Kate and Oli

Chin Up Buttercup

2012-02-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

I'm having a meh sort of day today, not quite sure how I feel/should feel about a bunch of things. I'm hoping some time spent writing introspective posts/journaling later will result in a happier katie later today. :) In the meantime, this brought some sunshine into my morning.

{via theloveshop}

In The Mail!

2012-02-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

I got my newest piece of artwork today!

It's the "Because Practice Makes Awesome" poster from Earmark Social Paper Goods.

{Use code LOVE12 to get 12% off of your order!}

Join Me On Pinterest!

2012-02-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

So, like everyone else on the Internet, I am OBSESSED with Pinterest. In case you haven't heard, it's an online bulletin board where you can "pin" pictures and articles. It's so addicting!

If you're on Pinterest, feel free to follow me or my boards and definitely leave me your screenname so I can follow you!

If you aren't a member yet, and you need a referral link, leave me a comment with your email address and I'll send you one! :)

Goodies I found on Pinterest:

Recipes like this one for spinach and goat cheese bisque

Beautiful photographs like this one

Unique gift ideas like these outlet decorations

The Big Gesture

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

{via}

I am always hoping for the big gesture. When my birthday rolls around and everyone is hanging out (like any other Saturday), I hope there's a big surprise party about to begin at any moment. When I pull into my driveway, I think that maybe my crush will be parked there waiting for me. When my doorbell rings, I think for just a second, "Maybe that's a good friend stopping by just to say hi."

So, I don't usually get the big gesture. I mean, I have. I've received spontaneous boba milk tea drop-offs and birthday scavenger hunts and even an anniversary note printed in the classifieds. But, of course, more often than not, there is nobody waiting in my driveway and the doorbell is just a solicitor. Which is normal and fine and my life is not a movie.

But I still always hope. My brain automatically goes to that magical place first - which I love about myself. I'm so optimistic and I expect the best in everyone, but what that means is that I'm usually disappointed, if only for a moment.

So, what's better? Hoping for magic and settling for reality? Or assuming that nothing special is going to happen and not getting disappointed when it doesn't? Personally, I'm not going to fight my "true nature" - I am an optimist and a romantic and I see magic around every corner. And I am so okay with that. :)

What about you? Do you see magic everywhere?

A Renewal

2012-02-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Oh me, oh my, I'm a bad blog mommy. I have been MIA for...(I don't even want to look, I'll feel too guilty!) a long time. And what reasons can I give you? I got busy, I got distracted, I was over-extended, I lost inspiration, I wanted to watch RHOBH instead? They're all true and all false. But the best part of blogging is that, I'm pretty sure you all understand. You all have lives, too, and that's what makes this so interesting.

But, I am so happy to be back! And for the foreseeable future, I'm going to wait on the grand giveaways and the etsy seller spotlights, so that I can focus on writing. Because that's why we blog, right? Because we love to write and we think we have something interesting to say. Of course, if I see something too dang cute not to share, I will share! But mostly, I want to share more of my life with you and to get to know more about what's going on in yours.

So, a little recap is likely in order. I graduated from college (finally)! Last June I walked at commencement and in September, I received my diploma.

{Moi in June 2011}

As of last November, I've also been in my apartment for a year - and guys, it's definitely come together! My plan is to write some home spotlioght posts in the coming weeks, so I can share my nest with you!

Oliver and Crash are still best buds and the best little kitties I could ask for. Since adopting Crash in November of 2010, he has warmed up to me and is now the sweetest, most loving boy ever. He still runs and hides when anyone new comes over, but he eventually works his way out.

{Crash on Black Friday 2011}

I carved my first pumpkin in 2011 and I think he turned out pretty well!

{first pumpkin carving!}

Two of my best friends got married and then we went to Hawaii!

{Kyle and Lindsay on August 13, 2011}

{2 weeks later on Oahu!

*Jen, Lindsay, Me, Anthony, Katie, Kyle, Andrew*}

I went to some great concerts since I've been gone from Blog-land.

{Zac Brown Band}

{Toby Keith and Eric Church}

{Rascal Flatts and Sara Evans}

{Lady Antebellum and Josh Kelley}

{The Get Up Kids!}

I ran into an old friend (like, met when we were TWO, inseparable until high school, haven't seen her in 10 years) at a party at a good friend's house! She jsut recently invited me to her baby shower and I'm so excited to be back in touch.

{Sheri and I in 1987}

{Sheri and I in 2011}

I went on a road trip with my best girls

and I went on a road trip with myself.

And I tried bone marrow for the first time (and that wasn't the last time!) - it's delicious!

Whew! It does feel like you've missed a lot. But ultimately, know this: I left blogging because I needed to focus on living. What does that mean? I'm trying to be a truer me - a pretty ostentatious undertaking. I'm still single and though there are nights that I'm lonely, there are plenty of Sunday mornings when I get up and do exactly what I want and that's precious. I'm taking Spanish classes because even though I finished school, I miss learning. I've started journaling again (and blogging) and this has helped me to figure out what's going on in this head of mine. I tried anti-gravity yoga and decided it wasn't for me and I tried bone marrow and decided it was. I wake up everyday and look at the art and beauty and color (and kitties!) in my home and I know I'm lucky. And if I had to take a break to get there, I'm so happy I did. :)

Can't wait to write more (and read more)!

Love,

Katie

Pitcher Love!

2012-01-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been in love with pitchers. I have a few that I've found at garage sales and thrift stores, but I think I want to start a full-blown collection. Maybe I can display them on a high shelf in my kitchen. While I can appreciate modern styles, I love the curves and generous lines of rounded pitchers better. When I see them, I think of fertility, abundance and warmth. I've only purchased one of these (from Pottery Barn), but the rest caught my eye, so I may have to snap a few up.

{vintage farmhouse pitcher - $9}

{minty fresh pitcher - $15}

{water pitcher from Pottery Barn - $9.99 with FREE SHIPPING}

{red/orange pitcher with gold trim - $15}

{small heart pitcher - $19}

{mid-century glass pitcher - $52}

{whale pitcher by Jonathan Adler - $95!!!!}

{french enamel pitcher - $65}

{creamy white pitcher - $14 - LOVE the faux bois!}

{1950s rooster pitcher - $14}

{pewter measuring pitcher - $50}

Do you have anything you want to start collecting soon? Where do you normally find your pieces?

Happy Tuesday!

2011-12-20T09:59:00.001-08:00

{saw this handsome guy at the car wash last week}

Viva Dia De Los Muertos!

2011-11-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

{I love this print. :) If you've been in my bathroom, you've looked this lovely lady in the eye before.}

Cart-Worthy + Heart-Worthy: Kitty Toys Edition! {And a Discount Code}

2011-10-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

{Oliver and Crash}

As you know, I have cats. Amazing cats. And because they're so amazing, I want them to have amazing toys and be stimulated so they can keep being amazing. Which is why, I have been looking for cat toys on Etsy. Here are some of my favorites!

{catnip caterpillar}

{catnip banana}

{set of 4 jingle bell balls}

{set of 3 catnip oreos}

{set of 4 non-catnip toys}

{set of 3 birds of a sweater cat toy}

{set of 3 crinkly catnip candies}

{set of 6 rainbow catnip monsters}

{set of 2 catnip macarons}

{catnip mouse - made from recycled socks!

**free shipping on a darn!socks mouse or three blind mice toy with discount code OLIVER**}

I am off to snap up some of these! let me know if you fund any other cute ones!

Love... Colorful Quotation Art!

2011-10-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

{not all who wander print}

Have you heard of Sword.com?

