The Civil Wars - 20 Years

All of the stars seem to be aligning for me these days. So many little things that the universe is favoring me in that really gets me motivated to get out and be productive! As my wise other half is constantly reminding me, "thoughts become things." So we are putting our positive thinking to good use and demanding the best from the world. Expect to see significant new professional work in the following months!
I'll be taking a business/pleasure trip to Las Vegas next weekend (YAY!). I could really use some heat, sun and some inspiration. As I've been packing up my room this week... I've been in the mood for some melancholy, soothing music. My new favorite which has been on repeat a lot lately is the Civil Wars - 20 years. The duo's collective sound is so hauntingly beautiful. The next time you're cooped inside on a rainy day, put this on...

Ollipop Greetings's local presence in Portland

What an exciting year it has been! Even though I was out of town for nearly half of it, Ollipop Greetings has really started to grow and come into its own. This past Sunday, Portland Roasting opened its first cafe in the Convention Center, replacing the Starbucks stores that previously occupied the spaces. Being a local company with a sustainable mindset, they are also featuring local vendors and artists in their store. I was contacted earlier this spring to be a local artist featured in the store with my Portland Love postcards.

As soon as I find out about the grand opening event I'll post some of my own pictures but until then here is a little article about the new store.

I was also contacted by Upper Playground and will soon have all three of my Portland postcard designs sold there as well. For now the orders are small but I am so excited about the exposure that my etsy store will have through these fantastic local businesses. I have been a fan of Upper Playground's store since I first visited it a few years ago. I was extremely flattered to be approached by them. I especially enjoy viewing featured artwork in their gallery, Fifty24PDX.

Hopefully, by the end of the year, I'll have my cards at some other local retailers. Keep your eyes and ears open and wish me luck. :)

Update: 

 

Back at last!

After a six month stint in Alaska, I am finally back and running again in Portland! Just in time to experience the fall season (again), I am looking forward to finding an apartment, job hunting and taking a trip to Vegas! After listening to Mason Jenning's new song Raindrops on the Kitchen Floor, I had to revisit the classic Be Here Now because it seems to appropriately match my current mood and situation. Hopefully I will be able to have a productive season with Ollipop and La Petite Savante. Be on the lookout for new item listings soon! Enjoy the Mason video :)

Cute Retro Etsy Finds

Retro Tv Stand by bRainbowshop

Where's Alice by corelladesign

Retro Vegas "Flamingo Hotel" Neon Sign Polaroid Square Print by retrosquareprints

Summer time

In case you are wondering why the blog posts are few and far between, these are examples of what else I'm doing with my time. ;)

Pictures from my summer job! So beautiful.

1. Hurricane Gulch

2. Somewhere south of Talkeetna

3. Somewhere along the Chulitna River

4. Seward

The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

This song has been out for quite awhile, but listening to their other song Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise has gotten me on a listening binge for this song again. I love this song so much. And the video.

 

And another favie:

La Petite Savante beta website

I have yet to finish uploading the first couple collections... I still need to edit the about section because it currently rambles a bit... link an etsy account... and buy a web domain but the beginnings of my jewelry website are promising! At least the branding is almost done less packaging... and I have quite a few more vintage beads on the way to finish out the collections. This has been a fun/productive week. Check out the new site here for now. Also, ollipop has been on a roll randomly with sales this week so let's hope that continues. Only 3 more days at my job in Gresham (yay!) after five long years (ahhh!) and a whole year and one month out of school (already!?). Five days until Alaska for the summer and then on to broaden my horizons.

Sampling from the website:

Jewelry Collection

I haven't posted much in a few weeks because I've been preoccupied working, taking investing classes, preparing for the summer sabbatical to Alaska, and working on my new jewelry collection. What originally happened was that I had a bracelet that I absolutely adored and had purchased at Anthropologie three years ago on clearance, but hated how bulky/heavy/loud it was to wear. After looking at it in my jewelry box for a couple years, I finally decided to repurpose the beads and learn how to make earrings so that I could re-use the beads since I loved them so much. Subsequently, I was so pleased with the first pair that I got hooked scouring the internet and local bead shops for beautiful vintage beads to craft some new baubles for myself. As a biproduct, I will have some extra lovelies to sell! 

Some of the pieces were inspired by Chinese lanterns and a little vintage/sultriness.

Inspiration image by Handiedan:

My new jewelry collection is called Le Petite Savant. If you aren't cultured (haha) and familiar with the word savant, it's from the French word savoir meaning "to know" which means "a person of profound or extensive learning; learned scholar. A man of great learning; sage " Or Le Petite Savant in French can mean "The Little Scientist." As a designer, I was trying to capture a collection that is elegant and sophisticated while exploring culture (in this case with a little Asian culture interjected with the hand-painted Chinese cloisonne and cinnabar beads.) The ribbed metal beads I used are vintage beads that I purchased from a bead collector/jewelry designer who purchased them between the 1950s and 1980s and used them in her jewelry collection that she sold to the Smithsonian. They have all developed a beautiful patina which I think adds character to the pieces which can't be bought in stores with pieces directly off the shelf.

