I’m a pretty lucky person, I think. In the last couple of weeks I’ve been luckier than usual; wonderful things are positively raining down on me! Take a look up above at the incredible wearable art made by my friend Arlesienne Monica da Silva of Big Moni Luv. “504” is our area code here in New Orleans where those three numbers became a talisman for those displaced by Katrina. The magic still holds. My necklace is made of silver and stamped with antique printer’s stamps. How lovely is that!
Monica (as we know her) has been hand-crafting iconic New Orleans jewelry and art from sterling silver, other metals and found objects in her Faubourg Marigny studio for the past several years. She’s a painter and visual artist as well and holds fabulous art parties in her studio or at a bar like the Artisan Cafe. Don’t miss the 5th Annual Holiday Party taking place at the Artisan Cafe on Saturday, December 9 starting at 6pm.
I think of Monica as one of the seminal artists to breathe new life into the down-at-the-heel St. Claude corridor, creating New Orleans newest and hippest arts district. You can catch Monica at her open studio, Big Moni Luv (check online first to be sure she’s receiving), on Facebook or shop the display case at the Artisan…you might just find her behind the bar!
While we’re on the subject of pretty things, look at the lovely Christmas pin I received as a little gift from Miss Laura! Isn’t it the sweetest? Of course, I’ll be pinning it to my Christmas frock, but I don’t think I’ll wait that long. Pretty sure I’ll be wearing it to church this Sunday 😉
Then there are these:
One of the reasons I love this time of year is the BIG SALE at KnitPicks. Usually, I order a sweater length of something, but with my publishing goals, I can’t see myself knitting a sweater just for me any time soon. Instead, I opted for accessory-lengths of my favorite, Capretta, in some really pretty colors (I’m in love with pale pink lately). On the left, you’ll notice some Felici (guilty pleasure) in the new worsted weight. I’ve been messing about with manipulating self-striping yarns (for my sins) and thought these might be fun!
And how ’bout these little beauties?!?
On the left, JaggerSpun, the absolute softy soft softiest wool I’ve ever handled. Truly. And the color! It is certified organic wool from Springvale, Maine and I love working with it. On the right, the glorious Yellowstone from Stitch Sprouts. This is a delicious blend of merino and silk and is plied like a cloud. Sadly, I’m sworn to secrecy about the purpose of these. Can’t spill the beans! (I’ll keep you posted 😉
I intend to pay my luck forward a little, too. With my hand on my heart, I swear that Christmas cards will be written tonight, this evening, without fail. Sweet Carl used to love sending cards and I know he’d be pleased for me to carry on his tradition. I’ve had a little crush on the Papyrus Paper Co. for quite some time, enjoying their delicious thick paper, canny design and detail. I’m looking forward to these!
And btw…be sure to tune in on Monday! I’m starting a little series of posts about mittens! See you then 😉
