The Earth Laughs In Flowers. -Emerson

It's been a few years since we've pulled off the side of the road and plopped down into a brilliant blue patch to snap a few shots.

2009 Texas Bluebonnets

Shop & Give

So... my savvy shopping/gift giving sister-in-law called me on Wednesday to see if I would like a pair of Tom's for my birthday. "I've never heard of Tom's", I say. She proceeds to tell me all about them and recites their mission statement for me. I like them already, sight unseen. Wednesday night I head to student ministries, and one of the young ladies is doing a fundraiser for Tom's and we watch a whole video about them and their vision. So Tom's it is this year! I love their "movement", and I'm always a fan of the gifts that keep on giving (as long as they are not communicable diseases).

The twins might get a pair too.

Swim Suit Season

In Texas it's starting to look a lot like swimsuit season. All the ladies are walking around nice and orange, and razor companies are not experiencing the same economic recession as the rest of the corporate world. The only way to survive a Texas summer is to swim. You HAVE to swim! So for us non-"swimsuit model" types this sends us into crisis mode. So much pressure to get to the gym and undo genetics before the heatwave strikes. The quest for the perfect swimsuit is on. It must be flattering, cute, functional and under 200 dollars. Added challenge: if you are shopping with children you must also find the perfect suit in less than two hours. You know the drill.

This year I found the perfect fit. This is a "one size fits all" type purchase. It's guaranteed to boost your self-esteem. I love it.

This year instead of getting one of these for summer,

Try this one on

What an amazing book. Captivating. This is not a book about how to be a better woman, mother, single or wife. This is an amazing book about the beauty of a woman. Why she's beautiful inside and out. How the standard of beauty our culture tries to sell us is false. This summer do yourself a favor, put those InStyle mags away and read this. You will not be disappointed, and you will flaunt your femininity no matter what suit you choose. So pick up this book, schedule your summer pedi, and crack this spine.

Mother Daughter Aprons

What is pink, black and white all over? What is french inspired? What couldn't be cuter?

These "coordinating" mother and daughter aprons!

What recipe is in the pocket? Today is your lucky day. It's my "Butter Cream Frosting" recipe, and now it's yours.

Butter Cream Frosting

1/2 c butter

1/2 c shortening

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 c powdered sugar

blend it all together with a mixer and add any color food coloring

Sure to be the "icing on the 'cup'cake". Uh, yeah, it's "low cal".

Late NIght Experiment

I made these for a BFF birthday. I've been wanting to make kitchen towels with my scraps and fun trim. These were my first attempt, and I don't think I'm satisfied completely but these were a fun place to start. Happy Birthday, BFF.

Happy New Year 2009

Well things are gonna change around here. Lots of things. For starters..

I would like to wear more earrings.

I would like to employ only my favorite of everything (dishes, clothes, bed linens, etc) and get rid of the rest.

I would like to accomplish my spring garden, thank you Mr. Ike.

I would like to validate some weekly time for writing/journaling.

I would like to blog (at least) weekly again.

I should start returning phone calls and e-mails.

I should cut out caffeine.

Oh yes, of course, I would also like to "exercise more" and "get organized".

After a couple years at a strenuous trot, I think Jed's will be taking a break. I'm not sure if it's a sabbatical or what, but I feel like it's time to pull back the reins. Creatively, I need to change directions for a while. I want to be able to go into the studio and make whatever I want to make. I don't want to feel pressured to sell it, or turn it around quickly to fill an order. I want to have time to make for my friends and family, time to make for my house and for myself. Selfishly, I want thrive off the benefits of using my hands to create.

I figure I can still blog, however, only make it "dedicated to inspiration". You can view my flickr account and past posts for ideas. I can post anything exciting I find, from the web. If I finish projects, of course I'll "show and tell". I also anticipate introducing more of my garden/cooking interests, as well as farm to table interests. If your interested keep hanging out for a front row view of what transpires. If not I bid you "adieu". I always hate goodbyes. May you find what you are looking for.

With every end comes a new beginning... shall we embark?

Merry Christmas

The assumption that beauty is an accessory, and dispensable, shows we don't understand the importance of giving the soul what it needs. The soul is nurtured by beauty. The soul craves beauty and in its absence suffers. Beauty is arresting. It is important to be taken out of the rush of practical life for the contemplation of timeless and eternal realities. You may find yourself driving along a highway when you suddenly pass a vista that catches your breath. You stop the car, get out for just a few moments when the soul glimpses an occasion for beauty, if only passing a store window and stopping for a second to notice a beautiful ring or an arresting pattern in a dress. Outwardly, of course, nothing is accomplished. We may not buy the ring that has caught our eye, or photograph the vista. The point is simply to feed the soul a sight that invites contemplation. Living, soulfully, might require something as simple as pausing.

(Thomas Moore)

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Christmas Baking

Baking has become therapeutic for me...I'm pretty sure everybody will receive baked goods this Christmas! I've done most of my Christmas shopping, and now while everyone else fights shopping lines and holiday "sneers", I will be in my tranquil kitchen baking till my heart's content.

I'm still looking for charming and clever ways to package my baked goods. I want the presentation to be simple yet stunning. Any ideas? I want the girls to be able to help.

I think I know what I will bake. I'll use this easy fudge recipe, and of course some of Martha's cookies, and maybe a few Stained-glass cookies , these were always a tradition in our house.

International Quilt Festival

Sorry guys, I had to remove the pics.

So apparently Houston has the biggest quilt festival in the US, so I decided to check it out.

Just when you think you are good at a hobby...

know that there is somebody better than you!

No matter your taste, there is something for everybody...

I mean look at this detail...

Ya'll even the carpet was cool!

Skills. There were skills!

I discovered Kaffe Fassett. What rock have I been sleeping under? I love his fabric! Plus, I heard echoed from MANY vendors, he's a great guy, charming and a major character!

I also passed Jenny Doh in the hall. It was kind of twilight zone-ish. I've always been a fan of Somerset Studio Magazine, and as I'm walking in the hall I'm thinking, "How do I know that lady? Oh yeah, she's the editor of SSM! Eek!" {sheepish smile}

Fabric Recon

okay, so have you seen...

Michael Miller's farmer's patch fabric line yet? so cute...

try these for a killer combo

Recently I've been able to see Heather Bailey's new fabric line, up close and personal. "Online" I thought it was a miss. Secretly, I was suprised that such a tantalizing artist could miss it so badly...nope, I'm pias, and it's the translation of color on the computer that doesn't do it any justice. Pop Garden is fantstic! The color combos are bold and just right. So don't be fooled by the pc, it is fabulous.