Inspiration from Across the Pond: Londons hidden architecture

Enjoy a vast array of pictures of places where art and architecture are married into a beautiful coupling awaiting to be admired.

Londons hidden architecture – in pictures | Travel | guardian.co.uk.

50 Outstantding Examples Of Family Photographs | AntsMagazine.Com

We’re all seen the awkward family photos, and it’s not something that’s come back in style. Do you ever wonder how to make your photos look more natural?  What would make it something you want to frame and display, rather than stash it as a jpg file and forget about?

50 Outstantding Examples Of Family Photographs | 

AntsMagazine.Com.

Uniqueness Refined at Pedaling Designs

Do you like personalized invitations, stationery, logos, gifts, and more? Rebecca of Pedaling Designs is awesome.  Have you seen the logo on my store lately? (www.twigsandstrings.etsy.com) She brought it to life with a drawing, working (patiently) with me down to each detail. She has a store on Etsy (www.pedalingdesigns.etsy.com) filled with adorable creations. And If you have something else in mind she’s great at working with your ideas. All of this aside she is a world traveler with a career background many of us only dream of.  Read on…!

Meet Rebecca:

“I’ve been designing professionally since 1999. So 13 years! I started off as a textile designer designing rugs. Some of my first designs were children’s motifs and lots and lots of holiday rugs. It felt like I was drawing Santa and snowmen year round!

Versatility and Trends

I draw, paint and decorate. I can sew when the project calls for it. Like (Twigs and Strings) I also like making wreaths, but I like to make them out of textiles. I’m still really inspired by textiles background: textures, fabrics, and prints. Fashion trends are always fast-moving and indicative of what will be popular in other markets in the future. I look at what people are wearing today, the colors and motifs, and then interpret them into what I’m making. I should probably start adding some neon colors to my cards!

Travel Inspirations

I’ve lived all over the place. I grew up in the South, and have since lived in FL, CA, VA, MD, Japan, and now Texas. Living at the beach has strongly influenced my style. Two of my first card designs were the mermaid and the whale. While living in Japan I fell in live with Cherry Blossoms. I even planted a cherry tree in our yard when we moved back! I love to draw them and think they are a beautiful and elegant pattern to use for baby girls. I already have two different cherry blossom designs in my shop, but I’m sure once spring comes I will be inspired to add even more.

I get lots of special requests, especially for birthday invites. Often special requests become my future best sellers. I’m happy to take on small projects, because chances are if you need it someone else does too.”

Links & More

Here is a coupon code for free shipping “TSShips4Free” . Good until Oct. 1! www.pedalingdesigns.com

www.pedalingdesigns.etsy.com

design wonderland- The Petal Pusher: End of Summer Dahlias

If you’re interested in colors, design, and beautiful things check out the link below.  I love, love, love this blog!

design wonderland » Blog Archive » The Petal Pusher: End of Summer Dahlias.

Living Wreath – How to make a living wreath with succulents

Succulent wreaths are a new thing – lovely and daring. I’ve never made one, with fears of not being able to keep it alive. Here is an online guide to making one of your own. Will you try it?

Living Wreath – How to make a living wreath with succulents.

Pattern Extraordinaire: Boomer Beanies

This week I’m thrilled to introduce the first an ongoing series of blogs on fellow crafters, creators, artists, extraordinary people…however you want to label them, they’re all terrific and terribly interesting.  And don’t miss the photo below!

Nicole is the owner of Boomer Beanies, whom I “met” online by purchasing one of her patterns. The pattern was very comprehensible, and she was great with answering any questions.  I’m now a forever fan, and encourage visits to any of her online sites to find inspiration in your own arts.

Growing up in Iowa, Nicole entered the US Air Force at 17, moved to Texas for training, then was stationed in Okinawa Japan, before making her home in Oklahoma. She’s been all over the map, and keeps an open mind to different likes and tastes, thus keeping an open mind to different designs. She has well over 50 original patterns to date!

Where does she find inspiration?

“In nature, requests for items and patterns from others, and her children when the remind her of their favorite things. When I can make something that someone finds enjoyment out of I will make it, and write a pattern from it.” 

What else does she make?  

“I can honestly (I say this modestly) make anything. Put me on a saw I can build you furniture. On a sewing machine I can make you a quilt. Put a pencil in my hand I can draw from a picture realism. I’d like to enter into more sophisticated art competitions, but I just don’t have that push at the moment. I’m also painting a backdrop for my photographer right now.” (She  won 11 of 20 awards given out at her high school art show.  One was a Best of Show award.)

Does she crochet in public?

“Yes, I do crochet in public- when I go out, which isn’t often since I’m a stay at home mom. I love to crochet and almost always have a project with me where ever I go with a Yarn Drum stuffed full of different colors. I have taught several people how to crochet, including my three sisters and step brother; my Sister-in-Law, a few friends, and many more! It’s such a relaxing hobby, and I believe everyone needs one. I love when people ask me to teach them because I feel like I know so many “tricks”, that unless taught or just an extreme crocheter, you will not figure out on your own. I love to teach people the tricks to crochet so much that I’ve been offered to write a “How To” section in a magazine!

Here are some other links where you can find her:

www.facebook.com/pages/Boomer-Beanies/205080936227423
www.facebook.com/boomerbeanieshandspunyarn
www.ravelry.com/designers/boomer-beanies
www.etsy.com/shop/boomerbeanies?ref=seller_info&atr_uid=0
www.craftsy.com/user/498525/pattern-store
www.boomerbeanies.com/

Rock On!

Take a break from the seriousness of your day, and give yourself a crafty time out.  This link will take you to a simple project (kids will LOVE it) that just may give your mind the break it needs. It’s a cute tutorial for making a pet rock…a pet rock MONSTER that is. And if that’s not enough it’s also a functional magnet.

Think of it as pre-Halloween decoration.

Coast Inspired Creations: Rock Monsters! A Pebble Magnet Tutorial.

paullung’s deviantART gallery

If you like to see amazing hand drawn art that looks more like an impressive photograph, check out Paul Lung’s gallery.

paullung’s deviantART gallery.