Christmas Shopping for Art

I spent many hours on the Internet yesterday, doing some online Christmas shopping. I am left today with a giant dent in my Mastercard and a "pretty proud of myself" feeling. I am never this on-the-ball with my shopping.

In celebration, and perhaps to give my readers a little kick in the pants to get started on their shopping, I have put together a bunch of gift ideas for different people in your life. Up first, is art. Because we could all use a little more colour on our walls!

1 // Star chart...I love any kind of space art, and this print is both useful and beautiful! And it would look amazing in my living room. Wait...who is this wish list for anyway?!

2 // Diela Maharanie...I discovered Diela awhile back (don't ask me how!) and I absolutely love her bright and whimsical images that have a melancholy feel to them as well. Even a small print would make a big impact.

3 // Feather pattern study...Something from nature is usually an easy art pill for most people to swallow. Instead of your standard photo of an elephant/wolf/cheetah/insert animal here, try something like a scientific or anatomical print, like these feathers.

4 // Edmonton, 1983...This artist is from Edmonton (I think, don't quote me on that), and has silk screened art like this from many cities, all offering a snapshot of that city on a precise day in it's history. Perfect for someone who likes maps but wants something more modern-looking!

Remember: buying art doesn't have to be super expensive! Find a nice large print instead of an original, and put it in a lovely frame. And if you can, buy directly from the artist, or a reputable online source.

Later this week: Ideas for your fashionable lady friend!

later loves

Scrap Paper: Notes on Scrapbooking

Do you have a hobby? Do you go through love-hate phases with your hobby? One day you're on a super high, ready to jump right in and immerse yourself in paper, glue, yarn, or whatever your material of choice. You just can't get enough. You eat up every piece of inspiration you can find, online, in magazines, in person. And you are super productive! And you complete projects! Complete them, I tell you!! And you feel like you're on top of the world and hope this feeling will never go away?!

And then you hit your saturation point. You hit a wall. You hit a creative block. But whatever you want to call it means that even looking at your supplies makes you groan. There is no inspiration to be found, and no desire to go out looking.

So right now, I'm so there...in case you haven't already guessed. And what do I do to give myself the kick in the pants needed to get going again! I troll the CHA Sneak Peek blogs! Ack! That's so bad...it feels so "guilty pleasure" of me.

Cosmo Cricket Summer Love + Sweet Disposition, Jenni Bowlin Feathers, Jillbean Soup, Freckled Fawn

And then these alphabets are making my head feel light....

Maggie Holmes/Crate/American Crafts...it's complicated?

Please note there is a dark side to all of this window shopping of things that technically don't exist yet. I have put myself on a strict - and necessary - NO NEW SUPPLIES diet for the next little bit. And despite all of these beautiful "must-haves" entering the world, and breathing their first breaths, I cannot and will not break my own damn rule, dammit. This has a little of everything to do with the fact that I really desperately need to clean out my studio. And why add to the accumulation of "kibble" that's already in there?

All of this window shopping hasn't really made me jump right in just yet, especially considering I'm in the middle of a couple of really great books right now. But tomorrow I have a scrap-date planned with a blog-creeper (Hi Jen!), and hopefully we can have a chat about how I am apparently a real-life creeper...hmmm...NOT ON PURPOSE I SWEAR!!

later loves

p.s. Did anyone else notice the sneaked in reference to Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. No? Well, first off, go watch Blade Runner. Then read that book. Craze-zee!

Man Things

Here is a timely post for Father's Day coming up this weekend. Not timely enough to be a useful online shopping guide, but fun nonetheless!

P.S. Russ isn't getting anything remotely this cool for Dad's day. But I just got a package of coffee for Mom's day...so...precedent set!

Cassette tape coffee table, and alternately, this classic Nintendo controller. If only Russel liked the idea of a coffee table...

This trailer is so cute! I mean, clever and manly, and whatever...it's so awesome!

I love pens. Love them! And I know R especially has a soft spot in his heart for a good pen, as I'm sure do most dudes. And this Seven Year Pen is both design-gorgeous, and economically wonderous! In fact, I might just have to pick one up for myself. One, or three...just pretend I am pre-buying for birthdays down the road.

...and really anything on the Man Made DIY site is man-food for thought, my friends.

Handmade leather goods. Love handmade, love leather. And what is more manly than leather?

Beer...mighty mighty beer.

I love this photo on Mandi's blog. The list in tiny print on the blackboard. With the shiny tap there! Swoon!!

