Stimulated Mind

Michael R. Plate...03-23-39 through 06-23-12

2012-06-28T19:46:00.002-07:00

Michael R. Plate

03-23-39 through 06-23-12

This past Saturday, my dad passed away. I'm not sure where to begin. He was was the best dad I could ask for. So many memories are swirling around in my mind....from tickle fights, to tennis lessons, to hot fudge sundaes, talks about boys, and beyond. I'm so thankful to have had him in my life. I think the best way to sum up my dad, is to make a list of all of things I will miss most about him....so here we go:

• I will miss his artistic and funny drawings he sent me in the mail

• I will miss his cheesy sense of humor

• I will miss his constant cursing...it was just part of his lingo

• I will miss his stories about the funny things he'd pick up while riding his bike

• I will miss his 2 hour phone calls with conversation ranging from sports to cars to cats

• I will miss his jokes about him "tweeting" or "blogging"

• I will miss his stories about "Two and a Half Men"...oh dad

• I will miss his constant teasing of my husband...because he loved him like a son

• I will miss his stories about K-town

• I will miss his creativity and artistic advice

• I will miss his generosity of spirit

• I will miss his wisdom

• I will miss having his shoulder to cry on

• I will miss his limitless love

• I will miss his hugs

I love you and miss you so much, dad.

30% OFF Black Friday/Cyber Monday SALE!!!

2011-11-24T07:10:00.001-08:00

Today through monday November 28, we have a 30% off storewide SALE. Yep...that's off of everything! No need to enter a promo code, sale prices are shown! Get a jump on your holiday shopping or treat yourself to something nice! Enter shop here :)

Everyday Elevated...A Shoot with Tegan Olness

2011-07-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my friend Jessica and I had the honor of being invited on a test shoot with our friend Tegan Olness of Tegan Jae Photography. The shoot was inspired by images she saw on Yowayowa's website. Nicole Feltz is a model Tegan had worked with before, and proved to be a natural when we asked her to do some rather awkward jumps, while still maintaining her poised appearance. Nicole has a timeless beauty that worked perfectly for this shoot. Jessica was a constant source of ideas, assistance, and inspiration throughout the shoot. It was so much fun to explore this concept with Tegan, Jessica, and Nicole. I was privileged to be invited to shoot, and I look forward to exploring this concept further. Below are some of my favorite pics from the shoot!

Raising money and awareness for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

2011-03-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Door County

Hello all! My friend Noah is raising money to help those who live with Crohns and Colitis. Last year his father passed away, and was a long-time sufferer of the disease. Noah will be running in the 2011 Wine Country Half Marathon (California) in honor of his father, and to raise money for this cause. Additionally, I'm donating 50% of the sales of the print above "Door County" towards this effort. Please visit his site for more information on this worthy cause, and to read Noah's story.

13 for Cy

Gallery Night in Milwaukee -Moss Floral Design

2011-01-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

This gallery night, I was fortunate to show some work at a floral design studio in Bay View called Moss Floral Design. Miki Herman is the owner. Not only does she offer beautiful floral pieces for events, but she also teaches classes on floral design. While visiting her studio, we also ventured next door to Eco-batik. Owner Jennifer Doheny had a lovely array of products from vintage metal pieces to jewelry to her own batik lampshades and artwork. You can find her print work on Etsy, and see some of her lamp shades on her own website. Thank you all who ventured out into the cold to share in gallery night!

2011-01-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

One of my gifts for Christmas was a collection of succulents from Succulents Galore. I've planted them in a vintage enamel/steel bowl, and hoping to be a good plant mom for my new little plantlings!

Relaxing

2010-09-27T03:19:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful day at the beach with hubby recently. Got to take some pics....was a nice break from the home improvement projects we've been immersed in recently. Hopefully some of these will make it into my Etsy shop soon!!

Gallery Night in Milwaukee - this weekend!

2010-07-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we are honored to be featured at The Home Market for Gallery Night in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. We're showing about 20+ pieces, many of which are new, and not yet in our Etsy shop. The theme for this body of work is "On the Farm", a celebration of rustic beauty. If you're in the area, stop on by. Gallery Night in Milwaukee is an inspiring event showcasing work of wonderful artists!

