I love how the outdoors merges with the indoors in both these homes.
Showing posts with label pretty things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pretty things. Show all posts
Monday, May 9, 2011
Dwell Magazine
The latest issue of Dwell magazine has some amazingly inspiring homes.
I love how the outdoors merges with the indoors in both these homes.
This might be my dream home, I love the simple Japanese design.
I love how the outdoors merges with the indoors in both these homes.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thanksgiving Week
Last week was busy, with the holiday and both our families visiting.
These ornaments are a custom order for wedding favors that I finished recently. I altered an existing tree illustration the couple had, to coordinate with their invitations, and the 2 doves are my own illustration.
Some beautiful Japanese Maple leaves at the Norfolk Botanic Garden.
Thanksgiving decorations. My Mom brought me the bittersweet because it doesn't grow this far south.
And my glitter candles. I'm very proud of these; I glittered them myself, using boring brown candles I already had and Martha Stewart Glitter in "Fire Opal." They are so sparkly and festive. I might make some in silver for Christmas.
These ornaments are a custom order for wedding favors that I finished recently. I altered an existing tree illustration the couple had, to coordinate with their invitations, and the 2 doves are my own illustration.
Some beautiful Japanese Maple leaves at the Norfolk Botanic Garden.
Thanksgiving decorations. My Mom brought me the bittersweet because it doesn't grow this far south.
And my glitter candles. I'm very proud of these; I glittered them myself, using boring brown candles I already had and Martha Stewart Glitter in "Fire Opal." They are so sparkly and festive. I might make some in silver for Christmas.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Autumn Leaves Treasury
Check out these great itmes, found on Etsy using the search "autumn leaves." I especially love the necklaces made from real leaves, and the beautiful fall colors.
'Autumn Leaves' by scarlettdesign
Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
What happened to February?
Seriously, how is it already a week into March?
I did pretty good at taking photos everyday, just not at remembering which photo I took on which day. It would probably be clearer to me if I had blogged them a week and a half ago, but I didn't. So, in no particular order, here are a few more February photos:
A bottle I covered with crochet, I've been wanting to try this for awhile and I'm pretty happy with it. Especially I was happy with how much quicker no. 3 thread works up compared to no. 10. I'm planning on adding this to Scarlett Made to be used a vase.
Another photo from the beach, experimenting with macro.
Panzer fighting with a stick, and apparently losing.
I did pretty good at taking photos everyday, just not at remembering which photo I took on which day. It would probably be clearer to me if I had blogged them a week and a half ago, but I didn't. So, in no particular order, here are a few more February photos:
A bottle I covered with crochet, I've been wanting to try this for awhile and I'm pretty happy with it. Especially I was happy with how much quicker no. 3 thread works up compared to no. 10. I'm planning on adding this to Scarlett Made to be used a vase.
Another photo from the beach, experimenting with macro.
Panzer fighting with a stick, and apparently losing.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Medusae
Jellyfish are quite beautiful and interesting to look at, I just don't particularly like swimming with them.
This is an illustration I started a very long time ago, and just finished last week. I had difficulty with the background, and I'm still not completely sure about it. I tried seaweed and a few other things, but wasn't quite happy with it. Then I added several other jellyfish, because they are usually found in schools.
And I have a fun free project too! I designed these valentines made with cut paper for Cut Card Stock. You can find my tutorial on their blog.
This is an illustration I started a very long time ago, and just finished last week. I had difficulty with the background, and I'm still not completely sure about it. I tried seaweed and a few other things, but wasn't quite happy with it. Then I added several other jellyfish, because they are usually found in schools.
And I have a fun free project too! I designed these valentines made with cut paper for Cut Card Stock. You can find my tutorial on their blog.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Vintage Ornaments Notecard
I've wanted to create a design inspired by vintage ornaments for a few years. Here is an illustration I did last year, but decided I didn't like it. It feels forced and depressing, not cheerful. So I never put it in my Etsy shop.
