Let's Go Out...To the Wild Woods of West Virginia!

My husband and I have planned our last summer escape to the family cabin in the mountains of West Virgina. Being the savvy girl scout that I am, I will be prepared to bring some gear, both practical and fun.
I'll be toasty warm next to the campfire with this Swanky Flower Boxes Quilt by QuiltPetaler.

Every camper knows to start the day with a hearty breakfast like this ceramic bacon strip by Found Studio.

What Happens in the Mountains, stays in the mountains, by GoJumpInTheLake. Need I say more?

Written by Sugar Paperie.

What I'm Working On

I love collecting old things. But also the not so old objects that get tossed aside much too hastily. So in an effort to rescue some discarded children's books, pulled from my school's media center and area thrift stores, I have developed the "Storybook Collection". Alice, Waldo, and Sam-I-Am have been given a new chance at life in the form of hip, yet nostalgic stationery. They have proved to be popular with kids and adults alike!

Inspirations: Music in the Studio

photo by Jeff Martin, courtesy of the dcist

Like many others, music has always been a source of inspiration for me. It takes me to that happy place where the world around me disappears and I can immerse myself into my craft for hours at a time. Recently, I was able to see the indie-folk rock band, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. This ten piece band (or twelve, depending on the day) from LA has a cult following, myself included. Their hippie love enables them to become one with the audience, as they invite the crowd into their sometimes dark but also happily naive world through their lyrics. The energy felt in the club that night was like no other. Young and old, hipsters, hippies, and yuppies alike, all brought together by the force of music and a band that wears it's heart on it's sleeve. Next time they're in town, I just may hop on their bus and head out to the commune. At least in my studio daydreams....

What's for brunch? Quiche!

One of my favorite weekend meals is quiche. It makes perfect leftovers, and can be enjoyed during breakfast, lunch or dinner. Much to my mother's dismay, I do not follow recipes. In fact, this one changes everytime I make it. Modify the recipe below to your tastes and let me know your secret!

1/2 lb cooked meat (bacon or sausage, depending on the mood)
2 cups of frozen chopped spinach, squeezed and patted dry (broccoli is also tasty)
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup of cheddar
1 cup of milk (whole milk is the best)
1T onion (who am I kidding, I use more than that!)
fresh pressed garlic, to taste
tarragon, to taste
salt and pepper

Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Enjoy!

Inspirations: Paper

I am a paper person. Awhile back I found the work of Yuken Teruya at the Museum of Art and Design. The show was Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary and it featured artists who transform everyday objects that are often carelessly trashed.

I was astounded by the beauty of these intricately cut trees, composed from littered shopping bags.

Teruya proves that even toilet paper rolls can be beautiful. Genius.

A tree cut from the pages of Shel Silverstein's wonderful children's book, The Giving Tree.

In the next few weeks, I will be making a special trip back to MAD to see the current exhibition, Slash: Paper Under The Knife.

Favorite Handmade Treasure

During the last visit to my childhood home, I found my lost love.

How I missed you, Kermit! This was a gift from my aunt when I was very young and I have fond memories of playing with both Kermit and Miss Piggy. I also recall the standing weekly date my mom and I had, eating popcorn and watching "The Muppet Show". Who doesn't love the Muppets?