A sewing project and a little bit of color

I decided that I could not live any longer without a maxi skirt, and since I am definitely on a budget, I decided to make my own.  If you are of the same ilk, go to this lovely little lady's you tube videos.  She does an excellent job making the whole thing sound ridiculously easy.  It was, though I am no master seamstress...yet!  I wore it today, and I felt more like myself than I had in a long time.  Funny how a little color can do that to you.  Speaking of color...there are few flower pics below as well.  I am completely obsessed with flower photos and with my little iPhone camera, well, let's just say, I'm still learning.  It would seem that I am novice in everything I do these days, but I know I am exactly where I should be.  I would love to hear about other sewing blogs and flower blogs if you would like to share!  Oh, and before I go, if you are a flower person, check out Amy Merrick's blog.  She takes it to another level.  I suppose being a florist will do that to you!    

Block Printing

I have always wanted to try block printing but always decided that I couldn't draw well enough to create my own design for the stamp.  So after hemming and hawing about it, I decided to throw caution to the wind and give it a try.  I watched a tutorial on Geninne's Art Blog as well as this tutorial on MarthaStewart.com to prepare. I ventured to University Art in Palo Alto (If you haven't been, you must go...every art supply known to man!) and bought a Speed Ball Block Printing Kit (Michael's didn't have any carving blocks) as well as a very soft carving block called the Speedy Cut Block.  This is my first go so soft and easy cutting/carving sounded like a good idea.  ;)  The design I settled on was a feather/leaflike pattern inspired by Geninne's feather in her tutorial.  I started by just drawing directly onto my block and found a light touch is definitely required.  I tried the stamp with the edges and without...just for fun.  I think it turned out pretty well.  I think I should create a textile of sorts and then a pillow.  Will keep you posted.  Would love to hear any tips and tricks you have!

The Father of Los Altos

My husband and I went for a stroll over the weekend in the little town of Los Altos.  I had expressed an interest in knowing where the public library in the vicinity was located, and so my husband led me to the place he once did all of his research for high school papers and such.  (This is before the internet was a reliable source. Perish the thought!) 

We wondered across San Antonio Road and toward the front entrance of the library.  Then, we couldn't resist following the apricot tree-lined path past the entrance to see what else we might find.  A delightful surprise awaited us--the house where Los Altos began!  Around the turn of the 20th century, Mr. J Gilbert Smith started building his home as well as planting an apricot orchard.  Apparently, the whole valley was once orchards of every size and shape imaginable.  He built the beautiful craftsman all by his lonesome...one load of wood at a time.  It's now the home to the Los Altos History Museum.  You can picnic in the garden, read under one of the magnificent trees, or get married in the courtyard behind the house.  Your choice!  We took the tour inside as well.  The museum has refurbished it with articles (furniture, clothing, dishes, etc.) that you would find in and around the 1930s.  

After the tour, we found ourselves under a tree, just being quiet.  It's one of the quietest places I have found here thus far.  Peaceful. Serene.  So much beauty.

Johnny's Harborside Restaurant

Despite all of the drama surrounding Santa Cruz as of late, my husband and I had brunch at a lovely little place called Johnny's Harborside Restaurant and Cafe.

From inside you gaze at a Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and Monterey Bay.  Made me feel like we were back in Marina Del Rey.  How I miss those boats.

Brunch was delicious.  The Harbor Benedict was so decadent...crab cakes were involved.  :)  The trio of seafood tacos were huge, fresh and delicious as well...enough for sharing in my opinion.  Just FYI.

After a brunch like that we needed a stroll, so we meandered down to the lighthouse at the end of the harbor.  It was spectacular.  Once we passed by Seabright Beach, we were suddenly flanked by countless colossal jack-like concrete structures lining the jetty.  Those buggars will be there 'til the end of time.  Let's hope Santa Cruz reinvents itself.  It's too beautiful to just let itself go.

  

Villa Montalvo

It's hard to do this beautiful place justice in words or in photographs.  Situated just outside Saratoga in the foothills is a villa that once was the home of one of California's US Senators.  Now it is known as the Montalvo Arts Center.  It's an artist sanctuary.  Go see a concert, a play, an art exhibit, host a party, or just enjoy a picnic in the green space in front of the villa.  Very Euro of them I must say--  park space for just, well, being.  Thus far, I have been enjoying the hiking trails.  Below are some pics of this magnificent place.