molly irwin

warming up

Played with a few oil crayons today, warming up for a design project for an auction, that is coming up very soon.  I'm trying hard to put my desires into practice here on incorporating elements of the hand into my graphic design work and trying not to chicken out on this by going with a computer-generated visual. I'm really not feeling like this is the right image, but by end of day tomorrow I'd like to have a couple other oil pastels that are more on track for what I'm after. 

A good Saturday evening was spent at our neighborhood progressive potluck dinner.  It's really nice to know we are literally surrounded by such nice people. 

lately I've been ...

Making meatloaf.

Twice now in two weeks. Until very recently you could not have forced me to eat what I would have refered to as "that stuff."  Something about it now though seems really comforting and I know Paul likes it - a lot.   I think using organic beef removes some of the "ick" factor for me.  Not for my kids though, they don't like it much, so they happily get a bowl of oatmeal for dinner some nights.

Roasting vegetables.

Sqaushes of all kinds. Onions. Turnips.  Potatoes. Carrots and apples.  A little olive oil, salt and pepper and in they go for about an hour.  I love the smell wafting through the windows right out to the driveway.  It's as though I'm trying to encourage an autumn chilll by using the oven, even though it is still 85 degrees.  Come on now frosty nights, where are you?

Pressing back thoughts of Christmas.

Is it too early? One important thing for our family this year, I've decided, is a nice handmade advent calendar to lead us into the season.  One that would, in my imagination, have us gathering 'round to pull out and read each daily story card, followed by a pocket-sized treat.  It will be a tradition for us, of course, and my children will remember fondly some day that Mama made it.  My mind has secretly been visualizing a sewn solution for weeks.  Since this is a Dec. 1st item, and my sewing skills are non-exsistent, I think it's really not too early to start, NOW.

Revisiting an old retail dream

Maybe it's the romantic imagery conjured by the Red Shoes and some other lovely online shops, but I keep turning over in my mind a place where I sell things of my own design.  What exactly those "things" are, I'm not quite sure. I like the relational nature of retail. It's personal, friendly and warm. These last two items were only fueled by our happening across these cute shops last weekend in Middleburg, VA.

[Holstien cookies from Home Farm and the Christmas Sleigh]

Back to the topic: and lately I've been ...

Overwhelmed with photos

In the last few months I've been more a recorder of events than at any other time in my life.  While I love seeing things from a new angle, or with fresh eyes, every horizontal space available is now filled with the blue and white boxes of CDs and 4x6 prints.  My hard drive too.  I need a plan here.

Procrastinating

Paperwork eludes me.  Why does it seem such a daunting task?  I'm talking bills and filing and organizing.  Before I know it we will be closing out another year.  Yikes!

Better get on that last one.  Have a great weekend.

pretty store

During a quick trip to the bookstore today, I found what a friend told me last weekend to be true: Marimekko has opened a store locally.  We couldn't stay long because nap time was near, but I managed to snap a couple of interesting corners.  Isn't their cutting counter pretty?  Just look at this assortment!

Also, here's the children's section, where they featured goods from a couple of other cute companies.  Click image for a close-up.

There's no affiliation here, just a hearty enthusiasm for their ever-fresh design style.  Also, last night I was happy to be asked for the use of my children's new study room (below) for use on their new design blog: alwaysmod.com. 

Thanks Marimekko!

happy homework spot

It wasn't long into the school year when I realized that our third-grader was going to need a little area (free from distractions) of her own to accomplish her homework.  This year the work is simply more: more time, more measured, more results-oriented. 

With a trip to IKEA and the organization and removal of toys to the closet, this cool little study room emerged.  I've had the yard of Marimekko fabric for a while now, and have dreamed of hanging this print somewhere since I was about twenty.  I have always loved a just a touch of bold.  I wrapped it around some homasote so it will take push pins, but the idea of pinning into it disturbs me a little, so I haven't told the girls that.  They have the smaller cork boards to use for their papers.  The color in this picture is a little oversaturated, as the fabric has both red and magenta flowers and the chairs are (one each) red and magenta. 

I also made a few polka dot, fabric-covered thumb tacks to coordinate (pictured below, upper left). That's where Paul thought I was just a crazy lady!  They are quick and easy and I plan to make some more from an old bandana and a some other fabric scraps. I just loved this touch from Courtney's boards.

Honestly, I love this space more than my own desk area -- it's so cheerful and bright -- and my daughters are so happy to work here on their assignments and projects.  It feels so good to have a fresh new space.