ennaneve

creative family

2010-03-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

My sister's blog... functional, fun and fantastic!

Have I mentioned that I come from a long line of thrifty, creative, do-it-yourselfer ladies? Yeah, I guess I have. Anyway, this post is just to add a little solid proof to that claim!

Check out my older sister's blog, Cookie Cutter House. She and her husband and oldest daughter had to move out of a charming little bungalow just outside Chicago when Baby #2 was on the way. It was a great reason to move, but the new house pales in comparison to their swanky old bungalow. That doesn't stop my artistic sister from transforming her "Cookie Cutter House" into a chic, unique home!

Follow her and her husband on their many DIY projects, ranging from laying tile to re-purposing plates. It's a fun, fresh look at how to make the most out of what you've got.

Oh, and did I mention they're doing a giveaway? No? Well, they are! Just check out her blog and comment on the article "A Fun Little Giveaway" and you could be randomly selected to win three really nifty plate hangers to get you started on your way to making your home as unique as you are!

sweet gift

2010-02-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

A sweet little gift from my locker neighbor at the Y.

Today my body went to yoga but my mind went elsewhere. After my body realized my mind wasn't doing yoga, my body didn't want to do yoga either. It became this frustrating battle of trying to engage physically and mentally until I realized, "I do not want to do this. This doesn't feel right for my body right now, and that's okay." So halfway through the class, I rolled up my mat and left.

To be honest, I felt embarrassed, weak and lazy. I hurried out of the room as fast as I could and tried to tell myself that I did the right thing, that it's okay to listen to myself and say "This isn't working for me today." As I was lost in thoughts of my shameful yoga "practice" I rounded a corner in the womens locker room and bumped right into my locker neighbor! She is a sweet sixty-something Vietnamese woman who speaks broken English but makes me laugh and smile every time I see her.

We always run into each other. There could be no one else in the entire locker room, and we will inevitably be there, standing 4 inches apart, opening our lockers.

And that's how we met.

It just kept happening every day and now I look forward to seeing her. On the rare occasion that I don't see her, I write her a little note and stick it to her locker, even though I'm not entirely sure if she can read it. Neither of us really speak the other's language (at least she speaks some English, I have no idea how to speak hers!) We're an unlikely pair of buddies, but it works.

Today, when I bumped into her, both of our faces lit up and we started laughing and saying the little phrases of English that she understands. She told me to follow her back to our lockers and pulled out a little package of cucumber makeup remover facial cloths and handed it to me. "I love you," she said. "You good lady." We hugged and my little Vietnamese buddy went off to "punch, punch" in her Hip-Hop class.

I felt touched on two levels. First, that this woman would bring me a gift and tell me she loves me, even though neither of us even knows the others name. Second, I'm grateful that I listened to my body today and bowed out of my yoga practice. If I hadn't, I'd be suffering through an unproductive time of rote exercise, and I would've missed the special time with my locker buddy.

family resemblance

2010-02-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

My younger brother, Drew.

For my younger brother's birthday this year, he asked me to make a print of him. I was thrilled! Not only is it awesome to have a model besides myself, it's flattering to think that someone else would actually want me to make a print for them! (Granted, he's related to me... but he didn't ask me to knit him an afghan, so I assume he actually likes my prints!)

We tried a bunch of different poses, but my aviators came into play simply because I'm not the greatest with eyes yet. They look like eyes, true, but I think our eyes capture so much of who we are... and I'm not quite good enough to carve that soul into a block print.

I will always love my aviators, but I'm looking forward to my skills progressing to the point where I don't need to use them as a crutch. My next line up of prints include some more chairs, as well as some human poses - but sans les lunettes de soleil.

Thanks for being an awesome model, Drew!

pillow

2010-02-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

Having a little fun combining two things I love: printing and sewing!

I've been working on my curtains for a while now... and they're still not nearly done. In fact, to the untrained eye, they may look like a pile of fabric. Okay, they are a pile of fabric right now... because I've been working on designing and carving the print to make my curtains unique. Haven't quite gotten to the actual "curtain" part, per se, but the print is almost complete... and I have the callouses on my hands to prove it!

All that to say, I needed a quick little project to tide me over while I wait for this time-consuming one to materialize. (Hey! A pun!) So... I whipped up this little pillow that I printed with my tiny blueberry design. Simple, quick and cute. I'll need to remember those three words next time I decide to design, print and sew my own curtains. Though I suppose it could be worse - I could be weaving my own fabric!

Now, to find a loom... just kidding!

lotus print yoga bag

2010-02-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

Namaste!

My absence from blogging hasn't been time wasted, although I'm always sad when I let it slip into hibernation. Sometimes life just gets in the way, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

One of the things I've been doing with my time is practicing yoga. I've always enjoyed it, but decided last month to make it a part of my daily life rather than an occasional stab at wellness. Naturally, I couldn't carry my mat around in my drab old yoga tote, so I decided to make a fresh new one!

I used the lotus print that I made for my friend Jillian (an amazing yoga instructor!) and printed on some deep salmon-colored fabric I had laying around. After the printing was finished, I set to work sewing my bag, including adding a little extra detail to the pocket, even though no one will really see it besides me. Sometimes the little things you do just for you are the ones that can make you realize you're worth the bigger things, too.

I am really happy with the way it turned out, and excited to start on my next fabric printing endeavor: curtains! Stay tuned for more on that... and how printing 15 yards of fabric by hand can really test one's stamina and mental health! :)

The finished fabric, prior to becoming a yoga tote.

The little pocket detail - a lotus bloom outlined in pink thread.

ode to edamame

2010-01-31T06:51:00.000-08:00

Oh soybeans, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
- - -

Oh edamame- you fun tasty snack

You're always near by when the munchies attack

You're chock-full o' fiber and omega 3's

And for meat-heads your protein is sure to appease!

You're not pronounced how you're spelled

(it's /ěd'ə-mä'mā/)

But still most people say

Edamayme, edam or eda-bombay.

