Martin Wilson, Take Two

I first wrote about Martin Wilson a few years ago on my blog here. Then a few weeks ago, I noticed Diane Keaton (whom I follow on Pinterest) had repinned one of photos from my blog post. Crazy, right? Sometimes it's a very small world.

The repin made me wonder what other works Martin had posted to his website recently, so I headed over to his site and was delightfully rewarded with more new (and old) pieces! The one above is called "Always Coming Back to You" and features photos from India and London that form a heart shape on a background of famous sights from the two locations.

As I wrote before, Martin uses contact sheets printed from strips of negatives from his film camera to form his prints. There's no Photoshop or editing involved - he has to keep track of the print in his head and shoot in the right order. He doesn't cut and paste frames. If he messes up, he has to start all over again! So his prints often take months of careful planning to create.

This second one is titled "Red Letter Days" and forms the words "Call Write Come" from photos of parts of the iconic cherry red Royal Mail boxes found all over London.

This last one, called "One Hundred", is a touching tribute to his "granny". She turned 100 years old, so Martin created this homage to her. It features a photo of a public year sign (presumably often from the cornerstones of buildings) for each year that she's been alive, from 1906 to 2006. What a beautiful, touching gift.

See more of Martin Wilson's work here.

New Prints in the Shop, 3LambsIllustration

I've been trying to get ideas out of my head and onto paper lately, and these two new prints in the shop came from that. I think Valentine's Day probably influenced the red and white color schemes! This "Love You" print with hearts instead of o's has a watercolor-textured background and script/calligraphic-style lettering.

This piece features a heart with the word "yours" written over and over on it. So, naturally, it's called "This Heart is Yours". I like the idea that you can symbolically give someone your "heart" by giving them this print!

See more prints in my shop here.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! While I may not be an expert on what to get guys for Christmas (I usually just make him candy and buy a sweet card), I have an easier time picking out things for females. So here are things I think any female would like for VDay. Maybe they'll end up on your wishlist, too!

Most of the time, valentines feature cupids and birds. I like that this card by Artist in La La Land features a squirrel instead. It's quirky yet adorable!

I think I first fell in love with pave key necklaces when Tiffany's came out with some a few years ago. I like the more antique look of this pave diamond key necklace by LexLuxe, though, and the combination of silver *and* gold. I like its dainty size as well - it makes it more versatile so you can wear it at work during the day or out at night.

Lavender symbolizes devotion in the "language of flowers", so it works perfectly in these heart ornaments by Handy Happy Hearts. They'd be lovely hung from doorknobs, or from hooks on doors or windowsills. I'm sure they smell amazing as well!

This XO kiss hugs initials necklace by Sora Designs is simple yet lovely. I like that it can work as a gift from a significant other or as just a friendship necklace. I think I might even like this simple "x" and "o" version shown the best. It's like carrying a kiss and hug from someone you care about - whether it's a friend, family member, or partner - around with you all the time.

These remind me of the heart-shaped ones dotted with white paint that would be handed out during classroom Valentine's Day parties. These grown-up versions by Sophia Victoria Joy look like they taste even better, and the personalized tag is a cute touch.

I'm a sucker for tiny heart-shaped necklaces, so this rose gold vermeil heart pendant by Lustre Modern Jewelry became an instant fave. It's classic and will never go out of style.

Owls are very "in" right now, so these mom & baby owl cookie cutters by DIY Sweet Supply Co. would be perfect for "owl always love you"-themed cookies or brownies. They could also be reused later for baby showers or birthday parties.

The Hunger Games book and movie spurred on the arrow craze, but this could be Cupid's bow as well! This  golden bow and arrow necklace by Datter is my favorite version that I've seen. I like that the arrow is on a separate link so it trembles as you move.

This heart-dotted ceramic bowl by Ross Lab is great for VDay, but can also be used every day. I love the adorable little hearts and the bright pink interior.

This gold and moissanite bow ring by JC Metalsmith Jewelry harkens back to Victorian times. It's labeled as an engagement ring, but I think the non-traditional bow shape means it could be a statement ring or just a fun piece of jewelry as well. It's very rare to find an original Victorian version, so this modern vintage one is a great alternative!

What are you hoping to get for Valentine's Day? What have you bought for other people?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you spend it with someone you hold dear, whether it's a friend, family member, or significant other.

Hang Your Heart Up

Today I came across this lovely little wooden ornament you put together yourself by Lovi, via Thoughtful Day.

It's been grey and rainy for the past three days, so this deep red heart definitely brightened my weekend!

Hearts and Flowers

For Valentine's Day ideas for your loved ones, I thought I'd stray from the traditional chocolate hearts and fresh flowers and seek out gilded, shiny, long-lasting versions instead. Hope you enjoy them!

Handmade Valentine's Day projects coming later this week...

Etsy Find of the Day

I fell in love with this hammered gold heart necklace by Sammi84 as soon as I saw it. It pairs really nicely with other chains and pendants.

See more of the store here!