life with two t's

Spring Designs 2011

2011-05-14T12:49:00.005-04:00

From the top:

1. Itty bitty Flower Pendant Necklace

2. Black Rope Chain Glasses Necklace

3. Lovebirds in Flight Necklace

4. Flower Charm and Glasses Necklace

Etsy Favorites - Jumpers for Grown Ups

2010-07-12T22:49:00.001-04:00

This summer has been a hot one. Something about hot weather makes me want to wear clothing that comes in one piece and can be disassembled with the flick of a button (or two). This leads me to jumpsuits (jumpers). And yes, the majority of jumpers on Etsy are for children under five years of age, but I knew there had to be a few or more that I know I could rock.

The first one I found was this lovely Mod Mondrian Tent Dress. I hate to admit it but I actually had to google Mondrian. Here's what I discovered... it is named after a Dutch painter, Piet Mondrian who worked in rectilinear color blocks. He was part of a Dutch artist movement called De Stijl, or The Style. The term De Stijl is used to refer to a body of work from 1917 to 1931 founded in the Netherlands. Due to my recent search for my forefathers and foremothers (damn you PBS for your series on ancestry!), I found out that I can trace my people all the way back to a castle in Holland. Is it a coincidence that I am attracted to Dutch rectilinear color blocking?? Or that I secretly wish I was born in a different decade that would have allowed me to buy this type of item right off the rack?? I owe these questions to you, Etsy seller DepanneurRoyale.

It's no surprise that I love 40s, 50s and 60s pin up gear and wiggle dresses. So this pick was a shoe-in. This items has been to the front page of Etsy and blogged about before but I just can't resist showing off Etsy seller, nudeedudee's designs.

In her Etsy profile she states, "I've been collecting rockin vintage patterns, buttons, and fabrics for the past 15 yrs to make myself custom clothes as I am way too tall to fit in the originals. To say the least, I have amassed quite a stash."

Kudos to her for not conforming to clothes that don't fit.

Just to be fair, I scrolled through some of the older listings and found this stunner by PantorabyAndrea.

Her profile states that she is a student at FIT. A friend of mine attended that school and went on to work for Calvin Klein and Levi's. Regardless of where she ends up, she is very talented. I would rock any of her gowns. If only I had a place to rock them at or to...

Okay, one more.

This time I searched for "jumper, 80s," which is more of what I envision when I think jumpers. I think my mom owned this once upon a time. I remember she had a matching terry cloth bath robe. I borrowed it to take on my 6th grade trip to Mackinac Island. It didn't make it home. I'm afraid I left it on the hook of my hotel room. That was a sad day. Now I always double check that hook... sneaky stealer of bath robes.
It's from Etsy seller lbapparel. She can custom make one in a couple different colors. How about rainbow print terry cloth??

Henry's "Niecester"

2010-07-12T21:44:00.008-04:00

Back in March, Henry lost his only child status and became a Bruncle (brother/uncle). Jolie, Henry's sister from the same litter, gave birth to six pups. All six puppies got to grow up (for the first five weeks of their lives) with Corey and I at home base. So for a few weeks we had eight dogs (8 dogs!) running our house. I felt like the octomom.

After many weeks of pee and poo clean up, Jolie and five of the pups went to their forever homes. Two of them Freddie and Pinky (renamed Kojo and Teba) went home with Jolie to live with my friend Fred, who owns Jolie and the father, Cooper. Noodle (now Bella), Batman (now Bandit) and Crybaby (not sure of her new name) went to Fred's friends. That leaves one pup who certainly was not picked last. In fact, moments after their birth, I knew she was the one.

A Grand Day Out

Tucker tired.

Three months later: Shuggs!

She's peeking at you!

Shuggs (short for Sugar) is just the Niecester (niece/sister) that Henry has been waiting for. Sometimes Shuggs gets on Henry's nerves so he'll jump up somewhere she can't reach yet but for the must part, they're best pals.