That first one is common,

an understandable mistake

it's a Japanese word

so we'll cut Anglos a break

The second one's a cheese

that's always made backward

how they confuse it with you

is quite frankly absurd

I don't know about that last one

but I've heard it, it's true

they must love the letter B

and add it, superfluously, to you

All tongue-twisters aside

you're a great way to munch

be it snack-time or dinner

or breakfast or lunch

I'll keep you close at hand

when my tastebuds want to play

or when a friend comes to visit

and asks for eda-bombay.

inspiration

2010-01-21T20:58:00.001-08:00

Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes; often it's subtle and small.

Although I'm not exactly an avid blogger (note: trying to be better. Or trying to try to be better. I'm not big on lying.) I think you can probably sense a theme to ennaneve.

If you can't, I should probably work on my communication skills. Anyway, I'll just tell you... it's creativity.

There's something that just thrills me about creating something new, refinishing something old, or just exercising my inner child and letting all the colors and scribbles spill out into the world.

My entire studio apartment is full of unique creations that I've made, found or restored, and I'm going to try to be better about sharing some of these things... since art is not meant to be a selfish venture.

One of my walls is completely covered with pictures, prints, poems, color swatches and cards that inspire me. I think it's important to collect little things that we enjoy, not only to help us find our niche (usually a theme will emerge; like my older sister enjoys mixing urban design with influences from nature) but so that we will have something to help ignite our desire to create.

When you see a leaf that strikes your fancy, or love the color of ribbon tied around a gift... hang on to it. These tiny clues to our inner muse may just be the spark that ignites our next artistic endeavor.

creative tree

2010-01-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

My Creative Tree takes after me: not very photogenic.

Nature is a big influence in my life and my art. From an early age, I remember being inspired by trees; from the roots to the branches and leaves. My older sister and I used to talk about a certain forest near our home in Maryland that we called the Cathedral Woods because when the sun shone through the leafy canopy overhead, the light trickled down in little green patterns like stained glass in an ethereal Cathedral.

I love every aspect of trees: the different shades and textures of the bark; the birds that nest in their boughs; the different shapes, colors and sizes of their leaves; and the fact that they give us air to breathe and shade to sit in. I think I would've made an excellent addition to the Swiss Family Robinson (living in a tree and throwing coconut bombs at pirates?! Sign me up!!)

You get the point. I like trees. So, naturally, I had to have one in my minuscule studio apartment. Meet my Creative Tree: it's a source of inspiration with a really boring, obvious name. Never mind that.

The cool thing about my tree is that I don't have to wait for Christmas each year to decorate it! I've used all different types of themes, from jar lanterns to little fabric birds. Any time I feel the urge, I just take down the current decor and try something new... very important for an impatient person like myself.

My current theme is words (which I am also a huge fan of... can you tell?) I made a paper chain out of several types of old paper I found in some vintage notebooks, as well as sheets of creative writing I typed out on my old typewriter. It was a fun, and time consuming, project.

Next, I took some old blank gift tags and decided to type random, incomplete sentences on them and do my own "mad libs". They turned out being silly, naturally, but they were a nice way to let my brain play.

Here are a few, for your amusement:

I may have to use this in an actual conversation sometime...

I made twenty-four of these... which began to make less and less sense.

Ha! A Freudian slip indeed!

While some people may think it's silly to have a tree (aka a very large branch that takes up a lot of room) in a tiny apartment... I love it. I'm always thinking of new ideas to try on my tree and it, in turn, is always there to shade me when I read.

typewriter print

2010-01-19T19:06:00.001-08:00

Many labor-intensive hours later... a print is born.

At long last... my typewriter print is complete! This photo was my first print with the carving, or "practice print" if you will, which I use to show me what needs to be touched up. Granted, there is still some work to be done, but I just got so darn excited, I needed to post it! Although it's probably looked down upon in the art world to show work before it's finished... the few touch-ups I need to make are minor and probably only visible to me, anyway.

At least I hope so.

At any rate, I spent so much time on this print, that I simply couldn't wait any longer to share it! Of course, I'll post the real finished piece, too, but for now, I'm happy that I've made it this far, since I've logged twelve hours on this puppy (which equals a lot of callouses!)

Enjoy!

diy fabric printing

2010-01-12T10:32:00.000-08:00

Tools of the trade: inking plate, fabric ink & brayer

You Will Need...
Heavyweight fabric
Large piece of cardboard that will completely fit under your fabric
Fabric ink (Speedball has some good varieties, available at most art stores)
Brayer or small paint roller
Inking plate (or another piece of cardboard will work, too)
Block design (Note: if you're unsure how to make a block print, stay tuned for my post on that. In the meantime, you can try carving a simple design into a potato with a sharp knife. Just like kindergarten.)
Iron

Now to Proceed...

Lie your fabric out on the cardboard and iron out all the wrinkles. Remove any loose bits of string or fuzz.

Using a small scrap piece, or the corner of your fabric, test your color prior to printing. For example, the first color I chose ended up having a weird consistency and it would have been difficult to change colors halfway through. Prep steps are a necessary evil.

Pour a small amount of your ink onto your inking plate and roll your brayer in the ink until you have a light, even layer. Roll your inked brayer over your block (or potato) and wipe up any globs or drips. Then, start printing! Use even pressure and apply your block to the fabric. While you may be tempted to double print (print twice without inking the block) don't do it. You'll get an uneven and sloppy-looking piece of fabric.

Keep printing. Yes, it takes a long time, but put on your favorite tunes and enjoy yourself! Print in straight rows (unless you're doing a sporadic design) and don't sweat the little mess-ups... it's part of what makes your fabric unique.

Et voila! When you're done printing the entire piece of fabric, wash all your tools in warm water (use soap if necessary) and allow your fabric to dry for at least an hour. Have a cup of tea. When your fabric is dry to the touch, flip it over and iron the back side with medium/high heat to set the design (be mindful of what your fabric can handle.)

