8 Jones Street - Vintage, Handmade, and Remade

The Crafty Fork

2012-01-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

2012 is upon us, and one of my resolutions was to do less. So why did I start a new blog, The Crafty Fork?

Well, I cook every day. And I love to cook!

Growing up, we always ate at home, and I’d say 90% of the meals my parents made were entirely “from scratch.” Sure on occasion we ate at restaurants, but maybe only once a month. In addition to being homemade, our meals were rounded: there was always a protein, some carbs, and at least one vegetable. And dinner was always at the table, with everyone present. Always. We lived in Maine and had a vegetable garden, bought foods “in season,” and ordered our Thanksgiving turkeys from a local family farm.

The current trend in local, organic, artisan food is very near and dear to me. I’ve been living this way my whole life! (Maybe not as a college student, when bagels, peanut butter, and frozen pizza were my staples… but I digress…) Now that I have a family of my own, and talk with other parents a lot, I am constantly sharing my recipes and “tricks” to get my kid to eat healthily. (hint: there are no tricks! Just eat what you should eat, and the kids will too).

Come visit to learn how to make amazing, healthy food.

Like the Wholesome Pizza with Whole Wheat and Flax Seed Crust, pictured above.

See recipe and instructions to make this delicious pizza on The Crafty Fork!

Or my favorite cold-weather cure, Easy Rustic Matzo Ball Soup, Goy Style.

Or learn how to roast almonds at home. Roasted Almonds with Sea Salt.

Have a happy, prosperous, healthy, and most importantly, happy new year. And please come visit The Crafty Fork - I'd love to see you there!

Sarah

summer, summer, summer

2011-07-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

I took some time, time to travel, time to fly, time to swim, time for peace... ahhhhhh. Summer.

I think that I really missed out on the past few summers. Late pregnancy, complications, and bedrest colored summer '09, and summer '10 I was still figuring out motherhood. But summer 2011, this summer... this summer is mine!

We flew cross country, California to Maine. Got to dip ourselves in the Atlantic Ocean, pick some berries with my 90 year-old grandfather...

And spent loads of time on another summer staple. Music. W.H. Auden wrote, “Music is the best means we have of digesting time.”

Back in California now, back at "the desk," I'm daydreaming of music, water, summer... Come on Saturday!

A few Father's Day ideas for outdoorsy, nature loving dads

2011-06-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Tick tock, Sunday is Father's Day! If you're looking for a few off-the-grid gift ideas for your indie-minded rugged papa, here are some things you might consider.

Does your outdoor-type have an office by day? Maybe he would like some photos to remind him of what he's planning for the weekend. I love the pop of color in this retro-ish photo of canoes in birchy woods by Pretty Petal Studios (above).

Looking for ways to make your outdoor space or perma-camp more homey? Try hanging mason jar solar lamps from Treasure Again on your favorite tree, or use a shepard's hook to hang them right outside the tent for a little bid of mood lighting.

Bring that outdoors feeling indoors to your favorite dad's office or workshop with this Vintage Blue Grass camping lantern from Lisa B. on Etsy. I love this baby blue beauty, it reminds me of the old lanterns by grandpa had hanging from the beams in his shed. I'm not sure I'd recommend using the lantern in it's intended purpose considering the age, but surely you might if you could find the fuel and lamps to fit.

No cabin, summer retreat, or campsite is complete without some sort of marking. This rustic wood-burned campsite marker from The Snowshoe Loft reminds me of home in Maine, where all the "summer towns" had houses with names like "Camp Heartside" or, simply, "Bob." Snowshoe makes all sorts of signs with different shapes and they're customizable.

Another suggestion for the professional papa who'd rather be outside (and loves to ride) is this Bike Tie Tack in sterling silver by Rachel Pfeffer from luckyduct on Etsy. I like how it is small/delicate enough for the boardroom but still bold enough to illustrate some personality.

I just love the wooden phone cases from Thealin Bade on Etsy. Walnut wood Iphone 4 case

No family should be without some knowledge of their genealogy. We face an odd paradox in this digital age, it is easy to do the research (or easier than it used to be), but often the history is left in digital form, with the danger of being lost or forgotten all over again. Time to write it down! I stumbled across this Family tree chart from Art and Artisan. They even sell in bulk, so you could collect the info and record it in multiples and gift them at your next family reunion.

I'm keen on this Vintage external frame hiking pack (probably best for dry climate hiking or camping) from D's Vintage Emporium. I lived out of one of these for a summer between college and joining the "working world." It was surprisingly light, dried easily, and let's face it - much more stylish than many of the modern styles.

Here are some things to your nature-loving dad or hubby might read while on the trail (or on the commute):

Pathfinder: Blazing a New Wilderness Trail in Modern America

Walden: Introduction and Annotations by Bill McKibben (Concord Library)

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel

Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies and Young Children

Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail

Prep for International Yarn Bombing Day 2011

2011-06-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Bombs away! Tomorrow is International Yarn Bombing Day! In the effort to inspire and inform, here are some resources for those bombers-to-be out there (note: my knitting skills are in the novice category - I might tag a few things tomorrow and post, but I'm choosing some of the most glorious, skilled bombs and bombers to highlight here).

What is a yarn bomb? Simply put: graffiti. Art for the public. The tag of a crafter. A knitter, specifically. Per Wikipedia, a yarn bomb (or "knit bomb") is "Yarn bombing, yarnbombing, yarnstorming, guerrilla knitting, or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk."

Perhaps the most infamous of bombings was The Gas Station Project by artist Jennifer Marsh. You can read more about the project on the International Fiber Collective website. Just look at this piece - hundreds of granny squares sewn together to cloak a rundown old building, and even the pumps! Gorgeous.

Want to be a part of this arts and crafts nouveau movement? The best advice: start simple. Twilight Taggers has posted excellent, amazingly detailed instructions on how to get yourself going here on their blog.

