1984

I was smokin' hot, as you can see. The only girl wearing a tie. Annie Lenox was my idol.

Mags Kandis

I found this fabulously simple and elegant mitten pattern here at My Wabi Sabi Country Life. A wonderful knitter I'd love to know named Mags Kandis. She's the author or Folk Style, published by Interweave Press (back when they were actually a good knitting magazine.) Anyway, she's generous with this pattern: you can download your own free copy here.

Brilliant

Passed Out

Anton's passed out in front of yet another Cars marathon. Without a nap the day after Christmas and a million new toys to play with, he snoozes after a carb overload with the offending potato chip still in his puffy hand.

Gift Review

Well. Doug, Anton and I are sick for Christmas this year, but happy to be up here in Rabun Gap. By the end of the present opening charade, Anton finally "got" the ripping of the wrapping paper down. His Christmas this year was all about trucks and cars and trains. We'll see what he's up to next year, but I have a feeling that this obsession is going to stick for a while, if not for his entire young life. Lightening McQueen is his hero. More pictures to follow.

Our family wasn't the only to get sick in time for the holidays: Mom got some kind of flu as well. So the holiday decor is really at a minimum and this was the first year we did not exchange gifts as adults. It felt strange. Also strange that we got less than half of the Christmas cards we usually get. It feels like everyone cut back in small ways this year and it dampened my spirits. But not enough to prevent me from making my own cards again and my own gifts.

I got several IMs and e-mails from students who made books and boxes for family members this year - so it felt good to at least inspire low-budget, but heartfelt creativity in others this year when everyone is strapped for cash.

So here are a few gifts we got: Doug is sporting a beautiful red wool scarf from Anton's godmother, Tina, and I am wearing a vintage olive wool beret Doug got me from eBay, (God bless the man I married with such awesome taste) and lastly, Anton is wearing THE coolest military cap from The Village Hat Shop dot com that Glo & Peter got him.

Merry Christmas everyone. More pictures to come!

Paper Lilies

These beautiful flowers are from a paper pattern I found online a few years ago. They may very well make it into my bookmaking syllabus!

It's all in the genes.

No one else in MY family does THIS with their feet. Like father, like son.

Christmas Cactus 2008

Blooms get larger in number every year. This plant delvers right on time, keeping me and Gunther (seen snoozing) company in the studio right by my sunniest window.

Doug and Anton's Shopping Trip

Sent to me from my hubby with this note attached:
"It makes him laugh when I cover his mouth while coughing."
Our Bunny's got a cough and still manages to keep a sense of humor about it.

Mia's Portrait of Us

Masterfully interpreted by my niece Mia. The title (written by me) was her exact words.

Teeny Tiny Photo Albums

These are about 2.5" square. Going to be little photo albums for Anton's teachers.
One child on each accordion square. Merry Christmas!

Nest Building

One of the things we bought for Anton at IKEA besides his big-boy-bed and linens, was a set of bookshelves. Raw wood and a snap to install. Making his bedroom the ultimate happy place for him is the key to getting him to sleep on his own. He still wakes up sometimes in the middle of the night to come snuggle with us in our bed - which is still quite a yummy treat for us.

Anyway, I shifted the artwork on the walls a little bit to make the shelves sing on the walls. Corner spaces are really fun to design. That big black cursive letter A is actually just black paper temporarily stuck to the wall with double stick tape. Doesn't peel off the paint and is like a mobile wall monogram.

Secretary Art Box

This is my niece Mia's xmas present from us this year. I converted an empty box into a secretary fit for busy little hands like hers. She loves to draw and color and paint. This box has custom dividers, pockets and slots to fit all her supplies: paper, three hand-bound books, colored pencils, a notepad, markers, gel glitter pens, erasers, stapler, scissors, water color pencils and a water brush. She will be busy on Christmas Day! I can't wait to see her use it.

Henry's Helmet

I knit this little hat for Mary and Dan's baby boy Henry. Stacey Bode took the amazing photograph. Make sure to click on the slide show at the end of her post to see more pictures!

I Will Climb to Where You Are

From the Runaway Bunny.

Mysterious Metaphor

Ten bucks goes to the person who can guess what this list is all about.

Where the Wild Things Are

There is only one sin that makes up for the destruction of a book, and that is to make another book with it. Here we have Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are transforming the cover f another coptic bound journal. These are selling fast! Thanks for the orders!

Probably the Best Video Ever

Peace

My friend Molly bought some of these from me (actually we're doing an artist trade!). I made them the year of our engagement, right after 911.

Peter in for a Visit

The first night he arrived for Thanksgiving he made me laugh so hard, he triggered a migraine and threw out my back the next morning. Such the little brother. :)

New Cups

Hand thrown by a potter I sold with at the Bobbe Gillis gallery. We did a trade and it felt so good to exchange work with another artist again. The sale was a great success. Lowering prices really is the trick. This year I sold more than I did last year and the folks at the gallery were a real pleasure to work with. I still find it hard to believe that people are willing to pay for a hand-bound book. I'm a lucky girl.

Pretzel Fest

Yes, Anton's already learned from both Doug and I the joys of a carb binge.

THE best Oatmeal ever...

With blueberries and almonds. To die for. Only at Target!

God Poster

By Chavin Dillon. Brilliant, elusive and simple. My PC students are amazing.

This Year's Christmas Card

Guache, pencil & marker.

Bobbe Gillis Gallery Holiday Sale

Just a reminder that here's where I'm selling my next round of handmade books.

It's going to be a fun gathering. The entire BrickWorks complex is doing their own holiday sales and this area of town is bursting with renovation, innovation and creativity.

Please come by, even just for fun - I'd love to see your faces!

Friday, December 5th & Saturday, December 6th, 2008
10am - 7pm

Holiday refreshments, unique gift selections from visiting artisans, sale items and a raffle for free gifts. Forget the malls! Take a break in our inviting space! Ample, Free, Rooftop-parking!

This event will give you the opportunity to view all the new artwork at Bobbe Gillis Gallery. Plan on visiting the many other businesses within the new BrickWorks complex.

More Hats for Anton

If anyone's looking for a xmas gift for Anton, here are some more cute hats I think he'd look great in:


Sand Cassel Kip Ivy Cap-Kids
Price: $23.95
Size: med/large
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Kangol Tropic Plaid Player Fedora
Price: $42.00
Size: small
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Goorin Bros Richie Schoolboy
Price: $28.00
Size: x-small
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Kangol Tropic Plaid 504 Ivy
Price: $38.00
Size: Small
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Goorin Bandit Cap-Kids
Price: $16.00
Size: M-L
Color: Black
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Kangol Wool Mau Cap
Price: $40.00
Size: Small
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Wool Beret - Kids
Price: $9.95
Color: Red