Winter in Hawaii

I spent 16 days in Hawaiian winter bliss this past holiday season with family and friends, but before I even had a chance to blink, it felt like I was whisked back to Santa Barbara. I didn't even get a chance to blog while I was there, and I almost didn't want to - I was trying to soak up every ounce of family (and warm, humid sunshine, I have to admit) as possible.

I was able to squeeze in a healthy handful of early morning body surfing sessions with my brother. This is probably one of my favorite things to do when I go back home. The crystal clear blue water is warm and inviting... the waves are clean, powerful, and beautiful... I would have come every day if I could consistently wake up in time. 

One of my most memorable experiences from this trip back was picking beach glass with my mom and dad at their "secret" spot. They accumulated an impressive quantity for me to sort thru before I even arrived, but they (well, primarily my dad) wanted to go at least one more time while I was there (I think he's addicted too!).

It was overcast and a little windy, but we had the entire beach to ourselves. As we searched along the shore, we even came across a portuguese man-of-war, sand turtle, and extremely large crab! We found a beautiful selection of little treasures before the ominous clouds finally burst with rain and the wind attempted to sweep us off our feet. It was quite the spectacle to see us running around, trying to get our things together and find shelter within the car.

I have to admit, as wet and cold as that adventure turned out to be, it was well worth it. 

Here is one of the pieces we picked that morning...

I am so excited to present to you my newest design, which actually happened by accident! I wanted to turn this little piece of sea glass into a pendant necklace, but I didn't intend for my swirl to evolve into a heart. This one is just in time for Valentine's Day and probably the only one I'll be able to make in 2012.

Beach Glass Heart Swirl Necklace

SHOP

It was so hard to leave Hawaii again, but here I am working on new designs inspired by my time at home. I think every time I go back it just gets better and better, and I can't wait to mosey on back again (:

Stacy Lynn

I absolutely adore Stacy Lynn; she is one of the sweetest Etsy sellers I've met while in Santa Barbara. If you haven't already stumbled across her Etsy shop, she designs cute clothes and accessories out of jersey fabric, leather (upcycled), and more.

Stacy was kind enough to custom-design a jersey knit maxi dress for me (an ongoing obsession of mine). I was thrilled with the way it turned out - it was soft and flowy, it draped beautifully, and the color she picked out for me was perfect!

December 23, 2011

Sandy Beach, Hawaii

PC RT

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

Stacy Lynn usually participates at Whole Food's Local Artist Market the first Saturday of every month. (She"ll be there this Saturday, January 7th!). You should definitely stop by and check out her lovely booth.

Local Artist Market @ Whole Foods

Happy New Years, everyone!

The holiday season has sadly come and gone, but it's time for another fun-filled local artist event at Whole Foods! Stop by this Saturday, January 7 from 11am-4pm to see my newest table decorations I picked out while in Hawaii. Oh, and I guess I'll have my jewelry on display too (:

knotsewcute

When I was younger, I used to love to "crochet" at my grandma's house. She taught me how to crochet a chain stitch, so I would pick one of her many balls of yarn and just chain away... and just end up with one ridiculously long... well, chain. I'm not exactly sure what was so exciting or satisfying since I didn't actually crochet anything useful, but it definitely solidified my joy of crocheting. If I could spend hours on end crocheting nothing, I can see why I am able to spend days crocheting something warm and cozy.

As the weather cooled down in Santa Barbara in October I decided that I wanted a new scarf. I saw a few crocheted scarves that I liked at the store, but the prices for the simplest scarves started at around $20. Not too bad, I thought to myself, but I can make that for less! Rather than searching the interwebs for a free pattern, I wanted support a fellow Etsian. There were so many designs to choose from, but I excitedly settled on an infinity scarf crochet pattern from knotsewcute for just a few dollars. The instructions arrived in an easy-to-follow PDF in my email in less than 12 hours after purchasing.

I purchased 2 balls (100g each) of Lion Brand Sock-Ease sock yarn in the color "Green Apple" from my local Michaels. The olive green yarn was 75% wool and 25% nylon - a nice blend that keeps the scarf soft yet warm. The yarn was ultra fine so it took me one month to complete. My gauge was a little smaller than the pattern called for, and I made the scarf a little wider and longer than the original pattern. I kept the scalloped edging but decided to go sans fringe.

I finished it just in time to take it to with me to rainy, cold Portland this Thanksgiving. I couldn't have been more pleased with the way it turned out. Thanks, knotsewcute!

Isn't this scarf lovely? I've paired it with my long, beautiful feather earrings from Rogue Butterfly. If you love to crochet and are looking for a few new projects, you should definitely check out knotsewcute on Etsy!

Wish List

I started creating a wish list last night of all the things I might want for the holidays (just in case anyone should happen to ask) or would perhaps treat myself to. It was fun thinking about all the items that I wouldn't normally just purchase. However, as my list started to get longer and I started to note the prices, I began to feel so materialistic.  Well of course it would be nice to have these things, but would it make me happier? 

As much as I love surprises and presents, it started to make me feel so silly that I was making this list. They were things that would be nice to have, but really, I don't need any of it. I started pondering about the things that really mattered to me... I want memorable experiences with the people I love and cherish. I want to live life to the fullest. I want to try new things and visit new places. I want to make the people in my life know that they are loved and appreciated. This is what will make me happy this holiday season.

August 2009

Cliff jumping at sunset

Waimea Beach, Hawaii

PC A.M.

I can't wait to go home to see my family and friends. It's been one year too long. It will be a wonderful two weeks.