Sara Smedley

Kiss the Cook!

2012-01-24T11:54:00.001-05:00

I love this Etsy Treasury, Kiss the Cook Valentine's Day Treat put together by K Francis May of Bleeding Hearts Design! Thank you for including my Dutch Heart tea towel!

From PA Dutch Land to Austraila this week!

2012-01-19T13:29:00.000-05:00

My Dutch Heart Butcher's Apron was featured on the Australian blog *Bespoke*zine today! Thank you very much Megan!

Earlier in the week the very same apron was included in the Etsy Treasury collection "If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much" (a favorite saying of mine) by local Etsy seller, Shea Zukowski of Gr8Findings. Thank you Shea! What a great week!

It's a Happy New Year!

2012-01-12T13:42:00.000-05:00

Wow, today and yesterday my little shop has been getting some very nice coverage! Yesterday my Dutch Heart Apron made an appearance in the Etsy Finds Newsletter, "Most Treasured" under the Valentine's Day section. Woo hoo!!

Today my aprons were featured in two Etsy Treasuries! My Dutch Heart Apron is in one titled "Winter T 150" and my Julia Apron is in another named "Channeling Julia."

Thank you Mary, Briana, and Aleksa, for including my work in your beautiful collections and thanks to those who added my aprons and shop to your favorites! I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Tricolor perfection

2011-12-13T10:41:00.002-05:00

My Dutch Heart tea towel made it into this beautiful Etsy Treasury, curated by Haruka Sasaki. I love the folk art inspired assemblage of red, blue, and green!

Julia is back for the Holiday Season!

2011-12-05T09:51:00.001-05:00

Just in time for gift giving and holiday preparations in the the kitchen, Julia Vol.1 Aprons and Tea Towels are back in my Etsy Shop!

*Top image from Saveur Magazine, November 2011.

It's been a folkie - hexy weekend!

2011-12-05T09:16:00.001-05:00

I love this Etsy Treasury put together by Kylie of Earlybird Creations and that my Dutch Heart Tea Towel was included with all these great folk art designs!

In keeping with the folk theme my Dutch Heart Apron showed up in this Treasury by Kristina of Trimco. It's a collection close to my heart, especially since I live in Kutztown (see t-shirt).

Double Delight!

2011-11-22T14:41:00.001-05:00

This woman is back, and what a welcome! Sunday I discovered that my Dutch Heart linen tea towel was featured in the December 2011 issue of Romantic Homes magazine! I couldn't drive to the store fast enough! Photo credit © Jickie Torres

I say "double delight" because I had just finished photographing new variations of this very pattern to list in my Etsy shop. It is now available in black as well as red, on natural linen. I'm very excited to introduce the Dutch Heart Apron! It is modeled below by my step-daughter Anna of Ettie Ogle, who couldn't look more soulful and lovely as she perhaps contemplates a lovely dish to whip up for her "other mother" (me). Maybe?

Here are some more photos of the new Dutch Heart items, which of course you can view in my Etsy shop!

It has been a long post today, but it's been a longer stretch of time since I galloped off to a new home, added a new puppy to our family and so much more. Maybe someday I'll blog about all the exciting changes I've had in my life since I've been away, but right now, I've got to get back to making stuff! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

What does this woman do all day?

2010-08-24T07:27:00.002-04:00

Answer: Pack!

Please excuse my neglect but I've been a bit distracted lately. My husband and I are moving to a new house this fall for the first time in 15 years! This is such an exciting and positive change in our lives that I decided that its OK for me to shift my energies from the business for a while to prepare for our move and then once we get there, to indulge myself in one of my favorite things: nesting!

In the meantime, while we pack we also dream about what we'll do at the new place to make it our own. We've been flipping through catalogs and magazines and the creative juices are in full swing! I expect that a natural byproduct will be new print designs, but first the nesting!

Give Away at Green Eyed Monster!

2010-08-05T08:30:00.006-04:00

Today Green Eyed Monster has featured me and I'll be giving away a pair of napkins! To enter, comment on their post (right here) and tell them about your signature dish in the kitchen. Fun right?

If you ain't Dutch you ain't much...

2010-07-26T15:14:00.002-04:00

I know, I've used that line before (see here) but I absolutely love this Etsy Treasury and seeing my Dutch Heart tea towel in this collection sure does make me smile!

Viva la France!

2010-07-14T18:39:00.002-04:00

I've been so wrapped up in the excitement of buying a new house I forgot that today is Bastille Day and I totally missed that my French Chef apron made it to Etsy's Front Page today. Sweet!

"Firecracker, Firecracker, Boom, Boom, Boom!"

2010-07-01T12:35:00.009-04:00

Does anyone remember that cheer? Hopefully I'm dating myself; it's a little rhyme recalled from my youth (in the 70's) accompanied by 8 year old kicking legs. I think it went on "boys got the muscles, teachers got the brains, girls got the sexy legs so we won the gaaame!" Nice, huh?

However, I can't resist doing an early 4th of July/ La Fête Nationale (fancy way to say "Bastille Day") celebratory cheer of my own, replacing all the subjects with "I," because my French Chef apron was featured in today's Etsy Finds newsletter. But first I got to get me that "Vintage 60's absurdly adorable shorty romper set!" It truly is absurdly adorable!

