some shots of my December

Wow-did this holiday season fly. I'm glad today is going slower than usual. It is Christmas after all. 


Below, holiday cards I designed when the Giants were in the playoffs..

I didn't have the right ribbon color for my first gift, so I went straight for my big bag-o-yarn! And used pieces throughout the season. Noel gift tags from Eat Drink Chic and some cute Camilla Engman tags, all free to download.  

I heart gift wrapping, seriously.

Christmas morning at the Creek..Time to take it easy and enjoy being with loved ones.

Wishing you and yours a happy Christmas.. 

i love Bettig.

  The latest "We Are Not Two We are One" screen print from Christopher Bettig is so beautiful. I've been in love with this illustration forever. And I'm really diggin this new square and minty green ink edition. *swoon. This print is limited to 50, so get it while it's hot. I'd love it on the wall next to bed. Below are two favorite photos from my recent TreeCookies tumbl-log.

christopher bettig print


sweet wedding balloons, via A Cup of Jo; a fantastic fox & friends print by the lovely Sarah McNeil.






Any plans for Thanksgiving?? I'll be attempting my very first pie (pumpkin!) Wish me luck? 


Have a good one, friends <3 hearts and hearts..

eggo's & ice cream

Some late night dessert, while watching 500 Days of Summer. A killer movie starring two of the hippest actors, I think, out there. Case in point: She and Him`s super cute music video, below. BF didn't like the ending, of the film, as much as I loved it. It had some sentimental value, as this was the very first movie I watched, in a theater, all by myself. I treated myself for my birthday, last year. Needless to say, I've been on a few more "alone" movie dates, after that. It's kinda fun.

happy fall

   How's it goin? My fall is going good. I've missed the colder weather and am embracing the rain. My workspace is back, from recent home renovations. I'm all better, from a light cold.  The Giants won the World Series! And it's almost time for one of my most favorite holidays (Thanksgiving). I love to cook and bake, and that holiday is a lovely start towards cozy December and New Year's. Gosh, I can't believe it's just around the corner. I've been having a hard time thinking up Christmas card ideas. Just snapping shots for inspiration. Hopefully, "it" comes to me soon.

Hope you enjoy these little bits of my fall. Any plans coming up for your Winter?

happy birthday, sis

   My kid sister (who isn't really a kid, but I call her that anyways) turned 21 over the weekend. Although, I'm treating her to breakfast, shopping and a sewing class, here, in a couple weeks.. doesn't mean I can get away without making a few little TreeCookies, too. I played with this paper doll kit, and made a "mini Theresa", and then had the BEST idea! Who is one of her favorites?

Totoro! All I did, was trace an image from the web, transfer it to colored card stock and cut, cut, cut and glue away. I had so much fun making him, parading him around my desk for little bit, until it was time to go in the envelope. Along with a Marvy LePen (which are just lovely and oh so colorful.)

I couldn't forget the leaf. Paper Totoro says, "Have a great week!" Maybe, you can try to make your own paper creatures, too? The end result can be quite satisfying.


p.s. striking print-> Big Sister, Little Sister by PeachPatrol. It's perfect.

Bunny and the Bull

A lovely, lovely film trailer. I think its just how imaginative and home-made it looks, that reminds me a little of one of my ultimate favorites, by the amazing Michel Gondry. Not to mention the fact that Bunny and the Bull is directed by Paul King, writer and director of The Mighty Boosh. The film (which stars two of the Boosh stars) is a road trip of sorts, that kinda just takes place in a London flat? Yeah, awesome, I know. Enjoy the trailer.. and the start of fall. I've missed you cold weather. It's been too long.





I've got a new work space, that still needs some organizing, and decorating. I promise to get back to blogging more. And, hopefully I'll have more shop news, by the end of the month.