Cedarburg Strawberry Festival

2010-06-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

So this weekend is the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival! We're pretty excited/nervous since it's the largest art fair we've ever been a part of. They have over 100,000 visitors....yikes! I'm working on some last minute details today and tomorrow, those of you who know me, know that I am a procrastinor! During the festival (Sat + Sun) I will deactivate my specialty items, such as jewelry, canvases, framed pieces. Meaning, if they sell at the show, they will not be back on Etsy. I also have many other framed pieces...some vintage frames, some new...that will be at the festival. And wonderful sets of postcards. Many of the items aren't yet available in my Etsy shop. If you're in the Milwaukee area, and are looking for something fun and artsy to do, this would be a great stop for you. Directions can be found here. I will be near the Rivoli Theater on the west side of Washington Ave. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Cicada in Vintage Clock

Gangly Photo Locket

Vintage Fan Canvas Wrap

Pink Walking Stick in Vintage Oval Convex-Glass Frame

Gallery event this saturday at the Surrey Art House in Delafield

2010-04-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

You are all invited to the Grand Opening Event at The Surrey Art House in Delafield this saturday evening from 7-9pm. F2images is honored to be one of several artists there. In addition to the media artists, there will be music and a fashion show. I'm very excited to be showing at this new gallery. Beyond this event, our work will be there for at least the next month. So if you can't pop in tomorrow, try to check out the gallery soon.

Treasury East

2010-04-17T12:42:00.001-07:00

So I'm really liking this new Treasury East business. Most of us are pretty busy, so creating a treasury at our leisure is ideal!! Here is my first creation! Click here to see the products or comment on my collection!

SALE: Buy 1 Get 1 FREE this weekend!!

2010-04-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I've had a SALE. So here you go friends!! Buy 1 Get 1 FREE, equal or lesser value of prints from my "Vintage" and "Landscape" sections. Feel free to mix and match. Please do NOT put the FREE print in your cart, but indicate which one in the "Message to Seller" when checking out. Please note any differences in paper surfaces between your prints. If you'd like them to be on the same paper, specify either Luster, Metallic, or German Etching. Sale ends monday morning! Hope you all are enjoying the weekend!! -Emiko :)

Here are few samples from the Vintage + Landscape sections in my shop...

8x12 Bula Clark $25.00

Time flies

2010-03-07T15:20:00.000-08:00

Wow, time really flies by, and I've been horrible about updating my blog! Hope you all are doing well, and up to your usual shenanigans! Here are some of my favorites ;)

No Smoking Sign

by Tipple & Snack

Seven Deadly Sins Mint Cream Assemblage

by Trixie Delicious

See Ya Print

by Courney Oquist

Chocolate Brown Vintage Fur Stole

by The Vintage Closet

Marigold Garden Story Book Garland

by Kristina Marie

Beach Path

by Elly Olson

Montreal Pendants

by MarKed

Flor de Lotus

by Masaoms

Harvest Sun Handspun Yarn

by Fiberstory

A Vintage Christmas

2009-12-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. As the holiday season is upon us, I'd just like to take a moment to encourage you all to try to relax and enjoy your time with friends and family. It's been a bit hectic here at the new home, but we're starting to settle in. I'm excited to be somewhat getting back to a normal life...well as normal as my life can be :) Hope you are all doing well. Here are some new prints in my shop. Also, if you are in the area, our work is available at the Starbucks in the Third Ward of Milwaukee for the month of december!

Nostalgic

Starflex

Noel

Gallery Night in Milwaukee

2009-10-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

So Gallery Night on October 16th was so much fun! Again, I'm so honored that the The Home Market featured my work! They are an amazing store and did an inspiring job of arranging my work and complimenting it with some of there items. I sold 5 pieces from my new insect series. These are a preview of what will be available in our shop when we re-open in about a week. Miss you all, and look forward to being back after our move!! Emi :)

Now available at The Home Market

2009-07-27T07:35:00.001-07:00

So from our Starbucks show, we were contacted by a local shop called The Home Market for some wholesale work. Much to my delight, I visited the store, and fell in love. Every item, every detail, seemed like it was hand picked. The feel was somewhat Anthropologie-esque, but less commercial feeling. Somewhat rustic, yet very sophisticated. And what an honor for them to choose to have some our work there! Our pieces have only been hanging for a little over a week, and we've already sold 3 items..yeah!! I highly recommend if you are in the Milwaukee area, you stop by. You are sure to find something to compliment your home. I've already got my eye on several things for my own home, and well as uniquely special holiday gift ideas.

The Home Market • 222 East Erie St. • Milwaukee, WI 53202

414.431.7519

www.thehomemarket.net

This weekend in Milwaukee...

2009-07-21T03:36:00.001-07:00

This friday night I will be a part of Gallery Night at Hanle Productions located at 117 W. Walker St. Studio 308, Milwaukee, WI. Then on Saturday I will be selling at the Milwaukee Public Market (Outdoors) in the Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward from 10-3pm. So if you're in the Milwaukee area, and looking for something to do, stop by and say hi!

(click on image below to view larger)

Summer Fun!

