the name of this bag company hyde s.k (named because of the leather hide used) creeps me out a little… because even though i do buy leather products sometimes, i try not to…. but i really like these bags. i love the details– the patterns, the delicate straps and mixing materials… for sale at naive.

i love this photo from an old craft book i found in california– showing how you can design your own patterns for latch hook rugs… something i’ve been wanting to try. i drew a similar image for making miniature rugs in kids weaving.
from make it yourself, 1973 edited by mary harding (no author listed).

and some more old mugs…
california succulents (in my aunt’s front yard)

mural of portland, (near powell’s in the pearl district)

i had a fun trip to the west coast– eventful but also really relaxing. thanks so much everyone for the happy birthdays! i loved portland, especially the area where my friend lives, called alberta (not sure if that’s the name of the neighborhood or just the street). within walking distance from her house, there’s a co-op grocery market, yarn store, fabric store, a couple vintage clothing and record stores, and the sweetest gardening store. i was feeling tempted to move there. oh and the most delicious brunch place! (can’t remember the name)…
then down to san francisco, for some typical foggy but cozy sf summer weather… saw more friends and family (& received some more wonderful birthday presents!). wandered haight street and checked out american rag… and went to this bizarre but fun sushi restaurant on mission street. we took a day trip to santa cruz, ahhh it was so beachy and so california there…
then up to our cabin twain harte for some heavenly summer activities– swimming, reading, baking, barbecuing… and of course checking out the thrift stores. i found some great fabric, vintage craft books, mugs, etc…


it’s my 29th birthday today… and i’m leaving tonight for a week-long trip to portland and san francisco– cannot wait! top photo is of the japanese pattern book and little bird vase from noah (thank you so much!) and below is a photo of my early birthday present from josh: new industrial tables for my studio (the best present).