orinui

My First Fabric!

2012-02-05T15:30:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to get my act together to start creating repeat patterns for fabric design. I thought I would start by seeing what would happen if I printed one of my paintings and had it printed at Spoonflower. After receiving a sample I had my four Otomi Prints printed on linen/cotton. The idea is to sell otomi tea towels in my etsy shop. I am very very nervous about sewing the edges. It has been a long time since I last sewed.

HGTV Dream House 2012

2012-01-29T13:28:00.000-05:00

Just spotted some of my artwork on the commercial for the 2012 HGTV Dream Home. Very cool but does this disqualify me from winning the house for myself?

Extra Large

2012-01-21T13:47:00.001-05:00

I often have requests through my Etsy store for larger sizes of my prints. Several designs from my store are now being printed by the company I work for and are selling really well from Art.com as well as a few furniture stores. Spring Sakura got picked up by a big name furniture company but for some reason the are taking forever to put them up on their website. I will be sure to share the link as soon as they are available.

The images above are my Four Sisters series. You may recognize these patterns from the Bright Eyes Prints in the Etsy Shop. Also available are: Haiku, Sakura Blossoms, Indigo Sakura, Fig Blossoms and Buttercup Botanicals. Click on any of the links and they will take you to the online store.

Homegoods Finds

2012-01-09T07:56:00.000-05:00

Living Lovely

Pugs not Drugs

Nice to see Chariklia Zaris prints go to happy homes. These folks got some awesome deals at Homegoods. At just 10$ each I thin I need to do some shopping myself.

Me as a Disco Ball

2012-01-03T20:07:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I still can't believe I really got this crazy sparkly dress. If you are familiar with my fashion style you know this is the polar opposite of my normal look but I really like the way it turned out. The dress is from a dress shop in Richmond and the beaded jacket is from Need Supply. You can see more sparkle on the #discomania Pinterest Board.

Yarn Wrapped Wreaths

2011-12-27T12:41:00.001-05:00

By now most of my Christmas gifts have been delivered so now it is safe to share what I have been up to. I love pinterest but it just enables my crazy Martha Stewart tendencies that come out around the holidays. I have been a big fan of yarn wrapped wreaths but they always looked like a lot of work until I saw this post on Pinterest to crochet thick yarn instead of wrapping. Each stage of the project was easy and quick and something I could do in front of the tv with the cat on my lap BUT when you make 19 the work really adds up. It was totally worth all the work. It was so much fun to play with all the different color combinations of yarn and felt.

Lewis Ginter Lights

2011-12-22T08:04:00.001-05:00

Pictures from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Festival of Lights. So Much fun. Giant light up peacock, glowing veggie gardens, TWO rooms full of trains and lots of beautiful Christmas trees! Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Tomato Cage Christmas Tree

2011-12-13T19:29:00.000-05:00

I have been getting lots of festive holiday crafting inspiration from Pinterest. It is fun to add a little something new each year and I really wanted to have some lights outside. Light up decorations can be really expensive so when I saw this idea for light up trees using upside down tomato cages as the base I thought that is something I can actually pull off! So I grabbed a few cages from the back yard and picked up a string of led lights for each tree. I used wire based garlands to swirl around the cages. They were very quick and easy to set up. You can just use the branches like a twist tie to anchor it to the cage in a few spots. Then just string the lights through the garland and fluff out the branches. I also learned the hard way to weight them down with a brick. We had a crazy storm front come through the other day and actually ripped the lights right out of the socket.

Vintage Indigo

2011-12-05T06:36:00.000-05:00

On my trip to NYC last month I had the chance to visit Sri Threads and pick out a few vintage indigo fabrics. It was an amazing opportunity to visit the gallery and rifle through so many gorgeous fabrics. Almost as good as a trip to Japan.

I'm Back!

2011-11-27T10:07:00.000-05:00

After a very very long hiatus I have reopened the etsy store with huge markdowns. Each piece has been lowed by 10.00$. Get them while you can I will not be printing more. I have big plans to change things up in the coming year. Follow along on the blog to see what I am up to. I promise not to leave poor Orinui so neglected. Thanks so much for following the blog again. You are the best!

2011-03-28T06:47:00.000-04:00

This is it! The last week to get that Riki Zarris Print that you have had your eye on. At the end of the month I will be cleaning out my Etsy shop. The images above are going to be printed giclee and sold to fancy stores with fancy prices. Don't forget to use the coupon code MOD15 to get 15% off in the Etsy Store!!

If you are local you still have the chance to purchace them in person. Come visit me at Spring Bada Bing on Sunday April 17th.

