So much...

There really is so much to post about and I've definitely fallen behind. Especially with the October faves section coming up too. So, first news first. The  Etsy shop is up and rolling and I will do my best to keep it updated with fresh things. Here's a peek, but of course you can click the link over there on the right for the real deal. Vacation Part 2  should be up this weekend once I sort through z's photos. Also some new drawings coming up too.

Tiny waxed bird house

Tiny treasure collections have begun. These are composed of the various objects that tend to collect themselves in my windowsills and desk clutter. Below is the wrapped version. Who wouldn't love these tiny magic packages?

Still totally my favorite, the paper garlands. They really do just cheer up my workspace, I like to write secret messages on them too. If you reference the blog or order one with something else you can have one for free!

postcards

Vacation Part 1

The weekend after I was notified that I would be losing my job due to major financial cutbacks we went on vacation. I daydreamed about these trees the rest of my whirlwind week.

 Z. brought me camping here on our second date, just above the Russian River, along the rocky sea cliffs.

This was the view directly in front of our camp site every morning.

We arrived very early and everything was all misty and damp. We got the exact same secret camp site we stayed in last year, set up the tent and spent the day climbing along rocky outcrops and scouting out places to fish. Z. got a fishing license for his birthday this year so we had both been dying to get out and catch something. I played, napped and watched as Z. snagged some seaweed.

New pieces: paper drums

Wounded animals need assistance sometimes. This one stayed calm as I bandaged up his missing hoof.

metal sewing hoop, found paper, purple thread and golden sequins

wooden 12" sewing hoop, acrylic paint, pencil, watercolor

 I've been collecting sewing hoops with the intent of sewing small pieces, but after the tedious tasks of sewing birds one feather at a time I figured something else needed to happen. So I wet some printmaking paper and pressed it into the frame. When it dries it becomes an incredible little drum and fantastic surface. I've been playing around with them and am enjoying the challenge of composing within a circle.

He came to us from the river.

Every weekend we see these little budgies at the Stockton Flea.

Can't you just hear their gabbering.