in-between things

Painter Crush: Gregory L Blackstock

2012-02-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

When visiting an art exhibit in WI this fall I came across this lovely painting by Gregory L Blackstock. He has as interesting a story as it gets (more info about him at the Garde Rail Gallery). Being an autistic savant he has the ability to categorize, remember and paint things most of us overlook or take for granted. In addition to his story it's the stylized precision and color that makes this particular painting resonate with me. If you come across a place to purchase a print do let me know, I am lusting after it.

Texture Knit Dress

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is a dress we had at The Purple Goose for only a short time this fall (everyone loved it= we sold out FAST). Being pregnant buying clothes for oneself, even when this fantastic, just doesn't seem to happen. And of course I was hoping for the challenge of knitting my own version of this beautiful thing. It still has my knitting head a buzz with it's varied stitch texture and great use of types of yarns. Maybe a baby sized version is more like it? It would be so fantastic I can hardly take it! Ack! Must run off to finish what I have already started....

Fall Visit Home

2012-02-11T14:30:00.000-08:00

Oaks keeping their leaves and their promise.

Plethora of pinecones.

Olive wondering what it is I'm taking a photo of.

The wreath collection.

I'm realizing my visits home have been linked to the seasons... so 4 times a year it seems I get to see the home and land I grew up on. Fall may just be my favorite time of the year there. The temps are perfect for walks and exploring. The bugs are usually gone allowing for one to linger in the woods and tall grasses without fear of massive amounts of bug bites (or being loaded with bug spray). The colors and light should not be overlooked either.

My Mother likes to make wreaths from the wild vines she tears down from the trees. Left unchecked those vines have the ability to kill the trees. Of course there is a plethora of the vines so there is no fear of making them extinct or running out of supplies for this fun fall habit.

Busy Knitting

2012-02-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

I believe that I've been afflicted with "nesting" instincts. Yes, we are expecting our first (a girl) in early April. I've been busily getting things ready including but not limited to a LOT of knitting. For all you knitters more can be seen on my Ravelry page.

(note the blue hat was knit by my Mother- not me. Thanks Mom!)

Cotton-Headed Ninnymuggins and Our Honeymoon (at last)

2011-10-31T17:02:00.000-07:00


A never seen (by me) before flower. Any ideas what type it is?

A rare photo of me. And doing a cartwheel on a ferry= even more rare.

Our site waiting to be set up.

I've done it again. I've deleted photos I meant not to delete. The first time was ALL of the photos from the single visit my then boyfriend, now husband, made to NYC while I lived there. This time it's 99.9% of our Honeymoon photos. Yep. Stomach ache. Headache. And I have no one else to blame but myself. At least I was smart enough to keep the "cute" ones on my camera just so I could see them at anytime. Adding another memory card for my camera to my Christmas list.

We stayed at the Wisconsin State park on Madeline Island for a week, sandwiched by weekend visits to The Land. We toured about the island, rode our bikes, ate ice cream, sat by the fire, slept in until the heat was so unbearable we had to leave the tent, swam in lake Superior (it was nice really- best week of the year according to the locals), searched for the better part of two days for the Tiny Village with no luck (but we do know where it is for next time), I knit a bit, and took a TON of photos (but these are all I have to show of it). Oh and we kayaked the caves- hence the above video. It is my most treasured piece from the honeymoon. Z's is asking me to video this part of the trip and I'm already doing it. ;)

P.S. Had I not procrastinated posting the photos they would all still be in existence today. In a loud lamenting voice I say, "WHY? Why? Why didn't I just put them on my computer and post them Asap?" The thud is my head hitting the desk in utter disgust with myself.

The Honeymoon

2011-08-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

After a year and half of being married we are finally taking our honeymoon! I'm looking forward to the relaxation and fresh air with great anticipation. As a result I will not be posting this weekend or following week. Sorry to keep you hanging for more info about all the things I've been up to... I will reveal the destination and lovely photos of all the fantastic things we did shortly after we return.

