You should have seen my face when I found this old copy of The Wind in the Willows! I love the way the illustrations are smattered throughout the pages. So much life in this story and so many memories of the book and the old TV series with stop motion puppets that came out when I was little.

Some "lately" stuff...

Loving, as always, the Camilla Engman calendar. Thanks Anni!

I fell in love with these drawings last week. They are done by my mom's 5th graders. (Hi Mom!)

Was it Picasso who said that he tried his whole life to draw like a child? Well anyway, Amen. To be that free and creative.

"The Mountain is Out"


My blogger and childhood buddy Brittany of Little Ditties inspired me to seek out lovely Washington state creations.

And since it's on topic: my super-talented-in-many-ways friend Alex recently published "11 Ways to Spot a Native Seattleite". Check it out. Seriously informative stuff.

1. Aruppel (she has a GREAT shop) 2. pillow, LoveCalifornia 3. necklace, Truche
4. Atlantis Prints 5. pin, Parsnip&Pear (...if I had to choose sides.)

A round-up of what's inspiring me this week



1. It is Thank-You card season...YeeHaw 2. Confetti Card for New Years...Essimar 3. Pretty orange twine... PrettyTape 4. Vintage carrier of most things...ModishVintage

And
Hand drawn entertainment to not miss:
Gemma Correll's awesomely and hilariously mundane Daily Diaries
the latest from Adrian Tomine

and one good story:
The Smoker by David Schickler

A few snaps from my glorious two week work reprieve. Annika's friend Amandine is returning to Quebec tomorrow after a long visit. It's sad to see her go, not least of all because she takes her crepe-making skills with her. Annika and Amandine met in Sweden five years ago as exchange students (can it really be so long ago?) so it was perfect to have a Swedish Christmas dinner (meatballs courtesy of IKEA). We completed two massive puzzles, watched untold episodes of The Office and the new BBC Sherlock, worked on necklaces (working on a logo for the business with Michael's help) and of course ate a bazillion cookies. At some point family friends made it a tradition to drop off plates of cookies in the days leading up to Christmas, which keeps us well supplied. Naturally the Madsens have to mix it up. We've given mustards, pickled green beans, freezer jams...

...and no Christmas Eve is complete without teary blood-soaked war of Blink! I seriously prepare all year long. Results below:

The way home. On my drive to my parents' house for Christmas.

Thinking of buying a personalized stamp...there are so many creative carvers of rubber stamps! Here are a few that caught my eye.




1. Note Trunk, 2. this is just to say, 3. Corrabelle, 4. Primele