The Studious Crafter

Friday Favorites

2010-07-16T08:21:00.009-04:00

1. Adorable baby nephews

2. Summer Etsy finds (The Cupcake Social)

3. Cool music videos

4. Froyo with lots of mochi bits via

5. Ruth's lovely dresses in Fried Green Tomatoes

6. My friend's new blog about gardening and cooking

Garden of Eden

Happy Friday!

Mommy-to-be

2010-07-13T11:26:00.026-04:00

In just 9 more days (give or take) we'll get to meet our baby girl, Sinclair Mae! Our bags are packed and the nursery is decorated, but I don't think we'll ever be fully prepared for parenthood. Wish us luck!

Here are some pictures I've been meaning to share with family and friends. The first set are professional pictures taken by the talented Brandi Hunsicker.

And here are some other photos...

Sinclair at 8 weeks. Of course then we didn't know if she was gonna be a Sinclair or a Grayson.

Sinclair during my 2nd trimester. They grow up so quick.

These are my besties at one of my baby showers. We decorated Days of the Week onesies.

We got a ton of clothes and shoes donated by friends and family.

This is our dryer lint after washing her clothes.

Earn Mojo

2010-07-09T11:52:00.001-04:00

In my attempt to revive this blog, I've added a new feature. See the little gray tab on the right? My husband has developed a badge system for blogs, websites, and podcasts called Earn Mojo. Basically, you can earn badges for doing specific tasks on someone's blog. For example, you can earn a badge on my blog by visiting the site on my birthday. You can earn a badge by leaving a comment during a giveaway. As the author of the blog, I decide what badges you can earn and I can customize them. It's super easy! Click on the Earn Mojo tab on my blog and try it. Earn badges on The Studious Crafter or start your own badge system on your blog - just email me or leave a comment and I'll send you the username/password. We're still in beta testing mode, so we'd love your feedback!

Image via

Dusting off the cobwebs

2010-07-08T16:45:00.012-04:00

(via)

Dear blog and any surviving readers,

It's been almost 10 months since my last post, but I have good reason(s) for my absence. I got a new teaching job, bought a new house and there's a baby on the way! There's lots to share and I hope to post as much as I can before the little one arrives.

Love,

Irene

Happily Ever After

2009-09-17T08:14:00.005-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while, but I wanted to share pictures of my wedding in celebration of our anniversary. My husband and I got married 3 years ago today, barefoot on the beach.

Happy Anniversary Buckbee! I love you more than a gnome loves gardens.

Friday Excuses

2009-09-11T06:42:00.003-04:00

Hello friends. I apologize for my lack of posts this week. My new teaching job is keeping me super busy and when I'm not at work, I just want to eat and sleep. No worries, I will return soon!

(via ffffound)

Friday Favorites

2009-09-04T08:11:00.004-04:00

I want to be in a girl band. I shall call it Burnt Sienna.

Spotlight Seller

2009-09-02T21:01:00.017-04:00

I am a sucker for stationary (this sentiment belongs in a card). I barely write to anyone, yet I am compelled to purchase every pretty little card I come across.

One of my favorite Etsy print shops is the Wheeler Studio. Her illustrations of nature, bikes and can-can girls are really quite lovely. I also enjoy the quotes.

Whip It

2009-08-31T08:38:00.013-04:00

I really enjoy coming of age movies like Juno and Away We Go, so I was thrilled to discover this trailer. Whip It is about an awkward school girl who falls head over wheels in love with roller derby, against her mother's will. Love the music. Love the girl power vibe. Love the girl scout uniforms. Whip It comes out October 9.

Wondering what kind of roller girl you are? Check out the world famous roller girl name generator. Mine is Judy Boom.

Friday Favorites

2009-08-28T08:53:00.006-04:00

Pink Pacman
Katamari Strawberry Cousin
Classic Nintendo Gameboy Ring
Green Mushroom Hair Clip

Spotlight Seller

2009-08-26T08:00:00.002-04:00

Mama's Little Babies is in the spotlight today. This talented seller creates eccentric jewelry that reflects the Victorian Era. From tattooed ladies to trapeze artists, her illustrated pieces are extraordinary. Here are some of my favorite little babies.

Which ones do you love?

