Made By Girl

This print from Made By Girl had to be mine from the moment I saw it.  It has claimed a spot right on the desk in my office. That's where I retreat in the mornings when my husband allows me a few minutes of baby-free time to enjoy a mug (always Fiesta -- Today the color choice was turquoise. I switch it up daily) filled to the brim with coffee and I start my daily rounds on the blogosphere.  Coffee. Blogs. Happiness. 

Photo by Grace Hilton

You'll notice a couple of books in the photo that are also tied to blogs that I highly recommend. Apartment Therapy, of course. If you don't already follow it, start now.  You can also buy their books here, here, and here.  The other books are city guides by Kaie Wellman that feature all locally-owned truly unique businesses. Kaie has never steered me wrong. These mini books the perfect size to toss in a handbag and are essential for exploring your own city or when visiting one of the 22 cities she's covered. Buy them here and you can follow her 'ramblings' on the Eat.Shop site for even more goodness. 

Now for the best part of today's post. Jen Ramos of Made By Girl is graciously offering Grace Hilton blog readers a 10% discount off anything on her site! How amazing is that?  Just enter code GIVEAWAYMBG2011 It expires in one month, so start shopping! And of course, check out Jen's blog right here. 

Still Hip To Stitch?

I've been bitten by the craft bug recently and looking for a project to take on.  There's been discussion of purchasing a small loom, a block printing kit or even doing a bit of cross stitch (it's been on my mind ever since a friend sent me the link to these Charley Harper kits). Add knitting and quilting along with the options above and I certainly have a plethora of choices to satisfy my craft bug.

Along with my search for a fun new project, some questions have been raised. With the neo-craft movement having been in full swing for awhile now, what's next on the hot list? Are knitting, cross stitch and needlepoint destine to become passé as quickly as they rose in popularity? Maybe you never boarded the neo-craft express and have tuned out all the handmade hype.

While I might never pick up a needle and thread myself, there are still many fun needlepoint and cross stitch products to purchase, from Jonathan Adler's "Granny Gone Wild" pillows to sugary sweet little handmade items from Etsy.  Do you think these objects fit into a modern home though? And even if they do, are these items on their way out in favor of some new, exciting craft fad?  Let's hear it!

Top to Bottom: 'Fawn' Cross stitch on Etsy, Trina Turk (Set of Four) Coasters,  Forever, Jonathan Adler 'Joy' Pillow, Charley Harper kits, Kiss + Hug pillows from Emily Peacock