City of de-Light

I am in love with a city I have never been to. Paris is the ultimate destination, in my opinion. And it may be premature to say this, but I have saving gobs of money for months and will continue to do so to make a trip to Paris when Trey graduates (as a radiologic tech) in a year and a few months. It will be a graduation gift to ourselves. We're also planning to go to London, Amsterdam and a little town in Holland where a dear family member lives.

Check out these posts of Paris' fashionable window displays by the blog Paris Parfait:
♥ Chanel
♥ Shipwreck No. 1
♥ Shipwreck No. 2
The writer also has plenty of posts full of photos taken at Paris flea markets.

I just found this blog written by an American living in Paris. Gorgeous photos.
♥ Tongue in Cheek
And I am completely smitten with this blog I found recently. It's by a stylist and book author -- a book you probably know -- living in Amsterdam.

Inspired by the 20s

Photos found via Google images

For the longest time I've been fascinated by the 1920s, gypsies and carnivals. These things are inspiring me again. If I were to design a line of jewelry around these themes, what do you think they'd look like?I have my ideas. What are yours?

Art of Doing Nothing Lost

Image by Thinspocotore

I'm a reporter by day. Part of my job is to write a weekly column. I just wanted to share my latest with you all, because I think it's pretty universal and we can all benefit from its basic premise. So here it is:

Column by Monica Crowe

Do you ever just sit and do nothing at all? If you’re like me and almost everyone else it’s likely that moments like that are seldom stolen if ever.

Where does this constant need to do something come from? America’s collective unspoken motto seems to be, “Busyness is best.” But is it really? Consider this. People who manage to find the time to do nothing are often deemed lazy, and in our society, laziness is one of the most looked down upon characteristics a person can have. On average, Americans get five to 10 vacation days a year as opposed to Europeans who get upwards of 20-30 legally mandated days. Any American with that kind of siesta time would likely rather work than figure out what to do with all of those unregimented hours.

Image by Anna Caso

And, I mean, come on. We have to make money, right?

In my opinion, Americans work solely for the purpose of buying stuff. Yeah, food and shelter are factors, but what we really want is more stuff. Those who disagree should consider why so many people are suffocating their freedom and sanity by regularly adding to their heap of debt.

Creditcards.com reports that by the end of 2008, American’s credit card debt totaled $972.73 billion. The average debt per household was $8,329.

Image by Hakan Photography

As opposed to Americans, Europeans work solely to enjoy their vacation time. It’s true. I’ll give the perfect example. My Dutch brother in law’s longtime chum got a huge raise at work. Instead of accepting the extra pay, he made a deal with his employer to give him an extra day off per week in exchange for the same pay rate. So now this guy gets three-day weekends, plus 30 days of vacation per year. Amazing.

And the Dutch aren’t the only culture in Europe living la dolce vita. In Rome, the people have made an art of “Il dolce far niente,” meaning “sweet doing nothing” or “sweet idleness.” They relish in experiencing life to the fullest, to love and be loved and to see and be seen.

Image from I Am Blessed

If we are constantly on the go and moving from one activity to the next, are we really allowing ourselves to stop and take note of the subtle beauty of life? Plenty of people see life as a destination when really it is happening right now and from one moment to the next. By always thinking ahead, or even in being stuck in the past, we are robbing ourselves of the present moment, which is really the only time there is. The past is gone and the future is yet to be.

Doing nothing may seem like a waste of time, but if only on occasion it can be energizing to the senses and the mind. It can awaken creativity, vitality and feelings of well-being. Doing nothing, by the way, does not include watching TV or reading a book. It’s just being-ness. Try it. You may just learn something about yourself and the world around you.

Welcome to my Back Yard Studio

Studio main wall

Finally I've moved into my long overdue backyard studio. It's taken one month short of a year since Trey and I bought the building to get to this point. I'm so giddy. Trey and his friends Andy and Michael did an awesome job. Big thanks goes out to Michael for the professional electrical work.

So let me show you around. Pictured above is my main work desk, which I got for $10 from a friend. It's positioned on the main wall of the studio. Bad feng shui, I know, but it looks good there. The birch drawers on the desk where I keep my beads and supplies are from Ikea.

