N is for Nissien

 The weekend of September 23, 2011 was the first West Coast Eisteddfod, Welsh Festival of Arts held at Barnsdall Park in Los Angeles. I was privileged to be a part of the Welsh Mythology and Legend Art Show curated by Lorin Morgan-Richards (he actually coordinated the festival). Each work of art represented a letter in the Welsh alphabet and was inspired by a stanza of Welsh mythology written by Lorin. My piece above, is 'N is for Nissien' and here is the poetry that inspired it:

N is for Nissien
Who battles amongst the celestial star
He combats his twin Efnissien
Dueling for peace afar.

It was so very interesting perusing all the different ideas and works put out by other artists.  I especially appreciate Lorin giving all the artists complete reign over how they interpreted his words.

All the works made particularly for this event have all been compiled into a limited edition book, A Welsh Alphabet.  The book is rich with diverse imagery, original poetry and historical background to Welsh culture.

I am especially thankful to have been able to meet in person the wonderful Kimberly Wlassak of Gerushia's New World! We had been messaging each other back and forth a couple of months before the festival and it was such a joy to 'know' someone there! Sometimes it can be a bit intimidating meeting other people, let alone artists, but Kimberly was such a sweet kindred person with a friendly family to boot (Kim, tell Ava thanks so much for hanging out with Nattie)! Go visit Kim's blog about her adventures and artwork for the festival here.

As for the original of my work, I will probably be putting it up in the shop so when I do, I'll be sure to announce it.  Here's one piece of work that I am very fond of, for obvious reasons (and yes, that's a mustache she is wearing. She got it out of a 25 cent machine at The Echo Park Time Travel Mart. Ahhh, my daughter) ;)

letters, ice tea & a welcoming sign

There are many things I enjoy but two things I believe many of friends know that I especially do: writing/sending letters and having tea. I've been writing letters since I was a child and never lost my love for handwritten mail. I believe by the time I was about 18 or so is when I started decorating envelopes, whether with drawings, clippings or even paint. Sometimes I wish I took a picture of each and every envelope I did that I was so proud of just to have a record of it. It inspired me to begin yet another little hobby tumblr, The Emphera Mail, where I will be posting photos of letters I send out. I'm also recording what posts and packages inspire me on one of my pinterest boards.

I also started getting together with a small group of good friends once a month for tea, sweets, savories, good conversation and fellowship. Again, in typical Andrea fashion, I started a blog for it as well called Kindred Gathering. I usually post the monthly invites along with a few photos of the treats. This time I forgot to take pictures but in place, I posted my very simple recipe for our little family's favorite beverage, Spiced Ice Tea Lemonade (or Arnold Palmer, whichever you prefer) and I thought I would like to share it here as well:

The days needs to continue on in other ways but before I leave, here are a couple of photos of with Nat and her 'welcome sign' she made for fairies (for those traveling past our front yard, of course). Have a great weekend everyone!

A little stylish award for me, thanks!

I have been given a Stylish Blogger Award from Blue Terracotta (thanks so much Laura)! So in keeping tradition of the award, I share with you seven things about myself and fifteen recently discovered blogs...

1. I have an affinity for lively Indian music and always dance to the theme song from Outsourced.
2. I do not like spiders but I do love the intricate patterns from spiderwebs.
3. I am thankful for the opportunity to be childlike again when I am with my daughter.
4. I like silhouette art but have a very strong dislike for actual silhouettes (not art) of people (it bothers me when I can not see someone's face).
5. I've been forgetting my actual age since 31 (who doesn't right?!) For the record, I'm 32. I know that because my friend just corrected me in a comment below (I originally put 33, geesh)!
6. I once was a tiny little thing and am working on getting healthy again for myself and my family (maybe not so tiny but small enough)!
7. Very random something about me, I once met Elijah Wood at a Gogol Bordello concert. I was a tad tipsy (yes, a tad!) and went up to him, rubbed his shoulder and said "I am so happy that you are here". He smiled and laughed and said "I'm happy to be here too!" ;P

Now, even though I am downsizing, here are fifteen recently blogs I've 'found' that are quite enjoyable!

1. An Apple a Day
2. Anna Emilia
3. Carson Ellis
4. Cooking with my Kid
5. Dutch Drift
6. Just something I made
7. Kate Blake
8. Le Petit Echo Malade 
9. MousesHouses
10. Seven Spoons
11. Simple Village Girl
12. Something's Hiding in Here
13. Spoonful
14. The Mountain Rose Herbs blog
15. You are what You love

where a little letter went...

I had to share these lovely photos of my most recently acquired pen pal, Polly Bland. She is a wonderful (and adorable!) gal with a great personality and love for so many things. Her blog, The Littlest Polly is filled with vintage delights and fantastic photos. These are her photos (of my letter to her) for her post I love getting mail and new library fashion books I'm reading and I had to show them off, Thanks Polly!

tuesday things

Thank you Polly for the award!

Before some serious work to get to, a few things to share:

1. I am nine sales away from one hundred!! Very exciting, so something a little extra in store for the one hundredth buyer :)
2. The Dreamery Studio, my newest etsy fave store, Where vintage book pages meets illustration art!
3. Absolutely adorable brown hoot owl wings and hat set for children by Naturally Crafty Shop
4. A new commission job to begin!

Be back soon, happy Tuesday!

a raggedy ghost and a sweet hankie

Dolls are something I have been wanting to do for a long while now. I have attempted my hand at some over the past few years or so and now I present a little raggedy ghost girl doll. I enjoyed my hand sewing time with her, especially giving her a sweet little bow for her ghostly hair. I had to take some nice photos of her complete with a sweet gift to me by the lovely Drucilla Pettibone. She crafted my nickname along with my shop name on a vintage handkerchief. I am constantly amazed by her brilliance in embroidery. You must see her visually inspiring blog along with delights in her shop. She is also one half of the ladies behind Ragtime Seance (along with Mathyld). I am so in love with this cherished token. I plan on having it always, sending it along with my daughter when I am old and gray so that she could have it and one day pass it along as well.

it's the cat's meow at ragtime seance!

I have had the privilege of getting to know the lovely Ms. Mathyld of Under the Pyramids these past couple of years. This year, I have begun to know another, the beautiful Ms. Drucilla Pettibone. These very talented, crafty and extremely affable have begun a new project: Ragtime Seance! It's part blog, part e-course, part secret club and all other sorts of awesomeness!

To celebrate beginning their new venture, they are hosting a giveaway where two people will win! I am hopeless at explaining things really well so I urge you to go to their link, be a part of the giveaway and look around as well. The blog looks fantastic and what they have set up is so great. I really am very happy and proud and wish all the best to these two!

back at tanaka farms!

A couple of weeks ago Nat and I visited Tanaka Farms again thanks to a good friend. Unlike our last visit, this time we had the tractor tour around the farm. During the tour, we learned more about the farm itself and the things they grow. It was a lot of fun, especially when we got to sample some of the goods! Carrots, corn, tomatoes, green beans, saticoy, watermelon and yellow watermelon! We stopped at the watermelon crops where Nat was able to pick out her very own melon to bring home too. After the tour was over, it was straight to the farmer's market to bring some more goodies back home with us...