2011-09-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you know how everyone (all of us included) is obsessed with deal-a-day sites like Groupon, Living Social, and Buy With Me? Well, I have another one for you, but this one has a fun twist! Sword.com offers local and national deals that are over 50% off like the other sites. But UNLIKE the other sites, Sword has an affiliate program that enables you to cash in on your friends' purchases.

Because they're a new company and don't have a lot of brand recognition yet, Sword has decided to use you (us!) as a conduit for advertising. So, when you share the site with other people, they become part of your "crew" and as they add friends and family, those new additions are also in your crew. And whenever anybody in your crew makes a purchase, it benefits you!

Just like Groupon and the other sites, signing up is totally free and you're never under any obligation to make a purchase. You also don't have to share the site with anyone, you can keep it your own little secret if you want. :)

{one of the cheapest canvas prints deal I've seen!}

If you'd like to sign up, simply click here, and at the top of the page, you'll see a button that says REGISTER. After answering the basics (name, email, zip code), you will get your very own referral link and you can start creating your crew!

Sword just opened this week, so there are only a few deals so far, but each day they add more and so far, they look great! Like this custom chocolate one below - yum!

I Believe It's Cake! - Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Cake - And A Giveaway!

2011-09-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

At Kyle and Lindsay's rehearsal dinner, we were treated to a beautiful (and delicious!) cake from I Believe It's Cake! Here are some pictures:

Kyle and Lindsay LOVE their Yorkie named Yoshi and wanted him to feature in their cake. IBI Cake! created an amazing little Yoshi on top of an airplane on top of a delicious red velvet cake. The banner says "Yoshi is fly like a G6." This cake was the hit of the party!

This lovely lady is Laurie, the brains behind IBI Cake, posing with her creation and Kyle and Lindsay.

Check out Laurie's facebook and blog for her amazing cakes, she is seriously so talented! It's also fun to see all the celebrities she's worked with: Mel B., Matt Barnes, and many more!

PLUS, she's having a giveaway on her blog right now! Like any baker worth her sugar, she knows a cake stand is the finishing touch that can make your presentation. And you can win this adorable cake stand to start your collection!

Just go here to enter!

New Etsy Treasury: Day of The Colorful Dead

2011-09-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

As you may remember from last year, I LOVE Day of the Dead items! So, of course, I had to make a treasury to showcase all my current favorites.

{see it here!}

Love Today!

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

What a great sentiment - Love Today. Seriously, don't worry about tomorrow or yesterday or next week. At least, not for a few minutes. Just love today.

This is my new wake-up song. I randomly heard it a sushi restaurant last week, immediately downloaded it, and now it's my alarm song. Listen to it for a second and it will be yours, too! Hope you're all having happy days!

Table Name Cards for a Hawaii-Themed Wedding

2011-08-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

My friends Kyle and Lindsay got married last Saturday on August 13, 2011. It was amazing and I cried... a lot. It was my first time planning a wedding and I am so proud of how it turned out. I'm going to share some pieces of it with you, especially those I'm proudest of.

My friend Amy, who's an incredibly talented artist, drew all of the table name cards for the wedding. Each table was named after a location in Hawaii that was important to the couple. Amy took that idea and turned into a magical collection of art.

{all 26 cards}

{LOVE shave ice!}

{yum!}

{everyone loved this one!}

{this was my table!}

These were such an amazing addition to the tables and we got tons of comments on them. Plus, using friends to supplement the big day is such a nice personal touch.

Love... Wedding Boots!

2011-08-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

{via ruffled}

*This will be me...one day.*

I'm Learning To Fly

2011-06-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

my lovely blog friends, i am going on a trip this weekend. i don't actually know where. i have no reservations, no plans. i do have paper maps, a packed suitcase and a full tank of gas.

until monday night when i return, i will be unreachable - no phone, internet, computers, facebook, blogging, nothing! just me, my car and my music. which is scary and a little exciting all at once.

i'm such a planner that going into this without an itinerary is also freaking me out. i have some ideas - maybe i'll go south towards oceanside, maybe i'll go west to arizona or utah, maybe i'll go north towards sequoia.

i am so optimistic that this weekend spent with myself will be just what i need to feel centered, happy and whole. my hope is that i will find myself out there and that i will like that person.

mr. tom petty really could be the soundtrack to so many moments in my life (and i'm sure in yours). but this song has been in my head for the past few days, especially the refrain below, and i know it will be the song playing as i pull out of my driveway and into the sunrise.

have a beautiful, happy weekend - i know i will! :)

"Well, some say life will beat you down

Break your heart, steal your crown

So I've started out for God knows where

I guess I'll know when I get there"

We Have A Winner!

2011-05-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, my chickadees! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend - it was beautiful here in Southern California, so I tried to spend as much time outside as I could!

Without further ado, the winner of the Concrete Lace giveaway is... #28, Soy Pea! I will be emailing you in just a minute, you lucky winner, you!

Thanks to all who entered and a BIG thanks to Concrete Lace for the generous giveaway!

Love... Fun Summer Purses!

2011-05-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

I am loving this fun purse from Cambria Cove! Wouldn't it look great at the farmer's market, the beach, the summer bonfires, on the seat next to me in the car? ;)

You can find it here.

Focus On... Concrete Lace! {And A Giveaway!}

2011-05-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

{CLOSED}

Concrete Lace

I dig languages, especially German. In fact, it's on my arm. So, when I stumbled upon Concrete Lace, I was hooked. I want all of the German cards, plus some of the French, Greek, and Hebrew..wait, I want all of them! Read on for more information on this fantabulous company and the women behind it. Then, enter the giveaway!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I am Katie Daniels, owner of Concrete Lace paper goods. Printing became an important part of my life in the mid-90s because of a beloved printmaker friend, Joan Cobitz, whom I miss dearly. Concrete Lace would not be what it is today with the help and inspiration of my talented sister and best friend, Carla Kaiser, and the support of our gifted mother, Brenda Davis. I design, print & package all of the letterpress products myself; Carla creates hand-illustrated mandala Concrete Lace cards, and also has a few hand-illustrated coloring books. We are a really great team and have a LOT of fun together.

{love and light card}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

We print all of our cards by hand, mostly on my 1934 Vandercook #4 Letterpress, but also on a Kelsey Excelsior Mercury letterpress, Gocco or Yudu.

{german love card}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

It seemed like a great fit for what we had to offer...besides, Etsy is such a helpful and wonderful community to be a part of, which I am very proud to be a part of.

{atlanta summertime postcard}

Where do you get your inspiration?
I love history, culture and tradition from all over the world. I enjoy learning new things, how things work, and I am very easily fascinated... Carla loves to read, and always has her nose in a new book, or is always researching the latest gadget or software. We both think that every step of process is as fun as the finished product, so we seem to stay pretty inspired each step of the way when we are creating. Not to mention that we inspire each other.

{german thank you card}

What is your favorite music to craft by?
Funny you ask because it is a very important part of my craft. I make a conscious effort to only listen to local artists from Atlanta, GA when I am printing. I feel like no support is better than that of your community, so I try to buy a few new albums from the local record shop to put on shuffle each season, and run them into the ground while I work. It keeps me in touch with the amazing creativity that surrounds me in Atlanta.

{french congratulations card}

When it's cold outside...
I wear way too many layers.

{german congratulations card}

When I'm hungry...
I will eat everything I find.

{french thank you card}

When I need a boost...
I just turn it up to eleven.

{hebrew thank you card}

I wish I was/were...
able to create more time.

{will you be my bridesmaid card set}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...
a bottle of Red Rooster hot sauce (not to be confused with sriracha).

