Miss Modish- Mojo Maker

Happy Weekend!

Happy Weekend from Minnesota! I hope you have a lovely one with some warm, quiet evenings. Meet you back here soon.

<3 jena

Ruche

There is some major summery goodness going on over at Ruche, and the fact that everything is so inexpensive only makes it all more difficult to resist.

 That Aztec dress will be mine, oh yes...

Dirt Diggin' Devices

Now that your plants are growing up big and strong, let's take a breather and talk about dirt diggin' devices and other plant paraphernalia. Everyone has their own thing-they-can't-do-without in the garden, but a trip to the hardware store can sometimes make the whole endeavor scarily cost prohibitive.

I went out yesterday before {another} big rain, collected all the things I had hanging around the garden, and snapped a few pictures to share with you. Some were more expensive than others, but some are pretty much free--so you can find a balance to fit any budget. 

Tools Which Required The Exchange of Money: Sometimes {fancy pants gardeners may scowl at this advice} I use some cheap $1 scissors in place of my pruners. These won't do well on tough woody stems, but are perfectly fine for my tea rose bush, snipping herbs and other small tasks. Don't get me wrong, I looooove my pruners (I got a 5 pack of Fiskars tools at Big Lots for $15), but for starting out, before anything has matured and toughened up, scissors would work just as well as their tougher, buffer cousins.

When I need a little extra oomph pounding a stake into the ground, I have a handy dandy rubber mallet that I found at Target on the dollar rack a couple years ago. Still, it's not necessary, just convenient.

Yeah, I know, I've got 2 trowels pictured. That's because I'm lazy. One stays in the bucket {read: empty plastic cat litter container} of dirt and one travels around with me, making holes for planting in my raised mulch beds. They don't do too much my bare hands can't do, though they save me from scrubbing a fair amount of dirt from under my nails.

Tools for Next to Nothing, Possibly Free: Did you ever get around to starting that compost bin? If so, by now you probably have a good mound of rich, healthy soil. The plants you're tending couldn't care less about the tools you use, but will show you lots of love if you give them the plant equivalent of a 7 layer chocolate cake: good, quality, nutrient rich, well draining, loamy soil... and that's your compost, my friend. Give them a hefty amount of compost, where their roots can freely grow and spread, soak up the nutrients and make BFFs with all the worms and critters happily calling your plot their own private Idaho.  

Oh yeah, then mulch: give it a nice layer of insulating, moisture retaining mulch on top and your plants will flourish. My mulch of choice this year? Grass clippings. Again, some gardeners may disagree with grass clippings as a good quality mulch, but word on the street is that Ruth Stout was a fan of them, and I'm not one to challenge the wily, dirt smart ways of Ms Stout. 

And easiest to come by in our partially wooded lot, are sticks. Sticks are great for making into trellises and cages {we use tall ones to keep the chickens out of some plants}, marking where you've planted bulbs, poking holes for planting seeds. . . a rudimentary tool limited only by your imagination.

What are your most essential tools for gardening? Any good, free tips or advice? Share them in the comments, we'd all love to know what you use!

Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her brownish thumb wants her to believe otherwise. When mud pies aren't on the menu, you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.

Clare Bowers Sale!

I love Clare Bowers' work, and love even more that it's on sale for a whole month! Even her original artwork, it's all for grabs at screamin' deals, and she'll even accept haggling! ;)

Plus shhh.... just for Modish readers, she's offering an extra surprise gift with purchase! Mention "modish gift" in the notes at checkout and you'll get 3 free gocco postcards or cards. Neato!

Head to the cake shop to see more pyramidal goodness and take advantage of the deals!

Sartoria Vico

Check out these adorable tees, funky accessories and way too cute bathing suits from indie Italian brand, Sartoria Vico.

I love the whale print, which comes in a few color combos and is available on many different items. And how can you resist a beach scene made using bikini parts? Very inventive! 

I also really like these illustrations by the designer behind Sartoria Vico, Cristina del Buono. She's one talented Italian, she is.

Shop Live with Heart Handmade, part 2

In case you missed it the first time, Marichelle is back with another Etsy shop live event, tonight at 7pm:

You watch her live on webcam introducing 30 specially priced items in 30 minutes by 30 of her favorite Etsy sellers. I attended the first one she did and it was fantastic! and fast! and fun! Since I'm not around this time, one of you will have to be sure to take my place. Get all the deets over at Heart Handmade!

Gone, but not far...

I'm headed to Minneapolis as we speak. I'll be visiting my best friend for a few days, and I'm so excited! I have a few posts that will pop up in my absence over the next few days, but I won't be around to comment or answer emails. I'll be back in full force on Tuesday- see you then!

