blast from the past

Tuesday was my birthday, so I got a bunch of well wishes from friends. One email was from my super duper photog friend Jeff who used to be my roommate for years and years. When we lived together on the east coast, we adopted a dog right off the streets. His name was Sailor and he was with me for 11 years until he passed away in 2007 from cancer. He was an amazing dog. In the note from Jeff, he included this old picture he shot of us about 10 years ago. I hadn't seen Sailor look this good for quite a while as he was pretty frail during his final years.

Sometimes it is nice to look back at things from long ago... and remember how they used to be.

studio lighting

studio lighting
counterclockwise from l to r... 1. sol pendant, cb2, $99 2. leran lamp, ikea, $90 3. swing pendant, cb2, $50 4. copper blow light, tom dixon 5. bucket pendant, anthropologie, $248 6. coral pendant, dwr, $400 7. foto lamp, ikea $15

I am going back to the new space on Sunday to do some measuring. No point in renting the place if I can't get my monster of a press through the door. One thing I will need to get right away is some lighting. Currently there are only open junction boxes. I have been looking at some options and have found some that I just love. Of course since there are 11 outlets, I doubt I will be getting the more expensive ones. Right now I am leaning towards the swing pendant from cb2 though my budget may push me more towards the 'foto' ikea pendant. Any lighting suggestions?

space

While the market may be shaky, Paper Stories is outgrowing its little 200 sq/ft studio. I have been thinking about expanding for a while and have found the space. It is 1000 square feet of concrete goodness. The space will serve primarily as a studio space but is so big that I have other plans as well that will eventually include a small retail section, a gallery, and even classes. The space is actually in a retail location next to other eco-friendly and artsy shops. I just signed the letter of intent, which is very scary....

The space is long and skinny with two outside doors and LOTS of windows. What light through yonder window breaks, for sure! I haven't signed the lease yet but barring unforseen issues, I will be moving in March 1st. The space does need a little work, from painting over a mural of a lady. (Sorry lady, you gotta go) to installing a bunch of light fixtures to the ceiling sockets.

I would love to hear and decorating suggestions you have. I am hoping to document the moving in process here as it all unfolds.... so keep your fingers crossed for me.

(The pictures were all taken at night so the colors are all off. When I get some daytime pics taken, I will post them here. That is the hubby and the baby in the pictures, checking things out.)

vote!

This card was selected for the Etsy Valentine's Market. Now they are asking you to vote for your favorite 'love' themed item to be featured on the Etsy blog and in their Valentine's gift guide. So head on over and vote for our little card here!

for obama fans and printing nerds

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