the best of crochet {our pamela & lucie necklaces}

Introducing my line of brand new crochet necklaces for women. All made with my own custom colored Pima cotton. Each crochet bead is individually made and filled with the same Pima cotton.

Also in the shop new necklaces and baby wear + toys!!

celery & ecru

pamela necklace here!

lucie necklace here!

navy & ecru

lucie necklace here!

pink & ecru

pamela necklace here!

lucie necklace here!

Pamela & Lucie necklaces also available on my Project Artisan shop, HERE!

where I get creative {an interview with Caroline Urdaneta}

Today I'm thrilled to welcome Caroline Urdaneta from Salsa Pie!

Tell us a bit about your background.

Well, I am originally from South Carolina but I moved to Maryland about 10 years ago. I have a B.S. degree in Ornamental Horticulture and worked all throughout college at the South Carolina Botanical Gardens in Clemson, SC as a student horticulturist. I dabbled a little with my own floral design business soon after graduation but then I decided to shift gears. I have such admiration for floral designers--they are meticulous workers! After that I worked in a few art galleries and then landed a position as Assistant Curator of Sculpture at the world famous Brookgreen Gardens (which has the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the country). As a hobby, I've always loved painting, but I've never shown any of my own work. It's mainly just something that makes me happy. So, as you can see - I kind of have a mixed professional background. After having children we made the choice (and financial sacrifice) for me to stay at home with them. It's really been the busiest, but best time of my life.

Describe your Creative Space.

Our home is small and we have four small children so there really is no room for me to have a separate place to create. Instead, the children and I work on most of our creative projects on our kitchen/dining room table. I have a corner cabinet where I keep most of our craft supplies. When we are ready to do something crafty, I fetch the supplies (which are always kind of random) and we just go for it. My dream is to have a special little room where I can create, sew, paint and even develop my own photographs one day. But until then, we make this work!

Describe your typical Creative time.
With four children, I very much have to seize the moment! And while I am not very organized in the sense that I don't have a big schedule or planner of how I create things, I am always planning in my head. I think "How will I do that?" or  "Oh, okay, I can paint it this way or we can do it that way" all during the day. So, when the time finally comes that I (or we) can sit down and do something, I have a very good idea of what I'd like to do.

Two things you can't live without.
Hmmm. This is hard because I love to blog and I couldn't without a camera and a computer but if I weren't blogging it would definitely be my morning paper (we read the Wall Street Journal) and the library (so I can check out books!) Did I cheat on that question? I think I actually chose four things!

Do you have any routine or rituals in your work and creative habits?
When it comes to blogging, I've incorporated the photography in with our crafty moments so I guess that's a part of the ritual. It's funny but I suppose the readers don't always imagine what it must look like for a craft blogger to create something all while documenting (photographing) what they create. It can take some getting used to but once it's a part of the routine, it becomes a part of the art too.

How do you keep focused?
I don't always. Sometimes I feel depleted of ideas, unfocused and I am not as easily inspired. I think that's a natural cycle for any creative person. During moments of not feeling energized with creative aspirations, I find that means I need to spend more time just "being" with my family.

What is your primary source of inspiration?
My children. Children are so spontaneous and they love all things colorful. I think when we think more like children, we are not only more fun, but our creativity improves. Motherhood has been the most creative period of my life.

What part of your creative process do you enjoy the most?
Both the "lightbulb" moment of an idea and then seeing the idea come to fruition.

Thank you so much Caroline for sharing your home, family and creative space with us!!

Caroline's Blog 

my take on sprinkles cupcakes {georgetown store}

These well known cupcakes are definitely one of my favorites. They are moist, the icing is soft and not excessively sweet or buttery, the size is perfect {not too big and not too small}... AND at least at the Georgetown store, there are no lines to order and pay. You can even sit and enjoy the cupcake there.
I strongly recommend the Dark Chocolate flavor {they have it everyday}. My sister loves the Chai Latte, only available on Friday.

Have a lovely & sweet weekend {long weekend for those celebrating Memorial Day... we are}

our dog Russell would love these...

a visit to the textile museum {washington, dc}

This is a museum with a small but beautiful collection of textiles... my weakness. I went to see it not only because it was on my "to do" list but also because I wanted to register for one of their summer courses.

