Wednesday, November 28

Xmas 2012 gets a helping hand!

I couldn't resist using the "hand" pun this time. I know it will get old, but it seems wrong not to ride the wave for just a little bit. To the point, my Xmas 2012 Tea Towel is now available in my Etsy Shop!

...and so, a new series is born. I'm very excited about this line and have visions of more hand scenarios dancing in my head.

 
I even love the way they look folded up together!

As promised, I have also added my Flutterby Butcher's Apron (to go with my Flutterby Tea Towel). Yes, Virginia, there is no hand, but anywhere I thought of placing it just seemed bizarre. Think about it. Instead, I mixed it up with a very large butterfly, which makes me quite happy. I hope it will put a smile on your face too!

Photo credit © Jickie Torres

I'll leave you with this festive gift wrap tip out of the December 2011 issue of Romantic Homes Magazine, using one of my Dutch Heart Tea Towels. My original post can be found here.









Monday, November 19

Flutterby Butterfly!

Just in time for holiday gift giving, my newest design, "Flutterby" is now available as a Linen Tea Towel in my Etsy Shop! A matching Flutterby Butcher's Apron will follow shortly and I'll be adding a new Christmas Tea Towel, as part of my "hand" line by early next week!

 
Flutterby is the first of my line of tea towels which will feature a hand. At this point, I could run wild with clever lines such as: "Hand towels!" "Handy wipes" "Hands-up the best towels ever!"

 
Instead, I'll write about where the hand inspiration came from. I've forever been a fan of vintage cookbook illustrations and many have wonderful "how-to" line drawings with these Laura Petrie-esque hands. My very favorite comes from the 1964 edition of The Joy of Cooking (later versions have "updated" hands). I grew up with this book and the page I remember most, and still turn to each Christmas, is the "Rich Roll" cut-out cookie recipe which my mother always made and I still do (with icing!).

Another nostalgic influence for the Flutterby design in particular was this Arabia Pottery Finland butterfly pitcher, which I also grew up with. Unfortunately it's long gone, but my memory was jogged when I came across this one in this Etsy shop, (sadly, it was already sold).

I hope this kitchen related nostalgia trip of mine helps get you in the mood for a heartwarming and delicious Thanksgiving this week. Stay tuned for more holiday goodness... Cheers!