JLC Studio

What's Your Motivation??

2009-03-03T11:08:00.025-06:00

I've recently come to realize that not having a job has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to deal with. Since I was sixteen, I've never gone longer than two weeks between jobs and, at times, I worked up to three jobs at once (in addition to a full course load in college). Needless to say...I like to work!!! My work life has always come very easy to me and not having something to get up for every day has been really tough. Luckily, I was raised as a Christian and I believe in God so I know that there is a reason for everything...I can't imagine not having that knowledge and comfort to see me through!!

Aside from that knowledge, one of my biggest motivators has always been music and that has never been more true over these past few months. Here are a few of the bands I can't live without lately (of course, these are just a few of the many)!!!

Kings of Leon

Nouvelle Vague

Zero 7

Armin Van Burren (this isn't the album cover but I really like this photo!)

Koop

Emiliana Torrini

So I want to know, What's Your Motivation!!! Leave me a comment...I love feedback!

Nouvelle Vague

2009-02-14T17:59:00.004-06:00

I am in love with this "band" and thought this video was quite interesting. Check out Nouvelle Vague...you might recognize some (or most) of their songs...

Handmade Chicago Market

2009-01-29T13:33:00.009-06:00

I thought I'd post some photos of the Handmade Chicago show that I recently did! It was held in a fun little bar on Western called the Empty Bottle where the walls are plastered in indie band posters and the bathrooms are swathed in "colorful" graffiti. I had a great time and met some fun people selling everything from beer cozies to knitwear. I used my new earring and bracelet displays which were a huge hit and, which I must say, I'm quite proud of!!

The set up.

The new earring and bracelet displays!

Friday Flickr Find

2009-01-23T09:35:00.003-06:00

So, I havent' done one of these in a very long time. I haven't been feeling very inspired lately but I woke up this morning in a creative mood and decided what better way to channel it than with a good old Friday Flickr Find!?!

Today's subject is snow!! We've been blanketed here in the midwest too many times to count this winter and I've lost track of the number of times I've had to dig my car out of a ridiculous snow drift! Don't get me wrong, I'm one of those weird types that love the snow; skiing, sledding, building forts, throwing snowballs, making snow angels...I love the stuff! My favorite thing to do is take a walk during a nightime snowfall...the world seems to become an ethereal snowglobe and everything looks just a little bit brighter and almost magical. I thought these photos captured the best part of snow, fresh and unmarred by plows, cars and the general business of life as usual. Enjoy!!!

Winter magic-Davos, originally uploaded by Katarina 2353 (spending less time on flickr).

The Littlest Angel, originally uploaded by janoid.

Mystical Snow Flickrman, originally uploaded by Elsa Prinsessa.

Whitetail in Snow, originally uploaded by Hard-Rain.

frozen light in a snow weekend, MANZANEDA, originally uploaded by Paulo Brandão.

Springtime in Amsterdam, originally uploaded by Bеn.

Sheep, originally uploaded by sparty lea.

Follow tracks, originally uploaded by Philippe Sainte-Laudy.

Winter heavens, originally uploaded by VeloManiac.

Thinking ahead, originally uploaded by Kaj Bjurman.

winter fairy tale..., originally uploaded by parol.

Snow!!! yay !!!!! ;-))), originally uploaded by ILina S.

Minimal winter, originally uploaded by mark.os.

Crossing Wapta, originally uploaded by More Altitude.

after the snowfall, originally uploaded by H o g n e.

Frío!, originally uploaded by luisbess.

Thank You!!

2008-12-11T12:54:00.007-06:00

So, even though the show this past weekend was kind of slow...one of my mom's "stitchy friends" (as my dad likes to call them) purchased some items and was kind enough to post about them on her blog!!! I just wanted to say thank you to Marjorie for stopping by and for her kind words! She is quite the talented stitcher herself...be sure to check out her blog Moonsilk Stitches!

She took a great photo of the purchases she made...love it!!

Christmas Fantasy of Gifts!

2008-12-05T13:57:00.004-06:00

Okay, it's been quite a while since I've blogged and today I want to change that! This weekend, I will be participating in the annual Christmas Bazaar at the grade school that I attended...I'm both excited and a little nervous just for the fact that I'm not sure who I'm going to run into ;). So, if you're in the south suburbs of Chicago, stop by and see us!! Here is a link to the school's website and here is a picture of the little school where I spent my formative years!!

Hope to see some of you there!!

Handmade Chicago

2008-10-09T09:25:00.004-05:00

I wanted to let everyone know that I will be at the Handmade Chicago show this Saturday at The Empty Bottle on Western!! I've got some new pieces and a new setup that I'm trying out! I'm really excited and I hope to see some familiar faces there ;)

Friday Flickr Find

2008-10-03T12:49:00.001-05:00

So I will be attending a wedding this weekend and that's the only thing that's been on my mind this whole past week...getting ready takes a lot of work (even if you're just attending!). I thought I'd do this week's Friday Flickr Find on weddings...I hope to have a great time at this one!

Have a great weekend!!!

Congratulations Missy and Charlie!, originally uploaded by Ryan Brenizer.

ring / yüzük, originally uploaded by Caucas'.

help!, originally uploaded by videoplacebo.

Face-Off, originally uploaded by Ryan Brenizer.

in a row, originally uploaded by .@ndy..

excited!, originally uploaded by k-girl.

emotion..., originally uploaded by joaoalmeida.

petals shoes dresses, originally uploaded by Akida.

Run, originally uploaded by alterednate.

Texture, originally uploaded by G I N G E R.

Focus on the Details, originally uploaded by Ryan Brenizer.

First Dance, originally uploaded by craig stodola.

Caroline's Cake, originally uploaded by MMGoode.

Dancing queen, originally uploaded by Andrea Acito Photos.

wedding - photo & co, originally uploaded by photo&co.

Attendants, originally uploaded by May_Queen.

TRASH!, originally uploaded by berger.erica.

Friday Flickr Find...

2008-09-26T13:07:00.005-05:00

So our family has been all about puppies for the last month after my parents got a new golden retriever puppy named Jake! He's just the cutest little thing (see his picture here) and I thought I'd look at other pictures of doggies for this week's Friday Flickr Find. I just want to hug 'em all!!!

Thanks for the great comments this week and have a fabulous weekend everyone!

Gizmo, originally uploaded by Dragan*.

Peppina, originally uploaded by reportergimmi™.

Are You Looking At Me ???, originally uploaded by Neville_S.

Mini Toy, originally uploaded by El Buen Matador.

Floyds Big Nose (explore #44), originally uploaded by Boab22.

happiness is a warm puppy (and a handful of them is even better), originally uploaded by manyfires.

I will be here for you...., originally uploaded by Lukman Kusuma.

los trillizos westie, originally uploaded by agustina.

the kids, originally uploaded by Carrie Taylor.

Sally, Sally, pride of our alley, originally uploaded by bitrot.

He's badd, yo, originally uploaded by rgdaniel.

play. with me., originally uploaded by saikiishiki.

Sleeping beauty, originally uploaded by Look at my photos.

Teeny Tiny...

2008-09-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

I came across this site the other day and my jaw kinda dropped open in disbelief...I knew it wasn't just me when I showed this to my boss. Same reaction from him! The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company offers homes from 65 to 774 square feet...yeah, you read that right. The thing about these little abodes is...I could totally see setting one of these babies up in the woods or along a lake somewhere for a fabulous little getaway! How adorable!?!?

Snowflake Fun

2008-09-23T13:31:00.003-05:00

This site is too addicting!

Friday Flickr Find...

2008-09-14T15:49:00.001-05:00

So...it's not technically Friday and it's been a loooooong time since I've done one of these!! I really have no excuse except for the fact that I've been doing three websites over the last month and haven't felt much like doing anything on the computer when I get home. That and I feel a lack of creative inspiration lately...must be going through a slump or something! Anyway, I thought I'd publish this Flickr Find today as it's rainy and dreary outside and has been all weekend. I've been collecting these photos over the last few months and felt like I finally had enough to do a posting. So the theme today is "Windows." I think you'll get the idea when you see the selections.

Hope you had a great weekend and stayed dry and safe, wherever you may be :)

In Fact and KMZ on Chateaudun, originally uploaded by bluehour.

through the looking glass, originally uploaded by TommyOshima.

Damrak - Amsterdam, originally uploaded by MorBCN.

Saltiness, originally uploaded by нσвσ.

Weathered Sunset, originally uploaded by Fort Photo.

Windows on Istanbul, originally uploaded by robokow.

Casa de las Conchas, originally uploaded by victorgil84.

sale 2, originally uploaded by Dreamer7112 (September in NYC).

blinded bottles, originally uploaded by Mr. Mark.

vertical neighborhood., originally uploaded by D.James | Darren Ryan.

