inspirational imagery

i’m not sure what’s going on here, but these pictures are so captivating.

<more precious photographic finds on sabino’s tumblr>

 

cuties

aw bunny + bird!

available @ anthro

 

stefani joanne angelina geramotta

possibly delayed to this find but thrilled to have discovered the lady gaga doll set on flickr

leaving the london landmark

minnie mouse

x_X

for god and the gays

this beat is sick

paparazzi

from germany

brilliant use of time – bravo.

 

positive shopping

global goods partners is an organization very near to my heart – they are wonderful nfp org ‘dedicated to empowering women, alleviating poverty and promoting social justice’ <from their mission statement>  i feel grateful that they bring unique handmade and free-trade products to the american market, thereby promoting independence and providing support to artisans worldwide.  now through dec14, ggp is offering free shipping on orders over $50!  -or- if you prefer a tactile shopping experience, there is an upcoming opportunity to do just that:

the holiday fair will take place next thursday, dec 17 in the urban zen center at stephan weiss studio : 711 greenwich st, from 12pm to 8pm.  download a copy of the invite here. in eager anticipation, a few personal favs from their site:

argentinian handmade necklace $34.00

bolivian ceramic chicken lights $26.00

perhaps my absolute favorite are these vibrant totes made of recycled rice bags <and lined with sturdy cotton> specifically supporting landmine and polio victims in cambodia:

cambodian pleated market bag $34.00

columbian change purse $22.00

indian folk doll keychain $7.00

nepalese felt flowers $6.00

having recently hiked the inka trail – i suppose i am partial to the following three selections and can personally attest to the warmth + softness of alpaca wool – which is attained similar to sheep shearing, no animal cruelty!

peruvian braided alpaca scarf $66.00

peruvian embroidered dog collar $21.00 and leash $38.00

peruvian alpaca wool bunnies $20.00 ea

south african beaded bread bracelet $8.00

south african motorcycle keychain $10.00

embroidered card sets from the thai-burmese border $24.00 for 5

each photo is linked to the relevant product site – or browse the entire assortment here

 

made these

thanks to wee wonderfuls’ hillary lang – i stitched up two sweet little gifts for a new baby.  here are the simple steps:

-1- download free pattern

-2- transfer design onto fabric – my secret is using the computer monitor as a lightbox – no need to print out // saves trees too

-3- choose your yarns (in my opinoin, limited colors work nicely: 3 per doll)

french knot embellishment

-4- embroider using varied stitches to maximize interest in the details

– 5- pin embroidered design to decorative fabric – wrong faces touching each other <or right sides: either way works>

oh how i heart gingher scissors

– 6- cut around your embroidery with plenty of extra fabric to spare

i added eyewear to personalize the dolls + match baby's parents glasses

-7- face right sides together and stitch leaving a gap to turn inside out and fill

-8- make dolls rightside-out and stuff <i used bamboo based stuffing>. be sure to use plenty!

-9- stitch opening shut with matching thread to front or back

voila!

-10- test dolls out with play

getting acquainted

if i make these again, i’ll add a pocket to the back – kids love tiny spots to place things . . . i think.

backing fabric

check out more of lang’s designs for inspiration + get creative!

bear + bunny