And there you have it! Stay tuned for more on simple upholstering, space-saving tips and how to design and carve your own block print!

old chair / new chair

2010-01-11T10:52:00.001-08:00

My favorite part? It's totally unique!

My internet has been down for the past week, so I had to find some other things to do with my time. Things like completely organizing my entire apartment, donating old clothes and trying out some new (and some ew) recipes. By far my favorite project this past week was this little chair I got a few months ago for $2 at a thrift store. It had brown vinyl covering it and it was horribly stained.

It just needed a little love.

When I brought it home, after giving it a thorough cleaning, I found that it actually folds up (with the help of a lot of WD-40 and elbow grease!) There's something so satisfying about taking an object that is clearly discarded and unloved and giving it a new home and new look.

My favorite part about this little chair's makeover is that I hand-printed the fabric with one of my lino block designs! I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I just decided to go for it... and it turned out way better than I thought it would! Now not only do I have a sturdy, useful little chair, I have a cool new way to showcase my designs!

Stay tuned for: diy fabric printing / reupholstering!

color me superficial

2010-01-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

Yeah... totally bought the pomegranate for it's looks.

I realized something the other day. OK, actually, I realized it a long time ago, but I was unwilling to admit it until now. *sigh* Here goes:

I am a superficial produce buyer.

Seriously.

As much as I advocate being comfortable in your own skin and beauty being more than skin deep, I totally buy my fruits and veggies based on appearances. Sure, there's the obvious color-buying: yellow bananas are ripe and brown strawberries are bad. I get that.

This is more than that, though. I get completely wrapped up in a color scheme in my head and buy my produce accordingly. I've arranged bowls upon bowls of colorful fruit displays, only to realize that I don't like oranges, or that I have no idea how to do anything, whatsoever, with a starfruit.

I guess it's not all bad. I mean, it does get me eating a lot more fruits and veggies than I would if they all looked like potatoes. Surely I'm not the only person who buys produce they can hardly pronounce, much less prepare, because it looks really, really cool. Or am I? Color me chagrined.

hello again

2010-01-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Moss... Like the kind that's been growing on my blog. ;)

Well, I'm back.

Please excuse my hiatus from the virtual world... the real world became much more jealous of my time.

The past few months haven't been easy, but one thing I've learned thus far in my limited knowledge of life is that pain is often accompanied by growth. I'm not entirely sure how I've grown yet, but I feel that all-too-familiar ache of outgrowing the Old Me.

This is a good thing. For one thing, I outgrew an old flame and my heart is now - finally - free. Even though it hurt to open up the old wound, it ultimately resulted in healing. Sadly, I've also outgrown my sexy jeans and henceforth will be endeavoring to take better care of myself physically. I've also been outgrowing my old ideas about God, and I'm attempting to read some (previously dreaded) literature to dig a little deeper into the matter.

While I shy away from making any sort of New Years Resolutions, I think that 2010 is going to be a year of immense growth. I can already sense the moss of 2009 being pulled out of the crags of my life. I don't think it will be easy, but I think it will be freeing.

A good friend asked me what my word for 2010 would be. Just one word to describe what I want this year to hold. All sorts of happy words came to mind instantly: joy, hope, peace, love, contentment... but I know in my heart of hearts, my word is, simply, grow. It's not the word I particularly want, but I have a feeling it's the word I really need.

new perspective

2009-11-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

I've been doing a lot of hiking... not so much blogging.

They say life can pass you by if you're not careful. Luckily, I've been living a very full life these days, but my blogging and etsy online life has suffered. I haven't been very active in any of my etsy groups, and I'm finding that I'm getting stressed out about my flagging online participation. Isn't that odd? One would think, "Yay! I'm living a full life and I don't have time to read and comment on dozens of websites!" But the reality is that I feel terrible. Like I'm letting down the online community, even though I'm just this one tiny little shop, with one tiny little blog.

Maybe I feel burnt out because I just recently carved so many lino designs for my portfolio. I'm not quite sure. All I know is when I feel that something is expected of me, it takes all the joy and impromptu-ness out of it. My muse doesn't like to be forced. She likes to slip in quietly and surprise me. That's when I create.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm not in a place where I want to quit ennaneve, not at all, but I'm in a place where I'm feeling overwhelmed by expectations... most of them my own.

pumpkin cookies

2009-11-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

These cake-like cookies are a sweet Autumn treat!

My mom used to make these for us every Fall, and I absolutely loved them! She would shape them into little pumpkins and let us decorate them with frosting, M&Ms and chocolate chips to create our own personal Jack-O-Lanterns. I left off the frosting this year to cut back on excess sugar, but the cookies are just as delicious! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 cup oats

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup butter (or margarine)

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips

2 cups canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease two cookie sheets.
Mix together the flour, oats, baking soda and cinnamon and set aside.
Next, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar with a mixer.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue to mix well.
Alternately add one cup of the flour mixture and one cup of the canned pumpkin until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Use 1/4 cup per cookie and shape into little pumpkins (optional).
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they no longer look wet.

candlelight

2009-10-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Another one of my favorite things...

Life is full of simple pleasures. The trick is to find pleasure in the simple things. One of my favorite simple pleasures is candlelight. Every night I light candles, even if it's just a few by my bed while I read. But normally, I'll light candles all over my little studio apartment and see it come to life in the warm, flickering glow of candles.

My oldest sister, Emily, once said, "Candles are a warm presence when there's no one else around." That's how I feel; they add a bit of life to a still night, a bit of warmth to a chilly room and a bit of happiness into my quiet life.

caramel apples

2009-10-16T12:32:00.001-07:00

A yummy way to welcome Fall!

The other day, I was in a lovely little market where they were selling caramel apples... for $13.50 a piece! Now, I love apples, and I love caramel, but I'm not about to pay that much for something I can make at home for one tenth of the price. So I didn't. I went home and made my own.

