Tea Towel Art by Richard Bawden

Lately, my brain feels like molasses. I love my little guy's coos and crowings, but I love them just a little bit less at 5:00 am. And coffee seems to bother his tummy (I'm still nursing), so I can't gulp down more than one cup a day. My point is that I'm trying to update this blog more often, but it's still quite hard to compose coherent thoughts these days! Thanks for bearing with me.

I did manage to snap a pic of these lovely tea towels I bought on our honeymoon in London the other day. They feature artwork by Richard Bawden, known mostly for his art prints. I couldn't decide between the smiling otter & his newly-caught fish and the pair of owls framed with oak leaves, so I purchased both. Not a bad dilemma to have, right? I can't remember which shop behind the British Museum featured them, but maybe it will come to me one of these days. Or probably not (much more likely). At any rate, they've held up amazingly well through messes and many wash cycles so I'm really pleased with the quality.

You can browse through more of Richard Bawden's wonderful, colorful illustrations 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?

Fall and Thanksgiving Tidbits

I thought I'd show you some fall and seasonal things I've been pinning on my Pinterest page! Just click on the pins to go to the page. First up is a brand-new print from my store - "Two Wise Old Owls"! It's listed in red, but I can also custom color it. You can find it and other brand-new prints here.

Next is this lovely brown paper table runner from Pottery Barn Kids. It looks perfect for keeping little ones occupied while Thanksgiving dinner is being made! You could even have them color or paint it in the morning and then use it for the Thanksgiving table later. That way, they'll feel like they've contributed to the meal and holiday as well!

These free printable veggie prints from Just Something I Made would make great Thanksgiving invites or place cards. You could leave them black and white or overlay them with vibrant colors. They'd make a great, fresh addition to the table.

Last is this paper tutorial from Better Homes and Gardens. While they turned these into flowers, I think they'd make great Tom Turkey tails instead. Then you could just add a big pom pom for the body, a smaller one for the head, a red yarn or felt wattle, and either googly eyes or painted-on ones. You could then scatter them down the middle of the table, or put one at every table setting. Simple and seasonal!

Please follow me on Pinterest if you like what you see : ) . I post lots of DIY ideas and I always love to see what my readers are pinning as well!

Orphaned Baby Owls Linford and Christie

These orphaned baby burrowing owls, named Linford and Christie after the former British Olympic athlete, were abandoned by their mother and are now being cared for 24 hours a day. That means they get to come home with their keeper, Jimmy Robinson of the Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, England. Once the owls are fully-grown, they'll join the "Hunters of the Sky" exhibit at the park.

They love to find tiny spaces to hide in, as it's their natural instinct to do so. I wish I had adorable little owls burrowing in my bookshelves!


They see Jimmy as their mother, and follow him around. Here they are perched on his knees as he reads. I'm a bit jealous. Okay, I'm really jealous.


They also love teacups and sugar bowls, like any good British inhabitant should.

Read more about Linford and Christie in the Daily Mail here!

(All images from the Daily Mail Online.)

Wise Little Owls

What is it about Columbus Day weekend that makes it feel like it's officially autumn? Unfortunately, it seems that a massive amount of around-the-house projects and huge to-do lists also come with the onset of the season. So that's why I'm a bit behind on blogging!

I think I need a wise little brass owl like the ones above to sit on my desk and inspire me to put my nose to the grindstone and plow through all my projects. (And get shop updates done in time for the holidays - I've got lots of brand-new items planned!)

(Owls via Olive Vintage, 26 Olive Street, Dear Industry, and We Think We Can.)

Random Round Up

I love the feathers in this hand-watercolored "Custom Wedding Print" by The Wild Unknown.


This bowl is made completely of embroidered thread...and nothing else. Pretty amazing, right? See more from Chocolate Frog here.


I love this fingerless glove pattern found on Ravelry. Aren't the little cabled owls just adorable? I think I'd make them snowy white - they'd be perfect for winter!


I'm fascinated by these prints by Kate Breakey. Yes, those are actual dead animals that she put on light-sensitive paper and made silhouettes of. They're part of her new "Poetics of Light" exhibit at the Etherton Gallery in Tucson. Here's hoping they died of natural causes...


Kelli Anderson created these identity materials for the American Museum of Natural History. I love that they have a classic look, yet still feel very modern.


A very realistic painting of paintings! This piece is "Saturday at the Met" by Pauline Roche.


The leaves are just starting to flame gold around here, so this "Amber Reflections" oil painting by Kim Casebeer is quite apropos. The rich tones seem to glow, and I love the bright blue accents in the water.

Hope you all enjoyed the round up, and have a wonderful weekend!

Birds of Paper

This week is (unintentionally) turning out to be for the birds!

As soon as I spotted these delicate, detailed paper bird sculptures on The Daily Smudge, I knew I had to check out Anna Wili-Highfield's site to see more. Most her pieces are avian-themed, but she has also created horses (and a lone turtle)!

The crow would be perfect for Halloween decorating, don't you think?

Friday Smiles

Hope this adorable picture puts a smile on your face! Have a wonderful weekend!

(Couldn't find the source for this image, if it's yours, just let me know!)

Not Your Ordinary Paper Art

Helen Musselwhite constructs these beautiful illustrations out of paper. She carefully cuts out different shapes and elements, and then folds and layers them to create 3D images. She must have really steady hands! Here are three of my favorite pieces she's crafted.