Leyla's Family Book

Latest project: A book for my niece Leyla (instead of merely, a book of Leyla).

Anissa wanted Leyla to have a book that, since they live in PR, enables Leyla to see her nyc/providence family's faces. Anissa's idea to use foam was a great way to make a (hopefully) baby-proof book. The foam sheets (from Michaels) came with adhesive backing. They're tough and sturdy, but a little difficult to cut cleanly. I guess I'd need a different cutting apparatus next time. And believe me, crafty mc-craft pants here has many a cutting apparatus! Not sure what would work better... And, I picked up a new product -- an acrylic sealant for photos & paper -- at my scrapbook store that protects the photos from moisture (perfect for a very young reader). The book was a great idea and, of course, a joy to make. Love you little Leyla!!

A Few Things

First, I really really want to paint up a small end-table like this (from Design*Sponge). It absolutely belongs in my crafty corner:

Second, I have a new mini-book in the mail (made out of foam!!). Here's a sneak peek:

Father's Day Book

Last week I send my father this Father's Day mini-book -- a mini-book, whose pages are primarily paper & lots of Hambly overlays, including their clear heavy overlay. It was so fun to put together, making every page different, and digging up assorted photos of my dad from the last 5 years or so. He's so hard to shop for (partially because he doesn't place a lot of value in material things -- which is awesome in its own right) this book was a way to say thanks for being such a great father.

Toasty Breakfast

Loving these english muffins today.

(veggie chicken strips on the right)

It's in the Mail

Above: My dad -- being a total goof, as always. Happy Father's Day, dad!

My latest project is in the mail (for my father)...as soon as he gets it, I'll post the pics.

The Man-Love Baseball Road Trip (Chris' baseball excursion) pics are also on their way.

Mets fire Zen Willie

Long live Willie Randolph, or Zen Willie from Brooklyn, as I've re-named him this year. Willie Randolph, the manager of the New York Mets, along with the pitching coach & first base coach, was fired today after weeks of rumors that his job was on the line. Not to paint Willie as a victim, but I recognize that the New York managers are under a lot of pressure during slumps and no one could get over last year's end-of-season collapse (historically the worst *ever*). I'm sad to see him go. Let's just hope the new start shakes things up so that the Mets start playing like they should.

ESPN's Report
Buster Olney's Editorial (not sure what I think about this -- interesting though that Willie's comments about the players in front office meetings seemed to get leaked to the media.)

Night of Scrapbooking

This week I attended my local scrapbook store's Friday Night Crop--a 6 hour (though you could come and go as you like) chunk of time to spread out and crop in the store, whilst benefiting from a 15% discount on your purchases. I happily stocked up on fun paints (below) and vinyl Thickers, since I'm obsessed (can't wait for the Roller Rink line fabulous! to come in). And, I made friends with a very nice woman who's also going to be at Karen Russel's photography class later this month. Yea! A new friend!

At the crop, I started more pages than I finished. Alas. The sushi page (top) is of a recent photo and I still need write around the photo, explaining how Chris and I truly discovered sushi when we moved here last year. Sidenote: as much as I love Thickers, the velvet line (below), used to spell sushi, are AWFUL; they shed and the adhesive didn't work. These two pages (below) are for an old album I'm trying to finish (of 2001). I'm realizing that I really love the 12"x12" pages. They let the photos breathe.

For the Love of the Tshirt

While Tim Gunn tries to get people out of their t-shirts, I keep sending checks to Threadless Ts. And I hope I never think of myself as too old for these. Anne told me about a big sale a few weeks ago (so its her fault) and my latest purchase (Secrets of Mensa, see below) arrived today. Maybe not fierce, but too cute.

(photo: from the Threadless site).

Mini-Book of Leyla

My lastest crafty project: A mini-wooden photo book for Anissa & Ariel filled with pictures of my niece Leyla. I've had more enjoyment putting this book together than anything as of late. Of course, its easy to pour over the absolutely adorable Leyla for days. Below are lots of pics of the process, from beginning to end. The wooden "open" album is from KaiserScrapbook's 'beyond the page' line. I think my mom brought the book home from a convention.

My Space

I have a project to post soon, but it needs to arrive at its recipient's home first. In the meantime, I'm trying to carve out a little crafty corner in the front room. Cluttered at the moment, but localized, and so more organized than yesterday. I seem to remember Ikea having wire ropes for curtains or to hang photos. I threw these wires up in 5 minutes flat with tiny nails. Its not a "finished" look, but works for me.

Flowers? Yeah, the pink ones.

I've realized this year that I know the names of very few flowers. Lilies, daisies, roses, tulips... that's about it. Many a beautiful flower has been planted around the house this spring by our friends upstairs but I know none of them from each other. In the back yard we've got these "pinkies" sticking out over the fence from next door...

High Ceilings

Another gray day. What to do. Long for the light in this home (from Design*Sponge):

Admire Seamripper's illustrations and listen to Prince funk it up: new song on the jukebox.

Boston Brownstones

Boston Brownstones, Taken 5/21/08.

Budweiser Sign at Fenway, 5/21/08. (Another photomerge on photoshop).

Siesta Bay

When can I retire? A few more FL pics: Morning, 5/26/08.
Afternoon Sun, 5/27/08.
Front Porch.