Recycled magazine note cards

I am a self-admitted magazine junkie. I have stacks of glossies tucked away all over our humble little apartment dwelling (what if I need that article later?!) Don't get me wrong, I'm no crazy hoarder — you'd have to dig a little to find my well-disguised stacks. But I'm just reluctant to give up shiny, pretty papers. When I first opened my Etsy shop, I stumbled on a huge selection of old Martha Stewarts being given away at the library — score! Inspired by this Storque post on Etsy, I have found the perfect outlet for all my collected and saved glossies. I downloaded an envelope template and now make my own little envelopes cut from magazine pages. I try to use pages that are interesting on both sides. I use them for thank you's with a sweet little flat card dressed up with a corresponding bit of paper. Fun, yes?

Lazy days of summer

I've been having a day of total inertia. I keep flitting about from one project to another, not accomplishing a thing. I've had two days like that this week and a small part of me is starting to learn to just go with it. Part of making my own schedule is being able to recognize when I need to just step away and take a break. But only a small part of me. I took an hour or two to luxuriate on the couch and finish a flashy novel I've been in the thick of. But maybe I should have just hopped in the car and gone to the lake. Instead, I went back to plodding along, thinking I would get somewhere. Nope. Hasn't happened. Oh well… In the meantime, here is a lovely butterfly I saw a few days ago. I don't remember ever noticing such detail in a butterfly before. It was very patient with me let me snap a few photos before flitting on to its next task.

In progress: Drawing

There are times when I need to step back from the computer and do some hands-on design work. My illustrations are all hand-drawn, but more often than not I add color in Photoshop. I've been working on getting my hand back into more of the process in both my illustrations and design work. Here is a little glimpse of the beginnings of a poster design I'm working on… it feels great to get a little messy and stretch my arms! It also means I'm less certain of what the end result will be and I like that aspect. What do you do to change up your routine?

Herbed Potato Salad

I've been wanting to make a non-traditional potato salad since summer kicked it into high gear. Something without all that ooey-gooey mayonnaiseyness. Don't get me wrong, I love the mayo, but recently I've been craving something different. This recipe fits the bill with tons of salty goodness from anchovies and a great tang from the vinegar. Don't be afraid of the anchovies, they just add a really nice saltiness without being overpowering.

Herbed Potato Salad
Adapted from Bon Appetit

1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes
4 scallions, sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
1 2-ounce can flat anchovy fillets, drained, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Place potatoes in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until just tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain. Cool until just warm, then cut in half, or quarters if larger potatoes. Set aside in a large bowl.

Combine remaining ingredients. Pour 3/4 of dressing over potatoes and toss well to coat. Add more dressing if needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until well chilled.