Now for the eye candy...

Covered bollards by Magda Sayeg, founder of Knitta Please


knit hearts on a fence


yarn bound trees

More photos! Read more about yarn bombing, and the lovely folks who do it, on these other blogs and sites:

And there are so many more out there! If you know of someone who bombs or photographs them, link us to them in comments.

To tomorrow!

Handmade things for the musician in your life

2011-06-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is coming. Of course, nothing beats a handmade gift created by the gifter. If your strapped for time (as I am) here are a few ideas:

Set up a Bandcamp site for them - it's free and they can actually make money selling their stuff!
Mixtape! Like, an actual Memorex 90 minute mixtape (assuming your giftee has a tapedeck). I have found that blank audio tapes made in the two thousand tens have a tinny sound and don't last very long - I recommend buying the good stuff of of Ebay or similar. A mix CD or playlist will do in a pinch and is super fast to make.
Set up a Sound Cloud site for them. A great place for them to post/share their sonic creations.

If you'd rather buy, here are a few things I've found that your indie-minded musician might love:

Vintage headphones with yarn-wrapped cord (above) by cordinated, based in Chicago. "Each earpiece has an individual volume control so you can listen to your tunes through one ear or both!" Super sweet. Alright these technically aren't handmade, but they are vintage/repurposed and lovingly personalized with a crafty touch.

An option for the electronic musician, synth lover, or gadget geek: The R - Drone Drone Station by rarebeasts. See it in action on Youtube.

This handmade leather guitar strap from mataradesign looks like it would last a lifetime. Sure to remind your giftee of your love for years and years.

Yarn Bombing Rodin

2011-06-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

June 11th is International Yarn Bombing Day! Yesterday I discovered the Burghers of Calais at Stanford had been bombed. It was quite chilly and grey so I imagine they appreciated the fuzzies.

I particularly liked the legwarmers. Inspiring. Now, I find myself conspiring for June 11th. Hmmm....

Taking it slow

2011-05-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

Recent Happenings
Right now, I am:

Wishing I could be in two places at once.

Practicing the art of slow, which is difficult because I have a tendency to rush. Could possibly benefit from some buddhist reading.

Looking forward to meeting up with a friend for a drink and a movie. It has been too long.

Needing a new couch, considering reupholstering the right used couch. Our Ikea couch is ready to move on to the home of a deserving undergraduate moving into their first flat.

Scheming a little something for my mom's coming 60th birthday. Shhhh!

Basking in the glory of a three day weekend.

Pining for summer, and the ocean, and that feeling I get when I'm there. June should bring the heat.

8 albums to celebrate a three day weekend!

2011-05-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend... growing up in a resort town in Maine, Memorial Day Weekend symbolized the beginning of the season: tourists from all over New England, and from Southeast Canada, clogged the two lane turnpike with their station wagons piled high with tents, boogie-boards, and bikes. As locals, we braced ourselves for long lines at the grocery store, inflated gas prices, and endless nights by the bonfire.

My Memorial Day Weekends have changed... being a young mom who works full-time, in the mono-seasonal Bay Area, there isn't necessarily the ceremonial hurrah! there once was. My plans for the weekend include the usual--farmer's market, trips to the park, a hike with the wee one, some sewing, some cooking... and lots of music! Here is a list of 8 records to kick off the holiday weekend:

1) Neutral Milk Hotel, On Avery Island [Vinyl]
NMH = everything that was right about the 90's. Noise, harmony, bow-saws... love. Jeff Mangum's genius, lyrically and musically, collaboratively with the Elephant 6 folks... I can't say enough about it. I saw NMH at the Middle East in Boston back in '98 (or was it '99?). Definitely one of my top 10 live rock shows ever.

2) David Bowie, Low
Anything David Bowie does is a-ok in my book, and anything Brian Eno is involved with ups the ante. Take the post-Los Angeles Bowie, throw in a lost weekend (or, lost months) with Iggy Pop in a studio in a castle, add dreamy synth soundscapes, and you've got Low. Yum.

3) Archers of Loaf, Icky Mettle
More 90's bliss. I challenge you to listen to Web in Front (the first track) and not fall in love. Archers are doing a reunion tour this summer. You should check them out.

4) The Covers Record
If I could sing, like, really sing, I would want to sound like Chan Marshall. Her cover of "I've Found a Reason" (Velvet Underground) is especially lovely.

5) Built to Spill, Perfect from Now On [Vinyl]
Certainly one of the most widely-loved BTS albums. Lovingly produced by Phil Ek. More buzz-y indie rock goodness, and where the marriage of Doug Marsch and Brett Nettson as musical mates really fused. The time-signature changes, especially on "Kicked it in the Sun," prove that this is the album where the indie darlings grew up.

6) The Beatles, Revolver (Remastered)
I think "Revolver" is my favorite Beatles album.

7)Fleet Foxes
Any band with vocal harmonies that Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young would covet, and a Breugel painting as an album cover, is worth checking out. This album is nothing short of enchanting. I recommend headphones and sunshine pairings.

8) Celebrate the New Dark Age
Perhaps my favorite album... ever? I'm not sure.

well, OK, let's do 9...
9) Joan Armatrading - Greatest Hits
No summer(y) day is complete without Joan. The voice, the funk... the best, best, best of the early 80's sound. "Cool Blue Stole My Heart." That's my jam! "Drop the Pilot." Yeah! I grew up dancing to Joan with my mom. To this day, I love to crank this album when I vacuum.

8 Books to celebrate World Vegetarian Week

2011-05-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Folks, we are at the end of World Vegetarian Week! I was a lacto-ovo, fish-eating vegetarian from age 11 through 23. At 23, I began to eat ethically raised meat, prepared at home only. To this day, my family probably only eats meat 3 times a week, and mostly fish. When we do eat animals with legs, we choose "happy" animals - those who were vegetarian fed and on small local organic farms when possible. Eating ethically costs more - but it is so much better for the environment, your body, and it tastes better too!

