Faire Play: Four Markets in Four Weeks

Did you take advantage of all the craft fairs before the holidays and buy handmade gifts? We sure did! And what’s that? You want to hear about all the fun we had on our holiday market marathon? Well, if you insist…

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A Pretty Pair: Dang!

{ Dang is the new Bang by Brent Couchman }  { Untitled by Justin Plakas }

Maker’s Remarks: Debbie Carlos

{ Black Mountain }

While looking for a new photo print for our bedroom that was both large and affordable, I came across this crazy cool Mountains poster by one Debbie Carlos. I just had to have it, and how (!), so I messaged Debbie to make sure I could get it quickly. I’m about as patient as a spoiled kid on Christmas Eve. I also wanted it as part of a mini apartment facelift before our first wedding guest arrived. But mostly, I just wanted it now! Debbie turned out to be very accommodating. So sweet, in fact, that I thought, “Gee. I bet she’s a lovely, interesting person, and I sure would love to learn more about her and feature her gorgeous work on our blog.” So that’s what I did! Debbie kindly agreed to participate in our Maker’s Remarks series and has answered a few questions about her work, her life, and her inner crab.

{ Lake }

Your photos seem to express a love of nature. How do you find things to shoot despite living in a big city?

I don’t often take pictures of the city itself, choosing to focus more on the home and the quiet surprising/beautiful moments that happen sometimes. But Chicago is great in terms of greenery. There are tons of parks and  preserves within the city limits that I often shoot in. I also tend to take the most photographs when I’m traveling.

{ Woods }

Do you have any current or upcoming creative projects that you’re excited about?

I’m collaborating on a project with my brother, who is an amazing graphic designer based out of Minneapolis. He designed the award winning catalog for Yves Klein’s traveling exhibition and is senior designer at the Walker Art Center so you know this is going to be good! We are finalizing the design and about to go into production. It should be making its debut at this year’s Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago!

What’s your spirit animal?

The Dancing Crab

{ Blue Egg }

You also have a food blog! Can you share one of your favorite recipes with us?

Since it is summer, I feel like I must share with you the recipe for Watermelon Shake! Its a take on a Mexican Agua Fresca but its name is a shout out to my Filipino background (we call our blended fruit drinks shakes even though there is no dairy in them).

Watermelon Shake

Watermelon, cubed
Cold Water
Lime juice
Sweetener (Sugar, Agave Syrup, Honey, Splenda etc)
Salt

Use about a  4:1 ratio of watermelon to water. Pulse in a blender and taste. If its too watery, add more watermelon or add water if mixture seems too stiff. Add a small pinch of salt and season with lime juice and sweetener to taste.

* to make this a little boozy add some tequila

{ Gradient / Jade }

And you make jewelry? How do you balance all of your creative drives?

I feel like I always need to have a project going on. I think if I sit still for too long or if nothing is on the horizon, I get really anxious. I also think its really great and healthy to change it up a bit every once in awhile. If I get tired of working on photos, I know I can go and work on some jewelry.  If I get tired of both, maybe I can go into the kitchen and have a cooking project. There are a lot of things that I’d like to be able to do that just don’t happen and thats ok and sometimes it does get overwhelming but I kind of wing it based on mood. Its always good to have something going on.

A Pretty Pair: Frozen Stare

{ The Sleepwalker by Rebecca Finch }  { Untitled by Francisca Pageo }

Hello dearies! I’m terribly sorry we were pretty quiet last week–we hope you didn’t miss us too much. We’re now less than two weeks out from Wedstock 2011 (aka our wedding), so we’re keeping busy as little bumblebees. In order to prevent pimples and mood swings, I’m trying to keep stress to an absolute minimum. Therefore, we’ve had to let this here blogy-blog fall by the wayside a bit. I’ll try to keep a regular posting schedule this week, with Pretty Pairs and one or two written posts. Next week, though… you may be on your own. I’m not a machine, ya know! Sheesh. I gotta get my beauty rest! Hopefully, however, we’ll return with a full recap and pictures galore. Would you like that?

Daily Pretties: Loud

{ KELSEA BY Kevin Wildt }  { Untitled by Andrea Triana }

Daily Pretties: Your Turn

{ Chelsea Peacock by Nolan Boomer }  { Untitled by AK●MG }

NOTE: There won’t be a noon posting today, but be sure to enter this week’s giveaway and tune in tomorrow for our regular programming!

Daily Pretties: Showy Scrapper

{ Untitled by Yu Yasutake }  { Untitled by Jules Schmid }

Daily Pretties: Tangleweeds

{ spring,allergies by Roshni Robert }  { Untitled by Hasisi Park }

Daily Pretties: Ostrich Tears

{ I have to be strong by Lu Green }  { Untitled by Michelle Kathleen Anderson }

The Shopping Sherpa: Muted Little Symbols

Clockwise from top left: { there are lots of nice people to meet print from laurageorge }  { The Nostalgic Mini Pouch from Aylla }  { Blossom FABRIC BUNNY Cards from Ampris Loves }  { house small towel from Pata Pri }