all of a sudden, i have a handful of ideas that i’m itching to put into metal.    perhaps i will have something to show you tomorrow?  (the finale of the one-a-week challenge has been put on the back burner for now until i work some of these new thoughts out.) for now, here is an inspiration image that i’ve just tacked up to my wall.  look at those delightful scallops!- found on page 96 of the june ELLE magazine-

i really would just love to put on a dashing swim cap with this suit and lounge around by the pool today . . one can dream!

found via ffffound 

seriously. why didn’t anyone tell me about this blog? the carrotbox- all about RINGS. be still my heart!  go there quickly!

found via catherine chandler.  thank you!!

and look! artist diem chau and i share the same last name.  it makes me extremely happy and proud to see makers by the last name of chau.   her portfolio is breathtaking:

hello all!  i hope you had a nice relaxing weekend.

i’m in the full swing of things here in the studio so i’ll be sitting out for this week’s one-a-week challenge.  i know kait is pressing on, so  be sure to see what she is up to over at tether.  and of course, if you are working on a one-a-week challenge of your own, swing me an e-mail and let me know!  i am a nosy one, indeed.

photos of the things on my desk

inside plant looking out . . .

using about 6 calendars and planners. . .  good or bad habit?

and linkage for your reading pleasure (if you’ve been living under a rock like me. . . ):

ffffound!  (thanks steve!)

today is a good day.  i’m happy with my new piece.  the sun is shining.  and there’s a CHANCE that the body shop is done repairing my car.  there’s more- tonight i’m headed to april’s opening.  april- i am so happy for you.  SO HAPPY!!!  please, for the love of all things good.  you must promise me that you will sleep for one entire week straight after the show.  you have been an INCREDIBLE inspiration to me through the years.

A Consuming Desire

Towson University - Center for the Arts
Holtzman MFA Gallery

Friday, March 14 – Saturday, April 12
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 13, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

i drink more than my fair share of coffees and lattes. in my lifetime, i have probably used hundreds of those cardboard cup sleeves that protect your hands from the heat of the yummy beverage. VERY BAD ME! i’ve seen knit cozies, but they are just not my cup of tea (HA!). then today i spotted these on the front page of etsy! by cupkozy, these good lookin’ sleeves even have a little clip and elastic band so that you can roll it up and attach it to your key chain! so brilliant. goodbye cardboard sleeve! for those days when you forget your reusable thermos, of course!

at the top of my wishlist, from the constant gatherer:

a sampling of some of my favorite things on etsy. . . just because.  i hope you are all having a wonderful day!

clockwise from upper left:  handcrafted memo pockets from kasaa , “Pierrette” from Kcoline ,vintage reading flashcards from ArtPhotoGirl,”Lucy in the Sky With Flowers” from EnFinLaVoila

my desk calendar came today in the mail. i had to take a picture of the lovely packaging before i dove in.

these will not be available online until monday, but i couldn’t wait to share some sneak peeks with you.

i am stunned.  i am in shock and awe.  one of my favorite artists, elsa mora, has posted pictures of a dollhouse that she recently finished making for her daughter.  to teach her daughter more about frida kahlo, elsa, or as many know her, elsita, built frida kahlo’s studio in miniature.  elsita NEVER ceases to inspire me.  see her post for more images.

i decided that i needed to take some things off of my overfull plate so that i can continue to stay  focused and fresh.  you might have noticed that i gave up my sunday spot over at the 2modern blog.  (i will be back after the hectic holiday season is over though).

what else keeps me fresh?  movies! the other night, i saw the darjeeling limited.  (i have a thing for wes anderson and jason schwartzman films)  the colorful scenery of india combined with the mood of the entire movie had me researching the decorative world of india- especially temple doors and entranceways .    i can’t wait to start sketching and working at the bench to a wes anderson soundtrack!

i wanted to pop in today to share with you pictures of my friend eliza’s stunning jewelry work. you can keep up with her inspirations and studio progress right here on her blog.

i am loving the forms and smoothness of these pieces-

i just want to hold them in my palm.