Tea Break

2011-08-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

This is what my computer desk looks like on days like these... Working oh so long on my web design I still manage to take breaks for tea and chocolate. Don't ask me why on one of the hottest days of the year I am drinking hot tea. It makes little sense, I know.

On top of getting businessy things done this week a dear friend of mine is in flux (renting house, moving 5 states away, finding a new job....) and is staying with us for a few days. As a result I may not be posting much until next week. Enjoy the tea and chocolate as you await my return.

Potato Flower

2011-07-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

Fully open potato flower.

We didn't grow them when I was a child but I'm sure happy I do now. No potato is better than that pulled fresh from the ground (yea, potato chips with onion dip are in indulgence of mine). The plants have lovely flowers too.

Various stages of the potato flower.

Potato leaves. Related and very similar to tomato foliage.

Website in the Works

2011-07-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

My elephant ear plant unfurling this spring.

I'm sitting here over joyed and amazed while designing my website. I met with Eric from Dubharmonic last night and can't wait to make this once imaginary site a real live place in the digital world. I have a way to go until I'm "finished" but couldn't be more excited or motivated! How wonderful when things start coming together.

Veins of the elephant ear leaf.

Delicate edge of the first leaf.

The Entreprenurial Spirit

2011-07-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Study of Green Envy Echinacea flower.

Reading about Maya Penn on Etsy was enough to get me excited and thinking about my entrepreneurial journey to my current business plan. Youngsters these days!

My Entrepreneurial Journey:
When I was younger I made friendship bracelets. The kind you see here, only not nearly as cool and I loved it! I also made easy beaded jewelry. A childhood friend and I were obsessed with The Bead Bucket and The Mother Bead by the same young entrepreneur, Tara Niko Rossman. Not so naturally for a girl of just 12 years I was inspired and determined to sell my wares on the web. I made a go of it and even created a website.

The site, BeadyChic, did not have images (what's a digital camera?). The nearest place that could take images from my film camera and put them onto a floppy (yes floppy drive) was 35+ miles away. I didn't know a thing about taxes, shipping rates, what to pay myself, wholesale vs retail...the list goes on. There wasn't a place to go to learn about these things. My busy hardworking parent's best advice consisted of, "If you don't know how to do something..." "Look it up.", "Read up on it." and "Ask the librarian." Great advice really except that there wasn't a singular book at our library about it. Milly, the librarian and soon good friend, did help me track down a couple business books at a different library which were way over my head and quickly thrown to the side. I even tried the popular Yahoo chat rooms (creepy). Without sales or a source to turn to for advice my imageless BeadyChic website was no longer. I continued making things and being creative of course and that entrepreneur spirit never died.

I was quickly distracted with teaching myself to knit and then spinning yarn, painting with water colors and building things out of wood. Then there was college, moving to NYC, more college, love, moving back to WI, a real job, house buying, marriage, house projects, gardening and NOW.

I'm back creating a business of selling my designs and wares. I plan to launch a few products this fall and am currently taking business courses to jump start the not-as-fun parts like detailed, thorough, and realistic research. What I want to do is paint the day away...

Review It! Water Paper Paint

2011-07-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Quite often I come across books via the web that I find interesting and then immediately check my local library to see if they have it. Living in a bigger city- they usually do. Sometimes there is a wait list (BUMMER) and I forget all about the book until that friendly little e-mail says it's waiting for me at the library. With the mass amount of books being put into print these days I'm often not as pleased with the book as I was the idea of it.

That is exactly what happened today except I am completely in LOVE with the book, Water Paper Paint. The cover is lovely to look at, the description on the back is concise and accurate and the content is AMAZING.

Before I get too into it I must say I was looking for a book that would be easy, detailed about techniques and most of all inspiring. I have not held a paint brush in longer than I care to say and want nothing more than to be jump started to get my paints, papers and water cup out again.

This book does not disappoint in any regard. I've added it to the top of "must have books list" as I simply cannot live without it.

Oh and Heather Smith Jones, the author and artist, also has a great blog, website and letterpress card site.

Adding texture and detail to your paintings.