Here is my list of 8 books to celebrate World Vegetarian Week (that I have read or cooked from - I'm sure there are more awesome veggie books out there - feel free to list them in "comments").

1) Diet for a Small Planet
The classic by Frances Moore Lappe. This is the original reason I went veggie at age 11 (well, that and finding stringy veins things in steak).

2) Vegetarian Planet
My college-days cooking bible.

3) Animal Liberation: The Definitive Classic of the Animal Movement (P.S.)
The most widely-read Singer tome. Not for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach).

4)Super Natural Cooking: Five Delicious Ways to Incorporate Whole and Natural Foods into Your Cooking
One word: YUM!

5) The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook: Whole Foods To Nourish Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women - And Their Families
I was lost when I was nursing... I didn't know how to eat properly. This easy, delicious recipes in this book saved me!

6) Quick & Easy Vegan Comfort Food: 65 Everyday Meal Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with Over 150 Great-Tasting, Down-Home Recipes
Another nursing life-saver, especially for those on an elimination diet.

7) Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery
A book for your youngling about a vegetarian vampire bunny.

8) The Ethics of What We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter
Co-written by Philopher/Ethicist Peter Singer, *the* guru.

May Flowers

2011-05-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

Recent Happenings
Right now, I am:

Relishing the long days of early, early Summer when it isn't too hot to leave the windows open all day long

Digging Drums Unlimited by Max Roach, the music Mr. 8 Jones chose to accompany our dinner of roast chicken and rainbow chard

Snuggling with my six year-old English Bulldog "puppy" and scratching her ear as she sighs with delight

Feeling inspired by all of the beautiful fabric I have acquired in the last month or so and wondering how I'll ever find the time to complete all of the projects growing in my head

Wanting to nibble on the strawberries I bought today at the farmer's market

Waiting for my iron to heat up so I can get some fabric prepped and cut for a quilt for a friend who most sadly lost her mother this week

Missing my dad, who is recuperating from a stroke and has been diagnosed with cancer, with 6 months of chemotherapy ahead

Being as hopeful as possible, considering the 3,000 miles between me and my dad

Hearing my daughter's playful chirps as she sings herself to sleep--it's comforting

Knowing these tough times with aging/ill parents are balanced with the growth and birth of children, the joy and peace, the cycle of nature

Until next time...

Binding the Far Far Away summer quilt, the first attempt

2011-05-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

I attempted to bind the Far Far Away summer quilt this weekend. I thought I knew what I was doing. Since I am a self-taught crafter, there are always bumps in the road, and I sure hit one this weekend. I had read tutorials on binding quilts, fondled my store-bought binding tape over and over, looked and visualized and planned. Alas, this weekend I will be ripping seams and binding all over again.

What happened?

1) I thought I could machine stitch the binding. Every single tutorial I read said to hand-stitch. I was cutting corners. Now I've got wasted thread, poked-through edges, and ironically it'll take me at least an hour to pick the thread from the delicate double gauze fabric.

2) My daughter woke up from her nap. See above. While this happening resulted in some nice pictures for our family album, it did not result in a successful quilt binding.

Lesson learned: slow down, work carefully, do it right. And put the machine away when the kid wakes up!

Too many quilts, too little time... or, I am addicted to fabric.

2011-05-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

I do believe I may have a problem. I have two quilt sandwiches to quilt, two more quilt tops in the works, and two other batches of fabric washed and folded, waiting to be cut. So, why on earth did I just buy fabric for another quilt?

You've probably seen my post(s) on my City Weekend quilt that I am making for my daughter. Since this was my first quilting endeavor, I decided to take a break and wait until I'd gotten some experience with quilting to put it all together. And so I purchased a few fat quarters of Heather Ross' hard to find and out of print Far Far Away (the original line) to make an easy charm square summer quilt (above). I haven't finished the quilting or the binding on this yet but plan to soon. I love the whimsical theme of this fabric: unicorns, frog princes, and the princess and the sea...

Meanwhile, my husband's aunt has been enduring some pretty extreme treatments for an illness, so I figured I'd make her a lap quilt. She loves citrus colors, so the orange and limefrom the Sanae Chrysalis line were perfect. The flowers and butterflies are so cheerful!

The other quilts I have planned/in progress but haven't photographed are for my husband, niece, mom, step-sister, and brother's girlfriend... I need more thread!

Recent Happenings

2011-05-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

Since the most recent resurgence of 8 Jones Street, I've been so busy I've fallen off the web again! Bad, bad Sarah. So, where have I been? What have I been doing? In homage to one of my favorite blogs (Amanda Soule's SouleMama) I'm going to start a new tradition to keep me on track. So Saturdays' (mostly at least, I'm sure I'll stray at times) I'll post an update similar to Soule Mama's :: right now :: posts. I'll call the posts "Happenings" until something more clever strikes me.

So... drumroll please...

Recent Happenings
Right now, I am:

Reeling daily as I see my daughter grow and change and develop as her own person

Listening to Akron Family's song River and reminded of the joy music brings to my life.

Smelling the yummy veggies roasting up for dinner - yay for the Sunnyvale Farmer's Market

Longing for more time in the week to dedicate to my creative projects (just so, so hard to find the time when you work roughly 50 hours per week!)

Watching neighborhood teens scramble in pre-prom photo hysteria - it sure is a sight!

Feeling nostalgic for my early twenties, such as can happy when you're in your thirties, and therefore...

