a day at the park

The sun came out for about an hour today, so we rushed to the park for some fun, and to tire the kids out thoroughly. These shots represent them perfectly.

new project

I've been working on some new pillows for ciuccio. I had a few at The Renegade Fair and they sold like hotcakes. Clearly I needed to make more. It's been nice working with new fabrics, like corduroy and wool since I generally work with cotton. These pillows are a little more subdued, which I think is more realistic to how most people decorate. They are also made with Fall in mind. They aren't yet available on etsy, so contact me if you're interested.

etsy finds

I've been thinking lately about working with a screen printer to make custom fabric for ciuccio. It got me inspired to look through etsy for unique fabrics. Yes, Amy Butler is amazing, but I can't bring myself to buy her fabrics knowing everyone else has reupholstered some old chair with it already.


This is the kind of fabric that could inspire an entire room. Narrowing down my choices was difficult, so take a look at her page to see many more great fabrics. daisyjanie

Great colors, great print. daisyjanie

I think a set of pillows on our couch would be great from this print. pippijoe

I'd make a tablecloth with this. Wouldn't it just look great with white tableware? pippijoe

I like many of these great prints, in particular though, I like the elephant. I am seriously looking forward to designing a nursery someday. umbrellaprints

This color is so cheery, and would make great summer kitchen curtains. ofpaperandthread

I wish I could see the circles up close, but I love this print regardless. It would be a lovely bedspread. tamptation

I just love the simplicity of this. Linen has been a favorite lately, and the white on it looks wonderful. hollabee

Another great print, Chocolate Clay Bricks. hollabee


I'm not much of an animal person, and not really into country style, and somehow I'm totally digging this chicken print from EmilyMe.

wet paint

Last weekend I repainted the living room. I'm still working on the redesign, so I won't give a full before and after until it's complete. Here's a sneak peek of the color. And a gorgeous dahlia from the farmer's market.

big 'omater

Or big tomato. When I was sick last spring, I had to do some major diet changes, and the worst of them was cutting out tomatoes. Seriously, I am still off coffee, and I've had 1 beer in four months, but I'm totally back on tomatoes and loving every moment. Here are two delicious meals we've had this week.

watch this

I found this on another blog awhile ago, and wanted to share it with you. It's a little long, but worth your time.

etsy finds

I saw a few great sellers that were new to me, but for the most part, the best from the Renegade Fair were names I'd heard before. This etsy list highlights some of my favorites who made walking around worth braving the crowds.



It's a clever name, yes. But my imaginary boyfriend has some clever items for sale too. I'm pondering ordering a custom size tie for my lady who is too small for standard ties. I didn't see this pillow at the fair, but I quite like it.




There were a few letterpress companies at the fair, but I like to support local, and the lizardpress emoticons are clever.


I allowed myself to buy one thing at the fair, and the elephant by e.soule is what came home with me. It was really hard to choose one, and honestly he might need a friend soon from among these other greats. Take a look at her site for the entire collection-they're just amazing. Elizabeth is also quite lovely, we chatted for awhile.


I've been admiring the work of petitcollage for a long time already, and it's still awhile before I get to design a nursery. When it happens though, one of these beauties will certainly go up on the wall.


Another vendor who drove all the way from Oregon. The images don't do these adorable creatures justice. They are made by maidenlove and range from $28-$40.

wedding flowers

Here finally is a picture from the wedding flowers I was working on a few weeks ago.

renegade re-cap

All in all it was a grand success. We got off to a rocky start, a misprint in the map meant moving the entire booth seconds after setting up. But people still found me. I finally got to meet Victoria from sfgirlbybay in person. And unknowingly I had a long conversation with Rob Forbes, founder of DWR. Made some sales, made some friends. I'll do it again next year.

fair prep

It's been a long week of getting ready for the fair, writing lists, packing up, and in 10 minutes, seeing if it's all going to fit in my car. Hope all you locals can make it this weekend.

etsy finds

As it turns out, the last three items of clothing I have bought are all gray. And I keep getting compliments while wearing them. So now it's my new favorite color. Here are a few excellent choices from etsy, just in case you're looking for something new.

Ruffles are so freaking cute and just make this bag by Rittenhouse. I really really like this one. $55

This shirt is already cute, so it's an added bonus that it glows in the dark. Clothes For People also pleated the back which is extra lovely. $25

An Urban Twist designed this great messenger bag. Love the orange button. $39.95

Bonnets are inherently cute, and I love the gray and red design by ballee. $27.50
Named Lisan, and Made In Holland, this bag could go with any outfit. $30

I haven't found a bad thing yet by Amy Butler, and this lovely paper has been made into useful tags by knottystash. $4

Perhaps my favorite blogger, sfgirlbybay, sells these posters in a fantastic selection of colors. $25

busy, busy, busy

Sometimes vacation is more work than work. This morning started nice and early. I was at the flower market by 7. I'm doing wedding flowers for a friend on Saturday.


At 10 I had a consultation with a woman about a custom quilt. I then worked on my ciuccio sign for the Renegade Fair. Off to lunch with an old friend, then back to sewing.


The signage project was easier than expected. I've been stressing about it for weeks, and in one day I finished it!