I definitely recommend it if you are in town. It is just one mile from Georgetown and in a area {the Kalorama Triangle Historic District} where there is a lot to see and do.

a wonderful example of intricate quilting design

embroidered panels and garments

a wool panel from Uzbekistan

Navajo tapestry panel

I love their practice area... also filled with books

where I get creative {an interview with Shannon Lowry}

Today I have the pleasure to introduce you to a wonderful photographer, Shannon Lowry.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I am a fourth grade teacher full-time, but I'm happiest when I'm taking pictures and blogging. I began blogging in 2008 to record my life, travels and vegan recipes. I became more interested in taking really good photographs for my blog, so I bought a Nikon 90 and took a photography course. This action led to me exhibiting a collection of fine art photography at a local art gallery, selling them in my etsy shop and photographing weddings and families.

Describe your typical creative workday.

Usually I have creative photo shoots and post-editing sessions on the weekends. I start by getting to know whoever I am photographing to decide the location and style of the shoot. For example, I did a photo shoot with a couple who are into the 1950s and 1960s style, but with an edge. We decided to do their engagement shoot at a local tiki bar. I try to talk with whoever I'm photographing to get them comfortable so I can shoot away. Then, I just go with it and have fun!

I edit in Lightroom first and then Photoshop CS5.

Describe your Creative space.

Since we live in a very small one bedroom condo, my work space is at my dining room table. We don't have an office area, so I have to stay super organized in order to make sure my work area doesn't get too cluttered. I work better if it's neat. I keep my camera in my camera bag, which I keep in my hall closet. I hope to have a larger work area with more natural light in the future.

Two things you can't live without.

My husband! He's so supportive of every single crazy idea I have. I also wuoldn't want to live without vegan chocolate chip cookies from Whole Foods.

What is your primary source of inspiration?

Other artists inspire me. I love blog talking and purusing etsy for design inspiration.

What part of your work do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy getting to know the people I work with and producing photographs that will be cherished for generations.

What are you working on now?

I'm scheduling photo shoots on the weekends and preparing to prhotograph a coupe of weddings this summer. I also really need to create a photography website.

Thank you Shannon for sharing your beautiful photos and Creative Space with us!!!

Shannon's Blog.
Shannon Lowry Photography Shop.

a helping hand {in the kitchen}

It's just great when the kids like to cook and help in the kitchen. Last Sunday Sebastian helped me prepare lunch. He chopped the cilantro, peeled the shrimp {he insisted} and stirred the butter on the pan...

peeling and washing the shrimp

chopping the cilantro for the mussels

stirring the butter for the shrimp

where I get creative {an interview with Emily Liebl}

Today I welcome Emily Liebl, owner of EL Vintage, an online shop filled with vintage treasures.

Tell us a bit about your background

My background is basically fashion and retail. I have always been into fashion especially clothing. Dresses in particular even though I wear my high waisted 70s jeans the most.

I have been hunting for vintage all my life so that is why I currently own and operate a vintage clothing and accessories shop on line called EL Vintage. 

Describe your Creative Space

My 1920s cottage bungalow home. Its filled with bright colored paint, Persian rugs and low brow art.

Describe your typical Creative workday

Hunting for a great vintage piece, styling it and taking photos. Playing with my dogs who are all around me, making my ritual tea with almond milk and of course blogging and promoting on line.

Two things you can't live without?

My Macbook Pro and my Iphone

How do you keep focused while working?

I listen to music and do take a time out here and there to play with my dogs. The luxury of working from home is that you can take those moments and enjoy and take it all in. Nothing like it.

What is your primary source of inspiration?

My travels throughout Europe and one of the most incredible places on the planet- Big Sur. I need to travel more this year and the years to come. I so yearn to go to India. 

What part of your work do you enjoy the most?

The mornings. I love that cup of tea and the cool air outside. Living in LA and original from Wisconsin, I embrace that 60s 70s weather the most.

What are you working on now?

Vintage photo shoot, clothing and purse line.

Thank you so much Emily for sharing your Creative Space with us!!!

EL Vintage shop.
EL Vintage blog.

mi n yu {et bon weekend!}

Happy weekend everyone! I'll leave you with some images of one of my favorite restaurants in Georgetown... Mi N Yu. Put it on your list next time you come to DC.

new baby alpaca garlands {hand knit}

The new garlands are available in the shop now! Find them HERE!

They come in two color combinations

• Cranberry, Ivory & Gray
• Lt. Blue, ivory & Gray