Three colors, originally uploaded by cuellar.

Sunset Fire Escape, originally uploaded by Dave Ward Photography.

in the abandoned motel, originally uploaded by bealluc.

the edge., originally uploaded by D.James | Darren Ryan.

Lux aeterna, originally uploaded by Stringendo.

Green Window, originally uploaded by MaiKoh.

Is Anybody Home?, originally uploaded by Pink Sherbet Photography.

Jewelry Show!!

2008-09-03T12:34:00.022-05:00

So this past weekend I was again a participant at the Handmade Chicago booth at the Randolph Street Antique Market. The weather was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! I couldn't have asked for better...sunny, not too much wind and definitely not too hot. My sister took some great photos of some of my pieces and I wanted to share them. I also tried a new set up for my table which I have to say worked out quite well. I've got a bunch of ideas rolling around in my head for new display ideas as well as new jewelry pieces for my next show in October. That show will again be with Handmade Chicago and will be held October 11Th at The Empty Bottle on Western. I'll post more info as soon as I get the details.

We had a better spot this time...toward the front of the tent!!

I made a new display for earrings which worked out fabulously! It was much easier to see all the earrings at a glance and I sold quite a few pairs!

Some close-ups of a few of my favorites!

The mussel shell bracelets (and earrings) were, again, a huge hit!

A few of my three-strand bracelets...

Everyone LOVED the colorful gift boxes...we sold quite a few!

Puppy Love...

2008-09-02T12:49:00.006-05:00

I just had to share the pictures of my parent's new puppy!! His name is Jake and he's a Golden Retriever who is a little over three months old. He is the sweetest, most well-behaved little guy, (at the moment) is already house trained and can sit on command. He has his first "puppy socialization class" tonight and I can't wait to hear all about it! What do you think?!?!?!?

What he does best!

Don't you just wanna hug him?!?!?!?

Project 101

2008-08-26T17:20:00.020-05:00

After seeing this post from Melissa over at Off the Wall, I was inspired to post this fabulous kitchen (my favorite, in fact) that we did for a client who lives in a Georgian Style home in the Gold Coast. I absolutely LOVE the skylight and the floor as well as the cabinetry. If I could, I would move in tomorrow!!!

Bode 22

2008-08-25T13:20:00.004-05:00

Yes, I know it seems like I've fallen of the face of the earth lately, I've just not felt like blogging. Sorry for my absence!

But I came across this today and wanted to share. One of my bloggy friends, Meg from Bode 22 was just published!!! Her fabulous Berry Vine Plate Clock was featured in the September 2008 issue of Better Homes and Gardens!!!!! Check it out, and also be sure to check out her fabulous Etsy shop and her blog. Congrats girl!!!!

Mesh Chair

2008-08-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

If anyone is travelling to Chicago in the near future and wondering what to do, I highly recommend taking a little trip up to Andersonville to the shops on Clark. I met a friend there last weekend and we had fun perusing some really cute places for vintage furniture and clothing (and new items as well). I saw this great chair and fell in love...now if I just had a place to put it!!

Friday Flickr Find

2008-08-08T13:10:00.005-05:00

I don't know about you, but we had some crazy weather around here Monday night!!! Actually, we've had quite a few bad storms this year which prompted me to do a collection of images on said subject. I'm sooo not a fan of thunderstorms, wind, toranadoes...well, you get the picture! We had a HUGE storm come through our area on Monday night which spanned over most of Chicago, the surrounding suburbs and northeast Indiana (near where my parents live and work). I'm thankful that all my friends and family made it through okay and avoided any serious damage (which is not the case in a few towns not to far from my parents and my sister!). I ended the set with a picture of a rainbow just as a reminder of God's promise and protection.

Hope you have a wonderful (and safe) weekend!

waiting for the storm, originally uploaded by torontofotobug.

And then it rained, originally uploaded by PixelBoy.

Clouds over Oklahoma - 2, originally uploaded by khayman68.

Ups!, originally uploaded by *PablöF*.

downtown lightning, originally uploaded by wvallen.

Grand Canyon Thunderstorm, originally uploaded by jwoodphoto.

2. Lightening Storm, Mono Lake, 1984 ..jpg, originally uploaded by Sharper24.

The Clouds could not hold it any longer, originally uploaded by brunosmi.

one would., originally uploaded by antimethod (cole rise).

Raio no Pão de Açúcar [Lightning over Sugar Loaf], originally uploaded by Jim Skea.

Hail storm, originally uploaded by daneen_vol.

Showing Off, originally uploaded by TingyWende.

Dark clouds approach Castle Drachenburg, originally uploaded by Bēn.

, originally uploaded by scottintheway.

Extreme Instability, originally uploaded by Waltzing Broomhilda.

Another Rainy Day, originally uploaded by Special.

rainbow road, originally uploaded by Mary Hockenbery (reddirtrose).

Liz Wolfe

2008-08-05T12:05:00.018-05:00

For some reason, I'm totally fascinated by the art photography of Liz Wolfe. Maybe it's the pretty pastels she seems to favor...or maybe it's the delicious looking candy she uses to create her landscapes. Either way...I'm in love with these photos and wanted to share them with you. Please check out her site for even more!

Liz hard at work!

If you like what you see, check out Liz's shop to purchase her beautiful photos!!

Bike Furniture

2008-08-04T15:47:00.013-05:00

I love the idea behind the cool collection of Bike Furniture by designer Andy Gregg!!! Talk about functional art that is great for the environment! Andy has taken old, run down bikes and created furniture pieces using the wheels, frames, handlebars and anything else he can come up with...I LOVE the outcome!! I'm not much of a bike rider (something about riding on the city streets with cars whizzing past doesn't sit well with me) but I have a group of friends who are obsessed with biking and fixing up old bikes. Wonder what they would think of these pieces!

Friday Flickr Find

2008-08-01T17:08:00.003-05:00

I love a good book and, today I've discovered that I love a good photo of a book as well. I've been reading like a maniac this summer (and so have my Mom and Sister) so I thought this week I would focus on books. These are just a few of the photos I was coming across (unfortunately, most of the best I was finding I couldn't blog!!!). Thanks for all your great comments this week and I hope you all have a truly wonderful weekend!! See ya!

llibreria - bookstore - Amsterdam - HDR, originally uploaded by MorBCN (de vacances).

The Lecture Table, originally uploaded by (Erik) on holidays....

books, originally uploaded by I_am_Konstantinos.

Weapon of Mass Instruction, originally uploaded by Celeste.

Sometimes it's hard to find a good book..., originally uploaded by Daniel Hoye.

Book close-up, originally uploaded by Steven Park.

oranges and lemons, originally uploaded by ed ed.

bookshelf, originally uploaded by chotda.

carlos leyendo a Ferlosio en los parques de Montjuic, originally uploaded by Xoan Marín.

Jinbocho #7, originally uploaded by mechanics.

writing on the walls, originally uploaded by nardell.

she likes to read, originally uploaded by dinerdog.

Clorindo Kafka, originally uploaded by Celeste.

Desert... of books, originally uploaded by crlzz_crlzz.

volume, originally uploaded by nardell.

mooovie book open close-up, originally uploaded by Virgilio Pedrini.

The librarian, originally uploaded by (Erik) on holidays....

book in blue light, originally uploaded by shoothead.

Dark Passage

2008-07-30T13:55:00.013-05:00

After seeing this post by Diana from Please Sir...I was reminded of a site that I came across a while back. I'm in total agreement with Diana about the haunting beauty of an abandoned building or place and that's why I love Dark Passage. A collection of photos taken by "urban archaeologists," this site provides a documentation of architectural decay. I'm captivated by the poignancy in these photos and I thought I'd share a collection of my favorites...

Color Your Life...

2008-07-29T12:44:00.003-05:00

I came across these fun flickr images yesterday while browsing and I immediately fell in love. Not only is the artwork super-fun, the photos are fabulous!! Makes me want to color my coffee cup every morning :)

Happy Birthday (L), originally uploaded by Orangeya.

Color Your Life, originally uploaded by Orangeya.

Mood : v_v, originally uploaded by Orangeya.

WadoOo, originally uploaded by Orangeya.

Friday Flickr Find

2008-07-25T12:38:00.009-05:00

I have to say...I think this is my most favorite of the many Friday Flickr Finds that I have done!! I can't get enough of the beautiful lighthouse pictures I've been finding on Flickr...absolutely amazing shots! I think there is something so beautiful about a lighthouse, to look up to the top from inside and imagine all the fishing boats that have been guided by such a little light...and to think of the lighthouse keeper who tended the light throughout the night. Love it!!

Have a fabulously wonderful weekend everyone!!!

