Daily Pretties

Daily Pretties: Distracted

Posted on February 9, 2010 by Sarah

Hello daily pretties! You just fell into my lap today! You’re so busy and beautiful. I’m distracted by your dazzling colors and amorphous shapes. Are you trying to tell me something? That I need to slow down and focus? That I’ve been pulling myself in too many directions, and because of it, I’m not really getting anything done? Silly! I already knew that.

Hello daily readers! Do you ever think, “I wish I had a magic eight ball right now.” A real magic eight ball. I’m wishing I had one right now. I need some direction! Oh no. I think I just had an epiphany. (I hope I’m using that word right.) Right there between “direction” and “!” it came to me — it’s not direction I need, but motivation. Motivation to do the things I know I should do but don’t want to do. Oh man. My mind is like a magic eight ball. Who knew?

Art by Platypusfile, photography by Gidi Culus and embroidery craft by Florencia Delboy

Clockwise from left { A flower is a tethered butterfly by Janae Easton of platypusfile } { piñata by Florencia Delboy of pinkflor } { wake up by Gidi Culus }

Giveaway

Giveaway! Love, Heal, Seek & See

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Sarah

Note: This giveaway is closed. Checkout our latest giveaway here!

Are you sitting down? Because we’ve got another giveaway! Starting. Right. NOW! You could win this set of four (count ‘em, four!) mini prints (ACEO) from Shannon Rankin, titled Love, Heal, Seek and See. Just leave a comment on this post to enter, but please read these simple rules first:

You must leave your first name and last initial (at least — full names are encouraged, but not required).
You must leave a working email address (this will not be published). How else will I contact you if you win?
You have one week to enter. This giveaway ends on Sunday, February 14th at 11:59pm CST.
You can increase your chances of winning just by telling someone else to enter! You’ll get an additional entry (no more than 20) for every person you refer — just make sure they leave your name in their comment.

ACEO art prints by Shannon Rankin

Some details about these prints: Each one measures 2.5″ x 3.5″. They are signed and dated on the back, and are guaranteed to last up to 108 years. The originals are made from cut vintage map and embroidered with thread. Perfect for National Embroidery Month!

Some details about the artist: Shannon Rankin is partners in crime with Jusin Richel (from our last giveaway). She’s so sweet, she’ll give you a toothache. You can see more of her beautiful map collages in her shop Selflesh, and you can become a fan on Facebook here (she has lots of giveaways there, too).

Yayza!

Yayza! Maria Gil Ulldemolins

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Sarah

More embroidery and feminine exploration, you say? Well, I’m here to deliver. Maria Gil Ulldemolins‘s cross-stitched barbie is both strange and beautiful… an intriguing contemplation of femininity. I don’t know about you, but I wanna see more. Found via Design for Mankind.

Daily Pretties

Daily Pretties: Warp & Weft

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Sarah

Holy chenille, Batman! Did you know that February is National Embroidery Month? I didn’t either, but boy was I delighted when I heard the news. Now, I know I shouldn’t lump embroidery, sewing, crochet, knitting and weaving all into the same category — they’re distinct crafts, each with their own history and techniques — but… I want to. Because of the way they make me feel. When I sew or knit, or cuddle up in our old quilt, or run my fingers over the embroidered flowers on the pillowcases my grandmother made for us, I feel connected to a craft, an under-appreciated art form with a history that spans many centuries and many cultures. These crafts, however, are traditionally associated with one group of people — women. Through these skills, I feel pride and strength in the creative powers my sex.

{ Untitled (another winner) from Genadii Berёzkin }

{ Yuki by Jennilee Marigomen }

P.S. Has anyone else been watching the new season of Psych? Every time I read Genadii Berёzkin I think Ghee Buttersnaps!

Daily Pretties

Daily Pretties: Party Animals

Posted on January 19, 2010 by Sarah

I am all SORTS of excited! Wanna know why? Brian’s birthday is just around the corner (January 31st to be exact — be sure to wish him a happy one), and you know what THAT means!? P to the A to the R to the TY! The preparations have begun, and I’m swimming in a sea of paper streamers (hand-made from recycled magazines! ), cocktail experiments and sequined party wear. If I had a list of all the things that made me happy, party planning would probably be towards the top. Along with chocolate milk, bendy straws, and of course… a certain handsome gentleman with impeccable taste.

{ I’m Cold by Nicole Licht } { Fresh Produce .o1 by Virgílio Neto }

A Westervin Wedding, Artist I Heart

Artist I Heart: Joetta Maue

Posted on December 18, 2009 by Sarah

ArtistIHeart-JoettaMaue1

From Joetta Maue’s artist statement:

“I use my daily life as the main subject of my work with the idea of the work being honest, even painfully so, coming from my desire to be true to my emotions, insecurities, strengths, and intelligence without fear of ridicule or censure from a patriarchal society. By making work that resides within the realm of the everyday, everyday objects, and the female, I am attempting to defy and contest masculine censure. In effect, I reclaim my femininity: the quality of being feminine, without the fear of losing strength or respect. Though the autobiographical drives the work and is necessary for it to exist, ultimately it is transcended, enabling the viewers to have their own independent relationship to the work.”

ArtistIHeart-JoettaMaue2