Book Splurge

A crafty friend came into town so we piled the kids into the car and zoomed off to our local Barnes and Noble's. We grabbed a latte each, a pile of design books and sat on the floor in the kids section reading, giggling, drinking coffee (gasp! Miss Jane drank coffee and not tea) and sharing craft ideas while the kids played happily with trains. Needless to say I couldn't walk away without taking my favorites home with me. Here's what I bought ...

Modern Midwest - Amy Butler, Simple Sewing with A French Twist - Celine Dupuy, Bend The Rules Sewing - Amy Karol, Simple Sewing - Lotta Jansdotter

Now I would love to give you a running commentary of each book since they are all fantabulous and so inspiring but I will simply share my highlights ...
Amy Butler : now she is one talented woman! I WANT that studio/living room on page 84/94. I have always lusted after a white room with white floorboards and colorful accessories. It almost has an art gallery feel to it. SO inspired!!!
Celine Dupuy : I adore the wraparound robe on page 138, the bright fabric belt and edging on the sleeve is such a fresh take on a traditional terry robe. I will definitely be making myslef one of these and most likely be making a couple more for gifts!!
Amy Karol : Well we all love Amy and her book doesn't disappoint. On page 61 she asks 'What Kind of Crafter Are You?' and she describes 4 types of crafters : The Perfectionist, The Artist, The Miser and The Speed Demon. I am definitely The Perfectionist and I am going to take her challenge of giving someone a less-than-perfect gift!! I loved so many ideas from this book especially the Doorway Puppet Theater (page 118) and The Charming Handbag (page 64).
Lotta Jansdotter : My most favorite thing in this book is the doorstop on page 109. How super cute! I want to make one for every single door in my house!! Something original and a more modern version of the sausage dog doorstops my grandmother had (although Cath Kidson has done an update on that!)

Please share your comments on your highlights from these books!

Apartment Therapy

I just love looking at other people's homes. I can't resist walking through showhouses and doing a bit of design snooping!! Apartment Therapy is just the best because it lets you look through real people's homes and the bonus is they are all located in really artsy cities so the interiors all have that creative je ne sais quoi that I lust after. Go on, have a snoop for yourself!!

Teacup Girl

Could this print from The Black Apple of a girl trapped in a teacup be any more mysterious? I wish I was that girl, how fabulous life would be from inside a giant teacup!! It won't be long before I give in to my desire to own this print.

UPDATE (Oct 22. 2007) : I finally bought this print today. WooHOO!

Craft Fairs

I recently flew to Chicago to visit the Renegade Craft Fair. I felt myself come alive as I walked between the white gazebos filled with all things crafty and clever. I spent way too much money and came away inspired and in awe of every talented person there. I found myself searching online for more craft fairs (not the traditional stuff but the contemporary cutesy kinds). I found a great list put together by MyMy. I did not realize there were so many. If you have been to more than a couple of these then please leave me a comment and let me know which ones are biggest and best - I will be saving my pennies to visit another one!!