san francisco

West Coast Tour - Beginning

Michael and I were very excited to get out of the city for awhile. We love Seattle but it's been pretty gray for a long time. With our work schedules it took a little more planning than we're used to to get the time away. We left on Wednesday, took I-5 down to Oakland, spent some time with Brain and Carol (thank you!)in San Francisco, drove up to Novato to Michael's family's farm (goats, sheep, horses, wonderful), then up the 101 to Crescent City, then Corvallis to my family, then home to Seattle stopping in Portland for some book shopping.

A few more pictures to follow. As always it's good to be home again. I've been busy working on my shop, getting licensed to do business, photographing necklaces, contemplating a farmer's market stint. Anyone interested in sharing a table with me at the markets? Best, Britt

Michael and I are back from our California trip. We drove from Seattle to Oakland and back on the 101, spent time with friends and family, ate amazing food and got some sun. It was marvelous. Pictures coming up.

Jewelery Makers I'm Digging Right Now
top
Briana Rose
middle
Kim Dulaney
bottom
Dull Diamond

I got the forms to apply for my business license today (surprise! the business name "Raccoon Rain" is available). I'll take it. Spent Saturday afternoon photographing necklaces for the shop and the canvas bags for necklace packaging finally arrived. Things are coming together. I think I'm going the Big Cartel route over Etsy. I think. If you have any advice one way or another I'd love to hear it.

Have a cheerful Monday evening, wonderful people.

I've been a fan of Hillery Sproatt since I saw her etchings on a website I've long forgotten. She's an amazing artist and she posts about other incredibly interesting artists on her blog Specks and Keepings. Now she has a new shop! And it's the bee's knees.

The shop features handmade items by seven artists from all over the country: Anschtecka, Adam Wolpa, Eric Stiner, Hillery Sproatt, Karen Thurman, Kotoa, and Rebe.

Take a look.

Saturday / International District

The first of more than one treat










...And some beautiful things I've seen lately. Here and here.

I think these quilts by Kim Eichler Messmer were designed to appeal to my brain. I just love them. The colors!

Her shop.
Her blog.

I recommend her blog highly! It's a glimpse into modern quilting. Making a quilt seems simply overwhelming to me. So much planning and attention to detail. I'm so impressed by her craft.

On another crafty note: My pal Brittany in Brooklyn is doing a giveaway on her blog Little Ditties. If you like desserts, I suggest you pay her a visit.

Have a wonderful weekend. I'm praying hard for some sunshine. I have another great shop/artist to share with you next week.

neon swatches


some vintage Japanese fabric


small Heath bowl


Recent acquisitions for less than $1. The Heath bowl was ten cents. I don't know how that happens in Seattle but I'll take it!

White Skies

We made the Ballard rounds on Saturday, no pictures of Hattie's but you know it was on the list (and 20Twenty too). One last field trip with Jon before he heads back to his farm.

I have so many new finds to share with you. Lots of creative things are taking a back seat right now as this is the busiest work week of my year. Probably sounds like I work in taxes. Not true thankfully!