Shells

I just realized that my last several posts haven't had any photos, how boring. So here are some photos I've been meaning to post for quite some time.
During most of the summer there weren't many shells on the beach, but storms deposited tons of them in Oct and Nov. I've always collected seashells, but now that I live somewhere with different kinds (than in New England) the habit seems to have gotten just a little out of control. I know I'll do something with them someday, maybe make sailor's valentines?

Winter Art and Photography Swap

Join my Swap!! (just click on this post's title for a link)
I haven't been doing too many swaps lately, because I've been so busy for the holidays. But I've started a new one on Swap-Bot, a Winter Photography and Art Swap. The deadline to mail items isn't until February, so don't let the hectic pace of the holidays prevent you from joining. Hopefully I'll get some great inspiration on my upcoming vacation to Jackson Hole and SLC.

Buy Handmade

I know "Buy Handmade" is all over the crafty blogs this holiday season, so I won't get preachy about it, but I do have a true story to tell about a great experience my friend had.
Several years ago my friend, Jeff, was in Barcelona. He was looking at the paintings a local artist was selling on the street, but had no intention of buying any. Until the artist started talking to him. The basic point of the artist was that Jeff was probably going to go to the Guggenhiem and buy the same posters and crappy souveniers that everyone who visits Barcelona buys, this was true. Instead Jeff should spend more money on one of this artist's paintings, get an original piece of art and a leave with the knowledge that he had helped this young artist pay for college. Jeff was convinced, so he spent about $100 (he was in college and this was alot of money) for one of the street artists paintings. To this day, the painting hangs in Jeff's living room and he tells everyone the story of the unknown street artist.

Check it out!

I've been very busy over the last few weeks setting up my etsy shop, working at my part time job, having family visit for the holiday (which was great), and working on various projects around the house, not to mention a minor plumbing issue.
I do have some photos to post, but until then here are some things I highly recommend you check out:
MY ETSY STORE (obviously)!! But seriously, I've added several great sellers to my favorites and you can access the list through scarlettdesign.etsy.com. I'd also appreciate any feedback about my own etsy store, as I have yet to sell anything.
Also, I've just looked at the immensly talented Amy Butler's site and she has some new free patterns up. And I think the animal silouettes would make great presents, and you could save money by using up your fabric stash.

Pattern Photos

I recently took part in a swap for photos of patterns. These are some photos that I've taken over the last few years.
Branching Pattern of a tree in front of repetative pattern in architecture
Temple Square, SLC, UT, January 2006

Algae in a Tidal Pool, Massachusetts Coast, September 2006

Birch Trees create vertical lines behind river rocks
White Mountain National Forest, NH October 2006

This photo has been altered to achee a desired color result
White Mountain National Forest, NH October 2006

Snow covered topiaries, Boston Public Garden, February 2007

repetative pattern in flowers of varying heights
Norolk Botanica Garden, VA, October 2007

Ripples in the Sand
Kiptopeke State Park, VA, October 2007

Bald Cypress Trees, "cypress knees" spring up from the root system
First Landing State Park, VA, November 2007

Crazy Mom Quilts

I just joined the quilt-along on crazymomquilts. I've never actually completed a quilt (I do have one in several pieces somewhere...) but a different square each week should keep me from geting bored/distracted. And it will be a great Christmas present for my boyfriend that will require very little cash and use up part of my stash. I'll try to post photos each week to show my progress.

Christmas Greetings,,,More

More shameless self promotion.
This design Is an illustration I made for an invitation to my annual Christmas Tree decorating party a few years ago. I liked it so much I used it as my Chrismas cards that year, and now I have it for sale on my etsy shop.

This is another design from a past Christmas. I really like Kenneth Libbricht's Snowflake photos, so I used a snoflake design for my cards last year.

This is my favorite of the Christmas designs I've drawn this year, and I may use it as my Christmas card this year.

Holiday Greetings

Here are the holiday notecards I have available on on new Etsy shop:
"Audrey Holiday", this is a variation of my original "Audrey" design, which is named after Audrey Hepburn (of course) and is usually black printed on pink paper, or chocolate brown on blue paper.

"White Christmas," This design is a favorite photo I took skiing in Utah a few years ago which i've made into a notecard by hieghtening the contrast and adding the salutaion "Wishing you a White Christmas" in charteuse. Each card has a print adhered to a coordinating notecard. I have this design available in very limited quantities.

More to come in the next few days!

My Etsy

Scarlett Design is now on Etsy!!
I'll be selling my graphic design, in the form of greetings, as well as some photograpy on my new etsy shop.
Check often during the next few weeks, as I'll be adding new designs often.
Thank you for letting me take up you time with some shameless self promotion.