And for those waiting for the sun...

2010-06-09T16:27:00.007-04:00

Be ready for any summer celebration (think 4th of July, Bastille Day, or a picnic photo shoot for Martha Stewart Living) with "The French Chef." It's a limited print run of patriotic aprons and tea towels based on my original line of "Julia" prints. Once they are gone, they are gone.

Speaking of gone (and sun); gone for the summer to lucky California is lovely model, strawberry maker, fellow Z-Towner, and sweet as can be friend, Kimberly Scola of Chez Sucre Chez. We will be missing you dearie, happy trails to you and please come back some day! xoxoxo

Rainy Day in PA

2010-06-09T16:11:00.004-04:00

Sometimes there is nothing better than a rainy day, especially when we haven't had a good one in a while. It's been very hot and humid this spring so I've been worrying about the garden, although you can see it's doing OK so far.

It makes me want to curl up with a book and a cup of tea. Instead I grabbed the camera. And then a cup of tea.

Double Love

2010-05-21T08:03:00.005-04:00

Friend and fellow Z-Towner, Kimberly Scola of Chez Sucre Chez and I just showed up in the same treasury put together by Christina of The Wild Plum. How cool is that?

30 secs with moi!

2010-05-12T12:03:00.005-04:00

Tara of Scoutie Girl has kindly featured my work several times in the past. Two weekends ago she stopped by my table at the From Scratch show and did a little video interview with me.

Warning: saying something intelligent about myself on the spot is not something I'm very good at, especially in front of a camera, but I'm grateful for Tara's continued support (and for editing out the part where my mind goes blank and I throw up my hands in despair)! You can read the post and view the video here.

Lemon, Lemons, Lemons...

2010-05-12T11:45:00.004-04:00

From lemon icing to lemonade, check out this sweet-tart treasury put together by Annamaria Potamiti! It's funny that lemons seem to be the theme for the week because a little over a week ago I hit a major speed bump concerning production. Most of the pep-talks I received (thanks everyone) usually included the sage advice that "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade." I like this week's lemons much better; things are looking up.

Yummy Mother's Day!

2010-05-12T11:33:00.004-04:00

My daughter Anna surprised me on Sunday with this beautiful and delicious carrot cake! It had lemon icing which I think I like better than the traditional cream cheese. Check out her super cool decoration. I feel very very lucky!

Eastern PA locals don't forget:

2010-04-30T08:09:00.005-04:00

I hope to see some of you tomorrow at the From Scratch INDIEpendent handmade market. For more information go to their website or see my previous post. Rumor has it I'll be showing up with a limited run of a new variation on my Julia line. I'm calling it The French Chef.

From Europe to Pennsylvania

2010-04-26T18:29:00.006-04:00

In the last couple of days my towels have been traveling in the land of Etsy Treasuries. You can explore PA a little more here (regrettably the Euro Tour treasury has expired).

From Scratch, May 1st!

2010-04-22T08:16:00.005-04:00

Just in time for Mother's Day, I'll be at the From Scratch INDIEpendent Handmade Market in Trexlertown, PA next Saturday, May 1st. It's a super little show in a retro Grange hall (complete with knotty pine and black & white photos) with good music and the most amazing food! I ate all day long last time around because I had to try one of everything.

Fellow Z-Towner's Kimberly Scola (Chez Sucre Chez) and Melanie Linder (Spread the Love) will be there as well as my amazing step-daughter Anna Smedley (Ettie Ogle Press). It's going to be a fabulous day!

There is red and then there is RED

2010-04-21T08:15:00.003-04:00

I love this Etsy Treasury created by Primoriginals and of course I'm happy to see my Dutch Heart tea towel design singing along with the rest of this vibrant bunch!

Promise

2010-04-20T12:01:00.003-04:00

Since I was a child, it's been my habit to wander about the yard, curious to see what has come up and where it is at, each spring.

I've been in my own kind of dormancy of late. I find myself caught up in the details of my business with not much showing on the surface as I've been reevaluating options for the direction of my business as it grows.

But today on my rounds these images of new growth erupting stirred me to grab my camera, make a post, and reminded me of all the exciting potential that lies ahead.

Making Friday "Making Friday!"

2010-03-27T16:09:00.015-04:00

Fans of Heather Moore's blog Skinny laMinx will be familiar with what she has dubbed "Making Friday ." I've been a long time fan of her work and blog, and am impressed, inspired (and yes, sometimes envious) of her ability to set time aside to work on fresh projects. It reminds me of what my yoga instructor calls "changing the direction of your thinking." Simply changing what you have been doing.

Quite a while back the curtains in our bathroom disintegrated from the sun and I finally had to toss them. I threw some scraps of fabric over the rods with the plan to replace ASAP. I won't admit how long it's been but Thursday night I finally made it to IKEA and found the perfect fabric. Friday morning I was eager to start sewing, but also conflicted because of the long list of mundane stuff I felt I should be doing. Then I remembered "Making Friday " and it occurred to me that many of my projects get set aside until I get the other stuff done. Of course there is always more stuff to get done, the excitement wears off, the fun project turns into one more to-do item and as a result it never gets done. This time I decided to change the direction of my thinking!