I made four scrumptious flavors: caramel, peanut butter caramel, chocolate peanut butter caramel and caramel gingersnap. Although it was a messy endeavor, it cost less to make ten of my own than to buy one from that market! I've given them as gifts, shared with coworkers and eaten quite a few myself. (Now my pants feel a little snug... so maybe it's time for a crisp walk in the Autumn leaves!)

Next up on my Fall festivities... pumpkin carving!

creamy butternut squash soup

2009-10-15T15:50:00.001-07:00

Creamy & Delish!

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped onion

6 Tbsp butter

6 cups (1 large) butternut squash

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 (8 oz) pkg light cream cheese

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp coriander

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cover a cookie sheet with lightly greased aluminum foil.
Slice squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Place squash sliced-side down and bake for 30 minutes in preheated oven.
Allow squash to cool completely, then peel off skin and chop into cubes.
Saute butter and onion in large sauce pan until onion is tender and transparent.
Add squash, broth, cumin, pepper and coriander. Bring to a brief boil, stirring occasionally.
In a food processor or blender, puree squash mixture and cream cheese in batches until smooth.

- - -

I'm not a huge fan of sweet butternut squash soup, so I love this creamy take on one of my Fall favorites. If you're looking for a good starter to a nice meal, or a comforting lunch on a chilly day, this soup is sure to please!

herbs

2009-10-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

Another attempt at a green thumb...

Since my last post was on spices, it seems only fitting to throw in a little shout-out to herbs as well. Like most people in this economy, I've looked for ways to trim that fat, while still enjoying life. Spending $3 and up on herbs in the grocery store that I'd only use once or twice was a luxury that was no longer in the budget.

At first I tried to grow herbs from seeds (shown) and they sprouted up nicely, but alas my brown thumb killed them before they were really able to yield anything substantial. So a few weeks ago I checked out the greenery shed at my local Farmers Market and found - hallelujah chorus - full grown plants for fifty cents each! Yes, you read right. Fifty cents.

For weeks now I've been able to enjoy sweet basil, lemon verbena, mint and rosemary for a grand total of $2. It's the little things...

spicy

2009-10-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Spices add a little zing to everything!

Living in a tiny space requires a lot more creativity than I first imagined. I have to literally use every nook and cranny to store, hide or display necessary household items without it being cluttered, inconvenient or messy. It's quite a job, but I really enjoy doing it.

To save some of my very limited cabinet space, I picked up some magnetic spice jars to stick on the side of my fridge. Using some white labels and my typewriter, I added a little vintage-inspired charm to these otherwise bland jars.

Not only are they useful and easily at hand when I need them, they look really cool on the side of my fridge!

parlor chair

2009-10-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

I wish I actually had a chair like this!

This is the final image from my portfolio. I'm getting ready to put a line of wall art on my etsy shop, so when I put those up you can see some of the rest of my portfolio, but for now... it's a secret!

I've realized that vintage stuff really inspires me, and not just because it's cool and funky and becoming trendy with the whole green movement. I like it because vintage pieces, for the most part, are painstakingly made my hand and crafted for quality. Prior to the days of mass manufacturing, craftsmen and artists made everything. Sure, there are some cool things in I*KEA, but I'd take one finely-crafted vintage chair over an entire room of "some assembly required" composite furniture.

peach muffins

2009-10-02T10:47:00.001-07:00

It's like peach cobbler in a muffin!

I have been on a real baking kick lately. Often baking every day, and sometimes two or more new recipes! While my pants feel a little more snug, I get such pleasure from the simple act of baking that I don't want to stop. From muffins to cookies to pies and pizzas, I love exploring new recipes on AllRecipes.com. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy soup recipe or the best way to marinate pork chops, the site has it all! I highly recommend it if you're a fine-tuned foodie or a basic cook. There's something in it for everyone.

Like delicious peach muffins. Yum.

The last of the fresh Farmers Market peaches. Au revoir, mes amis!

portfolio

2009-09-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Vintage faucets

Today is the day! I finally finished my portfolio! I'm too exhausted to think of anything cool to write here, but I just wanted to share that I'm done.

Whew.

self portrait

2009-09-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

Shady Lady

Well folks, here it is. My first-ever self portrait. (Carved, of course.) It was an interesting sensation to dig my own face out of a lino block, but I'm pretty pleased with the results. I wasn't sure how well I'd do on my eyes, so I'm saving them for a future endeavor. Hence, my classic aviators, which I absolutely adore!

This is just the first print - I'm still experimenting with the colors, paper, etc. but I think she's going to make a splendid addition to the portfolio I've been working on!

notable quotes

2009-09-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

Emerson's always got great things to say!

I love tea, and Eleanor Roosevelt! Great quote.

And yet another quote from the master of motivating words. Ah, Thoreau.

- - - - -

:: Happy First Day of Fall! ::

courage

2009-09-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

it takes courage to grow up and become

who you really are.

e. e. cummings

eye candy

2009-09-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

Oh, l'amore!

If you're anything like me, you occasionally run out of ideas and are left staring at a blank wall, completely at a loss. Luckily, there are plenty of books, magazines and websites for do-it-yourselfers, crafters, designers and artists.

A few of my favorite books, which are chock-full of fun ideas are Domino: The Book of Decorating, Flea Market Style and Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts. (Note: I've never been a huge Martha fan, but this book is actually pretty sweet!)

If nothing else, these colorful specimens are a dash of eye candy on your side table - although cracking them open is a lot more fun!

diy: birthday calendar

2009-09-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

I made this little portable birthday calendar for practically nothing!

You can, too!

Step 1: Gather your supplies. You will need scissors, string, card stock, alphabet stamps and a single hole punch.

Step 2: If using a large sheet of card stock, cut it into at least 12 small pieces (I used blank business cards, which are available at any paper supply store.) On each of the twelve cards, print the first three letters of the month (the full name of the month tends to take up too much room.)

Step 3: Punch two holes in one end of each card, being sure the holes are even on all twelve cards.

Step 4: Make filler cards with your friends' names, birthdays - and if you're particularly motivated - a brief summary of their interests. This list comes in handy for gift giving, especially when you're having a mental block on what to buy.

