Life is Good

Most everyone who knows me knows that for the last two + years, I've worked in freelance. Writing in several capacities for digital and print, editing, making art for different studios . . . loving most of it. But for some time, I've been thinking about and occasionally trying to switch gears. Working for yourself is great, don't get me wrong - but as with everything in life, it has its downsides. In an effort to break the isolation, get back into a healthier routine, fund a wedding (and subsequent, fantastic honeymoon!), I've been taking strides - although often impeded - back toward a more traditional, working situation.

Luckily, over my mom's spring break, we decided to take a spontaneous, overnight run to Tybee Island and Savannah for sun, raw oysters and delicious libations. Because over the next four days, I interviewed, accepted an offer and started a new job as a marketing coordinator for a boutique real estate agency in East Atlanta (love this neighborhood). We saw some amazing homes and met some equally awesome real estate folks during a warm, afternoon caravan today . . . can't complain there.

Plus, people that have owed me money since the beginning of time - remember those downsides to freelance I mentioned - are finally catching up on invoices. Hooray for collections!

Beach trip, new job, money in the mailbox. Heading to the mountains with friends this weekend for a hefty hike. Not to mention loving "framily", gorgeous Georgia weather, fabulous events planned for the next several months . . . plus the 2nd leg of Phish's summer tour...

Fur Bus anyone!?!

Life is good!

We took a ton of pictures at the beach - on two phones and two cameras. But, these are some of the only ones I could lay hands on. Maybe we had too much fun . . .

Complete with grass skirt and tatas...haha!

These are called bottle brush trees . . . obviously. Very neat.

We had a blast, but a word of advice: spontaneity over spring break should include pre-booking a hotel room. We were lucky to snag a high-up, ocean-facing one after driving around for over an hour. So worth it to stick your toes in the sand . . . 

News From the Kiln and Amberland Excitement

A month, really? There's been a lot going on at the Casa de Pine Like, so apologies for the gap. I'm not going to pretend it won't happen again, but let's have faith . . .

There have definitely been some ups and downs in the life of Jessica and her nearest and dearest (yes, third person, it happened), but overall, the world is looking pretty good.

News from the kiln . . . a set of mugs, some split rim/side pieces, a 70's - inspired oil lamp, too - small tortilla warmers (I'm working on larger ones Mom, wonder if Mrs. Rowe needs a present?) and the prettiest piece I've ever glazed emerged from the fire recently. Guess which one I shattered in the driveway to put a cherry on the cupcake of the worst day ever? Yep.

Here's a peek. 

And, expect the Etsy store to open up within the next month or so, assuming I don't give everything I make away before then. It's really hard not to . . .

Big fan of this splitting technique . . . red - bodied, speckled clay . . . and trio glaze combo.  

New glaze . . . Violet! You're turning violet, Violet! Can I get a show of hands from those who love the 

old - school Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? I was working on a set of commissioned tortilla warmers that shrank excessively in the kiln. They're now glaze vessel studies, and I must say, cute! 

I got one decent photo of this wonderful iron oxide and daiquiri freeze glazed steam pot before my clumsiness turned it into what you see below. For anyone who makes pottery in a shared studio setting, you know that's weeks of work and waiting . . . ugh.

On a more exciting note . . . 

The Festival Season Is Upon Us!

As a music and arts lover, this is one my favorite times a year. I've been going through my photos, looking at lineups . . . really allowing myself to get excited. Let me take a moment to promote the bestest of best festivals around (where I met my wonderful fiance six years ago), Amberland. 

These pretty fantastic guys (who happen to be close friends, great parents and stellar musicians) make up this little group called Perpetual Groove. We celebrate their awesomeness every Memorial Day weekend by dancing, dressing up, drinking summer cocktails and down right ragin' on a sweet peak in the North Georgia mountains. Join us . . . or, better yet, volunteer!

I thought I'd share some photos from last year's extravaganza to pique your interest. Expect updates about this festival, my absolute favorite among many.

Looking good gentlemen . . . 

You really can't beat sunshine, go-go juice and good music for the soul . . . I cannot wait to see my framily!

Saying Thank You DIY Style

I've been told I'm overly thankful. Not that I'm adequately appreciative or grateful, but that I literally thank people too much. Especially at restaurants . . . I thank my server for every . single . individual item he or she delivers. I even thank the cashier for taking my money. Who thanks people for taking their money? This could stem from years of experience behind bars, aprons and espresso machines, or (more likely) from the understanding that feeling appreciated is so incredibly special. Doing for others brings joy, that's undeniable. But the occasional recognition that comes from doing brings its own kind of happiness. I'm working on the grateful thing, but in the meantime, I'll continue to overly thank anyone and everyone who deserves it.

Especially if it means making crafts!

A few wonderful members of my framily - yep, friends and family, so close they're the same - went out of their way to help me with some wedding planning recently, and I wanted to thank them. Check out these precious-as-pie, DIY (does that rhyme?) thank you bags. 

If you have some folks to thank and think they might like adorable mushroom plant decorations (I'm a really big fan of accessorizing my plants), then consider this a tutorial.

  Pick a patch of floor and ready your supplies. Brown lunch bags, mushroom plant accessories (or whatever other little thank you seems fitting), hole puncher, scissors, coffee-stained luggage tags (see here), tissue paper, jute, colorful markers . . . and a crafty attitude. 

All you have to do is put it all together. Wrap the gift, bag it, punch some holes, write some notes, string some jute, tie a bow and deliver (or mail in Mary Beth's case).

So simple. So cute. And, hopefully, they brought a little joy to someone's day (they did mine). Thanks again gang!

