Thought on a Friday // 10.08.10

[Image via modernmotive.com]

Thought on a Friday // 10.01.10

HAPPY OCTOBER! My favorite month in all the year, which also happens to be my BIRTHDAY month. To celebrate, I have some very special giveaways lined up every week throughout October. They'll be super easy to enter and the first one starts THIS MONDAY, 4TH OCTOBER.

Stay tuned & thanks for reading xx

[Image via CBTS Closet on Etsy.]

Thought on a Friday // 09.24.10

[Image via electricladyland.]

Thought on a Friday // 09.10.10

I hoping to learn a lot this weekend by assisting & observing the Urban Posture ladies at RENEGADE CHICAGO! You know, in case I ever want to move beyond the local craft circuit, at least I'll know what I'm getting into.

We'll be at booth #179, so stop by and say 'hello'!

[Image via gabisadesian on Deviant Art.]

Thought on a Friday // 09.03.10

While cleaning my craft room last night, I came across a box of old journals and re-read some of my New Zealand entries (2005-06).

I distinctly remember this song underscoring several poignant moments during my time there. Bittersweet nostalgia...

[Image via ache tumblr.]

Thought on a Friday // 08.27.10

[Image via imgfave.]

Thought on a Friday // 08.20.10

[Image via sweetsensuality tumblr.]

Thought on a Friday // 08.13.10

A.K.A. How to be a graphic designer.

[Image via ttomsawyer tumblr.]

Thought on a Friday // 08.06.10

This one goes for all of us.

I'm hoping to get some reading done in the car this weekend on the way to Chicago for LOLLAPALOOZA! We only decided this week to make it to the music fest, which was largely influenced by the release of Arcade Fire's The Suburbs album.

It has become my quest to hear the new songs performed live and I'm only too lucky to have a husband willing to comply with my spontaneous missions.

Hit me up if you have any good book suggestions! And there's a couple for sale in the shop if you're looking...

[Image via weheartit.]

Thought on a Friday // 07.23.10

If crafting is what you love (and you're in the Des Moines area), this is the LAST CALL for our little maker's gathering tonight! I know this is really short notice, but it will totally be worth it.

In addition to making pretty things, we'll also be serving wine, zucchini pesto bread w/ goat cheese, and this:

[Images via: Bandito Design, Smitten Kitchen.]

Thought on a Friday // 07.16.10

I've been enjoying a lot of this lately in part of my self-imposed "maker's seclusion" and it's given me a lot of time to think, plan, dream, etc.

Much needed & much appreciated.

[Image via weheartit.]

Thought on a Friday // 07.09.10

Good hair. Green lights. Casual dress. Food Day. FRIDAY.

I am hopeful.

[Image via dolliecrave.]

Thought on a Friday // 80-35 EDITION

The 80/35 Music Festival takes place this weekend in downtown Des Moines and I AM PUMPED.

The free stages are going to be where it's at this year. Here's a few shows that I'm looking forward to:

Zola Jesus. I'm really determined here not to be all "if you like [insert band], you're really going to enjoy [insert band], but this Wisconsin chick opened for Fever Ray. For a reason.

Solid Gold. Solid beats. Dance party to ensue.

Flatform. Local DJ/VJ duo [& friends] will keep the dance party going. Des Moines doesn't even know what they have in these guys.

Canby. Scott Yoshimura [of Envy Corps notoriety & friend] solo project grows on me with every performance. I also really enjoy the fact that my younger brother is drumming for him. Go to this show and check out his mad percussion skills.

Even if you're not a fan of all the bands, you'll only be punishing yourself by not indulging in all the amazing *free* events that will be going on.

The YPC Do More Village will be packed with vendors showcasing art, music, and the best of local businesses. There will also be a DIY Craft Fair sponsored by Meredith on Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.

And don't forget to bring:


See you this weekend!!

[Images via Music Philosophy, band websites.]

Thought on a Friday // 06.25.10

If you are an art lover and in the Des Moines area this weekend, then you have an *awesome* couple of days ahead of you! Here's a few things to check out:

• The Des Moines Art Festival - Sure, there's a lot of people and you have to shuffle through scores of tents at a snail's pace, but at least go to check out the Iowa Emerging Artists booths. It's a treat to see all the local artists on the verge and by far is my favorite part of the fest.


• Market Day Iowa - This will be the first Market Day that I haven't been out of town or had to work, so I'm definitely looking forward to it. Featuring the best of the best in Iowa handmade arts AND crafts. Not "arts & crafts".

• Vitae Design Collective is hosting a trunk Show for Rock n Reconstruct & Little Pretties. Sale takes place this Sunday at their new location in the East Village from 1-4 p.m. There will be discounted merch & appetizers.

[Image credits: iamtough tumblr; Market Day Facebook page.]

Thought on a Friday // 06.17.10

It's not too late to R.S.V.P. to CRAFT PARTY in celebration of Etsy's 5th birthday TONIGHT!

In addition to all the crafting shenanigans, we will be serving a two-tiered birthday cake from Carefree Patesserie & screening the documentary, Handmade Nation.

In the words of Urbanestics, "It will be a night of crafting mayhem, burnt fingers from hot glue guns, paper-cuts, pin pricks, X-Acto knife gouges..."

You know you want to be there.

[Image via daintysquid.]

Thought on a Friday // 06.11.10

Simple, right?

[Image via Visual Dosis.]

Thought on a Friday // 05.28.10

[Image via sepiastars.]

Thought on a Friday // 05.21.10

Sorry, Desmond.

[Image via Menke.]

Thought on a Friday // 05.14.10

[Image via weheartit.]

Thought on a Friday // 05.07.10

I have been reminded of this every moment while unpacking my memories as we've moved into our new apartment this week. Bittersweet nostalgia...

[Image via mipsy-chan.]