Postcards from the Weekend

2009-08-24T09:20:00.000-04:00

road trip.patton oswalt on the ipod.
chincoteague.bed&breakfast.anniversary.hurricane
bill.wild ponies.crab omlette.rain.reading in bed.chocolate
peanut butter ice cream.swimming.dawson's creek-looking docks.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Friday Favorites

2009-08-21T08:51:00.003-04:00

This weekend the husband and I are off to a Bed & Breakfast on Chincoteague Island. We're celebrating our 3-year anniversary a month early. Hooray!

loving out loud
ffffound
sunset at chincoteague

Spotlight Seller

2009-08-19T10:27:00.004-04:00

Today's featured Etsy seller is Miss Ruby Sue. This artist makes dazzling necklaces, bracelets and hairpieces that are adorned with all your favorite girly frills (flowers, feathers, bows, beads and more!) Her creations are guaranteed to add flair to any outfit.

The Littles

2009-08-17T08:26:00.003-04:00

I am fascinated by the use/manipulation of miniatures in photography, such as tilt-shift, so I was thrilled to discover the work of Vincent Bousserez. His work transforms everyday objects into a colossal world for little plastic people. The perspective is amazing.

Friday Favorites

2009-08-14T08:23:00.002-04:00

Spotlight Seller

2009-08-12T08:26:00.008-04:00

This week's Spotlight Seller is Corrabelle of The Mayberry Sparrow. This artist hand carves rubber stamps using original designs that can be described as cutesy, retro, and whimsical. I want them ALL, but I would probably stamp everything in sight. Who needs tattoos!

Here are a few of my favorite designs...

Which ones do you love?

Breathe and Smile

2009-08-10T09:50:00.000-04:00

I know we'll find a house that we both love.

I just have to breathe and smile.
I know I'll find a job that makes me happy.
I just have to breathe and smile.
I know that everything will work out for the best.
I just have to breathe and smile.

print via The Wheatfield

Friday Favorites

2009-08-07T09:52:00.003-04:00

I love these guys! I mean teeth. Check out My Milk Toof.

Spotlight Seller

2009-08-05T08:11:00.005-04:00

Dear Readers (all 5 of you),

I am starting another weekly feature. This one is called Spotlight Seller. Every Wednesday I will choose an Etsy seller to feature and gab about. I have 333 favorite sellers listed in my shop, so I don't think it will be an issue finding features, but please share yours to add to the list. Thanks!

This week I will start at the very beginning. My very first love on Etsy...The Black Apple. Emily Martin is one of my crafting/fashion heroes. Her artwork is amazing! Her characters are both haunting and beautiful. They remind me of the Baudelaire orphans from A Series of Unfortunate Events. And one more thing, she is the TOP seller of prints on Etsy! See here.

True Love

The Quiet Room

Mysterious Genevieve

Scarf For Two

No More Ink

2009-08-03T08:06:00.010-04:00

I really want another tattoo, but I am trying oh so hard to control the urge. 2 friends of mine just got new tattoos and they are quite lovely. I wish I had pictures to share, but instead here are some I found online that I've been fawning over. This probably isn't helping me fight the urge. Doh!

top to bottom:
Sally Jane Vintage
a Cat's Nest
Peace and Love
A Beautiful Mess
Black Bow

*Update: Neatorama had 2 posts today about tattoos - Tattooed Librarians & Embroidery Tattoo

Friday Favorites

2009-07-31T08:45:00.002-04:00

Dirty Girl

2009-07-29T09:47:00.001-04:00

Don't these cupcakes look delicious?

Ok, so a while ago I discovered these tasty treats on Etsy, but to my dismay, realized that they were made out of soap! Has anyone else made this mistake? These are amazing, but I'd probably get hungry every time I washed my hands.

waffles

sushi

bubble tea

In Hot Water

2009-07-27T23:23:00.004-04:00

This weekend we went to my friend's house on Lake Anna. The lake is used to cool a nuclear power plant so the water's temperature was about 80 degrees. Weird huh? Don't worry, nobody came out with a third eye or anything like that. It's safe.

We had a great time swimming, tubing and wake boarding. Mike attempted the wake boarding while I relaxed on the boat. *Side note: It's highly unlikely that you'll see me in a bathing suit picture, so I hope you don't mind the toes.

Overall it was a great weekend of water activities and hanging out with friends.

How was your weekend?

Friday Favorites

2009-07-24T08:11:00.016-04:00

ffffound!

Happy Friday! We're going to Lake Anna this weekend.
What are your weekend plans?

Frozen Goodness

2009-07-22T08:29:00.005-04:00

Bathing suits, now popsicles. Summer is here. I found these frozen delights on TasteSpotting, a smorgasbord pleasing to the eye and palate. Also, I recently made Choco Tacos for the husband's birthday. They were a fail. Frozen crepes don't work very well as taco shells.

