Hatchets

I mentioned fellow Milwaukee artist Cassandra Smith here a few months ago when I bought one of her sequined antlers. She now has new canvases for her bright color-blocking and geometric designs. They are in her Etsy shop.

Lisa Congdon

Lisa Congdon just opened an online shop with some original pieces. I got to see some of these in person at UWM's Union Gallery a couple months ago and they're really special.

Monica Canilao

I was first introduced to Monica Canilao the same way I've been exposed to many of my current favorite artists, via Faythe Levine's old gallery Paper Boat. In 2007 Monica showed her work along side Mike Brodie's photographs. I was blown away. I briefly met Monica before I saw her art. She was in town for the show and had finished hanging her work early so Faythe took her down the street to my old boutique. Monica struck me as very warm and authentic. She bought a dress which she wore later for the opening.

Image from Paper Boat's flickr. See more photos from the 2007 show here.

Monica's collages incorporate forgotten objects like worn textiles and vintage photographs. In them, the colors and textures of antiquity and decay are jolted by neon geometric details and enchanting imagery. She has since started doing huge installations which take the same aesthetic of her collages and turn it into an environment, which is truly magical.

Images of Canilao's most recent installation at Lopo Gallery from here.

This past summer Faythe had Monica back to Milwaukee for the installation"What's Lost is Safe" in Faythe's new space, Sky High Gallery. Since she was coming from out of town and had only 5 days to create her installation, Monica had called for Milwaukee people to donate materials for her to work with. I dropped off a box of old notions, a shawl, and other do-dads and got a chance to see her working, dying old lace and tablecloths in back of the gallery. At the opening I was excited to find my little objects woven in to the installation. I was enchanted with the honor of being a part of her creative miracle.

Above photos from a studio visit with Monica over at In The Make.

Also see;

A great interview with Monica and Bunnie Reiss whom she has been collaborating with for the Lopo Gallery installation. A neat process video of said installation.

Those Europeans know how to make children look so adorable. Love the styling in the latest collection from Dutch brand Kids Case.

these people...

Researching the family's halloween costumes. Mostly a historical figure/celebrity/classic character sort of a year for us. There are only a few more days to complete them, and some of us are more put-together than others. The mister is totally on his own with his get-up, but I've been doing the rest of the family. It's a combination of costumes and props from previous years, thrifted items, and handmade magic. So looking forward to partying and trick-or-treating!

apple truck

Because we basically only shop at the thrift store, we end up with a lot of cute vintage clothes and toys. There's no color theme I love more for kids than the primary reds, blues, yellows you find on those old Fischer Price toys and little appliqued sweater vests.

The kids grow so fast. I think I'll start posting pics of these special little outfits and toys on the blog weekly to document the adorableness before they're outgrown. What should I call it? Thrift Score Thursday?

a handy tip for the easily distracted

As mentioned in my last post, I'm currently working hard on time management, rearranging my schedule, and soul searching to improve my stress to fulfillment ratio. This video by Miranda July is appropriate.

via Bleubird

some print designs inspiring me right now...

1.&2. bark decor, 3. muelu and jones , 4. iheartfink, 5. thief and bandit

Sessun

This is pretty much everything I want to be wearing this fall. Love it all.

"Automne – Hiver Ambient 2011″ collection by Sessun.

via Bows and Sparrows

what I bought

I did some shopping last weekend at Renegade while my booth helper held down the fort. Really happy with what I found.

Two prints for my kitchen from Yee-Haw Press.

A wooden tie for my carpenter hubby from Wood Thumb.

A hat from Lottie-Da for Makai (and Solomon too if his big brother doesn't destroy it first).

(behind the scenes)

I had to bribe Makai with an oreo to get him to try on the hat. Now he loves it and won't take it off! :)

Thank you, Renegade!

Well, I think I'm finally recovered from a very busy week of preparation and a very fun weekend of selling at Renegade in Chicago last weekend. Thank you to everyone who came down and visited me and the other 300 amazing vendors. I bought a couple things myself. I'll have to show y'all next blog post.

our favorite children's books

The lovely Marie of The Blue Balloon had me as a guest on her blog yesterday. I wrote about our current favorite children's books. Check it out here.

galactic apache

I first found Galactic Apache's headbands at Milwaukee's Hover Craft fair last year. She's finally on etsy. Pure awesome.

in print

photographed by Louis Bielefeld

Remember that shoot I styled and provided the clothing and jewelry for months and months ago? It's finally published! Two Cents is a small local magazine that you can pick up in most bars and cafes in Milwaukee. Or you can see the issue online here. Almost all of the clothing in the spread is still available in my shop.

cassandra smith

I've been meaning to pick up one of these antlers from fellow Milwaukee artist Cassandra Smith ever since they debuted in Print Shop Forever, an awesome online art shop run by my other Milwaukee buddy Cortney Heimerl. I was just reminded today when I saw Cassandra's work mentioned on My Love for You. You can get the painted antlers on Cassandra's etsy shop, but the sequined ones are only available on PSF. And I just grabbed this one!

Mariam Sitchinava

What I wouldn't give to have this woman shoot my next look book!

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weathered farmhouse campout

Speaking of the north woods, I'd like to share this pinboard which is currently my favorite (out of my own). Are you on Pinterest? Let's follow each other.