Botanical Silhouette Postcards

I recently joined Postcrossing as a way to add to the amount of interesting mail I receive and also to meet people across the world. While I don't mind buying postcards for individuals who prefer a card depicting my town, I find the majority of the selections a bit on the kitchy side. Whenever possible I'll send a postcard with some of my own work on it and I hope I find a few individuals who do the same.

The need for postcards seemed like the perfect opportunity to use some of my botanical silhouettes, use old paper I've had since college and test the print quality of our inkjet printer. I was a bit skeptical of how it would look but turns out I was pleasantly surprised. The colour and resolution are beautiful and I love the way the colours change based on the type of paper I used.

This is all excellent news as one of my goals is to open an Etsy shop. I've mentioned before that I am taking my time doing research on the business and materials end while finding and experimenting with my style. The success of these cards feels like I've checked a box off and I'm one small step closer.


... J

Friday Love: A Treasury of Hearts

So I'm cheating just a tiny bit and combining my monthly Etsy Treasury List with one of my Friday Love posts. Putting these two posts together is completely appropriate because I am enjoying compiling these treasuries of beautiful handmade goods and becoming increasingly obsessed by medical illustrations -- the older the better.

Comfort Food

January's Etsy Treasury List is somewhat biographical. My mother has always made her own bread from scratch. There are pictures of me sleeping in the snuggli on my mother's chest while she kneads the dough. As I grew my memories are of the process and the smell, oh the smell!! Is there any smell greater in this world than freshly baked bread? Some of my fonder memories are of helping and learning that my grandmother also made bread the same way and that kneading and punching the dough is a great stress relief. I also remember learning about yeast and wanting to have my own pet yeast in my room. (Hmm, would we call that Sea Monkeys, perhaps?)

When I feel the need to eat to smooth over a bad situation or mental state my number one comfort food is always bread. A slice fresh from the oven with melted butter will make EVERYTHING better.

This treasury was a joy to make and there are some really cute items and talented artisans on here. Check out their shops.

.