So thank you Heather, my windows have curtains, my to-do list didn't get longer, my bathroom makes me happy again, and my brain feels refreshed!

Just hatched: double trouble?

2010-03-24T09:20:00.009-04:00

I've been playing with the idea of making hot pads to go with my kitchen line for a long time. I finally made a pair out of some leftover scraps of printed fabric just for kicks. I'm happy with the results but haven't decided yet if I'll offer them for sale. Maybe I'll use up the rest of the remnants I have and offer a limited run. It was nice to make something new but I'm not sure I want to make a lot of them. Hmmm...

While sorting through my photos, I came across this double-double egg image and decided that it belonged with the hot pads. Those organic free-range hens sure must be happy!

Happy March!

2010-03-01T13:26:00.006-05:00

What a great start to the week and the month! Today The Design Boards interview is with none other than me. I'm truly flattered, it's an awesome blog for those looking for inspiration! Candice did a really nice job with her photo selections as well (thank you so much Candice for featuring me)! You can read the whole piece here.

Will you be mine?

2010-02-12T10:06:00.005-05:00

With Valentine's Day coming up this weekend, I'm happy to share this post on the inspiration filled blog, Design Boards which includes my new Dutch Heart tea towel in this Valentin-rific grouping (thank you Candice)! I hope you will all have a Happy Valentine's Day! xoxo

Tea for Two

2010-02-04T08:21:00.012-05:00

As I sip my first strong cup of tea for the day (one of my favorites, Bewley's Dublin Morning Tea), I am happy to see my new towel design, Dutch Heart, has been included in this sweet collection of tea towels posted by Jan of Poppytalk (thank you Jan)! See her other picks here.

Hearts in PA

2010-01-26T09:20:00.008-05:00

My new "Dutch Heart" tea towel was part of a Valentine's inspired feature today on Handmade in PA. You can view the rest of Nick's picks here. How sweet to be included in such a nice collection!

Time to Vote!

2010-01-24T11:43:00.004-05:00

If any of you have been following The Poppies, it's time to vote for Favorite Handmade Textiles here. Of course I'd be forever grateful if you'd vote for me.

Thank you to those of you who helped nominate me! I'm honored to be among some amazing textile artists! You have until January 29th to vote.

A Z-Quilt for baby Hayden!

2010-01-23T15:24:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Z-Town friends, Kimberly, Karen, Mel, and I finished this quilt for Z-Towner, Jen's new baby Hayden. It was a first for all of us, the quilt that is (Hayden is the little brother of Eli, so Jen is more experienced at having babies than we are quilters). The four of us each embellished one of the squares, can you tell who did which one?

I just noticed there is a little rainbow falling on Hayden's arm. Better than a pot of gold, right? Congratulations Jen, Darren, and Eli on Hayden's arrival! xoxoxoxo

Dutch Hearts for Valentine's Day!

2010-01-21T18:22:00.006-05:00

I'm very pleased to introduce my newest linen tea towel design, called Dutch Heart, now available in my Etsy shop. I've been itching to do a Pennsylvania Dutch inspired design for quite a while (see "If you ain't Dutch") and Valentine's Day around the corner was an obvious opportunity. Of course it's not just intended for Cupids and lovers; tulips and hearts are appropriate year round for anyone!

Lovely!

2010-01-12T15:46:00.004-05:00

Look at this Lovely Etsy Treasury put together by Chase Dreams. It reminds me that Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I've got some designing to do! See ya...

Poppy me please...

2010-01-09T11:48:00.007-05:00

I'd be ever so grateful and flattered if any of you love my designs enough to nominate me for the Favorite Handmade Textile category for The Poppies award event by this Tuesday, January 12th. Artists with the most nominations in their category will then be voted on between January 14th and January 20th. If I'd be so lucky to make it to the second round then I'd be even more grateful and flattered if you would vote for me then too. Here's where to vote: The Poppies

Happy 2010!

2010-01-02T15:10:00.012-05:00

Yesterday my husband Bip and I started 2010 with a visit to Arshille Gorky: A Retrospective at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (the last day is next Sunday, January 10th). Gorky has been one of my desert island artists for a long time. Then we had a relaxed lunch at the London Grille nearby, a favorite stop of ours in our daughter's old neighborhood.

It was refreshing to find a space between the whirlwind of the holidays and the giddy promise of a New Year's clean slate to just enjoy and be inspired. I hope we can all find those spaces in the year ahead! Isn't that what it's about anyway?

A Divine Holiday weekend...

2009-12-15T20:30:00.008-05:00

Sunday my step-daughter Anna of EttieOglePress helped me out at the Divine Studios Holiday Craft Show in Soho. It was a cozy little affair with a great holiday buzz in the air. At Anna's elbow was the divine Kimberly of Chez Sucre Chez and it was my good fortune to be elbow to elbow with Fritz Karch the Collecting editorial director for Martha Stewart Living Magazine. He spent much of the day pulling out one Christmas treasure after another and I spent much of the day eaves-dropping as he talked to customers about each one's history. This beautiful goose feather tree with gold ornaments was practically tickling my ear and I couldn't get enough of it.