{german birthday card}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...
paul reubens.

{shalom greeting card}

If you were an animal, what would you be?
my dog zeke

{greek congratulations card}

What's your favorite piece of your own?
My german card series

{german card occasion set}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?
Lately I have been focused on wedding blogs because of all of the wedding work I am doing for clients. This is such a great and busy time of year, thanks to all of the love in the air!

{thank you for being a friend card}

You can find Concrete Lace on

the website,

on etsy,

on facebook,

and on twitter.

You can find Carla's self published hand-illustrated coloring books here.

{mandala coloring book}

*Concrete Lace has so generously offered to giveaway a German occasion card pack (my ABSOLUTE favorite!), plus one of Carla's mandala coloring books as a give-away.*

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -
- This giveaway is only open to US residents. -

First entry (mandatory):

- Visit Concrete Lace, select your favorite item and tell me about it.

Extra entries (optional):

- Like Concrete Lace on Facebook.

- Follow Concrete Lace on Twitter.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- Add my button to your blog.

- Like Kate and Oli on Facebook.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time May 14, 2011. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on May 16, 2011 and will be emailed promptly. This giveaway is open to US residents only, please!

33 Years

2011-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my parents' 33rd wedding anniversary. Considering they were a mere 20 years old when they got married, this is a huge feat. Compounding that fact, they had only dated for 3 weeks when they eloped to Las Vegas and got married at City Hall. So, while they aren't role models, they are a success story. :)

In this picture, they had been married for less than a year. My mom was still fattening up my dad - who had previously subsisted on Breakfast Jacks and Oreos. My mom was still rocking the Dorothy Hamill cut - albeit in a growing-out sort of way. My favorite part of this picture is that they're in it together. So many of their early marriage pics are of one, taken by the other. Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad, here's to 33 more! :)

I Know You Used To Love Me, But That Was Yesterday

2011-04-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

I love Jerrod Niemann. It's a recent development, but one I strongly feel will continue for a long time. Isn't this the catchiest darn song you ever heard? I love it and will be singing it all day. :)

We Have A Winner!

2011-03-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the Sparrow Moon giveaway is.....

Marija!

I will be emailing you right away, Marija! Thank you to everyone who entered and a BIG thank you to Sparrow Moon!

Oh, Happy Day!

2011-03-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, I found out I am eligible to graduate in June! Well, technically, I am eligible to graduate in November, but I finagled my way into the June ceremony so hurray! In honor of this *happy day*, I made a treasury, aptly named...Oh, Happy Day! Here it is:

*and don't forget! today is the last day to enter the Sparrow Moon Giveaway!*

Focus On... Alex Wijnen! {And A Discount Code!}

2011-03-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Alex Wijnen's shop is a happy place for me. I love the color, the lines, the FUN behind all of her work. Luckily, Alex is a super nice person and has offered a super nice deal for Kate and Oli readers! Read on to learn more!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I'm a graphic designer working from home in Portland, Oregon, where I live with my hubby, two dogs and two cats. I grew up in northern Europe and when I was 17, my parents decided to move to the States. They dragged me along kicking and screaming (after all, what 17-year-old wants to leave their friends behind?!) but now I love being in the US and couldn't imagine living

anywhere but in the beautiful Northwest.

{my little joker}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

In my teens I preferred working in watercolor, but I've since moved into this new realm of combining black and white illustrations with digital finishing, adding color and texture to make my images come to life. As a graphic designer I use Photoshop every day so I guess it was just a natural progression to start using it in my art as well.

{road trip}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

It's a great way to have a web presence without having to invest a lot of money in a custom site. I hang out on Etsy quite a bit, not just tweaking my shop but also surfing the forums and finding new favorites. My house is filled with art I found on Etsy so I'm an avid buyer as well as seller.

{hard to swallow}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I find inspiration both in nature and from my childhood memories. I've always loved to draw, and the natural world is just so beautiful, it's easy to be inspired. But lately I find myself wanting to use my art to tell a story so I go inside myself, back in time, and try to create little vignettes of

fragments of my life.

{unraveling}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

It actually varies quite a bit. Sometimes I find that classical music best fits my mood while at other times I love the sounds of house music and electronica. The last few weeks I've actually sought out a Dutch radio station that plays a mix of modern hits. I love hearing the hosts speak Dutch; I guess it relates to reaching back into my childhood (I grew up in the Netherlands, among other places).

{all dressed up}

When it's cold outside... I love to cuddle up on the couch with a good book, a mug of tea and my dog.

{rotary salvation}

When I'm hungry... I reach for whatever I can find in the cupboards. I don't like cooking and often joke that I'm on a bag diet (if it's in a bag, I'll eat it).

{a classic modern marriage}

When I need a boost... I look to other artists and designers who inspire me. Or I look to my husband and the life we've built together; that always makes me feel quite lucky.

{crossroads}

I wish I was/were... skinnier! My bag diet is obviously not working. :)

{taste of summer}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be... to accept themselves just as they are (wish I could give that gift to myself as well!)

{winter night in portland}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... my baby sister. She lives in the Netherlands and I dearly miss her.

{dandelion fluff}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I'd love to have some funny or unique answer to this but I'd probably just want to be a cat. Seeing ours curled up on a soft pillow under the window with sunlight streaming in always makes me feel slightly jealous.

{crow season}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

It often changes, depending on my mood or what I'm working on, but I think I'd have to say my overall favorite piece is Taking the Scenic Route.

{taking the scenic route}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

I follow quite a few blogs (including Design*Sponge, Poppytalk and SFGirlByBay) but right now I'm really drawn to Oh So Beautiful Paper. As a graphic deisgner, I've recently had more invitation projects come across my desk so I'm always inspired by the gorgeous designs showcased there.

You can find Alex Wijnen on

her website,

her blog,

and on etsy!

Alex has offered a fantabulous deal just for Kate and Oli readers! Simply enter the coupon code "KATEANDOLI" and you'll get 20% off of your order! I bet you can find a lot of prints to snap up at that price!

Focus On... Pique Studios! {And A BOGO!}

2011-03-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

Pique Studios is backed by Pam, a delightful Etsyian who is obviously incredibly talented. She has answered my silly questions and offered a fabulous deal just for Kate and Oli readers! Read on for more details!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I am a mother to a toddler and I am able to stay at home with her, so I am constantly entertained. I love to travel and be in not so "touristy" places. I love learning about different cultures and the different ways they think and live. I have been throughout Europe and central Asia and a small amount in South America and the Carribean. I love horses and have been riding since I was a child. And I love to run in my barefoot shoes-yes, the Five Fingers, the ones that look very strange.

{little albatross}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

Currently, mostly pen and ink just because it is so easy to grab a pen and sketchbook as soon as the wee one is asleep.

{stuck}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

A couple years ago, a friend encouraged me to log in my 2000 hours (the amount of time "they" say it takes to be a "professional" at something) so I began drawing at least 2 hours a day. Being an etsy addict, I figured since I had a bit of a portfolio together it would be easy enough to give etsy a shot.

{a porthole in stowage}

Where do you get your inspiration?

When it comes down to it, I think the answer is stories. Fairy tales, mythology, the places I have travelled, music: Josh Ritter, Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons.

{smack}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

Lately, a lot of Josh Ritter, Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons, Rufus Wainwright. Then of course there are the classics: Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Zeppelin, Dave Matthews Band, Counting Crows.....and occasionally a Rick Steves travelogue on PBS :)

{red elephant}

When it's cold outside...It freaks me out. The high dropping to the 60s is foreign to me. I do not know how the rest of the world functions in winter. I am born and raised south Florida girl so the cold is this horrible horrible thing. I always say that I never want to live in a place where if you got locked outside your house you could die.