Step 5: Put all the month cards and properly organized filler cards in order from January to December. Tie with the string, circling around the two holes twice.

Et voila! You have a handy, portable birthday calendar! The neat thing about this design is that you can untie it and add more birthdays as you meet new friends! Enjoy!

words of wisdom

2009-09-09T10:09:00.001-07:00

These are some of the inspirational words above my bed... love 'em!

This one helps me keep my head in the clouds, but my feet on the ground.

And this one is just plain inspiring to me. Leave it to Thoreau!

take heart

2009-09-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

Just a little reminder to believe in your dreams.

vintage find

2009-09-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

Love the intricate details in this vintage piece!

Today I was out running errands and couldn't resist stopping in my favorite vintage shop in Charlotte. The Treasure House is run by a timelessly chic and eccentric woman who has always piqued my interest. She's gorgeous, probably in her early sixties, and looks like she belongs in a poster advertising Pall Mall's in Miami circa 1950.

Aside from the lovely owner, this shop is unique in Charlotte in that it actually has really cool vintage stuff and it's not terribly overpriced. The historic two-story brick home is full floor to ceiling with all manner of dishes, tablecloths, furniture, jewelry, books and so much more.

I found this gorgeous white beaded necklace and absolutely love it! I didn't have enough time to peek around all the nooks and crannies like I usually do, but if you're in Charlotte and have a little free time, this place is truly a gem.

Treasure House

Buy - Sell - Consignment - Estates

5300 Monroe Road

Charlotte, NC 28205

704-532-1613

Open Tues-Fri 10-5 and Sat 10-4

banana bread

2009-09-03T11:57:00.001-07:00

Yummy!

This isn't just any banana bread... it's chocolate chip banana bread. My mom used to make it all the time when I was growing up (it was pretty much the only way she could get me to eat bananas!)

While there's not much more to it than simply adding some mini chocolate chips into your favorite banana bread recipe, the warm chocolate goodness it produces is mouth-watering. Just another example of how it's the little things that make the biggest difference!

baking

2009-09-02T11:44:00.001-07:00

Warm yeast rolls straight from the oven!

While I'm sad to see Summer go, I've always loved the changing of the seasons. There's something about the change in the weather that puts some excitement in the air.

As the nights have gotten a little crisper these past few days, I decided to turn on my oven (something I've been avoiding in my little studio apartment... it gets pretty toasty!) I made some chocolate chip banana bread (yummy!) and some yeast rolls from scratch.

It was nice to have the windows open and feel the cool air while making something warm and comforting to eat. I highly recommend a little Fall baking - makes you feel good about what you're doing with your time and about what you're putting into your body.

my favorite poem

2009-08-30T09:39:00.001-07:00

Stream of Life - found in Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore

- - - - -

The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day

runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures.

It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth

in numberless blades of grass

and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.

It is the same life that is rocked in the ocean-cradle of birth

and of death, in ebb and in flow.

I feel my limbs are made glorious by the touch of this world of life.

And my pride is from the life-throb of ages dancing in my blood this moment.

All things rush on, they stop not, they look not behind,

no power can hold them back, they rush on,

keeping steps with that restless, rapid music,

seasons come dancing and pass away,

colours, tunes and perfumes pour in endless cascades

in the abounding joy that scatters and gives up and dies every moment.

Image was created by Yours Truly, using recycled images from little tree press.

tea time

2009-08-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

My little acorn tea steeper... love it!

When I was growing up, my mom and I had tea time nearly every day at 4 pm sharp. I secretly believe this was her way of combating the tomboyish qualities I was developing, but it was still a nice reprieve from the backyard mud fights with the neighborhood boys.

My grandmother always used to tell her too much tea would stunt my growth... but at 5'10" I highly doubt that. Unless I was destined to be 6'7", in which case I'm quite thankful for the tea. :)

Although I don't have tea time every day at 4 pm, and not even every day, I do still love a good cup now and then. I got this little acorn tea steeper for free at a yard sale... though I was more than willing to pay the 10 cent asking price.

It's funny how the small things, like a cup of tea and a little steeper, can bring back such fond memories and put a smile on my face. Ah, simplicity.

meet chuck

2009-08-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

My favorite pair of All Stars in Kelly Green

It's time to introduce you all to my love affair with a shoe - the Chuck Taylor All Star. While many women speak of shoe fetishes consisting of the seasons latest and greatest stiletto, pump or wedge, my passion for fashion takes a slightly less flamboyant approach. A sneaker.

I can't quite put my finger on what is so appealing about these shoes. They just appeal to me. It doesn't hurt that they're in my favorite shade of my favorite color, or that their classic style can be paired with practically anything in my closet. Perhaps it's because when I wear these shoes, I feel completely and utterly comfortable in my own skin.

new print: lotus bloom

2009-08-14T22:02:00.001-07:00

Meet the newest addition to ennaneve!

My friend Jillian recently got certified to teach yoga and inspired me to create these lotus bloom cards. I'm quite pleased with the way they turned out, especially since I hadn't done any previous flowers.

I was a little hesitant to create a flower because they can be so intricate, and ennaneve's designs are created to be simple. As you can see from my work, I prefer not to over-manipulate my block prints, instead letting the natural variations in the ink shine through. I think this adds to the unique nature of each piece, as well as making my designs feel a little more light and free. One of the main reasons I like this new design so much is that it retains the essence of simplicity even amid its numerous petals.

Thank you, Jillian, for being my yogi muse!

59 free things to do

2009-08-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

Be a Smart Cookie

In this economy, the Almighty Dollar seems more elusive to obtain and even harder to hold on to. Here's a random list of things to do that won't cost you a dime.

Go for a walk (bring a friend!)

Walk a pooch at your local Humane Society.

Sew something out of some of that fabric you bought so long ago with all the best intentions...

Drink a cup of tea.

Read a book (remember when you were a kid and you went to the library? Yeah, it still exists. Or you can swap books with a friend!)

