Five of Wands & the Earthworm...

9/30: Five of Wands,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Earthworm The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Four of Pentacles & the Fire Ant...

9/29: Four of Pentacles,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Fire Ant, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

The Chariot & the Phoenix...

9/28: The Chariot,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Phoenix, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Father of Pentacles & the Eagle...

9/27: Father of Pentacles,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Eagle, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

The Hanged Man & the Horse...

9/26: The Hanged Man,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Horse, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Mother of Swords & the Oyster...

9/25: Mother of Swords,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Oyster, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Three of Pentacles & the Horse...

9/24: Three of Pentacles,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Horse, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Father of Wands & the Deer...

9/23: Father of Wands,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Deer, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Justice & the Otter...

9/22: Justice,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Otter, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Two of Wands & the Hyena...

9/21: Two of Wands,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Hyena, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Six of Swords & the Earthworm...

9/20: Six of Swords,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Earthworm, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Grubby Little Hands...

I was talking with a friend the other day about birthday presents.  We were nearly rolling on the floor laughing about some of our most unusual gifts we have received over the years.  When we sobered up from our fits of laughter and uncontrollable giggles, they asked me what I wanted for my upcoming birthday.  Of course, my responses were pretty esoteric... concepts like "more time" and "continued happiness".  Exasperated by my vagueness, they said I needed a list.  The truth of the matter is that it was actually harder to come up with a list than I thought it'd be.  While we're not rich, we definitely are blessed with a life of abundance and if there's something that I want, generally I can work towards it and get it myself or William gets it for me, especially if it helps me create things.  When I was growing up, my family didn't have a lot of money and I realized fairly early on that my requests generally added more stress to my parents' lives, particularly if it was out of reach.  So it was best to wish for abstract concepts that wouldn't make my parents feel bad for not being able to do more.

In reality, I'm easily pleased.  Someone could give me a pretty rock they found on the ground and I'd be happy with it.  I value handmade things and little works of art.  I particularly enjoy the unusual and always delight in surprises.  I'm a collector of things – cats, owls, ravens, books, beads, and anything magical.  When I did finally come up with a list, it was pretty boring!  LOL! Mostly it was raw materials to make things, like metal clay and resin.  

After some time, I thought harder about the things that I wanted and I came up with this list.  They are all things that are currently on my radar and are things that I'll eventually get for myself, but do not yet have.  I know this list might seem frivolous, especially with everything going on in the world right now, but it's mostly just a fun little exercise for myself.  Of course, you can always CLICK HERE and contribute to our Beads of Courage fundraising page.  Their annual fundraiser is almost over and they need help to reach their goal.  Of course, there's also hurricane relief efforts for the aftermath of Harvey and Irma.  And earthquake disaster relief in Mexico.  Or pro equality and human rights.  Really, there are so many more people in need right now.

For what it's worth, here's my list:

Benchtop Polisher

With some of the polymer clay work that I make and metalsmithing, a bench top polisher would free up my hands and allow me to really shine some stuff up!

PanPastels

Recently, I was in a class with Christi Friesen and one of the techniques we did used PanPastels.  Since then, I've been thinking up of all kinds of applications for this art supply.

Slab Cutter

I have a lot of rough gemstone and mineral specimens that I'd like to turn into a more useful state.  I'd like the ability to carve my own stones and this would help me get there.

Rewind Mimosa Candle

I'm a big fan of candles in general, but we got this as a housewarming present and it was delightful.  I was almost reluctant to burn it, because I wanted it to last forever and ever.

Lucky Cat Figurine

Who couldn't use a little extra luck? When we opened the store, we ended up getting a bunch of lucky cats.  With some projects in the works, it might be time for our collection to increase.

Beekman 1802: A Seat at the Table

I first discovered the Fabulous Beekman Boys (Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge) with, "The Bucolic Plague".  Since then, their business and lifestyle brand has really taken off and they've launched several cookbooks.  I have a few and like them a lot.  I particularly love the photography.  This is their latest and it looks like a good one.

Pardo Translucent Polymer Clay

So, I wasn't really going to put anything on the list that I have had already, but I had some great ideas and was just about to execute them and then I ran out of this clay! Eek!  What I like about this clay is that it has incredible translucency. 

Amber Essential Oil

This is one of my favorite scents.  It has a rich warmth to it.  After years of adding a dab here and there, I am finally out and am looking for more.

23k Gold Leaf

This is another item that is on my list thanks to Christi Friesen!  In one of her classes, we worked with genuine gold leaf.  Normally whenever I use "gold leaf", I use imitation gold leaf, but in class I discovered some of the properties of working with the real deal and want to experiment more.