{nordic braids}

When I'm hungry...I crave white sugar. I really eat rather well-no processed food, no preservatives, that sort of thing. But when I fall off the wagon.....it's ugly. I think I could live off of Oreos. And what is with the Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies? Is there crack in those?

{green hummingbird}

When I need a boost...I disappear. I'm the classic introvert. I get energy by being alone. I hide at the beach and draw

{peacock}

I wish I was/were...living in some little village in Spain or Italy or Romania or.......

{blue silhouette}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...this is tricky.....I try to be very particular with gift giving. I like to give meaningful gifts depending on the person. I don't think there is something universal enough. Hell, I just don't know how to answer this question.

{wood dryad}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...how does on choose? Definitely Wes Anderson and Jonathan Safran Foer and Josh Ritter, but not all at the same time. They are all amazingly talented artists. Brilliant. Particular. Raw.

{sirens and thunder}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

an Osprey or some sort of bird of prey. Powerful and graceful and dangerous....or maybe......a Jaguar Shark.....

{sparrow heart}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

It sold a couple of weeks ago....it is a mermaid illustration and I titled it after Jonathon Safran Foer's incredible book, 'Everything is Illuminated.'

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

Honestly, I am still so addicted to etsy. I have this list of artists on etsy and I seriously check there shops almost everyday for new work. I don't know how I get anything else done sometimes.

{little birds}

You can find Pique Studios
on their blog,
on twitter,
and on etsy!

**Pam has offered up a fabulous deal for Kate and Oli readers! When you buy one print, simply mention "Kate and Oli" in the notes to seller and you can get a second print of equal or lesser price for free! Make sure you tell her which second print you'd like!**

Today's Etsy Faves - $25 and Under!

2011-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Papercuts are so freaking awesome. The skill it must take...the time it must take...the patience it must take. I don't have it in me. But I appreciate it in other people. :)

{clockwise from top left: charm girls series, six - $25, henny - $20,

lanterns - $14, folk art house - $23}

$10 John Mayer Concert Posters!

2011-03-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Do you like concert posters? Do you like John Mayer? Do you like $10 art? The John Mayer Shop is having an outlet sale - for this week, all items are only $10 - this includes these beautiful posters!

Focus On... Sparrow Moon! {And A Giveaway!}

2011-03-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sparrow Moon is an awesome etsy shop I found a few weeks ago while browsing for black and white line drawings on etsy. Well, I sure got what I was looking for! Laura, the hand behind Sparrow Moon, has a distinctive style and her sense of humor, fun, and creativity shines through in every drawing. Read her interview below and then enter to win your very own Sparrow Moon print!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

My name is Laura Haywood, I live and work in the beautiful state of Kentucky, USA. I was born and raised in Northern Michigan, where water is everywhere, and I recently finished a BA in Studio Art.

{young lady with large hair}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I work with very fine-tipped black artist pens and sturdy Bristol paper, because I love the simplicity and bold contrast of black and white. I have also enjoyed working with acrylic paint, three-dimensional fabric paint (puff paint), graphite, colored pencil, and yarn!

{listening to rachmaninoff}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

My friend David (here on Etsy) introduced me to the site and the front page treasury that day had so many neat items and art pieces that I thought: I want in on this.

{receiving of the four ribbons}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I find inspiration in my childhood, the landscape around me, my sister, mom, and husband, as well as children's book illustrations. I grew up obsessed with reading any book with dreamy or highly detailed illustrations.

{making bread}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, Ravel, Debussy, and other moody classical composers, also sometimes Michael Jackson, Otis Redding, Joni Mitchell, and Willie Nelson.

{first day of school - i love this one!}

When it's cold outside...

It reminds me of growing up in Northern Michigan and I love to put on a cozy hooded sweatshirt and fuzzy warm socks.

{the novice librarian}

When I'm hungry...

I don't function very well and tend to be grumpy.

{tattooed snow angel - love this one!}

When I need a boost...

I've found that a brisk walk around my neighborhood really gets my brain going. I have to carry a little voice recorder because the creative and organizational ideas start coming very fast. I also like going for drives in the country with my husband. The scenery in Kentucky is so diverse and we always find these neat places or things that we never knew were so close.

{beach day}

I wish I was/were...

Living closer to a large body of water. I miss the lakes of Michigan sometimes.

{home}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

Happiness

{sulking regarding a grave injustice}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...

My Grandma. She lives in Michigan and I don't get to visit her as much as I would like. She is very in tune with current politics as well as being well read in so many topics (English Monarchy, Antiques, U.S. Presidents, Ebay; you name it) that we always have such stimulating and meaningful conversations. We would splurge and get the flavored coffee like we used to.

{eliza}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I would be a unicorn.

{it's my party}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

My favorite piece right now is an ink drawing I recently listed entitled "Exodus of the Wild Girls."

{exodus of the wild girls}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

Etsy, Pandora, Radio Paradise, Design Sponge, My Fitness Pal - a great site that has been helping me with my healthy goals for the new year.

You can find Sparrow Moon

on facebook

and on etsy!

**SPECIAL**

Sparrow Moon is currently offering a free print for every 2 purchased! Simply mention your choice in the notes to seller.

**GIVEAWAY**

Would you like a Sparrow Moon print of your very own? You can win one simply by entering the giveaway below! One lucky winner will receive an 8x10 of his or her choice! This giveaway is open to US residents only, please!

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -

First entry (mandatory):

- Visit Sparrow Moon, select your favorite item and tell me about it.

Extra entries (optional):

- Like Sparrow Moon on facebook.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- Add my button to your blog.

- Like Kate and Oli on Facebook.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time March 30, 2011. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on March 31, 2011 and will be emailed promptly. This giveaway is open to US residents only, please!

B-E-A-U-tiful :)

2011-03-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

{fresh pick no. 193, original watercolor}

Today's Etsy Faves - $25 and Under!

2011-03-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'm loving color today, maybe because it's so foggy and gray here! Enjoy!

{clockwise from top left: gypsy - $20, frida kahlo lounges with black cat - $15,

bobbin bay cottage - $12.95, teacup topiaries - $25}

A Deal of The Day For A Deal A Day Site!

2011-03-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

So, I've talked about One Kings Lane before... and I've talked about Groupon before... but now, they're together in one post! Groupon is selling a $60 credit to One Kings Lane for only $30! This is an amazing deal, because One Kings Lane deals are already great deals! Whew, I said deal way too many times there!

Head here to get your Groupon!

You can't use this until tomorrow, but there are some great deals on One Kings Lane today:

{kukunest little friends toddler bedding set}

{tourance cheetah baby blanket}

{framed print of workers by mary blair}

Today's Etsy Faves - $20 or Under!

2011-03-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

These finds all make my heart happy - I'd be ecstatic to see any of them when I wake up in the morning! :)

clockwise from top left: chipmunk no.1 - $20, moving - $5,

cat lady - $20, this is how we love - $10

Focus On... Carriveau Craft!

2011-03-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

Carriveau Craft is backed by the delightful Shelli who graciously answered my silly questions. Read more baout her work and make sure to check out her shop - it's amazing!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I am almost 40 ewe. I have 3 children a husband who has a firefighter/paramedic schedule. We live in Colorado where it is very sunny and dry. I came from a very wet part of Washington. Port Angeles is were I grew up most of my life. it rains 240 days of the year.

