i spy a polar bear

i've been dying to share these little buckets with you since I sent them off a few weeks ago, and now's the time! i first 'met' laurie wisbrun of scarlet fig quite a while ago, when i discovered her adorable digitally printed fabrics, birdies + chairs. laurie has come a long way since then, with a few more limited release digital collections, two fabric collections with robert kaufman, and a book on the way this fall.

i was delighted when laurie asked if i would make a few of my peekaboo naturals buckets with her latest digital prints, polar bear dots. i think the little bears look so sweet, offering their posies from inside the peekaboo. i love them so much, i've tucked some away for my next holiday collection. i'll have to see if i can wait that long!

the two medium buckets will be making their home at laurie's place in austin, but we thought it would be really fun to offer a mini bucket to one of our lovely readers. i've found that this small size is quite versatile, from office supply storage to kids' small toys to collecting tiny mittens in the winter! if you'd like to join the giveaway, head on over to laurie's blog, comments are open until saturday morning. good luck!

a blog scavenger hunt!

super fun! bridgett has organized a blog scavenger hunt for her readers, and i think it's a fantastic idea. she's come up with a different clue for each weekday until may 13th, and the answers will be found in a post from one of the blogs on her blog roll. it's a fun way to be introduced to some great new reads, and there are daily prizes, to boot! keep your eyes on the clues, you just might find something here, someday ;) definitely head on over to enter each day, you never know, maybe you'll win!

i've mentioned bridgett's work here before. she's the designer + owner of perideau designs, a lovely modern stationery company run out of her connecticut home. i love bridgett's stuff, and wasn't surprised to see that she's hit the nail right on the head for the perfect mother's day gift package. what mom wouldn't love this gorgeous set of personalized notecards + notepads? fabulous. hurry to order so you can get it in time for the big day!

images via perideau designs

on gratitude, community, and letterpress

on friday afternoon, the mailman knocked at my door, handing me a few packages. i order loads of stuff online, so this is nothing out of the ordinary, though much anticipated. after looking through a couple padded envelopes [more fabric, yippee!], i saw a small box, the return address reading simplesong design. hmm. i wracked my brain, wondering if there was any way i could have forgotten ordering something from one of my very favourite letterpress shops. surely, i would remember that, wouldn't i? and so, mystery intact, i opened the box. what i saw just floored me.

truth be told, tears pricked my eyes as a smile spread wide across my face.

this is what i saw inside.

and this is why.

i can't remember exactly how i was first introduced to molly. it must have been several months ago now, on twitter, or perhaps through her delightful blog. i was instantly hooked after reading charlotte's fancy the first time. molly has such a beautiful style of writing. clear + concise, informative yet light, familiar, friendly, and just plain lovely. she shares just the right balance of crafts, art, handmade finds, and her own family. molly has been kind enough to share some of my goodies with her readers, and i truly appreciate that. i love seeing what her newest finds are, and delight in the fabulous art + handmade kids' items she discovers. she has introduced me to many new favourites, and may have caused a couple new obsessions [wink].

molly and i share a passion for stationery, especially letterpress. so imagine my delight when i saw this unexpected and incredible birthday gift. letterpress is my absolute fave. i've featured simplesong's blind impression letterpress notecards on more than one occasion, and now i am the happy owner of my own set of cards. there it is, my name, pressed into the soft, thick cover stock. swoon.

i've often said that the community in this blogging, handmade, indie world blows my mind. supportive + friendly + welcoming, creative and inspiring. cheerleaders everywhere for the indie craft and art movement. so many people willing to help, and who genuinely care.

i am so lucky to have found a place here, as i truly believe that i am meant to be doing this, sharing my thoughts, and making + creating with my hands. all these like-minded people, people who i feel i was meant to cross paths with, even though it's not in person. some closer than others, some across oceans, some across the country, and some just across town. these people are my friends, my colleagues. you all know who you are, and i thank you for your part in my handmade life, in my little corner of this community.

molly, your generosity is overwhelming, and your thoughtfulness has touched my heart. i, like you, have the tendency to hang on to beautiful paper, not wanting to use it all up. i promise to try and use them, but they'll be saved for the most special of notes, on select occasions. and one will make it's way into my paper keepsake box, where it will no doubt stay.

thank you.