A couple weeks ago a few of my Z-Town friends and I made some pine cone elves from the December issue of Martha and Karen of Skylark Studio fell in love with her little guy (see here) and whispered in his ear several times "I love you." Karen, this pic is for you, but I'd stay away from the evil elf in the front.

And what is with these guys? Fritz said they were made in Japan. What is with those cheeks? Maybe they had some of those amazing salted chocolate caramels that were floating around the show.

One more thing. Today is the last day for ordering from my Etsy shop if you want to be sure to have it by Christmas! I'd also like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has made my first year on Etsy a happy one! I wish you all a meaningful and merry holiday!

Divine Studios Holiday Craft Sale!

2009-12-09T09:43:00.006-05:00

This Sunday, December 13th, I will be at the Holiday Craft Sale at Divine Studios in Soho! I will have lots and lots of Tinsel Time tea towels, Julia aprons and towels, and if I get off the computer, red and green napkins. Fellow Z-Towner, Kimbelry Scola of Chez Sucre Chez will also be there. If you are in the neighborhood come visit us. It's a first for me, but I hear it truly is divine!

There's a new girl in town!

2009-12-09T09:34:00.004-05:00

My lovely step-daughter, Anna, has just launched her own Etsy shop, EttieOglePress. Anna is a talented printmaker with tons of imagination. You can also visit her blog here.

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood...

2009-12-04T13:34:00.009-05:00

What a nice end to the week! I'm feeling all cozy nestled in with 2 of my Z-Town girls in (almost our neighbor) Tara's blog, Scoutie Girl today. You can see it all here. Enjoy the weekend!!

Have an Artsy Fartsy Christmas!

2009-12-03T11:06:00.005-05:00

How nice to see my Tinsel Time tea towel (say it fast) featured today on the blog Artsy Fartsy Shopaholic! I recommend checking out her complete post here because there are some very cool items included that I think you'll enjoy.

Cyber Monday - Last day of my sale!

2009-11-30T10:38:00.005-05:00

I've been having lots of fun with my Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale on Etsy. One highlight has been the inclusion of my Tinsel Time tea towel on the Storque yesterday: Etsy Finds: Deck the Halls With Free Shipping and Holiday Sales. The towels are nearly sold out so if you were thinking of buying one now is the time!

Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale!

2009-11-27T10:02:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday! I'm kicking off the holiday shopping season today with a SALE in my Etsy shop. So keep those PJs on, grab a cup of tea and stay away from those crowds (come on, who really wants to be trampled by cranky shoppers)?
It only lasts through Monday, November 30th so chop, chop...

Here's hoping my Etsy shop will look a little bit like this tonight!

Tinsel Time Tea Towel!

2009-11-19T22:12:00.009-05:00

My new holiday tea towel "Tinsel Time" is now available in my Etsy shop in both white and natural linen! Let the kitchen festivities begin!

Turkey help from Julia!

2009-11-15T10:31:00.011-05:00

After a very fun day at the From Scratch show yesterday, I've been enjoying an indulgently lazy Sunday morning laced with too many cups of strong Irish tea, the December issue of Martha Stewart Living, and knitting mittens. How lovely to read this post by Erika of blooma finds (which is a wonderful find in itself) about my line of "Julia" aprons! Could the day get much better? Visit the original post here.

Erika's post reminds me of a story told by Alex Prud'Homme in a wonderful Thalia Book Club interview with both Alex and Judith Jones: One Thanksgiving, Julia and Paul are on their way to Alex's parents house in Connecticut, but they get lost. A neighbor is in the midst of making her turkey (Julia's book open on the counter) and it's not going well. She responds to a knock on her door in a frustrated state and there stands Julia Child! Can you imagine? Julia helps her out with her turkey and the woman directs Julia to the Prud'Hommes; happy ending! So you never know what could happen...

From Scratch: Nov. 14th!

2009-11-02T18:10:00.003-05:00

For those of you in the Allentown, PA neck of the woods, on Nov. 14th there will be a funky new craft show called From Scratch! It's perfectly timed to start off your holiday shopping before the panic (your own) sets in. Imagine if you could kick it all out before Thanksgiving (and it would all be handmade)!

Fellow Z-Towners and myself will be part of the fun, so please stop by to see us! In addition, there will be lots of yummy things to eat so we can also get started early on those extra holiday pounds.

Planting Garlic

2009-10-20T08:24:00.007-04:00

For those of you who still want to sink their hands into soil before the snow flies (and I hope it does), here is a great Step-by-Step guide to growing your own garlic by my friend Robyn Jasko on her very cool and informative blog, Grow Indie. I love the pairing of these buxom bulbs of garlic with the pattern on my napkin!

Clay Wood & Cotton Grand Opening!

2009-10-07T08:56:00.007-04:00

My aprons are now available at a new shop in Beacon, NY. It's a collaboration between Kristy Reichert, Kristen Couse, and Kelly Kingman. In their words, "Clay Wood & Cotton is your source for the best handmade items for your home. We look for artists who combine beauty with utility, and who put a sense of fun into their work:

I'm honored to have my work included in such a beautiful collection of products. "Thanks" to Kristen (who I met this summer at Renegade, Brooklyn) for the invite and good luck to the three of you! I wish I could be there to do some early Christmas shopping and have some of that pie! More information is available here.