{painted rock frog}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

Mediums I like to use are acrylic paint, clay, water color, gauche, dried flowers, wood, and metal. I love acrylic paint because it dry's a lot faster than oil. I don't like to wait to do my layers. I love texture and the feel of it as far as other mediums go.

{owl bookend}

Why did you decide to sell on etsy?

I decided to figure out a way I could sell some work on line with out waiting for the next craft show. A friend of a magazine company referred me to this site. I was very unsure of the computer world, but now that I am comfortable, I love Etsy. We are all trying to figure out our next sale and it can get a little frustrating at times, but I am very grateful I get to stay home with my children and paint.

{painted rock hedgehog}

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from seasons and things that are going on around me. I can't really put it into words, but it is like mood swings. Most of the time things come to me in the morning or when I take the time to just stop and be still. Some times I will start sketching ideas and more start to accumulate. I keep an art journal because I know I wont remember what I was inspired to paint at that time.

{extra large painted rock dragon with baby dragons}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

Music to craft by....hmmmm...classical and then some alternative rock. Most of the time I don't listen to music. Only this year did I do this because I was waiting for my name to be called on the radio to win some money and I did!

{painted rock brown cow}

When it's cold outside I paint.

{painted rock baby bird nest}

When I'm hungry I find something sugary first.

{painted rock bird nest}

When I need a boost I call a friend and then paint.

{snail paper weight}

If I had one wish, it would be... I wish I was a millionaire and no one knew it. Then I would live in our small house and help people with financial needs.

{painted rock little bunny}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be knowing they have a purpose in this life.

{thanksgiving place card holders}

If I was an animal I would be an eagle so I could fly and perch in the tallest tree's. I would acquire a taste for berries and sushi since attacking rodents would gross me out.

{painted rock chocolate lab}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

One of my favorite pieces of Art that I owned I sold on Etsy. My children cried when I did. I felt so bad and didn't realize they were so attached. I haven't really created something that I would call my very most favorite yet.

{painted rock white cat}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

My favorite blog would be www.kateandoli.blogspot.com :)

You can find Carriveau

on twitter and

on etsy!

Today's Etsy Faves - $12 and Under!

2011-03-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been drawn to pencil and ink drawings. They're deceptively simple, because each line can convey so much emotion. These are my top etsy faves right now.

clockwise from top left: little cowboy - $5, home - $10,

where i used to live - $12, i've loved you so long - $5

Focus On... Studio Lyon!

2011-03-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Studio Lyon is a print shop run by Christie, a delightful gal who really is a joy to order from and work with. One of my favorite pieces in my new apartment is a happy gray whale I ordered from Studio Lyon about a month ago (he's no longer available in her shop, but maybe if you ask her nicely, she'll re-list him!). I love her use of textures, especially natural ones like leaves and wood. Combine those textures with her use of digital coloring and her sense of humor and whimsy and you have a magical mix!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I'm an artist living in Tampa, Florida. I enjoy learning and creating.

{airedale}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I use whatever fits my needs at the time, but especially like working with ink, paper, and wood. My love of ink and paper comes from my love of books. And I've always liked wood furniture, flooring, etc.

{narwhal}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I love to learn and that is what inspires me. The universe is infinitely interesting! I am endlessly curious and fascinated and enjoy expressing that through my art.

{lyon 2}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

I listen to rock, classical, country, and bluegrass music.

{i heart you faux bois print}

When it's cold outside...

I am thrilled because we don't often have cold weather in Florida. And when it's hot outside, you'll usually find me inside!

{but i know}

When I need a boost...

I turn on music and make art!

{unicorn}

I wish I was/were...

Immortal. I don't have nearly enough time to read every book or draw everything that I want to.

{edwin}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

Hope.

{abc chart in lake blue}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I'd be a cat with antlers!

{chocolate and strawberry cat}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

Each new piece becomes my favorite. At the moment, it's my "Gift Horse."

{gift horse}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

Lately I'm enjoying watching talks on http://www.ted.com

And I recently discovered http://www.librarything.com/

You can find Studio Lyon

on facebook,

on twitter,

and of course, on etsy.

What I'm Digging Right Now

2011-03-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

These beauties are at the top of my etsy faves today:

{clockwise from top left: pile o wood - $30, la calavera catrina - $15,

emerald green dresses - $18, luna moths extra wide scarf wrap - $32}

go forth and buy, my readers! or, at least, covet. that's what i'm doing.

We Have A Winner! {Or Four!}

2011-03-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

**2nd EDIT: The new winners are Marisa for the tickets and Kirsten for the tote bag! Emailing now!**

**EDIT: Emily and Nichol did not provide email addresses, so you each have 30 minutes to email me here or comment, or your prizes will be forfeited! I'm so sorry that the window is small, but the show opens today, so it's imperative we get the tickets to the winner ASAP!**

Okay, here are the winners of the 20x200, Jen Bekman Gallery and Pulse NYC Art Fair Giveaway!

For the tickets and tote bags, the winners are...

Nichol and Cerena!

For the tote bags, the winner are...

Emily and Marta!

I will be emailing you immediately, you lucky winners!

Thanks to everyone who entered and thanks so much to 20x200, the Jen Bekman Gallery and Pulse NYC!

20x200, Jen Bekman Gallery and Pulse NYC Art Fair Giveaway!

2011-03-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

{{CLOSED}}

Last week, I told you about 20x200, a fabulous site that makes art accessible. Today, I bring you an amazing opportunity: two lucky readers will win tickets to the Pulse NYC art fair, a satellite show of the Armory Show during Armory Arts Week which takes place March 3-6th. This super giveaway is brought to you by 20x200, who will be exhibiting at Pulse NYC.

There's more! 20x200 and Jen Bekman Gallery are also giving away 20x200 Art Fair Survival kits full of essentials and goodies for the day and beyond.

According to the 20x200 blog, these are the contents of the bags:

+ Altoids: Freshen up before saying 'hi' to your favorite artist or chatting up that cute gallery guy/girl.

+ Orabrush: Ditto—you can't make a first impression a second time.

+ illy issimo: Drink up and re-caffeinate on the fly.

+ Popchips: Eat up and refuel whilst gallery hopping.

+ West Elm tape measure & level: Measure up with pocket-size art hanging essentials.

+ West Elm discount card: Stock up from one of our fave frame sources.

+ BAMart Auction Invite: Culture up at one of our fave institutions.

+ Art Fag City + Hyperallergic Event Guides: Read up and be in the know on what's happening.

+ 20x200's Map of the 2011 New York Art Fairs (above): A work of art right in your bag! This year's map is drawn by the inimitable Wendy MacNaughton.

+ 20x200 Magic Fortune Teller: Thrill your friends with amazing feats of art market prognostication!

If you're in the NYC area, you should definitely stop by the event and visit booth B-4, where you might be able to win one of these awesome bags, even if you don't win on Kate & Oli!

Even if you're not in the NYC area, you can still win the Art Fair Survival Kit, so enter now!

To enter the giveaway for tickets to Pulse NYC and Art Fair Survival Kits

*4 winners: 2 will win tickets and tote bags, 2 will win tote bags*

Please leave a comment with the name of your favorite piece of art from 20x200 and whether you'd like the tickets if you're a lucky winner!

You can gain additional entries by

*tweeting about this! make sure to follow me*

*following 20x200 on twitter*

*posting about this on facebook! make sure to like me*

*liking 20x200 on facebook*

*blogging about this! make to sure to follow me on gfc*

This giveaway will be fast and sweet - it begins when posted and ends tomorrow 3/3 at 12pm PST, 3pm EST. Winners will be chosen randomly and announced and emailed within an hour!