Here is a recipe for Mango Blackberry Yogurt Pops, yum!

Bathing Suit Blues

2009-07-20T08:31:00.005-04:00

Unfortunately, the summer temperatures are rising and the cool waves at the beach are calling my name. Meaning...time to put on the dreaded bathing suit. I have never liked myself in a bathing suit, except for the hot pink one that matched my barbie doll when I was six.

Ashley G and Drew Print

Here are a few from Anthropologie that I actually like and a great quote from Mae West. I tend to gravitate towards the bathing suits from the 40's. A curvaceous body was more appreciated then.

Cultivate your curves -they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided.

Mae West

Friday Favorites

2009-07-17T08:52:00.003-04:00

Thrush
Jen's Closet
nana Company
Clever Nettle

Adventures of a 30-year-old Girl: Part 2

2009-07-15T08:36:00.006-04:00

7.11.09

Today I planned to go swimming at my sister's house and then have dinner with family. I threw on some clothes, sloppily brushed my hair, ran some errands and drove over to my sister's for a quick swim. As we drove up to the house I saw a blow-up totem pole creeping up over their fence. Odd, I thought. Then as we walked into the backyard, friends and family screamed from the deck "SURPRISE!!!!" The first thing I thought was, "OMG, I didn't take a shower today."

My husband and my sister threw me a surprise birthday pool party/lua to celebrate my 30th. They're the greatest!

What a great way to kick off a new decade, with the people you love the most!

via

p.s. never leave the house looking like crap, you never know who you might see

Adventures of a 30-year-old Girl: Part 1

2009-07-13T11:31:00.004-04:00

7.3.09

Today we visited Coventry Village, OH. While waiting for a table at Tommy's Restaurant, we played in this retro toy store (more like a toy museum) called Big Fun. They have grand collections of every kind of toy you can think of. My personal favorites: Care Bears, My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, He-Man...

7.4.09

On the 4th of July we walked down to the neighborhood parade, played croquet and watched fireworks on the lake.

7.5.09

Visited another little town called Peninsula. Gorgeous views and a darling antique shop (see owl pin below).

7.6.09

Today I said farewell to my 20's. This delicious snickers ice cream cake cheered me up.

Side Note: My mother-in-law has a collection of vintage hats that her grandmother made in the 30's and 40's. How cool is that! Of course I had to try them all on (not sharing those photos).

Friday Favorites

2009-07-10T08:40:00.003-04:00

Why can't all commercials be this cute?

Thanks for sharing Wendy!

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-07-06T08:30:00.021-04:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband, Michael. I love you!

Friday Favorites

2009-07-03T08:42:00.002-04:00

My Shining Star

This is my nephew Elijah Dean. Isn't he the cutest!

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Half-Blood Prince

2009-07-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

If you're a Harry Potter geek like I am, you're probably counting down the days until the Half-Blood Prince comes out in theaters. I'll admit, this book was not my favorite of the series, but the movie looks amazing! I'm sure you've seen the trailer, but wow does it look dark. I'm a little scared. We're going to see it in IMAX at midnight!

Remember the good old days...

Apartment Therapy

2009-06-29T08:12:00.006-04:00

Okay, so I have no idea how I want to decorate my new house (that is when we finally find one), but I'm discovering pieces here and there that call out to me (some in Swedish).

I love the color and style of these Ikea chairs.

And check out these stools from Design to Inspire.

Friday Favorites

2009-06-26T10:27:00.006-04:00

I was an 80's child and along with Cindy Lauper and Madonna, Michael Jackson was one of my favorites. I had his tapes, practiced his dance moves and watched the Thriller video over and over, even though it scared me. While the grown-up Irene is sad about his death, I think the 5 year-old Irene is even more heartbroken. Here are some of my MJ faves.

I had to include some of the great covers...

In Stitches

2009-06-24T08:51:00.001-04:00

I am an avid reader of craft blogs (hence "the studious crafter") and I am in constant awe of all the neat things that people make. Well, they have inspired me to acquire a new craft: Embroidery. Sublime Stitching offers hip patterns and starter kits for newbies like me. Also, you can find free patterns on Pimp Stitch. Wish me luck!

Inspiration:

1. Sublime Stitching 2. Bugs and Fishes by Lupin
3. Tamie Snow *Roxycraft* 4. Floresita

and more...