Victorian and Deco Glam

2010-06-30T23:55:00.006-04:00

Summer 2010 Creations: inspired by Victorian style and Art Deco Glam.

I have been so inspired this year to create more involved and detailed jewelry and accessories. These bracelets are just the beginning.

They are already selling fast. I haven't been able to post them online because of all the shows this summer.

My next goal is to create an awesome one-of-a-kind statement necklace.

I was lucky to have my best friend, Joyce, help me out at the Cleveland Handmade Market last Sunday. During a break, she did a bit of modeling for me. She may have missed her calling as an arm model.

And a bonus: "Everybody Loves Owls" ring...

Summer Shows!

2010-06-30T23:15:00.008-04:00

So far this summer, I've done the Art Meets Craft show in Pleasant Ridge, MI and the Cleveland Handmade Market show in Pepper Pike, OH.

My next show will be the Baar Bazaar on July 10 at The Majestic Theater in Detroit, MI. This year marks the five year anniversary of the Baar Bazaar and I'm happy to be a part of it. It is organized and sponsored by Reware Vintage. For a complete list of vendors, click here.

Eleanora and Mod Orange will be playing a free show while you shop.
Want more info? Click here.

Following that, I'll be in Ann Arbor, MI for the Mitten Made @ The Blue House show, July 23 and 24. If you're not familiar with Blue House, you should be. I'm totally geeked about their classes and studio.

Mitten Made is two day event featuring artisans from all over our great mitten state showing off their
handmade creations. It runs the same time as the Ann Arbor Art Fair.

Please stop by and say "hello!" Facebook and Blog fans receive a free bitty bobby just for stopping by.

New Spring Creations!

2010-03-08T13:09:00.000-05:00

A little comfort... please...

2010-01-13T21:17:00.006-05:00

I woke up at 6am the other morning in extreme pain. I don't know if I slept weird or something happened the day before but all I know is that I couldn't move my neck. Poor Corey has been doing a good job taking care of me.... putting on my Icy/Hot patches, making my tea, etc... but I just can't seem to get comfortable. So I went on Etsy and did a keyword search on the word "comfort" and these are my finds:

The Carly Dress by mydearthing.

Fiona Headband by Bebecha.

A little bit of comfort...an archival print by corid.

Grandma's House - Before and After

2010-01-10T13:58:00.001-05:00

The Dining Room

At first, the dining room looked like the rest of the house. Full of stuff. We worked our way through... digging holes, finding some treasures and throwing out a lot of junk. It was hard to believe there was a dining room table, a loveseat, three dressers, a media cabinet filled with hundreds of sheet music books and two bookshelves under there.

Before

In the picture, the room is about halfway cleared. We pushed the dining table against the wall to make more room to get into the kitchen. The dresser was filled with pictures, linens, coupons with no expiration dates and yarn (lots of yarn). My mom took the dresser to her house but still doesn't know where she's going to put it.

Before

Here the dining room is cleared out. The carpet was pulled back to reveal beautiful hard wood that we never knew existed. What a big sigh of relief! I thought I would have to put down new flooring. The old carpet was filthy and covered with signs of critters. Things were shaping up!

After

The hardwood floors got a new life! We cleaned and refinished it. Now it has a caramel / coco brown look. The walls were originally going to be a bright turquoise blue but I decided I'd rather have a calming blue instead of an energizing blue. This blue is repeated in the kitchen, along with a muted lime green for the cabinets. The curtains are original to the house. The washing machine, even on the gentle cycle, was not kind to them and left a couple tiny holes. Luckily, the holes are hidden by the folds when hung.

The chair was an estate sale find. I love the way the paint is chipping off combined the powdery blue / grey colored upholstery. The large flower print is by an Asian artist, Sanyu (I also have his Agnes print). The portrait was found at Fred's Unique Furniture and Antiques.

After

Due to the size of the room, the media wall had to be divided into two sides of the room. The shelves were a purchase on craigslist. They were handmade by a former antique book dealer. They are kind of oddly sized and mismatched... but I like it. I wish all of it could have fit on one wall but it works for now. The 50s dinette was another find at Fred's.

