Paper Gown by Darla Teagarden

Wow!
Every once in a while I come across something amazingly different and creative. (Click on the photo to see it up close.)
Who thinks like this?
Darla Teagarden. Darla is a photographer and creator of this amazing gown called "Lover's Eyes Dolce Masquerade Gown."
On her MySpace page, about the gown: "different styles of ''lovers eyes'' focused into the center of hundreds of white paper cupcake ruffles...An asymmetric hem and organic-like
cascade.... A top Miss Evelynn's head, a glass glittered sculptured
( paper mâché) pink rabbit & bow".
Beautiful and inspiring.
You can see more of Darla's work on her MySpace page, Darla Teagarden's Cupcake Ruffle Lover's Eye Gown
Found via Ullabenulla (great find!)

Recycle an Old Book into a Paper Vase

If you're like me you hate to get rid an old book. I don't care so much about the new ones - we give those to the library.
But old books - different story.
Recycle them into "vases"?
Look at these cool vases made from old books! What a neat way to add texture to a display. I'm really going to have to try this one.
Sweet Paul makes it look so easy!
Recycle an old book into a paper vase tutorial here, via Sweet Paul.
Photo by Ellen Silverman

Independent Designers' Shop/Elephant Pillow

Elsewares is a commerce site that features independent designers. They say, "We make a concerted effort to encourage creative business practices, support cottage industry, and keep corporate hegemony (sic) at bay."

I found this handmade wool felt elephant pillow there, made by Estela Lugo from Colorado. ($65.95)

Marie Claire Creative Blogs

Marie Claire Idees is looking for creative blogs. It's actually a contest.
I found some gorgeous blogs here. Most of them are in French but of course you can always translate.
I love Marie Claire Idees' blog; it's one I follow daily. Love the French aesthetic.
If you would like to submit your blog visit: Marie Claire Creative Idees where you can also check out all the entries (MAB is #72). I totally don't expect to win anything but it's kind of fun to participate!

Jikke's Handmade Knitted Cardigan

Isn't this a sweet little cardigan? Handmade Knitted Cardigan found at Jikke's.
She says you can find the pattern here.
Sweet, sweet, sweet!

Recycled Silk Top Giveaway

Kathleen is having another giveaway.
She took a silk blouse with short sleeves and altered it into this lovely top covered with cherry blossoms.
Recycled Silk Top Giveaway.

You have to link back to here site to be entered to win - but if you have a blog and want to enter, here's the link.

Bryson

So many of you have been asking me for a picture of the new baby so here he is in all his glory!
I think he's about 6 weeks old here and look at those blue eyes!
He is the sweetest baby ever and his big sister loves him so much. She doesn't like it at all when he cries, which is not that often, and will come over and stroke his head if she hears him crying.
I could eat him with a spoon!

Go Van Go! Graphic Designer

I love these graphics designs by 20-something graphic artist, Van.

Van designs for Juna Studio and also has an Etsy shop where you can purchase a printable file of some of the cards she designs. The file includes instructions and templates for the cards and envelopes.

Van also makes gorgeous hand-embroidered cards like the apple one shown here.

Check out Van's Go Van Go!'s graphic

design blog and her Etsy shop here.