Belazu Rose Harissa

We recently became vegetarian and as a result, I've been researching recipes that are vegetarian friendly.  While looking up Moroccan and Northern African recipes, I came across this.  It looks tasty!

Truffle Oil

I know there's a big hubbub with some chefs and truffle oil.  I recall one of them saying that it's basically "perfume" and a "lie".  But you know what... I don't care!  I've had some fries that were flavored with "perfume" and "lies" and they were damn delicious.  This is a pantry item that I recently ran out of, but usually only pick up when I stumble upon a good deal.

Wild Mushroom Blend

Speaking of delicious fungi, one of my favorite dishes that I make is a wild mushroom risotto.  It's earthy.  It's buttery.  It's like someone is hugging you from the inside when you eat it.  I usually buy the broken bit medley from Earthly Delights, as it's usually cheaper and I don't mind if the mushrooms aren't in perfect slices.

Death & the Turtle...

9/19: Death,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Turtle, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Three of Pentacles & the Frog...

9/18: Three of Pentacles,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Frog, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Four of Pentacles & Cosmic Egg...

9/17: Four of Pentacles,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Cosmic Egg, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Four of Swords & the Crocodile...

9/16: Four of Swords,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Crocodile, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Pantone Spring 2018 London Fashion Color Trend Report...

The final Pantone Spring Color Report usually comes out near the end of the month after all the big shows have wrapped up.  Can't wait that long?  That's okay! They've just announced the Pantone Spring 2018 London Fashion Color Trend Report.  This report covers the top twelve colors that hit the runway in the UK.

Here's a little bit about what they said, "The desire for colorful self-expression is a key take away for Spring 2018.  Similar to observations made by Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman in our NY Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report, designers for the UK market are comparably responding to the consumer's growing appetite for flexibility in color expression by introducing more unusual colors and color stories in their collections for Spring 2018.  Overall there is a feeling of optimism and confidence driving a new vitality into fashion trends."  To read all of it, CLICK HERE.

Like the New York report, the London version included a "core basics".  The palette of the neutrals was the same as in New York.

Speaking of things being similar, there were a few colors that were transatlantic chart toppers!  Seven of the top twelve colors that appeared in London also appeared in New York.  To be fair, New York's "Chili Oil" has a similar vibe as London's "Spiced Apple".  The most noticeable differences come with London's "Nile Green" and New York's "Arcadia" and London's "Palace Blue" and New York's "Little Boy Blue".  Additionally, New York has a solid brown color with "Emperador" while London has a slightly softer, more pastel, traditional spring palette with variations of dusty pinks.

Pantone New York Fashion Color Trend Report ("X" marks show crossovers)

Pantone London Fashion Color Trend Report

The question now is... which colors will stick around for the final Spring Color Report?  Do you have any early predictions for Color of the Year?

Strength & the Eagle...

9/15: Strength,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Eagle, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Wheel of Fortune & Cosmic Egg...

9/14: Wheel of Fortune,  The Wild Unknown Tarot. Cosmic Egg, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

The Emperor & The Octopus...

9/13: The Emperor, The Wild Unknown Tarot. The Octopus, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck.

Pantone Spring 2018 New York Fashion Color Trend Report...

It's here!  The first of the Fashion Color Trend Reports comes hot on the heels of New York Fashion Week.  I always look forward to the Pantone Color Reports.  After years of posting about them, I know the survey palettes can be met with mixed feelings.  While several designers I've talked to don't particularly care for them, I find them really useful.  I might not always implement them in my design choices, but they are definitely good food for thought.  It's also a nice way to take the pulse of the fashion world and get a clearer consensus about the feel and mood of some of the top influencers in the fashion industry.  Love it or hate it, if you're into color, it's definitely interesting!

These were the top twelve colors that hit the runway.  The selections from the Spring 2018 are a vibrant mix, and highlight self-expression and individuality.  Some of the colors aren't ones that we'd normally associate with a spring palette, but are certainly statement making.  Pantone states, "The color story is wildly divergent and we see a kaleidoscopic bounty of uplifting shades and feel-good tones.  There is a feeling of optimism and confidence driving a new vitality into fashion trends.  That doesn't mean that we don't continue to look for more neutral or classic shades as while simple, these core basics are seasonal essentials, working well on their own as well as providing the landscape for the color complexity."

With that being said, they've also launched their first, "Color Classic Color Palette".  This is the neutrals that form the foundation for the color play of the regular color samplings.

Want to find out more?  You can check out all the latest information about the Spring 2018 selections by CLICKING HERE.

The final Spring Color Report should be coming in a few weeks.  One of my favorite thing about the Spring report is that the Color of the Year is usually selected from this report.  What do you think the Color of the Year for 2018 will be?