Month in Pictures: February 2011 in Phone Pictures!

2011-03-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

this is my february - each of these pictures is taken from my phone. click for a larger photo.

top row: a reminder everyday to "change" my life. the kings vs redwings game at staples center. a painting by my grandmother - this month was the 9th anniversary of her passing. my big decision on super bowl sunday when i decided to go red!

second row: oliver cuddling with me. tallulah - one of my parents' cats - she gets shaved like a lion every few months. books i was going to buy with my b&n groupon, only to realize i didn't have it. my healthy creation at the counter - veggie burger on english muffin with sprouts, red peppers, tomatoes, tillamook, hard boiled eggs, spring greens and cucumbers.

third row: art by shelley roze in my bedroom. oliver's rabbit feet on a sunday morning. {top} another painting by my grandmother. {bottom} my "no on h8" sweatshirt. prophet, the three-legged cat lounging on my parents' bed - he looks like a mermaid, right?

bottom row: doggy cupcakes i sent to lindsay - her dog's birthday is today! lindsay and jen - obviously lindsay said something that didn't quite make sense to jen. sadie - the hairless dog - on my parents' bed. art by CW Farrugia and a rooster from Home Goods on my dresser.

I really like this idea and I'm going to try to do it next month, too! Link me to your month in pictures if you've done it!

Recipe: Sunday Morning Smoothie

2011-02-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

I buy way too much fruit. Often and repeatedly, because each time I think I'll eat it all before it goes bad even though I didn't the time before. Today, while staring sadly at the mountain of fruit in my fridge, I had an epiphany: smoothies! And since my lovely mama bought me a blender for Christmas (which I opened today), I could easily make one. This is my first smoothie ever, so feel free to share your tips! By the way, this one turned out very well - the flavor was mostly strawberry-pineapple.

I started by rinsing and cutting the tops off of 7 strawberries.

I peeled and set aside 2 tangerines.

I added 2 medium sized pieces of pineapple.

I added a splash of fruit juice.

I put it all in the blender, with the heaviest items on bottom.

I added two tablespoons of honey to sweeten it up.

Then blend! I couldn't tell you how long, just that it seemed about right.

Then, I added 1 cup of ice and blended for a long time. I checked halfway through and there were still chunks of ice, so I kept going.

When I was done, I had a delicious smoothie which I poured into my favorite vintage juice glass! This recipe yielded over 2 full glasses of fruity goodness. :)

What kinds of smoothies have you made?

20x200 + One Kings Lane = AWESOME!

2011-02-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of 20x200? Jen Bekman started this project back in 2007 when she had the idea (as she puts it) that:

(limited editions x low prices) + the internet = art for everyone.

New prints are introduced every week and each one is available in a variety of sizes. The smallest size is available for $20 and there are 200 limited edition prints made. Hence, 20x200. I love this site because it allows me to buy art I love without breaking the bank.

{YES (You Complete the Picture)}

{car free}

{gauntlet}

Yes, you can buy these beautiful prints for only $20 for an 8x10. But today, I have an even better deal for you! One Kings Lane is offering a $100 gift certificate to 20x200 for only $59! That's 41% off your purchase of already affordable art! Get it here and get it today! I know I will. :)

Guilty Pleasures

2011-02-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

You know how sometimes, you can't think of anything but the one thing that is bad for you? It could be a guy, it could be something you can't afford, or it could be choosing to watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills over writing that paper due tomorrow. Or it could be... scooping a spoonful of chocolate frosting straight out of the container, no cake in sight. That's my guilty pleasure. Straight up chocolate frosting. On a spoon. I like to justify it by noting that the nutritional information states there's only like 140 calories in a tablespoon of this stuff. So, even though my scoop is on steroids, there can't be more than... 300 calories on it. And that's like... a snack... right? Sigh.

{via here}

What's your guilty pleasure?

Happy Presidents' Day!

2011-02-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Presidents' Day! In honor of our forefathers, take a look at this awesome print I found! This would look amazing in a study or a kids' room!

{hail to the chief letterpress print}

Have a beautiful day!

Happy Birthday, Katie!

2011-02-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to one of my new friends who I hope will one day be an old friend! :) Katie is sweet, fun, generous, awesome and beautiful. :) Hope you have a wonderful day!

We Have A Winner!

2011-02-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

Our winner for the Art Garden giveaway is lucky #3, Left Costa Mom!

I will be emailing you right away to get your info! A big thanks to all who entered and to Art Garden for the giveaway!

We Have A Winner!

2011-02-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the Laura Amiss Giveaway is....

Lisa!

I will be emailing the winner right away, thanks so much to everyone who entered and be sure to check out Laura's shop! A big thanks to the generous Laura Amiss!

Cart-Worthy + Heart-Worthy: Whale Edition!

2011-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Whales have long been a fascination of mine - they are intelligent, social creatures who have strong genetic links to primates. Long ago, I read a book called The Aquatic Ape, which detailed the author's theory that life began in the water and moved to the savannah. Why do we have a vestigial tailbone? Why do we have a subcutaneous layer of fat like other marine mammals? Why do we have a fine layer of hair all over our bodies? Why do whales have so much in common with human and non-human primates? These questions have always made me wonder. Are we part whale?

*For a limited time, you can donate $15 to Greenpeace through Groupon and you will $15 Groupon bucks back. It's basically a FREE donation to Greenpeace! 100% of this donation goes to Greenpeace. Help end commercial whaling, donate here!*

{wooden jonah in the whale puzzle}

{whale}

{a whale of a good mug}

{whale crayon holder}

{a whale, some strange birds, the moon and a broken anchor}

{whale toothpick holder}

{whale-i-copter love}

{vintage whale artwork}

{whale teething toy}

{spouts}

{whale stained glass night light}

{multicolor whale print}

{low ball glass - whales}

Focus On... Thunder Peep! {And A Discount!}

2011-02-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

Michelle of Thunder Peep is just the nicest person ever! She shared a bit of her creative process with me and even offered a discount code for you lucky ducks! Read on. :)

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I'm a graphic designer by day - illustrator under the cover of dark. I like to play outside, watch scary movies, read printed newspapers and drink coffee.

{2011 calendar - on sale now!}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I start with basic pencil and paper sketch to let the idea play itself out and then I re-create it in Illustrator. I love the feel and look of clean sharp lines and the contrasts that I get from digital drawings. It takes a bit more time, but time well invested.

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I've been a big fan of etsy as a shopper and I like the idea that's it's not just about shopping. It's a real community. It's a great way to reach a wide variety of customers but it's also such an amazing community, I have learned so much from other sellers and artists on etsy.

{midsummer dreams print}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I am a big fan of folklore and tradition. In particular Scandinavian folklore and design. It's functional, colourful, personal and quirky. Being that I live on the West Coast I also can't help but be influenced by all the shapes and shades of nature.

What is your favorite music to craft by?

Lately I have been really getting down with The Sounds (from Sweden) and all the fun 80's tunes mixed into my itunes!

{lordy lordy}

When it's cold outside...

I am that rare person who loves the cold so I'd be outside. Walking the seawall or up the mountain snowshoeiing. I love being able to bundle up in my toque, scarves and mittens :)

When I'm hungry...

I stare at my cupboards looking for the easiest thing to make!

{ice castle print}

When I need a boost...

I Skype. Good friends are the best motivators and pick me ups I could as for. Sometimes there are drinks involved ;)

{manon tissue cozy}

I wish I was/were...

more organized. I have a tendency to leave things to the last minute

{snowpeep adventuresome card set}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

2 minutes. Everyone is so rushed and attached to their technology these days, I would like to give everyone 2 minutes to just stop and appreciate the moment. It's sometimes the little things in life that have the biggest impact.

