{La Petite Magazine} Sayer's Book Corner # 7

It's officially spring (although you wouldn't know it by our weather this week) & it's time to pump up the bike tires & plan some riding adventures. Find out about the adventure Sayer is reading about over at La Petite Magazine. Sayer's Book Corner is up.... 

{Inspiration} The first day of spring...

In 1999, on the first day of spring, I married Chris in an old mansion on a hill. The mansion houses a quilt museum now & is considered one of the 10 most haunted places in Western Washington. Interesting... because all of our photos were taken in black & white film &  some have a very odd quality about them (I might have to do a post with the strangest photos- they're very Bela Lugosi like). We also had a vintage theme going so  it's sometimes hard to tell what year it was- which sort of adds to the mysterious quality. Last year on our anniversary, I started the task of going through boxes of negatives & photos, scanning some of them into the computer (because we were married before digital was common). You can see some more of those photos in my, First day of Spring -1999 post last year. I think I will go though & scan some every year on our anniversary-  it's really fun to cruise down memory lane. I also love noting some of the cool details in the photos- like textures, images, patterns, shapes. It's great for some nostalgic & artistic inspiration- like watching an old movie. That evening in 1999, we started our adventure as a married couple & 13 years later, I can only imagine what kind of adventures are on our horizon...but they're bound to be creative & involve a lot of laughing! 

Happy First Day of Spring!! 

{Music Monday} Vintage Green...

Hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day! Green is actually one of my favorite colors, how about you? I haven't quite had my fill of green yet so-  Happy Green Music Monday! 

*Photos from my 1967 copy of What is a Color by Alice & Martin Provensen

{La Petite Magazine} Sayer's Book Corner #6

Sayer is all bundled up & ready for storytime. He even has some Extra Yarn. Find out about our new favorite book over a La Petite Magazine- Sayer's Book Corner is up!

{Update} Shop & Studio...

There has been an extra hustle & bustle in the klt:works studio these days. One of the tricks to being a one person business, is finding the time to make new things while filling orders. This is a balance that I have not perfected over the last 5 years- but I'm learning. So, I'm happy to say, there are a few new items in the shop now- a recycled rabbit & bulldog tote (both limited editions).  I've also been busy restocking new rabbit & bulldog plushies as well! 

Admittedly, what I've been just itching to make are dolls. I had this idea years ago actually- sketches & details sketched out even. These characters have been occupying my brain & kicking around my studio in finger puppet form for a long time. I fancied them being more to entertain myself & one of kinds- sort of a morphing of my "fine art" days with what I do now. While I was having some printing done for the previous products, I had some faces that I had dreamed up, printed on fabric- which was the first step. I've decided to break the monotony of the constant mobile making, by making dolls here & there in short intervals. 

Yesterday I was so excited to start & I made a doll prototype in the short time that my son was in pre-school. Yes, I did have mobiles to make - but it was a necessary creative break. I was tickled at the end product. I used my friend Daria as inspiration. I have 3 more screen printed faces to make dolls for & I can't wait. These will all be one of a kinds, made with up-cycled sweaters that I have been saving for this purpose. Stay tuned...  Hope everyone is having a great week! 

{Music Monday} Texture & Tone...

Andrew Bird's new album, Break it Yourself, came out last Tuesday & it's been playing non-spot in the studio ever since. I actually listened to it & became hooked when it was available on npr's "first listen" before the album release. I know Andrew Bird gets a lot of blog time here at the klt:sketchbook, but he really is my favorite musician. It's his approach to music & his willingness to experiment that I'm really struck by. This album has received mixed reviews being called, "songs of quiet contemplation" which I really respond positively to- it's perfect for when I work in the studio. It also was recommended to listen to it early in the morning or late at night- not during busy/rushing hours. I suppose that may explain why I like it as well. AB seems to take risks & explore things that he is interested in, rather than being concerned strictly with what is going to sell. Which as an artist myself, I embrace & admire. 

"Since I first picked up the violin, I've been very interested in tone and texture: I would have very visceral reactions to the texture of a snare drum or a pedal steel guitar or a violin," Bird tells NPR's Linda Wertheimer. "To this day, I'm still very interested in the range, palette and colors that I have to work with."

I listened to this great music interview yesterday on npr called, Andrew Bird's World of Wit, Whimsy and Whistling (March 11, 2012) that's worth a listen if you are an AB fan ---> here This quote from npr interview really struck a cord with me - I can identify 100% with his words as they are my interests in my work as well (but substituting musical instruments with drawing/painting instruments). Happy Music Monday! 

art - scan from album lyric pages

photo via

{La Petite Magazine} Sayer's Book Corner #5

Find out what book the fox in the night hides in over at La Petite Magazine. Sayer's Book Corner is up!