I heart Pablo

2009-09-28T08:49:00.013-04:00

I'm feeling a deep need to start my week off right by reconnecting to my own creative roots. A heartfelt nod is long overdue to one of my earliest heroes. I've been in awe of this man's genius since I seriously took pencil to sketchpad. There's little I can say that hasn't been said. So I won't. I heart Francoise too, I fell in love with her when years ago I read her book, Life with Picasso.

See what I mean? My heart flutters when he leaves a glimpse of what lies below (lower right corner).

I couldn't resist. I wish you all an inspired and joyful week!

The peas get a chance

2009-09-09T10:19:00.005-04:00

Woo hoo, I was on the Front Page and in an Etsy Treasury (thanks RuJu) yesterday!

Hello, Hello Bluebird!

2009-09-03T08:18:00.007-04:00

Tonight I'm off with fellow Z-Town Made girls to the Grand Opening of Alex McCarty's gorgeous new shop in West Reading, Hello Bluebird. The pictures above (borrowed from Jan Dicintio's Daisy Janie blog) tell the story. As Jan is a friend of Alex's and "in the know" I recommend visiting her post here.

Melanie Linder's prints look fabulous against that red wall (top shelf under the stairs). You'll find other handmade items from fellow Z-Towners among Alex's lovely collection.

A peak inside...

2009-09-02T13:38:00.015-04:00

Here are some photos of Modern Printed Matter's beautiful new studio and store taken before the grand reopening last night. I wish I could have been there myself but these photos, by owner and designer, Anna Cote will do very well in the meantime. It's lovely for me to see my linens in a shop setting. If you are in Rhode Island stop in, it looks well worth the visit! You can see Anna's own post here and more photos here.

Modern Printed Matter

2009-08-28T11:12:00.006-04:00

I'm very excited to announce that my products will now be available at Modern Printed Matter in Warren, RI! I'm honored to be included with such a fabulous collection of artists and products. The grand opening is Tues, Sept 1st. Good luck Anna!!

Forgive me Julia!

2009-08-19T11:02:00.004-04:00

I can't believe I missed it! I've been so busy filling "Julia" orders that I whizzed right past her birthday. At least I was at a picnic savoring good food if not cooking one of her recipes. Thank goodness others remembered and I'm flattered that Rex & Regina's Blog featured my apron. So does that excuse me for my birthday neglect? You can see the full post here.

A week of Julia

2009-08-14T14:58:00.004-04:00

Check out this beautiful Etsy Treasury, Julie and Julia by Photographicamy, thanks Amy!

Front Page of Etsy today!

2009-08-13T11:47:00.004-04:00

Well, Julia seems to be my lucky star!

Cookn in the Kitchn

2009-08-12T12:31:00.005-04:00

It's been a good week and I'm feeling very grateful (and a wee bit embarrassed) by such nice mentions on so many fabulous blogs! I was flattered and surprised to catch this one today on Apartment Therapy's The Kitchn (by the way, Karen Stanford sure does rock that apron). You can view the entirety here.

I also owe a heartfelt "thank you" to my muse, Julia Child! She has inspired many more than cooks and chefs. Ironically, I've been so busy keeping up with orders that I haven't been able to see the movie yet (arghhh), but it's all good and I hate crowds anyway. I'll get there soon!

A little Bedlam does one good!

2009-08-10T15:42:00.005-04:00

I've had such a nice response in the last week to the new Julia line which makes me feel quite happy as I sew away in my studio. It's obvious that Julia Child stirs up more than recipes (no pun intended). For many of us she touches the soul. I'm better with patterns than I am with words but Bradford of The Bedlam of Beefy's heartfelt writings are definitely worth a read. Today's post has given me somethings to ponder on today and I'm touched to be a part of it! You can read the entirety here.

My copper bowl runneth over...

2009-08-08T07:42:00.007-04:00

I was already feeling happy yesterday about the launch of my new Julia line and the enthusiastic feedback that was starting to come my way. Just as we were leaving last evening to join friends, Jan, of the fabulous Poppytalk, sent me this post. I couldn't be happier! She "got it" and she wrapped "it" up together with a big blue and red bow! It truly is a gift to be able to sit back and look at your work through another person's eyes (detached from your own constant critiquing) and think "wow, I did that, and I think it actually works!" Thank you so much Jan! You can view the full post here.

Friday scout out: French Food

2009-08-07T09:03:00.002-04:00

Thanks Tara, for including me in this Frenchy collection!! Her post can be viewed here.

It's all about Julia today...

2009-08-07T08:14:00.008-04:00

Sweet! One of my new Julia aprons showed up along with this Food & Wine Magazine piece on The Storque (scroll way, way, way down)! You can view its entirety here.

So I sing a song of love, Julia...

2009-08-04T16:17:00.017-04:00

I have just launched a new line of linen aprons and tea towels called Julia in honor, of course, of Julia Child and fueled by the much anticipated movie, Julie and Julia. The prints are based on the covers of Volume One and Volume Two of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. You can view the entire collection in my Etsy Shop here.

One of my very first posts here was "I heart Julia" where I write a little bit about her influence. I am so excited to have found an opportunity to honor her with these prints. In fact, I'm a wee bit giddy at the moment (I actually have butterflies, that's a bit over the top isn't it)?