I was out on a "date" at the Sugarbowl the other day, and now I am wishing I took a picture of their menu. Dan & I were in beer heaven...I opened the menu and was happily surprised to see that the majority of it was BEER! I might have said "whee" or something to the like, and immediately directed Dan's attention to all the fricken beers! And then I flipped the menu over, and there were more!! Dan knows more about beer than me, so he spent some time looking over the menu. And I did not...I asked our server for a recommendation, and she didn't have one, so I just picked a Wisconsin gluten free. Dan's was dark and delicious-looking. Mine tasted sort of like a beer-spritzer, but it was still good.

later loves

Staying Up Late & Internetting It Up

I did something silly the other night. I went and found some new blogs to read. And they were lovely and beautiful and so much nicer than mine. More features, and more fanfare, and more external content. And the comparisons began in my head, and I started thinking and re-thinking all that I do here.

And then I remembered that I like my little ol' blog, just the way she is!

And then I did some online window shopping, which is always also a bad idea!

This watch

Anything from this shop

And I totally bought this dress...I guess it wasn't all window shopping.

And some of the new blogs, for those of you interested:

Adalou

Pussycat Vintage

Music Moms

And a fun tutorial...that even I could handle!

Honestly, I love my little place on the Internet. I love that it is fueled by me, and what I do and make and build. And how I see the world. I was reluctant to share this part of me with a new friend, because sometimes non-bloggers just don't "get it". But then I thought: "I am not ashamed or embarrassed about the person I portray here because it is mostly just me". It is part of the truth that is FormerlyLisaS. And if you get to know the "in real life" me then this is just a fun add on.

And that's all I have to say about that.

coming up on the blog...another painty, messy journal, more layouts, a Project Life update, another fashion post!

later loves

I want...

To try these sheets. Chan may have inadvertently bestowed one of these upon me after receiving it in a Freebies bag from a past CHA. Now I have to find it in my studio (dear lord...) and put it to good use. And if I can't find it, there's always online shopping and you know how much I lurve that!

*****
Studio Calico. For whatever reason, TM never got the earlier releases (State Fair and Countryside) which consequently made for some teary nights. But I still want them, and I have found the entire collection on Two Peas! So I'm going for it! I also really (really) wanted the Sassafras mid-year release that TM never ordered...and as luck would have it, Two Peas carries this as well. I know that new Summer CHA stuff is hitting store shelves (real or digital) as we speak, but these lines were kind of big for me! And if I can't get them in store, I might as well get them any way I can.

I was thinking about this last night, and came to the stunning and unpleasant realization that the LSS I work for, might not carry the companies and product that make me the most excited. Our customers have tilted in two opposing directions: "cutesy and campy" and "vintage and romantic". This is not where my tastes lay. Not at all. I am now starting to look elsewhere to get my stash up to speed. I guess it was bound to happen...

If you are interested in either of the above companies (Studio Calico or Sassafras), or are interested in other products that Two Peas carries, let me know and I'll put in a large order and we can save on the shipping! I'll be placing my order at the end of next week (August 12th or so). >> updated: I went ahead and ordered the Studio Calico, as it was the DEAL OF THE DAY yesterday...
*****
I was watching alcohol inking videos on You Tube last night. Makes me want to do my own technique videos. I will have to find a willing camera-man or woman and try this out.
*****
I want to try this DIY. I have found loads of DIY websites out in the WWW as of late. Today I was cleaning out my Reader and found a bunch more! (like Home Ec)

*****
Up until just now I haven't been all that interested in new CHA faire...some things always peek my interest (Hambly, Studio Calico, American Crafts), but I never really go looking for images or lists or anything. Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's new stencils made a top ten list, so I had to check out the write up on her stuff (awesome!), but I was also pleasantly surprised by some of the other companies and products on the list. You might like this: Scrapbook Update CHA Top Ten. And I am totally going to be making some Crafter's Workshop purchases in the winter (when I feel more up to painting again)...Julie's stencils are amazing.

*****
I want to watch this Simpson's episode now! All I read is this tweet by Brent Spiner: Did "The Simpson's" yesterday. Played a very unusual role...a robot. Actually, several robots. Love that Homer.


*****
ummm...that's probably good. I think you get the picture...

Sucks to be you...I know I know

So I am feeling like crap-o-la this week. Blargh. I got whatever Lucas had, multiplied by a million.

So I am trying to make the best of it, and think happy thoughts.

Now, don't laugh, but I totally had this album when I was a young'n. And it is still awesome, and still puts a smile on my face!


And so does this...I ordered a whole bunch of new stuff from Elle Studios the other day! It's so pretty, and funky, and I don't even mind the pink. I am counting the days until it arrives on my doorstep...hopefully I don't have to count too high.

