Taking some time off

I was about to pull the plug on this blog altogether this afternoon when I decided the more sensible option is to just put the whole thing on hold for a bit and decide where I want to go with it. It's been a hectic few weeks; my dad has been in the hospital for a month now and I'm securing plans for my temporary return to Ohio. Although the circumstances are sad, I'm looking forward to taking some time out for my family as well as myself. While helping my dad heal, I'll be seeking out my own creative focus. Thanks to all who have stopped by the site. I'll keep you posted.

RM 100

I'm totally digging ReadyMade's Top 100 Projects of the Year. Pictured is the Glass Act chandelier.

T-Shirt Market Bags

I've been sewing like a fiend! This batch of t-shirt market bags is for Wild Carrot Cuisine and will be screen printed with the Wild Carrot logo. Available for purchase at the Wild Carrot Cuisine booth at the Sheboygan Winter Farmer's Market.

Next I'll be cranking out a batch that will be available for purchase at Sheboygan's local food co-op, Goodside Grocery. Goodside is set to to open May 4 and they are in need of memberships so they can stock their shelves. So if you're a Sheboyganite and are not already a member, do not pass go, do not collect $200, go directly to get your membership!

The T-Shirt Chair

Winner of the 2011 Green Furniture Award. Design by Maria Westerberg.

Recent Projects

Wood bead necklaces requested by a local pastor to give as gifts to his confirmation class.


'Thank You' postcards for Chicago musician Emily White to send out to friends who house and feed her while on the road.



Button Mancala. Just for fun.

Best Wisconsin Protest Signs

Enjoy this link to the 100 best protest signs from Wisconsin's capitol. I saw so many brilliant and funny handmade signs on Saturday that I had to share.

A New Take on Milk Crate Storage

via apartment therapy

'Nothing New' Revisited

After some unexpected, costly care repairs, I've been reexamining my finances. I want to pay off my credit card debt and establish a savings fund so that when emergencies arise (such as costly car repairs) I can pay for them with cash and not my credit card. To help me achieve this goal, I'm going back to my 'nothing new' ways with a new creative challenge:

Starting today, February 10, 2011, I will not purchase any art materials or tools, new or used, until my credit card debt is completely paid off.

I have three desired outcomes in mind for this challenge. First, I should be able to pay down the debt faster by diverting art funds to my debt. Second, I'll be using up all these miscellaneous materials I have laying around instead of accumulating more. Third, I will be forcing myself to discover some creative design solutions that I otherwise would not have considered. Creativity arises out of limitation, so here we go!

Paint Swatch Valentines

Saw this brilliant idea on craftgawker today. Love!

Dwell's Salvage Resource Map

Dwell magazine is collecting locations to score salvaged goods for a map on its website. Brilliant! Follow the link and add your favorite scrapyard.

(map by Aaron Foster)

Bag Monster

bagmonster.com

Cake Tins!

1 of 10 Upcycled Art Projects on Apartment Therapy.

Two Days in to 2011

Every New Year's Eve, my friends Kate and Hannah host a potluck where everyone brings a dish they've never made before. For 2011 I tried my hand at some bacon-balsamic deviled eggs, although I think Baker and Chelsea's vegan version won the popular vote. This year I'm resolving to cook more so at least I'm starting off on the right foot.

Bacon-balsamic deviled eggs by me, plated by Kate


Baker & Chelsea's vegan deviled endives


The hostesses with the mostesses