Missing my family and friends on the East Coast

Loving the beautiful people in my daily life

Thinking that I might call a friend to go out tonight

Developing an addiction to fabric and sewing

Reading the very beginning of The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet by David Mitchell and was blown away by the first scene

Planning for a long-awaited family trip to Maine

Contemplating writing

Enjoying a peaceful afternoon and some time to myself

And on that note, I think I'll take some time to get back to Jacob De Zoet. Until next time...

City Weekend Quilt - Change of Plans

2011-02-05T18:00:00.001-08:00

Well, I had intended on making the easy(ish) ragged quilt for my first quilting project, but, as I started playing with my fabric (oliver + s "City Weekend," plus white Kaufman Kona Cotton) I realized the colors were dulled when the fabrics were layered. So last night as I laid awake in bed, I began to plan a more sophisticated, color-maximizing quilt. And so you see the primitive plans above.

Today I began cutting the fabric. Well, of course, I had to iron first... luckily I found a natural, non-aerosol spray starch that made the cotton lay flat and stiffened it a little. This was my first time ever using a rotary cutter (sort of like a pizza cutter, but for fabric). Much easier than pinking shears for straight cuts.

I realized I could layer the fabric for efficiency and this worked nicely - not sure it would work with smaller pieces of fabric, though (I cut 8" squares). As I cut I started to see how quilting is similar to handbuilding with clay. The measuring, the precision, with a dash of wishing and hoping that ultimately the completed piece will come out as you are envisioning in your head.

I love the orange-red, turquoise, gold, and cornflower blue colors together. I can't wait to see things come together.

Dot painting at daycare

2011-02-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a break from spreadsheet shuffling (part of my day job) to post a picture of G gettin' crafty at daycare. It looks like she is dot painting a snake? I wish I could stay home and craft along with her but alas... maybe in my next life.

My first quilt

2011-01-31T21:40:00.000-08:00

In accordance with my love with all things tactile, beautiful, and useful, I am planning my first quilt. "The Quilt" will be for G and will be (roughly) crib size. A crib quilt measures 45" x 60", but the pattern I am adapting from calls for 9" blocks. So I figure 5 x 7 blocks this quilt will be, for an estimated finished size of 42.5" x 59.5". Close enough for a first-timer, if you ask me. I've already begun acquiring fabric (and batting) and have chosen oliver + s "City Weekend" for the colored bits. This fabric line is quite delicious, don't you think?

I am focusing on the bolder colors: turquoise, gold, orangey red, and blue. It will be gorgeous.

The "real" City Weekend Quilt is beyond my patience I'm sure, and certainly beyond my newbie skills, but it is oh so lovely.

I am not going to use a pattern, but will borrow construction method from Crazy Mom Quilt's Ragged Quilt. However, I like the look of color on white blocks and was truly inspired by quilts like this Land & Sea quilt by Alyssa. I suppose I'll have to think of a clever name for the quilt when I'm finished.

On another note... This post has been brought to you in part by... Traditional Medicinals Gypsy Cold Care Tea: it works! Steep covered for 15 minutes, add a teaspoon of honey, and you've got (momentary) sweet relief. Gypsy Cold Care Tea: it works! This is by no means a paid endorsement, I just love the stuff.

But seriously, the plague of the wee daycare G attends is making it's rounds, and the Puffs Plus (with lotion!) tissues are flying off the shelves. And desks. And nightstands.

What's this?

2011-01-27T20:00:00.001-08:00

Meet G. She is 18 months old and enjoys ripping things (paper, leaves), crepes, and walks in the park. Poor G hasn't been feeling well the past few days, so I've selected a picture from last week, since it might not be very nice to post a picture of her runny nose in all it's glory. So here she is!

I thought I should introduce since she inspires much of what I do these days, as you'll see in future posts. G, aka "Gorgeous," aka "The Dove," is possibly the happiest child alive. I'm sure all parents think this of their children, as they should. There is so much love in our house.

The Evolution of 8 Jones Street

2011-01-26T15:34:00.001-08:00

"We are the sum of our experiences."* For months this phrase has been with me. So much has occurred in the past two years (gulp - two years!) and I have been going through many iterations of self. I suppose the most noteworthy change is that I am now a mother. I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl (let's call her "G" for the purpose of this blog) in August 2009. Pregnancy itself was such a life altering occurrence. Adding a child to our household sent me through a rash of changes, to which I could liken to an identity crisis. Into my thirties I was independent... coupled up, yet childless, and had the freedom and flexibility that only those without kids know. Giving up those freedoms for a five pound human (she was born early) was a shock to the system, despite all the dreaming and planning in the months building up to G's birth. And so I lost myself. Or at least it felt like it. Just a little.

So. Where have I been? Am I still me? "We are the sum of our experiences." I feel it necessary to reintroduce myself to... myself, and everyone around me. I am Sarah, just different. I'm also a mother, an identity or title that at first seemed to dwarf many things I had known myself to be.

8 Jones Street could not persist as it once was. As a mother, I'm seeing things differently. The evolution of me, and 8 Jones Street, has been a quiet movement, gaining momentum over time. I am writing and crafting again. Stay tuned!

*NOTE: please, if you know the original source of this mantra like quote, please let me know! I am finding lots of conflicting info online. Thank you!

Aloha! Vintage Luau, anyone?

2009-04-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

In just two days, the hubby and I are departing for our belated honeymoon in Hawaii! I realized - I haven't really gone shopping, and now it is too late! If I had the time to wait, of course I'd go Etsy all the way. If you're heading to Hawaii in the next few months, here are my recommendations for you:

The Hilo Hattie’s Vintage Hawaiian Floral Maxi Dress above, from ramonawest, is my top pick not only is it truly stylish, but since this is a honeymoon and "babymoon" for me, the cut and shape would be perfect! It'd really be great for the night of the luau - I could gorge myself on crablegs and virgin mai-tais without worrying about busting any seams!

