Bibliosophy Handmade

a little art-away

ETA: I wrote this post over three years ago, and, two children later......we visited the IMA again.  Always such a pleasure.

Sewing, by Louis Ritman (1889-1963)

 

Sunlit Window

We went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art last weekend with Little Guy, and I have found my new favorite artist, a little known American painter, Louis Ritman.  The picture above, Sunlit Window is in the IMA's permanent collection, and is a beautiful study of patterns and light.  The coloring of this image does not do it justice.  Nearly every area of the painting, from her skirt, to the tablecloth, to the plant leaves, Ritman has treated as a kind of stylized pattern.  It's wonderful to see in person!

And his painting, Sewing...!  It is my perfect painting, from the subject matter, to the clashing colors and background patterns....I love it.  Why have I never seen his work before? I believe these colors will be influencing my spring and summer wardrobe plans...

The Little Guy enjoyed his art too, particularly the paintings of babies and their mothers.  It's so sweet to hear him squeal as he recognizes other little beings like himself!

What are some of your favorite little known artists?

Thursday Pretty: In Praise of Pinafores

You know I love all things vintage, and I have recenty become enamored with vintage girls pinafores.  It started with this:

I stumbled upon the vintage children's books Flicka, Ricka,Dicka by Maj Lindman last fall.  They are stories of three little Swedish girls in the 1940's and their adventures.  If you are looking for quality children's literature, this is it: sweet stories, with a moral lesson, and adorable illustrations.  Even my 2 year old is interested enough to sit through them.

Back to the pinafores.  The girls wear these awesome blue and white striped aprons in Flicka, Ricka, Dicka Bake A Cake, and I could not get them out of my mind.  The result?  A new little sewing pattern for girls sizes 2-6, to wear over their Sunday Best.  My own little Lovelies will be wearing their's at Easter dinner over their finery.

In honor of it's Scandinavian inspiration and the Swedish pioneers from my growing-up state of Minnesota, I have dubbed it the Pioneer Pinafore.  I envision those little fat blonde babies in their day dresses, Mother slipping a pinafore on, shoeing them out to the barn to fetch the day's fresh eggs.  And I have no doubt that after Easter, my little ones will be wearing their's to the park, the sandbox, the garden patch. 

You can find the pattern now in my Shop, and I will be putting together pinafore kits very soon with some very special fabric.  If you would like to be notified when kits arrive, please sign up for my newsletter in the sidebar (I only email once a month!).

Little Helper

A napless someone joined me for a little photo shoot today...

New things to come

Some new designs coming in the New Year!

 

Slow Weekend

We recovered from Thanksgiving with a quiet weekend at home.  A football binge for Dad, and some arts and crafts for the kids and I.  I purchased Jean's latest e-book, The Artful Winter, and knew immediately that we had to make the salt-dough lantern.  How brilliant!  And what a great replacement for the ever-frustrating gingerbread house.  We decorated our house with glass beads as she suggests, with a coating of diluted white glue and snowy glitter.  Love it!  I am now envisioning a whole little Christmas village of snowy glowy houses, yes?

Preparations....

As you prepare for the holidays, may I suggest some new-to-the-shop embellishments, and giftable items?

Gift tags!  For wrapping pretty packages....

Cards, for sending warm wishes....

Calendars, for gift-giving, and New Year planning.  A desk calendar....

Or a wall calendar...

And for the stocking, perhaps some recipe cards...

And a New Year's tea towel (contact me if you're interested, I have a small supply, but can order more).

****Photos by the wonderful Briana Snyder Photography!

 

Now In!

My first new product in my line of paper goods; just in time for the holidays, a 2013 Desk Calendar!  I started painting again back in August, and my intention was only to create something pretty and useful as gifts for my friends for Christmas.  But it was so much fun, I thought I would try putting it out there in the wider world. 

More to come!

A New Direction

Whew!  It's been a while!  Our little baby #3 is now 16 months, and we are (somewhat) used to the chaos of a three year old, a two year old, and a one year old.  My work has taken some twists and turns, and led back to painting and drawing.  Here is a sneak peek:

A new line of paper goods, to launch sometime next year hopefully.  I may do some test runs in the near future so keep an eye on my Etsy shop! 

Glad to be back.

 

Rhythm of the Home

 
We are finding new rhythms in our home as we wait for our little girl, and will no doubt be finding even more once she arrives.  Meantime, I'm trying to keep cool, and keep the other babies happy.  Today though, I'm going to be enjoying the new edition of Rhythm of the Home, and gathering some ideas for later in the summer.  I have an article in this issue about creating a keepsake art portfolio to fill with your child's artwork.  You can check it out here, and enjoy!  Also be sure to enter the giveaway on their blog for some beautiful items.

Yarn Along

 
Not too much knitting or reading happening here; it seems to come and go in waves....

But, on the needles, which are waiting whenever I get the chance: a new secret project, in mouthwatering Dream in Color Classy, colourway Ruby River.

And reading, browsing, wishing I had more time:  Embroidery Companion, by Posie Gets Cosy.  We were at the library as a family this weekend, which means that I actually had a chance to look at the new arrivals, and I snagged this one.  Chock full of lovliness and inspiration.

Please stop back tomorrow, as I am having a giveaway of my Aubrey vest pattern!

You can see what others are knitting and reading here.