Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Margot and the Nuclear So & So's


Margot and the Nuclear So & So's - As Tall as cliffs - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

I like these guys. Whiskey bottles and suitcases as instruments... how can you resist?
Plus, another addition to my hand clap mix.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

I want a Mogwai for Christmas


I've had a serious hankering for watching Gremlins this Christmas season, so much so that I made a special trip to Fred Meyer to satisfy my craving.

I have to say this is one of my favorite Christmas movies ever, and since I totally geeked out and watched the commentaries immediately following the film last night - here are 3 fun facts I'd like to share with you:

1. Gremlins was filmed on the exact same sound stage as Back to the Future. I thought Kingston Falls' town square looked familiar!
2. This movie brought about the creation of a PG-13 rating. Previously, it went from PG to R...
3. In the original script, Gizmo becomes a gremlin himself... but when it was tested at a showing, the fuzzy little guy was just too adorable not to keep him around throughout the entire film.

Oh Gizmo... how I love you so!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Press play.

I played in the snow. Eric played with open shutter.





Saturday, December 20, 2008

It's snowing (again)

As you locals recall, last Sunday we woke up to a winter wonderland as we prepared to make our way to Crafty Wonderland. I think Ryan Berkley must be some sort of sage, because he foresaw the wintry landscape well before the rest of us did.

I took some wonderful photos of the house and my jewelry display for Crafty (thanks to all you sweet souls who came to visit me!) We had a wonderful day and I love how Portland feels in a snow storm. Unfortunately our iPhoto managed to eat all of those glorious pics up and they seem to be lost forever.

Luckily, we are seeing a bit of a repeat today. Unluckily, the Handmade NW Winter Solstice fair was cancelled. Here are some wintry shots of our home taken earlier this morning. With a new roof and paint job, I think it's looking pretty good these days!






I also shot some video of me trying to coax the kitties outside. I will not subject you to the awful pitch that my voice can reach when speaking with them...so no video sharing today!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Mixed metals.


I'm loving the newest pieces I have made for Crafty Wonderland.

Above is a sneak peak. Old vintage enameled components have been paired with bright sterling, oxidized sterling, vermeil, rubies(!)and 14k gold fill.

See you tomorrow!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Animal Collective, take me away.



Screw Calgon. These guys are better than a bubble bath. They have a way of taking me outside of my head, and then back in again.

That 80's commercial has always stuck with me, and it was a terrible ad campaign. Those words have actually entered my mind when I find myself irritated in my dreary cubicle. I remember my Barbies screaming that catch phrase into the universe when their little plastic babies wouldn't go to bed.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The economy.

Since my "day job" resides in the financial services industry, the economy has been weighing heavily on my mind for quite some time. It seems that the writing has been on the wall since mid year, and the hammer came down today. This isn't the first round of layoffs my company has seen in 2008, but for me, this one hit closest to home.

I still have a job, and I am greatful, but many folks that I have worked with over the years do not. People with families. My heart goes out to them.

Let's just say I'm having a very difficult time getting into the holiday spirit this year.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Moving to the bedroom...

As the weeks drag on, and my attention span wains on the tasks at hand (sorry Eric), I am shifting my focus to the bedroom. There's something about winter that makes me want to crawl into bed before 10pm, and the current state of our bedroom demands attention.

Besides, redecoration is far more fun than renovation.

When we first bought the house almost 5 years ago, my tastes were different. I am a huge fan of color, and it often gets me carried away. In a moment of lesser judgement, I thought it was a good idea to paint our bedroom a deep, bright, 'Mango Tango' orange. The name alone should have clued me in. On Friday, I bought a gallon of a pretty pigeon gray and plan to get it on the walls... by the end of the month.

I'm looking forward to finally hanging some art without giving myself a grand mal seizure.

Here's an update on the floor situation. The dining room is underway. To those of you who have never laid true hardwood flooring, try not to judge our progress. I now understand why people go with the click together composite.



That said, our new floor is going to be beautiful.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Coming soon.


I've been getting ready for this sale for months now. I hope you can stop by and say hello.

For a complete vendor list, go here.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Shopping Cart Friday. Rings!


Ring a ding ding.

Only in the past year or so have I been a ring girl. I think Gemmafactrix might have single handedly won me over. I mean seriously, she's a jewelry genius. Take a look at these beauties.



