Mexican Embroidery Pattern a la Lena Corwin

Lena Corwin's new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Printing-Hand-Handmade-Stencils-Screens/dp/1584796723/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216128464&sr=8-1">Printing by Hand</a>, is available today on Amazon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8q1MAHwnR4C9gbFxNofnjmNHwFjyzKPzqWcfqL5lDT8UJwaxeOLZPJ3wRoC3TBvDjaxjAkAhROhEZNaG1ToyMIwisAStyJJHPsMBv6CikZVwmLPZ5-llWrwEVb6CTT6k_ScYBKZ3VjpK/s1600-h/lena+printing+by+hand.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223538298331129730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8q1MAHwnR4C9gbFxNofnjmNHwFjyzKPzqWcfqL5lDT8UJwaxeOLZPJ3wRoC3TBvDjaxjAkAhROhEZNaG1ToyMIwisAStyJJHPsMBv6CikZVwmLPZ5-llWrwEVb6CTT6k_ScYBKZ3VjpK/s400/lena+printing+by+hand.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2008/05/mexican-textiles.html">As you can imagine</a>, I am in love with this project:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTrN-w1rCjMqoMAPJmAh5q42aBK14cA8KmgWCK2KnQ3k51kWSZNmmYF4igMlVLDDvx2OCAeNMdT81Zer7kvC5dbVcitvx2ALPZNcY6CeFHOi0MvX54Uq3C6sVUVgmQ0GqZ6GajfCKrYMS/s1600-h/lena1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223538289288995458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTrN-w1rCjMqoMAPJmAh5q42aBK14cA8KmgWCK2KnQ3k51kWSZNmmYF4igMlVLDDvx2OCAeNMdT81Zer7kvC5dbVcitvx2ALPZNcY6CeFHOi0MvX54Uq3C6sVUVgmQ0GqZ6GajfCKrYMS/s400/lena1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />Also, I'm totally intrigued by the stencil idea. Wallpaper is so expensive! If you have nice and smooth walls, stenciling is a great alternative to paper, which can be such a commitment ($$$$).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_DYGjTJbMJ79_PzrmUjF2tM7Vz-xyjaXXaX9QNfcsR6DFseAeLHkgA-q8_klXKaKtOq5KcLV00Ev5BEVNQvdyHvyN0vg8HUxkM94DkjYdmPguoYMczFHZiE0_vkh2tD8_OEDQdqujclu/s1600-h/lena+corwin+stencil.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223538296782053954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_DYGjTJbMJ79_PzrmUjF2tM7Vz-xyjaXXaX9QNfcsR6DFseAeLHkgA-q8_klXKaKtOq5KcLV00Ev5BEVNQvdyHvyN0vg8HUxkM94DkjYdmPguoYMczFHZiE0_vkh2tD8_OEDQdqujclu/s400/lena+corwin+stencil.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />And how perfect is this lamp shade? I love the clouds (especially for a nursery!), but the design possibilities here are endless.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M5nBXp_IVIhnO6hXddka7uZr3JYaJuxcNOK8N6BHHkDKUDEvg0vyPmnmWmHNZN7WP7M_jajSrwiI0h4yDZgGV5Y33JSoN4-nq4VhP3qVCcK29STN4w4rgxPSHuEC7KhWpgQEpH0LnvNo/s1600-h/lena+shade.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223538305154253698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M5nBXp_IVIhnO6hXddka7uZr3JYaJuxcNOK8N6BHHkDKUDEvg0vyPmnmWmHNZN7WP7M_jajSrwiI0h4yDZgGV5Y33JSoN4-nq4VhP3qVCcK29STN4w4rgxPSHuEC7KhWpgQEpH0LnvNo/s400/lena+shade.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book.<br /><a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/07/new-lena-corwin-printing-by-hand-book-contest.html"><br />More pictures and an interview with Lena here</a>

Mexican Embroidery Pattern a la Lena Corwin

Lena Corwin's new book, Printing by Hand , is available today on Amazon. As you can imagine , I am in love with this project: Also, I...

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CraigsList Photo Previewer

Thank goodness for computer nerds.<br /><br />Some genius developed <a href="http://www.craigstoolbox.com/post/Ad-Preview-Extension-for-Firefox.aspx">this tool</a> for Firefox that automatically uploads thumbnail pictures of things for sale on CraigsList.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBxhNm4C3c3pwj_YDhbeGRSxothQ3iljcfx1bMseSZYWKh59hWFJF24GYc7kTqle8UD-VOeoxZsdUssRaNb2WwBooBfLdX4fkHkfF6DrT1OJAQMttKr3duKMtKKP4TO5KFclXP9iC560k/s1600-h/Picture+4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205146555627372882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBxhNm4C3c3pwj_YDhbeGRSxothQ3iljcfx1bMseSZYWKh59hWFJF24GYc7kTqle8UD-VOeoxZsdUssRaNb2WwBooBfLdX4fkHkfF6DrT1OJAQMttKr3duKMtKKP4TO5KFclXP9iC560k/s400/Picture+4.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>As if I don't already spend enough time on CraigsList...