Alone it stay , originally uploaded by Giampaolo Macorig.

penmarc'h, originally uploaded by heavenuphere.

the revolving eye, originally uploaded by liam.jon_d.

The Lighthouse, originally uploaded by Stuck in Customs.

Tybee lighthouse, originally uploaded by Wonky Donkey.

Dark and light, originally uploaded by nicolas valentin.

From East to West; New Brighton, The Wirral, originally uploaded by Corica.

Les Balaines, originally uploaded by S. Lo.

Tybee lighthouse looking down, originally uploaded by Wonky Donkey.

Kout Lighthouse, originally uploaded by Architophery.

At Portland Bill Lighthouse, originally uploaded by Miss Aniela.

st. augustine lighthouse interior (and an arm), originally uploaded by MorningThief581.

Big Red - Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, originally uploaded by gatorgalpics.

Two lonely clouds at the lighthouse, originally uploaded by Corica.

Vortex, originally uploaded by gatorgalpics.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Interior Detail, originally uploaded by sunyata.

Whitby Harbour HDR [1], originally uploaded by Яick Harris.

Harbourtown Lighthouse, originally uploaded by mschmehl.

Svörtuloft, originally uploaded by Óli..

lighthouse Spiral staircase, originally uploaded by bev.c2007.

Inside a lighthouse, originally uploaded by Gekon.

Deep blue boardwalk., originally uploaded by Klnyc.

Reflections On Bodie Island Light, originally uploaded by Bisbohemian.

Inside out - Wing's Neck Lighthouse, Cape Cod, Ma., originally uploaded by Savannah Grandfather.

Beachnewyears07_3783, originally uploaded by meganhfreeman.

I'm Back!

2008-07-24T12:41:00.032-05:00

So, I'm back from vacation...sorry for the long absence but it usually takes a while to get into the swing of things when I've been gone! I'm happy to say that I had a delightful time while away and thought I'd share some pictures with you all...(they're probably not that interesting...just bear with me)!!

We stayed at a rental beach house with a private section of beach...it's not the nicest place on earth but it's cozy and we always have a great them there! Here was the view from the back deck

And here is a view looking down the beach...my nephew and his grandma are walking away...

The kids had a great time, we played at the beach, built some sandcastles (or tried to build some) and went to the zoo. Here are a few of the pictures we took at the Michigan City zoo:

It was super hot that day...I felt so bad for this poor reindeer!

The otter tank had a clear glass or acrylic tube running through it that the kids could crawl through. The otters would swim underneath and on top of you...it was pretty neat (and a big hit with the kids!)

We climbed up to the top of a super tall observation tower...by the time we reached the top, I thought I was seriously going to have a heart attack!

but the view was pretty nice...

and we had fun!!

Of course, we couldn't go to the beach without taking a trip to New Buffalo, Michigan for some Redamack's (best burgers ever!!!!!)

and a perfect ending to the week...Oinks Ice Cream! The whole place is literally covered in pigs (no real one's, of course!). Don't ask me what pigs have to do with ice-cream...it works for this place though!

That's pretty much it...it was kind of nice not having internet the whole week, but I promise I will be back to my regular posting (or as close to it as possible)!!

So You Think You Can Dance??

2008-07-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

Okay, as some of you know, I love to dance, and, even more, I love to watch people who can actually dance! My sister and I are totally addicted to the show So You Think You Can Dance...here are a few of my most favorite dances from the past few seasons. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

The Landlord

2008-07-16T09:19:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law posted this a while back and I find it both funny and a little wrong, but mostly funny...Warning: Not for the easily offended!

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Ghost Sighting

2008-07-15T09:11:00.000-05:00

I'm totally addicted to Ghost Hunters and have been able to watch it on youtube since I don't have cable. This is a video I came across while searching and couldn't stop laughing...just watch and you'll hopefully see why!

Leprechaun in a Tree

2008-07-14T09:07:00.000-05:00

Since I'm at the beach this week, I decided to share my favorite youtube videos with you all. I'm going to post one (or a few if they share a theme) every day. Hope it isn't too boring :)

This cracks me up every time!!!

Friday Flickr Find

2008-07-11T23:26:00.005-05:00

So today, I decided to do the Friday Flickr Find a little bit differently after I saw this fun little game on Ivey Handcrafted. I used the Mosaic Maker to put together a combination of photos culled using a random grouping of questions. Here are my answers:

1. Jen 2. Ice Cream 3. Illiana 4. Green 5. Christian Bale 6. Margarita 7. Santorini 8. Cake 9. Mommy 10. Sleep 11. Ambitious 12. JLC Studio

Try it for yourselves!!
The rules are as follows:
Type the answers to the following questions into Flickr search.
Using only the first page, pick one image.
Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fds mosaic maker.

1. what is your first name?
2. what is your favorite food?
3. where did you go to high school?
4. what is your favorite colour?
5. who is your celebrity crush?
6. favorite drink?
7. dream destination?
8. favorite dessert?
9. what you want to be when you grow up?
10. what do you love most in life?
11. one word to describe you?
12. your Flickr name?

Don't forget to give credit!! 1. “Circled” (detail), 2007, paper, by Jen Stark, 2. Good News Ice Cream!, 3. Number 1, 4. Green on Green, 5. Christian Bale, 6. Ritas, 7. OIA, handmade houses, 8. Cake, 9. baby SATs: mommy is to Eve..., 10. Her Art of Sleep, 11. green up, 12. My Pretty Sister!

(Friday) Flickr Find

2008-07-09T21:34:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know I didn't post this on Friday but I had these all ready to go...I was just enjoying myself too much away from my computer, as I hope most of you were ;) Hope you had a great 4th...God Bless America!!!

Independence Day, 2007, originally uploaded by oybay.

Capitol Building, Washington, DC, originally uploaded by ultrasupergenius.

Happy July 4th!, originally uploaded by JRyle79.

God Bless America, originally uploaded by ladybugbkt.

Mount Rushmore, originally uploaded by jimbowen0306.

Capitol at Sunset, originally uploaded by vgm8383.

Wee Westie - A Marine Recruit's Dog, originally uploaded by Randy Son Of Robert.

Now That's a Bright Torch!, originally uploaded by I Na Aina E.

~Noble Eagle~, originally uploaded by vector1771.

Cassidy 161 6-10-07, originally uploaded by Chera25.

vietnam memorial, originally uploaded by Mike O'C.

Fading patriotism, originally uploaded by ilmungo.

American Love, originally uploaded by Will Foster.

Reach For the Sky, originally uploaded by Kenny Maths.

Celebrating Freedom, originally uploaded by Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton.

4th Of July

2008-07-09T21:15:00.006-05:00

Well...I hope you all had a wonderful 4th!! I've been lazy with my posts and have a feeling that I will be sporadic over the next couple of weeks as I'm leaving for the beach on Sunday!!!!! I can't wait!!

Meanwhile...here are some pictures from my 4th celebrations. I was on a couple of rooftops and highly recommend it if you get the chance to watch fireworks from up on high.

On the third, I went to a party on the North side...here's a picture of our view (forgive the quality...I took it with my phone).

On the fourth, I hung out with my very best friend at her place on the south side. At night, it was yet another rooftop where we watched a spectacular display of fireworks being set off in the neighborhood all around us. It was a little scary, but awesome at the same time.

This is the view from the rooftop on the south side.

And here is a photo of some of the display. Too bad you can't hear it...I think they were setting off sticks of dynamite...seriously!

Otom

2008-07-02T21:39:00.010-05:00

I thought I'd share one of the projects I worked on recently in my day job. We finished a fabulous and chic restaurant last fall and I have to say, I love how it turned out!! My favorite feature is the striped walls and draperies which were custom made by our fabulous drapery workroom. The name of the restaurant is Otom and they serve American food which, I can say from experience, is absolutely delicious. The restaurant was just featured on the cover of Chicago Magazine as one of the Best New Restaurants in Chicago. Here are some photos from that publication as well as some of our own. What do you think?!?!

Human Calendar

2008-07-01T08:58:00.005-05:00

It's amazing the funny things you can find on the web. The Human Calendar is one of those that I've just recently come across. Oddly reminiscent of the Brady Bunch opening credits...well, take a look for yourself! Take a really good look...what do you notice?? It took me a minute but I got it!!

Tiny Oddities

2008-06-30T17:23:00.015-05:00

I find these photos from writer and artist Molly Lesher absolutely fascinating. I love the attention to detail and the beautiful, eerie fairytale-like quality she captures. Here are a few of my favorites:

Friday Flickr Find

2008-06-27T12:38:00.003-05:00

So I thought I'd stick with the Chicago theme and do this week's flickr find on my favorite city in the summer! Outdoor concerts, street festivals, fireworks, carnivals, baseball games, sidewalk cafes, farmers' markets, parks, the lake and so much more...these are just a few of my favorite Chicago summer festivities!

