Inspiration: Anne Siems

Happy Friday! It's a snow day here and I leave you this week with a wonderful image from Anne Siems. I discovered her through this week's Tiny Showcase and fell hard for this gentleman rabbit. I hope you'll go a have a look through Ms. Siem's portfolio of work: It is a wonderfully magical way to start your weekend.

In good company

Coco doll by Beeb

I was thrilled to find out that one of the prints I have posted in the exhibition over at Paper-N-Stitch is included in the "Friends Favs" section put together by this month's guest curator: Irene of Bloesem and Bloesem Kids. I have been following the Bloesem blogs for some time now and think that Irene has the most wonderful design sensibilities, so I am especially excited about this curator! There are quite a few gems in her selection, including the Coco doll above that I am in love with, designed by Beeb, so take a peek…

Also, a big thank you to Amy over at Aqua Velvet who wrote up this nice post about some Paper-N-Stitch folk — cheers, Amy!

Flitting from the rafters

I couldn't help myself. I saw this gorgeous mobile from Royal Buffet's shop on the front page of Etsy a while back and had to have it. I love all of the cut paper pieces in this shop — they are really beautiful and intricate. I was so curious to see how they are put together. It took a couple of weeks to arrive and I was getting quite anxious for it to appear. Mollie Greene who is Royal Buffet is based in Greenville, SC where my brother lives. I was tempted to send him over to knock on her door. Given the intricate nature of all the paper pieces Mollie is making — and the popularity of her shop, I can understand why it did take so long. It was so worth the wait. I have even more respect for her after trying to photograph the mobile — it wouldn't stop flitting about! You can see more of this talented woman's photos in her charming, and charmingly-named, blog: Fresh Milk Delivered Daily. I hope you'll check out this shop and blog and enjoy them as much as I do.

The new UMMA

As promised, here are some photos from my visit to the University of Michigan Museum of Art. They did a great job with the building in that it looks beautiful, though it is a bit hard to navigate the newer section. I was really surprised at the things I was drawn to. I have to say that I haven't been to a museum in quite some time and artists that I have seen before and not thought much about, really intrigued me here. Interesting.

I was greeted by this lovely Helen Frankenthaler piece when I entered the new wing.


Giacommeti is always one of my favorites.

I loved all of the little seating nooks the museum has created with this fantastically comfortable yellow-y leather chairs — not just your standard bench in the middle of the gallery.

I loved the collection of Yoruba pieces like this staff that had octopus-like strands of cowrie shells hanging down in huge clumps that would rattle and shake when shaking the staff. You can see a glimpse of a tapestry in the background, too, that I really loved. These photographs were interesting in that the negatives are hand-drawn and then photographically printed. Great to see in the context of today's digital photographs. Unfortunately, I didn't take note of the artist's name.

And lastly, I fell in love with this painting by Jenny Holzer (this photo is just a detail from it). I have seen her work many times before, but for some reason yesterday it really spoke to me. I love the line work, the layering and depth of it and the splashes of color.

If you read my post yesterday, you know that I set off to the museum to try to jog my creativity in working on a poster project. I am happy to report that, yes, in fact, it did.I only have a rough sketch on paper at this point, but I think it's a solid concept. I'll share with you when i get it fleshed out.

AND, last but not least. I have an exciting announcement that I will reveal in the coming days. Stay tuned…

Beads of seeds

I wanted to start the week by sharing another great find I made at the Lansing City Market last week. Debra Groat of Saverine Creek Heirlooms handcrafts beautiful pieces of jewelry made from heirloom and rare varieties of beans and corn grown on her family's farm in northern Michigan. Each seed is organically grown, planted and harvested by hand. When Kathie Kuhn — who tends to Debra's table at times — pointed them out to me, it took a minute or two for it to sink in that they were made from seeds. But when it did, I couldn't take my eyes off of them. They are so unique and gorgeous! I encourage you to out her web site to see more: saverinecreek.com.

And on another note, I received a most-welcome seed of a different sort from Pam of Yoborobo yesterday. She was kind enough to award this blog, along with eight others a Renee award. And so I have been introduced to a truly inspirational woman and her story — and to the award created by friends in her honor. I will write about it more in the coming week and pass on the award to eight others — but wanted to say a quick thank you here and now!