Cinnamon and Honey

Monday, December 14, 2009

Monday's Muse: Imma Let You Finish, 2009

It's Cinnamon & Honey's new blog meme about all things inspirational. Here's your chance to share something that's currently meaningful to you... a song, a video, a poem, a book, a movie, a person... or anything that's gotten into your head and you can't get rid of. If it's important, I want to know all about it!

It's been a while since I've posted... special apologies to those who wanted to participate in last week's missed Muse. Thanks for hanging in there!

With 2009 quickly coming to an end, it's time to take a look back at the year that was... and in many cases, wasn't.

This great recap (which just missed out on the whole Tiger Woods train wreck) isn't exactly what you'd call inspiring. Far from it. But it does crack me up, and that's worth a good Muse in my book.

So what's inspiring you lately?

Join Monday's Muse by signing up with Mr. Linky and visiting the other Muses. Oh, and don't forget to grab my new blog button below!

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Monday, November 30, 2009

Monday's Muse: Rhapsody in Woo-hoo!

Welcome to Monday's Muse!

Last week, I stumbled across this great video and just had to share it. Without a doubt, it will put a smile on your face. Is there a better choice for today's Muse? (Great minds think alike... my pal Blogging Mama Andrea completely agrees.)

Bohemian Rhapsody, The Muppets

Backstage at the big old rock-and-roll arena in the sky, the late, great Freddie Mercury is laughing his ass off...

So what's inspiring you lately?

Join Monday's Muse by signing up with Mr. Linky and visiting the other Muses. Oh, and don't forget to grab my new blog button below!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday's Muse: Spare Change

Welcome to Monday's Muse!

I'm not a huge David Bowie fan but I like him well enough to be able to sing along to his greatest hits collection. "Changes," one of Bowie's most famous songs, has been in my head a lot lately. So I was psyched to find this live version, recorded in 2002 at A&E's fantastic call-in music program, "Live By Request." Unfortunately the series doesn't air anymore but I was lucky enough to be part of a couple of tapings. If you are able to find it in reruns, it's definitely worth it to catch artists including BB King, Elvis Costello and Santana.

Changes, David Bowie

This song seemed like a good choice for this week's Muse since some ch-ch-ch-changes could be coming soon to Cinnamon & Honey. I am going to keep them under wraps for now, but please bear with me in the coming weeks!

So what's inspiring you lately?

Join Monday's Muse by signing up with Mr. Linky and visiting the other Muses. Oh, and don't forget to grab my new blog button below!

Friday, November 13, 2009

The Handmade's Tale: Beautiful Bridget Designs

The Handmade's Tale introduces you to independent, self-taught artists who toil away creating beautiful and inspiring pieces. Please welcome the lovely indie artist and blogger Kimberly Ferrugia.

Who: Kimberly Ferrugia
What: Fiber Artist
Where: Beautiful Bridget Designs
When: Kimberly's been knitting and crocheting since she was in high school.
Why: "My Mom taught me how to crochet and it just went from there," she says.
Her Philosophy: "I love all things handmade! It gives me great joy to create something and then have someone fall in love with it and want it for their own."
Her Inspirations: "I really get my inspiration from everywhere... the changing of the seasons, things I see around me when I'm out shopping for new crafty stuff, things other people are wearing. There's alot out there that inspires me."

It's All About the Fringe Scarf in Red Blue Yellow Green Orange, $45
Wear this as a wrap, a shawl, a scarf...at right around 5 feet, it is the perfect size to either hang loose for a cute bohemian look or wrap it around once for a snuggly soft treat.

Fingerless Gloves in Pea Green Lemongrass Arm Warmers, $26
These gorgeous fingerless gloves are sheer heaven and make the perfect accessory! Great for work, a casual weekend or a night out... whether you dress them up or down, these beauties are sure to be a hit!

Summer Breeze Cotton Scarf in Lightweight Lemon Yellow Sun, $26
Wear this pretty lightweight lemon yellow cotton scarf as a wrap, a shawl, a scarflette or a cowl. So versatile!

Market Beanie Cloche Hat in Sky Blue Green Flower Brooch Pin, $25
This chunky thick sky blue beanie cloche hat with green flower brooch pin has a strip of cotton fabric that weaves throughout the brim. The brooch pin is removable and has a matching button center.

