at Xenotees:

I have been eyeing it since I first joined Etsy and I absolutely LOVE it!

9. If I could sell one item from my shop today, it would be...

wow - tough! Maybe my Tudor Rose necklace. Its such a pretty piece, and so nice with summer dresses etc this time of year.

And it's on sale!

10. If I had enough money to pick one item on my wish list from any shop on etsy to buy, it would be...

Oh my gosh - can I really only pick just one! That is an impossible question - there is a ton of beautiful jewelry and a few cute clutches I have been eyeing up - but for the sake of answering your question, I'll narrow it down to two:

because I love yellow and miss my canary :(

or I'd ask to get one these with the lily of the valley on one side and the lotus on the other!!

11. What are the top three favorite items currently listed in your store?

12. What undiscovered artisans would you recommend the world to know?

another hard one - could go on and on about this one!

they are not undiscovered, as they have had sales - but I hope to see their shops continue to grow!

Westernartglass - his work is beautiful and you just can not beat the stories in his item description

Wyndbrookdesign - this is the seller who made the lotus tile for me. Her work is beautiful, I will certainly be buying more myself!

Charmantshop - some of her work is similar to mine, but still has a different feel - very classy and beautiful, would love to see some new pieces from her:

13. What is the best advice you have ever received?

Its probably really pathetic that I don't have an answer to this question! I do listen to a radio talk show host named Dennis Prager who mainly talks about politics but does an hour every week called the Happiness Hour - and I love it.

He says Happiness is a moral obligation - and I think that is a really important thing to remember.

What are you reading?? Family Author Edition

2008-08-01T07:00:00.002-04:00

To celebrate Blogmaster2000's fathers newest book release, I thought I'd do a commemorative post to introduce you all to the author :)

"Author Joseph DiLalla worked for many years in the communications industry, the last fifteen of which were as the vice-president of a local union. This experience afforded him the opportunity to work on political campaigns at every level of the government.

Beyond writing articles for the local newsletter, his busy career left little time to devote to his passion-writing. He retired from his advocacy and now writes full time. He currently resides in Naples, Florida, where he has just completed his second novel, the Chosen Few, co-authored by Roy Eaton."

Joe's first book, Bloodlines, centers upon a fictional United States Presidential election. Mixing gender bigotry, murder and intrigue highly in tune with the times. If you enjoy James Patterson, John Grisham and Stephen Coonts, you're going to love this book.

So if you already support handmade (which I know you do), how about supporting an amazing independent artist as well! Go on, get your copy now!!

Oh! While I'm plugging things I love :) I thought I'd mention my very favorite writing tool:

My Fischer Space Pen!

Peach Picks: Skirts

2008-07-31T07:00:00.002-04:00

Dirt n Daisy Skirt from dirtndaisy

Since last week turned out to be a bit of a manly array of sporty picks, I thought I'd make this week all about the ladies. As I'm sure all of you are feeling (what with the looming start of August approaching), I too am ready to get the very most out of what's left of this summer! Starting with a mini etsy clothes shopping extravaganza :)

You know what they say! If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

Vintage Skirt Red Blue and White Stripes from Spelfenmeisje

Girl on swing from carambatack

D-Ring Skirt from rawkz

VINTAGE 1950's SEWING PATTERN from mysweetiepiepie

Vintage Open Weave Crochet Skirt from santokivintage

Legs Photograph from kiny

A-line skirt in African cotton from sabisabi

VINTAGE Sky BLue High Waist FULL RUFFLE SKIRT from ladiesofleisure

Ooopsie from strawberryluna

Pixie Skirt from BuffaloManApparel

take a bow from idea2lifestyle

Have a summery Thursday!!