Then this year I found some great fabric with an ornament design on it, that reminded me of Dr. Seuss. So I decided to come back to the ornament idea, only make something fun and joyful this time. I sat on the couch and watched "The Grinch" for inspiration while I made a few sketches. Then I drew several designs using illustrator, and came up with this finished card.
Here is a flickr mosaic I made last year. I love the colors and shapes.
Then this year I found some great fabric with an ornament design on it, that reminded me of Dr. Seuss. So I decided to come back to the ornament idea, only make something fun and joyful this time. I sat on the couch and watched "The Grinch" for inspiration while I made a few sketches. Then I drew several designs using illustrator, and came up with this finished card.
Here is a flickr mosaic I made last year. I love the colors and shapes.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Spiral Scarf
This project is the Spiral Scarf from Knitting Nature, by Norah Gaughan. Although I've only made a few of the projects in this book its one of my favorites. The photos are beautiful, and Norah's creative garment construction is so inspirational to me. And I love spotting and photographing patterns in nature myself.
The yarn is Noro Silk Garden (or maybe silk garden light?). I had originally begun making the Astrid Wrap, also by Norah Gaughan, but as I started assembling the motifs, I wasn't in love. It just wasn't the right yarn for the pattern, I loved how each motif had several colors on it, but when put together I think all the colors were just overwhelming for a larger item, and they obscured the delicacy of the shawl. But for the spiral shawl, I think the colors emphasize the scarf's unique structure. And its smaller, so avoids looking like a box of crayolas threw up.
The yarn is Noro Silk Garden (or maybe silk garden light?). I had originally begun making the Astrid Wrap, also by Norah Gaughan, but as I started assembling the motifs, I wasn't in love. It just wasn't the right yarn for the pattern, I loved how each motif had several colors on it, but when put together I think all the colors were just overwhelming for a larger item, and they obscured the delicacy of the shawl. But for the spiral shawl, I think the colors emphasize the scarf's unique structure. And its smaller, so avoids looking like a box of crayolas threw up.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Books, books, books
I'm not just a crafty nerd, I'm also a book nerd. And recently I've been reading some great things.
Barbara Kingsover's "Animal, Vegatable, Miracle" is one of the most interesting books I've read in awhile. It chronicles her family's effort to eat only food which is grown locally and sustainably for a year, much of which was grown in their own garden. I think I esspecially loved it because I read it in the spring, when I was planning and planting my own garden.
New Knit Books! Erika' Knight's "Mens Knits" was a gift from my favorite (only) British friend. I probably wouldn't have bought it for myself, but I love it, and I'm sure I'll make more the the sweaters for myself than I will for my boyfriend- he's difficult. "Feminine Knits," by Lene Holme Samsoe. I really intended not to buy anymore knitting books until I had my WIPs and stash under control, but this book is full of such pretty, wearable pieces that I couldn't resist. And since I had a gift card I don't think it counts as something I bought.
"The Boleyn Inheritance" was very entertaining. I think Phillippa Gregory's books are not just interesting from a historical perspective, they're also great reads for just relaxing, and this one was almost as good as "The Other Boleyn Girl."
Currently I'm reading "My Life in France," written by Julia Child with her nephew. So far I'm loving it, she has such great descriptions, right down to how everything smelled.
And I also picked up "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe" which I've been meaning to read for awhile, even though the movie was terrible, and a book on how to be more productive. I hope it works.
Also, some of my favorite magazines have been great lately. I don't usually buy "Vogue Knitting", the style just seems a little "old" for me, but the spring/summer issue was full of wearable designs. I always love "Knitscene." The summer issue of "Interweave Crochet" is my favorite issue yet, with several piece I can't wait to make, when I have time... And the ultimate crafty, bookish magazine, "Piecework." I couldn't resist the idea of travel sized, historically inspired patterns, particularly the Norwegian Tree of Life Mittens.