Oh Happy Day

2011-03-27T20:31:00.000-04:00

Wow what an exciting day. My Alma Mater VCU just beat Kansas for a spot in the Final Four. Go Rams! I was so nervous watching the game I had to do some internet shopping. I can't believe it I actually found the orinui dress from Calypso that I have been talking about since last October! The last time I was on their site it was missing from the final sale section but somehow mysteriously it reappeared today. Maybe I need to go out and buy a lottery ticket?

Help Japan

2011-03-26T10:56:00.000-04:00

This and That From Japan

Sea Breeze Studio

A worst thing couldn't happen to a better people. Japan has been in our thoughts and our hearts these last few weeks. There are many many ways to donate to the people of Japan. I wanted to mention a few Etsy sellers in Japan who are donating some of their profits. I just ordered some presents for myself and friends from Sea Breeze Studio. I have been lusting over this store for more than a year so now is the perfect time to shop. No one has better patterned fabric than in Japan.

Grey Day

2011-03-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

(links)

Feeling grey today. But it's not all bad at least grey is my favorite color.

Buttons

2011-03-02T06:03:00.002-05:00

#5 button from Pink Kiss. Adding this to my Buttons Board on Pinterest.

Clearance Sale Extended

2011-03-01T06:46:00.002-05:00

Did you miss out on the Clearance Sale? It was supposed to end today but circumstances have changed and I won't be taking prints out of the shop until the end of the month. So through March all you need to do is enter MOD15 into the coupon code section of the Etsy checkout and you can get your favorite Riki Zarris Print ON Sale!

Indigo Dress

2011-02-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

My new indigo print dress obsession from Plümo. I get my heart set on these dresses but never seem to make the commitment to actually buying them. I had almost talked m self into the Orinui Calypso dress but didn't get it in time before it sold out.

New Prints!

2011-02-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

It has been so hard to get myself motivated to get some new paintings done. I am so close to finishing this set of Crochet Garland Prints. But as you can see things just seem to get in the way around here. Sometimes it's a furry creature sometimes a beautiful early spring day. I promise they will be up for sale in the Etsy shop by next week end. Promise.

Where have I been?

2011-02-17T19:34:00.000-05:00

Where have I been? Under a rock? How did I not know about this amazing blog Pattern Observer? Most of it is patterns in fashion but other stuff too. Some really great eye candy like this Gaultier number.

The Grass Is Always Greener

2011-01-30T20:46:00.000-05:00

Why doesn't my desk look as alluring as this? Even though I basically have the same job this designer from Lilly Pulitzer via Lonny Mag I still envy her. The Lonny article pointed out that all the design work is done in house and how unusual that is these days. I wonder how she feels about designing for a company versus designing her own work? I am very very thankful to have a job in this economy but I still yearn to have control over my own work. I would love to hear your opinion. Would you rather create for a company or work for yourself?
So have you missed me? I have been in a little funk lately. Sorry i have not been posting much. I think I am going to be rethinking this whole blog thing. I was on a good schedule of posting 3 times a week but I think for now I am going to use the blog more for promoting the business. If you want to see what fun things I have discovered on the internet you can always check out my Pinterest boards. Just click on the handy buttons to your right.

Treating myself

2011-01-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

Oh lookie what I got. A beautiful mixed media pomegranate painting from Found Studio. This one is mine mine mine but there is another pomegranate in her shop plus lots of other lovely paintings that I think you should buy for yourself for absolutely no good reason whatsoever. You deserve it.

Clearance Sale!

2011-01-10T06:15:00.002-05:00

Have you noticed the new ad on Modish? Very exciting! And to celebrate I am offering 15% off with the coupon code MOD15 in the Etsy shop. It will be good through February. Get em while you can. I am going to emptying out half the shop at the end of the month. I am licencing out a bunch of my images. So this is your chance to get them at rock bottom prices. Before you know it they will be in big fancy stores with big fancy price tags. This clean out means I need to get started on some great new artwork. Great way to start the new year with lots of new prints!

My Wish

2011-01-06T07:23:00.002-05:00

Is 2011 the year I finally get a tattoo? I have had a print out of this one from Amanda Johnson posted on the wall at work as inspiration. I have wanted a shoulder tattoo similar to this since I was a teenager. The problem is I am such a procrastinator. I just need to sit down and start drawing it. Of course if I had the figure to pull it off I would kill for this corset tattoo. Gorgeous!

Inspiration

2011-01-03T06:52:00.001-05:00

(links)

It's a new year and now is the time to get some new artwork done. These patterns are definitely getting me excited to get back to painting.

My 2011 prediction....

2010-12-31T12:50:00.000-05:00

I predict if nothing else at least 2011 is going to be cute. 2011 is the year of the rabbit. I have had this photo of Robinson on the work computer desk top for a few weeks now. I keep wondering is he really that big or is it the photo?