Hope you are enjoying the summer wherever you might be! Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments over the past few weeks...Have a great weekend everybody!!

kiddieland floyd, originally uploaded by EllenJo.

C.A.A.A.P. Rotunda, originally uploaded by Michael DaKidd.

Summer in Chicago, originally uploaded by Master Lui.

Festival near Sheffield Ave and Belden Ave, originally uploaded by YoChicago1.

Happy, originally uploaded by Christofer Cronsioe.

Backwards Taste, originally uploaded by AnaC.Ramirez.

Taste of Chicago 2006, originally uploaded by 24gotham.

lady in the water, originally uploaded by thebigdurian.

big_girl_1_m1_screen, originally uploaded by pntphoto.

Fiery Storm, originally uploaded by Michael DaKidd.

splash, originally uploaded by mynikin.

Mirror mosaic III (The Pink Building), originally uploaded by FissionMailed.

Sitting, originally uploaded by bheuer.

Street performers outside .. Summer Chicago 07, originally uploaded by gqemer.

Charlie's Ale House, originally uploaded by Cliff Dix Jr.

Twirly Bands, originally uploaded by AnaC.Ramirez.

The Summer of '07, originally uploaded by jahdakine - off to paradise.

Carnival., originally uploaded by robertvonwoodrich.

, originally uploaded by Marcus M.

Chicago skyline with fireworks, originally uploaded by jatherton.

Grant Park 8/17/2007, originally uploaded by GtrGeorge.

Lazy start, originally uploaded by Nate C.

Facing the city, originally uploaded by toastforbrekkie.

Crowd surfing, originally uploaded by 5500.

My View

2008-06-24T10:01:00.013-05:00

It has been a gorgeous week (and weekend) and I've been especially enjoying my view from my office so I thought I'd share what I am privileged to look at every day! The pictures don't do it justice but here they are regardless!!

Just to the east of us is the fabulous Wrigley Building...there is a little sliver of Lake Michigan that is visible (really hard to see in this picture).

This is the view to the south-east.

The view straight south...the Trump building is on the right.

We have a nice view of the Chicago River and get to watch the tour boats and sailboats (on nice days!).
There is a beautiful little plaza where we can eat lunch along the river and there will be an even nicer park there once Trump Tower is finished (as you can see, right now it's a staging area for construction equipment).

And speaking of Trump Tower...it took away our view to the South West (including the Sears Tower) but I think it's a beautiful building and am liking it more every day! I was nervous there for a while but it's really taking shape (and getting super tall!).
You can see the front of the building and the parking garage entrance at the bottom.
We are a few stories above the restaurant and can peer in on people at night...there are huge swarovski chandeliers which are about three stories tall!!

We can hardly even see the top of the building anymore!

So that's my view...what's yours?

(Friday) Flickr Find

2008-06-23T12:18:00.003-05:00

So I had these photos all ready to go on Friday (just had to organize them) and needless to say, I didn't post! I'm feeling very unmotivated/lazy lately so please forgive me for not posting or posting late :)

I'm continuing my beach theme with some fabulous photos of the beach that I've come across...Love these and can't wait for vacation!!

one with the sea, originally uploaded by Luis Montemayor.

Flickr meltdown, originally uploaded by ♥ shhexycorin ♥.

When I'm sleeping, I slow down my breathing...Living in dreams, dreams that come true...thinking of the color blue... ZZZzzzzzz..., originally uploaded by neloqua.

Sea shells on the seashore [#495], originally uploaded by Ajith (അജിത്ത്).

Relax, originally uploaded by Isco72.

I want to be where the Sun warms the sky, originally uploaded by neloqua.

breathless, originally uploaded by Farl.

Beach fire, originally uploaded by borealnz.

¡Pásele-Pásele-Sí-Tenemos! @ Playa Bagdad, Tamaulipas, originally uploaded by Don César.

Summer time!, originally uploaded by muha....

Best things in life are free, originally uploaded by annfrau.

Turtle Numba Two, originally uploaded by Gravity Bun.

Silk, originally uploaded by SoZeSoZe.

My favourite color is blue, originally uploaded by neloqua.

Cool Sand Castle, originally uploaded by spacetrucker.

You Can Tell, originally uploaded by B Tal.

Leap of Faith - Durban, South Africa, originally uploaded by thinkingpicture.

Beachy Keen

2008-06-18T14:53:00.031-05:00

I've been thinking about the beach lately...mostly for two reasons. First, my best friend just got back from North Carolina and she and I FINALLY got together the other night to swap stories (hers about the beach, mine about jewelry and design). And second, I'm going to be taking a little beach vacation in July with my sister (yearly trip to Indiana to stay at a house right on the beach)! Needless to say, I'm pretty excited and thought I'd do a "beach-themed" post featuring some of my favorite items to further the excitement.

First of all...gotta have the sunscreen, an umbrella and a big straw hat...especially me cause I burn to a crisp otherwise!

I like the Aveeno suncare products because they aren't harsh but they are strong (I sometimes use baby sunscreen cause I figure if it's good enough for a little one's skin, it's gotta be gentle!)

Straw Hat from J. Crew

Love this huge umbrella and chair set from Fiber Built Umbrellas...plenty of shade!

Next I worry about a cute swimsuit and equally cute cover-up, flip flops and a beach towel.

I really like the J. Crew bathing suits and I'm thinking I'm going with a one-piece this year...Maybe this one in navy??

I got a really light and fun sheath cover up when I was in Miami last year and I absolutely love it! This one is similar:

And of course, sandals are a must! I've always got a pair of these on hand from J. Crew (ummm...can we see a theme here?)

If I had all the money in the world, I'd get this beautiful beach towel from Missoni. As it is, I usually just use something that is readily available (there's a whole collection of towels at the beach house!)

Finally...I need the beach equipment, which for me means sunglasses, a great read, something to keep me cool and a great bag to tote everything around in.

I love my huge sunglasses! I have just one pair (which I'm always misplacing) but I always make sure I put them in my beach bag before I head out...these are similar (I don't remember where I got mine):

A great book is essential to me when I'm at the beach and I've been eyeing a few to take with me:

I've read her other books but I really want to read Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark looks really good when I feel like a little mystery...

And, even though it doesn't look very beachy, I can't wait to read the new David Sedaris book When You Are Engulfed In Flames. If it's anything like his other books, it will keep me laughing all day!

One really important essential at the beach is a way to keep cool when it's sooo hot (even in the shade of a huge umbrella!). I like to keep cold drinks on hand and I could definitely use one of these insulated coolers/totes:

My last essential is a large tote bag that I can stuff everything in and that will stand up to sand, sun and sunscreen. I have a few but I'm thinking of upgrading to this:

Is it time to leave yet!?!? What are your beach essentials??

Weekly Win It-Off The Wall-Winner!!!

2008-06-17T21:41:00.007-05:00

Congratulations to our winner in the Weekly Win It give away from Off The Wall:

Dianne!!!!

She is the lucky winner of a beautiful hand painted frame from the fabulous gals over at Off The Wall!!

There were 14 entries in the Off The Wall contest!

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest and thanks again to Jaime and Melissa for participating in this weeks give away!! You guys are the best!

Weekly Win It!!

2008-06-11T20:23:00.008-05:00

Yay!! The Weekly Win It feature is back and what a way to start off!! This week's featured artist is none other than Off the Wall!!! This fabulous duo is made up of partners Jaime and Melissa, two talented and upbeat ladies who specialize in faux finishes for architectural elements, home accessories and pretty much everything in between. I first came across these two via their blog and quickly discovered their wonderful portfolio of work. Some of my favorite items are their frames featuring wonderful Bible passages and quotes. How great are these for framing your loved ones and remembering God's goodness every time you look at their picture?? I also really love their beautifully finished shutter and garage doors as well as kitchen cabinetry.

I've really gotten to know Melissa over the past few months through blogging and email, and I know that both of these ladies are quite talented and special, so I was super-excited when they offered to participate in the Weekly Win It!! I can't wait to introduce you to these wonderful gals (or help you to get to know them better) so sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Off the Wall!

Tell us a little bit about your studio and how the two of you came to be partners? We teamed up in 2004, not realizing the connection we would share. But we knew instantly that God had something strange and uncharted planned for us. I (Jaime) already had an established and busy career in the faux finish industry and was living out her calling, while Melissa was earning a degree in Fashion Merchandising. After graduation, Melissa began work as a human resources assistant… not so much her dream job. Knowing there was something more; Melissa quit her job to pursue her love for something more creative. That’s when a friend told her to call me. Melissa began working for me hourly as I trained her in the skills of the faux world. Beyond working incredibly well together, an immediate friendship was born and we became business partners soon after.