CraigsList Photo Previewer

Thank goodness for computer nerds. Some genius developed this tool for Firefox that automatically uploads thumbnail pictures of things for ...

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'The Office' Xterra

<span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >"You meet a lot of ladies driving an Xterra because—you pull up to a stoplight and look over and there's an Xterra next to you, they're always driven by chicks. So there's your ice breaker."<br />-Andy Bernard<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVK4UTxa_jI7RGu3prBaDoXzZmL2ygiES3P7HRkQnQzGDS9LuzPnGfio0EAPwdhBbR4kDFg3L25-UAkKmKYTTNjszPwAVQOZjU9RzX260BjPNa05l4QBRkSLkxivFyvyr-5lcNONj664/s1600-h/e9d6_1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196960107417557506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVK4UTxa_jI7RGu3prBaDoXzZmL2ygiES3P7HRkQnQzGDS9LuzPnGfio0EAPwdhBbR4kDFg3L25-UAkKmKYTTNjszPwAVQOZjU9RzX260BjPNa05l4QBRkSLkxivFyvyr-5lcNONj664/s400/e9d6_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140229650269&rd=1">It's real. Bid now and you too can be picking up chicks in a little more than 3 days.</a><br /><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxu4ASc7eWS99iYyxk_9jrN7p3AEuc6-kN6EXB4gSKT5bWnD0VtWRXHzi2osrqqND_w2uPR3uI3n_Lt-PlXrmYvom2FmLXILCH-x2I9lvONi28a9o87CsBE62Gr-XK6DfmjkNAaUQxvA/s1600-h/ea28_1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196960124597426706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxu4ASc7eWS99iYyxk_9jrN7p3AEuc6-kN6EXB4gSKT5bWnD0VtWRXHzi2osrqqND_w2uPR3uI3n_Lt-PlXrmYvom2FmLXILCH-x2I9lvONi28a9o87CsBE62Gr-XK6DfmjkNAaUQxvA/s400/ea28_1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>

'The Office' Xterra

"You meet a lot of ladies driving an Xterra because—you pull up to a stoplight and look over and there's an Xterra next to you, the...

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Get 'Em While They're Hot

It seems like every time Target gets <a href="http://www.target.com/Whim-Cynthia-Rowley-Glass-Sun/dp/B0010VLTMQ/ref=in_pe_recently-viewed-items_1/601-4140274-6012969">these</a> (or a similar item) in, they fly off the shelves faster than you can say "party time."<br /><br />Speaking of which, these spouted drink dispensers are perfect for all sorts of summer barbecues, baby showers, church functions, birthday parties. You name it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtW9dv24TkNX5y5zvAgV4LMIt9e2iJnxsXXE27fgMg5CKSFNUf_rmJoZSWVZhys8bDrjAn6zS-cz1RntZ1aAk3ZYqhJrI0qVfCkO0dDzxFnti833581RaUSQp5Y1i4fURf3LT27OGVlM/s1600-h/41NTHeQVm3L._SS384_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195480499774020018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtW9dv24TkNX5y5zvAgV4LMIt9e2iJnxsXXE27fgMg5CKSFNUf_rmJoZSWVZhys8bDrjAn6zS-cz1RntZ1aAk3ZYqhJrI0qVfCkO0dDzxFnti833581RaUSQp5Y1i4fURf3LT27OGVlM/s400/41NTHeQVm3L._SS384_.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />At less than $15 a pop, it's worth investing in a few before they run out again. Plus, you can feel fancy at your next picnic, knowing that your drink dispensers were designed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynthia_Rowley">Cynthia Rowley</a>.

Get 'Em While They're Hot

It seems like every time Target gets these (or a similar item) in, they fly off the shelves faster than you can say "party time."...

