Penguin Threads

The Art blogging world has been all a buzz the past few weeks with the news that Jillian Tamaki has been commissioned by Penguin books to create stitched covers for their Classics series that will be released this Fall.

This was such exciting news. I too, love to embroider things and there is not always a rhyme or reason to my pattern and I appreciate that in Jillian's work, the beautiful flow. Not only that, but her extraordinary use of such vivid colours for this series just makes them pop out at you. I think I shall now, forever see Emma, dressed like this, with pastel rainbow hair whipping around her face, as she waits for Mr. Darcy.

I can't wait to see what they look like in person! To learn more about this project click here.

Hopes, Wishes & Dreams

anta Claus is coming soon, so we're gonna have to be on our best behavior from now on! One of my favorite things during the holidays is buying presents. I like receiving, but, the thing I love more, is to see the look on someone's face when you have given them that perfect present, whether it be homemade or purchased.

I have already bought a few Christmas gifts at the Fair and I have done a little window shopping, but I have not seriously shopped yet. I don't mind picking up things as I see them, but I like the hustle and bustle of a real holiday crowd all out shopping with Christmas lights strung through the streets and store windows decked out in magical displays. Fortnum & Mason, always do beautiful windows; last year was The Snow Queen, in all her frosty glory. This year the theme is Swan Lake.

There is usually a shopping meltdown, someone is too hot, or arms are tired from carrying packages, or there are too many pushy people and when that happens we just stop, have a meltdown hug and then continue (in theory) a little more merrily on our way.

I am a constant list writer, I love the satisfaction of crossing something off of my list. I write out a list of everyone I am giving too with ideas, or items already purchased. This year I am doing a mixture of some bought and some homemade gifts.

I am going to make up cotton drawstring bags and embroider on them a vintage Christmas pattern or something I designed pertaining to the person on the receiving end and I will fill them with homemade mini pound cakes or a fresh homemade bread loaf (I haven't decided which, both are so yummy!).

All beautifully wrapped in cellophane and bakers twine or a big grosgrain bow, maybe a spring of holly tucked in the bow knot and then placed inside their bag.I think homespun gifts are a nice old-fashioned touch to a magical holiday that can become all to commercial if you let.

This would be the cutest stationary to write out your Christmas hopes, wishes and dreams or a gift giving list on. Click on the Susan Branch image to get a larger printable view.

("S" by:Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische)