I can't wait for spring to get here! This is what I'd love to wear on the first day of spring. I even think I could teach in it. But I probably wouldn't print while I was wearing it, unless I had a wicked cute apron to match.
orange = spring
I can't wait for spring to get here! This is what I'd love to wear on the first day of spring. I even think I could teach in it. But I probably wouldn't print while I was wearing it, unless I had a wicked cute apron to match.
I've been a bit quiet the last week, spending some time reflecting and trying not to be distracted by the internet. It's really crazy how quickly time can pass in so many cases and how some memories from years ago seem like they happened only yesterday. This past week marked two years since Tipper's been gone. The top photo was one of the last pictures I took of him, when we thought he might get better and he wanted to play with his toys again. The memories from that week are always so close to me and I'm glad we had that day of hope. And then the next week we adopted Cassie. She didn't know her name yet and she'd tear around the house like a possessed dog, but I'm so incredibly happy today that we have her, and Susie. Thank you Cassie, for finding us when we most needed you.
super what?
This week I had jury selection, which was quite a bit of sitting in a large holding room with intermittent wi-fi and feeling frustrated that I wasn’t getting any work done. But, I did have time to reflect on a question Jake asked me over the weekend. What super power would I most like to have? We both scoffed at flying - that wouldn’t really help anyone much, would it? My final response was super-speed, which I reasoned would help me multi-task even more than I already do. Maybe then I could make it to the gym and still have time to cook dinner. But now I’m re-thinking my choice. Jake most wanted to be invisible, which might be fun. Maybe the ability to teleport? Then I could go to the beach anytime I wanted. What’s at the top of your super power wish list?
{one of my students showed me the amazing piece above by Blu}
Happy 80th, Oma!
This past weekend we threw my grandmother (Oma) a surprise 80th birthday party. All of my family flew back to my hometown for the big day and boy was she surprised. One of the most touching parts was the slide show my uncle put together - photos of my grandmother and other family members set to music. I cried the whole way through - missing my grandfather and wishing I knew him more and thankful that I had the opportunity to really get to know my amazing grandmother. And the rest of the weekend was spent catching up with loved ones and making plans to see each other more.
Lela Rose
I always love Lela Rose's gorgeous pieces and her spring collection is no exception.
And this is, perhaps, the most perfect wedding gown! I love the simplicity of the cut, the scooped back, and the delicacy of the lace. I had wanted to wear a lace gown to my wedding, but it seemed a bit extravagant for such an outdoor location. But not this dress, it would have been perfect...let me say it again, perfect!
February is looking good
This weekend I was finally able to update my website - hooray! I'm especially glad to have posted several new wedding invitation designs and a special sale - 15% off all wedding orders placed during the month of February!
In other exciting news, Pistachio Press is featured on the Daily Candy today! What an extra special pick-me-up for the start of the month.
more sun!
It's no secret that Rochester has very few sunny days, especially in the winter. Needless to say, I was shocked that we had such a beautiful bright afternoon today. I spent some quality time in the studio {in Jim's space near our giant windows} taking shots of new invitations for the website, which should be updated by tomorrow morning!
for your valentine
I always have the best intentions to send holiday cards. This year I even bought holiday ornament stamps but I never found the time to get them in the mail! So now I'm going to make an extra effort to send out Valentine's to my clearly neglected family. 
For those of you who want to send out Valentine's but hate the look of your own writing, check out these lovelies from Hello Handmade. Shanna Murray designed and illustrated these vintage looking cards and Betsy Dunlap will hand write a personal message to your sweetheart with her distinctive style of calligraphy.
a new space
This semester I gave my students the option to keep a paper sketchbook or to keep a blog "sketchbook". Most of them just looked at me like, yeah right. And then I thought maybe I was just giving them this option because I would have wanted it when I was in school. So, I've just started a new blog called a photo and a link. It's mainly a way for me to keep track of great artists so that I don't lose the names I've scribbled on scraps of paper and tucked into my back pocket.
five days a week
Today started out like any normal day. I took my recent orders to the post office, came home, checked the box. I'm awful at sorting the junk mail, but I love checking my mailbox in the hopes of finding an unexpected letter from a friend.And then I checked my email found out that the Postal Service may be cutting service to only five days a week. On the surface it doesn't seem like this should be a big deal, but image not getting any mail on Tuesdays! This is such a sad prospect, especially for someone who makes stationery. I shudder to think of the day when I can no longer say hi to my mailman, who is so sweet even though Susie barks like a maniac every day at 11:45 at the sound of him opening the mailbox.
{image found here}
mmmmm, chocolate cake
I spent the weekend trying to fight off yet another cold and pre-celebrating my birthday with friends. On Saturday, Sara made me the most delicious triple layer chocolate cake covered with ganache and filled with mascarpone and raspberry goodness - yum! Then we went bowling with a small group at my favorite 8-lane bowling alley/bar. I hope that I can choke down enough Airborne to keep this cold at bay for my actual birthday, so that I can enjoy dinner with my sister at my favorite Ethiopian restaurant.
{image from thePhotoZoo}
Country Road
I wish I could pull off wearing a Country Road ensemble while teaching! I love all of the small details. But, I don't think they're so practical for a charcoal-filled drawing room. And I certainly couldn't wear them while printing. So, if you have some semblance of a desk job, I'd jump on these beautiful pieces.
"A page in American history is turning..."
A PBS commentator just said those fitting words and I couldn't agree more. I'm watching the Inauguration festivities this morning and thinking about how much changed the night we as a nation voted to stand behind Barack Obama. I really do feel as though I'm living in a history book and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Oh, how I wish it were spring! I'd even be willing to layer these great sweaters over something short-sleeved if it were a few degrees warmer. I'm lucky if I can make it out of the house without layers of fleece. It's nine degrees today, but feels like negative eleven. Burrrr!
Love these pieces by Urban Outfitters.
jumping
For the past few weeks we have been taking Susie to jumping class - think hurdles for dogs. Last Saturday was her final day and she was amazing! She even finished the hardest sequence - a triple jump - without Jake handling her at all.It seems as though I'm back to blogging - nine times already this month! This wasn't a resolution, but it was something that I've been meaning to do a bit more. I really like having a record of my life, so that I can look back every so often and reflect. Until I started this blog I had never been able to keep a journal of any kind. As on this month I have been blogging for two years, and I've lived through many changes - some of them quite devastating and others that changed the direction of my life or made my heart smile. I can't wait to look back next January and see what surprises have taken place.
almost sold out
As a follow up to my last post, I wanted to let you know that our 2009 Collaborative Calendar is almost sold out! There are only three left, so if you've been procrastinating, now is the time to stop by the shop. When Tara and I were planning this year's collaboration, I had been a bit worried about printing 100 more calendars than last year in an unstable economy. But, I was soon relieved and happily surprised by our ever supportive buyers. Many thanks to everyone who purchased a calendar this year!
while you can
I love Megan Auman's work and own a few pieces of her gorgeous jewelry. As of January 31 she will discontinue her fine silver on steel line, so hurry up and buy them while you can! You can check out her Etsy shop here and her blog here. I really can't wait to see what she makes next!
a new floor
{images from Door Sixteen}
I'm one of those people who usually get a little down in the winter because Rochester has so many gray days. But this year we've had lots of beautiful snowy days. It just seems fitting that when the days don't get above 20 degrees we should at least be treated to a bright white dusting. Not to mention how much the girls love chasing each other in the snow!
Pasture Gate Gray?
I have the worst time choosing paint colors for our house! Every time I pick the color we repaint the room at least twice {dining room}, sometimes three times {bedroom, office}. I would like to paint our hallway gray after we strip the wallpaper. Jake loves rich, dark colors, but I'm afraid to go too dark. Hmmm...I have a feeling I should just let him pick, then maybe we'll only have to paint once!
Giveaway
Some of you might already know this, but there is a calendar giveaway for Hello Handmade taking place at Creature Comforts. You can check it out here and enter by leaving a comment about your resolutions for the new year. The comments are so inspiring!
{image by Shanna Murray}
resolutions
My {semi-reasonable} list of goals for the new year.This is probably pretty boring and somewhat lengthy, but I'm putting it out there so that I have more incentive to stick to it.
1. Spend more time at home. Last summer Jake and I instituted a monthly "weekend at home", where we would try to stay home to work on the house or just spend some well-needed time together. During this time we started a few house projects, but really didn't finish anything. I would really love to actually resolve these projects {home office, organize closet, etc} along with a few others this year.
2. Cook 2-3 meals per week. I used to love cooking and I certainly love to eat, so cooking at home only 2-3 times a week seems completely reasonable. There have been weeks in the last year that I don't think I ate a single meal at home, let alone had time to turn on the stove. I'd love to try out some new recipes and some of my favorites {cream-braised brussels sprouts} have been taunting me.
3. Get in shape. I joined the gym months ago, but have only gone to a handful of classes. I hate working out, but I really do love going to a few dance-type classes. My specific reason for this goal is that I'd like to be able to walk up the four flights of stairs to my studio without getting winded. I would like to think I can make 2-3 classes a week - the trick will be to actually schedule it on my iCal.