It's a Wrap Cowl Chunky Neckwarmer Scarf in Urban Orange, $40
This cowl is fashion at its best. Wear it as a warm cowl or wrap it a few times around your head and wear it as a head thread. Add your favorite brooch or crocheted flower for a bold look, the possibilities are endless.

Where to Buy: Check out Kimberly's blog where she posts her great photography, features other indie artists and writes all about her latest creations. Then head over to her Etsy shop to check out her fantastic collection of scarves, hats, cowls, gloves, head bands and more! Kimberly happily takes custom orders, so if you have a specific size or color in mind, she will work with you to create the perfect piece. With the weather getting colder and colder every day, now is the time to buy one of Kimberly's wonderful designs. And why not get one for a friend too?

Want to be featured in Cinnamon and Honey's Handmade's Tale? Please leave a message here or send me an email by clicking on "Contact Me" at the top of this page.

Friday, November 6, 2009

The Handmade's Tale: Gock's Frocks

The Handmade's Tale introduces you to independent, self-taught artists who toil away creating beautiful and inspiring pieces. Please welcome the lovely indie artist and blogger Kristen Gocker Hallagan.

Who: Kristen Gocker Hallagan
What: Clothing Designer
Where: Gock's Frocks
When: Kristen's been sewing since high high school but has been selling her designs on Etsy about three-and-a-half years now.
Why: "I was sewing for my own kids when a few moms complemented me on their outfits and mentioned they would love to be able to buy something similar so I decided to give it a try," she says. "Then recently a few women had asked if I could make them skirts like my kids skirts thus my yoga line for women was born!"
Her Philosophy: "I get bored making the same thing over & over hence my tag line.... 'Individually Inspired Design.' I love to play with fabrics, colors, patterns and textures to create unique, often one-of-a-kind designs."
Her Inspirations: "My kids, nature, a glimpse of ruffle, funky hem lines, the fall leaves.... everything around me."

Justine Handmade Girl's Peasant Top, $35
This bubble-style peasant top in a gorgeous blue damask has an elastic at the waist, 3/4 length sleeves, button closure at the neck. Also available in pink, sizes 12 months to 12 years.
Hazel Handmade Girl's Three-way Peasant Dress, $65
A side-tie closure at the neck and a reversible, removable apron makes for three unique looks! Available in sizes 12 months to 12 years.

Pink Stained Glass Handmade Girl's Skirts, $30 each
Gorgeous pink stained-glass print A-line skirts accented with a lime green ruffle. Features elastic waist, flirty ruffle and professionally finished seams. Comes in a variety of styles, coordinating applique tees available upon request.
Grape Damask Girl's Ruffle Hem Pants, $32
Handmade ruffle hem pants in a sweet grape damask print from Michael Miller. Can be made full length, capri or Bermuda shorts. Available in sizes 12 months to 10 years.

Custom Applique Tee, You Design It!, $25
Thanks to many requests for coordinating shirts that match her skirts, Kristen creates custom designs in both long or short sleeves. May include but are not limited to: heart, flower, bird, initial, guitar (pictured), star, peace sign, or any shape taken from pattern in the fabric. All appliques are heat bonded and zig-zag stitched for a slightly frayed effect.
Where to Buy: Check out Kristen's blog where she features the latest designs, offers yummy recipes and displays some fantastic photography. Then head on over to her Etsy shop where you can browse through her adorable collection of handmade children's tees, pants, skirts, dresses and more! You can even purchase the fabrics Kristen uses at her other shop, Betty's Closet. I love the idea of wearing one-of-a-kind designs... and there's so many cute things here to choose from!
Want to be featured in Cinnamon and Honey's Handmade's Tale? Please leave a message here or send me an email by clicking on "Contact Me" at the top of this page.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Monday's Muse: Sweet November

Welcome to Monday's Muse!

Can you believe it's already November? Soon enough the holidays will be here and then we'll be celebrating the new year. Something happens to time once summer ends... it's like someone hits a giant fast-forward button and the days fly by. So for today's Muse, I'm sharing a song that echoes some of the sentimentality that can come around this time of year.

Early November, Miranda Lee Richards

Doesn't her voice remind you a little of Sarah McLachlan? Which is probably why I like this slow, melancholy song. While the video paints Miranda a little model-glam with the faux fur, short skirts and mile-high boots, her rootsy singer-songwriter feel still comes right through. And I can imagine her playing to a small club in ripped jeans with an acoustic perched on a stool. One of my favorite type of shows.