Write a letter to someone you love (if you don't have any stamps, a heart-felt email is always nice, too.)

Read Real Simple online... it's a great site full of fun tips!

Window shop on Etsy.

Pull out those old cans of paint and give some furniture, frames or walls a new coat.

Have a lunch swap with a friend: instead of going out to eat, do the Elementary school thing and swap your bag lunches.

Organize your photos (both on your computer and in that old shoebox in the closet...)

Rummage through your closet and find some clothes you hardly wear: if they still fit, try to encorporate them into your attire. If they don't fit, donate them to Goodwill or a friend.

Have a diy mani/pedi with a friend

Watch a free movie on Hulu.com

Go to allrecipes.com and find new dishes to make with ingredients you already have on hand.

Have a garage sale.

Volunteer.

Join Cut Out & Keep and find cheap and easy things to make, plus you can add your own tutorials.

Look up new uses for old items on realsimple.com.

Blog.

Start a journal: if you already have one, keep it up! It can be an amazing stress relief and fun read to look back on your life in later years!

Embrace your inner artist and draw, paint or sketch instead of sitting in front of the TV or spending countless hours online.

Play FreeRice and increase your vocab while helping to end hunger via the UN World Food Program! Win-win situation!

Go through your overflowing file cabinet and sort what needs to stay, go and be re-filed.

Clip coupons online from coupons.com (or from your Sunday paper) and check your local grocery store's coupon policy- most offer double or even triple coupons during special promotions

Shop for free stuff online at craigslist.com in the free stuff section. You never know what you may find!

Offer to walk an elderly neighbor's dog, and think of other ways to help them out, too: such as cooking, cleaning, or just giving them your time

Think of ten things you love about someone and tell them. It'll make their week!

Have a craft party with friends: have everyone bring any projects they're working on, as well as supplies to swap and share.

Change your bed sheets to a different set for a fresh new feel: if you don't have another set, hang your sheets outside for a few hours on a sunny afternoon so they can soak up some sunkissed freshness.

Play Iron Chef with some friends and whatever random ingredients you have in your kitchen.

Forget the spa: pour a bath, light some candles and put on a face mask.

Make a list of things you're grateful for.

Instead of meeting a friend at Starbucks, go "out" for coffee at your local park: one of you can bring a thermos of coffee and the other can bring something tasty to snack on.

Make a household binder. Some useful things to include: emergency info & contacts, utility companies & contact info, landlord/mortgage company numbers, takeout menus & coupons to local restaurants, cleaning hints and tips from your favorite magazines and websites, monthly calendar with notes for bill due dates, cleaning schedules, grocery shopping, etc.

Make a list of things you love about yourself.

Start a cooking club.

Free babysitting: arrange to swap babysitting nights with a friend.

Forgo the pet salon and give Bingo a good ol' fashioned brush and bath at home.

Look up free outdoor movies in your area. Most cities have summer events featuring free movies, concerts or other forms of entertainment in local parks.

Attend a free poetry reading, open mic night or talent show.

Go through your sock drawer and try to match up those errant socks. Convert any loners into dust rags and free up some drawer space.

Play a team sport with friends.

Help out at a soup kitchen.

Make homemade candles out of leftover wax and stubs of old candles.

Rearrange your furniture to give your living space a free makeover.

Learn French with Coffee Break French (also available in other languages!)

Try to find homes for the mismatched debris in your junk drawer (you know you have one!)

Make a note of all your friends' birthdays (facebook is a great tool for doing this!)

Join the Cold Stone Creamery or Baskin Robbins birthday club and get free ice cream on your birthday! While you're at it, sign up at birthdayfreebies.com for even more free birthday goodies!

Change the pictures you have displayed in frames around your home to give it a fresh new feel. Or even just change the location of certain pictures - it's amazing what a small change can do!

Pick some flowers (not from your neighbor's yard!)

Download some awesome desktop wallpaper from design*sponge!

Write a poem.

Dance around in your undies when no one is around... it's surprisingly liberating!

Give something away.

Print out some free printable goodies from love.obsess.inspire!

Do some at-home yoga.

Start a book club.

pen & ink

2009-08-04T08:47:00.001-07:00

I recently started using watercolors for the first time in my life. I've never taken an art class and so it's pretty cool to be exposed to all of these new things in the art world... well, new to me, of course. Anyway, I've been using watercolors to color some of my doodles and I absolutely love it! It's my new favorite pastime!

These little birds are part of a couple pictures that I did for my nieces in Chicago. I'm thinking about incorporating them into my etsy shop... let me know what you think!

naturally beautiful

2009-08-02T20:13:00.001-07:00

My hands-down favorite flower is the peony. It is soft and elegant, yet bold and strong. I love how countless layers of paper-thin petals combine to create a large, handsome bloom. Plus, they smell divine!

A few of my other favorites are:

dahlias
hydrangea
sweet peas
poppies
ranunculus

it's the little things

2009-08-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

Me & Morgan

I recently returned from a trip to Chicago to visit my sister Emily and her family. My oldest niece, Morgan, is tall and beautiful. She's very artistic (this chalkboard sketch was waiting for me in my room!) and takes great care of her younger sister. She has a funny, dry sense of humor like her parents:

Emily (laughing): Morgan, isn't Aunt Becky funny?

Morgan (unimpressed): Not as funny as I thought.

Me & Morgan playing tic-tac-toe at the water fountain

She has a bubbly, talkative personality that I can definitely relate to:

Me: Morgan, are you looking forward to going to kindergarten?

Morgan: No. I hear you have to be so quiet there. Like, really, really quiet. All the time. Wanna see me be really, really quiet for like... *thinking* eleven seconds? I can be so quiet. Wanna see?

Me: Yes.

Emily & Morgan

My youngest niece, Eve, is a little doll. She's inquisitive and takes time to get to know the world around her. She's talkative, too, like her older sister (and Aunt!) and I can see Em and Dan have a not-so-silent future ahead of them. Eve gets the cutest little dimples when she smiles and her bright blue eyes light up and can literally melt your heart. I can also already see a sense of humor developing in her bubbly little laugh and happy baby talk.