Amidst my never ending search for stackable rings, I ran across a new little Etsy gem today and had to share her with you. UK based shop, A R Gonzales is filled with stackable rings galore. It's like a dream come true. Anna's descriptions are fantastic, she's quite the writer. Once I saw 'Beatricks' rings', I had to have them.



They're kspell's now.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Winter Wanting.


Just a few items I dream about adding to my winter wardrobe.

Wool belted poncho coat by Calvin Klein.
Frames by Chanel.
Bag by Hobo International.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Fantasy Sauna




Since Eric and I have been burning the midnight oil on various home improvement projects, I find myself over-fantasizing about building a modern master suite off the back of the house with large sliding doors that open up the outdoors and a sauna retreat.

These fantasies took a Kubrickian turn when I discovered the pod like architecture of the Saunaschiff in Berlin. With a swimming pool, bar, and lounge area, who would ever want to leave?

One can dream.

Found via Loyly.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

This Modern Love


Bloc Party, 'This Modern Love' - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.
Another little gem from La Blogoteque. I find Kele Okerek's shyness very endearing. This is a sweet rendition of This Modern Love.

Happy Tuesday. Enjoy.

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Dear Science


I cannot get enough of TV On The Radio's newest album Dear Science. Among the many great tracks, Lover's Day is my favorite. I think it's the most romantic song I have ever heard. It gives me chills.
Serious.

Download it here. Then go get the album. You'll thank me later.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Yes we can.



What a great outcome. I was so pleased to be in the majority for this election. America has done me proud.

Sadly, during the celebration at a local watering hole, my purse was stolen. It has been a difficult ordeal, but I'm trying to stay positive and remain thankful for the things I have, as opposed to focussing on what was lost.

I hope whoever took my purse enjoys my ipod, cancelled credit cards, and $7 cash. Lunch is on me.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Making New Friends


Last Friday I took a half day off from my day job to meet the ladies of Oliver Wyman at Sydney's for my second Kspell Jewelry trunk show. While there was no trunk, there was a beautiful long table that served as the perfect backdrop for my work. These ladies were very good to me, and extremely kind.

Right afterwards, I sat down for coffee and great conversation with Amy Olson, my new jewelry buddy and fellow Etsian. I can't express how excited I am to have a friend with a similar hobby and lots of great advice.

It was a very good day!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

I ♡ Tord


For my birthday, Bonnie gave me a couple of design books knowing that Eric and I have been working on reworking our living space, one of which was a beautiful book on Tord Boontje by Martina Margetts. I knew a little about him, but lately his designs are really speaking to me. I love the use of light and shadow, and the nature inspired silhouettes he plays with. His pieces are modern, yet whimsical...industrial, yet organic. I think it is these contrasts that make his design so appealing.

Top of my want list is the Garland light which can be found via Modern Poverty:



I also love the Icarus light, a favorite of Bonnie's,who commented that it looks like it could take flight... or maybe lay eggs. I also think it could have swooped down onto Vince Neil's head moments before performing Shout at the Devil in 83':

Monday, October 13, 2008

Not that I need another project...



But I find this bird mobile totally inspiring.
Courtesy of Spool, you can download the bird pattern here!

I'm in the mood for sweaters.



via Anthropologie.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

I want this. Bad.


I've been eyeing this number for months, and now that it's fall, I keep picturing myself wearing it with plum colored tights and my favorite boots.

Just when I'm trying to tighten the purse strings. Oh Kimenna, why must you tempt me so?

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

If you don't have plans this Sunday...


Come say hi. It's going to be a very busy weekend.
Complete vendor list can be found here!

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Nantes


I was listening to Beirut's latest album in the car last night, and I had to put Nantes on repeat. I was first introduced to this song via La Blogotheque, resulting in a mini obsession that I just have to revisit. It's been running through my head all morning.

Of all of the videos on Blogotheque, this is a favorite.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

30


Ah September. This month always feels so transitional and bitter sweet. I'm sad to see the summer go since I usually spend half the year waiting for it, but September offers a soft shift in season dotted with important milestones.

September 7th was my birthday. I've made it too that magical number that always seemed to signify true adult hood. 30 is the age I used to label a"old" in my teen years. But of course, now that I'm here, I feel young. Just like the "old" people said I would.