Our studio is in Olive Branch, Mississippi. We welcome clients to come by to customize their orders and shop our existing collection, provided they can appreciate the very fine aroma of paint thinner, the sound of saws and sanders singing, and two boys trying to torture each other in the background (that would be the Roberts boys of course!).

Where do you get the inspiration to create your beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces for the home? We have so many different inspirations, but a love for anything old that we can transform into something that people actually love to buy and place in their homes is motivation to keep trying to come up with some new ideas. We love vintage architecture and salvaged pieces. We can’t miss a thrift store or side of the road where a discarded treasure can be found. We love the romance and the idea that a home is a reflection of who you are and where you want to be. You shouldn’t want to be any place else.

What is your most favorite project you’ve done for someone’s home and why? Our favorite project on the faux finish side of our business so far, has been an old world plaster finish with revealed brick in a beautiful East Memphis home. Our client commissioned us to manipulate plasters in a room that was once her porch. She trusted us to give her the feel of a European villa. The room felt lost in time, at least a couple hundred years old and it was a complete success.

From our product line, I don’t think we can pick just one. When we come up with a favorite, it will probably be time to quit. I hope we never have a favorite… that means we are still breathing!

Do you two have any painting or faux finishes in your own homes? You know the old saying, “ the cobbler’s children has no shoes.” We find with our faux finishes and with our products that we are the last to get them. As soon as we finish something new, someone comes along and ends up buying it. But we will have to change that soon, there are so many pieces that we both want.

What is the largest project you and Jamie have ever taken on and how long did it take you to finish it? I think kitchen jobs are the longest, especially when we come up with something cool in a finish, and the client keeps adding and adding. We have several clients that will never be finished, because they are constantly coming up with ways to keep us in their home. At least they don’t want to get rid of us.

Tell us a little bit about your creative process? How do you figure out what you are going to do when presented with a project? Ultimately, we go with what first comes to mind, and figure out a way to make it work. Instincts are your best indicator that a project will be successful. When you see a project for the first time you know instinctively what should be there and it is just a matter of trying to make it work. We rarely stick with a rigid way of doing things. Usually when we plan, that is when we end up tossing the project plan and starting over. It is when we embrace the unexpected that we come up with the coolest outcome.

Wow!! Thank you so much girls for taking time out of your BUSY lives to share a little more about yourselves and your work...you are both fabulous!!

So now the moment you've all been waiting for...this week's fabulous give away is this lovely Zebra Stripe Table Top Frame (ummm...this would fit in perfectly in my home-too bad I'm not allowed to enter!). This fun and funky frame can be yours...just leave a comment on this post and tell us what your favorite product is from the Off The Wall store.

Please check here for contest rules and regulations!

Thanks again ladies...you're the best for doing this give away and the best bloggin' buddies a girl could ask for!!

Inspiration...

2008-06-10T21:03:00.004-05:00

I've had this saved on my desktop for about a month now and have been meaning to tshare it with everyone. I think I'm going to post it up on my bulletin board at work and look at it when I'm feeling down or discouraged (which has been the norm for the past couple of days unfortunately). Where did I get this, you ask? One of the blogs I occasionally read, My Polaroid Blog of course!! I highly recommend visiting this inspiring blog to take a look at the wonderful photos posted by Jen...who would have thought Polaroids were such an art form??

Also, don't forget to check out the Weekly Win It give away which I will be posting tomorrow!!

Friday Flickr Find

2008-06-05T21:36:00.003-05:00

So, I'm a total dork for posting these photos, but I love them! Ever since I was a little girl, I've wanted to live in a castle...my sister and I used to pretend the sofa in our parents basement was a castle and there was a drawbridge (i.e. cushion) to get over the moat we created out of blankets (see, the dorkiness started early on!). I think My Little Pony might have been involved, but I digress. Anyhow...I think now-adays, I'd settle for visiting any one of these beautiful castles (except maybe Leap Castle which is supposedly super-haunted!!) instead of owning one (too much upkeep!). Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!!

Predjamski, originally uploaded by JumpinJack.

The Sun Sets on Château de Chillon, originally uploaded by Pear Biter.

French.Treasure, originally uploaded by Chris (archi3d).

Village 09, originally uploaded by Chris (archi3d).

Abandoned Castle, originally uploaded by DavidHR.

Château de Vaux le Vicomte - 01-09-2006 - 16h50, originally uploaded by Panoramas.

Alcázar, originally uploaded by Asturtom.

Coast.Guard, originally uploaded by Chris (archi3d).

Fortress of (new) Fufluna, originally uploaded by kaikne.

Castles & Dreams 26 - Haunted Mansion 6, originally uploaded by Ewciak & Leto (I'm back my friends :) ).

My fairy tale castle, originally uploaded by Bēn.

WESTHOVE CASTLE, originally uploaded by akbar1947.

Leap Castle, originally uploaded by jerryobannon.

Ballindalloch, originally uploaded by turboman2002.

Matchbook Sign Language

2008-06-05T12:37:00.009-05:00

I found this while randomly surfing the Internet and thought it was too cool not to share.

These are matchbooks that artist, J.F. Keller found on the street and manipulated to form a sign language alphabet (plus and added extra that's not so nice!). Very cool!!

Here are some other projects by the same artist:

Live Free or Die

Typeface for a New York Times article

Harmen Liemburg Lecture Poster

Weekly Win It!

2008-06-04T12:50:00.004-05:00

So, as you may have noticed, I haven't done my Weekly Win It post in about a month. Mostly due to having to frantically prepare for my show...somewhat due to the fact that I have yet to send out questions to the people who are waiting to participate as the featured seller!! Yikes!!! I apologize for slacking off and promise that the feature will be back next week and will continue after that (until I get too busy to think again!!). Make sure you come back and visit as next week's artist is a great one...you're not gonna want to miss it :)

Hi, I'm a Marvel...and I'm a DC

2008-06-03T11:19:00.005-05:00

Having a nephew (and brother-in-law) who are obsessed with superheros and anything having to do with them, I am constantly bombarded with all things superhero. Since I love my nephew to pieces, I listen attentively when he shows me his new toys or wants to tell me about the new movie he's seen. My sister gets in on the action too and seems to find the funniest things! I thought I'd share something she showed me last weekend, I think most people will find this funny, even if they're not a fan of either of these franchises.

I couldn't stop laughing when I saw these!

Happy Monday!

2008-06-02T21:10:00.016-05:00

Well I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! Mine was quite relaxing and only semi-productive (which is what I needed after the craziness of the previous weekend).

I got some time in with my sister and her kiddos, I bought a couple of books to read, planted some flowers and caught up on a guilty pleasure (Ghost Hunters) via You Tube.

My sister and I went to the Sex and the City movie on Saturday night and it was everything we hoped it would be! We laughed, we cried, we laughed so hard that we cried! I highly recommend it (especially if you're a long time fan of the show!).

I also got the chance to stop by Anthropologie on my way home from work on Friday night. My boss' place was being photographed for an article that's going to appear in the fall issue of Chicago Home and Garden magazine and he needed me to drop something off there on my way home. Since Anthropologie isn't far from his place...I decided to stop by and browse a little bit. Needless to say, I was there for about an hour but I did pretty good and only ended up purchasing one thing (a mug that was on sale). I managed to take a few clandestine pictures while there and I thought I'd share...

Linens galore...I wish I could afford to buy them all!!

They had brilliant colors throughout the place. My kitchen would be set if it was red or yellow!

I LOVE these chairs...now I really wish I had a patio...

Their jewelry is beautiful...and I love the way they display it (it was pretty much all gold though!).

So what did you do this weekend??

Friday Flickr Find

2008-05-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

So I know I skipped my Friday Flickr Find for the last couple of weeks and I apologize for that!! I really had to cut back on blogging while I was preparing for my show but I promise that I'm back and will be posting as usual!!

This week's Flickr Find was inspired by Inspiration. It's all about nature...namely trees, my favorite natural wonder. I love photos of trees and have them scattered all over my bedroom (it's kind of a thing). I'm truly inspired when I look at these photos...I think it helps me to remember the glory of God and the strength and beauty of His creation! Have a great weekend everyone!

Lake Shore Redux, originally uploaded by Cheap Camera Tricks.

The avenue in mist and sun, originally uploaded by algo.

fall, originally uploaded by sapaho.

Moonshine, originally uploaded by squatchman.

Lonely Tree, originally uploaded by aremac.

The famous maple, originally uploaded by Just Peachy!.

Spooky, originally uploaded by coba.

icelandic summer beginning, originally uploaded by johann Smari.

"V", originally uploaded by Lars van de Goor.

i don't live here anymore, originally uploaded by Roland13.

Evil forest, originally uploaded by kiri :D.

It's Just Like Sleeping Gas - It's So Ethereal, originally uploaded by A-Wop-Bop-A-Loo-Bop!.

The Wooden Monolith, originally uploaded by Harpagornis.

a winter summer (infrared), originally uploaded by mike.irwin.

one tree hill...summer, originally uploaded by in touch.

Birches, originally uploaded by HelenJr.

From inside a rainbow..., originally uploaded by jerikojosh.

Whooo Hoooo!

2008-05-29T21:55:00.003-05:00

Well this is where my sister and I can be found this weekend!! I can't wait for the fabulousness!!

New JLC Studio Items!!!

2008-05-28T22:02:00.011-05:00

Okay...I promised I would show some of the new items I introduced at my show this past weekend and here you go! These are the mussel shell dangle bracelets that were a HUGE hit. They are now available in my Etsy shop so check them out! There are coordinating earrings (which I'll list soon...). The bracelets and earrings are made from Chinese mussel shell drops which are strung on delicate silver chain and make a beautiful sound when worn. They are available in twenty different colors ranging from red to blue to black to natural. They are my most favorite item I've made to date and it seems that most people agree with me (my favorite colors are the purple and the dark pink). What do you guys think??

Fabulous Inspiration

2008-05-27T22:33:00.002-05:00

I am truly blown away this month by Inspiration. You seriously have to check this out if you haven't already! Erin has outdone herself...I'm almost speechless (almost :)).

Show Madness

2008-05-27T12:23:00.010-05:00

So my very first handmade show was fabulous!! I didn't do too bad for my first time out and my new shell bracelets and earrings were a huge hit!! My wonderful sister helped me to prepare everything, set up and sell...thanks sis!! I shared a tent with a couple of fantastic Chicagoan's and met a lot of really cool people. Here are some pictures of my table as well as me and my sis, check out my Flickr for more!! Aside from the fact that my sis and I got massive sunburns, the show was awesome!!

Table set up before the show began.

Posing for the camera...I'm on the left, my sister's on the right.

A close up of the display, kind of hard to see here but the shell bracelets and earrings are on the top rows. I hope to get them listed in my Etsy shop before the end of the week!

Here's a pic of the earring cards featuring pressed Czech glass earrings.

Our tent...check out the fabulous table skirt my uber-talented Mom made for me...she's the best!!!!

Thanks so much to everyone who came out...you're all the best!! Also, thanks to all my blogger friends for the well wishes and support!

Next up on the agenda is a home jewelry party at my sister's house. Those of you in the area will be receiving (or have already received) an Evite invitation to the event so keep your eyes peeled and check your inboxes! Thanks again to my fabulous Sis...couldn't have done it without ya!!!

Designer of The Month-Shelton and Mindel

2008-05-22T14:17:00.009-05:00

Today is the second post in the Designer of the Month series featuring Shelton and Mindel Associates. I thought I'd feature their furniture line for Knoll Studio and do a separate post on their plumbing fixture line for Waterworks.

Just introduced last year, the line features lounge seating and tables that would fit well into any of their interiors. The pieces are clean-lined and classic ensuring that they will be a staple in the design world for decades. My favorite is the side chair which is just too cool! I love how they've photographed it, it looks like they used the interior of the Mindel home as the setting for the gorgeous photos.

FAIL!

2008-05-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

I love this hilarious blog and had totally forgotten about it until my sister and I came across it again this weekend. It's called Failblog.org and features funny (and some not so funny) photos of things that have gone very, very wrong. I think one of the best parts of the whole thing are the captions and the little illustrations used to point out what has "failed." Here are some of my favorites (at least the more PG rated ones!):

Workin It...

2008-05-19T22:20:00.011-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately...I took the last few days off of blogging to work on jewelry...it was actually pretty nice to be able to just forget about the computer for a while and concentrate on my craft (this is the first time I'm even turning my computer on since last Thursday!)! But I'm back!!! I got soooo much done this weekend with a lot of help from my sis and I thought I'd share a little "sneak peek" at the new items we've been creating.

First off...I'm super-excited about the custom gift boxes we've been making which will be for sale at the show this weekend!!! They're like the cutest things ever (not that I'm biased or anything) and feature Amy Butler paper with coordinating gros grain ribbon ties. We're going to be offering them in square earring and bracelet boxes as well as necklace boxes (I don't have a picture of those yet!). Here's a little taste of the many (many, many) boxes we worked on this weekend:

Aside from the boxes, I got about fifty different jewelry pieces made including earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I'm especially excited about the shell elements I've been using...they totally add a huge pop of color to my line and I've been wearing them non-stop! Here's a little peek (sorry about the picture quality-hee hee):

I also received the "map" of the Antique Market and a little bit more info on where our booths will be. It looks like we've got a great location-right next to the entrance to the indoor exhibits (we'll be set up in tents in the spaces highlighted in pink).

I've only got one more day of work to get through this week before I have three days off!!! I NEVER take vacation, and, of course when I do finally take some days off it's to WORK! Typical ;) I hope to catch up on all your blogs during the time I have off so look for me in blogland girls!!

Excellent Blogs

2008-05-14T11:00:00.001-05:00

A couple (ok, maybe a few) weeks ago..."T" from Cosy Up included me in her listing of excellent blogs (thanks T!). I definitely think this is a fabulous idea so I decided to do the same. Here are a few of the blogs that I would like to rate "E" for Excellent...some of them are art blogs, some are crafty and some I read for the fabulous writing! I have soooo many favorite blogs but these are the ones that I definitely make time for (even when I'm extremely busy):

Design for Mankind...I love Erin's blog, her writing is terrific and she's so funny (her humor is right up my alley). She also posts great finds and new artists as well as tips and advice on starting your own business. To top it off, she's super-nice and takes time to email and comment (I don't know how she does it!).

Off The Wall...Another great blog where I find inspiration and great writing! Melissa was the first person I exchanged blog links with (I don't even remember how that came about) and I've gotten to know her over the last few months. Again, a super nice person who I have so much in common with!!

Cosy Up...I love the design of T's blog...she posts such beautiful images and poems as well as fun updates on items she and her mom have made for their shop. And (if you see a theme...holler!) such a nice and encouraging person!

Cicada Daydream...This is Michelle's blog documenting her life as a fabric designer, mother and shop owner. I love how she gives a glimpse of her new fabric designs and the process she goes through to come up with them (and I love the magnets I just ordered from her shop!). Such a nice person as well!!

A Cup of Jo...Another great writer just blogging away about her inspirations and everyday life. I enjoy reading her blog and discovering new and random stuff. She has such a unique writing style and point of view.

Ivey Handcrafted...A great blog written by an equally great crafter, Tobi. She makes the cutest items for babies (as well as others). She shares her new creations and upcoming shows as well as her very inspiring story along with peeks into who she is. Again...a sweetie!

Making it Lovely...I love reading the blog of Nicole, a fellow Chicagoan and stationary maker. She posts about her life as a designer and home-owner along with pictures and updates on the renovations she and her husband have undertaken. Check out her beautiful home!

The Adventures of Freshie and Zero...A fellow jewelry designer, Beth's blog was one of the first I discovered last fall when I was just getting into jewelry making. She is one talented and busy girl with (at least) two shops featuring beautiful jewelry. I love following her "adventures" at various craft shows and have gotten some awesome tips on how to start a small jewelry business.

The Peach Tree...Another crafty blogger that I've run into on Etsy and started following in blogland. A great look into the life of a crafter and fabulous and encouraging Etsian.

Wildwood Girls This is my sister's blog where she posts about art and life and our graphic design shop, The Wildwood Girls. I love ya sis!

The Finer Things...A blog about stationary and all things having to do with graphics/stationary design. I love the tips I find here as well as the fun little extras she posts.

Please Sir...This is another new blog that I've recently gotten into. Great finds and a cool chick, I'm always checking this out for new and fun discoveries.

Whew...happy reading!! If I left anyone out...I apologize :) Like I said, I have soo many favorites but I didn't want this post to be 300 pages long...I love you all!! For more of my favorites, check out my blog roll!

Things I'm Thankful For-81-100

2008-05-12T22:13:00.005-05:00

Me and my nephew...

So I realize that I didn't post all 100 things I'm thankful for...(last week was insane!) But here it is, the final 20!!

81. My mommy!! Happy Mothers Day Mom!!
82. My new iPhone!!
83. Getting a great present from my sister...thanks sis!
84. Getting lots of jewelry made this weekend...(again-thanks sis!)
85. A new haircut!
86. A talented mom who is able to sew!
87. My cousin's safe delivery of her third baby last week (after numerous complications).
88. Getting to go to the Cubs game this week (for free!)
89. The special birthday song that was sung to me by my nephew...cutest thing ever!
90. Getting my Etsy orders in the mail...it' like Christmas!
91. The month of May!
92. Getting pampered :)
93. Getting flowers.
94. Design magazines, books and blogs (I've found so many inspiring things reading others' blogs).
95. Being totally caught up on my laundry.
95. Going to the movies with friends.
96. My Dad...thanks for the fun time this weekend!
97. The fact that the Sex and the City movie is only two weeks away!!
98. My bloggin buddies!
99. For every day that I am given!
100. The fact that I have been so blessed by God with a terrific family and fabulous friends!

Friday Flickr Find

2008-05-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend is Mothers Day and I plan on celebrating with my own mom (love you mommy!!)...I thought it fitting to do today's flickr find on mothers and children (or grandmothers and children). I even added a little extra something in honor of my own mother and grandmother. Happy Mothers Day Mom!!! I love you so much!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Self Portrait Artist Interrupted, originally uploaded by Haggis Chick.

any camera will do, originally uploaded by JoeFriday.

Me and my Grandma, originally uploaded by JLC Studio.

my son gives me strength, originally uploaded by horizontal.integration.

Day 51: "Might as well jump. JUMP !", originally uploaded by Gods Emerald.

A message from God on Mother's Day., originally uploaded by cameosteph.

Mother and Bride, originally uploaded by RiseFromObscurity.

mom and me, originally uploaded by Sara Heinrichs (awfulsara).

beautiful lady with her son, originally uploaded by mystiquecreation.

Mommy Shoes, originally uploaded by Gods Emerald.

Three Generations, originally uploaded by JLC Studio.

Daughter & Mom, originally uploaded by elieserleao.

happy mother's day, originally uploaded by deborah lattimore.

Busy Little Bee...

2008-05-08T12:05:00.008-05:00

I've been a busy little bee lately in my own shop, getting ready for my upcoming show at the end of this month!!

I've ordered a ton of supplies which I will be feverishly turning into jewelry and I've taken some time off at the end of the month to be able to concentrate on new pieces! I've got a number of new designs which I will be introducing at the show (and hopefully posting to my Etsy shop after the show-right now, all my inventory is going toward the show!).

I've also been working on setting up my display and have had my table set up in my living/dining room for the last month. It's almost there...I've just got a few more necklace and bracelet displays coming...

I just ordered my vinyl banner which will be going on the front (or behind) my table, I'm not quite sure what sort of set-up I'm going to be dealing with but I'm prepared to "Make It Work"!!! I should be receiving it next week and I'll be sure and post a picture of it when it comes! Here is the design...I'm super excited about it and can't wait to see it!! It's going to be 42" Wide x 24" High...

Last but not least, I received my Amy Butler fabric which my mom is making into a table skirt for me! Hopefully we can figure that out this weekend and get it done (right mom?).
Here is the fabric!

I'll definitely post pictures of the show after it's taken place so stay tuned for that! Wish me luck!!! I have a feeling I'm gonna need it!

Designer of The Month-Shelton and Mindel

2008-05-07T09:26:00.001-05:00

Well, last month I was so busy that I skipped posting the designer of the month!! This month I want to make up for that in a big way! I decided to post my most favorite and, arguably, most influential modern design firms practicing today. Shelton Mindel and Associates is comprised of Lee Mindel and Peter Shelton, two architects whom I greatly respect and admire. All one has to do is look at one or two of their interiors to see why they deserve so much respect.

Their interiors are clean, uncluttered and distinctly light and inviting. Their signature look marries seamless architecture with incredible furnishings and art by design greats such as Prouve, Perriand, Royere, Kjaerholm, Jacobsen and Kahn (just to name a few). I think the reason I admire them so much is for this very reason. It's quite hard to find a design team which is so well versed in both the architecture of the house as well as the elements that go into the home. Shelton and Mindel seem to do this effortlessly. This incredible talent goes a long way in assuring that one is left with an overall sense of the space as a whole rather than the individual items that make up the space.

In addition to their design projects, Shelton and Mindel have also produced a plumbing line for Waterworks and a furniture line for Knoll. I'll do a post in the coming weeks on each of these lines and companies, but today, I wanted to focus on the beautiful architecture and interiors.

Here are just a few of the projects this incredible duo has produced throughout their partnership, and, if you are left wanting even more, I highly recommend visiting their gorgeous website.

images from Architectural Digest

Weekly Win It-JAC Jewerly-Winner!!!!

2008-05-06T23:21:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to our winner in the JAC Jewelry Weekly Win It:

CINDY!!!!

She is the lucky winner of the beautiful pair of Biwa Stick Pearl Earrings from JAC Jewelry!!

There were six entries in the JAC Jewelry contest.

Thanks again to Janna for taking the time to do a wonderful interview and share a little more about her fabulous pieces as well as offer up a special prize for JLC Studio readers. Don't forget to check out her Etsy shop!! You're the best Janna!!

Desk Chair Dilemma

2008-05-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

So I've been spending so much time at my home computer lately that I feel it's time to break down and purchase a new desk chair. Unfortunately, I have (as my dad would call it) "champagne taste" on a beer budget. If I had all the money in the world, these are a few of my favorite choices (a girl can dream, right?):

Of course, my all-time favorite has got to be the Herman Miller Aeron Chair (which I use at work). This is by far the most comfortable desk chair I've ever used!

The Axess Plus chair designed by Antonio Citterio for Vitra.

The Meda Chair designed by Alberto Meda also for Vitra.

Saarinen Executive Chair for Knoll.

MV9 Swivel Chair for HBF, I used this when I worked for them and it was actually very comfortable.

Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair for Herman Miller.

Eames Soft Pad Chair for Herman Miller.

Hudson Swivel Arm Chair for Emeco (this doesn't look that comfortable but is surprisingly not bad-one of our clients has one).

Fortunately for me, there are some great, affordable options from various companies. Some are pretty blatent copies (Target?) but others are cool original designs. Which one to get...this is my dilemma!

Chicago Office Chair from Target.

Gregor Desk Chair from Ikea.

Swivel Leather Desk Chair from West Elm.

Studio Office Chair from CB2.

Patrick Arm Chair also from Ikea.

Surf Office Chair also from CB2.

Tiburon Office Chair also from Target.

Things I'm Thankful For-61 through 80

2008-05-04T22:49:00.004-05:00

My Dad and me (way back when...check out that plaid chair baby!)

61. Getting to see my grandparents on Friday when they stopped while driving through to Michigan from Arizona (and the fact that they had a safe trip).
62. My new sofa (which was delivered Saturday) and the cheap (but good) movers I had deliver it!
63. Fun and challenging projects I get to work on both at work and in my side businesses.
64. My best friend (and her husband) who I soooo do not get to see enough!
65. My church and the great people who belong to it.
66. The smell of fresh cut grass.
67. Watching my niece and nephew play at the park, and playing with them (which I did today!).
68. Electricity!
69. A new haircut!
70. Having weeks of vacation saved up that I get to take off very soon!
71. Magazines...one of the restaurants we designed is on the cover of Chicago Magazine right now!!
72. Any music I can dance to (and some that I can't!).
73. A new little addition to our extended family...Congrats Derek and Lisa!!
74. Backpacking through the Appalacian Mountains (an experience I will never forget...
75. The amount of money I just saved on my most recent bead purchase (I got like half off a huge order!).
76. Finding a great bargain.
77. That I'm happy with who I am but have the ambition to improve and strive to reach the crazy goals I set for myself!
78. The fact that I've actually managed to keep in touch with some of the friends I had in high school...
79. My parent's dog, Cubby (I guess he's mine too...they had him when I lived there)!
80. My organizational skills.

Fabulosity!

2008-05-02T12:46:00.004-05:00

Erin from Design for Mankind has done it again! Check out her fabulous E-zine (much along the lines of a great flickr find!) Kudos girl!!!

Friday Flickr Find

2008-05-01T23:55:00.004-05:00

So this week has been crazy! My sister and I have had a lot of work in our shop, Wildwood Girls, so I've fallen down on posting (and reading other blogs!). I'm exhausted (but in a good way!).

Today's Flickr find could be titled: "What Is That"? These photos definitely made me look twice...so cool! Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

# 15 form, originally uploaded by norskii.

Nights in Black Satin, originally uploaded by borealnz.

Lunar meteorites, originally uploaded by Bēn (on holiday).

A green heart for you !! have a sweet and nice weekend., originally uploaded by Matthew Fang.

Piano keys, originally uploaded by sbaracchina.

Pasta Flower, originally uploaded by Red Giraffe.

Furled, originally uploaded by *ian*.

sphera1, originally uploaded by stellefilanti.

tropical illusion, originally uploaded by Doc Tony.

Hunter's Moon, originally uploaded by Tomatoskin.

Frost on the window of my grandparents house, originally uploaded by roddh.