Collabo: Umbrella Prints + Ceeb Wassermann

Today we have another installment of the Collabo series between Scoutie Girl and Modish, yay! This time we took at look at the beautiful collaboration between Australian fabric designers, Umbrella Prints, and Australian jewelry designer, Ceeb Wassermann. Read Ceeb's interview below and then head to Scoutie Girl to see Umbrella Prints' side of the story!

Which came first: the idea or the partnership? Who approached whom?

The partnership came first. Amy Prior of Umbrella Prints approached me. She asked if I would make jewelry pieces from the prints they do for their fabric.

What is the nature of your collaboration? (did one of you purchase the rights to use the other’s artwork, do you both receive revenue from sales, is the artwork on-loan for a limited time or # of pieces….)

Amy orders whatever amount of which ever design and 'buys' them at a wholesale price. I make them and then ship them to her.

How did you coordinate the project work and determine who will do what?

It was a pretty straightforward collaboration. They decided which of their designs to use and I made them into wearables in my style of work.

Is the collabo ongoing or was it a one-and-done deal?

At the moment it is ongoing. We haven't discussed a time factor at all.

What made you want to partner your art with someone else’s? 

I love their prints and could really see them as 'on the body' pieces.

Do you work with other artists to create collaborative pieces?

I have in the past. Collaboration is different every time (with every artist.)

Do you have any suggestions for other artists who are considering a collaborative project?

It's very basic really, once you decide who is doing what, then you must stick with it. If you're worried about copyright or such things, then you have to have a clear contract.

If you could work with any other artist to create a piece together (famous and/or deceased included), who would it be and what would you make?

I would like to make the handles to cupboards & drawers & doors with Philip Stark or to work with the Italian company Alessi.

Thanks for sharing Ceeb! Be sure to take a peek at Ceeb's other gorgeous jewelry designs in her Howlin' Doggie shop and find more stunning fabrics in the Umbrella Prints shop.

PDX Local: Paper Treasure + A Giveaway!

Even before I moved to Portland, I was a fan of local artist Jess McCloskey's line of revamped vintage jewelry, Paper Treasure.

Inspired by "shipwrecks and the prospect of sunken treasure", the entire line is created with vintage and antique pieces, broken and cast-off jewelry bits that she transforms into intriguing and unique new items.

And you lucky readers have a chance to win one of her loveliest lovelies, this one-of-a-kind Linden necklace!
Named after an actual shipwreck, it features a wealth of little treasures: a vintage brass oval locket with vintage beaded leaf charm, golden bead and antique purple glass bead.  It also has a little ship charm at the clasp and retails for $65.

Enter to win! Just leave a comment on this post noting your favorite item from the Paper Treasure shop. One winner will be chosen randomly and notified on June 3rd via email. One entry per person.

Plum Pretty Sugar

I love the easy, breezy loveliness of the robes, dresses, pants and more at Plum Pretty Sugar. She calls it, "loungerie." I call it lightweight floral perfection that I wish I could live in everyday... ahhh....

Picture Perfect: Field Guided

Eco-friendly Find: Larimeloom + new guest blogger!

I'm excited to introduce a new regular contributor to Modish- Liz from Cosa Verde! I had such a great experience with Liz during our big earth day giveaway that I decided to invite her to help with the eco-friendly finds. If anyone exudes eco-stylishness, it's Liz, so I'm glad to have her point of view added to the mix! You'll find her here every Tuesday sharing some of her favorite environmentally conscious goodies with us all. So, take it away, Liz!

It is finally feeling like summer here on the East Coast, and I've traded my jacket for just a wrap in the morning. Handwoven from merino, mohair and wool naturally dyed with plant dyes, these shawls from larimeloom have great, muted color to them and look like the absolute perfect thing to ward off a chilly early summer morning.

Many of the plants used to dye the wool in the scarves are locally sourced, and no chemicals are used in the process. I love that she occasionally lists the plants used to get the colors, like the amazing green shawl above, which was dyed with nettle leaves, chrisanthemum flowers and irisis.

 Liz Grotyohann is a co-founder of cosa verde, a marketplace for handmade, environmentally-conscious goods.

For Me, For You

Introducing a brand spankin' new etsy shop by graphic designer/blogger that I read everyday, For Me, For You. Good stuff. Big congrats Kate!

I <3 St. Vincent

{photo by Sushiesque}

I saw St. Vincent (Annie Clark + band) last night live at the Aladdin theater and I'm still feeling all bubbly from how amazing it was, I can't get her out of my mind! If you have a chance to see this brilliant girl play live, you need to take it. Tour dates here. She makes me want to live out all my rockstar fantasies. Maybe in another life, hmm?