How to keep and create shapes before painting.

Interesting textures of leaves on paper.

Painter/Crocheter Crush: Jo Hamilton

2011-07-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Painting by Jo Hamilton

She thought to herself as she wrote yet another post about painter envy why she herself was not painting (instead of surfing the web of course). She had lots of excuses, none of them good enough to merit writing them here so she continued on.

Alas I have another crush on a painter (via ModishBlog) and the worst (BEST!!!) part is she is also a crocheter. An amazing one at that too. The agony of seeing such creative work tears my insides apart. See photos of her process and studio at work place.

Portrait crochet by Jo Hamilton

Landscape Crochet by Jo Hamilton

Farmyard Wedding

2011-07-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

Sunset wagon ride

I'm from Wisconsin, you may have already noticed that. And I'm certain you would have noticed it instantly if you heard me speak. Try as I might I do indeed have a Wiss caan sin accent.

Farmyard weddings have always been around in these parts but in the past few years they have become popular and trendy. A trend I particularly like and I might add I'm proud of.

These photos are from a family wedding a few weeks back. It was complete with a wagon ride from Dick, Duke and Doc (the horses). I'm still basking in the inspiration from that beautiful day! Oh and it took place at Treinen Farm.

Vases of local flowers, twigs and sprigs featuring one of my favorites, delphinium.

The hay loft of the barn was decorated with lanterns and lights for dancing.

Coffee filter chandelier. Yes, you read that right. They looked exquisite.

Ginghan bunting perfectly at home on the farm

Country kids know how to have fun with jumbo size Jenga made from 2x4's.

I'm a touch chicken obsessed lately. Still dreaming of a flock of my own.

Happy List

2011-07-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

The peas in the garden are blooming.

I think some will be ready by the weekend.

My hand is desperately wanting to paint this.

-The latest issue of Covet Garden is out! I'm hooked on this web only magazine. Beautiful homes, themes and photos. Lately I've been dreaming of getting a cattle water trough for an outdoor tub (it's been nearing unbearably hot lately)...this issue has one!

-When our asparagus is finally ready to be harvested next year I think I will attempt to make this dish by Smitten Kitchen. Asparagus is my favorite vegetable, always has always will be.

-Helleborus- I've bought a few plants and planted more seeds around it's base. Hopefully I'll have a few more plants come next Spring. I love the exotic look of it's blooms.

-When I'm in need of a color pick me up I like to look at these photos of tulips.

Painter Crush: Kirra Jamison

2011-07-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

I've fallen in love with these paintings (many of them HUGE) by Kirra Jamison. Her line and scale changes with each. Delicate to bold but always in pleasing happy color combinations. If you like what you see you simply must check out her home and more paintings on Design Sponge. My hand is aching now. It wants to hold a paint brush again. Soon enough hand, soon enough.

Kirra Jamison

A Love Story

2011-07-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been away. I've been working on something big, real BIG. No, I can not reveal it yet. Yes, I do plan on continuing to blog.

Something inspiring me right now (Thank goodness because I've had my crabby pants on all day).

Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

Happy List: Pinterest

2011-04-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

Screen shot of my pins on Pinterest

This week's happy list is just a list of one. But that is alright because the one thing is actually quite a long list of images that inspire me.

Have you heard of Pinterest? I've recently discovered it (don't remember where), and am finding it to be a great tool for organizing inspiration. While surfing the web or other Pinterest boards you can "pin" images you like, saving them into your own organizing boards. For example I have boards for home inspiration, things I want to make, garden inspiration, dresses...Very addicting.

Find my boards and pins are under the username inbetweenthings. I'd love to see what's inspiring you! Already on Pinterest? Leave your username/link in the comments below.

Happy List

2011-03-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

This color combo is making me happy right now. Thanks for the lacy top Halley!

This week's Happy List includes:

-Just when I thought I was concentrating and making progress on a project....a friend shows me this book. I now have Pattern Magic and Pattern Magic 2 (in English-thankfully) on order. Can I really wait a month for them to arrive.... I must. I have a dress to make before I can allow myself yet another project. AHH this book is blowing my mind! What if I applied this to knitting patterns? Other than making them insanely difficult for many how amazing would it be?