Inspiration

In front of my work desk is my inspiration wall, which I coated with magnetic paint. Those thumb tacks keeping the pictures in place are actually magnets. Cool, right? I expect that the wall will be covered pretty soon with lots of tear outs that inspire me.

The white cabinet in the corner was actually the laundry room pantry from my previous house. Now it's become a handy storage space for my paints, brushes and random craft supplies. The lanterns draped over the cabinet were left over party lights from Peir 1 that Trey and I were given as part of a wedding gift four years ago. I finally got around to opening them, and I think they're perfect for the space.

From this view the room looks pretty bare, and I know the table is under scale but you work with what you have. I think that once I add more to my inspiration wall it'll balance the look.

Off to the left of the main wall is my secondary work table, which I'll use to package jewelry for shipping and probably for random projects.

I love the ample track lighting in my space. There are three tracks -- left, center and right -- and the lights can be angled any which way. The painting in the above image was done by my hand. It was living in the trunk of my car for the past year and has now found its permanent home. On the opposite wall is another black-framed painting I did that was also living in my trunk. It's main colors are pinks, and it really pops against the aqua blue wall.

The hanging star in the window was bought for the studio from World Market almost a year ago. It catches the light on a bright day just as beautifully as I'd hoped. The curtains hanging in the three studio windows were just completed today. I spent all weekend sewing them.

The fabric, which I absolutely adore, came from Target. The yardage was packaged as a large tapestry throw for a bed, wall or couch. After making the curtains I still have plenty of material, so now I'm considering other accessories to make for the studio.


And that's it for now. I'm sure I'll post more pics as the studio inevitably evolves.

Anthro Pics and a Surprise

All images from Anthropologie's Sept. catalog

After a long day at the office I dragged my tired little self to my doorstep to find the latest Anthropologie catalog in my mailbox. Yay!

I love the little black and white striped number above. It's so girly and classic. It can be worn prettily or punked up rock and roll style.

And, gah! These shoes! I really like the purple and green ones, which by now you might have guessed. I always gravitate toward funky shoes, but the simple booties are calling to me, too.

More shoes. It's a theme lately. I already have a pair of black, heeled, knee-high boots, but I'm aching to get a pair of tough-looking brown flat boots this winter.

For the longest I've been oogling Anthro's hardware offerings. If only I had more cabinets and drawers.

Exciting News!
Recently, I was asked to participate in Chick Talk, an online Webisode channel by the Classy Closet. I'll be doing 12 Webisodes, 15 minutes each, on which I'll be talking about jewelry, style and my process as a designer. I'm also planning on taking to the streets and interviewing the most stylish people I can find at art and music events in my area.

The other day I filmed, in my newly completed back-yard studio, the promo for my part in the Webisode series. I'll post it here soon. Eeek! So excited.

Things I Adore Thursday: Lovin' on Life

It's time for another Things I Adore Thursday post, but this time I think I'll do things a little differently. I'll just pull some stuff from the heart and throw it out there for the universe to hear.

Right now I'm loving the fact that I wake up when I feel like it ♥ that my dogs are always so happy to see me ♥ that my husband thinks I'm sexy even when I'm not wearing makeup and I'm in sweatpants and a T-shirt ♥ I love that I'm healthy and full of energy ♥ that I always seem to get what I want in some form or fashion ♥ that I'm enamoured all over again with writing (one of my first loves) ♥ I love my still incomplete backyard art studio (tripple, quadruple loves on that) ♥ I adore the color of the sky on a rainy day ♥ and that fall is looming on the horizon ♥ I love the way my ad looks on the City of Dionne blog ♥ And that my hubs and I are celebrating our four-year anniversary today ♥ And even moreso that we'll be celebrating it this weekend in Natchitoches at this bed & breakfast.

So, what are you loving lately?

Anthropologie's August Catalog

All images from the August Anthropologie catalog.

The mailman came and brought me a prezzie. The latest Anthropologie catalog is out and here are a few of my favorite pics.

I capital L-O-V-E these saturated, jewel-tone colors and especially those purple T-strap wedges.

