the beauty of Días de los Muertos

The Grand Rapids Public Library, where I work, annually hosts a community exhibit of altars in honor of Días de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where people build beautiful altars in memory of loved ones who have passed away. Many times the altars contain photos of the person as well as objects they owned or loved. The altars are beautiful and touching and are truly works of art.

This particular altar by Sarah Sciba in honor of Martha Jane Peters was one of my very favorites.

pattern in miniature

Once upon an early autumn bike ride I paused to wait for some others to catch up. And there beside me was a plant, already dry. And upon each tiny bloom the tiniest pattern repeats in black. Oh, the beauty of nature!

Renegade Craft Fair – I never saw it before!

One more post about the Renegade Craft Fair and then I am done talking about it. Until I go again. Which, given my spending this time around, might not be for quite a while!

I once thought I should buy myself a piece of art every year for my birthday. Well, I bought 5 at Renegade alone. So, yes, I should rein myself in and actually get things up on the wall! Anyone else out there have pieces waiting to be hung?

So people, here are some totally awesome things that I have never seen the likes of before. I always admire artists who come up with something unique.

Stanley the Stegosaurus by The Plaid Penguin

Dinosaur planters by The Plaid Penguin
So after the fact I had a few people tell me they have seen these before. Since this was my first encounter with them, the fine folks of The Plaid Penguin get credit from me. There is something very perfect about pairing spiky succulents with spiky plastic creatures. Fun!

Terrarium Teardrop Necklace by With Roots

Jewelry by With Roots
It's beautiful and it's alive. People, you know this is right up my alley! I love nature and I really do think moss is beautiful. So how lovely to wear a tiny little terrarium? I wonder if you have to store it in a place where it gets sun? I am thinking my dark closet does not qualify! Ok, just checked on that. They do indeed need some moderate sunlight.

The Night Job by Lisa Swerling

Detail of The Night Job by Lisa Swerling

Lisa Swerling's Glass Cathedrals
These lovely sparkly boxes with teeny tiny figurines posed in moments that make us human are simply magical. So lovely and amazing and dear and sometimes a bit funny. I just loved them. Please take some time to browse this artist's site.

the table is set for autumn

I found these wooden bowls while thrifting (which I don't actually do all the time; it just seems that way on this blog!). The set of pine needle nesting baskets with lids were actually something my husband had owned for years. I love them for displaying with natural items. All of the round containers ares spread across the table and are filled with natural treasures, some collected in the past and others being added as the season progresses. There is a park near our home that has a huge variety of oak trees and I love to collect all the different types of acorns!

purple wood

I took this photograph in August. One of those happy discoveries that makes me feel validated for my risky move of bringing a camera to the beach! It is of a weathered and worn tree along the Lake Michigan shore. I am very much intrigued by the shade of purple. Not what I necessarily expected to see on a day at the beach. The shade is very warm and compliments the tans nicely if anyone is looking for some fashion or decor inspiration!