Savoring the Wide Open Spaces in the Summertime

One of the best things about Texas in the summertime, is having the time to savor the wide open spaces. We took a little stroll down the paths at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve recently. It is so pretty here with the rolling hills and wildflowers. Sorry I didn't get more pictures, but I was busy soaking it all in.

On Rotation Today: Into the Wild

I intend for this On Rotation series to be a sort of peek at the music that fuels my work because it is music that keeps my sewing machine humming along, but I also hope that it helps you to discover new music that the whole family can enjoy.

Turning on the pop radio station with my kids around typically infuriates me. I don't know when pop became X-rated. The shock value songs are fun for a second, but once your little one starts singing along----not fun anymore. Not one bit fun.

So we are happy to discover our local indie music station where the music somehow remains clean, thought provoking, and fun!

Enter "Into the Wild" by LP:

On Rotation Today: Hello, Mr. Junebug

This just may be the sweetest song ever.

Hello, Mr. Junebug by Electric Tiger Lily

Hello Mr Junebug

Hello Mr Junebug

Reminds me that my own Junebug is growing up way too fast. Why do they have to grow so very fast anyway?

On Rotation Today: Sarah Jaffe

Clementine by Sarah Jaffe 

I've been enjoying this clip of Sarah Jaffe at the Wyly Theatre in Dallas. Beautiful. Makes me wish my name was Clementine too.

On Rotation Today: A Fine Frenzy

It's that time of the year now. You know, the one where I sew up a frenzy for wholesale orders and shows, as the holiday orders start to pour in. I'm loving it all! But it's going to require some serious concentration. Well, I found the perfect band to fuel my feverish frenzy-A Fine Frenzy. Perfect name for the perfect inspiration. I love the surface sweetness all mixed in with deep thoughts. It's just the thing to keep me focused on the task at hand. So, if you need me, you can find me with the Bomb in a Birdcage. *don't ya just love that album title too? *wink*

Meet Mr. Roboto

image via instagram 

Meet Mr. Roboto. I spotted him at IndieGenius last week. I seriously love this tin guy all decked out in pink with his shiny yellow head. If he is still there, when I work the shop on Saturday, it is his destiny to be mine! If he's not, I'll just have to make googly eyes at his picture like a love sick teenie bopper. 

I've had a thing for robots for a long, long time. This guy is major inspiration for a robot softie that I hope to create soon. 

Owl Always Love You

Inspiration: Vintage Owls

image from Scruffy the Tugboat 1959

These owls came from our vintage childrens' book collection.

Owl always love owls.

Another Great E-zine: Kireei

I have found yet another e-zine to fall in love with, Kireei: cosas bellas. It is written in Spanish, and has inspired me to work on my Spanish again. The pictures are gorgeous and the handmade lovelies are wonderful in any language.

Inspiration: Little Lamb

Isn't this one of the sweetest things you've ever seen?

I found this little guy at an estate sale this past weekend. One shot with the hipstamatic camera, and boy, am I in love!

I estimate that he is a teether, baby rattle from the 1950's.

Inspiration: Wild Wishing Flowers

Hard to believe these gorgeous purple flowers grow wild. They are from a kudzu vine. This pesky vine grows invasively over everything, but when these little purple star like flowers bloom, it's hard to mind. Their gorgeous shade of purple is the source of inspiration behind my Wishing Flowers Regal Play Balls.