I'm actually happy to be 30, proud of it. I like the person I've become over the last decade. Oddly, turning 29 hit me really, really hard. It came at the heels of a rough year with a lot of familial drama I tried to bury. I feel like I've come out on the other side that (as much as I can anyways) and things look damn good from here.

The weekend of my birthday was incredible. Eric and I made it to the Built to Spill show on Friday the 5th. It was looking a little uncertain as we waited in line painfully close to the front doors for about an hour. We made friends with the folks in line, commiserating about the uncertainty but remaining hopeful. With some patience we made it in, and I am so very glad we did. It was amazing, playing Perfect from Now On from start to finish. This was one of the most definitive album of my 20s. It's the soundtrack to my introduction into the slice of early adulthood that college living and roommates seem to afford. Velvet Waltz gave me goose bumps, and the entire album still resonates. Thanks to Music Fest, we caught some other bands on Saturday including an indisputably beautiful performance by the Fleet Foxes. The lack of sleep was worth it.

The weekend was rounded off with my birthday brunch. Pastries from Petit Provance, strong coffee, and stronger bloody mary's - my idea of a perfect Sunday. I have to say that I have the most wonderful friends. Most of the ladies I know brought flowers, probably because they know that I love flowers, but also because they are so dang sweet.

A few days later we were off to Idaho to visit Eric's family. Lot's of family, and the question of when Eric and I are going to add to our family came up ad infinitum. I'm beginning to get the impression that folks who want a little Krystin/Eric mish mash might be giving up on me. Am I the only one who thinks I still have time?

I digress. On September 17th, Eric and I hit the 10 year mark of the day we met. When people ask us how long we've been married (4 years on September 18th), the answer sounds hollow and doesn't manage to carry the true weight of how long we've been together. Our love is bigger than 4 short years. When asked the same question, Eric likes to answer "One billion years."

That's just shy of how much I love him.

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Reminding myself why live music feeds the soul


This last week has kicked concert going into high gear. It seems as I've gotten older, concerts have almost lost their luster. I am very pleased to say that I feel like I'm experiencing some kind of rebirth with my appreciation of live music. Concerts are feeling magical again.

Last Friday I had the pleasure of seeing Bon Iver in concert at the Aladdin. If previous posts haven't clued you in, I am in love with this band. Their sound has such a uniquely haunting quality, and suffice to say I wasn't quite sure how it would translate live...but I was taken aback by what they were able to accomplish.

Let me just say that they had two drummers, and that's a sure fire way to steal this girl's heart. On the album, many tracks increase intensity and the song plays on. At the Aladdin, this build up was absolutely mind blowing. My mind was blown. No joke.

I think my favorite moment had to be during The Wolves (Act 1 & 2) with the help of the audience. Typically I find audience interaction annoying, I came to hear the band after all. This piece of the show was a true exception for me - you could feel the song closing in around you. It was amazing.

Thankfully Eric (being Eric) painstakingly recorded the show and now has this to share with the world: Download it here. Enjoy.

Monday, August 25, 2008

In the dark

The living room is coming along, but I don't want to share photos until the floor has been laid...end of September is my goal. We've been painting like crazy, splurging on new furniture, things are shaping up nicely...but the dining room light fixture needs a serious upgrade. I have my heart set on a white chandelier, but am having a hard time finding the perfect piece to compliment the space.

I love this coral inspired piece, but it truly doesn't match our decor. I'm almost crazy enough to redo our dining room just to accommodate this piece. Almost.



Eric has been a real sport. I've slowly worn him down into accepting some of the more feminine design ideas I've had lately. I suppose the chandelier is the next attempt. This one is toned down enough that I think he might actually go for it...but it's rather plain for my taste:



Here is another contender. The fact that it's off white my help us avoid having to repaint our dining room ceiling. After paining the living room's, I'm all for omitting that step.



Finally, I found this chandelier at Target...if only it came in white. Black could work, but we've made a few black furniture purchase lately, and I think Eric will resist it with all his might - it has dangling crystals for Christ's sake!



Tell me what you guys think - which one would you choose? I need advice.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Expanding My Market


Guess What! kspell jewelry can now be found at Tender Loving Empire, in addition to Presents of Mind. The best part is that within 4 hours of dropping off my wares, the owner called me letting me know that she had already sold a few things and needs more!

