Whole Grain Bread to Cigarettes....

Generally, I'm a pretty healthy person. At least, i am when i cook for myself.

I went to Publix yesterday, and picked out my weekly groceries. As i was in line, and glancing happily at the conveyer belt at the grocery store, pondering all the wonderful things i shall make with these [healthy] goodies, this old lady with a raspy voice ahead of me was talking to the bag girl. The girl left and brought back three packages of cigarettes, while in her cart was just beer. This lady had to be at least 75. It seemed quite strange comparing our carts, and thinking about our day to day lives as we use these groceries.

A Detective's Work Is Never Done..

Starting a business is much harder then i anticipated. I kind of feel like a detective, trying to uncover and figure out all of the "To'Do's" to properly form a business. It's quite stressful, and i'm overwhelmed I have NO doubt that this will all be worth it.. soon enough. :)

Adorable Avocados

Abbie from Miss Avocado has adorable drawings of women. I really enjoy her style and unique layouts for her art! Although the image below is what 1st captivated me to message Abbie, i really really enjoy the cafe girl, and the angel man on the unicycle.



How long have you been crafting?

Growing up, my Mom kept a range of art supplies around: sequins, fabric, poster paints, construction paper, and more. I guess in light of this you could say crafting has always been a part of my life. I grew up making homemade gifts and sewing (although I have to admit I knit some outrageously over-sized sweaters as gifts when I was first learning).



Did you always craft in this genre?

For Etsy I've been producing collages and prints of my illustrations mostly. I do really enjoy working with textiles though and tend to knit and crochet a lot (easily mobile crafts are the best).





Who or what inspires you?

Old bookstores, good coffee, reading blogs, my nieces, going for walks, random trips to the library, design magazines, and new sketchbooks waiting to be filled up.



What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

I think a challenge for me is finding the balance between the creative, right-brained side and developing smart business practices (keeping records, research for instance).

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Check out Abbie's other prints at her Etsy site. :)

Tea Today, Hot Chocolate Tomorrow.

On my trip, i went coffee house hopping. I drank many wonderful drinks, but when hopping, atmosphere is key. I found two coffee shops that win my vote. In Charlotte, there is one called The Smelly Cat in North Davidson we frequented quite a few times. They make a mean milkshake, and pretty good brownies. It has a cute interior, with a nice staff and some nice photographs on the walls. I never did get to taste my signature drink there, which actually makes me kind of sad.

Soy Mint Hot Chocolate, was my hardcore drink of choice in NC. [Actually, it's my drink of choice outside of Charlotte too]

I think my favorite over all was The Dripolator in Black Mountain. It was cute and quaint. They had a comfortable environment and seating. The staff was friendly and helpful, art on the walls, a great menu selection and loads of customers inside to affirm my decision that i chose the right coffee shop in Black Mountain.

Stamp-tastic Jewelry.

I never realized other people had fascination with stamps besides me. This jewelry is a fabulous tribute to another gal's love of old stamps. Betsy has a shoppe called Fox Glove Accessories which houses beautiful photographs of her clever jewels.



How long have you been crafting?

I've been cutting/pasting/taping/stringing/printing/stitching things together for as long as I can remember! But in July of 2006, I decided that is was time to sit down and create a cohesive body of work that I could grow and create a profit from. Thus, Foxglove Accessories was born!



Did you always craft in this genre?

Oh no. When it comes to crafting, I'm all over the place. Recently I've been re-discovering sewing, trying my hand at woodworking, and perfecting my lemon meringue pie recipe.



Who or what inspires you?

Typography, Joseph Cornell, gaudy wallpaper from the 50s, beautiful wood grain, books that make me cry, full attics that haven't been touched in years, ribbons, and the meticulous layouts and designs from the postage stamps I handle every day.



What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

It can be so emotional! When you put your skills, creativity and heart into a business, it's hard not to take everything personally. Sometimes I feel like Foxglove Accessories is an awkward 12-year-old-girl that's growing faster than her body can handle. Over time, I'm sure she will blossom into a sophisticated, confident woman. But until then, I'm still working up the courage to take the next big steps. Don't worry, though - girls grow up fast!



Head over to Betsy's shoppe to see all of her stamp-tastic jewelry. :)

I can tell you about NC in 6 images...

I returned home from North Carolina a couple of days ago, and it has been quite hard to adjust back to reality after being in a fantasy world [ie: vacation] for 13 days. My trip was definitely an interesting adventure. It was nice to get away, and i enjoyed seeing my friends. I had the best travel buddy, successfully learned how to use the NC bus and train system, and ate and drank a large abyss of wonderful goodies.



Tree.

I believe one of the biggest differences between Florida and North Carolina are the trees. NC had the most amazing trees. There was such a variety, some flowering, some waiting patiently for spring time. This tree captivated me. This tree was found on a nature hike Mel, Camilo and I took in Charlotte.



Jump.

I love this picture. I think it's one of my favorites. This image defines why my friends are so much fun.



Cupcake.

Polka Dot Bakery had THE cutest ad in this local women's newspaper. Just based on the ad alone, i was determined to visit. I was slightly disapointed in the decor of this small, somewhat hidden bakery, but honestly, you MUST visit Polka Dot if your ever in town. The cupcakes were exquisite. Very flavorful. Great presentation. Highly recommended!



Friendship.

I have an obsession with houses. Doll Houses. Cottages. I love any home in a sweet spring time color. Honestly, one of my life's goals is to find and buy the perfect "doll house". There were many in NC that came close. This house was definitely a favorite, plus it had a ledge outside it which was perfect for taking timed images. This was my favorite pose when i was in middle school. Quality pose eh?



Church.

I really wanted to take touristy images, but there weren't really any touristy places in Charlotte. There were dozens of beautiful churches though. I wanted to take pictures in front of them waving and such, but they were just to terrible. I like this perspective of the church much better.



Pizza.

Pizza is one of my favorite foods, but honestly, 80% of pizza places suck. We had pizza three times in NC. Fuel pizza had a really cute atmosphere, but the pizza itself wasn't wonderful. We ate at a yummy pizza place (I'm sorry i can't find the name right now) in South End, close to Uptown Charlotte, and i was quite impressed. On the way back from Asheville Camilo and I stopped at the CUTEST town called Black Mountain. [More about Black Mountain later] and had salad and pizza. It was absolutely delicious. The pizza above is from "My Father's Pizza" place in Black Mountain.

North Carolina, Here I Come!!

I've breifly mentioned that i am going away in past posts, but today is the day! I head over to a friends house later tonight and we leave tomorrow morning for Charlotte NC. I am SO STOKED!!!

I'll be back in 10 days, so for over a week i will be without blogs. GASP! For a blog addict, this may cause quite a stir. I won't have access to write or read anyone elses journals.



Instead i'll be out an about in a new state with some awesome people. I will take plenty of pictures, i'm sure i will share. Have a brilliant week!!