a haiku and cute bad drawings to make you cry.

noey left today.

i will miss you noey.

i need a lil hug.

~joy

The Fiction Project

I’m very excited and sad to see my sketchbook go on tour next week for the Sketchbook Project.  They grow up so fast.  Now I’m addicted to being creative everyday for fun instead of just for work.  I need my fix.

So even though I’m not a really a writer, I’ve signed myself up for the Fiction Project, another coast to coast tour by the Art House Co-op.  It’s just like the Sketchbook Project but with writing and you tell stories and draw pictures based on a theme.

Since my memory has rapidly gotten worse since young Noey began drinking in college, I’ve chosen the theme, “I’m Sorry I Forgot You.”

Hey photographers!  I may also join the AMLP Photomobile, where Art House sends you a disposable camera to take 27 frames on a single theme.  You then send it in to go on yet another tour.

Want to do it?  I’m nervous because I haven’t used a disposable camera since 2003.  Oh the pressure of not being able to delete a bad photo.

Noelle

Working From Home

It’s swell to work from home every day, but rough to live and work in the same place. True, I’d love to have the means to rent a studio space. Somewhere to set up shop that is nowhere near where I sleep.  But my commute is from my bed to my desk. Sometimes it make me feel like a hermit crab.  So here are some…

Top 5 strategies for survival:

1- Get dressed.

{via PLFOTO}

Maybe don’t stay in your pjs all day.  It helps to make me feel like a part of society.  I wear comfy clothes at the very least, but occasionally get inappropriate and wear digs that I could never get away with wearing to the office. WHY? Because I have nothing better to do and no boss getting mad if my bra is showing.

2 – Decorate.

{via DESIGN*SPONGE}

I’m a weak little flower who needs sunlight to grow.  I just moved my desk by a window – done.  Otherwise if you’re facing a wall, paint it a less than boring color.  Caddy-corner your desk.  Decorating can be cheap.  I have the urge to draw big notes on my walls. In chalk!

3- Have a routine.

{via HYPERBOLE AND A HALF}

Great advice! This strategy keeps me sane.  Go to the gym, grab a cup of coffee and get to your desk by 10am. Work for 8 hours and then you’re off the clock.  Well I rarely make it to the gym, I’m not super girl. Which brings me to #4…

4- Take breaks!

{via ESB}

Exclamation point.  Under tight deadlines, I go 2-3 days without stepping foot out of my apt. SO sad.  At least take a walk around the block. Anything to get away from the desk.

And the top 5 ultimate strategy for surviving freelance is…

5- Be selfish  >:)

{via FFFOUND}

Don’t confuse with 4.  4 is a given, you need a break every day, even twice a day.  But 5 is indulgence.  Noooo workaholics. Even watching an hour of tv or catching a yoga class can be good for the mind and the achey back.

Makes you want to quit your day job and join the freelance cult, yeah?

~Joy

Creative Cake Toppers

Creative cake toppers are tiny and most of your guest won’t even notice them.  I will ALWAYS notice them.  You should be prepared in case I am invited to your future wedding.  I’ve given you some of my favorite options:

Our Sugar Sweet and Sunshine cupcakes needed to be decorated with something pretty.  Meet Lily and Purcell, Anne Wood’s Handmade Sweethearts.  Look at them!  So fancy.

Lace and Rubbish makes unique cake toppers that I think you should get.  Mates and Rubbish, their sister store, makes cupcake toppers.  I love this company.

Cotton Bird Designs, a shop from England, sells little handmade items for your wedding, including these burlap bird cake toppers.  Good to know if you happen to live in England.

Bunny With A Tool Belt sells funny little guys, including these Hand Holding Monsters.  Hand Holding Monsters!

Noelle