In addition to the new design, linen tea towels and natural linen (as a color choice) are new to my shop. I'm trying to keep it fresh and new!

Thank you Karen for your legs and Kimberly for you stove and beautiful blue wall!

Hello August!

2009-08-01T08:18:00.004-04:00

What a sweet summer we've been having (with only a few muggy exceptions). The brown nose on the left belongs to one who steals and eats green beans one at a time. She stretches out on her belly in the straw and savors each one like a lollipop.

Speaking of food, I've whipped up a new line of linen aprons and tea towels to be introduced early in the coming week...

Gift Guide for Moms

2009-07-22T10:01:00.008-04:00

Wow, Tulip & Bluebell is on a roll. Fascinating how it has made the rounds in the past two days! What a hussy! No, seriously my ego is feeling quite good and I'm grateful and flattered by all who have featured my apron. It's been my favorite of late, glad others like it too! You can visit the complete collection here.

I'd also like to give a nod to CraftCult. I only recently found out about their site. If it wasn't for them, I'd never have known that I'm on a gift guide and that yesterday, I was featured on the Etsy Front page. They even provide widgets so I could add it to my sidebar!

Light and Sweet

2009-07-21T16:09:00.007-04:00

My tulip and bluebell apron is making the rounds this week and has popped up again in today's Etsy Finds "Light and Sweet." You can view the whole collection here.

Blue breezy summer

2009-07-21T08:07:00.007-04:00

What a sweet Etsy Treasury that Tara Gentile's (of Scoutie Girl & HiP) Mom of Rosie's Whimsy put together! How flattered I am that she included my apron. Thank you!

Midsummer Green

2009-07-08T08:35:00.004-04:00

Pack up a picnic basket! There's a new color napkin in my shop, "GO" green. Without planning it, I realize that my Stoplight line of napkins is now available in red, yellow, and green! In keeping with the midsummer theme, imagine a game of "Red Light/Green Light" at dusk using these as flags. You can really whip them around, I've tried it!

Dutch Treat

2009-07-06T12:17:00.003-04:00

I'm still in the PA Dutch mode. I picked up this feed sack fabric in the antique section of the Kutztown Folk Festival. It blows me away that feed came in fabric printed in 5 colors! Lucky chickens. I bought two matching pieces large enough for curtains, bed pillowcases, several tea towels, napkins, an apron even, or dare I make a skirt? According to the feed sack article linked above, I could even make under-roos! My head is spinning.

If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much!

2009-06-12T09:15:00.020-04:00

That's a saying I grew up with, referring to the Pennsylvania Dutch, (I'm not that Dutch but my maiden name, Brasted, derives from Holland Dutch so it worked for me too). Dutch fever is breaking out amongst the Z-Towners . Why not, these wonderful folk motifs are part of our everyday life. For myself, I live on the "Hex Highway," where I drive regularly by barns adorned with hex signs and my house was previously occupied by our friend Eric Claypoole, the authority and master painter of hex signs and barn stars. In a few weeks you can see him at work at the Kutztown Folk Festival (and buy one of your own).

So you can probably imagine where this is all going. Stay tuned, the wheels are turning... The images below are off of True Up, thanks for that link Jen).

I had to include this one because 1964 is the year I was born. Very cool!

OK, I'm on a Dutchy roll here, this is a detail of a pint-sized hutch my grandfather built and my grandmother painted for me when I was little. It's a terrible photo because the poor thing is in the attic (shameful), needing a good cleaning, butcher's wax, and a loving place in my home to display it... but where, it's kind of short?

Two down and one to go...

2009-06-10T16:01:00.009-04:00

My 3 weekend marathon of shows (Art Star, Renegade, Best in Bloom) is almost complete. Karen Stanford (above) and I had a great location across from the gate at Driggs & N. 12th. There were only about 35 booths in our part of the park while there were 200+ across the street. We worried that people wouldn't realize there was another leg to the show and would migrate to where all the action was, but locals assured us that everyone in the neighborhood typically walked though our section of the park. Regardless, there was a really good vibe in our area, shade, plenty of dog watching, and really nice people relaxing on their weekend. It was an enjoyable experience and the sales were good!

To make the event even sweeter, I have two local friends who came to visit. Ellen brought a few of her incredible kids one day and husband the next. My dear friend Keith waited on us the entire weekend. He was an endless source of drinks, snacks, lovingly homemade sandwiches, entertainment and good company! He also took Karen and I to bozu for a very delicious dinner. I have a handful of meals that go into a "food memory" bank and that will be one of them. Not bad either, were the Peter Pan donuts Kimberly provided. Boy, I wish I had eaten more now.

Thanks to all who visited our booth and to all my new customers! On to Emmaus, PA for Best in Bloom with the entire Z-Town crew to finalize my tour! For more Renegade/Z-Town recaps go to here and here.

Post-Renegade Therapy

2009-06-10T12:45:00.006-04:00

Late Monday morning, still in pajamas and groggy after my weekend at Renegade, I came across this post by Apartment Therapy! It cleared the fog for at least 30 minutes. What an honor! You can read the rest here.

Renegade this weekend!