4. Organize my filing system. This is a biggie. My current system entails switching purses when one fills up with receipts and putting all of our snail-mail in a box for sorting "later". Obviously, this system doesn't work well when I need to file taxes or find our dogs vaccination records. I think I'm going to keep an envelope in my purse for receipts and empty it monthly into a folder. As for the mail, Jake is really good about sorting and shredding, so I'm going to enlist him to help with the filing once a month.
5. Keep in touch with friends and family. It always seems like it's easiest to take for granted the people you are closest to. I know I am quite guilty of forgetting to call friends back or working on my laptop when I should be joking about contestants during Survivor nights. Sometimes there are just too many deadlines, but sometimes it's just that I can't let go of my work. I'd love reinstate knitting night or weekly dog walking {my puppies feel neglected, too}.
I know that most people are making similar resolutions during this time of the year and I have few illusions that I'll be able to maintain all of my goals in the coming months. I can only try my best. I am comforted, though, with the fact that I love my life - I just want to make a few healthy lifestyle improvements. Here's to starting the year with my best foot forward!
a new start
Hello, new year! I love the beginning of a new year. It feels like there is so much potential - time to organize, clean the house, maintain my gym schedule, cook some good meals, reconnect with old friends. I know that all of my grand ideas won't necessarily hold through the year, but I love feeling optimistic about them! I hope this year brings you all much happiness and resolutions to spend time with family and friends.
Picking the perfect tree
A few weeks ago we decorated the house for Christmas. Every year we pick out a tree with our friends Sara and Ben. This year was no different!
After we got the tree home Marni and Lindsay came over to decorate and helped us by stringing popcorn for our doorways. It took me back to grade school and for few days the house smelled like popcorn and pine needles - it was great!
Bust Recap
As promised, here are a few pictures of our table at the Bust Craftacular (my camera died within the first five minutes). I split the table with Amber Mahler of Mani Designs. Her work is absolutely gorgeous and her display was just perfect. She used an old letterpress type case to display her earrings, which fit quite well with my letterpress printed pieces. I wasn't in love with my display, but I did manage to fit everything into just two suitcases for the plane ride!
While we were in the city Jake and I stopped by Anthropologie and admired the paper chain garland and other great displays.
All around the city there were Obama window displays. This was one of the best, complete with stockings hung on the fire place for the whole Obama family. I regret that I didn't get any pictures of the multiple Obama food specials (like the "Obama Burger" or the "Obama lunch buffet").
Last-minute holiday!
In the spirit of the season Pistachio Press is offering a last-minute holiday special. This package includes:*2009 letterpress wall calendar collaboration {design by Ink+Wit, printing by Pistachio Press}
*Woman walking dogs, limited edition letterpress print
*Set of five season's greeting cards
*FREE domestic shipping!
Don't forget to check out hello handmade paperie's newest downloadable banner and ornaments. I haven't had too much time to decorate this season {more on this later}, so these will be perfect for any of you who are in the same boat!
And finally, make sure you check out new prints from FreshlyBlended Press! Nicole just completed a series of four beautiful letterpress and gocco land bird prints, available in her shop. They're even more wonderful in person!Later this week I'll give you an update about the Craftacular and the many awesome artists I finally got to meet in person!
Craftacular, here we come.
I will be participating in the Bust Craftacular this weekend. Stop in and say hi!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street, NYC
Jake and I decided to make this our holiday weekend in New York. We're renting a studio apartment in Chelsea and I can't wait to walk around the city in the snow. This is my favorite time of the year in the city and the Craftacular is the icing on the cake!
But, I underestimated how much inventory I would have left after second storie and my studio holiday gala. I thought I was caught up with work, but it looks like I'll be printing for the rest of the week and finishing up some custom work, so you probably won't hear from me for a few days. How does this happen?!
Even more thankful!
Yesterday Pistachio Press hit a milestone - 800 sales in my Etsy shop! My very sincere thanks to everyone who has ordered a card or sent kind words in the last year and a half. Also, very many thanks and hugs to all of my friends and family who encouraged me and gave me advice when I most needed it. Your support has allowed me to live my dream of running a successful press, something I didn't think was possible just a few years ago.As the press continues to grow I have been exploring new ventures that I will be able to share in the coming months. Once I'm done teaching for the semester I'll be undertaking the task of updating my website. I still like the general layout, but I need new photos and descriptions of pieces, especially since half of my work hasn't made it onto the site yet!
If you're near Rochester and looking for something to do this weekend stop by my studio and say hi! It's time for the Anderson Alley Holiday Gala. I'm in studio #4-7.December 5, 5-8pm & December 6, 11am-4pm
250 North Goodman Street · Rochester, New York 14607
And if you're near NYC next weekend, stop in at see me at the Bust Craftacular.