Blue grass, originally uploaded by manganite.

Smoke, originally uploaded by Teon..

Things I'm Thankful for-41 through 60!

2008-04-30T23:30:00.001-05:00

41. Getting a seat on the el! (espcially nice if I get one both ways on all four trains that I ride every day!! I have to switch from the brown to red and vice versa)
42. Amazing architecture and the fabulous engineers that figure out how to build it! (I'm totally amazed at highways, who plans and builds these things!!??)
43. Chirping birds (unless they're outside my window when I'm trying to sleep!)
44. The smell of lilacs...my parents used to have a tree in their back yard and I could smell it from my bedroom window!
45. Wildwood Girls!!!
46. polaroids
47. Birthday Cake!!
48. holidays
49. white out
50. graphic design
51. salad
52. sarcasm
53. architectural scales and tape measures
54. fabric!!!
55. facebook and myspace
56. bead stores (dangerous places!!)
57. paisleys
58. the internet
59. re-usable bags being sold at grocery stores (ban plastic!)
60. great movies and t.v. shows

Weekly Win It - jaC Jewelry!!!

2008-04-30T19:20:00.010-05:00

Today's Weekly Win It artist is another fabulous jewelry maker (and also a JLC Studio sponsor)! I'm so excited to introduce you to Janna from jaC Jewelry!

Janna makes one-of-a-kind, absolutely beautiful pieces featuring a number of different materials. She specializes in making custom pieces and really enjoys creating jewelry on request for any occasion! I absolutely love her pieces and am very impressed with the delicate quality I see in everything she has to offer!! My favorites are the items she makes using gorgeous and unique pearls (that's why I'm super-excited for today's give-away!!). Let's take a look at how Janna got into making jewelry and learn a little bit more about her shop and her inspirations!

Your jewelry pieces are absolutely gorgeous, how long have you been creating your fabulous pieces? In 2004, while on vacation visiting family, I went to a bead store with my aunt, and walked out of there with a big bag of beads… I came home and made my first piece from those beads immediately.

I made a few more pieces after that, but did not get absolutely addicted to jewelry-making until a year and a half ago, during my (now) husband’s first deployment overseas. Now, I’m hooked and don’t plan on stopping any time soon!

Where did you learn your craft? Have you ever taken any classes or had any training? I have not taken any classes – I started with a strand of beads, beading wire and a clasp, and just went from there, much the same way I learned how to crochet. Back in college, I was in Barnes and Noble once, and saw a beautiful afghan on a cover of a crocheting book. So, I said to myself: “Oh, that looks neat – I am going to make one!” I bought that book and figured out how to crochet an afghan. It would have been much easier to start with a scarf, but I made my first scarf after I made six or seven blankets. Unlike crocheting books, I have yet to own a book on jewelry-making. I learn the best by doing, so I am constantly experimenting with different techniques and continuing to hone my jewelry-making skills!

What are your favorite materials to work with? Favorite type of jewelry to create? I make my creations with gems and semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and gold-plated and brass findings. Freshwater pearls are my most favorite (especially keshi and biwa stick pearls). I have pearls in every single shape, color and type that you can possibly imagine! However, I use all types of stones to be fair to the other beads. :)

Also, I absolutely LOVE Bali sterling silver beads (especially frame beads) and toggle clasps!

I don’t really have a favorite type of jewelry – I love making all of it! I started with necklaces, moved on to bracelets, and then finally earrings. I like to wear everything equally; maybe that’s why I like making it all!

You create customized bridal jewelry for the entire bridal party…when did you start offering this service and how did you get into it? After designing and making wedding favors, place cards and thank you cards for my own wedding, I thought it would be a great idea to offer customized bridal accessories to match a wedding theme. With encouragement and sage advice from my wonderful husband, I created a website and started selling both “regular” jewelry and my wedding creations! One of my objectives is to create versatile designs that people are able to wear with multiple outfits, styles and occasions. Specifically with bridal designs, my goal is to create versatile pieces that the bridal party will be able to wear long after the wedding, and this aspect appeals to the brides, as well as bridesmaids. My latest bridal order will be traveling to Canada for the wedding!

Do you sell your jewelry at places other than Etsy? Yes, in addition to Etsy, I sell my jewelry on my personal website (jacscreations.com) and home parties. I also take the jewelry to offices around the winter holidays. Several months ago, the owner of the beauty salon I go to generously offered me to have a show there, and that was great! I also do custom orders on request. Whenever I work on jewelry designs, I always imagine them a part of an outfit, so I thought it would be great to make pieces on request for people who want them to match certain outfits or colors. As it turns out, sometimes it works the opposite way - one of my friends is a huge fan of jaC jewelry; she buys necklaces from me first, and then buys outfits to match them!

Where do you get inspiration for your beautiful designs? Most of the time, I buy the beads and findings that I think are gorgeous, without any idea for a design in mind. Combining several colors is as far as I will go when coming up with ideas for designs. Then, I put them together and discover that the most unexpected combinations look the best together!

This is fabulous!! I'm always interested in finding out a little more about a fellow jewelry maker! I'm very impressed with Janna's wonderful jewelry (and totally wish I could enter this weeks give-away!). What is the give-away, you ask? It's this beautiful pair of pearl and crystal earrings!!!! They're absolutely stunning!

This weightless pair of earrings is so fantastically summery! They are made with white Biwa stick pearls (my favorite!), sterling silver components and Swarovski crystal bicones in clear, two shades of yellow and two shades of blue. They measure 2.25" from top to bottom (1.75" without the ear wires).

In order to enter to win these fabulous earrings, leave a comment on this post!!! Check here for contest rules and regulations.

Janna is also offering free domestic shipping for 10 days, beginning today, to any buyer that mentions JLC Studio! Just drop a note in the notes to seller section that you saw her creations here to take advantage of this offer!!

Thanks soooo much Janna for participating in the give-away as well as being a terrific sponsor! You're the best and so sweet too!

Things I'm Thankful For-21 through 40

2008-04-29T23:00:00.000-05:00

My niece and nephew

21. Kind and generous people! Thanks for all your comments everyone...you're the best!!!!!!!!
22. The smell of baking chocolate cookies!
23. Art and those who create it...
24. Being able to talk to my closest friend's about anything
25. Having a sense of humor
26. Terrific parents who have been married 32 years and have raised my sister and I to be well adjusted human beings!!
27. Getting two tax refunds...Whooo Hoooo!!! (I usually don't even get one!)
28. Great music and even better musicians
29. The ability to laugh at myself when I do something stupid
30. My new printer!!
31. The terrific people who have participated in my Weekly Win It series...you guys rock!
32. The sound of a baby or little kid laughing (especially when being tickled!)
33. My love for grammer and writing
34. Drawing and sketching
35. Shopping
36. Etsy!!
37. My great relationship with my Dad and the fact that we know what each other is going to say when we make fun of things we see on t.v. (we're a couple of smart aleck's-same sense of humor!)
38. Coffee!!!!!!
39. My handwriting (architecturally inspired!)
40. The fact that my mom and I have grown closer over the past few years and have a lot more in common! She got me into jewelry making!!

Weekly Win It-Rik Rak-WINNER!!!!

2008-04-29T21:33:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the winner in the Rik Rak give-away!!!! The lucky reader is:

MATILDA SUE!!!!!!!

Yay! I'll be sending you an email to let you know you're the lucky winner!

There were 20 entries (less two for Rik Rak and myself!)

Be sure to check out this week's give-away!!

100th Post!! Whooooooo Hoooooo!!!!!!!

2008-04-28T22:43:00.004-05:00

So it's officially my 100th post, I can't even believe it! I've been blogging since December of 2007 and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would enjoy it so much! I've met some truly amazing people through this great community and look forward to the many more I hope to come in contact with! In honor of my 100th post, I decided to list 100 things I'm grateful for. I'm going to post twenty per day (in no particular order) so as not to overwhelm you lovely readers! So sit back, relax, and join me in thinking about all those things/people/thoughts you are most thankful for!

One Through Twenty!!
1. GOD!!!
2. Family (especially my niece and nephew!)
3. Friends and acquaintances
4. My job as an interior designer
5. Creativity and ambition
6. My apartment!
7. Delicious food.
8. Jewelry!
9. A good book
10. My city!!
11. My car
12. My blog (and my lovely readers...LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!)
13. My sister who is my best friend and also my business partner
14. AutoCAD!! (Yes, I'm wierd!)
15. Living in a place where there are four seasons and being gratful for each new season to arrive!
16. Flowers, gardens, plants, trees, NATURE!
17. Sleep (my bed! Thanks Opa!!)
18. My grandparents (miss you Nana!!)
19. The beach
20. Health and happiness! (maybe this should have been near the top!?)