Miss Modish- Mojo Maker

The Cat's Meow

{image from Picocat}

June is almost over (wha?) so I figured it's high time for the Cat's Meow list this month (yay!) Some things that have been ringing my bell lately:

These adorable plush kitty friends from new (PDX based) shop Rad Cat would make cute couch companions! Made from vintage and reclaimed fabric so they're eco-friendly too.

I've been eyeing these awesome Ray-bans for a few weeks and they just went on sale. Come to momma! via Sage & Style

These fantastic notecards with colorful retro designs by Pie Bird Press would make excellent additions to my thank-you card collection. Via Eat, Drink, Chic.

And I love the new canvas + leather line of bags by Portlander, Entermodal- a sneak peek from photog Sweet Ronit!

This Let's Move to the Mountains print by In Haus Press speaks to my heaving mountain girl heart. Via Design Crush

Love these gorgeous tours of creative people in their spaces by another local photog, Carlie Armstrong, for her ongoing project, work.place.

And these are a bright idea for a different kind of watch and so so cute! From Aussie brand So Little Time. Via All the Mountains

The Piccola Mag premeire issue was just released and I have a little article in it 'bout shopping local- it's free and pretty, check it out!

These funky-fantastic bracelets made with antique African beads by Vanessa Mooney, at Cameo Noveau

And the talented miss Mati Rose let me know about her new venture with her artist friends Stefanie & Tiffany, The Teahouse Studio! It's an inviting creative art studio and workshop space in Berkeley, CA and I wanna gooo! They have lots of inspiring workshops up ahead- check em out!

And Michele at Tierra Verde sent me a way too generous thank you gift for a project I did for her (thanks again Michele!) and I am addicted to her soaps now. I love them all, including the felted one! My favorite tho is the Green Earth Gardener's Soap- it has tiny little scrubba dubba elements that feel sooo good on your hands and it's super foamy and smells fresh and yummy!

The Cat's Meow

Ah, I haven't done one of these posts in awhile. I think these will be once-a-month or so posts from here on out, so let's call these my picks for May! Oh yeah!

I love these new mixed media pieces by Cori Kindred, inspired by vintage rock collections! She hand-picked each stone and instead of labeling them with their scientific names, she chose words inspired by their shapes and colors. Beauties! A couple left in her shop or see them in person at the West Elm pop up shop this Saturday here in Portland

And speaking of crystals, uh...woah! From five and two

I think our ears need something sparkly too, like these great sparkle post earrings from Tiny Galaxies (via Jillian Frances' blog!)

Or let's just paint our whole body in glitter, inspired by this beautiful photo shoot in the new Papercut mag. They just celebrated their one year anniversary- congrats Papercut!

Also love these summery hobo bags by Della in gorgeous authentic West African textiles. The whole line is made by local seamstresses in Ghana and working with Della gives them steady income, education in micro-financing and training in entrueprenuership. Style for a good cause!

This watercolor whale makes me happy, but would be great for a kid's room too! From Brooklyn artist, My Zoetrope

And gotta love these adorable espadrilles from Spanish shop Gaimo. I haven't a clue the price but they're darn cute. Thanks lovely reader Michelle from El Salvador for the tip!

I would be happy with any of these colors from essie's latest polish collection

This is my dream chair beyond all dream chairs from Sit & Read, upholstered with a super soft vintage blanket! (via Will from Bright Bazaar)

And I love these assymetrical, funky combo beaded bracelets by The Dull Diamond

And this little scallop skirt by Floremark out of Sweden- it's organic cotton and oh so adorable in navy!

And last but not least, this cut paper work by Sara Burgess is pretty dang incredible. And look at what that is, way up in the sky there? A bee! ;)

Happy Thursday ya'll. The weekend is so close, I can taste it!

The Cat's Meow

:: image source

Making me purr this week...

This stylin chambray dress by Dear Creatures- I love the cut, it seems like it'd be so comfy & I bet super cute with tights! Over at Ruche.

Speaking of cute tights... from Happy Socks

This great photo from sweet 14 year old Norwegian girl, Erle.

These stunning lavastone boards by made a mano {via konfetti!}

These pretty pretty "watercolor" pillows by Hettle {via Poppytalk Handmade}

My dream fridge and range, perfect for our little 50's kitchen- from Northstar {via Mrs. Lillien!}

This beautifully styled and insanely delicious looking cake, by Nikole of Herriott Grace {photo by John Cullen, props by Martine Blackhurst & Nikole}

These paintings are just far too beautiful, by Todd Hunter {via Creature Comforts}

And this "soft blond garden" made up of dried and preserved blooms. I just want to reach out and touch it and I love those muted colors- that's strange for me, haha! By Flores del Sol. Would make a good Mom's Day present!