Here is hoping that we all have a wonderful new fresh start on a brand new year. Adios 2010 don't let the door hit you on the way out. Hello 2011!

Christmas DIY

2010-12-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

I usually make a handmade ornament for everyone but this year I let myself down. I did make two of the crochet snowflakes but they still need some fine tuning. Maybe if I got started now they would be ready next year. Lots more handmade holiday inspiration here.

2011 Calendars

2010-12-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

This is a very important time of year. It is time to pick out your 2011 calendar. There are so many amazing choices by great artists to pick from. Such a great excuse to get art that is not only beautiful but also practical. I am hoping to pick up the top one from O Suzannah on Saturday if they aren't sold out. Check out all the links and many more artist's calendars here.

Come Hungry

2010-12-08T06:14:00.000-05:00

While working on my preshopping wish list I noticed a trend in the Handmade Holiday( This Sunday!)vendors. A wide and delicious variety of food related goodies.

Felt carrot- Ettarose

Birthday cake hair pen- the cupcakery

Asparagus photo-- abcimages

Bacon scarf- Crystal J

Veggie plate crochet- Needle Noodles

Macaroni and cheese necklace- Inedible Jewelry

Cupcake Painting- Zou zou's basement

Colorful Otomi

2010-12-06T06:47:00.000-05:00

Now that I have the new Otomi prints in my shop folks have been wondering what is Otomi? It s traditional Otomi indian embroidery from Mexico. You can see the stitching in the close up photo on top. I love to see what creative people can do with the fabric.

(photo links)

My Handmade Holiday Wish List

2010-12-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Little Blue Studio/The Book Worm

Pink Kiss Studio

Thief and Bandit

Wolfie + the Sneak

Tis tradition around here that I share my wish list for the Craft Mafia sales. Did you know you can get a sneak peak of all the goodies that will be available at Handmade Holiday? It's a big show this year. So big they had to move the Holiday show to the big Plant Zero building in Manchester. It can be a little overwhelming especially when you have that list of family and friends you need to find the perfect gift for so start planning now.

Art Karma

2010-11-29T06:02:00.000-05:00

What are you doing on Thursday Dec 2nd? Well you should join me at Plant Zero for this fabulous fundraiser for kids who love art. Last year was my first time. I learned silent auctions are both fun and very addictive. Click here for details.

Photo Shoot

2010-11-27T15:44:00.000-05:00

Coltrane just wasn't his usual photogenic self today. I even had hanging cat toys and I still couldn't tempt him. The new Otomi prints are up for sale in the Etsy shop. Great for the kid who has everything on your shopping list.

Riki Zarris Prints Mash Up

2010-11-26T11:08:00.000-05:00

This time last year I only had one set of prints. Look how far I've come. This is my first holiday shopping season on the web. Crossing my fingers my prints will be under some lucky people's trees this year. Etsy makes it easy to buy handmade but don't put it off to the last minute if you want stuff shipped. My prints mounted on canvas make great gifts. Check them out here.

Happy Thansgiving

2010-11-25T12:14:00.000-05:00

via Draw Pilgrim

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I hope you are wearing your stretchy pants today!

Jennifer Davis

2010-11-24T07:03:00.001-05:00

Man I love these paintings by Jennifer Davis via My love for you is a stampede of horses. Great patterns and colors. How is that sloth both creepy and cute at the same time?

Best Girly Baby Shower Ever

2010-11-22T18:51:00.003-05:00

As promised here are a few pictures of all the fanciness at the best baby shower tea party ever. I provided the crochet flowers and garland. Becky made a fantastic "as seen on the design blogs" cupcake liner garland. Now we are all going to expect on for every special occasion. Beth supplied the fancy china and silver. Renee brought gorgeous professional flower arrangements. It was as classy as my little house will ever get.

Vintage Baby

2010-11-17T07:31:00.001-05:00

I had to take a picture of this cute little vintage tag before I gave my friend this knit baby romper. I bought it from a nice lady who sells vintage baby clothes and of course I immediately lost her card. But I am crossing my fingers that she may be at the Bizarre Market at Quirk on Saturday. I will be sharing pictures from the greatest girly baby shower ever coming soon. And don't forget I will be selling at the Ashland Trunk Show tomorrow 10-6. Come visit!

Raspberry Hairnet

2010-11-15T18:19:00.000-05:00

Of course you have heard of raspberry berets but did you know they also have hairnets? I picked up some raspberries at the farmer's market and when I picked out my pint the nice lady put a little red hairnet on it so they would roll away on my trip home. Totally made my day.