This will give you a little idea of her awesomeness in person:

Gardening with a baby on board

These product choices may not look garden related, but we'll get around to that, I promise. See, I've got babies on my mind. . .in particular, the little critter growin' in my belly, and while I'm planning for her (and introducing her to this big ol' world), I'm also thinking about how to maintain momma time outside. (See below, Exhibit A: my ever-expanding belly that hasn't stopped me from outside projects such as turning an old window frame into a pea trellis.)

Gardening isn't just a hobby for me, it's an experience: fully living the moment. It's grounding time, where my brain dumps all the extraneous thoughts and absorbs the perspective the world has to give. I know when this little kidlet pops out and I've got a whole new load of responsibilities, I'm going to need that grounding time more than ever.

However idealistic, I've been on the lookout for a few good things to help ensure that happens. 

More particularly, I'm thinking of things that will keep Critter feeling safe and cuddled. When I'm not slinging it (I'm not sure how well that will work with all the bending and lifting that comes with working the dirt), this handmade Kanoe Hammock would be a nice substitution; add an 100% cotton baby quilt from Peanut Tree Designs, and a Lucky Jade bamboo/cotton gown, and the kid will be swaddled in the lap of natural luxury.

With all the "they grow up fast" talk I've been hearing, I also have started to plan for the more curious and engaged times with a walker/talker sized toddler. Things on the top of my list? The Merrimack Valley Insect Rrepellent (a convenient sprayable lotion!) is perfect to keep the biting bugs from making my Critter crotchety. A felted caterpillar in a jar is far more kind (kindness=important lesson numero uno) than catching a live one, while With Hugs and Kisses' garden mobile is a great way to connect the outside in after a full day of sunshine.
Green Toys' recycled plastic Sand Play Set could double for dirt work such as digging up worms to feed to the chickens and filling with water to help tend the garden.  Of course, if we steer clear of plastic altogether, the wood and metal kid-sized gardening set (in super fun kid-friendly colors) is a great alternative, especially if it means a trip to the New York Botanical Garden to purchase them! 

Just in case I need a little push to reengage with nature, there's always Jennifer Ward's I Love Dirt (illustrated by the equally fantastic Susie Gharhemani). 

Need some more thoughts on engaging your wee ones alongside your gardening exploits? 

Ohdeoodoh's 5 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Space More Interactive.

Andrea Bellamy's entertaining excerpts that include her own little precious one.

The Magnifying Glass: an online nature journal.

Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her brownish thumb wants her to believe otherwise. When mud pies aren't on the menu, you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.

Outfitted...

...in summery pink stripes and bold baubles.

{illustration by Peggy Wolf}

{vintage dress from Edward Vintage :: headband by ban.do :: vintage shoes from This Year's Model :: vintage brooch from Capricious Traveler}

Trove Design

So pretty and perfect for spring is the jewelry line from Australian shop, Trove Design:

Combining stunning Japanese and handmade papers with resin, the designer Brooke creates these lovely and delicate pieces that would go great with a casual or more dressed up outfit alike. Find the whole line of lovelies in her shop where she's having a special 25% sale on everything, through the end of May!

PDX Local: MothLove

I am really liking this new collection of dresses by MothLove- soft, comfy and sexy too:

They're handmade by designer Gretchen Jones out of bamboo or organic cotton jersey and feature loose tops with body hugging, ruched skirts. They each look like a moth breaking out of its cocoon... ah, I get it now! ;)

They'd be perfect for muggy summer days as is, or pair them with some skinny jeans or leggings or wear them like a jumper over a tee or tank. The options are endless. Choose from colors: shadow, thunder, overcast or light. LOVE that. Find them in the MothLove etsy shop or touch and feel the MothLove collection for yourself in these local shops.

Introducing: PDX Local

photo by me}

I moved to Portland for a reason: to be surrounded by not only the greenest green I've ever seen, but also a wealth of amazingly talented artists & designers. There are a lot of them here.

So, as part of my revamp around Modish, I'd like to introduce a new feature called PDX Local where I'll spotlight Portland based designers and artists, independently owned shops, maybe even events around town... That way, Portland readers can find local resources to shop from more easily & people who come here to visit can do the same. And I can hopefully give back to my local community a bit more. Win win? Hope so.

I've featured lots of Portlanders already here so as I get time, I'll go back through the archives and add them to this category too. First PDX Local spotlight coming up next!

Anna Wadham

Here are some cute and cuddly friends from UK based artist, Anna Wadham to brighten your day. I love her illustration style- it's very endearing, perfect for kiddos and adults alike.

Find more of Anna's work in her etsy shop or on her blog.