It's Spring, Evergreen . . . and Business Card Holders

Okay, so it's not technically spring, but here in Pine Lake, it looks and feels a lot like my second favorite season. Most of my irises and daffodils have come and gone, my year-round Gerber daisies are rocking, grape hyacinths everywhere, seedums and tulips popping up, Lenten roses hanging on . . . it's all quite lovely.

And . . . inspirational!

I recently contacted the fine folks at Vistaprint to order a few "free" business cards. Of course I got a little excited and ended up buying return labels and all sorts of cute, owl-embellished nonsense to the tune of . . . well, not free. Anyway, I did this after deciding that my evergreen cast iron plant leaves, when curled and set just right, would make fantastic business card holders. I must say, I was right (which I usually am).

I used a smaller bit of foliage, obviously, but after some pressing, rolling, molding, carving, firing, glazing and firing again . . . 

Viola! 

Cast iron plant, leaf-shaped business card holders. I pretty much love them. Just FYI, this can be done with nearly any leaf if you find yourself in need. 

And just for your sheer viewing pleasure, here's a peek at what's blooming in Pine Lake this lovely winter spring season . . .  

I know, these aren't quite beautiful yet. But our
tulips may be one the prettiest things in our yard
when they're up.

Baby Bonanza

There are phases of life that sort of sneak up on you. Like when you realize all your friends are married. Or when they all begin having babies. Hyperbole of course - but it seems like someone I know and love is announcing a pregnancy or giving birth every other day. What does this mean? Baby showers! When we throw a baby shower, it's no joke. There's food, yard games, birth date betting pools, all-out decorating, a bar (with non-alcoholic options included, of course).

Friends Mandi and Andy Staker are expecting a sweet baby girl next month, so Ali Post (also a soon-to-be mother) offered up her place for the celebration. The girls (and a few guys) put on their crafty pants and headed over to make sure the space was special before the shower. 

Here are some of my favorite things:

 We split up tasks - I got flowers. Some baby's breath, mini carnations and other flora sitting in mason jars accented with jute. So simple and cute! Set on a butcher paper runner over brightly colored table clothes - rustic chic for sure. 

I was also charged with putting something together for the future baby Ella. We wanted all her friends and family (framily!) to leave her messages. Card stock with blossoms and butterflies to match the nursery decor, filled out with brightly colored sharpies and stored in a photo box. 

Check out this really impressive diaper cake Ali made. And that spread of presents...

Teamwork isn't always glamorous. Dave and I are hanging the last of the re-purposed paper flowers from Molly's wedding. Those decorations have had a good, good life.

Overall, it was a success. The BBQ was great, the company even better. Ali, Molly, Emily and Julie, I'll be part of your power shower team anytime!

     Thanks for hosting Ali!                                                   Can't wait for Ella's arrival Stakers!

Spread the Word

The Atlanta Young Writers Institute is a start-up venture intended to foster and encourage the aspirations of young writers. It's not brand spanking new, they held a summer session last year - catch the video below. It's also an educational institution where kids can attend workshops and intensives, interacting with professional writers, poets and other young creatives.

I'm happy to announce that I was asked to join their staff of contributors!

The AYWI focus is mainly on creative writing, so I'll be adding the voice (every other Monday morning) of a writer making it work in the world of freelance. I'll also be launching a monthly newsletter campaign for the organization, and I just know you all want to subscribe.

We're kicking content development into gear starting this coming week - features, critiques, words and writing prompts of the day. And, we're hoping to have guest contributors, so any writer out there who has interest in being a part of the project . . .

So, swing over to the recently posted AYWI post introducing the new Web writing team, leave a note, help me spread the word. Teacher friends (I know a bunch of you guys) . . . share this with your students.

I think it's a noble and worthwhile project that could grow into something very inspirational for a lot of youth writers. And trust me, knowing you're destined to forge your way using creativity is a tough pill to swallow when you're young. I tried to make myself believe I would be an ophthalmologist for the longest time. Science and medical studies? Psshhh. English degree by way of art school. We all have roles to fill I suppose, and I'm thankful and excited this has become one my mine. 

So, here's the video from last summer's intensive. You can also catch it on the AYWI website. Thanks for stopping by and . . . help me spread the word!

Save the Date Madness

About a year ago, I was sitting in my kitchen with my one of my best friends, Mrs. Molly Turner (then Blair), discussing designs and colors for her wedding invitations over a couple - or a few - delicious libations. Several months prior, we did the same for her save the dates - which turned out fabulous, I might add. We repeated this process for the programs...you get the picture.

We painted; pained over wording and font; and finally came out with something so sweet and personal for every single announcement and RSVP card...it was a wonderful experience. Thanks, Mollz, for asking me to be a part of that.

For those of you who don't yet know, I'm now working my way toward my wedding day. I had such a blast hand crafting and personalizing our save the dates, so I thought I'd share the process and final product with y'all.

Here are few pictures of my save the dates alongside the suite of Molly's wedding stationary...is that the correct terminology? Wedding stationary?

This picture doesn't do the vibrant blues any justice...

Sweet, rustic save the dates...I love arts and crafts!

I made this save the date banner before our engagement photo session.
A big thank you to our friend Lane Garwood who spent a
weekend in the mountains with us, taking pictures, making us
laugh and camping.

Mass of wedding happiness...

I also want to say a big thanks to Etsy shop owner Mayasmomma. Those lovely vintage luggage tags - she hand-stained them. She sent me samples (for free!) of all her sizes before I decided which would work best. She was so responsive and easy to work with. I based our save the dates around those lovely tags. 

I will definitely be using more of these in wedding crafts to come...so thank you!

Oh, and by the way, Molly and Will's wedding could not have turned out better...