Get your head wrapped around this.

I love the Museum of Craft and Folk Art. I feel like every time I go to a new show I am blown away. The newest exhibition, Wrapping Traditions: Korean Textiles Now is no exception. I walked out of that gallery with about 10 ideas for new works. It makes you feel like no material is off limits in terms of looking sophisticated, edgy, classic, whatever you want. As long as you take the time and learn your craft you can create anything you want. I love the concept of creating everything that is around your from your table cloths, to your napkins, to your own clothing. It just breeds gratitude in spades.

Check out the show. I guarantee you will see something you've never seen before and fall in love with several works on display.

Show is open until October 22,2011

*images courtesy of mocfa website*

Wednesday Item Feature: Just going to the beach to tan?

As a resident of San Francisco, I find myself still wearing knit or crocheted clothes layered on top of turtle necks in the middle of July. But, for those of you who actually get to experience summer sunshine, you can still wear a crocheted top without breaking out into a sweat. Annie Chew from Hayward (also known as achewsy1 on Etsy) makes knit bikini tops that are bright and colorful, perfect for those beach days you're planning sans swimming.

Now, I haven't owned a swimsuit or anything of the sort since about 2001 or 2002, so I would consider myself in the market for this stuff. Additionally, as someone who can't really swim and who just hangs out if dragged to the beach, Annie's crocheted bikini tops are the perfect choice for someone like me. They're cute and customizable as well, so even if you don't see a color you like or you have trouble finding things that fit you well because you're part of the itty bitty you-know-what committee, just send Annie a convo on Etsy and talk to her! You can specify your favorite colors, your cup size, and which embellishment you like best (daisy, dragonfly, butterfly, etc.)!

Made of 100% organic cotton vegan yarn, your eco-friendly bikini top will definitely be something unique on your next trip to the beach or the next pool party on your calendar. Any color can be done, so choose your favorites, find out what colors match with your skintone well, or be bold and choose a crazy combination! From kiwi and white to neon colors to beige, think of something and let Annie know what you'd like. All tops feature a pair of aqua glass beads on each end of the straps in the back and one bead in front between cups. Again, as these are super customizable, if you would like a different color bead just let Annie know and she'll work with you to create a bikini top specially for you.

Also, buy 2 or more bikini tops and receive free domestic shipping (or half off international shipping)!

Get Chewsy and check out Annie's listing on Etsy now: DESIGN YOUR OWN Crochet Bikini Top with Organic U.S.A. Grown Cotton Yarn!

Tune in next week for the Wednesday Item Feature!

Love & donuts,
Mayene

You inspire me.

I love when I get feedback about my work, whether it be negative or positive. I thought I would share a bit of my own opinion with you all in regards to some of our lovely teammates work. Just a few words to let you know that I love your work and what I find inspiring about it.

shop: marmar

I love the playful nature and the sweetness of this. It also reminds my of my pups, Neko, so that doesn't hurt.


shop: metalight

In case you haven't noticed, I am a big fan of creative reuse. I love the idea of turning an old sad blender into an amazing lamp! How awesome is that? It's fun and unique. It reminds me that the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to reusing.


shop: elisemahan

I can't really pinpoint what it is about this piece that draws me in, but it is certainly eye catching. I love the shape and I feel like it gives me a place to breath. It's relaxing and such a great use of mixed media.


shop: goldegg

I love the imagination of this work. Just the idea of peeking through a keyhole to find this world! Who wouldn't love to travel there. Orange is such a brave color to use and it makes perfect sense.

Thanks everyone for all that you do.

Happy Creating!

Lauren

upcycled unlimited

Wednesday Item Feature: What is a Green Man?

Don't get freaked out by the face buried in the leaves (unless you have no idea what I'm talking about and didn't immediately spot the eyes and nose) — a Green Man symbolizes rebirth and represents the cycle of growth in his various shapes and forms found in several cultures around the world. Moriahart on Etsy popped out at me with her handcrafted pottery and sculptural items. I found myself browsing her stoneware in her Etsy shop and came across these "Green Men".

If you research and look into what a Green Man is, you'll find many variations on this mythological character, ranging from rounded representations to more rectangular faces to full figured bodies to drawings or sculptures that blend into the stone or metal color that it's attached to. While there are many "Green Men" melded and carved into church details or renaissance buildings and fountains in other parts of the world, moriahart molds lovely low fire white clay in Alameda and breathes life into Green Men of her own creation for you to place in your own home to liven up your walls or garden.

Using an old copper glaze, moriahart's GreenMan measures about seven inches; the light green and blue-green colors are calming and would go well in many places inside or outside the house, giving a subtle essence of spring to its surroundings. Completely freehand, these Green Men are unique, so you can rest assured that no one else will have a identical piece hanging in their home or garden. Summer is a great time to go hunting for more home decor, why not start with an affordable little GreenMan? Save a special spot for it by a window where the sun will shine directly in and give it a new life.

Check out moriahart's listing on Etsy now: GreenMan with Flowers!

Tune in next week for the Wednesday Item Feature!

Love & donuts,
Mayene

Monthly Positive Dose : Freedom

Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.