So what's inspiring you lately?

Join Monday's Muse by signing up with Mr. Linky and visiting the other Muses. Oh, and don't forget to grab my new blog button below!

Friday, October 30, 2009

The Handmade's Tale: Faerie Moon Creations

The Handmade's Tale introduces you to independent, self-taught artists who toil away creating beautiful and inspiring pieces. Please welcome the lovely indie artist and blogger Theresa MacNaughton.

Who: Theresa MacNaughton
What: Jewelry maker
Where: Faerie Moon Creations
When: Theresa's been creating art since she was a little girl, dabbling in everything from painting, knitting to photography and paper crafting. Family and friends have been urging her to sell her handiwork for years, so she finally opened her Etsy shop this past summer.
Why: "Lately, I've been yearning for something more in my life that I could be wholeheartedly proud of," she says. "I knew in my heart that I wanted to make art a primary force in my life and not something that I had to make time for. I decided to step down from my supervisory position at a retail establishment and only work part-time so that I could focus on Faerie Moon Creations. I truly wish to make others happy through my art and my creations. If something I've created makes just one person smile, then I know I've done something right!"
Her Philosophy: "My primary goal is to make functional art that is affordable, has a broad appeal and stays aligned with my theme of nature, whimsy and fantasy... colorful worlds filled with butterflies, faeries, flowers and woodland creatures."
Her Inspirations: "I am inspired by nature and whimsy, by faerie tales and folk lore, by magic and childlike wonder. I'm also inspired every day by the amazing talents of all the artists, writers, jewelry and knit wear designers of the online handmade community. Their talent is awe-inspiring! I've learned so much from all of them."

Glass Faerie Pendant, $7
This delightful, pretty glass faerie pendant measures just under 1 inch in diameter and features a digital image printed on HP Premium Plus Paper protected with archival glaze and affixed with a silver aanraku bail. Bright silver ball chain measures just under 12 inches, length can be adjusted. From the I Do Believe Collection.

Butterfly Bottlecap Necklace, $10
This beautiful bottle cap necklace measures 1 1/4 inches and features an antiqued butterfly image protected under a 1 inch round glass cab. A cute little dangling silver flower charm adds to this pretty necklace's appeal! Length of bright silver ball chain measures 12 inches, length can be adjusted. From Nature's Fragile Beauties Collection.

Wooden Tile Bird Pendant, $6
This delightful lightweight wooden tile pendant measures 1 inch in diameter and features a pretty digital image of chickadees printed on HP Premium Plus paper protected with archival glaze and affixed with a gold aanraku bail. Bright gold ball chain length measures just under 12 inches, length can be adjusted. From Sing a Happy Tune Collection.

Glass Owl Pendant, $7
This adorable little glass owl pendant should appeal to both animal lovers and wee young folk! The cute image was cut from Japanese fabric and cropped to fit under the 7/8 inch glass pendant. Adorned with a pretty chocolate-colored bow on dark brown cord measuring 18 inches long. From Forest Friends Collection.

Beautiful Floral Bottle Cap Earrings, $9
This precious set of 1 1/4” brushed bottle cap earrings features gorgeous Victorian-inspired floral images under a clear 1” glass circle. For pierced ears only. From the Victorian Elegance Collection.

Where to Buy: Check out Theresa's blog where she writes all about her crafty endeavors and her latest creations, and sometimes features fun giveaways! Then head on over to her Etsy shop to browse through her wonderful collection of pendents, necklaces, earrings and more. You can also find Faerie Moon on Facebook and follow Theresa on Twitter. Theresa welcomes inquiries about custom pieces and is offering Cinnamon & Honey readers 20% off your entire purchase at her Etsy shop. Just reference "cinnamonhoney" in the notes to seller. How cool is that? So many pretty things to choose from, why not get a head-start on your holiday shopping?

Want to be featured in Cinnamon and Honey's Handmade's Tale? Please leave a message here or send me an email by clicking on "Contact Me" at the top of this page.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Wordful Wednesday: Mum's the Word

Yes, I realize that I've been going a little overboard with the whole I'm-loving-fall thing here on C&H. But since we got cheated out of summer in the Northeast, it feels really good to enjoy the beauty of the changing season. Besides, winter will be coming around soon enough and I hear it's going to be a brutal one. (Sigh...) So bear with me as I post more pictures from weekend trips to local country farms. (Now if only I had a garden to plant these pretties!)