Hearts and hearts, Jo

thank you

... to everyone out there. Friends and family, near and far. Stay positive <3

I made some thank you cards, for some great people who helped celebrate my birthday with me. The Golden Gate Bridge and home stamp is a set from Yellow Owl Workshop (whom I just adore. See here and here.) I picked it up as my souvenir at DeYoung. I also used one of my carved heart blocks and a stamp kit I got at the local office store. Love the orange. Go Giants!

Poketo-4-Target

   "Poketo takes art off the gallery walls and makes them a part of your everyday life". A design studio and online shop, opening in 2003, by the super awesome (and way cool) couple, Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung. The shop features fun cameras, clothing, home goods and than some. And, I just love all their collaborations with tons of artists from all over the world! They started the company, selling limited edition wallets with designs from the different artists, which you can find here, including photos of out of print wallets.

   Not only does Poketo offer great merchandise, they have a wonderful blog, chock full of shop updates, great art and music, travel, current events and yummy yummy food. Needless to say, I love and appreciate what Poketo offers and am so happy with their new line for Target. They're bringing their beloved work nationwide, yo.
   Below are two of my favorites... I can't wait to stop by Target this week and pick up a little treat for myself. And if you plan on doing the same, I would hurry. I hear the stuff is going fast.

Above: sweet wallet by Camilla Engman. Below: one sik print, by Mike Perry.

P.S. The name Poketo comes from Angie's grandma. Who pronounced pocket, poketo. Too cute, huh!?

an amazing wedding...

found over on OnceWed... parts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. It was that awesome... and oh so inspiring!! There's, also, a cool stop motion ceremony video featuring the lovely couple, over at 100LayerCake.

It's such a pleasure to get to see all these great wedding photographs, from all over the world. Something that can be so intimate. Even the simplest of celebrations, tells a great story. All great stories, star love.

Thank you Max & Margaux, for sharing your beautiful celebration.

how's your summer goin?

Mine's going alright. It's pretty nice weather here, in California, right now. The Giants are playing great baseball. My birthday is tomorrow. I've got plans to go to the de Young and a favorite sweet shoppe. I'm very grateful for the friends and family in my life, and couldn't be happier. Hope you're having an awesome summer. Happy Ice Cream month!


(the collage card, above, is from the awesome WrenHandmade etsy shop)

hoot

A cute little animated film trailer, I found. Who doesn't love beautifully drawn owls. And, in 3D, no less. 

By the way, have you seen Inception, yet? It was crazy a w e s o m e. I highly recommend it! Thrilling from beginning to end, and the dreams were so real.  If you remember seeing Joeseph Gordan-Levitt in the trailer, the part when he's floating in a hallway... That scene was intense! Everyone in front of the cameras, and behind, did a stellar job. Bravo! I can't wait to see it, again.

Rosy (Designs) Rocks!

   Late the other night, I did an Etsy search for greeting cards featuring balloons. And on the very last page, was one of the cutest cards ever! If you've read this blog before, you may know I have a thing for hearts and hearts. So I thought the little balloon (below), featured in a few of Rosy Designs' paper goods, made for the perfect greeting. 
   It wasn't just the hearts that got me. The overall design and concept is well thought out. From the fun characters she features on each print, to the slightly faded vintage backdrop, to the typewriter style messages.. I had to ask Roselina Hung (Rosy, herself) if her cards were sold at any stationers because I can totally see them there. No local shoppes just yet, but the next best thing. She has a line of cards coming out soon on TinyPrints.com. You gotta check out Rosy happenings on her blog and her Etsy shoppe, where I was happy to have found her. And don't forget her site, RosyDesigns.com.

I'm a stickler for art featuring a woman with long black hair (like the ashley g. print)... because I have long black hair and bangs, myself. eheheh. I'll be back soon, with even more balloons. Promise. Hope you're having a great start to the week <3

weekend wish list:

A pretty tea towel from bookhou. A nifty (two in one) bag, by LayerXLayer. And an Impossible Project exclusive. Throw in the sweet bike print, below, and we've got a weekend filled with dreamin.. in a great way, of course.

p.s. Don't forget to enjoy these first bits of summer. Wherever you are.

happy Father's day

No one felt like cooking, so we're takin you to the Freshest Choice. hehe. "Love u, papa." I wish you all lots of fun with famille et les amis.