Yay!! A box of pretty papers! Last week I got an order from one of my suppliers, and spent some time building up inventory. And I was glad I did, because today when I got an order (from a repeat customer!!) all I had to do was print a shipping label, invoice, pack it up and put it in the mailbox. No spending 45 min finding all my supplies, clearing a workspace, and throwing out the first few mistakes. Not only did it take less time to print and package many sets at once, but there was less waste (I almost always have a few unsellable prints) and significantly less stress. And I have a much better idea of what I have in stock, and what I need to order for my autumn designs. I think I'm going to try to devote a few afternoons to making stock every month. So much easier than making my card sets by the order.
And I was able to make my illustration into cards, before I didn't have the right color envelope. So I'll be listing a few new things in Scarlett Design this week.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Wiener Werkstatte
Its amazing how quickly summer flies by. I can't believe its already mid-July. And it seems to go by even quicker here in Virginia Beach, where a home near the ocean guarantees there is never a shortage of house guests.
Recently I stumbled upon a some photos (I can't remember where, Cafe Cartolina perhaps?) of textiles created in the Wiener Werkstatte. The Wiener Werkstatte was an artists collective in Vienna during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, and, like the Arts and Crafts movement in England, included all of the decorative arts, with the goal of making good design available to everyone: textile design, furniture, glass, architecture, etc. I think I'm particularly drawn to this because I've recently been working on an illustration by the German Art Nouveau period.
Wkikpedia article here.
I think I just may treat myself to the Wiener Werkstatte book for my birthday (in a few weeks) and when/if I ever get to Vienna, I'm definitly going to the musuem.
I love the nature inspired and geometric patterns in these designs
What a gorgeous shade of blue!
Recently I stumbled upon a some photos (I can't remember where, Cafe Cartolina perhaps?) of textiles created in the Wiener Werkstatte. The Wiener Werkstatte was an artists collective in Vienna during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, and, like the Arts and Crafts movement in England, included all of the decorative arts, with the goal of making good design available to everyone: textile design, furniture, glass, architecture, etc. I think I'm particularly drawn to this because I've recently been working on an illustration by the German Art Nouveau period.
Wkikpedia article here.
I think I just may treat myself to the Wiener Werkstatte book for my birthday (in a few weeks) and when/if I ever get to Vienna, I'm definitly going to the musuem.
I love the nature inspired and geometric patterns in these designs
What a gorgeous shade of blue!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Jellyfish!!
Even though they are really just floating blobs of goo, jellyfish are surprisingly beautiful. Currently I'm working on a jellyfish illustration (which I'm quite pleased with so far), and I made this mosaic from some photos I favorited on flickr. Some people even had photos of themselves diving with jellyfish, but that doesn't sound very fun to me. Has anyone ever swam into one? I have, and they're slimy.
None of these are my own photos, to see the actual photos go here, and you'll be able to click on all the links in the description.
None of these are my own photos, to see the actual photos go here, and you'll be able to click on all the links in the description.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Completed!
I finished a few things I meant to share last week, but then I lost my internet connection for a few days, and with the truck engine dying, and some unexpected guests for Easter I just never got around to it. First, my Marlene Socks
This is the first pair of really nice socks I've made for myself, and I love them. I pretty much followed the pattern, with some adjustments around the foot for gauge, and I decreased at the toe to avoid using kitchner stitch. I used Fibranatura's Yummy Superwash Wool.
Next is a Louisa Harding purse.
I didn't do a very good job following the pattern, mostly because I didn't do a very good job reading the directions. But I'm really happy with the result, and thats all that really matters. I liked the styling in the pattern photo, but felt it was a little "granny" and then saw another similar Louisa Harding purse with much trendier styling, so I decided to go for something in between. Because I am neither granny nor cool. I used Paton's Bamboo Silk, and then made a lining with some brown cotton and attatched a pair of bamboo handles I've had for years, but hadn't gotten around to doing anything with yet. Then I added a velvet ribbon and some pins. The ladybug pin used to be my grandmother's.