This week Angie is featuring Halloween Wordfuls, so be sure to stop by and say hi.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Monday's Muse: Hurricane David

Welcome to Monday's Muse!

Many years ago in college, a friend introduced me to a singer-songwriter who quickly became one of my favorite musicians. I've written a lot about the unsung talents of David Wilcox, his poetic lyrics and beautifully intricate guitar work. A gifted musician with a long career minus the top-40 recognition, David is kind of like a great secret you just can't wait to share with everyone you know. And now that he's finally uploaded a ton of performances on YouTube, I can finally do just that.

Eye of the Hurricane, David Wilcox

This tale about a lonely, self-destructive woman searching for the ultimate escape is easily one of David's best.... Hope is gone and she confessed/That when you lay your dreams to rest/You can get what's second best/But it's hard to get enough... I love the way his effortless guitar picking wraps its way around a smooth, easy melody. Just a really gorgeous song. Check out David, who released a live album earlier this year, here.

So what's inspiring you lately?

Join Monday's Muse by signing up with Mr. Linky and visiting the other Muses. Oh, and don't forget to grab my new blog button below!

Friday, October 23, 2009

The Handmade's Tale: Paper Pumpkin

The Handmade's Tale introduces you to independent, self-taught artists who toil away creating beautiful and inspiring pieces. Please welcome the lovely indie artists and bloggers Kathy and Mia.

Who: Kathy and Mia
What: Paper-and-fabric crafters
Where: Paper Pumpkin
When: This mother-daughter team has been selling their crafty goods for a little more than a year now.
Why: "As a mom who is incredibly excited about my daughter Mia's jewelry shop, I would make tags, thank yous, business card envelopes, and other paper goodies. Last year, Mia encouraged me to create for others as well. It's been an amazing year," says Kathy.
Their Philosophy: "We both have always been crafty and creative, with a need to make things, to express ourselves. Combine this with loving beautiful papers and the new designer fabrics always coming out... and well, it starts there! I'll never stop being amazed that something I made and held in my hands, will be adored all the way across the globe!"
Their Inspiration: "Nature themes run through many of Paper Pumpkin's creations. We have a lot of deer where we live in Western New York, so we celebrate them in our handmade goodies. The bluebird flies through our etsy shop and we love flowers and earth tones with bright sunny colors. With the beauty of the seasons here in New York, we never run out of inspiration. We also inspire one another."

Oh Deer Me, Set of Eight Cardstock Stickers, $5
This sweet set of handmade stickers includes two big sheets of deer, ranging in size from 2" to 3" with a loveable red and white polka-dot heart.

Heidi Gift Set, $17.50
This 15-piece set includes six designer fabric covered button push pins, six fabric magnets, and three coordinating mini notebooks. All are created to organize you in style!

Writing With Sunflowers, $7.75
This notecard set is perfect for personal thank yous or just for letting someone know you are thinking of them! Set includes six 3x3" cards with white envelopes and matching handmade stickers to make sealing them extra special!

je t'aime, $6.75
This six-piece set of glass bubble magnets is the perfect wedding favor or gift set for those in love. French for "I love you," what could say it better?

Blueberry Birdie Set of Four Jumbo Fabric Magnets, $7.50
A tweet collection of four magnets made from hand-covered fabric buttons. Perfect for bird-lovers, teacher thank-you's, party and shower favors, house-warming gifts, cubicle and office organizers, and of course, fabric, button or sewing lovers!

Where to Buy: Check out Kathy's blog where she writes all about her inspirations and crafty endeavors and features her great photography. Then head on over to Kathy and Mia's Etsy shop to browse through their adorable collection of magnets, push pins, clips, stickers, note cards and much more! Paper Pumpkin goodies are the perfect way to spice up your office space or turn a craft project into a one-of-a-kind design. I am a total paper junkie so I absolutely love this kind of stuff! So creative and fun.

Want to be featured in Cinnamon and Honey's Handmade's Tale? Please leave a message here or send me an email by clicking on "Contact Me" at the top of this page.