Tender Loving Empire is a neat little store - with a fantastic name I might add. Next time you are in the area of 18th and NW Lovejoy - stop on in!

Later on, I stopped into a new vintage store on Division near North Bar while Eric spent some quality time in Trade Up Music. I introduced myself and dropped of my business card. Who knows, perhaps kspell jewelry will soon be featured in a third Portland store.

Friday, August 01, 2008

Your Protector



I have to hand it to Eric - once again he has introduced me to a band that has become a bona fide obsession.

I always resist in the beginning, and I'm not sure why. Maybe I don't want to seem too eager, or maybe I just enjoy being difficult. Both statements are probably true. Inevitably, one song comes along that changes everything. Fleet Foxes have won my heart after all.

At the moment, I can't get enough of this song: Your Protector. When the song breaks into chorus, my heart skip a beat.

Lately, by heart's been skipping about 20 beads per day.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Summer Vacation



Oh how I miss the summer days of my youth - September looming far off in the distant future, plenty of time to relax...and time to waste. The never ending luxury of feeling bored...and the weeks seemed to go on and on.

Now as an adult, time feels crunched. Eric and I are coming to the close our one week vacation, and it occurs to me that this was our summer vacation, whittled down to a small week of wonderful.



My mom and two of my younger sisters (I have three sisters in total) came up from Eugene for the Fourth of July. My youngest sister Kelsey stayed on with Eric and I for the remainder of the week, allowing us to impress her with our favorite Portland restaurants and a series of backyard gatherings. Kelsey is almost 15, and as I am almost 30, she is exactly half my age. Despite her youth she is wise beyond her years and I feel a deep connection with her. I love my other sisters too, but since I am pretty sure she is the only member of my family who actually reads this blog, I feel comfortable in letting her know that our relationship is extra special. She went home earlier today, and I already miss her.

We had a great week. We headed out to Indian Beach for a bit of surfing on Tuesday, ate oyster shooters, clam chowder, and fried halibut and prawns (of course!) On the way home the next morning, we hit up a market for delicious stone fruit and berries. Evidence of my growing vintage pyrex obsession below:



This array of summer sweetness made way for a wonderful fruit salad which accompanied amazing pulled pork sandwiches over at the new Portland Harris house... I'm not sure if I would love the summer quite as much if it wasn't for the berries.



From Wednesday on, Eric and I worked around the clock in preparation for the Mississippi Street Fair. Eric built me two new earring racks, and thanks to Robin's suggestion for the perfect mirror - my display was a true winner. I was so proud of how everything turned out, it was just as I had envisioned it.



Sunday. Now it's time to settle back to regular life again. I feel like I need another vacation to recover from the fair and all the work it entailed. Next year I vow to take off two weeks instead. Afterall, a whole summer's worth of fun and relaxation can't be contained within one week. It's just not mathematically possible.

Now that the Mississippi Street Fair is behind me, it's time to start working on the various projects around the home. We are having a new roof installed tomorrow (ouch!), and next weekend is dedicated to painting the living room. The hardwood floors are to follow, and on we go.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Shopping Cart Friday (tshirts!)

I just returned from a successful stop of Presents of Mind - they bought most of what I brought in, which was wonderful. Afterwards, Eric and I stopped into American Apparel to check out the shirts and hoodies we just purchased last night via a wholesale order - Eric is screen printing tshirts to sell with me at the Mississippi Street Fair!

So, in the spirit of Shopping Cart Friday, I give you my favorite tshirt designers on Etsy...



First up is Ryan of Flux Productions. I own 4 of these shirts, and if I had 7 of them, I would live in them. His nature inspired prints are so beautiful, and you feel downright sexy wearing these little numbers. Comfortable and stylish, you can't go wrong.

Next we have the cool folks from Satisfactory. Overall, this is one of the best tshirt shops for both girls and guys alike. The owners seem like real swell people and if they were in Portland, I'd invite them over to a BBQ. These guys even included a screen printed canvas bag with my tshirt purchase, and it's become my favorite Loyly tote.



Finally - this one's for the ladies. Just kidding, this one's actually for Eric. I bought a tshirt from Timber! What can I say, my husband loves beards.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Low Profile

I've been keeping a low profile on the jewelry scene lately. The day job's been demanding these last few months, and I've been trying to live a less stressful life. Working 15 hour days between work and jewelry gets tiresome, and the resting up has been good.

