GRACELING

So, via Mini Book Expo, I received a copy of Graceling, a stunningly fantastic novel by Kristin Cashore. It’s a rich teen fantasy, taking place in a world where a few people are born with extraordinary gifts and skills, called a Grace. One such graceling, Kasta, has a remarkable ability to kill. When the book opens, she is working for her Uncle Randa, dealing out punishments, torturing and killing. The story that follows is, essentially, a coming-of-age story as Kasta struggles to right the wrongs she’s committed, and to champion for good. Throughout her struggles, she finds strength in her friends, and ultimately herself.

What did I love about this book? Pretty much everything. It’s a fantastic tale involving a strong female protagonist. Kasta is fabulous. She’s not led, she leads. She struggles with her power, and frees herself from the oppressive patriarchal rule of her Uncle Randa. Did I just give too much away?

Kasta’s strength and grace are really an allegory, and outward manifestation of the strength of mind she posses. The decisions in the book are all hers, and damn, but she gets things done. I love it, and you’ll love it too.

Also, being a bit of a graphic design lover, I have to mention the cover. It’s stunning, rich, and simply lovely. And, unlike many covers that suck me in, this one actually fits the story woven between the covers.

Available in October, from Harcourt!

It’s been too long!

Friends, it’s been forever! I’m so sorry, I’ve been busy posting over at Robot a Day! And I also just discovered Mini Book expo, and I’ve been reading, reading, reading. Soon I’ll be posting some thoughts on what I’ve been so eagerly reading…..

My Future’s So Bright…

I gotta wear shades!

Groovy 50’s Vintage Women’s Sunglasses from treasuredvintage

embroidered eyeglass case by goodkarma

Vintage 50’s Starlet Italian Cat Eyes Glasses from putonthatdress

Sunnies Holder by thislittlebird

OUTRAGEOUS 70’s Oversized Sunglasses from northstarvintage

Juicy Fruits Sunglass Case by ideologika

Saturday Vintage Fix (Vera Version)

Need a sassy punch of colour? Need to cover up a bad hair day (or, if you’re me, a didn’t-bother-to-wash-my-hair-day). Vintage scarves are always the answer:

Vera Scarf from RetroWear

Another Vera Scarf, this time from theluckyfish

oh! Vera! from RetroWear

Verily Vera from Retrowear

Tote that bag!

Are you still bagging your groceries in plastic? These babies are better for the earth, and are stylish too:

Printed Mustlin Tote by Sian – this print is so amazing, and available in blue, too!

Rabbit Jumbo Grocery Tote by DeadWorry. Gosh this thing is giant! Perfect for Farmer’s market trips….

Ready for Market by kootsac – this tote even comes with reusable produce bags… genius!

LUMBER(HI)JACK TOTE BAG by Skeletonroyal. *AMAZING* need I say anymore?

Posted from Pittsburgh Pure Lunacy Tote by PghTravelAgency. I love the dense, heavy print on this tote. yay font as design!

and for those who love recycled bags, here’s Doppio Petite 4 by diengiedesigns. I love the delicate flower edging contrasting with the rough weave of the coffe sack. heart!

dreaming of decorating…

I’m slowly decorating our place, mixing in some new, some vintage, trying to make awesome in the process. We just bought a fantastic new blue dresser for the bedroom, which I’m doing in a blue/red/yellow/white combo. I’ve bought and hung some art (and NO, I did not pick these just to match. I loves them. I put them in the bedroom because they go together well. So don’t e-mail me saying “you’re art shouldn’t match your couch. I’m matching my room to my art, so ppptttbbbffth):

Labpartners brings us Nautical portraits (which seems to be sold out, sorry. but their other work is fab too!)

PantryPressInc presents us with the City of Infinite Pleasure Poster

Squirrel Print by BerkleyIllustration

(I also have a fabulous Meg Hunt silkscreen up, but I can’t find it anywhere online)

And now, on to what I WANT to buy for our bedroom:

Urban Warmth by shelece. yum!

zoology and fluid dynamics by foliohello. I love this so much.. the colour, the material… everything.

Love Machine Lap Quilt by IkdDesigns

Felted Bowl in Red with Skeleton key by Gretchenscreations

Poppy Treasure Box by rodica

Experimenting

I finally got back into the studio this week, and spent some time working on a new design: the Lorena purse. It’s based on a felt bag I made for myself, but this one is much larger, made of corduroy and felt, and has a fun belt detail.  It was really interesting to work in corduroy; it’s not something I ever really considered before, but I have a big stash of it!

wooden it be nice?

Ah, faux bois- once a staple of kitsch, it’s now taking the indie craft world by storm; and being reimagined in a thousand ways. I don’t have room for a thousand fabulous woodgrain items, so here’s five of my favourites:

Warren no. 4 by Penandpaper. I own one of her pieces, and it is so lovely. Can’t you just hear the snick of tiny scissors?

please don’t ever go – print by ameliamae. Simple but visually stunning and sweet!

woodgrain merci card by bluesnailpapers. Say thanks in french with this fantastic card. I hope she releases this font as a downloadable set!

Boy With a Fox Mask by kikiandpolly. fox imagery and woodgrain; need I say more?

Hand Screen Printed Camera Zipper Pouch by laylah7. I love the screenprint on top of the woodgrain fabric; what a great way to make your design pop!

Tuesday is for Twins

Today I bring you some goodies by a pair of incredibly talented twins I know- DotHandmade and ModisteMe! Both are doubly talented; Michele of DotHandmade does fabulous jewellery and also needlefelts amazing brooches, and Julie of ModisteMe makes adorable dolls and cute fabric art!

Dothandmade’s fabulous scratched earrings- these would go with any outfit!

She also needlefelts- how delicious and edible does this look! nom nom nom…

Plush Matryoshka Doll by ModisteMe – you know you want it. These girls are so cheek-pinchable, totally-huggable, just-darn-cute! The little tie around the neck just pushes it over the edge for me!

The art I mentioned- how adorable is this hedgie!!? If I could hug him I would….

So, twins… naturally twice as talented?

Spring Wardrobe

OKay, so you might not trust me after that honkey-tonk post, but you’re seriously going to want these for spring:

a shirtwaist dress (this one from Delenavintage)-  in a sky blue, grass green, plaid, or mustard. Wear it with:

a funky, yellow bangle. This one is made by SehnsuchtTilly (and is clearly amazingly awesome).

Our next wardrobe must-have is:

A funky mini. This one is the Prim Dress by Shaybelle, and can be worn as eithera mini or a shirt, and has amazing details like a front & back yoke, ties at the back, and pleats (pleats = very awesome).  Wear it with:

An AMAZING pair of vintage boots. Don’t buy these from santokivintage, I’m saving up for them.

Next up we have:

A kimono-style wrap (this one by MeandD). Get it in a warm, faded colour (rusty orange or mustardy yellow) and wear it over:

a gauzy dress. I vote vintage! This lovely dress from nicolasvintage. Very boho, and perfect for hot days!

And for cooler spring nights, going to the movies on a rainy day, or studying in the shade:

an amazing checked hoodie (green and blue patterned horse hoodie by Toast). Wear it with:

high-waisted jeans.  trust me, they are surpringly comfortable and flattering. Vintage 1970s wide leg jeans from ramonawest.