I’ve been feeling particularly scattered lately. I think its a combination of spring fever and planning out trips and adventures over the summer months. Clearly I need to make a list. If you need to make some lists too then here are some styling ways to store them.

The work of artist Brooke Hine (Philadelphia) stopped me in my tracks. Something so refreshing about it- I was particularly drawn to her Growth & Deterioration series.

As a ceramic artist, my work is influenced by qualities observed in nature: the negative space created by naked branches in winter, the path traced by insects in a hollow log, or fossils found in the ground.

Connection Between

Growth/Deterioration

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

Kate, along with her husband, bring together farm, food and design at The Steel Fork. They also design and create sculptural metalworks using recycled farm machinery – Gatski Metal. Kate is also the mother of two busy little children.

As the ground emerged from the snow yesterday, I found myself peeking around for green. I know mom, it’s too early. I just can’t help myself. Nosing around outside brought to mind the thrill of treasure hunting.  Whether you’re clicking or stomping– this phrase by artists of the same name says it best “something’s hiding in here.”

1. The Victoria- Clutch, Wallet On the Go by Momotrees $35

2. Wood Ring- Zebra Wood by Somethingshidinghere $60

3. Wherever the Boy Went, the Rabbit Went Too- recycled wood collaged humble house by gigglepotamus $25

4. Morningsong- Cameo and Amazonite Necklace by wildplum $17

Kate, along with her husband, bring together farm, food and design at The Steel Fork. They also design and create sculptural metalworks using recycled farm machinery – Gatski Metal. Kate is also the mother of two busy little children.

These new Tribal LEFTZ (pronounced le-ft-e’s) toys stopped me in my online tracks.  Whoa! They’re perfect for building a Utopian civilization, catching a tasty fish or discovering the mysteries of fire. Look how cute they are. You will absolutely love them. Plus they’re made right outside of Reading. The etsy shop explains:

LEFTZ are plush softies made with upcycled material from yard sales, thrift shops, or family. These eco friendly plushies are stuffed with recycled plastic shopping bags and are unique in their own way.

Aren’t they great? I want the whole tribe. Where to find LEFTZ by ArtTales (Mary Casher)?

• LEFTZ on Flickr
• LEFTZ on Etsy
• ArtTales blog

You can probably guess that I’m not doing a good job being  “in the moment.”  With one look at the beautiful blue bird in lush green grass and gorgeous metalwork for the garden- you might just catch what I’ve got a little of.

How about this beautiful pendant by Charmed I’m Sure (Mechanicsburg)?  Made from recycled parts, this piece is a delightful assemblage on copper using pictures from a discarded Audubon Guide and a sheet of weathered copper given to me by a friend.

We met Sandra Webberking (Springfield) at the Buyers Market of American Craft Show. She is a delight and her work is fabulous! I like her artist statement… being an avid Gardner, it seems natural that I gravitated toward creating whimsical sculptures for the garden I spend so much of my free time in. I value the process of finding objects, listening to their story and reincarnating them into the creatures they will become.”

Kate, along with her husband, bring together farm, food and design at The Steel Fork. They also design and create sculptural metalworks using recycled farm machinery – Gatski Metal. Kate is also the mother of two busy little children.

I’m not one to prepare for Valentines Day- but hey these might change my ways [love at first sight].

They were created by Mundania Horvath of RE:constructing Ideas. She enjoys taking apart found objects, images from the past and typography to construct art that evokes a genuine reaction.

She is definitely one to follow, be a fan and definitely give her a “hip, hip hooray.” These are fantastic!

Kate, along with her husband, bring together farm, food and design at The Steel Fork. They also design and create sculptural metalworks using recycled farm machinery – Gatski Metal. Kate is also the mother of two busy little children.

January is our design time. We spend a few weeks brainstorming, sketching, discussing and believe it or not- getting incredibly frustrated. Good design is hard [an understatement, I know]. Needless to say, I am in awe of Mio (Philadelphia). Have a look at these incredible designs- gorgeous, green and made with locally sourced materials. Awesome.

MIO is a design company dedicated to creating the most sustainable and innovative design experiences in the market.

The Bendant Lamp is a flat-packed chandelier composed of a series of leaf-like shades surrounding a central fixture. Bend the shades up or down and create unique light and shadow arrangements.

Made from recycled, double-wall cardboard, Nomad is a modular architectural system that can be assembled into free-standing, sculptural screens, temporary partitions, rooms or even displays without hardware, tools or damage to existing structures.

I love it. Inspired yet again by the creative talent in the keystone state.

Kate, along with her husband, bring together farm, food and design at The Steel Fork. They also design and create sculptural metalworks using recycled farm machinery – Gatski Metal. Kate is also the mother of two busy little children.

Happy 20-10 everyone! Tis January. Ah yes. Time to savor the cold [as is possible] and enjoy the warmth of walls around us.

Me, I have Scandinavia on the brain. Between catching up with a dear family friend from Norway on Facebook, hearing more about my brother-in-laws RISD internship in Finland and catching  Scandinavian Cooking on tv yesterday, I think to myself, that’s a place that understands beauty.

So all this Scandinavia-Mania led me to Sqrl Bee. I saw these and I thought of fjord lands [where gnomes abound].  Sqrl Bee creates these “felties, which are handmade using natural materials found materials and even organic when we can find it.”

Although I really don’t know all that much about Scandinavia, I gather they maintain strong traditions of working with wood. I went wandering to find a woodcarver.

I found Jon Marks. He creates these beautiful handcarved distelfinks and folk art animals. They are made from “basswood obtained from a local sawmill and  pine collected by hand in the Pocono Mountains.”

In case you were curious, here’s what he says a distelfink is, “a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch design motif in the form of a stylized bird.”

I think it’s the perfect time of year to collect a few lucky handmade objects for your window sills. Perhaps a gnome or a distelfink?

I know you know this but… buying handmade is so fulfilling. I confess, I forget. I get sucked into the allure of filling the big red cart. This week I found these gifts… $20 and under. I’m changing my ways.

This little guy [a nice surprise for the host of your next party] is made by ArtTales. It is stuffed with recycled plastic bags.

For your more conservative hostess, how about this lovely pendant by TubbyTabby. It is upcycled “from a wooden American Brick from the 40’s. These were toys for kids.”

Something about this tossed me to the 80’s- in a very good way. It’s on sale now!

I think it’s rare and beautiful when… “what you are” and “what you want to be” line up to be the same thing [my latest deep thought]. Then, on top of that… do a stellar job marketing it. Meet Emeco (Hanover, PA). I was amazed by their chair designs, their story and their presentation. It was utterly inspiring. That’s when I thought to myself, they know exactly who they are.

Here it is [direct from their site]…
We make chairs. That’s what we do.
Handmade from 80% recycled Aluminum.
It’s not easy. In fact it takes 77 steps to get there.
Designed to last for 150 years.
Now that’s what we call sustainability.

Now that is beautiful [and rare]. I am very proud that a business like Emeco exists in Pennsylvania. They are a real inspiration.