I was contacted by my friends at Presents of Mind to set up a wholesale appointment for this Friday. I've been slowly working on new pieces and have a pretty good stock going, but I was reserving most of it for the Mississippi Street Fair. As a result I am hunkering down to create new styles, as well as recreate some old favorites. Last time I went in for a wholesale appointment with Seasons (owner,) I left with almost no stock - she cleaned me out!

Aside from filling orders for online sales, I have simply focused on new designs and have taken a break from the craft circuit. I was really active a year ago and almost wore myself out, but I'm coming back. I've been looking forward to the Mississipi Street fair since the last one. I'm taking the entire week off from work and my youngest sister will be in town to help me out. It's going to be wonderful.

If you will be in Portland for Mississppi Street fair, Saturday, July 12th, come say hello!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Ah Monday.

I've decided to have a different relationship with Monday. I am going to approach her with an open mind.

In the spirit of this new, softer, gentler, more hopeful Monday - here is a one of my favorites:

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Living Room, leaving room.

Ever since Robin brought my attention to the Modern Economy sample sale coming up next month, I have spent an absurd amount of time toying with the idea of wall paper thanks to Ferm Living. After tearing down wall paper in the foyer (ok, fine - Eric did most of the work) I have developed a fear of the stuff. I can't imagine the hanging process is any easier than trying the peel the stuff off...

That said, Ferm Living's modern wallpaper designs may have me rethinking my stance.



Aside from wall decor, one of the most difficult decisions to be made on the new living room is in relation to the sofa. I really want a leather sofa, but the thought of my cats leaving claw marks has me thinking better of it. For years I have been dreaming of the chocolate brown KRAMFORS sofa from IKEA. The shiny texture has me a bit concerned about my sweet little furbabies and their love to scratch. As a result, I'm thinking the HAMRA sofa may be a bit more durable, and I love the color. I know I mentioned before that I was going with cool and neutral tones, but this might be the exception. I think it will look great with the super soft aqua green paint we are planning to use.

The shape of this sectional will look wonderful in the corner of our living room, allowing us to finally put the TV on the wall and really open up the space. More than anything, I am wanting to declutter. Right now there are too many obstacles in that room. By moving the sitting space in the corner, we will take better advantage of the free flowing nature of our exiting floor plan.



Knowing the cats will inevitably pose a problem, I have been trying to locate a fabric sofa I like. This so far is my favorite, but Eric is dead set against yellow. I think when used in a single piece, it will look great, but the guy needs some convincing. Don't you think this sofa would look great against the wallpaper above?



So many possibilities, and the planning stage is the most fun. Installing the hardwood flooring...that I'm not looking forward to.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Shopping Cart Friday (for the home)

Eric and I are approaching many home improvement projects, one of which involves redoing our living room. I am going with a completely different color palette, moving away from the reds to cool and neutral tones. The details will be saved for another post, but in the spirit of shopping cart Friday, here are some notable items I'm thinking about (in addition to some items I just couldn't pass up.)

Wall decals are becoming very popular. I love the easy design statements these silhouettes make and imagine that they are the wall paper replacement for the new millennium (not in all instances mind you!) I love the interest these provide without the need for a overwhelming patten. Many decal shops have sprung up on Etsy, but here are two of my favorites:



Holly offers a wonderful array of vinyl wall art and was a featured seller on Etsy a few months back. I love the idea of an faux chandelier, but the only place I can picture it in my home is in a spot currently occupied by a beautiful painting by Ian Harris. I just can't bring myself to move it.

Next up is a decal that I completely intend to buy and know exactly where to put it:



Elly Nelly's decals are probably among my very favorite. She offers a great array of color choices, so take a look through her store. I'd imagine that a number of her designs would be absolutely perfect for a child's room.

Finally, I stumbled upon a wonderful vintage shop on Etsy today. While many folks have mentioned mixed feelings about vintage items on Etsy being that they aren't technically handmade, I have to admit that I love them dearly. Check out these awesome ketchup and mustard dispensers I purchased today from Do Not Destroy. I can't wait to pull them out at our next BBQ with friends. I picked up a few other pyrex items too since these guys feature fair prices and combined shipping discounts.



Have a great weekend!