I have a big *surprise* party to help with today, and Russ and I are going on a double date tonight (I am beyond excited!) so I need to nap, and inject the Vitamin C directly into my white blood cells...or wherever that's best utilized.

later skater alligator

Saving All My Love For You...

This being the month of love, I thought I would share with you some things I am in love with right now.

I will admit that I totally was not keeping up with all the pre-CHA sneaks, and even now have no idea what most of the new product looks like. But I have always had a large place in my heart for Hambly, and this release is no exception...in fact it might be my most favourite all time ever!!

I pledge not to buy any *new* scrapping supplies until this Hambly reaches my store...and then I will buy all of it!

swoon!

*****


also...this is making me happy right now as well...

My lovely Being Human wallpaper and my new *on sale* flowers...happy day!

later skater alligator

Wanna Splurge?

Yesterday was a big day for my great friend Kara.

She opened this fabulous boutique in Lethbridge. 

It looks so fabulous.

I can't wait to visit....I feel a road trip coming... 

Splurge

Centre Village Mall in Lethbridge, AB

Go visit her!!

And tell her I told you to go...it's good for some Brownie Points!

later skater alligator

Read It...

The idea for this post comes from a Blogger that I've been following for awhile now. Such Sweet Tierney is crazy awesome, talented and had a most rad wedding (and shared most of the photos from it!). And she has a new project to share...

Project 52 is her goal to read 52 books this year! WOW! And I thought I was ambitious with my goal of 24 last year (I finished with a total closer to 30).

These are her rules:
1. You may read at your own pace, but I recommend one book per week.
2. No re-reads. If you began a book but didn't finish that is ok.
3. No magazines, e-books, audio books, textbooks, etc.
4. Acceptable forms: All fiction, non-fiction, and collections of essays, short stories or poetry. Graphic novels count as long as there are lots of other types of books being read too!

I might count re-reads...I'm not sure if I can afford to buy 52 new books this year, and I'm not sure I can find 52 new books to borrow from someone/the library. I would also count e-books, if I had an e-reader, which I don't. I will try my best to get as close as possible to 52 Books! And I will post my progress as I go! Did any of you put "read more" on your 2011 list?

Amy and I went to see the latest Harry Potter movie yesterday (Grandma got to watch both boys. She says Lucas is a great babysitter!). I must admit that I was kind of lost. Amy loved it, but she had re-read the book back in November, and it has been years since I read the book. I might add that one to my list...and these ones as well:

NEET, the book

(this sort of counts right? it might be too pricey for me though, sad face)

Jasper Fforde - a tie for first place in the "Lisa's Favourite Author" category.

Hellboy - yes please!

any of the Girl books

This post has got me thinking of Wish Lists...some of the books above made it on to a wish list of mine, and some didn't. I did get two amazing books from my sister (and have already finished one!)

The Flying Troutmans. By Miriam Toews, a Canadian author. I love books with a good story, and quirky characters, and her books live up to this 100%. I highly recommend this one, and A Boy of Good Breeding and A Complicated Kindness, which was the first book of hers that I read. She has a new one coming out in April! Yippee!!

And speaking of Christmas, and wish lists, I got a super nice grey cardigan from my step-Mom. It's Ralph Lauren! Ooh la la!! I should really get a picture...

And speaking of Ralph Lauren sweaters...when Lucas, Russ and I were at the mall before Christmas, we were doing some Bay shopping (which just means Russ tries stuff on and Lucas and I sit on the fitting room couch...now I know what a regular guy feels like when shopping with his gal!). Ralph Lauren has some tacky yet beautiful (and soft, oh my goodness) sweaters, and one had his initials on it...R-L. So I told Lucas that it was the Russ-Lisa sweater! HA! And then said, no it's the Russel-Lisa-Lucas sweater because the L stands for Lucas and Lisa! Such a sweetheart!

Right now I am on the hunt for a new bag...I heart vintage bags like this, and my Ward Air tote is sporting a nasty hole. Boo. I might just have to pull out the duct tape and make a quick fix...I have put myself on a spending freeze for the next couple of months!

source: One Late Night

I tried to get some posts scheduled last night, but Blogger was not cooperating, like, at all. So I have to push back my Blog makeover. But that won't stop me from getting my Lime Door Winter Release post up this weekend...I'm determined.