Next up, for research purposes, you'd have to snag this Vintage National Geographic Making of America Hawaii Map Filled with Illustrations of Birds from TinkersShop

And for daytime shopping and photo-ops, I encourage you to consider this vintage yet modern looking Vintage 60's Floral Ruffle Collar Day Dress from sailorpinkvintage:

Well folks, this may be my last post until I return to the mainland in roughly 2 weeks - until then, aloha!

top photo courtesy of swankpad.org – see their post here

MOVING SALE - Buy One, Get One FREE

2009-04-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

MOVING SALE! through May 16thBuy one item in my Etsy shop, get the second item FREE!
Second item must be $20 or under - cost of second item will be refunded via Paypal
Also - follow me on Twitter for additional secret sales posted weekly!
STORE = http://8jonesstreet.etsy.com/
TWITTER = http://twitter.com/8jonesstreet

So, you could buy this one of a kind Lush Handmade Vintage Flower and Leaves Collage...

And get this Blue Milk Glass Art Deco Necklace and Earrings set free...

OR - you could buy this Vintage Wedding Gown...

and get this vintage Glass Jewelry Box free!

COME SHOP! http://8jonesstreet.etsy.com/

Vintage, Baby!

2009-04-20T21:18:00.001-07:00

Well, the cat is out of the bag: my husband and I are expecting our first child! The baby isn't due until the beginning of September, but we're already looking around and planning the nursery (or whatever sort of nursery you can expect to have in a small apartment).

Anyhow, what is up with all the safari animals in modern baby gear land?

I prefer a more vintage approach - woodland animals and charming pieces from the past. Here are a few of my faves on Etsy. Take the Sweet Vintage Nursery Lamp Two Kids on Swings With Music by Irmi (pictured above) offered by sweetlilystudio. Wouldn't it be adorable in any little lad or lass's room?

And what child's room is complete without a piggybank - like this Pretty Polly Piggy - Vintage Ceramic bank offered by TheBakersDaughterToo.

I think this Vintage white milk glass bird jar with lid offered by Highstreetmarket would be perfect for storing cotton balls.

And what woodland decor would be complete without a Sweet Bambi Deer Figurine like this one from HelloVictory?

All in all it is kind of rough trying to outfit a baby room with vintage things, since safety standards have obviously changed, and some of the vintage baby things out in the world are downright scary. Luckily we've got a few months to figure things out.

Vintage Loving Mother of the Bride?

2009-03-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

My friends Pat and Katie are going to get married - yay! Of course, I wonder... what am I to wear? While browsing Etsy for vintage wonders I found the perfect dress for a chic mother-of-the-bride - with a jacket. Oh well - some other lucky woman will get to wear this Vintage Gold Accordion Long Empire Waist Dress from smellyshoesvintage on Etsy someday

Happy Valentine's Day - Southfork Style

2009-02-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

A return to the blog - after being swept away for a few months with holiday and family duties, I am back and thrilled. My ever-loving hubby swept me away today - first with brunch at the Original Pancake House (home of the Dutch Baby) followed by the gifting of Dallas seasons one and two. Ahhh - perfection!

Don't get rid of your landline phone just yet!

2008-12-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I called my mom to wish her a Happy Birthday. The phone rang and rang... no answer. Thinking it odd that she wouldn't be home since we'd set up a "phone date" I called cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Happy Birthday!"

"Some birthday. We're huddled by the fireplace - we've been without power since 5am. I gotta go - my cell battery is low and I'm trying to conserve."

"OK," I said. I knew why she hadn't answered her home phone - all she has are cordless phones, which need electricity to work. "Well, I'll check in with you tomorrow..."

As it turns out, there was a gigantic icy snow storm that hit Southern Maine really hard, leaving a ton of people without power. Since I live out in California, I had no idea!

When I called my dad at his apartment, he picked right up. He has an old-school corded phone that I bought him for Christmas last year, connected directly to his landline. Guess I should buy my mom a corded phone this Christmas.

I will never get rid of my landline, and I will never not have a corded phone in my home.

Why?

Because when all else fails - electricity, satellite connections, cell towers - chances are the regular Ma Bell phone will still work.

Remember the blackout in New York back in 2003? I guess it is called the Northeast Blackout of 2003...

On August 14, 2003, I was at work in the Village when the blackout began. There was one person with a shortwave radio, walking around spouting bits of information... "power is out in Chicago, too!" and "Fires in Ontario, Canada!" Since we'd lived through the September 11th, 2001 episodes together, it wasn't too far of a mental stretch to think that this was another attack on the U.S. I tried calling my friends to no avail - the cell phone towers were out/not working, and nobody kept their landline. Except for my boyfriend (now husband) and I. I needed to talk to someone outside of the City to get piece of mind. The lines at the payphones were 20 to 30 people long.

I made a beeline for our studio. Walking up the six flights of stairs in total blackness was interesting to say the least, but luckily I've got a decent sense of spatial memory. I knew my old black corded phone from college was buried somewhere in my closet. And voila - that it was!

A quick call to my family back in Maine was all it took - now I knew that there was a blackout that was likely due to a lack of supply vs. demand... there hadn't been another attack. I'll never forget that feeling of comfort in having a connection "outside" of the city, knowing that things were OK on the larger scale. This is why I'll never get rid of my landline phone, as long as I have a choice. And I recommend you keep yours too!

how do you write an artist's statement?

2008-12-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

I've recently been asked to write an artist's statement. Well, a statement plus a studio proposal (or artist intention). "Now I've read a lot of "AS"s before. I never thought I'd have trouble composing my own - heck, I have a BFA in writing, literature, and publishing. And I've been making pots for years. So why do I have a block on this one?

I'll sit here at my laptop, snuggled with a cup of tea and my English Bulldog, with time to write, visions of pots to be made dancing in my head, and... nothing. Nothing but a list.