I found this Russian Cosmonaut Communist propaganda at the KGB museum in Moscow. I never knew what to do with it or where to put it in my old place, but it just seemed to fit here. None of the artwork in the room seems to match, but they all play into the blue / green theme.

Here is a close-up of the chair I so love.

This is my collection of plates from my travels to Turkey, Morocco and Iran. My mom gave me the idea to hang them over the doorway into the kitchen and Corey helped me hang them. I have another set of plates on the other side looking into the dining room from the kitchen but those have a different story.

My Store Has Run Dry!

2009-11-28T11:27:00.002-05:00

Ack! My poor Etsy store has been neglected! There are barely any items listed!

Don't panic. I'm listing more items today and in the days to come to return it to its former glory.

In the meantime, here's a video from Norfolk and Western:

Grandma's House - The Beginning

2009-11-21T17:24:00.002-05:00

Back in August, I started a little project. I decided to move into my Grandma's house and make it my own. The only problem was that my Grandma's house was full of junk... 30 years of junk. My Grandma is a hoarder. So bad that she couldn't live in her house and 12 years ago, she moved out of it, leaving the house to its own, filled with creepy-crawlies, newspapers and boxes of Avon.

In the beginning, I couldn't open the front door... not even a foot. But now I'm actually living in it. It's still a project, but I can't believe how far I've come.

Inspiration

2009-08-28T23:11:00.002-04:00

I am so inspired by lush fabrics and stunning wallpaper from Osborne and Little. I just want to go to their showroom and dive right into their vignettes.

I'm in love with the following two wallpapers. I think they would look great on an accent wall or to brighten up an alcove.

These fabrics are so yummy:

You would have to kick me off of this lounge:

Visit the site and tell me which one inspires you.

Poor Henry

2009-08-28T15:35:00.000-04:00

Speaking of dogs... Henry got a haircut.

Before:

After:

My mom tried to shave him for me, but that didn't give the best results so I took him to a groomer. I guess he had gotten so matted that they had no other choice.

I miss his fluffy snoodle hair. It will grow back right?

Poor Henry.

Dogs in Space!

2009-08-26T19:54:00.000-04:00

I like this sweet little Gocco print by monocol. Monocol is two artists on Etsy, Tom Eykemans and Gwynne Siakan from Seattle. This print is of Laika, the Dog Cosmonaut Darumina.

Daruminals are based on the Japanese wish dolls called Darumas. Traditionally, the wisher makes a wish and colors in the right eye of a daruma. If the wish comes true, the wisher then colors in the left eye.

It reminds me a display of a dog cosmonaut that I saw at the KGB museum in Moscow.

During the 1950s and 1960s the former USSR used a number of dogs for sub-orbital and orbital space flights to determine whether human spaceflight was feasible. They launched missions with passenger slots for at least 57 dogs. The actual number of dogs in space is smaller, as some dogs flew more than once. A few died due mostly through technical failures or intentionally.

Sometimes I think that Henry is from space.

Etsy Favorites - Furniture

2009-08-05T22:41:00.000-04:00

My fantasy house would include this Antique Lion Head Settee and Chair Set by sprucehome.

Etsy seller SparrowsNest1 has this great revamped Antique Server. I love the grey and white combination.

Check out this reproduction The Havana “Retro” Lounge chair and ottoman set. The set is available in a variety of colors by lunarloungedesign, but I prefer this sky blue shade.

modology uses two of my favorite materials, maple wood and Lucite plastic. This stylish mod style credenza is the only item in modology's etsy shop. Why list more items when you have one with a $1,400.00 price tag?

Here's another goodie from lunarloungedesign. This mid century lounge chair reproduction is pretty snazzy. I love the contrast of the metal, wood and canvas.

Etsy Favorites - Lingerie

2009-07-29T12:25:00.000-04:00

I'm hopelessly devoted to the Etsy shop, Hopeless. The Yunioshi Garter and Sally Bra was inspired by Audrey Hepburn's character 'Holly Golightly' in the film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. They are made with 100% silk satin and must feel incredible to wear.