2009-06-04T12:50:00.004-04:00

Well, here it is, the big one! I hope to see some of you this weekend in Brooklyn!! I'll be in booth #18 not far from the main entrance at Bedford Ave. and N. 12th St. with Karen Stanford Skylark Studio and another fellow Z-Towner, Kimberly Scola Chez Sucre Chez will be in #4.

Everything is coming up roses...

2009-06-02T13:35:00.006-04:00

It felt so good to take a break from the world of craft shows with Gracie in the garden yesterday.

Art Star with Z-Town Made

2009-06-02T08:56:00.021-04:00

A little recap of our weekend at the Art Star Craft Bazaar:

My aprons on the rare occasion they weren't horizontal in the wind.

My awesome booth mate, Karen Stanford Skylark Studio and her fabulous silver jewelry.

Melanie Linder Spread the Love and Kimberly Scola Chez Sucre Chez shared the booth next to us.

If you are in Brooklyn, NY this upcoming weekend, you can visit Karen and me (booth #18, look for this sign) and Kimberly (booth #4), at the Renegade Craft Fair (we will miss you, Mel and Jen)!

Thank you to all who came to visit us!

Art Star this weekend!

2009-05-28T08:03:00.004-04:00

At the risk of being redundant, here is one more promo for the Art Star Craft Bazaar on Penn's Landing this weekend. I'll be at booth #31, flanked by 3 other Z-Town Made artists, Karen Stanford, Skylark Studio Melanie Lindner, Spread the Love, and Kimberly Scola, Chez Sucre Chez. We'd love to see you, we're going to have some great stuff (I think they are all "art stars")!

Am I crazy???

2009-05-26T09:50:00.008-04:00

4 days to go until Art Star, my first of 3 weekends in a row of craft shows and still 100 napkins to sew (curse those mitered corners)!! Ha! I'll be happy if I can get half of them done. What was I thinking messing in the garden? But the tomatoes couldn't wait. You've got to make hay while the sun shines!

There is not enough tea in the world!!

Hee haw, fun with straw!

2009-05-26T09:13:00.005-04:00

Whew, what a crazy holiday weekend! Sewing for upcoming shows and trying to catch up in the garden with the husband (I can hardly move today). I love the look of my garden nest! The tomatoes, peppers, and basil are now in and I'll savor the order as long as it lasts.

Next weekend, Penn's Landing!

2009-05-21T08:13:00.005-04:00

Wow, it's just around the corner now! I'm furiously printing and sewing aprons and napkins for the Art Star Craft Bazaar. If you're in the Philly area next weekend please stop by and say "hi." I'll be at booth #31. Weekend after that, it's Renegade in Brooklyn. More on that later...

Mid-May Magic

2009-05-19T09:20:00.004-04:00

OK corny title but couldn't resist a bit of alliteration. It's been too wet and I've been too busy prepping for shows to do much in the garden. The poppies have taken over, beautiful but crushing other plants. The azalea, I put in last week or so, hope it looks this good every year!

A proud and windy day!

2009-05-15T09:15:00.003-04:00

Yesterday Anna graduated with a B.F.A in printmaking from Tyler School of Art. Her Dad and I are so proud of her! You can see some of Anna's work here.

Z-Town Made takes it up a notch!

2009-05-05T08:14:00.012-04:00

I'm excited to announce the launch of Z-Town Made's new web site! We are a cozy collective of woman artists living near or within the small town of Kutztown, PA. We're here to prove that "Pennsylvania Dutch Country" is more than hex-signs and funnel cakes (although we love those too). I'm so proud to be included with this talented bunch of women! Please visit us here.

Hot day in April

2009-04-27T09:16:00.007-04:00

I spent Sunday (a beautiful hot spring day) printing up t-shirts with friends, Wendy Osterweil, Lori Anselm, and Ellen Vandevort Wolf. The design is Wendy's, you can see more of her work here. Lori designs gorgeous handbags from vintage fabric. You can visit her Etsy shop here.

While the others were working hard in Wendy's studio, I couldn't help grabbing this shot in the sun. Sorry guys!

New table linens, finally!

2009-04-21T12:42:00.012-04:00

They've been a long time in coming and no excuses for that, but here are the latest additions to my Etsy shop , just in time for spring. I've added placemats sporting the Raindrops pattern and added a new item, a 16" x 70" linen table runner in the Stoplight print.

By the way, the pitchers and vase in the photos above were made by my talented mother, Sandra Rulewich.

Berks County Spring

2009-04-16T13:53:00.003-04:00

This unexpected scene on my walk today was just the cheer up I needed!

My dear sweet Karen

2009-04-09T09:57:00.006-04:00

I lost my very special friend, Karen Malandra this morning to that ugly beast, cancer. I know this isn't the kind of post people expect to see, but Karen was an artist/printmaker in her own right who pushed me to follow my dreams. Today I'd like to share some of her work. These are both cards she sent to me along the way. The second one she sent when I was going through a very difficult time. In one sense today, the words seem ironic and false, but in another they make absolute sense to those of us still here. Be at peace now Karen! And the rest of you, don't forget to live your day!

Philly, Brooklyn, here we come!