Here are a few of the ideas I'm working with -

I like to make beautiful things
I create pots with rewarding details for the curious… a flash of Coleman red inside the spout of a cloudy white teapot, a thickly dipped shino that crackles and breaks with waxed islands
Find inspiration in nature – flora and fauna
Listen to the clay with my fingers
Nothing makes me happier than someone crossing a room with that curious look and reaching out to pick up one of my pots.

I have more but man everything sounds cheesy, or overly earnest... I'm hoping I can cobble something together within the next few days.

For other folks grappling this challenge, I found a lot of information on the interwebs. Google is your friend here. The Artists Foundation says "Writing an artist statement sometimes can be harder than making the actual work." Writing tips from Tips from AF

Here arare a few select inspiring examples of statements by some of my favorite ceramic artists:

Julia Galloway
Malcolm Davis
Sanam Emami
Jennifer Allen

Maine Style New England Fish Chowder

2008-11-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture taken on my wedding day in South Portland, Maine. On a clear day you would see the Portland skyline across the harbor.
I was born and raised in Maine. After college years in Boston then formative years in Brooklyn and Manhattan, I now live in Northern California. Whenever I need a little Back East flavor, I make Fish Chowder, Maine-style, like Mom used to make. Real New England chowder is creamy with a thin milk broth (not the thick sludge you get in the restaurants). A friend of mine recently asked for the recipe, so I wrote it down for the first time. Here it is!

Maine-style Fish Chowder

¼ lb bacon (I usually buy three thick slices from Whole Foods)
1 garlic clove, smashed then minced
1 small white or yellow onion, minced (use a medium onion for more flavor)
2 tablespoons salted butter
6 small to medium white or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and chopped into cubes – I usually cut them into 8 pieces or ¾ inch cubes)
½ teaspoon dried Thyme
3 dried Bay Leaves
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1 ½ to 2 lbs boneless Haddock fillets (Cod may also be used)
½ gallon milk (I use 2%; use whole milk for heartier flavor - add a bit of heavy cream if that is your thing)
½ capful Liquid Smoke hickory flavor
½ teaspoon Paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

This is an old-fashioned New England style chowder recipe. It is lighter and thinner than most restaurant versions.

Use large stockpot – I use an 8 qt. tall pot – with cover.

On medium heat, cook bacon in stock pot until crispy, turning as necessary. Remove crispy bacon and place on a plate with a paper towel to absorb grease. Leave bacon drippings in pan; add butter, garlic, and onions and cook on medium until onions are translucent.

Put potatoes in over onions; add about 1 inch water to pot. Add Bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and increase to medium-high; cook/steam for 5 minutes. Rinse fish, pat dry, and remove any bones. Reduce heat to medium and gently turn/stir potatoes. Lay fish on top of potatoes then cover the pot – the steam will cook the fish and finish cooking the potatoes. Check fish ever 2-3 minutes – use tongs or spoon to gently “pick up” the fish. If the fish breaks, it is done cooking. Reduce heat to low and uncover.

Slowly add milk. Do not stir until all milk has been added, and then only stir gently. Add liquid smoke and paprika. Use spoon to stir and break fish into desired size chunks. Leave chowder covered on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. At this point, taste the broth and add salt or pepper as necessary. Remove bay leaves if possible. Cover the chowder again and increase heat to medium. Cook an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Chowder is ready to serve once it is hot.

Variation: corn chowder – add 2 cans of yellow corn, drained. Or use frozen corn. Both are good.

i heart haddock - can't get it on the West Coast (affordably anyhow)

2008 "Art in Clay" Show & Sale - Bay Area

2008-11-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

This is a direct copy/paste from http://www.ovcag.org - I'm not selling but a lot of great people are:

Sat & Sun, Nov. 15-1610 AM-5 PM

Lucie Stern Community Center Ballroom1305 Middlefield Rd.Palo Alto, CA 94301
The Orchard Valley Ceramic Arts Guild will host its 8th "Art in Clay" show at the Lucie Stern Community Center Ballroom in Palo Alto.
More than 50 local artisans will present their newest creations at the 8th annual "Art in Clay" exhibit. This event, one of the Bay Area's finest art and craft shows, will feature a broad array of ceramic art and handmade pottery.
The ceramics span all styles of work, from raku to woodfire, from garden art to ceramic sculpture, from functional tableware to decorative art. "Art in Clay" is run by the artists who are exhibiting. Many artists will be available to answer questions and discuss their work.
Last year was a great success and well received by the public. We're anticipating an even more fantastic year showing our members' latest work! Light refreshments will be served throughout the day. Several door prizes will be given out each day!
Admission to "Art in Clay" is free, and the show is perfectly timed for selecting fine artisan-made gifts for the holidays!
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For more information about our shows and sales, email sales@ovcag.org or call our message number at (866) 841-9139 extension 1075.

Whimsical Pots by Barbara Dunshee

2008-11-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

When I first began working with clay in 2001 it was about precision. As time rolled on and the wheel kept turning, I began to be tickled by a touch of whimsy. This came to a head in 2004 with the birth of my first hand-built teapot: a pumpkin fit for Cinderella. (note: someday I will post a photo of that pumpkin pot here)

I've discovered Barb Dunshee - an awesome clay artist. Since I'm a potter, I like her more functional whimsical pots, but she sculpts faces too. You can find the pot pictured - titled Attentive Milo - (and lots more) here.

I should add that Barbara is friendly and forgiving when typos are concerned ;)

2008-11-11T10:01:00.001-08:00

Deer Crush

2008-11-10T20:32:00.000-08:00

I have a crush on this little deer pincushion made by Consider The Birdies on Etsy.

Oh Deer Me

There is something so sweet, so pretty about this little lass. Someday I may have her.