I'm still working on the branding for the website but here is a little sample for your enjoyment:

Le Petite Sevante Collection

More pics after the jump!

bicycle furniture

This stuff is way too sculptural and awesome not to post. Bike Furniture Design has been recycling old steel frames from bicycles since 1990 when Andy Gregg founded it. Since the design studios inception, they have branched out into re-purposing old train and automobile windows for tabletops and seatbelts for upholstery. I love the modernist/industrial lines.Prices are available upon request... I can only imagine how expensive these must be but they are truly works of art. If I am ever in the market for a sculptural piece of furniture I am definitely remembering this design studio.

Men's Accessories

As promised, here are my current top six favorite men's accessories which are simple and classic with beautiful detailing.

1. Coal Considered Harwood Paper Straw Fedora by Coal at Snowboarder.com - $49.95

2. Cotton watch strap by J. Crew - $20

3. Plastic Round Sunglasses in Clearblue by Express - $24.90

4. Braided Stretch Belt by Brooklyn Industries - $24

5. Converse Distressed Jack Purcell sneakers in White at J. Crew - $65

6. Deerfield Small Sport Wallet by Ralph Lauren - $195

Inspired by:

Spring Accessories

I am rather enamored with Talbots Spring campaign. I have only recently started shopping there but ever since my wardrobe has taken on a more grown up approach, I have been hooked. Not to mention they have really stunning statement jewelry. I love the necklace I purchased there a couple months ago and can't wait to wear the bead cluster ring I just ordered. Julianne Moore is absolutely gorgeous in the current look book. In case you haven't seen any of the brilliantly color enhanced photos that scream elegance and style, here is a sample for your enjoyment:

I'm still trying to figure out a format and consistency to my blog. I haven't quite settled on a routine yet but I would like to put together some seasonal accessory picks for both men and women so stay tuned for the men's version. Since I am updating my accessories, I figured I would share. I finally had to give in and order another pair of leather wedges since my Seychelle wedges are finally to the point that they aren't salvageable despite loving leather care over the last five years (I bought them in 2005, is that weird I still love them!? Attachment issues...).

When I saw this similar version at Aldo I jumped at the chance to have my beloved wedges back. I tend to go for more neutral accessories in order to diversify their wearability with my wardrobe. This collection is soft browns, oranges, pink and gold. I am a huge advocate of properly accessorizing since it can definitely make you look and feel more put together... enjoy. :)

1. AKOUPE leather wedges in Cognac by Aldo - $80

2. Bead cluster ring by Talbots - $27.30

3. Initial Pendant Necklace by Urban Outfitters - $24

4. Arbor Years Hoops by Anthropologie - $28

5. Keepsake Clutch by J. Crew - $89.99

Mumford & Sons - Dustbowl Dance

I love Mumford & Sons' "The Cave," "Little Lion Man" and "Winter Winds" but after finally getting around to downloading their album Sigh No More on iTunes, this is a new favorite. :)

Hometown Hearts Art

I am currently in love with these little prints which come either 5x5 or 8x8.  You never know when inspiration might hit you - the photographer had a stroke of inspiration while standing in the check-out line of Walmart with a box of candy hearts in hand when she spotted an atlas. The idea came to her and this series called 'Hometown Hearts' was born.

These are just a few of many combinations capow has in her Etsy shop. All 5x5s are $15 and 8x8s are $30. She also is taking custom orders if your city isn't listed!

I wish she had a boxed card set... I think they'd make great stationery! Perhaps I am biased to greeting cards though.

Spring lovelies / Etsy finds

I cannot even begin to explain to you how ecstatic I am that spring is here. It was 61 degrees today in beautiful Portland, Oregon and the sun even peaked its' head out of the clouds for a few minutes. Unfortunately, it isn't quite time to bust out the summer dresses that longingly beckon to me from the back of my closet. But it's almost here, maybe April. I did, however, forage through my winter purchases and imagine all of the lovely outfits I will be able to compile by mixing the new items with last spring/summer season's clothes when the time is right...

I'm also pretty sure that I'm going to start getting into making earrings. I was going through my jewelry collection and found a bracelet I bought at Anthropologie a few seasons ago of which I love the beads but not how heavy or noisy it is when I move. My plan is to deconstruct it and make some earrings. I stumbled on a shop on etsy by a woman who used to make jewelry for bloomingdales and the smithsonian... she has a really cool collection of vintage beads for sale from her years of jewelry making. I'll be sure to post up pictures of the progress when I start!

Until then, feast your eyes on some spring ideas from etsy in anticipation of the sun and warm weather!

8x10 Antler drawing and flower photograph 4217 by kariherer

$30

Chamomile Tea - Fabric/Labradorite/Sterling-Earrings by kangas

$24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handmade flowers halo-headband by mignonnehandmade

 

$75

The gum drop necklace. bold. bright. clusture. statement. by NewFashionedWhispers

$68

Flowers Linen Pillow Cover - 12x20 by sukanart

$55.95

Koop - Koop Island Blues

I absolutely LOVE the way this video was shot. I heard this song on another blog and promptly looked up the video on youtube. Apparently all the instrumentals are sampled...which makes for a really interesting and unique sound. Different vocalists are featured on different albums... I adore this woman's voice. It makes me want to be in a 1940s jazz club or a European coffee shop. <3

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - The Golden Age

I love this band out of Denmark. Leave it to a Heineken commercial to announce their presence in the US.

Ollipop 2 Card Printable Greeting Freebie

I'm going to start doing a monthly freebie from my ollipop shop. This is the first of hopefully many to come! Click on the image above to view the full size version and then click the 'download' button to save it. The image is 8.5x11 for your ease of printing... Enjoy :)