-My latest addiction, Studio Sweet Studio. Great ideas for organizing your creative space by letting you peek into working studios (not those fashioned for a magazine article).

- All For Everyone is making me want to set up my knitting machines and get going on some awesomeness for next fall/winter. You can see her fun studio here.

-Our bathroom was in need of a pick-me-up so I bought this shower curtain as a quick room changer. Now I'm thinking I might need this one too. What better place to have a map to study?

-The Wise Man's Fear has Bean's undies in a bundle this week. He is a quick reader and the 994 pages are nearly complete. Haven't read the first book in the trilogy yet? The Name of the Wind was read just as quickly. Now if only Bean didn't have to wait 2 years for the third and final (?) book. I love it when he has a good book, I stay up all night and knit right next to him.

Happy List #1

2011-03-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

-These recycled textiles inspired by nature . YUM! I can't get enough of the colors and textures. I have bags full of similar waste from weavings past that I couldn't toss. My wheels are turning.

textile by Jrumchai Singalavanij

-More tutus are in the works! Just another thing I can cross off my list. Almost time to start another list...

-Fiber, spinning yarn and the possibilities that come with it...Like this Saori Weaving studio, Loop of the Loom. Oh, if only I had three of me to do all of these great things.

-My furoshiki (I printed, dyed and made it as a college project) and this awesome video on how to use a furoshiki. It makes you want to sew up a square right now does it not? P.S. Yes, that is the first of my projects to make it on my personal/art website. More is on the way...however slowly 'cuz I'm not a factory (as much as I try).

Furoshiki gift wrapping from RecycleNow on Vimeo.

Happy Wednesday!

~Lauren

Meandering Focus

2011-03-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

A sample of the books I've checked out the past few months, my meandering focus.

I have a lot of interests. I float between being awesome at one thing and attempting awesome at everything. I always let something slip up. Be it a dirty house, a weed filled garden, an unorganized studio, or a pile of mending.... In that same moment there is something else that I am completely pouring myself at.

The father of a friend once described my Dad and I as hard workers because we can completely immerse ourselves into our projects. We don't always put a whole lot of thought into it first we just commit, put our heads down and plow through it.

This thought often leads me to think about my ancestry. I think about the type of people I come from and wonder if the answers to my skills/happiness lie there. Despite having an awesome genealogy book on my Mother's side, I don't know a ton. I know they were hard workers (wasn't everyone in the past?- darn my lazy generation). More specifically I know my maternal grandmother enjoyed many of the things I enjoy. Or perhaps she just did them out of necessity. She had a huge backyard veg and flower garden. She had a spinning wheel but with 9 children it didn't get used much if at all (I don't have that kid excuse). She painted. She, like I, was great at and seemed to prefer to draw/paint from pictures instead of imagination. She didn't know how to cook when she was married. She honed all those skills after marriage and with the arrival of the many mouths to feed. She was savvy. In all of her pictures she looked beautifully put together. Something in her eyes always made me think she was running though her to-do list.

I could day dream about her and others for hours. Seeking answers to questions about with my imagination. It's a beautiful thing and at the same moment I must focus on the tasks at hand.

Now, back to work with these hands.

Mouse'n Around: A Vintage Pattern Book

2011-03-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

One vintage pattern. Four timeless options. I'm in love.

A certain friend of mine (you've probably already met her) asked if I could help with a little issue she had. ie copy and trace lovely vintage sewing patterns that have been chewed by mice. She is panic-attack-afraid of the little furry guys. Also she has this awesome goal of sewing 12 dresses in as many months and so far has kicked butt. So I certainly could NOT let her down. In the mean time I too fell in love with the patterns. I think I may be sensing a sew along in our future (hopefully I don't belly flop again). Now take a peek at this vintage goodness!

The mice chewed through the book and patterns. Sorry S I had to show it.

