Summer is still more than a month away according to the calendar, but it already feels like it! I'm making a detailed list of art/creative projects I want to make and vaguely thinking about larger house/yard projects. (Hmm . . . can you tell which category I prefer?) Here's a look at what's been capturing my attention lately:
- 10 Best Reuable Grocery Bags
Like a lot of cities, Fort Collins has instituted a plastic bag ban at large grocery stores. I have a mishmash of free tote bags that I can use instead, but I'm thinking that it might be easier if I had just a few standard bags that were all the same size and shape. I've been reading lots of article like this one on the "best" bags, but haven't made a decision yet. (And yes, I'm fully aware of the irony of purchasing more bags to keep other bags out of the landfill.) - Abbott Elementary
I like this new sitcom from ABC. As the title suggests, it takes place in an elementary school and focuses on the teachers. It's done in that mockumentary format which I find a little overdone, but I like the characters and the lighter tone. - Bouquets of Flowers from Trader Joe's
I'm on my second tiny ($3.99) bouquet this year and I admit it's my current favorite splurge. If you're on the fence about buying yourself flowers, I recommend the blog posts "Buy the Flowers" and "The Little Things I Do That Feel Like Abundant Living" by Modern Mrs Darcy. - Incomplete White Puzzle
Trust inventor Simone Giertz to deliberately sell a puzzle with a missing piece--in a solid color to boot! - Jefferson County, Colorado Opens First Ghost Library
First there were ghost kitchens and now ghost libraries! What will be next? - Katie Daisy's "Make Your Own Magic" Sticker
I recently added a bulletin board to my office and have been slowly filling it with little bits of inspiration (and some practical work info like deadlines and a to-do list). This sweet sticker (and the artist's Stay Weird business card) have earned a spot. - Lucky Duckling Knitting Pattern
Aren't these little ducks adorable? If ducks aren't your animal, take a look at designer Claire Garland's Instagram account, as it's packed with lots of different cute knitted animals.
- Melinda Barta's Primrose Bracelet Kit
I bought this beautiful seed bead kit for myself a couple of months ago, but only started it recently. I knew the instructions and diagrams would be very good as Melinda is a former editor of Beadwork magazine. She is not restocking her kits once they sell out, but she'll still be selling the instructions if you want to try it yourself. - Naming Your Art Business: My Top Tips for Choosing Your Name
This short-and-sweet blog post from a successful artist gives some practical advice and reassurance. - Pizza Table and Chairs [photo]
You know that plastic disc that some pizza places put in the middle of their pizzas to keep the cardboard lid in place? Someone made some little white chairs to go with it. It isn't the first example I've seen, but it delights me every time! - Printed Wood Earrings Tutorial
I'm always intrigued by creators who use unusual materials, so naturally I found this tutorial using nail film (the kind you put on your fingernails) fascinating! It looks like a fun way to add a detailed print to your jewelry designs. - Star Sand [photos]
The beaches of Okinawa, Japan are made of star sand. So pretty! (But maybe not comfortable to walk on?) - Very Funny Ladies: The New Yorker's Women Cartoonists
I borrowed this large book through our state's interlibrary loan system. So many fascinating tidbits! For example, I had no idea that having the cartoonist come up with the art and the writing was a modern phenomena. Of course, there are lots of cartoons, so it makes for an easy read. NPR has an interview with the author who is herself a New Yorker cartoonist. - You Don't Need to Be Good at Your Hobbies
As this article attests, you can be gloriously bad at something and still find it fun!
See you in June!