I would so rock this outfit if (1.) I had the moolah to buy it and (2) I had the nerve to wear those lovely gloves out around my town. The masses wearing their camouflage and ill-fitting, potato sack T-shirts would surely stare with keen and wary glares.


What's your favorite Anthro pic?

Things I Adore Thursdays: Layers

Photo by Wendy Bevan.

Good Thursday morning, friends. I wanted to share some of my latest favorite photos found around the Net last week. Like the one above. Ooh, it's so gritty and grungy looking. Loverly! Check her Photoshop process out on You Tube.

♥ This food photo styling is amazing. Go and drool.


I'm loving these washed out fashion photos, and the layered bracelets on the model are inspiring me for some upcoming styles -- bracelets and necklaces included.

♥ I adore the photo styling here.
♥ A very smart lady sent me this link.

I'm feeling an abundance of creative energy right now. I must go now before the muses retreat.

♥ I want to make these, sans the sharp pointy bits.

Things I Adore Thursday: Kate Sutton Illustrations

All images by Kate Sutton.

For seven years I was formally trained in fine art, and I've been drawing since I was four. I can capture the likeness of practically anything or anyone. Nevertheless, I wish I had an inkling of the creativity of Kate Sutton, the illustrator who has created many (if not all?) of the posters for the Renegade Craft Fair and makes the cutest whatnot's from plushies and stationery to band aids and buttons.

by Kate Sutton

I am deeply enamored with illustration. It stems from childhood, I know. I would stare for what seemed like hours at the drawings in my favorite childhood books.

by Kate Sutton

If you like Sutton's work, too, check out her Pirate Bird plushie tutorial. These little guys, as seen in her work above, are so cute I'm planning on making some for myself and for my dogs. And I think they'd make great gifts, especially for a baby or small child.

Things I Adore Thursday: Eye Candy

Image from SFgirlbybay

{Just a note: Thanks to all of you who checked out my new online shop and commented. Your input is appreciated!}

I'm loving this orderly inspiration wall. There's something about tidiness that makes pretty more palatable. I don't know, maybe that's my upbringing with a super duper perfectionist mom rearing its neat little head.

I am in looooove with this photo, above. I don't know who took it, but I found it on oh, hello friend, a gorgeous blog that I've recently discovered. Do check it out.

And here we've come full circle to a tidy little inspiration wall.

Before I go, I wanted to share some link love.
♥ Check out Urban Weeds: Street Style From Portland. There are beautiful photos, people, and lots of style.
♥ Mironabside's Flickr photostream -- so ethereal
♥ Crochet a "Button Bedecked Headband." I'm in the midst of this project now.

Craft Room DIY

Image from Sunset.

Hello friends. Lately I've been an uninspired blogger, hence my brief absence, but I'm back with fresh muses on my shoulder and plenty of fun, helpful links to share.

Image found on Flickr.

As I'm still dreaming up ways to make my studio the creative center of my personal universe, the chevron striped table, above, caught my eye. I'm thinking of giving the DIY project from Sunset a go, though it looks like quite an undertaking.

Images from the Makool Loves You shop. In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die."

I'll leave you with a few of my favorite links of the moment. Enjoy. xo

♥ Super handy! Make a rolling coat rack.
♥ How to Rock a Craft Fair
♥ Crochet a wire beaded bracelet.
♥ Frayed roses tutorial by Sis Boom
♥ I heart the Makool Loves You blog big time, and their shop makes me weak in the knees.

Things I Adore Thursdays: Photos and Links

Image by Every Eskimo, found on the for me, for you blog

Good morning, all. This is the second consecutive day that I've woken up at an ungodly hour to get to work (10 paces away) in pajamas, my hair all askew and sleep still in my eyes. So now that it's late -- 8 a.m. -- I couldn't wait any longer to share these beautiful finds with you.

It's probably played out, but I'm a sucker for anything typography. The photo, above, from the Every Eskimo Etsy shop is actually a listing for wire baskets, which are great, but I want the type panels.

This rustic, red, striped table runner from Mothology was bound to end up on a Things I Adore post. I have a few textiles in my home that are akin to this.