I also finished making my "Fern Frond" illustration into cards to put in my Scarlett Design Etsy shop. Again, I'm very pleased with how the finished item turned out.
And finally, a project that isn't completed but that I just started.
I got Alabama Chanin's book last spring, and I've been meaning to make some clothes with old T shirts, just never got around to it. Then I saw some of her Spring 2009 collection. And its beautiful, but definitely out of my budget. So I finally began a skirt. So far I love it, I don't often handsew anymore, so its kind of nice to do things differently for a change.
I have a few more photos of these, but I'm tired, so I won't be adding them to flickr until tomorrow.
This is the first pair of really nice socks I've made for myself, and I love them. I pretty much followed the pattern, with some adjustments around the foot for gauge, and I decreased at the toe to avoid using kitchner stitch. I used Fibranatura's Yummy Superwash Wool.
Next is a Louisa Harding purse.
I didn't do a very good job following the pattern, mostly because I didn't do a very good job reading the directions. But I'm really happy with the result, and thats all that really matters. I liked the styling in the pattern photo, but felt it was a little "granny" and then saw another similar Louisa Harding purse with much trendier styling, so I decided to go for something in between. Because I am neither granny nor cool. I used Paton's Bamboo Silk, and then made a lining with some brown cotton and attatched a pair of bamboo handles I've had for years, but hadn't gotten around to doing anything with yet. Then I added a velvet ribbon and some pins. The ladybug pin used to be my grandmother's.
I also finished making my "Fern Frond" illustration into cards to put in my Scarlett Design Etsy shop. Again, I'm very pleased with how the finished item turned out.
And finally, a project that isn't completed but that I just started.
I got Alabama Chanin's book last spring, and I've been meaning to make some clothes with old T shirts, just never got around to it. Then I saw some of her Spring 2009 collection. And its beautiful, but definitely out of my budget. So I finally began a skirt. So far I love it, I don't often handsew anymore, so its kind of nice to do things differently for a change.
I have a few more photos of these, but I'm tired, so I won't be adding them to flickr until tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
More Norfolk Botanical Garden
Monday I went to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and I meant to upload these photos to flickr and blog Monday or yesterday, but I just never got around to it.
This year I've decided that I don't need to go see the cherry blossoms in DC. Its just too busy, and Panzer isn't ready for doggy day care yet. I went last year and I'm probably going for a long weekend next year with my mother. These are all good reasons, but I have to admit I was still a little sad about not seeing them this year. So I went to the botanic garden instead. And it did make me feel better. Not only were there some cherry trees blooming, the there were also crabapple and magnolias too.
This yellow magnolia was my absolute favorite tree. Most yellow ones I've seen are a pale color, not this bright sunny hue.
And the crabapples. Pretty and they smell so good.
This year I've decided that I don't need to go see the cherry blossoms in DC. Its just too busy, and Panzer isn't ready for doggy day care yet. I went last year and I'm probably going for a long weekend next year with my mother. These are all good reasons, but I have to admit I was still a little sad about not seeing them this year. So I went to the botanic garden instead. And it did make me feel better. Not only were there some cherry trees blooming, the there were also crabapple and magnolias too.
This yellow magnolia was my absolute favorite tree. Most yellow ones I've seen are a pale color, not this bright sunny hue.
And the crabapples. Pretty and they smell so good.
Check out more on my flickr.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Cherry Blossom Dreams Treasury
I made my first treasury on Etsy. Cherry Blossom Dreams: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=48158
Because I'm currently in love with cherry blossoms, in case you couldn't tell by the items in my Scarlett Design shop on Etsy.
It will be up until Friday March 27, so please check it out.
Because I'm currently in love with cherry blossoms, in case you couldn't tell by the items in my Scarlett Design shop on Etsy.