Heather Smith Jones: From hand to earth to paper

Artists have been inspired by gardens for eons, right? Well, the amazing artists we see on etsy and flickr are no different. I've been a fan of Heather Smith Jones work for years and I'm continually amazed by both the passion and peacefulness she conveys in her work. Those same qualities are conveyed in her garden. We recently chatted about the connection she has with her garden. {In case you're wondering, my questions to Heather are in italics.}

One plant I find really striking is the okra plant. As a member of the hollyhock family, it has lovely
buttery blooms that produce an interesting shaped vegetable. They grow very fast so we will cut
fresh okra almost nightly for supper in the summer. Inside the pod is a beautiful star pattern that I
have even used for printing in my work.

Do you have a season that most inspires you? Spring. I like looking for new seedlings popping up in the garden, tree blooms, bulbs, even examining the leaf shapes of little weeds. They are fun to draw.

But sometimes I think whatever season we are in is the most inspiring.

Does working with nature influence your artwork? Definitely. For one project in particular in my book "Water Paper Paint, Exploring Creativity with Watercolor and Mixed Media" I used a couple of tulip bulbs that we dug up as source material for the project "Botanical Painting: Drawing from Nature". In my works on paper I often begin with drawing and by looking at something closely that I have gathered from the garden. There is so much information in small things.

Thank you for sharing your garden and your art Heather! Be sure to check out Heather's gallery shop and etsy shop. It's also worth mentioning, the photos are the artist's own. Aren't they works of art in themselves?

Can't you practically feel the connection drawn from the garden soil to her artwork? How about you, dear readers? Do you find creative renewal in the garden? How does it influence the things you make?

Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her brownish thumb wants her to believe otherwise. When mud pies aren't on the menu, you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.

The Cat's Meow

:: image source, by Lynn 

Making me purr this week...(seems I've got the springtime itch alright)

These adorable little DIY donuts from a tutorial over at ikat bag- they look good enought to eat!

These Scotch Naturals polishes are intriguing me, and 10% off at Beautorium right now- anyone tried them? Supposedly no base or top coat needed!

These needlepoint loafers are the stuff my granny-chic dreams are made of.

This cats of the world poster by Gemma Correll is TOO. CUTE! Over at L'Affiche Moderne.

This chickadee doormat might bring all the neighborood kitties to your door, from Modcloth

This gorgeous necklace from Asian iCandy, inspired by traditional Maio techniques

This spring-tastic new Blossom Pop collection from Bonbi Forest- makes me think of bubblegum and rollerskates and longer days.

This delicious bouquet full of sunshine and cheer-up juice, by Emerson Merrick.

These so simple and pretty ceramic milk bottle vases, at Canvas

And, this hanging human nest pod of awesomeness by Dedon {via Going Home to Roost!}

My gardening fingers are really itching now after seeing those flowers. Please Portland weather, let me dig in the dirt this weekend- pleeeease!

http://shop.canvashomestore.com/collections/ceramics/products/morandi-hand-made-bottle-vases

The Cat's Meow

:: image from the State Library of NSW

A shorter but hopefully still sweet list of what's making me purr this week...

These crazy vintage moccasin style oxfords that I wish were my size, from Action Vintage

Man oh man, these gorgeous ombre tights by KronKron, at Olive Shoppe, are just begging to become my springtime legs. If only they were begging a little less expensively!

This gorgeous original oil painting by Maria Kitano, found via Rachel B!

This amazing vintage clock from The Vintage Cabin. What's that clock? You think you'd look really awesome in our bedroom on a side table? Ooh, I agree clock, I agree!

These "shriner's fez" necklaces with pretty agates and brass tassles by We Never Sleep

This Slow Breathing print by Samantha French- ahh, sun, water, floating...I want it all.

This pretty "passenger bag" by Sketchbook, love the blue wool and leather combo

And this cute tricks & magic set over at House 8810, because I totally had a magic kit when I was little and it was so much fun!

The dork in me also has to let you know I'm really digging the new Firefox- are you using it yet? It's faster, friendlier and now has a little thing called TAB GROUPS (pictured above)- serious life changer.

The Cat's Meow

:: in special memory of the ever-lovely Elizabeth Taylor. How can you not love a girl in a polkadot robe with a kitten in her pocket? via Carbonated

And now, let's see what's been making me purrrr this week... 

I am obsessed with painters lately. Joshua Petker is my latest fascination, via Down & Out Chic!

These clever pencil shaving necklaces in silver with enamel edges- by Victoria Mason, at Oye Modern

I can't wait for sandal season and with Jeffery Campbells in navy- you can't go wrong. At Need Supply.

 These ceramic house numbers by Heath, available late spring. Mmm... Via SeeSaw Designs!

Mazzy Star's 1st album, She Burns Brightly. I just discovered them as I was only a little kiddo who listened to Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson and whatever else my mom liked when they came out (1990.) They so fit my sort of melancholic "won't this winter ever end?" mood lately.

