Friday, October 17, 2008

A Bit of Nostalgia

When I was growing up my parents would take us to our family ranch during the summer months. The ranch was a magical place where we would go on hikes, play on our tree swing, read, ride motorcycles & dune buggies, watch the "cowboys" herd cattle, and just be. As kids, my sisters and I were allowed to venture out on our own. We would play house at the Indian Rock (a large rock formation on our ranch that has many caves with Chumash Indian rock paintings), we would play in the creek, and we would hike around looking for relics of our ancestors past lives. One of the places we loved to investigate was the barn at the "old" house, where we almost always came across a barn owl hiding in the rafters.

I recently visited the ranch with one of my sisters last May. It had been 12 years since I had been there, and needless to say it was a little emotional for me. It is a place that I hold dear to my heart, and a place that holds endless happy memories for me. The visit made me wish that I could live closer to such a treasure, but as life would have it I live about 900 miles away from the ranch. Needless to say, I searched for an owl in the barn. Unfortunately, we did not see one that day, but every time I look at my little owl print I am flooded with happiness.

If you like this owl design you can find it at Amalee. I just delivered a bundle of birdy shirts that includes this women's long sleeve organic cotton top. Amalee is located just off of N Missippi St. at 909 N Beech St. in Portland.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Crafty Craft Shows

This past weekend I worked at three separate events. On Friday I visited my friends at Splurge and set up a booth for 2nd Friday Art Walk & Sidewalk Sale. On Saturday I set up a tent at the Lake Oswego Farmers Market, and on Sunday I worked at my first ever Crafty Wonderland sale. It was a little tiring to say the least, but it was also really great to be working with some very talented local artists. I am always inspired when I come home from an event, so I wanted to share some of the great little items that I acquired this weekend.

The first item I acquired was from Nate Bagley of Talitha Leather. His table was set up directly across from me at the Crafty Wonderland sale, and I couldn't help looking at his bags all day long. They are beautifully handcrafted leather bags, made in a variety of colors and styles. The red triangle bag was ultimately my favorite, and it will now be seen sporting around town on my shoulder.


The second item that I acquired this weekend is this absolutely gorgeous necklace from Amy Olson. Amy was my neighbor at the Crafty Wonderland sale, so I learned a lot about her jewelry and design aesthetic. Her jewelry is very feminine, and she uses a variety of components including sterling silver, gold, vintage brass, semi-precious gemstones, and other various vintage pieces. You can find Amy's jewelry on her website or you can meet her in person at the Handmade Northwest event to be held at Montgomery Park, October 14th and 15th from 9am to 4pm.

The last item that I acquired this weekend is a gift for my girlfriends new baby boy. I just could not resist this adorable hat made by Thinking Mama. This little hat is made from a recycled sweater, and it is the softest, sweetest little baby item ever. I cannot wait to see it on my friends new little baby.




And as for new B Hive Designs shirts, I have a few new items for the fall, and a few old favorites as well. I will be listing more long sleeve shirts on my website within the week. By the way, wouldn't this top look great on a mama with her baby wearing the little Thinking Mama hat!!


Happy Happy Fall!