Last night I did some more work on a mini-project I've had in the works for awhile, and I am quite excited about the possibilities! I still have to work out some "manufacturing" issues, but when it's ready I'll do up a full and fancy reveal here!

later skater alligator

P.S. Re: Harry Potter: DH Pt. 1 Amy and I agree that "Ron Weasley" and his brothers are hot, and it totally was 2 hours of camping, and it was pleasantly spooky. Lucas learned "On Top of Spaghetti" yesterday and him singing it in his little, quiet, off-key voice might be the sweetest thing ever.

All things new and wonderful

I need to focus on new and good. Things I love and things I can control. Things that make me happy. I need to keep my hands and my head busy.

(lamp, bag, dress, necklace)

Also, you know those movies you can watch over and over again and never really get sick of them? And they continue to make you smile for no apparent reason other than they're cute, or clever, or fun. Wimbledon is on that list for me. I love Kirsten Dunst and I lurve Paul Bettany (but not enough that I could remember his last name...had to IMDb it...and am now also realizing that I have barely seen any of his movies...hmmm). It was on a couple of Sundays ago, on a day when I had a to-do list a mile long, but do you think I could pull my sorry butt off the couch and get on with my day? Nope...

(from imdb)

(from Tribute)

later skater alligator

p.s. I signed up for Twitter today...I am officially a twit. Come over and say hi (if you can in 140 characters or less) @FormerlyLisaS

Bathroom Reno - Step One

The shopping step! I'm quite positive this will be my 2nd favourite step (second only to the final reveal!) so I am going to try and milk it for all it's worth!!

Russ and I now get to learn what the other one likes and wants - and doesn't like as well - which is an interesting test to our marriage! HA! I want a black cabinet with white top, and he likes the chocolate brown with brown top. I like chrome fixtures and he prefers the brushed nickel.

We are both a fan of granite on the "sink cupboard" (as Pottery Barn calls them), with black slate on the floor. And we both think grey on the walls would look fabulous.

And, thankfully, we both think the standard bathroom "sink cupboard" (I will never get sick of this!) that looks like it was transplanted from your kitchen cabinets is terrible.

So now it begins. We are starting our foray into weekend warrior home improvements with our main floor bathroom, mostly because it is the smallest room in the house and therefore will be, in theory, the easiest to renovate...famous last words?

Drawers are a must in our new "sink cupboard" (tee hee)

And we'll need a cabinet as well...all I can think when I see this kind of thing is: "I wish I was handier with power tools 'cause I could totally make this"

I would love to put wainscotting on the walls with a ledge and hooks and everything, but I don't want to go all crazy! I mean, crazier.

What do y'all think?? Any tips or suggestions from some unknown bathroom pros that might be reading my blog at this point (HA! Lurkers!)? I'm hoping this comes along nicely and we can get at it before the new year  comes. Now those sound like famous last words!

later skater alligator

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Not much of a reveal

I'm too crazy to put anything spectacular together...and too excited to wait!

I'm going to start selling my crafty things...under the name Lime Door Arts + Crafts


Check out the page at the top for more info!

I'm still working on getting photos and widgets and all of that up, so bear with me...I just couldn't wait!

Some of you may have received an email invite to my first craft show. All the info is listed in the page above, or by clicking the image on the right side bar. You are all invited!!!

later skater alligator

Portland...I miss you

This Portland Bingo print is quite possibly the most awesome thing I have seen lately! I'd be close to getting a "black out" if I was playing this particular bingo game (I don't remember seeing an elk statue and we didn't get to the OHSU tram, and what the heck is the "tiny horse" thing all about!?)

Find it here...and then buy it for me!!

I have been dreaming about Portland lately...it just keeps popping up. I guess the majority of the blogs I read are based there...go figure! There are so many more things I want to see there, and even though I hate going on vacation to the same place more than once - not counting Jasper - I might have to make an exception to this rule of mine!

later skater alligator

p.s. happy thanksgiving!

Fall is for Foxes

For me, fall and foxes go together for some reason. Maybe it's the ruddy brown colour, or the warm fur. Maybe you can find inspiration in these images just as I have!

(I think this last one would make a great Halloween Costume!!)

photo sources: fox party, Duke of NY, gingerbread man tote, embroidered pillow, t-shirt, mask

I'm thinking of starting a grass roots movement that would make the FOX the official mascot for Thanksgiving, not the idiotic turkey. Really? A turkey!? Just cause we eat it for Thanksgiving, doesn't mean it has to show up in cartoon form on napkins, greeting cards, and those goofy paper bell things that you put in the centre of your table.

