Elliot Erwitt

The other day I was at work and I noticed this wonderful photograph signed by Elliot Erwitt. I've walked pass that location a million times but I never realized it was there. It was one of those moments when you're caught completely off guard and the image just draws you in. I literally stared at this photo for 5 minutes. Oh my, the expressions are enthralling!


I immediately went back to my desk and googled the name. Upon further research I discovered the wonderful world of Elliot Erwitt.








It's the lighthearted-ness that I find fascinating. The pictures bring joy to the viewer and require an extra pause for comprehension. Erwitt himself describes it best:

“It’s about reacting to what you see, hopefully without preconception. You can find pictures anywhere. It’s simply a matter of noticing things and organizing them. You just have to care about what’s around you and have a concern with humanity and the human comedy.”

Socks and Gloves

This book has made the rounds on many crafty blogs but I thought it would be worth mentioning again. It can be found here. These little softies make the cutest baby shower gifts. I've made two so far- and they turned out great! The patterns are very simple and are easy to hand sew.

I found this adorable sweater pattern from Wee Wonderfuls and scaled it down to size. It is made from one of Mike's old sweaters that had a hole in it. I felted the sweater (simply washed and dried the wool at extremely hot temperatures so that the fibers shrink) to make the fabric.


Here is the little guy all packaged up in a white paper bag along side yummy Peanut Butter Cup Cookies for mom and dad.

Although these patterns are fool proof, I wish I had cut the sock a little different on this guy. The head is a little small and the trunk a little too long. Otherwise, I think he still has charm!

A Hello and Thank You

Hello, dear readers!

I'm sorry I've been MIA lately, I've been terribly busy and the time has just flown by. I apologize for my lack of blogging but don't despair, during the next few months I will be back in full force! I also wanted to thank all of my wonderful friends who have been so supportive of my blog and creative endeavors. You continue to inspire and I could not do this without you!

Love,
Janis

Recent Purchases

Last weekend I got a chance to hit up the Crate and Barrel outlet in Kittery, Maine. Let me just say, Major (and I mean major with a capital M) sale! Can you believe that I got all of these lovelies for just over $30?! Since I'm just so excited about my finds, here they are with links and exact dollar amounts:

From bottom to top:

Acacia Serving Board, $4.95 - The perfect round board for a simple cheese and fruit display

Pritchard Platter, $3.00- I found this beauty in the clearance section. It has a tiny chip, but for that price I'll take it!

Grace Small Platter, $9.95- I'm super excited about this find because I have the Grace cake stand and I'll simply place this dish on an overturned bowl to create a tiered cake stand.

Deep Serving Stand, $14.95- I can't wait to use this as part of a beautiful centerpiece with whole sugared lemons and limes.

Total: $34.49 including tax
Yes, I can't quite believe it either. Get yourself to a C&B... stat!


I also got a sweet citrus reamer from one of my favorite antique stores in Newburyport, MA. It was about half the price of my total purchases from C&B- so a little pricey all things considered, but I just couldn't pass up the cuteness. I love the weight of the pressed glass and the color is divine! (And it also matches my Kitchen Aid.) So there you go... it was a great weekend of house ware purchases!

A Lovely Afternoon

It was one of those afternoons where you can practically feel spring around the corner. When you can feel the sunlight gaining strength against the weakening days of winter.


This is the kind of afternoon when you have a twin following your every move.


When buds will themselves to catch a glimpse of the luscious light.


When the sunlight makes you want to close your eyes and soak in that vitamin D.


Where the blustery winds makes old, withered leaves tap dance under your feet.


It was an afternoon that makes you want to wander into new places and suddenly you feel small.


But then again, small is relative.


It was one of those days when muddy paws meant it was a good afternoon.


And two seconds later, a really good afternoon.


The sunlight was so marvelous that it made ordinary colors glow.


And not so ordinary colors appear.


It was a lovely afternoon.