Ohh, Dream Kitchen...

Sir Smash and I took a roadtrip with our pal Kati this week to help her pick up two awesome card catalogs she bought on Ebay. Well, we got a little lost and ended up exploring a totally kick-ass high school that was built in the 50s (in my opinion the Golden Era of school design and construction.)

There were many period details I coveted, (the wood walls in the lobby, the awesome telephone closet,) but the home ec kitchen is where I almost lost my cool. Words like "beautiful", "divine", and "splendiferous" all seem so... insignificant.

This photo was taken on my cell phone, and does not do justice to the wonderment that is this kitchen:

Here's a little eye candy for the ladies-- my handsome Sir Smash in front of the rockin' telephone closet in the school's lobby (try to control yourselves!):

Rhonda's Recycled Craft Challenge

This is such a clever idea!  Etsy seller junkstop is sponsoring an awesome contest called Rhonda's Recycled Craft Challenge.  Everyone who enters by June 1st, for a mere 20 cents, will be sent a challenge packet with identical contents consisting of items saved from the trash bin.  Photos of completed entries must be posted to Rhonda's Recylced Craft Challenge Flickr pool by July 15th, and the winner will receive a $20.00 gift certificate to junkstop's store!

What a brilliant way to encourage people to think creatively about repurposing "disposable" items!

(via craftzine)

Pics of Old New Castle

My fella acted in an independent movie a few years ago called Mama and Damian, and is currently working on Kathi Lehmer's follow up project. We took a drive over to Old New Castle to scout possible locations, and took a million pictures.

It's kind of hard to not take pictures of every single house when they are all so picturesque. Old New Castle was founded in 1651 and has been lovingly preserved over the years. I love to walk around, examine the old buildings, and imagine life during various periods of the town's history.

My favorite stop is the cemetery at Immanuel Episcopal Church, final resting place to Revolutionary War veterans and many others:

p.s. Check out IndieFlix if you're interested in Mama and Damian!

Behind the curtain...

Like many creative folk, I keep a notebook with sketches and ideas for future projects.  It comes in handy, particularly now that I'm trying to branch out a bit and integrate patterns and colorblocks into my newer pieces.

I have a bit of an obsession with office supplies.  Pens, notebooks, folders-- they all help me create the illusion that I am an organized person.  The truth of the matter, however, is that I am not tidy.  I love the idea of being a neat and orderly individual and I try to get my act together several times a year.  Perhaps one day I will make the leap...

My current notebook is pretty cool.  The front of each page is lined, and the back has a grid.  I can sketch or create patterns on the grid, and make my notes on on the lined portion.  

I lied about being the outdoor type...

We were blessed with gorgeous weather yesterday, so the boy and I went to the park! Everywhere we turned there were breathtaking views-- I took a million pictures.

There is an equestrian center on the parkgrounds, so we walked around the stables and I tried to smooch all the horses and ponies. I was particularly smitten with Snickers, a beautiful white horse who looked like he'd been through some tough times- missing an eye, rough coat. Turns out he's just an elderly fella.

Snickers, the extremely old one-eyed horse:

Another pic of the stunning scenery:

Put the F*****g lotion in the basket!

OMG! Everyone's favorite "Silence of the Lambs" catchphrase has been immortalized as a Lego-animated musical number:



(via Jezebel)

The Monster Engine

Ever wonder what your childhood drawings would look like if they were fleshed out?  Dave Devries has the answer!  Check out Dave Devries The Monster Engine (via Dirty Mouse.)  His interpretations of kids' drawings are genius!

Best tattoo ever!

I am not ashamed to admit that I've had a major crush on Alan Alda since I was a wee girl.  I remember watching reruns of M*A*S*H when I was home sick from school and thinking Hawkeye was so cool and clever.  I also kind of wanted to live in the Swamp and eat off army trays...  I was a strange child.

But I stand by my Alan Alda crush.  He's still dreamy and charming, as witty as ever.  Apparently I'm not the only person who loves him, as evidenced by the best tattoo ever!

The Sneak Attack

I've been a longtime buyer on Etsy under another username, but I just recently started selling my wares as UglyScientist.  I'm learning so much about the process of setting up a shop, and I am constantly overwhelmed by how generous and supportive the Etsy community is.  

Today I discovered "Sneak Attacks"-- Handmade Movement list designated dates/times at which they will post Etsy shops with no or few sales.  Once the shop is posted, anyone who is able to makes a purchase from the shop.  Artists supporting artists-- love, love love it!  

Mix Tape...

So, I've been swooning over this masking tape for a while now.  I know- masking tape?!  But there are so many beautiful colors, I just can't resist.  Check out this post on Apartment Therapy  for more info, or happy tape to view the ridiculously huge assortment of available colors and patterns.

And now I shall continue to pine...

Meow...

Sophie is a most beguiling creature.    She is alternately dignified and ridiculous, elegant and clumsy, affectionate and aloof.  In short, she is a cat, and I love her for it.

If I ever open a pub, it will be called The Grey Lady, in her honor.