1. Miso Funky 2. Kunderwood 3. I am Susie
4. Miso Funky 5. Pimp Stich 6. Miss Niff

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T15:41:00.004-04:00

Dear Dad,

I know I wasn't always a good kid, so thanks for being a trooper.

ffffound

Friday Favorites

2009-06-19T08:47:00.014-04:00

Things That Remind Me of Dear Old Dad

My little girl locket charm necklace

Chocolate Football Soap

Flannel Anchor Sneezy Sheet

Swing 8x10 original print

Give a hoot!

2009-06-18T08:13:00.006-04:00

My blogger friends Diana and Carly are collaborating on a giveaway.
Check out this cute owl pin...

And Keiko Lynn is giving away this beautiful necklace...

And the award goes to...

2009-06-16T02:52:00.008-04:00

ME!!!

Diana from Our City Lights was kind enough to give me 9 awards for my blog! *blushes* And it was her amazing blog that inspired me to start my own. I'm still learning but am thankful for all her support and everyone else who reads my blog.

(cue the music)

Friday Favorites

2009-06-12T08:12:00.003-04:00

Nerd is the word.

Glasses by Wacky Stuff
Pin by Space Oddities
Tada's Revolution
Mighty Fine Hello Kitty Tee

Lenka Love

2009-06-10T09:04:00.001-04:00

I discovered Lenka at SXSW 2009 and fell in love with her music. She describes herself as the love child of Bjork, The Beatles and Burt Bacharach. Check out her music videos. They are quite unique (stop motion, papercutting, dancing tomatoes). Love it.

Trouble Is A Friend

Grow Old

This one has the dancing tomatoes...

The Show - Lenka

Apartment Therapy

2009-06-08T08:00:00.010-04:00

Ever since the mister and I have started house hunting, I've been obsessed with interior design and decor. Therefore, I will have a few posts about apartment/house stuff. Here are a few prints that I enjoy.

Smoke Print by Blancucha

Strawberry Luna

The Poster List

Keep Calm Gallery

Friday Favorites

2009-06-05T19:24:00.003-04:00

Food is Love

I Love Your Spatulas
Blue Kawaii Cupcake Necklace
The Black & White Cookie
Sushi Baby Booties

Away We Go

2009-06-03T08:27:00.006-04:00

Ok, so there's a new movie coming out this month that I'm pretty excited about. It's called Away We Go and it stars The Office sweetheart, John Krasinki and SNL's Maya Rudolph (she did the best Whitney Houston...Bobby B!).

It has a Juno feel to it (see poster), but I guess what's most appealing to me is that it's about people my age that are going through real life issues. I have trouble relating to Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey-like movies.

Also, the soundtrack features music by Alexi Murdoch, Bob Dylan, The Velvet Underground, and The Stranglers.

Watch the trailer. Go on.

*sigh*

Shop Update

2009-06-01T08:43:00.004-04:00

This weekend I added new items to my shop. Apparently I was in a pink mood. My descriptions even include references to Molly Ringwald and Strawberry Shortcake. Who knows when I'll ever grow up.

This necklace almost made it, but my cousin snatched it up before I could post it.

Friday Favorites

2009-05-29T08:37:00.003-04:00

PS22 Chorus

Can't you just feel your heart melting? Seriously.

Thanks Neatorama!

Giveaways Galore!

2009-05-27T07:43:00.008-04:00

Diana from Our City Lights is giving away a Marc Jacobs clutch in gunmetal *gasp*

Alliteration is doing a giveaway for her etsy shop. This necklace is one of my favorite pieces.

That Unreliable Girl is hosting a giveaway for Moonflowers Photography. I enjoy her carnival-themed photos.

Yellow Goat is also hosting a giveaway for one of A Alicia Accessories' gorgeous brooches.

Hellooooo Kitty! Here's another giveaway from Polygnome.

p.s. do not enter any of these giveaways, because I want to win!

D.C. Richmond Trip

2009-05-25T11:00:00.003-04:00

Last week I took a trip to D.C. and Richmond to visit with my good friend Monica and her sweet baby boy, Hudson. We had a great time shopping, eating good food and laughing it up. As an added bonus, my other good friend Erin and her darling daughter, Lillie were also in town. Baby bonanza!

In Falls Church we ordered take-out at my favorite vegetarian restaurant, Sunflower, then picked up tasty bubble drinks (avocado, strawberry, lychee) in Eden Center. The donuts reminded me of Homer Simpson.