This amazing uniform jacket that lucky Alice of Forestbound found at a "crummy little indoor flea market"

This pretty teepees and rivers tea towel, hand-printed by Indobay

These stunning rings (& other things) made from wood, by Sticks & Stones, based here in Portland

Big girl overalls with railroad stripes? Yes. By Confezioni Crosby, via Teenangster!

I can't resist Jamie Shelman's new whirling, twirling, flower hoarding kitties for spring.

This simply cute vintage Scandinavian flower vase, from 1001 Vintage

 
And, these cute Andy frames from Spex Club. All of their frames come as prescription, readers or sunglasses!

The Cat's Meow

:: image source, from carbonated

Sorry no post again yesterday, I was hard at work, a busy little bee! Gotta get back to it, but first, a little break for some of things that are making me purr this week...

This cute kitty cat tee by Leah Goren, found on Greedy Girl!

This pretty harmonic mean necklace on a turquoise cord, by sweet Portlander, Minoux Jewlery!

This special print by Susan Schwake from the Working Proof- 100% of gross sales goes to Médecins Sans Frontières, who are currently in Japan setting up mobile clinics...available only thru March 31st!

These simple but lovely wall pod vases from Otchipotchi, via Unstitched!
 

This new Deborah Lippmann shade called "glitter in the air"- I ordered it early last week, maybe it'll show up today!

These gorgeous Turkish bath towels, by Bath Style

This vintage woven bucket bag, makes me want to head to the beach! From Santoki Vintage.

These vintage macrame patterns for lawn chairs that Renee emailed me this morning (that I promptly purchased!) Whaat? So odd, and amazing. I see a project for a perfect writer's shed chair in my future! 

This pretty brass necklace for Japan, by iswasandwillbe- 100% of proceeds from sales will go to Global Giving, another non-profit collecting relief funds for Japan.

These dreamy glowing gemstone rings by Satomi Kawakita (whom I was reminded of in this great new video series from Melissa!)

And, these gorgeous, moody paintings by Katrina Schmidt-Rinke. I'm obsessed with them. They make me want to try out some watercolors!

Is it Friday yet? Have a good day!

The Cat's Meow

:: image source, from Jan Willemsen

Although it's dark and dreary outside, I'll continue to dream of sunshine and spring. Sigh... making me purr this week: 

 

The baolith & isosceles necklaces from Stone & Honey's latest collection (it's all fantastic, really)

This gorgeous hand-painted shell by Portland artist, Cathy McMurray

This simply pretty silk and linen dress by Three Little Ducks, found on papernstitch

If I could have a piece by Jennifer Davis in every room of the house, I'd be a very very happy girl.

These super cute monochromatic watches- only $20 a pop! By Streamline, at Quirk. 

This one of a kind, hand-dyed silk dress, by Uniform Natural. Stunning!! 

These scrumptious little carrot earrings from Foundling, made with recycled sterling silver and vintage fabric- so unique! 
 

This "forest" print by Debbie Carlos, from her human nature series

These stunning natural edge cutting boards and serving trays by fellow Oregonian, Red Onion Woodworks- they're almost too pretty to cut on!

This vintage kitty tea towel, which the lovely Caroline said reminded her of me. Totally!

These pretty little striped vases in fantastic colors, by Dahlhaus

And last but not least, this interesting ring by Silva Bradshaw- comes in lots of colors but the green reminds me of a little sprout!

The Cat's Meow

:: image source from the New South Wales State Library

So, I do consignment at a little shop here (selling off some leftover clothes from Miss Modish vintage!) and what I make there is just side income that I've decided I'm allowed to spend on whatever I want- hah! Last month I made about $80 bucks so lookie lookie what I spoiled myself with: 

Ooh...it's a 1930's Talisman necklace from Jean Jean Vintage. I LOVE it. The word talisman got me, plus the shape, plus that sweet amber gem. Pretty!

This necklace helped inspire all my picks for today's cat's meow list, in one way or another:

This gorgeous Rachel Comey silk blouse, on sale! at Frances May

These stunning paintings by Mamma Andersson {via The Anthology blog}

These pretty vintage Zuni Sun Bonnet earrings, at Erstwhile Vintage

This fat little bud vase by DiTerra {via Mr Mudpuppy's etsy faves} 

These pretty pretty watercolor butterfly wings by Amber Alexander

This dress from the Yigal Azrouël show as captured by Jamie of From Me To You. I just love the way it ripples as she moves...  

This vintage brass kitty ring holder! from Austria Brass

This adorable handmade "tie top bather" by Minnow Bathers {via Alison's etsy faves}

This cute, colorful desert fox print by inaluxe

This gorgeous antique Turkish kilim rug, from the Rugstore, for the bedroom that currently only resides in my dreams {inspired by Kate's recent find}

This vintage brass wolf shot glass at bellalulu- pretty clever!

Another only in my dreams find, but man- isn't it gorgeous? A convertible backback/tote that could last you a lifetime. Handmade here in Portland by Vanport Outfitters, available at Le Train Bleu.