Busy Bee

2010-11-14T17:53:00.000-05:00

So sorry I haven't been posting but I have been swamped by this craft sale (see previous post). I have been literally working day and night for the last 7 days. But I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! I have some new greeting cards for sale and I added some Moo stickers as envelope sealers. I can't believe I am saying this but Moo really disappointed me with the stickers. I will definitely not be ordering them again. Not the same quality as the cards.

Tis the Season

2010-11-06T08:02:00.000-04:00

It's Craft Show season! And I am not ready. I have a lot of work to do. I just had a last minute acceptance to the Ashland show. I am excited to do it. It is in a really nice space right next to the train tracks in my home town Ashland Va. I am hoping the cute little town will get everyone in the holiday shopping mood.

Handmade Hoilday in Manchester

Ashland Trunk Show Nov. 18th 9-6

Riki Zarris Prints Sneak Peek

2010-11-03T06:28:00.000-04:00

This is the new set of 4 11x14 prints mounted on canvas. They are based on Otomi embroidery designs. The story told in traditional Otomi embroidery is that the happy animals are dancing around a fire. They will be up and ready to purchase very soon. I also wanted to make a big exciting anouncement. My prints are now available at Swank Coffee in Southern Pines NC!

Girly Baby Shower

2010-10-31T21:57:00.000-04:00

So exciting to plan a girly baby shower for a friend of mine. So so many ideas so little time. I am trying to make crochet flowers and a garland. We are breaking out embroidered linens, fancy china and doilies. You can see my inspiration pinterest board here.

Colorful Dream Kitchens

2010-10-28T19:36:00.000-04:00

Love the unusual color choices in these kitchens. Do you think they found the perfect tile?

You can find the links to these images and lots more colorful interiors here.

Ikat at the Textile Museum

2010-10-25T07:20:00.001-04:00

Sorry no post on Friday. I was drooling over some really amazing ikat coats at the Textile Museum in DC. There is just so much to see in DC my friends and I also went to the National Gallery. I used to go all the time when I was young. I was very sentimental about all my favorite art from my childhood trips. The DC trip was a great way to wrap up my Workation. I took the week off from my day job and I made a very very long wish list of things to get done for my art business. I think I accomplished about a third of what I wanted but it was still nice to get a taste of what is like working from home.

Pretty Pastels

2010-10-20T06:07:00.000-04:00

Isn't it sad these pretty pastels have spent their long life tucked away in a box where no one can see them. Well now I have the chance to share them with you.

Freedom!

2010-10-18T08:29:00.000-04:00

Taking the week off from my day job to work on my own business. I have such a long to do list. Working on a game plan his morning. I just hope I don't get too distracted by the internet and my furry baby. (the link to this print on pinterest is bad if you know the artist let me know I would love to post the correct link if this is still for sale on Etsy)

Sneek Peek

2010-10-15T19:21:00.000-04:00

Want you to be the first to know what I am working on. I will be printing mounting and photographing these Spring Sakura Prints and they will be ready for sale this weekend!

Orinui Dress!!

2010-10-13T20:02:00.000-04:00

I really really need this orinui patterned indigo tyedye dress from Calypso. Only problem is it is on the non refundable sale online sale rack. Should I risk it? I think so.

Fall = Apples

2010-10-11T06:09:00.001-04:00

Apple picking is my new fall ritual. It seems like such a fun adventure to get out of town on a cool fall morning and pick apples right off the tree.

Richmond Folk Festival

2010-10-08T06:21:00.002-04:00

Wanted to share this poster by Wes Freed for this weekend's Folk Festival. I just saw them in person today at work and they look very nice you can buy them in person at the festival or online here. If you are in town you have no excuse. So much great music and perfect weather forecast this weekend!

Moo Sticker Books

2010-10-06T19:23:00.001-04:00

Valentina Ramos

Ines Maldonado
Wow it looks like dreams really do come true. For a while now I have been very jealous of the Brits and their snazzy Moo sticker books. Now you can order them in the US online store. I can't wait to make some to go with my greeting cards they would be perfect to jazz up the plain envelopes.

O'Suzannah

2010-10-02T09:21:00.000-04:00

Junzo Terada

Sukie

Jill Bliss

I had the chance to visit O'Suzannah last weekend in Charlottesville VA. It was so wonderful. My friend Becky and I took two trips around the store and another round together before we even got down to business. So many things to drool over. I see a lot of the artists' work online every day but how amazing to have the opportunity to pick it up and look at things in person. They even had the new 2011 Nikki McClure calendar already and I was able to flip through all the pages. If you are in the area you must check out the store yourself!

Black White and Grey

2010-09-29T07:17:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share some of my new favorites from my pattern goodness and Home boards on Pinterest.

VA State Fair

2010-09-25T20:45:00.000-04:00

Had lots of fun at the fair but super hot today.