Here we go again with typography. I found this image of the Ace Hotel on SFgirlbybay, one of my long-time favorite blogs. I'm really drawn to the moody look of the room with its deep colors and retro mod furnishings.

Lotta Jansdotter's home via Apartment Therapy

Here are a couple more links you'll be glad you followed:
* A Creative Mint -- gorgeous photo styling on this blog
* "Life in a Barn" -- I am so inspired by every aspect of these images on this post by House Martin.

Things I Adore Thursdays: Craft Rooms

Image from My Aim is True.

This post is inspired by my very nearly completed back yard craft studio, which I have been waiting to work in for the past six months. Naturally, I've been mentally decorating it for some time now, and my deco plans have changed more than once.

This is the interior of my craft room as it is today -- so close to complete.

I like the idea of making the main wall a magnetic chalk board. It'll be my inspiration board that doesn't require a cork board or pins. And I can't wait for you all to see the colorful chandelier my mother-in-law bought me for the space. It's like candy for the eyes. Eeep!

The Pink Loves Brown studio from the Making it Lovely blog. My previous craft room was this pink color of her studio walls. Lo-ove.

The thing that I really admire about the Pink Loves Brown room, above, is the organization. I'm a sucker for bins and shelves and all-around orderliness. Though I try, I unfortunately don't accomplish this very well in my home, so I don't hold out much hope for the studio.

Photo from My Aim is True.

I like the room from My Aim is True because of how colorful it is. I recently discovered the blog and like it for two reasons: her adorable Boston terrier (I have a gassy one of my own.) and her spunky animal rights attitude.

And that's it for the things I adore today. Check back soon for a handy, dandy tutorial on how to make a rubber stamp, as well as for a peek at the latest Petite Minx jewelry.

Things I Adore Thursday: Art Posters

Blogger's Note: You may have noticed that I wrote this post on a Friday, thinking it was a Thursday. This is what self-employment does to a gal. It's a miracle I know what month it is.

So I'm starting a weekly post here, "Things I Adore Thursday," where I'll share some of the eye candy I find on the Net that rocks my socks. Here are a few concert posters that caught my eye.

I was so inspired by concert posters, in fact, that I've hand drawn a flier ad for this blog to be given out at the Ruston Farmers Market on May 9, when I'll be selling Petite Minx jewelry. It's a bunch of doodles. Not comparable to the screen printed awesomeness here, but it's my own brand of D.I.Y. Will show you the outcome later.


Ah, Cake. I love this band. It's a throwback to my carefree days. Trips into the country or to the lake on sunny summer days. The boy with the golden hair...

Blah, blah, blah. My sentiments exactly.

Love, love, love this one.


This flier is more in the vein of my D.I.Y. masterpiece. Gotta cut out now and get started on some freelance work. Peace.

Prioritizing: It's on my List

Whoever said that owning a small business requires the wearing of many un-stylish hats (hats for rather menial and unglamorous tasks) was right. I've worn so many today that my hair is embarrassingly flat. It helps that I don't mind doing a little of this and a little of that during the day, but I'll admit that I dropped the proverbial ball more than once today.

As a pro list maker I shouldn't be so darned disorganized, but alas my desk is small. It's covered in beads, chinks of wire and chain, threads, papers, half drunk cups of coffee, pliers, pens and plumes. Feathers, that is.

My head is crammed with the debris from last night's Web crawl -- full of what's hot, what's not and what happened on Americas Next Top Model, thoughts of tomorrow, some of days gone by and much of things left to do. Like, with all this work to do, when am I going to get around to finish the fruitless endeavor of crocheting that winter scarf or playing the new Metallica Guitar Hero? Trey is hammering away on that little plastic guitar at this very moment, fancying himself a rock star I imagine.

But what's that you say? "You're blogging right now, Monica," say you.
Priorities, I know. My priorities are just all askew.

Here are a few fun things I've come by as of late.

* Bokeh photography -- Tutorial on how to bespeckle your photos with hearts a blur.

* Love this dress -- Get the pattern for some pocket change and look like a million.

* Ever wanted to know what's on Trent Reznor's playlist? I have. Check it out.

* Do you have a craft business, too? Awesome. You might like this helpful Web site.