Family and Friends

awe-inspiring.

   My lovely boyfriend, Ruben, surprised me with a great movie last weekend. I completely forgot that it had just opened, and thought he was taking me to see Get Him to the Greek. Early Saturday morning, we drove to the theater just outside of town. The closest theater playing the movie. I was ecstatic when he told me we were gonna see MicMacs. The latest work by director, Jean-Pierre Jeunet. He's written and directed some of the most beautiful films I've ever seen.. including Delicatessen, City of Lost Children, a Very Long Engagement, and one of my all time favs (maybe one of yours, too) Amelie!
      MicMacs tells the story of Bazil (marvelously portrayed by ex-mime Danny Boon) who wants revenge on two rival weapons manufacturers. With the help of some new friends, who guard the local junkyard, magic begins to ensue. Jeunet is a remarkable storyteller. Something so serious, as weapons, is told in such a visually stunning way. It's a modern "classic French film".  I loved seeing what the super strong small old dude, Pierre, makes out of some of the junk he finds. Or the contortionist, who just wants to be loved. The cast of characters, including the great Dominique Pinon, all contribute to this gem of a film. I was left, extremely happy, after.


Hope you have a magical weekend. hearts.

weekly web favorites

1.) Tourists/ New Yorkers ( when i lived in NY, i would always stick out my elbows. .so, tourists wouldn't run directly into me :) via DesignForMankind  2.) a Pretty Hues photograph, via CreatureComforts. 3.) GORGEOUS earrings by Lila Stuempfig! via GreedyGirl. 4.) You are SO Loved, Shanna Murray.

good finds...

   Walked around the local thrift store, with my mom and sis, the other day. This particular store was always a haven for awesome blouses, but I rummaged for about an hour and couldn't find anything good. Perused through the jewelry, and found a great pair of earrings. The price, not so great. So I passed. Next stop-homewares, a long time love. Went down the first aisle, and saw a beautiful teapot! Indecisiveness is one of my weaknesses. I continued down the other aisles then made a turn back to the first one. Inspected the teapot for cracks and blemishes, and didn't find any. Asked my sis what she thought (she approved!). Placed the "new find" in the shopping cart my mom was pushing around, and strolled along the shop, elated with my new and super awesome piece.

   I'm not quite sure if I'll use the teapot, often. But I sure do know it'll look great displayed in my kitchen. .like a piece of artwork. The kitchen is one of my most favorite places, so the teapot will make me happy every time I'm there.
   The greatest thing about shopping at local thrift stores, flea markets and dollar stores are some of the most magnificent things you encounter. They're what I love to call "good finds".

happy happy joy JOY

I wasn't always the best of friends with my mom.. Like during those awkward "teenage years." Now, I understand a little bit more about `em. Hoping to one day be one, myself <3 It's an incredible feeling to know a few new moms. The amount of love and strength that grows each day. It's just so beautiful! Happy Mother's Day.


Cute cards I made for my mom and my mom (in law).. inspired by a prop I saw over at Rifle Paper Co. 

A favorite photo I keep on my desk. That's me and my mom, circa `87.

What I've been up to, lately-

With the country's current economy, work load (at my day job) has been dwindling... It's kind of a good thing. With a bit more time in my hands, I've been given the chance to work on things I'm a little more passionate about. Remember this post? Well... I'm gonna do it! The goal is to get my lil Etsy shoppe up and running by the end of June 2010, introducing a line of paper goods. Making things is the best! And I couldn't be happier. 


Here's a quick shot of my desk and some things I have been working on. (more to come!)

And below is a birthday card I made for a new friend. The card starring one of these awesome stamp sets, from Studio Violet. I messed up a little on Manager Kattas face, stamping it too light. So I decided to stamp it over again. I LOVED how awesomely 3D it looked, and did it for Mr. Mustache, too. Oh, mistakes can be grand!

