Since it’s raining and all the snow is turning to gray slush in southern Wisconsin today, I needed something beautiful to cheer me up. The top photo did the trick!
A very, very lucky photographer, Patrick of French Landscapes does a wonderful job of capturing the beauty that surrounds him at his home in Provence. The colors in his work are so stunningly beautiful they seem almost unreal. What an incredible talent to be able to capture such beauty and share it with the world!
Sandra and Jim of Beehive Kitchenware both hold a Masters of Fine Art, and yet their work, while beautiful, thoughtful and perfectly executed, consists of pieces anyone can identify with. The one that first attracted me was their signature heart measuring spoons — they are so adorable and so clever! I love the simplicity of their style (probably because it’s so similar to mine) and the fact that they make everyday tools so much fun!
Thanks to Dawn, who left a comment asking for help finding gifts for her eleven-year-old daughter who is obsessed with all things peace. I remember this middle school phase, in which “Peace, Love and Happiness” was the coolest saying ever and the ’70’s were like, totally awesome. While I have a lot less self-doubt these days, I still think peace, love and happiness are pretty great, so here you go, Dawn:
Lavander Peace Sign Earrings for Sensitive Ears from pink dotties
Vintage Scrabble Tile Dictionary Word Pendant Necklace from dlk designs
Triple Peace Sign Distressed Tshirt from 2 Dish Designs
Sterling Silver Love and Peace Earrings from Bead Designs by Ellen
Promote Peace bracelet on hemp by bella chicks
Good luck deciding! I love them all — gotta go for that t-shirt for sure, it’s so unique!
If you would like suggestions for handmade gifts, leave a comment and I’ll do my best!
Topping my Christmas wish list this year are these gorgeous rings by Emily of Tre Anelli. Sold as a set, these individual silver rings feature bezel set iolite, amethyst and gray moonstone. I love the subtlety of this combination of purples and grey, but she has a variety of color combinations to suite any taste.
I’m sitting in a room at the Sheraton in the middle of downtown Iowa City, and I think I’m falling in love. Don’t worry, I’m not going to get all sappy on you, I’ve just spent the last two days exploring this fantastic city!
Surrounding our hotel is block after block of adorable boutiques and restaurants.I particularly love the Capanna coffee and gelato shop which shares its location with The Wedge Pizzeria. Our first night in town, we grabbed a quick slice at The Wedge — which was nothing special — but the next morning, I got a latte from Capanna (not bad!) and some of the best eggs benedict I’ve ever had from The Wedge. In place of a heavy hollandaise, they top off a perfectly poached egg with a lovely lemon herb cream sauce — so good!
I spent the rest of the morning shopping and made sure to stop by RSVP — an amazing stationery and paper shop. The clerk was incredibly friendly and we got to talking about letterpress and all the wonderful pieces they have. I also stopped by Iowa Artisans Gallery, which sells pieces by local and national artists, including one of my favorite Madison ceramicists. On the way back, I swung by the mall which houses a nice variety of stores for being so small — University book store, a cute imports shop where I got some great handmade scarves, Express which has the cutest New Years’ dresses, and a giant Dick Blick that I spent almost an hour in!
Anyway, if you happen to be in the area, take a half a day at the very least to walk around Iowa City’s downtown and enjoy the great things it offers!
622 press | LETTERPRESS GOODS MADE BY HAND 