Read her interview with Style Melbourne.

I totally want this teddy by panterbyhand. The price is great (on sale!) but I'm afraid it would be too small for my 5'6 frame.

I was fortunate to have a booth right behind her at last year's Bizarre Bazaar in Cleveland. Her booth helper was Nate Powell, who's graphic novel Swallow Me Whole was nominated for the LA Times Book Prize.

She also makes the cutest bloomers.

I love these pasties. In fact, I love nearly everything in Gothfox Designs store. The photography, the models, the stylization. I think I have an Etsy shop crush.

Here's another favorite by Boudoir Queen. Her description: "These faboosh tap pants are outrageously decadent. Hand dyed all 20's textiles." Yes, serious decadence.

Also, check out this video about Boudoir Queen:

"nothings gonna get me like the old times"

2009-07-28T15:25:00.000-04:00

I love this song, "Old Times," by The Whispertown 2000. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

"Nothing is wrong, I'm right where I belong."

I keep telling myself that.

Etsy Favorites - Clothing

2009-07-22T21:28:00.000-04:00

My new favorite Etsy shop is BoudoirQueen. Unfortunately,
it's on vacation right now. More about her shop soon.

I love this dress, by Etsy seller heirapparel.

I'd wear this any day of the week. Hot! By Etsy seller, elysiumdesign.

Everything in dearpony's Etsy shop seems comfortable. Me likey.

My Wish List *or things I would buy if I had a disposable income

2009-07-20T19:13:00.001-04:00

A Vespa. www.vespausa.com Yes, owning a Vespa would be sweet.... but its all about the practicality. (Or least, that's what I tell myself.)

This shawl. Created by the lovely fellow Estian known as Corpseknit, who's first line of her bio reads, "As if created by the skillful hands of Victorian women bound to the underworld, the Corpseknit Clothing line is touched by the romance of a past era."

I had a similar shawl to this, but I left it in a friend's rental car in Cleveland. The next day, I begged and pleaded for someone to mail it back to me... only to be replied with, "We didn't find it." Yeah right.

Someday I will own this shawl, and it will be better than my first one. This one is created by the skillful hands of Victorian women bound to the underworld.

Blog Love

2009-06-09T19:33:00.000-04:00

When I got home from work today an opened up my laptop, this blog entry was starring back at me: http://blog.ounodesign.com/2009/03/26/so-you-think-youd-like-to-live-in-a-church/
I have no idea how it was opening and loaded in my browser but I am amazed at the entries and information. From a stunning picture of a church turned home:

To a whimsical posting of indoor chair swings:This blog is the findings of Lindsay Brown, a designer in Vancouver. You can read more about her and her favourite things at: http://blog.ounodesign.com/

After a long hiatus..

2008-11-17T20:19:00.000-05:00

I got a puppy.

His name is Henry.

He's adorable.

My love for Etsy

2008-05-30T01:52:00.000-04:00

I bought another handbag. Did I need it? No. Can I afford it? No. But it's mine! All mine!!
I actually bought a handbag by marissajoannarojas many moons ago when the Etsy madness first began. Isn't it lovely:

Then I was showing some Etsy love by visiting my favorite shops when I saw a similar bag by marissajoannarojas on clearance! She even gave me an extra 15% off since she was running a sale and refunding part of my shipping! Awesome seller.

Only $3!

2008-05-14T00:07:00.000-04:00

Yes, these cuties are only $3!

A Whole Lotta Hoopla

2008-05-14T00:02:00.000-04:00

http://ttishbite.etsy.com

New Combs (not Puffy)

2008-05-12T13:36:00.000-04:00

www.ttishbite.etsy.com

Getting Organized

2008-05-02T00:06:00.000-04:00

So I purchased an awesome Excel spreadsheet from fellow Etsy seller, JJMFinance. I've been looking for some way to organize my inventory (plastic storage containers aren't cutting it). It seems to be just what I need! Behold it's beauty:

I'm also interested in the marketing planner but I'll try this out first. Gawd, I love spreadsheets.

