pretty crafty thing

Another kind of stress

You will all be happy to know that I will be moving this weekend to the lovely neighborhood of Glen Park. Quite a different beat from the Lower Haight where I have been living for the last 3 years but I look forward to a new, quiet adventure. Although a little piece of my heart will always belong to the grimy streets along Haight.

One would think that moving and packing all of my stuff would entice a purging of all unneeded things but instead I have a burning desire to shop, shop, shop. Ridiculous, yes, but at least I am keeping them to pint size goodies. My newest present to myself - these gorgeous prints by Sugar Snaps. Totally affordable, beautiful art.

Travels

These will make for a great book and photo series. I find them to be very intimate - intriguing, a bit sultry.

Blue Citrus Art

Simplicity at its finest

Alright friends, just in case anyone ever asks, I'll take one of those to the left. Until then, I'll be happy with the necklace.  So what! I like to be prepared.

walnut and maple ring with salvaged diamond by Simply Wood Rings/padauk wood necklace by Twee Things

My journey back

Wow, it seems like its been a while! Hopefully the apartment search is officially over, double fingers crossed and I can get back into my daily blogging routine. I've missed it. During the last two weeks, I also did a small renewal cleanse (awesome timing Shelly) that was very difficult but perhaps in a weird way a very good idea. I couldn't hide my stress behind a tub of Ben and Jerry's or a bottle of vino verde so there it was front and center. Anywho, it will all come together soon!

I did get a chance to make a very quick stop at the Renegade Craft Fair on Sunday. I had to fly through but I was overall very impressed by the selection. Often, you see the same things over and over again but this time I did get to meet some new people and picked up a bunch of business cards for future shopping. Some really great letterpress cards, pretty frocks and cool illustrations. Not sure if this rebe dress to the left made it to the show but I found it on their website today amongst  several other wonderful pieces. What were your favorites?

I Cannot Lie

Tonight my friend Heather pointed out some of her new Etsy favorites. This resin deer head was amongst the many and at first I was all " wait, huh, what err..hmmm, that's pretty cool." I love when a piece takes me through that little journey. Often, I write about things that I immediately love but this time yes, the deer head silently fought for my attention. Now, I am pretty smitten. Imagine this against a stark white wall over a white brick fireplace. Wild.

Created by Ruby's Lounge

Morning Inspiration

Thank the gods - I was really hoping it would be. Print by Please be Still.

Thanks PoppyTalk

Fancy Schmancy

I want a fancy party outfit. I do, I do ...especially if its made with "100% vegetable-dyed tussah ("peace") silk" or organic cotton lace.  By Habitude.

Oh no...

Oh, does summer wake up the shopping bug in me. These handmade leather clutches and belt buckles from Canadian artist Flight Path are incredible. I really really really want one.

Acajou

Friends, I want to apologize in advance for possibly sporadic postings over the next month. Your Pretty Crafty Thing is lost amongst all the San Franciscans that are looking for a happy place to call home. My mornings, afternoons and nights have been spent searching for apartments so sometimes the desire to spend anymore time on the computer is nil. Know of a 3 bedroom apartment for rent or someone who needs a crafty little roommate??? Please feel free to let me know - my hair is graying, my nails are gone. Its not pretty. Thank heaven for beautiful little crafty things such as the wristlet to the left to help a girl in a funk.

One of Acajou's wristlets might just be the perfect way to carry my things to the many summer concerts I plan on attending. Sturdy and small enough for all my dancing and carrying about. So stylish and hip - it will improve any outfit. The contrasting lining in all of her bags adds a nice little "pop" and the bag is fully functional with two pockets and key ring. I also love her kite bag designs for those days that you have a lot more "baggage". Thank you Acajou for donating one of your wristlets to the Snog: A Singles Party that Doesn't Suck event There will be a very lucky winner!

Almost too pretty to eat

Just almost! Treat yourself to something yummy this weekend. Beautiful recipe from Waitrose Food Illustrated. You'll have to make the appropriate adjustments but doesn't it sound divine?

"This irresistible ice cream is a luxurious combination of fresh lemons, honey and buttery lemon curd – and it's simple to make, too.

Preparation time :	15 minutes, plus 4-5 hours freezing
Total time :	15 minutes, plus 4-5 hours freezing

Makes: 8 cornets

Ingredients

1 unwaxed lemon
284ml pot Waitrose Select Farm Double Cream
3 tbsp Waitrose Pure Clear Honey
½ x 500g pot Waitrose Natural Bio Wholemilk Yogurt
½ x 325g jar Waitrose Luxury Lemon Curd
8 Askeys St Louis Waffle Cones

Method

1. Finely grate the zest and squeeze the juice from the lemon. Reserve a little of the zest for decoration.
2. Very lightly whip the cream with an electric or hand whisk until it is just starting to thicken but has not yet formed into stiff peaks. Using a metal spoon, fold in the lemon zest and juice, honey and yogurt. Gradually fold in the lemon curd then pour into a 1 litre freezerproof tub with lid.
3. Place in the freezer for 4-5 hours until fully frozen. Remove every hour or so to stir with a fork, making sure the more frozen edges are mixed in. If making in advance, take out of the freezer and place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
4. Use a scoop to place the ice cream in the cones. Drizzle with a little extra honey and decorate with the reserved lemon zest.

Cook's tips

Try stirring other ingredients into the ice cream before freezing, such as crushed meringue or Cadbury Highlights Honeycomb Nibbles."