Autumn Inventory Reduction Sale - 20% off all Vintage

2008-11-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

Out with the old, in with the "new" old is my mantra of the week. 8 Jones Street is having an Autumn Inventory Reduction Sale - I'll take 20% off the listed price of anything vintage in my Etsy shop. Once I sell off some of these items, I can post some of the newer (vintage) goodies hiding out in the armoire.

Looking for some vintage kitchenware? Wedding apparel? Jewelry? SPull up a laptop and a cup of tea and check it out!

Why I love the farmer's market

2008-11-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

Heirloom tomatoes. Yum! Need I say more?

Been Throwin' around

2008-10-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Where have I been? Well, let's see...

I got married in Portland Maine a month ago, and I've been in newlywed bliss ever since. The (not so surprising) near euphoric effect is that I have been in a solid creative trance. Absolutely wonderful for me, not so great for the blog. Apologies! Other than being on the East Coast, I have been in the pottery studio. A long-delayed return due to the theft of precious tools... an experience I won't rehash at this time.

My pottery tends to be influenced by my current experiences and my environment - architecture, flora, seasons... When I relocated from NYC to the Bay Area I made a lot of boats, a whimsical pumpkin teapot, and a few funerary urns for beloved musicians (George Harrison, Elliott Smith). After the wedding a bit of nesting kicked in, and then I saw this cover of DWELL magazine at Whole Foods.

So my current project is: Little Clay Houses.

This series is in it's formative stages but I expect to have a few completed mini-bungalows by January.

(image: the cover of the November 2008 Dwell - I did not take this photo or design the house and I don't work for the magazine - please go to their website for more on them - http://www.dwell.com/ )

It's official

2008-09-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to have found the Etsy community as an outlet for my projects and vintage fetish. To add to the joy, I've been added to the Etsy Vintage Pledge Blog's list of acceptable sellers.

Don't you love their Mucha logo? I know I do.

Wabi Sabi on the Front Page

2008-09-07T18:52:00.001-07:00

That is one of my Wabi Sabi Walking boxes... right there on the coveted Etsy front page. Neat, huh? A giant thank you to Etsy seller walrustusk for putting me in their treasury.

Meat. Vintage Cookbooks. Lots of meat.

2008-09-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

I had to share this:

From a 1951 version of the Gourmet Cookbook - there is an entire chapter titled "Man's Meat."

That's it.

Leaves Turn Inside You - a new series brewing

2008-09-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

I'm often influenced by seasons and music, hence the new series of millinery collage I'm calling "Leaves Turn Inside You" (leaves brought on by autumn, and the title a nod to Unwound for those interested in the music part). I am sure to be a busy bee this weekend!

Here it is hot, but there it may be fall

2008-09-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

It has been hot h o t HOT here in the Bay Area the past few weeks. As a New England native, it is hard to face September without a chill in the air and the blush of turning leaves. The colors of fall have always been my favorites and I really want this shawl by TickledPinkKnits.etsy.com

I am daydreaming about my strolls from Greenpoint to the L... there I am in an alternate universe, in McCarren park wearing this and carrying this awesome vintage kimono clutch by humade.etsy.com

Don't know what you got 'till it's gone...

2008-09-04T21:28:00.001-07:00

Ode to Joan.

Myopic Joan
gazed at stars
in blue no doubt.

I must pay tribute to the "estate sale." Literal goldmines of vintage finds, and the beauty is the pieces are connected. Everything is from the same home, and often from the same person. Joan wore glasses (big dorky ones made by Guess?) and liked to knit. She lived in Northern California most of her life, and from what I gather she loved white wicker furniture.

When I sold these glasses it was painless. Yet somehow I keep looking back at the pictures... they really are a great set of specs! Truly the worst part of dealing vintage is mourning the loss of pieces you wish you'd kept.

I do have dresses... I will list them...

2008-08-28T23:56:00.000-07:00

To all who have been wondering...

This weekend will be a heavy listing weekend. I have a ton of things to photograph.

Just a sneak...

EXTRA EXTRA: THE SUNDAY VINTAGE MARKET IS COMING!!!

2008-08-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, August 31st, 10am eastern Sunday to 10am eastern Monday.

Visit the VINTAGE MARKET in the ETSY promotions forum. Over 70 vintage sellers, including me, will be participating in a huge VINTAGE flea-market style festival. Many of my items will be reduced for the day, and my first 3 buyers will get a special gift!

See you there!

Mini Collage gone 3D

2008-08-24T21:01:00.001-07:00

Here is my creative achievement for the day: a mini collage title "Indie Game." The title sprouted from the text I tore from a magazine. It is a 3D piece because I attached a little fabric leaf and flower... they really pull the collage together.

I love making miniature collages. I started doing this about three years ago when a painting teacher recommended mini-collage as a means to play with color and contrast. Each piece is one of a kind and is signed, titled, and dated on the reverse side.

This mini is ACEO standard, except for the little leaf that extends over the edge on the right.

What is an ACEO?

It is similar to an ATC (Artist Trading Card), which is a piece of art that measures 2.5" x 3.5" - the same size as a baseball card or any other typical collector's card. The intention of the ATC was for artists to use them as a calling card essentially, traded between artists with their contact information on the back.

Well, of course it would be nice to have a calling card for artists to give non-artists, and so the ACEO (Art Card, Editions and Originals) was introduced. The only difference between and ATC and ACEO (as far as I know) is that ACEOs can be sold.

Weekend Workshops - coming to you from free wireless at a famous coffee chain in Mountain View, CA

2008-08-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday morning, the fiancee and I drag ourselves out of bed early, walk and feed Stella, then head to the local chain coffee place for what we call "Vorkschatz," our faux German work for workshops. He's working on his Philosophy dissertation, and I am trying to write.

What do I write? Mostly essays, lists of things, a bit of fiction, how-to, and snippets of things that come to mind. Today I am writing about my 97 year-old Irish New England grandmother. But I keep getting distracted - hence this blog entry!