Blog Addiction

2010-09-22T06:54:00.001-04:00

It is amazing how the internet can bring the world right to your laptop. I have well over 150 design blogs bookmarked. It usually takes me about three days to cycle through them all. The best part is how many blogs and fellow tweeters are from all over the globe. Of course it seems like every other day I stumble upon my new favorite blog and think how did I not know about this before! What is your favorite blog that you have found that you think no one should miss.

(poster by Danny Jones)

Dress Stalking

2010-09-16T19:23:00.000-04:00

I was researching ikat patterns on the web today and I kept running into this lovely pattern by Mocium. Of course everything of there's is wonderful.

Riki Zarris Prints Sneak Peek

2010-09-13T06:36:00.001-04:00

I was trying so hard to get these finished before the Fall Indie Fixx Galleria started but just didn't happen. So I really wanted to introduce them this morning and get them up in the Etsy store this week. But just when you think everything is going well something has to get in the way. My scanner just died on me. I guess I should be grateful it has lasted at least 10 yrs. But the kicker is I just ordered a new printer last week. How do appliances and electronic equipment know to all die at the same time? I will just have to scan them on the scanner at work and if all goes well (fingers crossed) they will be ready to sell as 12x12 prints mounted on canvas this coming weekend.

Screenprinted Fashion

2010-09-10T06:59:00.014-04:00

Maryink

All of Maryink's designs are beautiful but I can't say no to llamas.

Dark Cycle Clothing

Red Prairie Press

Tiss the the season for all the super fat fashion magazines. This is the Orinui version.

Indie Fixx Fall Galleria

2010-09-08T08:09:00.000-04:00

So excited to announce that my prints are featured in the Fall Indie Fixx Galleria. It starts today and will be up for about two months. I am hoping folks will be doing some early Christmas shopping this fall. This is my first time doing any official advertising for my work. Crossing my fingers that it gets lots of attention out there in the big wide world of the internet. Not only does my page in the galleria have a link to my Etsy shop but also to Orinui. I can't wait to welcome all the new visitors to the blog.

Rachel Bone's Patterns

2010-09-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

If you attend the craft shows on the east coast you have probably seen the graphic knitwear of Red Prairie Press but you may not have seen her paintings. She has a new show up that you can check out here. The exhibit is a mix of figurative work and straight up painted patterns. I love the combination.

Oh and if you are wondering what happened to the big announcement. There was a little mix up with the scheduling (not my fault this time). So You will just have to wait until Wednesday!

New Camera!!!

2010-09-04T13:31:00.002-04:00

After many many months of deliberation I finally ordered my new Camera and a tripod. It is a Canon Power Shot SX20 IS. It is a step down from a real SLR but it still has manual focus and speeds and all kinds of bells and whistles. I was a little worried that it would be way over my head but I reviewed the owner's manual on my laptop and it seemed to all come together when I was taking product shots this morning. But of course it will take a lot of practice to figure it all out.

I just listed pick your own set of 4 greeting cards. I now have 12 designs to choose from. So excited to have the new camera to take the product shots for the new cards. I think they turned out nice. Of course Coltrane jumped right up next to the cards as soon as he saw the camera come out. He is such a professional.

Hope you are having a wonderful long weekend. The weather here in RVA is too perfect. Be sure to stop by Orinui on Monday for a super exciting new announcement!

A Trade for a Trade

2010-09-03T06:23:00.005-04:00

Very beautiful and affordable fabric and batik stamps from A Trade for A Trade. Check out their website for fair trade gifts for yourself and others.

Chakra

2010-09-01T07:06:00.001-04:00

All the little ones I know are boys. I am so excited to find out that a friend is expecting a little girl. I can't wait. I love looking at all the super cute girly things that are available. This line of clothing from Chakra (via Bliss) is exatly the type of thing I love. Amazing beautiful fabric.

Desire To Inspire's Pets On Furniture

2010-08-30T06:47:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday! Ok so maybe you are not so happy to see Monday come around again. I have just the thing to cheer you up. Check out Desire to Inspire's Pets on Furniture post. They have one every Monday. Readers send in pictures of their furbabies that also show off their interior design. I get a kick out of how the animals match the decor or is it the other way around? Oops I just realized all of these are cat pics. I guess I am just a little biased they have cute dogs too. Do you recognize the last guy. Yes that's my Coltrane from the time he was featured on the Pets on Furniture blog. Did you know he has his own little photo gallery on my Riki Zarris Prints Facebook page? We would love it if you followed us on Facebook!

Stalking Myself Again

2010-08-27T06:57:00.001-04:00

My good friend Megan shared this photo on facebook. I gave her and her new hubbie these stretched canvases as a wedding gift. The patterns are the inspiration for my Bright Eyes series. But of course the real star in this photo is the cutest pug in the universe little miss Chloe!

Henry Road

2010-08-25T18:51:00.001-04:00

Just discovered Henry Road via a tweet by Indie Fixx. Then I saw these glass tiles from Henry Road for Modwalls. Wow combining my two favorite things pattern and tiles. I swear if I won the lottery I would cover every surface in my home in crazy beautiful tiles.

Book Fair

2010-08-23T06:10:00.001-04:00

Just had to show off my stash of goodies from the Green Valley Book Fair. It is a discount book sale near Harrisonburg Va. Totally worth the two hour drive. You can check out their schedule here. This was the first time I have made it there on the first day of the sale schedule. It was definitely worth it. So many piles of great books to choose from. I got 12 books for 45$. If you are driving through Va. I recommend stoping by.

SusyJack Wall 2011 Calendar

2010-08-20T21:19:00.000-04:00

Doing a little internet shopping this evening. I finally got a SuzyJack Wall Calendar! I have been wanting one for a few years and I just couldn't pass up her free shipping deal. Read the details here. It is going to look so wonderful in my studio. I will be sure to share a picture with you.

Animals

2010-08-16T19:51:00.001-04:00

I must admit I am totally a city girl but I dream of having a heard of alpacas in my next life. I like to live vicariously through the internet.

This is Sullivan's Farm they make the most delicious goat cheese ever. And they share these super cute photos of the goats and their guard llamas on their farm.

These cuties are from my long lost studio mate from college, Xanthe. It is amazing how you can find long lost friends on the internet. Since the last time I saw her she has had two children, lots of animals, and an Etsy store.

Lucky Day

2010-08-13T06:15:00.004-04:00

Today is my birthday so I am wishing you all a super lucky Friday 13th today. I have always thought of Friday the 13ths as special days. It only falls on my birthday every 10 years or so. Can't wait to celebrate the day with my wonderful friends and PIE!!

Figs

2010-08-11T06:52:00.002-04:00

The figs are ready to harvest. It is always a surprise at just how many my little fig tree can produce. Luckily the squirels and my coworkers help me eat all of them.

My Embroidery

2010-08-09T06:43:00.000-04:00

Oops looks like Embroidery Week spilled over into this week. I really wanted to share some of the embroidery I was doing back in the day just before and during grad school. I miss the tediousness of full coverage embroidery. These pieces are mostly stitched in one strand of 6 ply embroidery floss. With layers and layers of different colors of stitches to build up a thick surface. Someday if I win the lottery I will have the time to do this type of work again.

William Schaff Embroidery for Okkervil River

2010-08-04T06:48:00.002-04:00

Two of my favorite things: Okkervil River, an amazing wonderful band that I have had the pleasure of seeing perform live and gorgeous full coverage embroidery by William Schaff. I am reminded daily that I am a little slow but I never put it together (literally) until I started poking around on the web for this post but did you notice that these two album covers make one image? You can see a video of his embroidery here but I really recommend this one because it has his dog in it at the end.

Embroidery

2010-08-02T19:36:00.000-04:00

Discovery Channel my have shark week but we are going to have Embroidrey Week here on Orinui! Today we are going to start off on a trip around the world with just a few images that I have been drooling over.

Kazach Embroidery

The red and black is very dramatic don't you think?

Japanese Shashiko

This hands down the coolest example of sashiko I have ever seen. Traditionally it is just the outline design but the idea of filling the spaces in with color is genius.

Hungarian Matyo Embroidery

I had to look up what Matyo embroidery meant.

Small World

2010-07-30T06:43:00.000-04:00

I saw a link to Need Supply Co. on Cafe Cartolina. Huh, I didn't know they were a chain? Turns out they aren't but they do have a web site just like everyone else on the planet. Makes me feel really lazy to shop at a store a few miles away from me from my couch. They are having a great sale on pretty summer dresses right now.

Yinka Shonibare

2010-07-28T06:52:00.001-04:00

Yinka Shonibare is an amazing artist on many levels but I am completely fascinated by his batik. I love the colors and the combination of large and small patterns on top of each other. I am sure seeing it in a magazine or on the web does not do it justice. I hope someday to have the opportunity to study his fabric in person. Top image is from Fiberarts you can see more image as well as the link to the lower image here.

Show And Tell

2010-07-26T06:40:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to share some of my treasures with you today. I try not to let my collecting get out of hand. I try to only save things that I think will be useful but sometimes there are objects that are just too special to part with. I love all these edgings but I don't actually sew and I will never have use for them. The tating is hand made and the little tiny yellow doily is made by me.

Fantasy Gardens

2010-07-17T10:59:00.000-04:00

Carrie Can

Martha Stewart via Ramshackle Studio

Mandr via Casey Keasler

Really missing my garden this year. It is the first time in 6 years at this house that I haven't had a veggie garden. It turns out it was probably just as well since it has been so hot and dry this summer. We have a great succulent seller at the Lewis Ginter plant sale. They really look amazing when grouped together. Unfortunately the squirrels in my yard think succulent plants are candy and wouldn't stop chomping on their roots. So instead of a real garden I have a virtual one on Pinterest. The top photo was my first Best of Pinterest! Plus Christina from LAMA Designs just pined one of my Chevron prints. Totally made my day! If anyone is looking for a invitation to Pinterest let me know.

Field Trip

2010-07-13T22:17:00.000-04:00

Took a little Field Trip today to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Thought I would share a few of my favorites. I love those fuzzy things up top. It is amazing that anything is alive after this crazy weather but there were some summer time flowers still hanging on. The buzzing bees were having a wonderful time checking on all the blooms.

White

2010-07-08T19:25:00.000-04:00

Emmas Design Blog

Annie Clark

This is Glamorous via Meredith Sammons

If you are a regular reader of Orinui you my have noticed it gets a little colorful around here. So I thought we could use a break with some nice serene white. I dream of being the type of person who could decorate their home so simply. White is just the perfect color for hot summer days. You may have noticed Richmond Va made the major news for hitting 104 degrees yesterday. We are celebrating a cool front now. We are just in the mid 90s for the rest of the week. Speaking of summer you may have noticed everything just seems to slow down a little in the lazy hot days of summer. I just haven't been able to keep up with the 3 posts a week schedule that I try to keep. But I will try to make it up to you by thinking up some new great things to share with you. And remember you can always check out what I am up to just click on all those buttons on the right of your screen. I would love to hang out with you on twitter or follow your pins!

Vintage Tablecloths

2010-07-05T08:47:00.000-04:00

I saw the top image on Design*Sponge and recognized that tablecloth. It is from the same family as mine is the bottom photo. I got mine from a woman who resells vintage linens. I was so thrilled to find it. This other one must surely be from the same designer. They have the same colors but different patterns. I wonder if there are anymore out there in the world?

Happy 4th

2010-07-04T20:46:00.000-04:00

Puppies on parade today in my hometown Ashland VA. My favorite is the Bassett Hound Brigade. Unfortunately this year they changed the start time from morning to afternoon because the holiday fell on a Sunday. The puppies were very over heated. They kept trying to lay down with us in the shade instead of marching on the hot asphalt. Luckily it is a very short but sweet parade and there was plenty of water for them at the end. But next year I think I may bring them a bucket of water for a mid mid parades sip.

Camera Face Off

2010-06-28T21:41:00.000-04:00

I am lusting for a new camera. I really need a better digital camera that can take photos in low light. So a Canon EOS Rebel XS would be lovely but super expensive especially considering I already have a wonderful Canon Rebel of my dreams. The problem is it is 35mm. I also have my eye on this Diana. It looks like a lot of fun and you can buy a fuji instant back adapter for it. Super silly since I already have a Polaroid camera but I can't help it I still want the Diana. So what do You think? I am always looking for good camera advice.

Balloon Project

2010-06-26T10:32:00.001-04:00

Adding drawing balloons to my todo list this weekend. Kimberly Scola from Chez Sucre Chez is raising money for her mom's charity bike ride. Proceeds go toward finding a cure for MS. Kimberly is planning on embroidering 99 red balloons. She is asking for help with images. If you would like to draw hot air balloons for a good cause you can find the info here.

More Buttons

2010-06-23T21:42:00.002-04:00

Decor8

Shine Little Light

Fryd

Pearlnlace via Emily Greene

I am still looking for the perfect buttons for a cardigan sweater I have. These colorful vintage buttons make me happy. I hope they make you happy too.

Pencil Me In

2010-06-21T08:08:00.002-04:00

Personalized pencils would be a great marketing tool for your business. The center image via Twig and Thistle is from Claridge's Hotel's assortment of themed items that help their Hotel stand out. You can see more here.

The top and bottom are from Paper Pastries. They have several themed pencil sets and stationary. Printed pencils are fairly inexpensive and you can get them printed with anything your little heart desires. What would your pencil look like?

Lace on Steroids

2010-06-16T06:39:00.000-04:00

Create Find Admire via Jules Fuller

Dirt Du Jour via Tracey McBride

Lana Lou Style via Whats Up Whimsy

These images of creative uses of lace made me look twice. Too cool.

Happy Monday

2010-06-14T06:03:00.001-04:00

I got a little carried away at the Ben Franklin craft store. They were selling off all their Schleich figurines. I couldn't help myself they are so cute. Now I have new little friends to hang out on my windowsill next to my drafting table and encourage me to get more paintings done.

Riki Zarris Prints Sneak Peek

2010-06-11T06:13:00.002-04:00

New vintage camera prints will be available in my Etsy store this weekend. They will be printed and mounted on canvas just like the prints of my original paintings. Each print is mounted on a 3/4" deep stretched canvas with grey painted edges. Available 10x10 or 12x12. Can't wait to do a little photo shoot this weekend I hope the weather will cooperate.

Stalking Myself Again

2010-06-09T06:44:00.000-04:00

Wow I can't believe I have had prints in Better Homes & Gardens magazine two months in a row. This is from the June issue. The little pattern prints in the white frames are me. I also like the blue greek key art but I don't know who the artist is.

Linen

2010-06-07T06:27:00.002-04:00

As you may have noticed I am a little wild about color and crazy color combinations. But sometimes you need a little neutral too. I love the subtlety and texture of linen. Just wanted to share some linen inspiration with you today. This is a collection that came about from my new Pintrest addiction. I found a few linen images and before you know it I had a whole pinboard full. You can see all the links and a few more pictures here.

Goodbye Spring

2010-06-04T06:04:00.018-04:00

From Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

Looking forward to more fruit this summer.

I have already had my summer beach vacation. Two of them in fact. Can you believe I found a sand dollar!

Dying to Dye

2010-06-02T06:29:00.004-04:00

It was great to have a long weekend but this is what I wish I was doing right now. This is a sampler of some of my dyeing experiments over the years. Some are shibori and some batik. I always give the excuse that I can't dye anymore because I don't have a good set up for it at home. Last Spring I took a class with Arianne King-Comer she will be teaching a weekend batik workshop in November at John C Cambell Folkschool (only 2 hours from Atlanta!). I need to stop making excuses and just start dyeing!

What Home Means to Me

2010-05-31T06:16:00.005-04:00

(links)

Today is my turn to share what home means to me as part of sfgirlbybay and Pintrest's Pin It Forward.

Everyday I remind myself how lucky I am to have such a beautiful home. I work hard to surround myself with beautiful things that make me happy. Living here is like being on vacation everyday. I have a huge screened in porch with a view of the garden and gas log fireplace for the winter. There are lots of handmade treasures and artwork. Fabrics and patterns on every surface and wall. I now have a bright and organized space to get creative in and a big dinning room table to host craft get togethers. And of course what would home be without my furry baby Coltrane.

Be sure to check out Sassy Smolack's Pin it Forward tomorrow!

Rainbow Happiness

2010-05-28T06:58:00.003-04:00

Whisk Kid via Twig & Thistle

Kris Atomic via JoyCho

Sweet Sweet Life

Happy Friday! Hope you have a wonderful long weekend filled with Rainbow treats.

Fabric Buttons

2010-05-26T06:35:00.003-04:00

Shagpile

Blue Manatee Buttons

I apologize for forcing Orinui readers to dress shop with me but I finally found the perfect dress for a friends wedding in June. It was on sale at Anthropologie. They were out of my size in the store and online but they did a nationwide store search to find it for me. I have a blue cardigan I want to wear with the new red dress but it could use some new snazzy buttons. These are some cool choices from Etsy.

Pin it Forward Starts Today

2010-05-24T06:18:00.002-04:00

Pin it Forward posts starts today. Follow along as bloggers share what home means to them using the new image sharing website Pintrest. This a great way to find your new favorite blog just follow along. Orinui will be sharing on Memorial Day May 31st. I still have a lot of pining to do to get ready. Pintrest has been a lot of addictive fun. It is a great way to bookmark images that catch your eye on the internet for future reference.

Happy Bike Month

2010-05-21T06:07:00.005-04:00

Hey did you ride your bike to work today? Today is National Bike to work day. I wish I could but it is a little treacherous. A coworker got hit by a car on her way to work last year. But to make up for not riding to work I think I may ride to the Farmer's Market tomorrow morning. Lets see how much stuff I can fit in my backpack! So to celebrate National Bike Month I thought I would share some artsy bike stuff. I gave the two BuyOlympia pieces as a wedding gift to my bike loving friends. I was happy to see the coasters look nicer than the picture they are more burgundy and grey.

Christian Oh via Design Sponge

William Dohman

APAK at BuyOlympia

Kiku at BuyOlympia

The Habit of Being

2010-05-19T20:08:00.001-04:00

Hey I recognize that image from the beautiful blog The Habit of Being via Enhabiten! Looks like someone else couldn't bear to throw out her Nikki McClure Calender at the end of the year. ( see my calendar post for more ideas) Here a few more pictures I love. How can anyone not fall in love with little baby Ralph.

MissPrint

2010-05-17T08:04:00.001-04:00

Lovely Mid Century inspired patterns from MissPrint London via Tea for Joy