2009-07-14T03:34:00.001-07:00

Just had a wonderful time photographing Mark's cousin's children, and their friends children this weekend. All just adorable and very photogenic kids! Check out the pics on Flickr. :)

Polarity Locket Giveaway!

2009-07-01T03:14:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! My friend Cat at Polarity (and Uncorked) is being featured on Oh Hello Friend Blog where she is giving away one of her amazing lockets which features two images from our shop. I own one, and I absolutely adore it. It's just the perfect size....not too big or small. Anyway, go over there to learn about Cat and enter to win! Giveaway ends 07/06/09.

Check out the giveaway at Oh Hello Friend Blog!

Monday Favorites

2009-06-22T06:23:00.001-07:00

Hi guys! In answer to some of your previous comments, things have been busy in good and bad ways. Bad ways included a trip to the ER with severe stomach pains. Not fun, but hopefully being resolved. Good ways include but are not limited to, surprise birthday party for Mark...Happy 40th honey!! Two wholesale inquiries, some sales, and a freelance job thanks to the Starbucks show! And getting ready for upcoming Milwaukee Public Market shows which will be July 18th and 25th. Thank you all for your kind words and concern...it means so much. Now I hope you enjoy my Monday Favorites!! xo-Emiko :)

Pincushion Felted Wool Cupcake by Made in Lowell

Petites Fleurs Blanches by Aufilde

My Balloons Flew Away Necklace by Japonicas

Magnolia Pleated Bag by Sweetgum Handbags

Superfluous Growth by Ashleigh Rosa

Linen Dress by Pamela Tang

Vintage Picnic Set by I'm So Vintage

Hello There Stationary Set by Randi Elise

Sunshine Day Earrings by Enve Jewelry

Tuxedo Front Cami by JCrew

Friday Favorites

2009-06-19T03:21:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! I'm truly sorry it's been so long between posts! Things have been crazy busy! Please start off your weekend with some of these pics from talented Etsy sellers! xo-e ;)

Custom Silhouette Pendants by Lucky Me Beads

Imperfection II by Ajawin

Raptor Print by Lineanongrata

Printemps IV Wallpaper Necklace by Sbarao

Archimedes' Field by Rachel Marsden

Vintage Cube Earrings by Moth House

Yarn Owl by Crafty Hedgehog

Vintage Mixing Bowl by All Things White

Sugar Sack Sachets by Emma Dear

Not Your Average Gingham Shirt by Tortilla Girl

Print Giveaway!

2009-06-02T03:35:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!! I'm currently part of a HUGE giveaway over at Oh, Hello Friend blog! Check it out and enter now for your chance to win a print worth $25.00 from my shop as well as a bunch of other superb prizes!! Click here to check it out!

Starbucks

2009-06-01T14:22:00.001-07:00

Pfewf! It's been a busy few weeks here in Milwaukee. Starting today, for the entire month of June, our work we'll be on display and for sale at Starbucks in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee. Click here for directions and hours. Items are priced between $30-$150. It was encouraging to hear positive comments from the patrons and staff while we were hanging the work. The rustic elegance of this particular Starbucks makes for a great backdrop for any artwork. I feel lucky and honored to have work on display there. If you are in the area, I highly recommend checking out some of the great shops/events that the Third Ward has to offer. For more info on the area, click here. If you'd like to visit my shop, click here. Have a great week all!! ;)

Festival Report

2009-05-25T15:57:00.001-07:00

Ah well...it was the best of times it was the worst of times....ok, maybe a little too dramatic. The day started off pretty well, no rain once we arrived, and sunshine! That lasted until about 3:30 at which point a monsoon swept through the quiet downtown area of Burlington. I was VERY lucky to have my husband, best friend Jessica, and friends Dan + Jane there. They acted quickly to gather my goods into the store behind us. I think I only lost about 8 calendars. I cannot complain!! This poor man across from us in the street, had his tent canopy blow away, and a ton of broken frames/artwork! This being my first art festival experience, was a good one to learn some of the weather related events that can occur. Sales were slow, but lots of good comments and potential leads, and definitely a cherished day with husband and friends. Some pictures below to show my setup. How did Mark and Jessica elude the camera....hmmm...? Hope you all had a great Memorial Day! xo-Emiko

Tomorrow is the day....GULP!

2009-05-22T03:32:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow is the day for my Au du Chocolat Art Fair! If anyone is in the area and looking for something to do, it coincides with Burlington Chocolate Fest, but the art fair is in the Historic Downtown area of Burlington. I will be at 113 E. Chestnut St. from 10-6pm. I will be sure to post pics of it sometime this weekend. Wish me luck guys!! And no rain!! xo-Emiko ;)

Cupcake