2009-04-08T09:52:00.025-04:00

I am happy to announce that I'll be selling my wares at two awesome Indie Craft fairs, the Art Star Craft Bazaar in Philadelphia May 30th & 31st on Penn's Landing AND then again the next weekend, June 6th & 7th at the Renegade Craft Fair at McCarren Park in Brooklyn. What a great kick-off to the summer that will be!In addition, I am honored to be sharing a booth at both shows with the spectacular, Karen Stanford of Skylark Studio, a fellow Z-Town Made member. She makes the coolest jewelry I know!

Wait, it gets even better! Kimberly Scola of Chez Sucre Chez will be also be appearing at both shows. Hope she's going to be nearby!

And, I could almost burst, because Kimberly will be sharing a booth with Melanie Lindner, of Spread the Love at Art Star.

So please, grab your flip-flops, eco-totes, and wallets, and visit some of the best Indie Crafts that Kutztown, PA has to offer.

I heart Lucienne

2009-04-02T10:22:00.010-04:00

Lucienne Day is one of my most favorite and influential textile designers! She and her husband Robin were considered the British counterparts of Charles and Ray Eames in the 1950s. For more, check out this book, Robin and Lucienne Day: Pioneers in Modern Design. My copy is well worn.

Monday pick me up!

2009-03-30T08:35:00.005-04:00

Such a nice boost on a Monday morning! One of my aprons has been included in this lovely Etsy Treasury. Thank you Donna!

Well deserved!

2009-03-27T09:41:00.006-04:00

Congratulations to fellow Z-Towner, Mel of Turtle Bunny Love Design for this nice feature on Scoutie Girl! See it all here.

Something different today

2009-03-26T15:56:00.011-04:00

I just picked up this awesome gift set of Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass. I loved his Christmas Album and yesterday I decided I needed more. It's total feel good music! Too bad it's a bit early for a cocktail.

New Aprons for Spring

2009-03-10T15:30:00.013-04:00

My new apron in my newest colorway (tulip/bluebell/charcoal) is now available in my Etsy shop. Modeling credit goes to my 2 girls, Anna, 22 (who is an awesome and prolific printmaker and will graduate from Tyler this spring) and Gracie, 2 (who can't sit still).

I will also be re-listing an older design Swags (robin/fern/cloud) soon, which hasn't been available since the first few weeks of opening my shop. Stay tuned...

My old friends!

2009-03-10T15:17:00.008-04:00

I've just been featured on the fabulous blog paper n stitch! I will always remember them as my first blog mention ever! Thank you Brittni, you did such a nice write up and presentation of my work. I'm feeling very lucky today! View the rest here.

Happy Monday!

2009-03-09T08:47:00.008-04:00

Still bleary-eyed, and adjusting to the time change this morning, I was tipped off my my friend Jen of Clothesline Designs that my placemat is on Etsy's front page (for the moment). I'm awake now! Thank you Jen!!

2009-03-06T09:23:00.008-05:00

Kim, of One Perfect Thing, posted my dove on coal napkin on her blog today. If you need a moment of calm in your hectic day, do visit her blog. It is so lovely and serene. I am flattered that she included my work with her collection. You can see it here. Thank you Kim!!

Thursday Treats

2009-03-05T14:12:00.006-05:00

I was just tipped off by Kim of One Perfect Thing (it's a beautiful blog, by the way) that one of my aprons made it to the front page of Etsy! Of course it's already gone in the blink of an eye, but I'm so glad I got to see and capture it. Also, I just hit 100 Etsy users who heart my shop! I am so flattered, thanks everyone!!

Meet Tulip and Bluebell

2009-03-03T16:27:00.007-05:00

I've come up with a new color combo for the pattern I named Aqueduct. It will be stitched up soon as some sweet new aprons. I don't know why, but I like to make up names for my colors and my patterns. They are often the first things that come to my mind and maybe don't make a lot of sense to everyone else but I just go with my gut in this case. I've dubbed these colors Tulip and Bluebell. The gray is just a lighter version of Charcoal who you've met before if you know my work; it's the color I use the most.

ahhh...

2009-02-27T11:07:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the tease, I know I'm jumping ahead almost two month here, but the mild weather today and the little buds on this very tree has me thinking of spring. I'm a big time snow lover, but since this winter in Eastern PA gave us nothing but ice and sleet, I'm ready to give up hope for those magical 6+ inches and move on to sweet smelling and gentle days.

Inspiration everywhere

2009-02-25T08:13:00.005-05:00

Hmmm, this pile of new placemats is giving me ideas for a new print design. I love the combination of these four colors and the pattern created in the stack.

Sneak peak

2009-02-23T09:50:00.010-05:00

I'll be introducing a new item this week in my Etsy shop! I'm adding linen placemats in the Stoplight pattern to match my line of napkins and expand my table linen collection. They will be available in two colorways, the classic: Cherry/Charcoal/Dove, and a new colorway (drumroll...): Curry/Charcoal/Cloud!

Print, print, print...

2009-02-23T09:38:00.008-05:00

Here are some linen aprons in progress. One more color to go...

Cotton Candy Sky

2009-02-18T08:27:00.008-05:00

I took these a year ago, February 18th (if my photo info is correct), from my house in PA. There was a cold front coming in. I remember thinking that the sky reminded me of something from the Simpson's, I guess I was thinking of Marge's hair.