Eve... or Evey Wonder as she's affectionately called

procrastination at its finest

2009-07-28T10:39:00.001-07:00

'Nuff Said

everybody loves parfait

2009-07-26T09:16:00.001-07:00

Fresh & Delish

- - -

I'm pretty sure the Donkey on Shrek said it best: "You know what else everybody likes? Parfaits. Have you ever met a person, you say, 'Let's get some parfait,' they say, 'Hell no, I don't like no parfait'? Parfaits are delicious."

Summertime is the perfect time for a parfait: a wide variety of fresh fruit is in season, plus it's refreshing and light. Next time you're at your local farmers market, pick up some fruit and make a parfait!

One of my quick and easy favorites is as follows:

Summer Parfait

1 cup low fat vanilla yogurt

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup fresh blueberries, washed

1/2 cup fresh peaches, washed and cut into cubes

pinch of cinnamon, to taste

Layer the yogurt, fruit and oats in two glass dishes. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. Serve immediately.

Makes two servings.

diy: shelves

2009-07-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

Wine box shelves

- - -

If you're looking for a cheap and easy decor idea, try this on for size. These old wooden wine boxes were completely free, and I simply screwed them into my kitchen wall (insuring they were level first, of course!)

If you don't have any laying around, you can drop by your local wine merchant, wine bar or grocery store and ask if they have any wooden wine boxes they're not using. Even if they don't, most places will take your number and call you when they have some. Worth a try!

favorite authors & poets

2009-07-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

In no particular order, here are a few of my favorite people from the literary world:

Rabindranath Tagore
O. Henry
William Somerset Maugham
Oscar Wilde
Mark Twain
Jane Austen
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Robert Louis Stevenson
Charlotte Bronte
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Henry David Thoreau
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Dylan Thomas
Louisa Mae Alcott
Walt Whitman
Ralph Waldo Emerson

(Can you tell I was homeschooled?)

fearless quote

2009-07-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Fear can be such a paralyzing thing. This quote helps me find my legs and leap.

the creative process

2009-07-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

There's no formula for creativity. At least, none that I know of. My new ideas, designs, colors, prints and patterns just sort of ebb and flow naturally.

I will say that deadlines don't help the creative process at all... the pleasure I take in what I do is somewhat diminished by a ticking clock and high expectations.

If I feel like carving a new print, I do. If I don't, I don't.

I love how creativity has to come to you. It's a gift. You can't force it, coerce it or bribe it. When you least expect it, it sneaks up and slips into your pocket, and when you reach for your pencil... there it is.

No matter your income, social status, race, gender, age or religion... creativity is completely unbiased. Those who have it, can't help but show it. Even if they don't want to, it springs into everything they do.

There is always enough for everyone.

Do something creative today. Even if it's simply letting your mind play.

diy: illumination

2009-07-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sweet & Simple Summer Lanterns

- - -

Looking for a cheap and easy way to spruce up your next outdoor dinner party? Try making these Sweet & Simple Summer Lanterns. They're really a breeze to make, and they look adorable dotting the branches of an old oak tree.

emily - sister & muse

2009-07-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from my little quote book

- - -

My oldest sister, Emily, has been an eternal source of encouragement in my creative endeavors. She came up with the idea for me to start my first business at the age of nine (I sold custom gift baskets... actually helped me pay for college!) She encouraged my silly doodles and drawings, always telling me I should make cards and pursue art. Of course, this was around the time where it was no longer cool to be hanging out with your older sister and doodling, so I pretty much ditched the whole thing in favor of mascara and boys. (Sorry, Em!)

Luckily, life is a cyclical thing and my creative side has once again overpowered my need for popularity and parties.

One thing that Emily got me started on that I never let go, even during the boy-crazed early teen years, was my quote book. I've always had a passion for the written word, and Emily saw this in me. She showed me the importance of the simple things in life. She showed me that sensitivity is a beautiful thing when all I wanted was to be unavailable. She nurtured me.

We would spend long days at her little basement apartment in Bethesda, talking about art, poetry, and - yes - boys.

We'd go for walks and take pictures.

We'd cook.

We'd light candles and listen to music.

She shared her heartbreak with me (dumb college guy who lost the best thing he ever had) and I'd share my pre-teen crushes with her (Austin Steele... even his name made me weak in my knees!)

She made me feel beautiful even in my big purple glasses and hacked-off haircut. She saw the beauty inside me, and she told me about it.

She taught me self-love.

We'd watch Aud Hep movies (that's Audrey Hepburn, for you people who prefer not to abbreviate everything.)

We'd talk about our McDermitt woman hips. (It's an anomaly - our mother is thin as a rail and all of her daughters were born with very *womanly* hips. They used to be the bane of my existence, but I've made peace with them now. They're womanly. That's what I keep telling myself.)

These times together bridged the nine year gap between us and fused us together as the Sabrina Sisters. (We called ourselves that after seeing the movie Sabrina and both seeing a lot of her in ourselves.)

I'm going to go see her in two weeks (can't wait!) and hang out with my two adorable nieces, Morgan and Eve. I hope some day I can pass on some of the wisdom and encouragement to these little ladies that their mother bestowed upon me.

I love you, Seester.

happy start to the day

2009-07-15T06:51:00.001-07:00

Blueberry Streusel Pancakes... Yum!

- - -

When I was growing up, breakfast was my favorite meal of the day. My mom would always have something tasty and wholesome on the table and it made waking up a little bit easier for this night owl.

I can't say that I always have something tasty and wholesome for breakfast these days... but today was a delicious exception.

I basically just dolled up some regular pancakes, but the result was taste bud nirvana and I started my day off in a very happy, tasty way!

simple & delish

2009-07-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for something quick, easy and totally yummy... try out this recipe from Real Simple.

