30 Days, Day 25

Day 25: Something you would do if no one stopped you or if you knew you wouldn’t fail.

30 Days, Day 19

Day 19: A passage from a book that has touched you

 I just finished this book...it was truly eye-opening.

New Flavors for Vegetables

I just got this new book from Williams Sonoma. Actually, I got a whole set! I was debating buying this book ($23) until I saw a set of four on sale (from $80) for only $20!! My friend and I each got one :D I've already made several dishes, and I absolutely love it.

Since I mainly cook vegetables, it's exciting to find new ways to prepare them! So far we've had a delicious mint snow pea salad, tasty potatoes with chives, and zucchini "pasta." With each dish, I've learned a new technique! Not only does it have clear directions, it also includes beautiful photographs of each dish and descriptions of the ingredients. Plus, the recipes are sorted by season, so it's easy to locate fresh ingredients. I highly recommend this book if you love veggies!

You Amaze Me, Phaidon

You know I have a love affair with books. One of my favorite publishers, and one of the leading art book publishers in the world, is Phaidon. They produce books on subjects from film to fashion to food. I am proud to own a few of their books on art, architecture, and design (three of my passions). When you buy a Phaidon book, you know you will be getting a quality book with beautiful images and great design. [I should be getting paid for this.] It doesn't matter the subject, I love looking at any of their books! That's why, this week, you amaze me, Phaidon.

 

(all images from Phaidon)

Just thought I'd share with you :)

Whose books do you adore?

You Amaze Me: Book Sculptures

These paper sculptures by Su Blackwell are simply amazing. I absolutely love books, and I think it's beautiful to see them used in art (even if I'm a little sad they'll never be read again ;)). I can only imagine the time and care it took to create these intricate and magical works of art.

(images via fffound and google image search)

I hope you find them as inspirational as I do. Happy Sunday, and happy crafting!

You Amaze Me: Banksy

In case you haven't seen his work, Banksy is a not-quite-anonymous British graffiti artist. His works are usually social, ethical, or political commentary. My brother gave us his book for Christmas, renewing my interest. Not only is his art thought-provoking, but it is truly beautiful as well. He does a great job of locating his work in interesting places, connecting his theme to its surroundings. He also beautifully incorporates color into mostly black and white pieces.You can see much of his work on his website (where I found the following), or just do a google image search.

As a knitter, I couldn't pass this one up:

To be honest, I'm a rule follower. I'm not one for law breaking, because I think laws are there for a reason. However, I can appreciate non-violent crime if it's thoughtful :) So today, Banksy, you amaze me.

Alice in Wonderland

When I made this week's to-do list yesterday, how oh how oh HOW did I forget Alice in Wonderland?! It just came up so fast!! We'll probably be seeing the midnight showing. I know people have their issues with Tim Burton, but I love his style! A little dark, yes, but some stories were meant to be...like Alice in Wonderland.

Disney's cartoon version never really did it for me to be honest. It was just bizarre (or maybe I was just too young). I was surprised to find, once I read it, that I actually enjoyed the book. I found myself relating to Alice...not being sure of growing up and whatnot. What I think the cartoon version lacked was the darkness in the story. So, while it was never one of my favorites, I was still excited to see that it is being redone with Tim Burton. I think he'll be able to do the book justice.

It may be a bit odd that he always includes Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in his movies, but who can complain? The three work remarkably well together! I'm also glad they chose a lesser-known actress to play Alice. It would be too hard to have a famous face there.

I'm excited to revisit the story in a new way. I hope it's great! If nothing else, it will be beautiful :) [Don't you love how gorgeous movies are these days?!]

On a local note, I'm trying to convince my friends to see it at the Alamo Drafthouse. With the possible exception of the IMAX, is any movie really worth seeing somewhere else?

PS: Was anyone else always reeeally creeped out by the Cheshire Cat? The way he'd just appear out of nowhere and know things...*shudder*

(images from Google Images and the Alice in Wonderland facebook page)

You Amaze Me: Japanese Street Style

I love Japanese Street Style. I own Fruits and Fresh Fruits by Shoichi Aoki, which are photo books of the fashion (and I highly recommend them!). I just flip through those books and get the urge to create. I love the colors and the layers...I love the confidence with which they wear their clothes! I think most of all what I love is how happy it is ^_^

 How cute is she?? I'm in love with her glasses!

 Check out the socks!

I'm not big into pink, but I want that bag.

(above photos from Japanese Streets)

 

Apparently you can rock overalls.

(source)

I want her hair AND her dress.

(source)

Okay, now that's a handsome outfit.

(source)

Bows!

(source)

a room, a box, and a book

Happy New Year!

(This post has nothing to do with that though.)

Here are some things I found today that amaze me...

A Mario room designed as an art installation by Antoinette J. Citizen.
Alex and I have decided that our child's room will look like this. We'll make the question mark boxes light up though ^_^ Blik sells decals for Super Mario Bros, new Super Mario Bros, and Donkey Kong :)

The Shit Box (please excuse my French) by The Brown Corporation - a lightweight portable cardboard toilet. It's completely degradable! Pretty amazing, right?

And I got this book today at Book People. I passed up two other books on my list to get it, so you know it's good. I like that instead of a how-to (which the other two were) it simply shows great design that's out there. Inspiring :-)

Sewing day

Hello there!

Yesterday I went over to Becky's for a sewing day with a few girls. It was splendid! Despite having to lug my monster of a sewing machine (I keep meaning to upload a photo), it was a day well spent. Using my Sew What! Bags book I've mentioned before, I sewed a cute little zippered wristlet that I adore. [Once I finish this post, I'll upload it to my etsy shop!] Everyone seemed to get a lot of work done, which is always joyful. I also started on another bag that I plan to finish this afternoon. I'm using this great graffiti fabric, as I call it, that I found in the $1/yard rack at Wal-Mart. You'll see photos once I'm done ;)

Lately I've also been working on wedding planning...*sigh* It's such a task. But I won't be discouraged! I started designing our invitations yesterday, and need to get those finished this week (since they have to go out VERY soon!). Then there are the baby shower invites I'm making for my best friend (whose sister-in-law is pregnant). Those should also be finished up this week. Lots of projects right now! I have a busy week ahead....

In the meantime, please enjoy my zippered wristlet photos! (Comments are always welcome ;))

Doodles

I spent yesterday morning just doodling (and cleaning my apartment). I found Red Velvet Art and was completely inspired. I just had to draw, which is great because I've been meaning to, but haven't found the time. There were a couple cuter doodles, but I haven't photographed them and I'm on my way out of town! I was just excited :-)

Before I leave town I'm going to run by Book People and pick up Sew What! Bags... on the recommendation of Becky. I'm really excited to look through it tonight!

Well, I'm off to Fort Worth to spend time with my mother. Take care, and happy day to all mothers!

Birthday

What a great birthday!! Between my fiance and his parents, I received a whole bucket of yarn and several sets of knitting needles! I'm going to be busy for months :D I can't wait to start on some new projects! I've been rather busy, but I should be finishing up the grass creatures soon.

From some friends I also received a paint tin full of bottle caps! Over the holidays I made tons of bottle cap magnets. Looks like it's time for a new batch! Maybe I could use the monogram I designed for our wedding and create wedding favors.........*new project gleam in her eyes*

My sister gave me the Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture (travel edition). It is amazing. Phaidon is one of my favorite publishers. If you've never seen their books, I suggest you start looking. They create beautiful books on art, architecture, and design. I also own The House Book, but would definitely take any given to me. I would also gladly work for them; I love book design.

Have fun perusing their book collection, and I'll get some photos up soon!