Cicada Jewelry by KimiDukes

Where I grew up, we had a lot of cicadas in the summer. Their unmistakable buzzing was intrinsically linked with the sticky, humid New England weather. I used to patrol our backyard, searching for their creepy brown skins, which were always attached to our split-rail fence. I don't know why they fascinated me so much, but I've never quite gotten over it.

When I was at Crafty Wonderland recently, I discovered the amazing natural history style jewelry of local Portland designer, KimiDukes. Her deceptively simple pieces incorporate all kinds of hidden treasures: cast resin cicada bodies, tiny bird skulls and bones, shiny beetle wings, dried seeds and other lovelies. The bold colors of the resin contrast perfectly with the earthy pods. These beautiful accessories brought back all the wonder and joy of discovering little pieces of nature from my childhood!

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Faking it ever since

While internet-stalking the winner of my lolcat book giveaway, I saw this xkcd comic strip and immediately felt a kindred spirit:


I'm really a very responsible person (just ask all my high school friends who find me to be a total bore now--although, I was pretty boring then too). It just feels really weird to be given the responsibility of owning actual property with an actual building on it. Forever and ever.

In house news, we thought we'd be getting the keys today, but it turns out that we have to wait until tomorrow. I'm so pumped and ready to go, that I've been waking up at 7:30am instead of my regular 10 or so, figuring out our painting plan. I guess that means that we'll get more work done today, which isn't so bad. I'm just ready to pwn this house!!

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LOLcat Book Winner

I just drew the winner of my LOLcat book giveaway using random.org, and it's Rachel! Congratulations, you lucky winner, you!

Please email me your address, and I'll make sure you get your copy of How to Take Over Teh Wurld, A lolcat Guide 2 Winning. You're totally going to love it!

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How to Take Over Teh Wurld

This book is brilliant. I've seen most of these LOLcats on the i can has cheezburger? website, but somehow they were funnier in print. Yes, you can read this book in one sitting. No, it won't make you smarter. But it will prove that the little ball of fur that sleeps on your clean clothes is plotting more than just a new way to steal cheeseburgers.

I've had this book sitting next to my computer desk for a few days, and every time I have a free minute (waiting for inspiration to strike or for a website to load) I flip open a random page and find myself feeling better about the world.

This is a perfect gift for anyone who loves cats, or who knows that cats can be truly evil. It's great for people who don't use the internet much, or for avid followers of the site. Leave it in your bathroom, or on your coffeetable as a conversation starter. My cat even used it as a pillow. There's nothing like a glossy paper copy of some of your favorite lols.

U can buys it at: Amazon.com, Borders, B&N

I'll be giving away a free copy to one of my readers, so hop over to this post and leave a comment with a link to your favorite lolcat image. I'm drawing a winner in just a few hours, so do it now!

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Hands On Handmade

I asked everyone if they thought it was important to have handmade products signed, dated, initialed or otherwise marked by their maker, and the results came back with a resounding "yes". After I read the first few responses, I came to agree wholeheartedly.

I was tired of putting in the work when I didn't think it was being noticed, but the problem was just that I wasn't hearing the feedback about that tiny detail. I've always tried to keep my creations separate from the soulless mass-produced stuff that you see on most shelves, and this is one of the most important ways to do that.

If I could mark each one with my logo, or business name, or write a friendly note on each one, I would in a heartbeat. But until I find an economical way to do it, I'll just be signing my initials on each glass (and ceramic) thing we make. And I'm really glad to hear that it's appreciated! <3

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