[uhp-steyt fan-see] - adjective

1. not exorbitant or extravagent by city standards, however in a rural setting (like upstate new york) it is in fact, quite fancy.

2. a wonderful blog dedicated to art, design and other things that are indeed upstate fancy.

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Jan
10 books
A READING safari

Even though I have been reading more and more on my Kindle, there is nothing quite like a real book. Of course when your eyes start to get tired, or it’s time to just put that book down and go outside for a bit, you will need something to keep your place. Check out these fun bookmarks from Stippee. These translucent guys sit atop your book and turn it into the great outdoors. I love that they have different sets, flowers, woodland creatures and even an african safari. Check them out over at spoonsisters.

Jan
05 design
ALL THINGS considered

One of my favorite things about driving alone, is listening to NPR. When I was younger, the idea of listening to talk radio was poison to my ears, but now I can’t live without it. I’m always learning something new and nerdy on Science Fridays, and finding great new books that I would have never discovered on my own.

Well now I can listen to 800 NPR stations, as well as thousands of other internet stations with my new desktop NPR radio. You can search by stations, or specific programs or just find something random and hope for the best. I’m so happy to be able to listen to WNYC from here in Maine without having to keep an extra browser window open all the time.

Jan
03 life stories
WE’RE ENGAGED!

I’m so very excited to share the news with you all! After 3 wonderful years together, one big move to Maine, and countless hours hauling my wares to craft shows near and far, Matt asked me to marry him. On Christmas Eve we were in Syracuse visiting his family for the holidays and made our annual trek to Lights on The Lake, a drive through extravaganza of holiday lights, which my inner child loves. After we went through the final archway he pulled the car over and took a little silver box our of his coat pocket. I was honestly surprised and of course said yes! I couldn’t be happier to have this very special moment take place at my favorite time of year. The ring is so beautiful an exactly the kind of antique estate piece I wanted (great job Matt).

I can’t wait to share more about our journey on this wild ride of planning and excitement, and will be guest posting about planning a wedding in Maine over at the Love and Lobster blog. I wish all of your a very joyous 2011!

Dec
22 holidays
Print your own christmas CD

Looking for a quick last minute gift idea? Perhaps you wish you had just one more thing to put in the stockings this Christmas? Well as a last minute Christmas gift to you I designed a cute little cd sleeve that you can download and print at home. The back has room to write your track listings, or little holiday message.

Just click on the image below to download your free printable template, then simple print, cut, fold and glue or tape the flaps down ( tape works fine so don’t worry if you don’t have any glue hanging about).

Dec
20 holidays
A CHILLY BLAST from the past

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. Even in June of 1985, the weather was warm but my heart was dreaming of snow. This little video snippet is from my pre-school graduation. I actually remember my dad renting a video camera (remember when they were so expensive that you had to rent them for special events, and now everyone has one built into their phone?!?!) Hope you enjoy the 4 year old version of myself singing Frosty the snowman alongside my friend John Vasselotti.

Dec
14 design
THANKS for letting me into your homes

As a kid I loved giving presents to my entire family, I even have a vivid memory of my grandmother teaching me how to fold the corners of wrapping paper in so a gift looked pretty. For my preschool graduation (in May) I sang Frosty the Snowman as a duet with my good friend John Vasselotti and even had some dance moves to go along with it (the video is coming!) I’ve had the radio tuned into the christmas station since thanksgiving, have 5 stations of christmas music on pandora and 3.2 days of christmas music in itunes. So yes Christmas has always been my favorite holiday.

As the holiday shopping season winds down I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has let me become part of their holiday, and even the years to come. It really does mean a lot to me there are people all across the world that will be putting a peppersprouts ornament on their christmas tree, or sitting a warm cup of cocoa on a coaster I designed. It’s such a surreal experience that these little ideas that I have in my head have been able to become a reality and a physical “thing” to hold onto and cherish. I wish everyone a safe and magical holiday season!

Dec
07 Holiday Gift Guide
2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: the crafty type

Some of my favorite ideas for the crafty type on your list! Clockwise from top right: Mini Diana Camera from the lomography shop $60, Craft Inc Business Planner at amazon.com $12, Handmade Shirt from craftster $20, Xacto Blades available at dickblick, A Making Voucher at ponoko.com, Crewl Embroidery Kit from Tako Fibers $30, Button Dishes from have you met miss jones $30, Knitting Kits from wool and the gang $60-$150

Nov
30 crafts
2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: the food lover

Check out these great gift picks for the foodie or cook on your gift list!

Clockwise from top left: Espresso brownies from Whimsy and Spice $8, Beeraw honey flight of 9 honey varieties $78, Deluxe Cheese kit from Urban Cheese Kraft ( it’s simple & tasty) $50, Salt & pepper shaker from Romi Ceramics $36, T-shirt from happy family $16,

Clockwise from top left: Recipe box from Rife Paper Company $125, Herb chopper ( we have one and love it) by Al Stephens $32, Three months of croissants from willams-sonoma, $99, Bamboo state cutting board from aheirloom  $40, eco friendly reusable fork and spoon at thinkgeek $5, index chopping board at moma store $70, Reusable shopping bag from wonder thunder $12

Nov
30 holidays
CUTEST WRAPPING PAPER ever!

The Nimbus Factory is the most awesome and adorable shop I have seen in months. This cute store is run by two illustrators and two designers and a plethora of creativity. Their Arctic animal gift wrap is super cute, as is of course their line of holiday cards. But don’t worry they are more than just a holiday wonder, they have some great recipe cards, calendars and other paper goods. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

Nov
24 Holiday Gift Guide
2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: the bookworm

I decided to do something a little different this year. I’m breaking up the normal holiday gift guide into blog posts rather than a mini site. First up a few ideas for the person on your list that just can’t seem to put a good book down.

Clockwise from top left: Bookrest Lamp $69, Romeo & Julienne Cutting Board $10, Nerdy Eyeglass necklace from Munieca $25, Conceal Bookshelf $11, Pictorial Websters $23, Good Read Flip book by Green Chair Press $5, Half Glass bookends $58

Clockwise from top left: Custom Bookshelf painting by Jane Mount $100, Dishes I’d Rather be Doing Tea towel by Dear Colleene $15, Personal Library Kit $18, Bookplates by Mary Kate McDevitt $20, Book necklace from Black Spot Books $40, Kindle (i really do read more with this) $139, Ceramic Mug from Aedrial Originals $18

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