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DIY Dollhouse

Were you obsessed with doll houses when you were little, like I was? Most of my childhood was spent coordinating Barbie and Ken's outfits and rearranging their furniture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV9rpHuaGxyYv3cQqyeyKDbfQwBEQ20yNlwxUfEl_vSgnxdf3gdCrNUjpxHF8J2Ys3b8gcHXHSRioxPU5EqojPKEyLEUtF1w8hE2W9M6DkjO2pDs9A3Oawp-mJJOzOYWil8u3sZnFdYw/s1600-h/cookie+dollhouse.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190975578742902722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV9rpHuaGxyYv3cQqyeyKDbfQwBEQ20yNlwxUfEl_vSgnxdf3gdCrNUjpxHF8J2Ys3b8gcHXHSRioxPU5EqojPKEyLEUtF1w8hE2W9M6DkjO2pDs9A3Oawp-mJJOzOYWil8u3sZnFdYw/s320/cookie+dollhouse.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />My mom made us a beautiful wooden doll house for Christmas one year that reminds me a lot of this easy and cheap doll house that I saw in Cookie magazine and again on the <a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/">NieNie Dialogues</a>.<br /><br />Stephanie's girl's version:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds3F_aZYwrnq_JTtYUkjPg5VVmzV8J9u6EBXyZJP_A_0_OpFdDr2dSknOtjwnp5Ut5pT7A8fzA8XpveiSn0szvu_fuQstqUZa7E0BAXSrvYP4rZLYoe9Eh8V5EqtGN8DPcOxuHaQpEnQ/s1600-h/IMG_0990.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191025615111901154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds3F_aZYwrnq_JTtYUkjPg5VVmzV8J9u6EBXyZJP_A_0_OpFdDr2dSknOtjwnp5Ut5pT7A8fzA8XpveiSn0szvu_fuQstqUZa7E0BAXSrvYP4rZLYoe9Eh8V5EqtGN8DPcOxuHaQpEnQ/s320/IMG_0990.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>So adorable, I can't even stand it. And talk about a big bang for your buck! Just a little foam core board and some paper and cut-up pictures for the wall art.<br /><br />If you don't want to destroy your precious design magazines for the pictures, head on over to your local thrift store or used book store for loads of cheap books and mags. Or just find pictures online, crop and print.<br /><br />Wouldn't this be a great birthday party activity for a little girl, like a seven or eight year-old? Every little guest gets to make and decorate her own doll house. I would have been in heaven...<br /><br />The best part about this project is that it can be easily deconstructed for flat storage - a necessity for me when I am considering a new (bigger) toy acquisition for the girls.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhFkasI-R8t061u8OGGjJYbMer8b8WWZeROE7LlvNFqJfiSpBV_ARFE8cFPtH0Yz2_MFRWGvQn-DBQ5mFBM8la9M2RiVW9L9FkGBjWhdOavOmfHQ8FFFz5LNn3v5ITC-8M7GKsshyphenhyphenZ2o/s1600-h/cookie.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190975583037870034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhFkasI-R8t061u8OGGjJYbMer8b8WWZeROE7LlvNFqJfiSpBV_ARFE8cFPtH0Yz2_MFRWGvQn-DBQ5mFBM8la9M2RiVW9L9FkGBjWhdOavOmfHQ8FFFz5LNn3v5ITC-8M7GKsshyphenhyphenZ2o/s320/cookie.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>For instructions on building your own doll house, go <a href="http://www.cookiemag.com/magazine/blogs/nesting/2008/02/diy-dollhouse.html">here</a>.<br /><br />For cheap doll house furniture, follow these links to <a href="http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&dfsp=32&catref=C6&from=R40&satitle=doll+furniture&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=02138&sabfmts=1&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=32%26fsoo%3D2&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=">eBay</a> and <a href="http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_br_browse_box/602-5244216-3587018?ie=UTF8&node=15397881&frombrowse=1&rh=tgt%5F1%3ADollhouse%20Accessories">Target</a>.<br /><br />And for brand new and cheap Barbies, check <a href="http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&dfsp=32&from=R40&satitle=new+barbie&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=02138&sabfmts=1&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=32%26fsoo%3D2&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=">here on eBay</a>.

DIY Dollhouse

Were you obsessed with doll houses when you were little, like I was? Most of my childhood was spent coordinating Barbie and Ken's outfit...

Read more »

Not Fair

Wish we were moving to the city just one week earlier than we are...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oHd-YR0sYud_DhUfCqzZtKu_kt4BeeSsML0Qt1EEZOfuYZIXCEU17G4rFXNh4H-TlFkNkBWNcHDUXg3BAVLPlkdHmGRyv6ZST3Pe46OI-BKNYsDm-3e1p-cw_MmGh9ULkI6HoUG8raM/s1600-h/dwst_spring08_samplesaleweb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190270853760799266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oHd-YR0sYud_DhUfCqzZtKu_kt4BeeSsML0Qt1EEZOfuYZIXCEU17G4rFXNh4H-TlFkNkBWNcHDUXg3BAVLPlkdHmGRyv6ZST3Pe46OI-BKNYsDm-3e1p-cw_MmGh9ULkI6HoUG8raM/s400/dwst_spring08_samplesaleweb.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>

Not Fair

Wish we were moving to the city just one week earlier than we are...

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