P.S. The office is in a different room, with walls, now. Have a lovely weekend! I think BF and I are gonna try and check out Iron Man 2.

happy 'Roid Week

Polaroid, to be exact. Check out 'Roid Week 2010, for tons of cool shots. Started in 2006, the Flickr group began commemorating the art of the instant photo.. encouraging everyone to submit new shots. I've needed new polaroid film, for like ever, and 'roid week's inspired me to "Buy More Film".


And, have you heard of The Impossible Project? Learn about a fantastic team in the Netherlands producing new (and awesome) Polaroid products! Analog is not dead.


Here's a few `roid favorites, from my tumblr:

 

(tumblr links 1, 2 and 3)

happy TREE Day!

On the very first Arbor Day, in 1872, an estimated 1 million trees were planted! Let's not forget, to always celebrate Life and the Nature around us. Happy weekend.

Charlotte Gainsbourg

It's so nice to have San Francisco so close (about an hour train ride away). BF and I went to the city a few weekends ago to check out Charlotte Gainsbourg's concert, at the Palace of Fine Arts. A perfect backdrop to a beautiful concert.

I must say, I have a little "girl crush" on Charlotte.. the Science of Sleep (in which she stars alongside Gael Garcia Bernal) is one of my most favorite films! So, I was super stoked to see her perform her music live. IRM is her third album, but this was her very first tour. Her shy mannerisms and nervousness subsided after she warmed up with a few songs. The show started off light, introducing the audience to Charlottes soft voice. I almost wish there was a dance floor.. The music-making me groove around in my seat, all night. 

TiMER

This film reminds me of those quirky love stories I adore. .(Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the Science of Sleep, being among others. But they deserve their own posts another time).. I haven't seen Timer, yet. But the movie trailer is worth checkin out. Do you remember Emma Caulfield from Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the original 90210?



p.s. Just saw this PAPERMAN movie trailer at iTunes Trailers. It looks even more quirky! And reminds me a lil of Lars and the Real Girl. Another one to check out. Happy Monday <3

happy Earth Day!

-Keeping a canvas bag rolled up in my purse, makes me feel better. 

-Reusing old shopping bags for gift packaging is always fun.. oh, and don't forget to save ribbon from gifts you get.

-I love these buttons (made from old security envelopes), from the Sweetie Pie Press.

-Free downloadable recycling labels, over at Poppytalk. They are so pretty.


-Check out these crazy recycled bags, over at Poketo. They're made from old suits!


-Paint old things. I love what Natalie Jost did to these old baking pans.

-Just saw Food, Inc. today. Buy local, buy organic. "Buy from companies that treat their products, employees and the Earth with RESPECT."

-Earth Day is everyday!

hearts, Jo

Over at...

Anthropologie, I found these beautifully detailed "From the Sea" dishes. Kitchenware is, seriously, one of my most favorites because I loove to cook. My fondness for pretty packages and presentation doesn't help, either. Do you see that cool embossed anchor? I could just imagine serving shrimp cocktail on one of the dishes. Key words, "just imagine".. For bf Ruben and I are "on a budget", and planning to move to a new city in the next year or two.

A few more, that I do adore:

The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack (hearts)

   Have you heard of this show? The animation reminds me of Ren & Stimpy, but totally different. Always, with tons of laughter and wonderment.
   Created by cartoonist, Thurop Van-Orman.. It's a story of Flapjack, who is raised by a talking whale named Bubbie. Add in the offbeat Captain K'nuckles, and they're off on fun adventures on the sea and off. There's silly Peppermint Larry and Candy Wife, and "The Most Beautiful Man in the World" catchphrase (teehee), and really CLOSEUP closeups. The water is drawn really cool, and I really dig the the claymation scenes... Oh, and Flapjack and K'Nuckles LOVE candy!


check out Cartoon Network's site, for more info and showtimes. here's a  clip of the theme song.



Hope you have some fun adventures, soon!? Big or small, they're always a treat.