I finally found frames for these wonderful drawings I commissioned a while back. Not sure why it always takes me so long to find frames for new artwork, but it definitely does. Sometimes Ikea just won't work...that was definitely the case here, not because I'm picky, but because each drawing is so small (2x3). It was worth the wait, though. Thank you, Anthropologie sale table.
Bye for now,
Leya
a few of the baby bird designs I'm working on for the upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar. many more to come.
more soon,
leya
Hello there,
A little while ago I had the pleasure of testing out one of the new patterns about to become available at Betsy Ross (it's available now). Aimee, the pattern guru over there happens to be one of my Philly peeps and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to help her out...getting a new top sweetened the deal a little too. Anyway, sewing this simple raglan sleeve top was so easy, like really easy, and it's cute -- sometimes something being easy doesn't necessarily mean it's cute, not the case here.
More of these tops are cut out and ready to be sewn up...all I need is some fusible interfacing. When will I learn to stock up on stuff like that? Hopefully soon.
Happy Cinco De Mayo,
Leya
A couple of new rings to add to my collection.
The top ring was a gift from zee husband and the bottom one was a birthday gift to me from me.
Both are quite lovely.
I'm in the middle of some serious Spring cleaning. I'm starting with my closet, which means out with the warm and cozy sweaters, skirts, and pants and in with the comfy and light dresses, tops, and skirts. Spring cleaning is one of my favorite things --I feel like I just got a whole new wardrobe.
More soon,
L.
I created this reversible tote a while back. You might recognize the fabric from two previous projects (here and here). There is something about warm weather that makes me reach for that green print -- it is definitely a favorite from my stash. Luckily there's a lot of it, so I can continue using it until I change my mind.
I'm hoping to add a few new totes to the shop very soon. I've been a lazy shopkeeper, but that is about to change. Speaking of the shop, I've decided to put several handmade items and all remaining vintage on sale in honor of the glorious weather happening in Philly this week and a little something called Spring cleaning. Give it a look.
More soon,
l.
It was a colorful weekend. We dyed eggs, something I haven't done in at least a few years. A big mess was made. Good times.
The quince is blooming.
Oh, and a small pack of raccoons were created. Yep, that's right. Raccoons. They're cute and soft and full of personality.
Available now in the shop.
Have a good monday.
l.
***update*** A group of Raccoons is called a nursery, not a pack. I learn something new every day.
Greens found on a recent walk around Philly. Taken last week, the snow is definitely long gone.
And while I'm at it, here are some lovely green Etsy finds.
Dandelion tshirt made by circular accessories.
The ubiquitous Keep Calm and Carry On print in chartreuse.
Lovely green branch pottery.
Love Holga? I do. These green napkins are great.
Until next time...
Be well,
Leya
I've been meaning to post some greens after reading about Emily's green week. Better late than never.
First, some nori cut up just in time to be added to my favorite udon noodle soup. I'm going to share the recipe as soon as I can (today has been a bit hectic).
And...my Wing-Stretcher shadowbox happens to be full of the color green. It's a piece I created about a year ago, right before my Imago series. Having just returned from a little adventure, it, along with a few more mixed media pieces are now available in my shop. 
Happy Tuesday,
Leya
Update
**Here's the udon soup recipe I promised. It's definitely one of my favorites.
Place 1/4 c. soy sauce, 1 tablespoon each of brown sugar, chopped ginger and chopped garlic, plus 1 c. of water, in a pot over high heat.
Divide 20 shiitake mushrooms into stems and caps. When the mixture boils, add caps and reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove caps and reserve.
Add stems, plus 5 c. water to your pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Discard stems.
Cook the udon in a pot of salted water for about 3 to 6 minutes. When al dente, drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking.
Divide the noodles into four bowls.
Drain a 1-pound container of silken tofu, scoop out with a tablespoon, dividing among bowls, to form off-center piles. Add the mushroom caps on top of the tofu. **this recipe says to heat tofu in a microwave before opening and scooping out. I don't have a microwave, so I just use a bowl filled with hot water, which works just fine.
Cut a half sheet of nori (seaweed) into matchstick-sized strips with scissors. Sprinkle over tofu. Slice two green onions, divide among bowls.
Ladle in the broth. Maker sure the broth is still extremely hot and slowly ladle it down the side of each bowl. Serve Immediately. Enjoy. 
Hello there. Happy Leap Year to you, and happy end of February {arm shoots toward the sky in jubilation). March is almost here and with it comes Spring break (if that applies to you), daylight savings time, St. Patrick's Day, and even Easter this year. Everything is happening a wee bit early, but I'm not complaining, I'm ready for a change of pace.
In case you're curious, the photo above is of a beautiful entrance to a church in Center City Philadelphia. If you live here, you probably know exactly where this is. The doors are hard to miss and even harder to refrain from photographing each and every time I pass by. I love the details...and the red is pretty much my idea of the perfect red.
I wanted to thank each of you for all the sweetness about my newest hat. I checked and I have enough of this vintage green and yellow fabric for about five or six hats. Also, thanks to the peeps that placed a custom order -- I'm going to begin working on your hat this weekend.
And lastly, congratulations to a couple of people we love who happen to live very far away in Olympia...you're going to be such amazing parents.
More soon,
Leya
I am now an official pet portrait collector. This development is probably no surprise to you because it's no secret around here how I feel about my catties-- they've been in my life (our lives) for over eleven years now, and they're an utterly sweet and snuggly part of our family. After finding susiesosad on Etsy, I had to place an order (talk about affordable) and both little drawings just arrived. They turned out great. You might recognize them from here and here.
Have a Super Tuesday,
l.