I made it last night for dinner and the leftovers are providing me with a very tasty lunch!

diy: fridge decor

2009-07-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Quick & Easy Fridge Decor

- - -

Recently I decided that my fridge could use a little face lift. Since I don't have money stored under my floorboards (per Silas Marner) I needed a cheap fix.

Enter Goodwill.

I picked up a couple old wooden picture frames, took out the glass & backing, and applied some magnetic tape to the back. Then I painted them with some paint I had lying around from some old projects. I also found a full roll of kitschy old wallpaper (for 29 cents!!) and cut out some of the designs to complete the look.

It was fun to do and the whole thing cost less than $5.

featured: love.obsess.inspire.

2009-07-13T08:05:00.001-07:00

Today I have the privilege of being featured on Love.Obsess.Inspire. with some free printable goodies I designed!

This is my first *official* blog feature, although I've gotten some awesome shout-outs from numerous others. (Special thanks to Simply... Heddy Shea for featuring me in her WedETSYday post!)

So check out Love.Obsess.Inspire. when you get a chance - it's a great blog chock-full-o' wonderful artists and bubbling over with creativity. Oh yeah, and you can print out my free seed packets. :)

diy: eco organization

2009-07-12T08:06:00.001-07:00

diy chalkboard

- - -

I am a total nut when it comes to organization. I guess I need to be since my studio apartment is so tiny... if it weren't tidy it would look like I lived in a closet. (Well, I guess it still sort of looks like that.)

Anyway, I was tired of writing grocery lists on endless pieces of paper, which I would inevitably either throw away before I used them or lose them completely. So, the other day I picked up a flat canvas at Michaels and some chalkboard paint, and made this little eco-friendly number.

No more paper to throw away, and it's 100% reusable!

to market, to market...

2009-07-11T12:29:00.001-07:00

Here's what $26 can buy you at the Farmers Market:

- one pint of Rainier cherries

- three pounds of new potatoes

- six organic heirloom tomatoes

- one handmade blueberry pie

- one large bouquet of dinner plate Dahlias

- one pint of organic blueberries

- one bunch of mint

- one bag of micro basil

- one and a half pounds of green beans

- one lovely-smelling, freshly-stocked kitchen!

a first: strawberry jam

2009-07-08T14:25:00.001-07:00

Reading the directions... for the millionth time.

I'm not entirely sure what possessed me to want to make my own strawberry jam, but one fine day after the Farmers Market, I decided to do just that. When I was growing up, my mom was always tending her garden and preserving the fruits (and vegetables) of her labor. I suppose at twenty-six years old, it just seemed like time for me to try my hand at the fine art of making jam.

Stirring the hot, sticky mess. Considering Smuckers instead.

While I had no idea that it would be so time consuming (and gooey) - I had a great time doing it. I sort of thought I'd get more than two jars of jam out of the deal, but then again I also didn't think it would take nearly as long as it did.

My two little jars of jam cooling upside down.

Of course, the real test will be once I actually taste the jam, but for now I'm just pleased that they remotely resemble strawberry preserves. Yay!

a taste of childhood

2009-07-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies: Just like Mom used to make!!

- - -

I used to love these cookies as a kid! I've never made them before, but I was feeling a little reminiscent of childhood lately so I looked up the recipe and whipped up a batch. The recipe says to put the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet... I do not recommend that. Luckily I learned that lesson after the first batch, so the rest of the cookies turned out great!

Give it a whirl: Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies on Allrecipes.com.

ode to a cupcake

2009-07-05T12:19:00.001-07:00

Though you may be small,

you're just the right size

Your innocent looks claim

you won't stick to my thighs

Calories don't count

if you can't mathematize

So I'll believe nutritious truths

from your sugary lies

...

And hope that my pants fit tomorrow.

yummy farmers market finds

2009-07-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm going to make some honey mint green tea with this!

Homemade mini cherry pie! This lady puts great care into her work... it's delicious!

Blueberries and strawberries and cherries... Oh My!
(Trying to make jam... we'll see how that goes!)

Peppers & Heirloom Tomatoes!

And - of course - fresh flowers! Beautiful!

I went to check out the Craft Barn and met Jennifer, who makes soap with her family. I bought three yummy-smelling soaps: Japanese Grapefruit, Lemon Verbena and Fresh Lime Verbena.

(Yeah, I sort of have a thing for citrus scents!)

Anyway, her stuff is awesome! You can get some online at http://www.omysoap.com/soap.html.

loving me: room for baths

2009-07-02T07:40:00.001-07:00

I love baths. I always have, always will.

One of the reasons I love baths so much is because I really take the time to take time for myself. I don't just plop in a tub of water and sit there staring into space: I use a bath caddy, pour in some luxurious bubble bath, listen to Stan Getz and light candles. I keep fresh flowers in the vase by my tub (this week it's hydrangeas.) I make myself some Aveda comforting tea (love it!), put on a face masque and read a good book. By the time I extract myself from the lavish bubbles, I am ready to slip between the sheets and enjoy a night of delicious sleep.

old friend

2009-07-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

I live in a very tiny studio apartment which I take great care to make into a home. I love to refurbish furniture and repurpose finds from thrift stores to make it an eclectic, relaxing, creative space.

One old friend has been with me through the years, and no amount of thrift store finds or decorating trends could get me to part with it. I'm speaking of my 1932 Underwood Portable Typewriter.

My mom, who is consequently also a written word enthusiast, gave it to me when I was about 8 years old. I used to sit at it for hours and write page upon page of screen plays, tickets, announcements and letters... it was the tool that helped me translate my imagination into reality.

Today I use my Underwood daily. I use it to write invoices for my etsy shop, add a quirky touch to letters, or simply let my imagination play. I highly recommend this model to anyone in the market for an amazing lifelong companion.

Or I guess a puppy would be good, too.

love: blueberry muffins

2009-06-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

I've been craving blueberry muffins for a few days now, and I finally found time to make a batch. I used fresh blueberries from the Farmers Market and - may I just say - they are superb.

I highly recommend these To Die For Blueberry Muffins on Allrecipes.com. Delish!