So I will write a list: The top 7 things that are distracting me today are (in no particular order)
1) I want another cup of coffee, but I know I need to cut back.
2) My garden which I have neglected more than I wish to admit this year. The morning glories that never really had a chance.
3) Our upcoming wedding - which will be in Maine at the end of September.
4) The need to sign up for studio time (pottery) and the high cost of firing to cone 10. I just prefer to high fire, but with the cost of gas...
5) My collection of pottery tools that were stolen last year. I'd collected items from all over the country for almost five years... I get all tense just thinking about how I'll never reclaim my antique fabric stamp from India. meh
6) The lack of time in a day. I work 40+ hours a week at my "day job" which leaves me little time to create. This in turn leaves me feeling less accomplished than I would like to.
7) The olympics and lack of equal coverage in the U.S. What is up with that? And why do they broadcast live on the East Coast, then delay for the West Coast. Why?

Alright... I might just get another cup of coffee now.

Eagerly anticipating my cloche by Liza Rietz

2008-08-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Since the early nineties I've longed for a cloche of my own. One that fits my non-vintage head. A cloche that was practical enough to wear on a regular day.

Imagine my hysteria upon discovering designer Liza Rietz's linen cloche. Now this is a hat a gal like me can live in!

I ordered the black linen cloche. It should be here any day. Now if only I could convince myself that I can afford this ruffled dress.

Tearing mode

2008-08-18T09:13:00.001-07:00

This moment I'm itching to collage. Something about the change of seasons, the desire to make things... not a bad state to be in.

Most of my collages are mini, about 4"in length max, but these vintage encyclopedia covers have inspired me to go bigger. I can't wait. I ordered them Saturday and they're being shipped media mail. So lookout for some new handmades in the next few weeks!

Watch out, Sue Ellen Ewing

2008-08-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

I didn't watch "Dallas" when it was on the first time around. It was a show for "grown ups." Well, now I'm all grown up and I LOVE IT. The truth is, not only do I love retro / vintage art, music, fashion, and hairstyles - I love vintage film and TV too. And here is a little secret: we just finished season 9 (don't laugh) and Bobby's back!

But seriously, "Dallas" has informed my fashion choices in the past year. I've added belts, worn my ponytail on the side on occasion, tried frosted eyeshadow (NO!)...

THIS DRESS! The perfect dress. If only it were in my size. It is stunning: electric blue 100% silk burnout. It makes me want to cry. It was such a find, and I paid more than I should have for it, but I had to have it. Hanging in my closet. Because it isn't my size.

I'll have to post it to 8 Jones Street at Etsy soon. But until then, I will visit daily and caress the sweet softness. Hmm.

I love ruffles. Especially vintage ruffles.

2008-08-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

It's true - an artfully placed ruffle just makes me swoon. There is something sophisticated and girly about ruffles. From secretary blouses to lolita dresses, they just make the piece.

Today while photographing this dress I realized - probably 2 out of 3 women's pieces I buy have ruffles in one form or another. This lemon yellow dress is no exception. The dress itself might be considered plain: a simple trapeze or swing dress shape. But add two rows of ruffles at the yoke and a line of ruffle at the bottom hem, and Voila! We have yellowy goodness.

Vintage Craft Books - Pictures Speak a Thousand Words

2008-08-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

On one of my vintage-good hunts I stumbled upon a collection of amazing craft books called "The Family Creative Workshop." As I started thumbing through the 23 volume set, I was overwhelmed with emotion: why had I never heard of these books before, and why isn't anything like this published today? Why were publishers so much cooler in 1974, 1975, and 1976?

The projects are well developed and either require a bit of skill or teach a unique skill - like flute carving, creating a vivarium, sewing without a pattern, winter sculpture, monoprinting, mukluk making... the list goes on and on. And the pictures... well, what can I say? I'm a picture loving gal. I could only afford a few precious volumes. I decided to grab the four that were in the best condition. I've posted a few of these to the 8 Jones Street store - I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Just a peek...

2008-08-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

I adore Art Nouveau style... I wish it were practical to dress like an Alphonse Mucha forest dweller. Personal attire aside, Art Nouveau's soft lines and muted romantic tones just make me happy.

Just imagine my delight in finding this nouveau-style mirror / picture frame. This is one of those pieces that I'm torn about... should I keep this item for myself? Or should I let it go to a happy new home where there is more shelf space?

Alas, this and a few other Nouveau / Deco era items will be posted to the 8 Jones Street Etsy store in the next few days. C'est la vie.

We Have Liftoff!

2008-08-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

8 Jones Street the Etsy store is now open!

One of the things I love the most about collecting vintage things is learning about where and when the piece came from. For example, I have four octagonal bowls that stack together. They are opaque glass. I figured I'd inspect them closely - turns out, these are Arcoroc bowls - the Optime Black pattern - made in France!

I'm so happy to be able to discover and share these things.

8 Jones Street will be opening on Sunday, August 3rd!

2008-08-02T00:47:00.000-07:00

At 8 Jones Street, you'll find a collection of vintage, handmade, and remade items for everyday life.

: : VINTAGE : :Our vintage items ARE TRUE VINTAGE items, not reproductions; they have been loved before, and hope to find a new home with you! Reduce your carbon footprint -- buy pre-loved!

: : HANDMADE : :Sarah loves creating with clay, paper, fabric, found objects, beads, glass, leaves, twigs, and other things. Each handmade item is OOAK (one of a kind) unless otherwise noted. Support arts and crafts -- buy handmade!

: : REMADE : :These items have been given an 8 Jones Street makeover: they're vintage or repurposed but have been altered, improved, edited, re-created, or combined with a mixed-media approach. Purchase OOAK classics with the 8 Jones Street touch -- buy remade!