Spring Break

Despite the amount of work waiting to be done in time for the Stationery Show, with the school being closed for spring break, I had no choice than taking a week off, enjoying spring, visiting animals at the farm, a ceramic class for my daughter and some fresh air. Glad to be back at my studio and hoping for a new, productive week!

Stationery giveaway

It is spring break from school this week and I have all three children with me, today. The stationery giveaway was very easy this time, with only a few names to write down for the drawing. The winner is Barbara, please let me know your mailing address and which monogram you would like on the stationery set. Thank you all for your comments and enjoy the week!

Gather Here, Cambridge

I crossed the river and visited Gather Here in Cambridge and thought it was a brilliant place! It's a new fabric and yarn store, but also a stitch lounge, where you can use their equipments and large tables and create something, while enjoying other people company and inspirations. There is even a small kitchen for making coffee and share sweets. I thought it is a warm and welcoming place, where you can work and also being surrounded by beautiful colors and fabrics. Also it is the only place in the Boston Area where you can purchase the Cotton Ribbons by the yard and pick the color you need, without the cost of shipping. And if this is not enough, the following description from their site, will better present this great place.

Gather Here is a fabric, yarn, and fibers store offering classes, an inspirational work space, and knowledgeable instructors. We aim to provide a creative, fun, inspiring environment for the maker in everyone.
We are Cambridge's first stitch lounge with machines, supplies, tables and most importantly, space, for the maker to create.
What's a stitch lounge you ask? Sewing lounges have been popping up all over the country (even the world!) and provide people with a space to make something without having to purchase expensive equipment or make room in their homes to craft. It's also a place where people can meet others who share a common interest (or two). It's a gathering space to come create, support, and learn from each other.
also offers classes in sewing (beginner to advanced), knitting (beginner to intermediate), crochet, and hand embroidery. And there are plenty of workshops that cover the spectrum of DIY crafts like block printing, repurposing "stuff" and whatever else we/you/us wants to learn/do!
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Polka Dot Wrap

I'm always exited to see how the cotton ribbons is used, particularly when I know the designer behind it. Love this Polka dot packaging by Sycamore Street Press, with Marigold ribbon and circle labels!

Liberty London and giveaway

Today a large shipment of Alphabet Cards arrived to destination across the ocean to historic Liberty in London! For once, I have been there and I remember it well from my trip to London, years ago. The history behind it is so interesting. I'm quite happy about the news and I would like to celebrate with a giveaway. Please leave a comment by April 19th, (my son's birthday) and I will send a set of six Alphabet Cards to the winner. To be announced on the 20th. Thank you!


I took some photos of the cards and ribbons when I was working, but the photos of Liberty are from this link.

Marigold and Mint

I'm shipping an order today to a new account in Seattle. Already the name of the shop Marigold and Mint makes me wish to go there and smell the flowers around. I also never been to Seattle! I like the philosophy behind the shop and the idea of an organic farm. Following is the description found on their site. Despite the rainy day, spring is coming here too!

Marigold and Mint is an organic farm, a retail shop and a studio. We grow two acres of flowers and edibles, as well as harvest responsibly from our orchard, woodland and berry patches. The farm is situated along the Snoqualmie River, about 30 miles east of Seattle. The shop is located in the Melrose Market on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Washington. We sell and deliver to florists, individuals and businesses, and, in the studio, make things such as marigold garlands, notepads, and driftwood sailboats.

Studio

It has been a long time since my last photos of the studio. I'm quite happy about the new prints, framed and up on the wall during the weekend and I took some photos during a sunny day. Prints and one painting by Susy Pilgrim Waters, Rita Ravaioli, Rob Dunlavey and Guido Scarabottolo. Come to visit, they look pretty nice all together.

Spring project from Purl Soho

Looking badly for signs of spring, here is been snowing since last night, I happily found an Easter project on Purl Bee, that uses the Italian cotton ribbons. A nice end of the week surprise. I love the bright color combination and their creativity!
Photos by Purl Soho.