{kissing in a tree}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...

my Grandma. She was such a great presence in my childhood, I would love to have that now, as an adult.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A penguin. After seeing March of the Penguins I fell in love with the story of the Penguins. Their perseverance and sense of community. Plus they live in Antarctica, one place I would love to visit.

{manon notecard and clutch set}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

Hmmm... that's a tough question. The Ice Castle is my most recent piece and when it was all finished I literally wanted to live IN the image i was so excited about it.

{you're gross}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

CraftMBA has been a great learning tool for me as I attempt to make a business out of my art. Also on my list of regulars:

Decor8, Print Pattern, and the Calgary Flames Insider - I'm a huge hockey fan!!

You can find Thunder Peep

on Facebook,

on etsy,

and on twitter!

And since Michelle is just the coolest car around, she has offered a discount code just for Kate and Oli readers! When you enter the code "kateandoli", you will receive a 25% discount on your order! So, head on over and get to buying!

Love... Whale Tissue Holders!

2011-02-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

I saw these and almost died. Aren't they freaking awesome? I actually don't even use tissue - I don't own a single box. But I would go buy some if I could display it in this guy!

{whale tissue holders from Gnome Sweet Gnome}

*keep an eye out for a Cart-Worthy + Heart-Worthy: Whale Edition coming up soon!*

Happy Birthday, James!

2011-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Jamie is a dear friend who I met in high school. We used to spend our time lounging in Amy's backyard fort, reading those teeny tiny New Testaments the little old men passed out to us as we left campus. I remember listening to lots of Kansas, Jimmy Eat World and Blue Oyster Cult. James is a super friend and I hope he has a super birthday! :)

I Invite You... To Zulily!

2011-02-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

{pikos the hedgehog}

How could you turn down that little face? He is available today from the Les Deglingos sale on Zulily - an online store offering deep discounts with a slant towards moms and babies. No, I'm not either - but I am getting to that age where all of my friends are procreating, so it's perfect for gifts. Plus, I want this little dude all for myself! Even better, they don't only offer maternity clothes, they offer brands those of us who aren't expecting can still appreciate - so check it out here!

Focus On... Art Garden! {And A Giveaway!}

2011-02-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

Art Garden is a beautiful shop that makes you feel peaceful just browsing - imagine how you'd feel if you saw one of these beauties everyday! Lupen, the lovely lady behind Art Garden, has lavishly offered to permanently loan you one of her beautiful prints! Okay, that was my strange and slightly sad attempt at alliteration - but basically, you could win your very own print from Art Garden!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

My name is Lupen, I grew up in Portland Oregon . When I was 20 I moved to Lopez Island in Washington state , a very small Island only 14 miles long at the longest distance. I lived there for 15 years, gardening , farming , crafting , collecting seaweed , kayaking and sleeping under the stars on summer nights . My husband and I left the Northwest a few years ago for sunnier skies however .... and we are now living in a small town in northern California , there's alot I miss about the Island , but I don't miss the 9 months of winter :)

{ceres cactus flower}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?
I am a self taught artist experimenting with lots of different mediums. My main mediums seem to be colored pencil, ink and acrylic paint. I got my first set of 'Prismacolor' pencils when I was in grade school and been in love with them ever since, I like that they are so portable to take out into the field to draw plants. I also like the bold colors of acrylics and use them mostly for doing large pieces.

{botanica exotica}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I stumbled upon Etsy a few years ago ..... and I knew right away I wanted to join and be a part of the community. I was already selling my art at farmers markets and craft fairs and this seemed like a great venue for my work. I was so happy to find a place with so much creativity and handmade goods.

{hollyhock - my fave!}

Where do you get your inspiration?

Alot from nature and my garden . I love the macro close up world of plants and seed pods , vintage photographs , and different color combinations I may see throughout my day , can inspire my pieces . Reading Hafiz and Rumi poetry inspires me with some of my figure drawings.

{buttercup}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

I usually have my music on shuffle, which is wide variety of things like French music , Hawaiian , Carla Bruni, Micheal Franti, Habib Koite, Celtic , and some of my old favorites like the Cure and the Pogues.

{dressing up to do the laundry}

When it's cold outside...

I love to go out for long walks.

{mandala print - sri yantra}

When I'm hungry...

It seems like I'm always hungry :) snacking and cups of tea are part of my day between meals to keep me going

{green hellebore sketch}

When I need a boost...

I like to spend time outside, it seems to give me the the boost I need usually , I also meditate , and I will look through my sketchbooks for ideas if I'm not feeling the creative flow and see where I can pick it up again.

{mustard and bloom}

I wish I was/were...

more confident and had less self doubt .

{rainbow om}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

unconditional self love

{centered in peace}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...

All my girlfriends I miss and love dearly on Lopez Island.

{dogwood branches}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I would be a river otter, because they get to enjoy the water and the land, and eat as much fresh seaweed as they want.

{coral tree}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

My 'Vision of home' Painting is my favorite piece , I painted this a few years ago when we were living on Maui ( we were there for a couple years before we moved to California ) and not really realizing it until a while after we moved in to our house here in California ... it is the house in the painting most things about it..it is so weird ! ..minus the red walls. The vision of home really worked....

{saraswati - lotus goddess}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

http://www.geninne.com/

http://touchstonesofthesacred.com/

{lotus}

You can find Art Garden

on her blog,

on etsy!

Lupen has offered to giveaway one 5x7 print of your choice to a lucky winner!

{dusty rose}

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -

First entry (mandatory):

- Visit Art Garden, select your favorite item and tell me about it.

Extra entries (optional):

- Follow the Art Garden blog.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- Add my button to your blog.

- Like Kate and Oli on Facebook.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time February 11, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on February 12, 2010 and will be emailed promptly.

Now You See Him, Now You See... Groceries!

2011-02-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

{The "invisible man" in this photo is Liu Bolin, an artist who specializes in mind-blowing photos like this. Love it!

via TMZ.}

Focus On... Laura Amiss! {And A Giveaway!}

2011-02-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

{{closed}}

Laura Amiss is a purveyor of magic. In her shop, she stocks a world of whimsy and color, texture and fun. Her work ranges from large, stitched canvases to very affordable prints. Laura has so graciously agreed to an interview and giveaway, so read on to enter!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

My name is Laura, I am English but I have called Amsterdam The Netherlands home for the last seven years, I live here with my husband and two children. I studied Textiles in London and I now work as a freelance illustrator and maker.

{city living - stitched print}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I mainly use textiles, producing appliqued illustrations and drawings. I suppose I draw with my sewing machine. I have always enjoyed mixed media art work. It was quite early on in my studies that I really became hooked on textiles. I love the physicality of working with textiles and have always been interested in it's language and history.

{canal houses stitched print}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

A friend told me about Etsy two years ago. I was trying to find a way I could make and sell the work I wanted to make. I had children aged one and two and also wanted the flexibility of working from home and just being a little more available for them. I LOVE Etsy, the past year has been amazing, it was a bit of a step in to the dark and I still work very hard at it, but I found it very rewarding.

{never enough print}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I really enjoy putting colors together, often a piece can begin with color rather than an image. I love 1950s fashion illustrations and have recently been interested in exploring old proverbs and poetry and seeing how I can translate them visually. The titles of my pieces are important, I sometimes think I should stitch them on to the canvas. Drawing forms a crucial part of my work and inspiration, I have been trying to dedicate half an hour to sketching before I go to bed. Above all, for my most recent set of work I wanted to make people smile and be able to relate to the image easily.