It will be up until Friday March 27, so please check it out.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Cherry Blossom Notebook
New item in my Scarlett Design etsy shop!For a while I've been wanting to experiment with using iron on transfers to put my photos and illustrations on other items. Today I finished making 2 notebooks covers decorated with this photo I took last year at the Cherry Blossom festival in DC.
I also made this 4x6 mixed media collage this morning, from my Queen Anne illustration, using more materials I had on hand. This wont be in my Scarlett Design etsy shop until tomorrow.
I'm really happy with how these came out. At first I was afraid the colors would be distorted or too pale, or that the iron-on transfer would peel off easily. But it worked beautifully. Also, I used a textured fabric and lace, so there are many layers of texture in the finished item. And many of the supplies were things I had on hand, except the transfer, so I didn't have to buy more stuff. The cover fabric I bought a few years ago to make a skirt, but then I got a white skirt as a gift, so I never used the fabric. Now, I love the look of it under the transfer.
I also made this 4x6 mixed media collage this morning, from my Queen Anne illustration, using more materials I had on hand. This wont be in my Scarlett Design etsy shop until tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Spring is Almost Here
The last several days have been rather stressful. My boyfrined and I are in the process of trying to adopt cute little German shepherd from the pound. The stressful part is waiting 10 days to find out if the bad owners claimed it (who waits 10 days to look for their dog?). And of course I'm worried about how Chewie will handle it, and how the two dogs will get along. But this dog looked so sad when we went to see him on Friday, and because the pound was closed yesterday and today, I have had to wait an extra day- twice! We even have a bed, dishes, leashes for him, and my boyfriend really likes him, and has already picked out a name for him.
And then I noticed this paperwhite in my living room getting ready to bloom, and it made me feel a little better. I'm afraid my photo doesn't do it justice, but the delicate shades of green and the structure of the plant are just beautiful.
My little paperwhite cheered my up so much that I decided to go for a walk at a nearby park, where the daffodils were in bloom (they were grown inside and recently transplanted).
My favorite part of the park is a short wooded trail. And as I looked up I noticed little red buds on some of the tree branches.
Also, I have a new obsession: Sock knitting. I'm quite surprised by this. You see, I made a pair of socks several years ago, but nver had any desire to make more. Then I made a pair for each of my parents this Christmas, and everyone loved them. Which is great, because even the difficult to knit for people on my list wear socks. And my grandfather only needs so many knitted golf club covers. I also love the intricate patterns and beautiful colors, and I've discovered that a ziploc with my needles, yarn and pattern fits nicely in my bag all day.
The finished sock above is Cookie A's Marlene sock from the Fall/Winter 2008 issue of knit.1, made with Yummy, from fibranatura. Because I decided I needed a beautiful pair of handknit socks for myself.
And then I noticed this paperwhite in my living room getting ready to bloom, and it made me feel a little better. I'm afraid my photo doesn't do it justice, but the delicate shades of green and the structure of the plant are just beautiful.
My little paperwhite cheered my up so much that I decided to go for a walk at a nearby park, where the daffodils were in bloom (they were grown inside and recently transplanted).
My favorite part of the park is a short wooded trail. And as I looked up I noticed little red buds on some of the tree branches.
Also, I have a new obsession: Sock knitting. I'm quite surprised by this. You see, I made a pair of socks several years ago, but nver had any desire to make more. Then I made a pair for each of my parents this Christmas, and everyone loved them. Which is great, because even the difficult to knit for people on my list wear socks. And my grandfather only needs so many knitted golf club covers. I also love the intricate patterns and beautiful colors, and I've discovered that a ziploc with my needles, yarn and pattern fits nicely in my bag all day.
The finished sock above is Cookie A's Marlene sock from the Fall/Winter 2008 issue of knit.1, made with Yummy, from fibranatura. Because I decided I needed a beautiful pair of handknit socks for myself.And now, because my boyfriend isn't home tonight, I'm going to watch several of my favorite pretty movies, starting with "Pride and Predjudice." And then "Fringe" because the cute old man makes me laugh.
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