Junkprints Dumpster Pool Party!

Chanel Kennebrew a.k.a. Junkprints and her friends decided that their summer party needed something special, so they turned to David Belt of Macro-Sea who had just built pools out of dumpsters. That's right, dumpsters! You can read the whole story about the Dumpster Pools in this recent NY Times article.

It is a fabulous idea. A secret pool party in Brooklyn that is invite only. And, there's also something special about taking trash containers and turning them into something new and useful. Even the neighbors had no idea what was going on. Once you were inside the walls, the music was loud, the energy was high, and the atmosphere was full of excitement. As soon as you stepped back on the street, the music faded away, everyone went their separate ways and it was a quiet neighborhood.

Enjoy these snapshots courtesy of Alicia Kachmar, crocheter of adorable little friends.

The pools from above - you wouldn't even think they were dumpsters!

The pools from below, showing the dumpsters in all their glory.

Video games projected on the wall added another fun thing to do!

And, the finale. A giant whale pinata filled with glitter and goodies from Chanel & her friends.

Mimi Kirchner Etsy Video Portrait

Mimi Kirchner has been an inspiration to me since I met her a couple of years ago. This amazing doll artist lives in Arlington, MA and recently had a video portrait done for Etsy.com. I can't think of another artist I know who has a more interesting environment. When I think about a home studio, I instantly think about Mimi's house. Her home is filled with the many things she's collected or inherited over the years. For me, it's always a treat to visit with her because I know I'll leave inspired and ready to work on a hundred different ideas. Take a few minutes and watch this video to learn a little bit more about Mimi. Her work is available in her Etsy shop, but if you're in Boston on December 12 & 13, stop by the South End Holiday Market to visit her creations in person. You'll be glad you did.

Squidfire Squids Now Available!

The Zooguu/Squidfire Plush Squid

The book by Kevin Sherry - Available at Amazon.com

Recently I collaborated with Kevin Sherry of Squidfire to create plush versions of his popular Squid character from his book, "I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean." They made their debut at Squidfire's Art Mart in May, but I'm finally making them available for the public to order directly from our Etsy Shop.

I think this is a wonderful collaboration for us because the book is extremely playful and funny. Kevin is a fantastic illustrator and we are proud to be able to create these great plush. Kevin and JB are also carrying them in their Squidfire retail shop in Baltimore, MD. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by and visit their wonderful store.

Birthday Poe

Brian's birthday was last Friday, and for one of his gifts I made him a fabric version of his Edgar Allen Poe illustration. The size is 11 x 14, and I stretched the final piece over canvas stretchers. I'd love to collaborate on more fabric pieces together, but they always end up being extremely time consuming. The only other one we did together was a Wizard of Oz mini quilt.