Missing....
One of my favorite leisure activities of the last few years has been reading blogs, but they tend to suck up my time and make me procrastinate as I click on link after wonderful link. I had to cut them out of my daily routine to make room for things like work, but no more! They're slowly making a comeback into my life and I'm so happy about it. Especially when I find things like this!
A gorgeous collection. So pretty that I could see myself spending whatever it takes to make sure I have several new outfits for summer. I just love the color palette! Check out Morrison for more super beautiful pieces and a picture of the dog who started it all.
I couldn't have found these amazing pieces without the help of forty-sixth at grace. Nikole is the co-owner of the most lovely shop, herriott grace. Her father hand carves each wonderful spoon. These would make such an amazing gift and would surely make cooking even more pleasurable.
And I found out about herriot grace from Satsuma Press ... see what I mean about link after link!
{images of clothing from Morrison, image of spoon from herroit grace}
A gorgeous collection. So pretty that I could see myself spending whatever it takes to make sure I have several new outfits for summer. I just love the color palette! Check out Morrison for more super beautiful pieces and a picture of the dog who started it all.
I couldn't have found these amazing pieces without the help of forty-sixth at grace. Nikole is the co-owner of the most lovely shop, herriott grace. Her father hand carves each wonderful spoon. These would make such an amazing gift and would surely make cooking even more pleasurable.And I found out about herriot grace from Satsuma Press ... see what I mean about link after link!
{images of clothing from Morrison, image of spoon from herroit grace}
Thankful
Wow! What an amazing holiday and weekend. The past few weeks have been a blur, as I'm sure you could tell by the lack of posts lately. Teaching, getting ready for second storie and running Pistachio Press have really been three full time jobs.
Thanksgiving itself was great. I hosted the meal for the first time ever. There were only five of us and since we are all vegetarian I got to eat everything! It was even more exciting because I finally got to cook a meal. I've been living off take-out for the past few months and didn't realize how much I missed cooking. Here was our delicious menu:
Roasted butternut squash soup
Home-made stuffing from ciabatta bread
Creamy red mashed potatoes
Roasted brussel sprouts with pine nuts
Glazed sweet potatoes with almonds
Tofurkey and gravy
Multigrain rolls
My mom brought dessert: Pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, apple pie, and Bienenstich (a German cake made with a custard center a topped with almonds). After dinner the family watched a movie while I stuffed cards into cellophane bags in preparation for second storie.
After many months and countless hours of work second storie was an amazing success this weekend. Our vendors were every bit as talented as I had expected and even more kind that I could have imagined. I was able to trade/buy many gifts, mostly for myself! On Sunday we hosted a delicious brunch with food carefully made by an incredible woman (it filled two six-foot tables). It seemed like all of our promotion paid off - we had a great crowd, many of them spent a few hours shopping and talking to vendors. My sister helped me at my table and by greeting people as they came in. And my husband was super-awesome! He greeted each person who came in, gave them an info booklet, told them about the free hot cider and provided the perfect cheerful introduction to the event. I only had time to take two photos, but check out Frenshlyblended's photos, they're great!
Thanksgiving itself was great. I hosted the meal for the first time ever. There were only five of us and since we are all vegetarian I got to eat everything! It was even more exciting because I finally got to cook a meal. I've been living off take-out for the past few months and didn't realize how much I missed cooking. Here was our delicious menu:Roasted butternut squash soup
Home-made stuffing from ciabatta bread
Creamy red mashed potatoes
Roasted brussel sprouts with pine nuts
Glazed sweet potatoes with almonds
Tofurkey and gravy
Multigrain rolls
My mom brought dessert: Pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, apple pie, and Bienenstich (a German cake made with a custard center a topped with almonds). After dinner the family watched a movie while I stuffed cards into cellophane bags in preparation for second storie.
After many months and countless hours of work second storie was an amazing success this weekend. Our vendors were every bit as talented as I had expected and even more kind that I could have imagined. I was able to trade/buy many gifts, mostly for myself! On Sunday we hosted a delicious brunch with food carefully made by an incredible woman (it filled two six-foot tables). It seemed like all of our promotion paid off - we had a great crowd, many of them spent a few hours shopping and talking to vendors. My sister helped me at my table and by greeting people as they came in. And my husband was super-awesome! He greeted each person who came in, gave them an info booklet, told them about the free hot cider and provided the perfect cheerful introduction to the event. I only had time to take two photos, but check out Frenshlyblended's photos, they're great!
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