{scattered showers A4 print}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

I usually listen to BBC Radio 4, not living in my native country I some times makes me crave very English things which radio 4 is! If it is music I am listening to band called The XX, also very English ;-)

{paris, latin quarter A3 print}

When it's cold outside...

I like a hot cup of tea.

{happy tears}

When I'm hungry...

I like carrot cake.

{this way and that}

When I need a boost...

cafe late (I am a coffee junky)

{little house on the hill A3 print}

I wish I was/were...

a little closer to my Mum who lives in England.

{teapots A4 print}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

'When I was young', childrens poetry by A.A Milne.

{bloemgracht stitched print}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...
Frida Kahlo.

{when will it stop?}

If you were an animal, what would you be?
A cat.

{down my street stitched print}

What's your favorite piece of your own?
One of my 'But I was different'

{i was different}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?
I really like 'Smile and Wave', with two children the same age as Rachel I can relate to her. I enjoy Loveology (a Dutch based blogger) and I am a bit addicted to Bloesem (also Dutch!)

{doily dreaming}

You can find Laura Amiss
on facebook,
on her website,
and on etsy!

Laura has graciously offered up any print in an A2 or A3 size for one lucky winner!
{This is up to a $70 value with shipping!}

{windy day}

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -

First entry (mandatory):

- Visit Laura Amiss, select your favorite item and tell me about it.

Extra entries (optional):

- Like Laura Amiss on Facebook.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- Add my button to your blog.

- Like Kate and Oli on Facebook.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time February 9, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on February 10, 2010 and will be emailed promptly.

Focus On... Orange Willow! {Update and Discount!}

2011-01-31T11:20:00.000-08:00

The fabulous etsy shop, Orange Willow (previously featured here), is having an amazing sale today! Good today only, use code FIFTYOFF for 50% off of anything in the shop! Stock up on birthday, holiday, Valentine's gift or just get what YOU want! That's what I'm doing! :)

{are you ever alone - only $10 today!}

And, as always, Orange Willow offers FREE SHIPPING!

We Have A Winner!

2011-01-31T11:10:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Soleil Girl Giveaway is... #34, Deb!! I'll be contacting you shortly to get your mailing information!

Thank you to everyone who entered and to Soleil Girl for sponsoring this giveaway!

Cart-Worthy + Heart-Worthy: Scandinavian Edition!

2011-01-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

Scandinavian style is just cool. The clean lines, the repeated motifs, the bright colors and graphic nature. It's just cool, clean, crisp and refreshing. And as we head into a delightfully warm weekend here in Southern California (I know those of you on the East Coast are shaking your heads at me right now, but it's been chilly here!), I thought I'd share my Scandinavian etsy favorites with you! Enjoy!

{lion face print}

{leaves felt pillow - inspired by Cathrine Holm}

{dala horse glasses - set of 4}

{pomegranate tree cushion}

{vintage home Cathrine Holm print}

{teal daisybird print}

{stig lindberg bersa - tea time poster}

{midcentury framed nautical tile}

{traditional kurbits print}

{dala horse greeting card set of 4}

{scandinavian folk poster}

Today is the last day to enter the Soleil Girl giveaway!

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

2011-01-26T07:52:00.000-08:00

Today is the birthday of one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world, Jonathan! We've been inseparable for 8 years and I've had shared some of my best times with Jon. On your 27th birthday (so old!), I wish you health, happiness, love and laughter, Jonathan! :)

{jon and i at the getty in 2004 for my birthday (such babies)}

{out for amy's birthday earlier this month (such old fogies!)}

Focus On... Dear Colleen!

2011-01-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Colleen is fun, bright etsy shop filled with typography fun, wordplay and happy colors. Colleen was dear enough (haha) to answer my questions, so read on to find out more about her and her creative process.

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

Words, imaginations and whatever materials I need to make my ideas a reality.

{i would rather have champagne}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I found etsy about three years ago after buying a belle and boo (belleandboo.etsy.com) print in a gallery I started reading their blog and that led me to etsy. I was stuck in a job I didn't like very much at the time and I spend why to much time daydreaming about starting my etsy shop.

{love means nothing t tennis players}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I'm a problem solver so inspiration comes when I get given a problem to fix this use to be by clients in set briefs. These days I set my own brief.

{fight for your right to be arty}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

On the whole I play BBC radio 4 through my computer. Now I live so far away from Briton it gives makes me still feel connected with home.

{the crafty fox}

When it's cold outside, I'm grateful to have a coat.

{hello sailor rosette}

When I'm hungry I eat, when I'm not hungry I eat, food is wonderful.

{god bless}

When I need a boost I go to a matinee.

{loving you}

I wish I was able to stay in one place without getting itchy feet.

{hi}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be a home.

{when life hands you lemons}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be my mum I haven't seen her for ages.

{make. love.sew.}

If you were an animal, what would you be a shark.

{hunky dory}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

without a doubt, the 'dishes tea towel'

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

all the usual the everyone loves so I thought I would share the best of NZ

www.lilmagoolie.com

www.felt.co.nz

www.foxes.co.nz

www.newzealanddesignblog.com

{message in a bottle notecards}

You can find Dear Colleen
on facebook,
her blog and
on etsy.

Happy Birthday, Jenjamima!

2011-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my new friend Jen's birthday. I am so, so happy that I get to spend time with her. She's crazy and fun and hilarious and beautiful. :)

{amy, jen and i}

We Have A Winner!

2011-01-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Orange Willow Giveaway is... #19, Alvin! I'll be contacting you shortly to get your mailing information!

Thank you to everyone who entered and to Orange Willow for sponsoring this giveaway!

Focus On... Lila Ruby King!

2011-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Lila Ruby King

I am totally digging this shop specializing in beautiful contemporary jewelry made of natural materials like porcelain, wood, stone, glass and silver. Not only is her work stunning, but so is her ecological conscious - every month she offsets one ton of greenhouse gas in her effort to run a carbon neutral business. Take a look at some of my favorite pieces from her shop, then head over to check it out for yourself.

{touch porcelain, silk and sterling necklace}

{simple branch sterling studs}

{loop porcelain necklace}

{sterling and wood segment earrings}

{tiny petals sterling earrings}

You can find Lila Ruby King

on twitter,

on her blog,

on her website,

on her paper goods and small art shop on etsy and

on her jewelery shop on etsy.

And The Glow From That Fire Can Truly Light The World.

2011-01-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

Today is the 50th anniversary of JFK's Inaugural Speech. This is one of my favorite speeches and I'm actually working on a large scale print of it for my etsy shop. In the mean time, enjoy it here.

{JFK 8x10 archival giclee print from Urban Splendor}

"Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens:

We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom -- symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning -- signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe -- the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans -- born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

This much we pledge -- and more.

To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do -- for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.

To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom -- and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.

To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required -- not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds, in a new alliance for progress, to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.

To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support -- to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective, to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak, and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.

Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.

We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.

But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course -- both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.

So let us begin anew -- remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.

Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms, and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.

Let both sides unite to heed, in all corners of the earth, the command of Isaiah -- to "undo the heavy burdens, and [to] let the oppressed go free."¹

And, if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor -- not a new balance of power, but a new world of law -- where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.

All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days; nor in the life of this Administration; nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.

Now the trumpet summons us again -- not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need -- not as a call to battle, though embattled we are -- but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation,” a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.

Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility -- I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Inaugural Address

January 20, 1961