Option K and L

Option M and N

Another pattern I love from this vintage pattern book.

Now, creating the time to get sewing...

Gluten Free: Quinoa Pilaf

2011-03-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, my adventures in the world of gluten free continue... Oh wait I never told you the whole story? Here is the quick catch up. (Click on "Read More" if you would like the recipe without the gory details)

A few months ago I was experiencing some unbecoming side effects (excruciating and immobilizing abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea to name a few). I went to the doctor and was tested for Celiac but all the results came back negative. Because of the high rate of false negatives I should be retested at some point. We'll see if I do that (I hate spending $$$ on medical bills). Although the results were negative I went on an elimination diet, completely eliminating gluten from my diet. Despite a few slip ups (ie chocolate cake and girl scout cookies) things have been fantastic! My road to gluten free continues and I plan on sharing a few favorite recipes along the way.

Ingredients:
1 TB Olive Oil
1 Handful chopped onion ~ 1/2 cup
1 Handful chopped carrots ~ 1/2 cup
1 Cup Quinoa
2 Cups Chicken Broth or broth of your choice (Not all are gluten free)
1 Handful chopped almonds ~ 1/2 cup
1 TB dried Parsley (Preferably fresh if you have it around

In a pot with a tight fitting lid heat olive oil and add chopped onion. Cook until onion is translucent. Add chopped carrots. Cook until slightly tender. Stir in quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil. Cover with lid, lower heat to simmer and cook for 15 mintues or until quinoa is cooked and fluffy. Stir in almonds and parsley. Enjoy.

Cook onions and carrots in olive oil.

chop almonds while you wait

Add quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in almonds and parsley

A note about my cooking style: I follow recipes to the T the first few times but prefer to cook loosely when comfortable with the ingredients. Hence the "handful" instead of measuring. Use what you have. If that means there is a little less or a little more carrots so be it. That also means feel free to make substitutions ie use a different nut, or spice instead of almonds and parsley. Have fun!

In the Spirt of the Ewes

2011-03-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Green Fairyhare yarn from Kimmet Croft Fiber

I've been reading about the arrivals of this year's lambs via some blogs I follow. The photos, descriptions and season are bringing me back to my country upbringing. In addition to everything turning green, I think of the Alpaca farm where I learned my spinning and weaving skills (and later demonstrated them at events). I think of alpacas and sheep alike prancing in their pastures, playing around in the warmer weather. I think of my spinning wheel and the spinning en plein air that is about to begin.

Lucky for me the Madison Area Knitters Guild Knit In was this weekend. Events, especially those involving people with similar fiber/textile interests always spark creativity for me. Um and some purchasing to support the addiction, as you can see.

Yarn in progress.

Yarn in the making. It never ceases to amaze me how yarn can look so much different from the original roving, as seen here. Roving purchased from Happy Hands.

Yarn I quickly spun from a roving by Fairy Yarnmother.

-I'm also super excited about this web publication: Knit Circus.
-I'd Join the Madison Area Knitters Guild if I didn't work Monday evenings. Their meetings sound like a lot of fun. Who wouldn't like a burst of energy from creative people once-a-month?

Update: Japanese White Pine Seeds

2011-03-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

The good? The bad? Only time will tell. Bottom photo is of the actual seeds being planted.

The seeds did not sprout while in the refrigerator. I'm not letting that discourage me. Along with the seed planting for this year's garden I planted all the little JWP seeds (more about them here). The good and the bad are both being given a chance to grow into true trees.

Oh I hope I get at least two. I've basically promised my Mother the first sprout in exchange for the responsibility of starting them, so that would leave me with one of the two. Fingers crossed, I await the sprouts.

The Garden 2011

2011-03-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

I've done it! I've planted the seeds on time! There are more seeds arriving in the mail and still more to be started later but so far the 2011 garden will contain:

Tomatillos
Delphinium
Hollyhock
Heirloom Tomato mix
German Green Tomato
Mr. Stripey Tomato
Luffa
King Arthur Pepper
Ancho San Martin Pepper
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry
Romanesco