Coming Soon to Etsy.com

2008-04-14T16:25:00.000-04:00

http://www.ttishbite.etsy.com/

Moo Postcard Prints

2008-04-14T15:54:00.001-04:00

I got my Moo postcard prints! Nice quality. I just love them. I also got my Moo stickers, but they came out really dark. I don't think I could get a good shot of them.

Most of the photos were taken in Morocco, a country that I adore. The bottom right picture was taken in Egypt at the Temple of Luxor. The picture on the top right is a stylized version of the one next to it. They look way better in person.

I'm debating whether to sell them on Etsy. I'm not sure how they will mesh with the items already listed.

Regardless, they're beautiful and I can't wait to frame them!

Look what I found in my yard!

2008-04-14T15:51:00.000-04:00

First blooming flowers of spring. Yay!

Hotlanta.. kinda chilly

2008-04-07T19:11:00.000-04:00

Hotlanta was actually cold, so we went out for coffee at Java Monkey.

Jessica and Calon enjoying cake and coffee Coffee art

Jessica modeling my Oh Dear Ring
Me and Darin

New Wears

2008-03-13T22:39:00.001-04:00

Soon to be at my Etsy store:

http://ttishbite.etsy.com/

Purrfect for a Snowy Day

2008-03-08T14:04:00.000-05:00

I found a new website!

2008-02-28T23:42:00.000-05:00

http://goodreads.com

Federation of Generous Overdressed Pacifists

2008-02-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

Federation of Generous Overdressed Pacifists is my new secret society.

Visit the Secret Society Generator to see yours: http://http://www.chimpage.com/secret.html

More Louisville Follies

2008-02-19T23:42:00.001-05:00

I make Elvis look good.

We ordered every dessert on the menu... And then ate them.

The gang leaving with full bellies and more leftovers.

New NGU Cafe Press Store

2008-02-16T21:43:00.000-05:00

As much as I've complained about Cafe Press, I decided to bite the bullet.

By request, I finally opened up a Cafe Press store for my Next Generation of Unity t-shirt designs. They're a bit pricey (not my fault) but half the proceeds go to the Great Lakes region, GLNGU.

Sneak Peek!

2008-02-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

I've been creating new hair gear. Here's a sneak peek of what's getting posted on Etsy soon...

I GOT MY MOO CARDS!

2008-02-16T17:05:00.000-05:00

I finally got my Mini Moo cards in the mail. Check it:

Impromptu plastic dinosaur photo shoot

2008-02-16T16:43:00.000-05:00

While waiting for our server at a nifty little diner in Louisville, we decided to have an impromptu plastic dinosaur photo shoot.

It was a different kind of set than these models were used to...but they have to experience all aspects of the industry.

This dinosaur found it hard to pose with the giant moth on it's back. Eventually they found chemistry and pushed through it.

These models were naturals. They landed the "smile with your eyes" pose!

Taliesin West

2008-02-10T09:29:00.000-05:00

During our recent trip to Arizona, we toured Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, studio and school. It was totally inspiring, albeit the ridiculously overpriced gift shop.

His living room

I was digging the furniture

Mark sans morning coffee

Studio

Arizona Pics

2008-02-05T15:25:00.000-05:00

Saguaro National Park at dusk.

My Esty Mini

2008-02-05T12:25:00.001-05:00

Modeling my new hair pins

2008-02-02T22:47:00.000-05:00

Pretty hair clips available at my Esty store! http://ttishbite.etsy.com

Sophie hides in the bookshelf

2008-02-02T22:22:00.000-05:00

Hmm.. and I didn't think she cared much for reading.

New shop, New banner

2008-01-31T11:51:00.000-05:00

So I'm reworking my Etsy shop http://ttishbite.etsy.com/ and adding new (and old) items daily. I created a new banner and added some new items: