Handmade Heaven

I'm excited to start another new feature called Handmade Heaven. Twice a month I will feature some of my favorite handmade items from Etsy. I'd like to start by sharing my latest favorites from the Indie Free Spirit Etsy Team ♥
(the blue balloon)
(which goose)
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(it's a stitch)
(the nebulous kingdom)

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I ♥ Color: Honeysuckle

It's time for another color-theme post! Some of you may remember my Mood Mondays from last year. One of the colors I featured was Pantone's 2010 Color of the Year and I thought choosing the Pantone color of 2011 would be a perfect start to my new monthly feature, I ♥ Color.

Pantone's 2011 Color of the Year is Honeysuckle. They describe the color as courageous, confident and vital. It is a dynamic reddish pink that is encouraging and uplifting.

I was surprised by Pantone's choice at first, but after looking through my image collection, I found it to be festive and sweet and also bright and bold. Mixed in with other colors it turns into a refreshing pop of happy color. I especially like it with greens and browns.

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Free Spirit Friday

This is the first of a new weekly feature where I will share three free-spirited images every Friday. Enjoy! And have a great weekend ♥
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2011 Reading List

Although its been awhile since I've made time to sit down with a hot cup of tea and a book, I wanted to share with you my reading list for 2011. I love books! And even though I haven't had time to read, I am constantly buying new books. Now, I'll admit most of the books I buy have more pretty photos and pictures than text. One of my favorite quotes is from Lewis Carroll's, Alice in Wonderland (one of my favorite books!)

"What is the use of a book, without pictures or conversations?"

Its been so long since I've sat down and lost myself in a good story. Taking time out of your day for reading is relaxing and a great rainy day activity. Living in Portland, Oregon, I have A LOT of rainy days ahead of me and after this holiday season I am ready to relax and daydream.

Here is my latest reading list:

1. Creative Inc. By Meg Mateo Llasco
2. Beatris & Virgil by Yann Martel
3. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris


And just for fun, I thought I'd share my reading wish-list too:

1. My Cool Caravan: An Inspirational Guide to Retro-Style Caravans By Jane Field-Lewis
2. The Selby Is In Your Place By Todd Selby
3. Crafting a Meaningful Home By Meg Mateo Llasco
4. Sugar Sack Quilts: 12 Quilts Using Vintage Or Reproduction Fabrics By Glenna Hailey

What books are on your reading list? Do you have any suggestions for new reads?

Pretty Discoveries ♥

Formally called Inspiration Wednesday, Pretty Discoveries is a new weekly feature where I will share pretty inspiration I discover as I explore the blogosphere each week ♥
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♥ Art Love

Introducing one of many new features on my blog! I will be featuring an artist I love every other week (formally called Artist of the Day). The first artist I want to feature is Portia Munson. She is a visual artist living in New York. I'm absolutely in awe of her "Pink Projects" installation.

The “Pink Projects” are an exploration of the color pink, a culturally loaded color that has been projected onto girls and women.





What a collection of pink!
Found via Design For Mankind.

Plans for 2011

I'm not one to make 'resolutions' but I definitely have a long list of goals for myself in 2011.

PERSONAL GOALS:
- Master my time management.
- Create and stick to a weekly routine.
- Stay organized!
- Plant a garden.
- Start and finish reading 4 books (in 2010 I didn't finish a single book I started!).
- Visit my grandma at least once a month.
- Make a dress or skirt.
- Make string art.
- Go camping.
- Host craft nights at my new place.
- Make time for just-for-fun art & crafting.
- Crochet a granny square blanket.
- Create more in my art journal.
- Vacation in Hawaii.

WORK GOALS:
- Redesign my portfolio website.
- Redesign my blog.
- Blog everyday!
- Do more graphic design work.
- Be a vendor at Renegade San Francisco.
- Start a Camp Smartypants newsletter.
- Introduce lots of cute new products.
- Attend lots of craft shows.

BLOG GOALS:
After taking Elsie's Blog Love E-Course I have some big plans for my blog in 2011! I plan to get back onto a regular posting schedule. I'll be introducing some new weekly features, craft tutorials, guest posts, and more! I have a TON of ideas I want to share. I want the Camp Smartypants blog to develop into a great resource of DIY projects and inspiration.


What goals do you have for 2011?