Lastly, here are some goodies I discovered on Cary Street in Richmond:

Gnome Onesie - World of Mirth
California-themed charm bracelet - vintage shop
(I might keep as is or refashion it)
Pin & Mug - Mongrel

Friday Favorites

2009-05-22T06:00:00.002-04:00

She generally gave herself very good advice, (though she very seldom followed it). Lewis Carroll

Rosielee Clothing
Tilly Bloom: Music to her Ears Brooch
Danita Shop: Alice in Wonderland
tape measure bow tattoo

Thomas Allen: An Encore

2009-05-20T06:00:00.003-04:00

I know that Thomas Allen has made an appearance on numerous blogs, but I couldn't resist. His work is incredible! He takes pulp fiction paperbacks and like a skilled surgeon, slices up the covers and creates these amazing dioramas. The characters literally jump off the pages.

Thomas Allen was kind enough to share with me, a folder showcasing most of his work over the past 9 years. And I quote, "something other bloggers won't find online." Thank you Thomas Allen!

Here are some of my favorites.

Strawberry Picking

2009-05-18T06:00:00.002-04:00

This past Saturday we went strawberry picking at Brookdale Farm. It's our annual Mother's Day tradition (delayed this year). Despite scattered showers and muddy fields (hooray for wellies), we had a great time. We filled 5 baskets with big juicy berries. And it was my nephew's first time joining us.

Friday Favorites

2009-05-15T14:59:00.006-04:00

Every Friday I will be sharing favorite finds via etsy, flickr, youtube, etc.
Happy Friday!

I Beg Your Pardon Print
Rosette Fascinator Headband
A biscuit to rule your heart.
This American Life

Rock Paper Craft Stickers

2009-05-13T20:27:00.010-04:00

This is a great week for mail! First I got a MJ key ring from Diana and then my Rock Paper Craft stickers arrived. These lovelies are from Self Production Design. Thanks Kenna!

If you would like a sticker, please email me your address and I will gladly send you one.

Land of Make Believe

2009-05-13T12:30:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday evening I discovered the wonderful world of tilt-shift photography. Tilt-shifting manipulates photos and makes them appear miniature. You can make your street look like it belongs in Mr. Roger's neighborhood of make-believe. And tiltshiftmaker.com lets you do this without any special lenses.

Take a look...

link

link

Here is my feeble attempt. This picture was taken on our vacation in the Outer Banks last summer. It helps to have an aerial shot. Thankfully we were on top of a lighthouse for this one. Can't you just imagine Mr. Roger's hand reaching down over the house? In a friendly way.

Many Thanks

2009-05-11T00:00:00.012-04:00

Recently Diana from Our City Lights and I collaborated on a Rock Paper Craft giveaway and it was a great success! Many thanks to her and all those who participated. The winner got this lovely tea set.

Also, Diana sent me this gorgeous Marc Jacobs key ring. She's the best! Be sure to check out her blog for more giveaways.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T00:23:00.001-04:00

This post is in honor of my mother, my sister, my mother-in-law and all my friends who are mothers. Here is one of my favorite poems.

Why My Mother Made Me by Sharon Olds

Maybe I am what she always wanted,
my father as a woman,
maybe I am what she wanted to be
when she first saw him, tall and smart,
standing there in the college yard with the
hard male light of 1937
shining on his black hair. She wanted that
power. She wanted that size. She pulled and
pulled through him as if he were dark
bourbon taffy, she pulled and pulled and
pulled through his body until she drew me out,
amber and gleaming, her life after her life.
Maybe I am the way I am
because she wanted exactly that,
wanted there to be a woman
a lot like her, but who would not hold back, so she
pressed herself hard against him,
pressed and pressed the clear soft
ball of herself like a stick of beaten cream
against his stained sour steel grater
until I came out on the other side of his body,
a big woman, stained, sour, sharp,
but with that milk at the center of my nature.
I lie here now as I once lay
in the crook of her arm, her creature,
and I feel her looking down into me the way the
maker of a sword gazes at his face in the
steel of the blade.

Happiness and Harmony

2009-05-07T15:46:00.000-04:00

I've always been fascinated by barbershop music. The harmonizing sounds of a cappella music is both raw and beautiful. So what do you get when you combine Ben Folds' greatest hits and a cappella? An amazing collaboration! More here and here.

Ben Folds on iLike - Get updates inside iTunes

Here are some other a cappella groups that I enjoy:

Straight No Chaser

Canvas (pssst...they do The Simpsons song here)

Hello World!

2009-05-07T15:33:00.000-04:00

Welcome to The Studious Crafter! A place where I can collect and share things that I love. If you click on the "About Me" frame and find that we have similar interests, you might enjoy this blog. But you don't have to take my word for it!