Foxes, my friend...just think about it.

later skater alligator

i love camp!!

i got lots done today. did some running around while lucas was at camp, finished my last pillow case! put up some pictures in lucas' room, laundry, and more! boy howdy!!

my thrift store and antique shopping ventures lately have been very successful. a couple of weeks ago I found a great green chair in Decade to Decade, but I didn't buy it...ack!! And I've been trying to get back there ever since, with my fingers crossed that the chair would still be there. It totally was, and I totally bought it.

It's lime green velvet (the same colour as my wall), and in super great shape. All it needed was a little vacuuming. Lucas really likes it...he puts his cars underneath and lifts the fabric at the front like it's a garage.

I stopped at Mildred's Antiques today. Lots of fancy, beautiful and expensive stuff in there. So I did lots of browsing and drooling, but no purchasing.

And then I went down the road to the Antique Mall, and found lots of goodies...check it out...

Two bags for my upcoming holiday (the yellow one is super cute, and the blue one is crazy funky), some cabinet cards that have already found a home on the green wall, a globe bank, and a tobacco container. I figure that will be good to keep little journaling cards organized. The letter holder is one I have been keeping an eye out for, for a long time as well. And I love the kitschy fruits painted on the front!
*****

pillowcases...

they are all double sided with different fabrics in the same palette - turquoise, green, orange, yellow and a little splash of red. this picture totally doesn't do the colours justice...what is with the light today?? one more thing to check off on my 30 Before 30 List! Yay!!!

I did up a fun DIY taking some inspiration from these pillowcases. check back Friday for the full details.

note: I am by no means a sewing expert...I'm super novice actually. So these pillowcases are really crooked and completely anti-perfect, but they were so easy to do! Cut to fit an old pillow. Pin right sides together then stitch all the way around, leaving a big opening to put the pillow in. I stitched up the hole with some coloured embroidery floss because I can't do that slip-stitch thingy to save my life! Just adds to the quirkiness of the pillows. Try it out...
*****

Orienteering was awesome tonight. Back to my old stomping grounds...the UofA. Lucas always spends the first leg complaining that his legs are tired and he doesn't think he can make it. And then he gets over himself and has some fun!

He especially likes the cookies at the end.

Am off to bed now.

See you back here tomorrow for a Birthday Post! YAY!! And some pictures of my latest decorating project.

later skater alligator

FOR SALE...well, sort of

I have one year's worth of old Martha Stewart Living magazines to give away...like, for free yo!

Info: 14 issues from December 2000 to February 2002. Issues 85 to 99. I am missing February 2001, issue 87 for some reason. If I find it somewhere in the house, it's yours as well.

This goes to the first person who says they want it (you can email me, or post a comment). Unfortunately, it's not really a mailable item...too heavy!!

They are just taking up space in my studio, and while I keep saying I'm going to go back through them and get ideas, that's a dirty old lie! And I've been saying that since 2002!!

*****

While Lucas is making a monster train track/Radiator Springs in my living room, I thought I would get some blogging done before the real work comes!

So, what do you like to do to welcome a new month? I hit up Value Village! Here are my most recent finds.

 

I fell in love with this wooden grocery list thingy. You put pegs in the holes beside the items you need. Whoever owned it last added their own little notes. Again with the matching my colours perfectly!

this amazing metal bowl was totally calling my name, and it is now sitting on my DR table filled with some recent mini albums (scroll down for those pictures). You can also see my $4.00 bag of embroidery floss.

Buyers envy...white converse sneakers in perfect condition that were a half size too small!

I wish I had space for...sofa and love seat in the most ugly floral pattern that would perfectly match my LR colours, with wooden arms, tufted cushion, and curves in all the right places!

*****

And here are some pictures of my Heinsburg camping mini album...

 

argh! blogger...

 

 

 

*****

A couple of weeks ago I taught a mini album class at TM...to Kathleen! It may seem strange,but I love teaching one on one classes like this to someone who is super passionate about scrapbooking, and learning new things. And Kathleen was just an awesome student. While she made her book, I made one of my own. Check it out...

it's made out of envelopes and cards, bound with 7Gypsies gaffer tape and paper tape, and American Crafts fabric paper.

I used lots of watered down re-inkers, and leftover paper and stickers from the class. I added some fluorescent label tape I bought at Urban Outfitters ages ago, but only just found a label maker that could use it! Plus, those fabulous stamp-stickers Chantel gave me...I love them and want more more more!

I'm not sure what else I'm going to include in the album...photos, quotes, inspiration, whatever. I kind of like it how it is.

k. lucas is done is town. poor guy has a pussy, gooey, swollen eye. he's relaxing on the couch while I finish here, and then I promised he could play on his website.

so I'll just leave you with this and sign off

later skater alligator