This mothers day I took a break from the overwhelming job of organizing my studio (I'll post pictures later it's still a landmine situation). My husband rounded up the kids, packed up the car and we escaped to the beach. After combing the shore line for seaglass (to use in future jewelry making projects) we all started building a driftwood shelter (this level of cooperation is amazing considering we have teenagers!)

It's not unusual to stumble across a driftwood creation in midcoast Maine. Sometimes they're sculptural and other times they function as real shelters keeping out the sun and wind. Ours is neither just a playful fort. We built it too close to the tide line, it'll be long gone next time we hit the beach. Last summer the boys made an elaborate structure that last for weeks. The best part was that it was constantly adapted and modfied by beachgoers.

I'm wondering if this unusual passtime is unique to maine, the only prerequisite is an ample supply of driftwood, time and some imagination. My only words of caution are watch out for rusty nails and check that the structure is safe enough for supervised play.

Saturday night found us enjoying a beautiful evening in downtown Portland. We made a repeat visit to the kids new favorite restaurant, Silly's close to Munjoy hill. It's located in a historic neighborhood close to the olde port. They're some fabulous stores nearby, Angela Adams fabrics and rugs, The Knitwit Cafe yarn store, a funky fabric store, and a wonderful store filled with hand screened t-shirts made with retro images and funky jewelry (I'll try to add the real names to these this week). Colors and wares to get any craftsperson inspired.

The restaurant itself is filled with wonderful handmade creations lighting fixtures made with christmas lights, tons feathers, mardi gras beads, piles of pictures and a smurf village by the register. Trips to the rest room are especially exciting for Celia, she talks a mile a minute about everything she sees in the handpainted mural. Cards and games on the table along with long necked water pitchers keep everyone happy until the food arrives. Their selection of milkshakes is almost rivals their extensive food menu. Cake, key lime, coconut and lemonade shakes were shared and enjoyed. I love a place that puts the whole family in a good mood.

I got great pictures of the kids on the ocean walk after dinner and they took one of me to replace my old profile image.

Here's wishing you a day of inspiration and good eats.

In honor of earthday I wanted to share this lovely little green girl that hangs over my kitchen sink. My friend Hannah (Check out her profile) designs original sea glass girls with her beach finds. This one was made in honor of my green craft book proposal being accepted. This week finds me launching head first into the book, organizing over fifty project ideas. The first step is to compose a wish list of recycables to share with friends family and neighbors. With any luck being green will save money on supplies, inspire others, but most of all be good for our environment. Please share your green crafts ideas with me.

My Soft+Simple knits for little ones just rewarded me with a huge return it reconnected me with a dear friend. We went to college together both received degrees in fine art and begun professional careers in graphic design at the same time (she was talented in this field, I wasn't!). Love and marriage took me to the Midwest and set my course contributing projects for Better Homes and Garden. In my eighteen year absence M.J. was creating her empire. I'm so impressed to learn of her successful business. In a twist of fate we now live an hour apart and have daughters whose birthdays are separated by six months. It's almost too much to wish that they'll become friends when they meet this month.

I love her interpretation of my felted crown design, it's part of a slipper and crown set.

I just learned that historically only kings and queens celebrated birthdays, which is the reason why the birthday crown became a traditional party hat.

and while I'm on the subject here's wishing Jessica a very happy Birthday!

Heidi

After a couple years in hibernation I felt it was safe to get out these fragile treasures. It's hard to remember at time when I had hours to spend decorating eggs. I learned the technique from a neighbor when I was a young teenager in Montreal, the very same neighbor who showed me how to make those elaborate layered decoupage plaques - anyone else remember that crafty fad?

Ukranian egg dying is enchanting process, for those of you that have never tried it here's a brief summary. You start with a blown and rinsed out egg (you don't want this masterpiece turning funky). First heat the stylus filled with beeswax over a candle flame. Apply the melted wax directly onto the egg, this will create white lines. Dip the egg into a light color dye such as yellow. Apply wax lines again, this time they'll trap the first died color. Dip egg into a slightly darker color dye such as green or orange. Repeat the process until the wax covered egg has been dipped in the darkest colored dye. Carefully heat the egg shell over the candle flame, wipe away the melted wax with a paper towel. All the beautiful layers of colors will be revealed.

Now that I've shared this with you I have to admit I'm running out to get some white eggs to hard boil. Then I'm going to break out the PAAS dye kit I bought on clearance last spring. Celia, Elliot and I are going to make a mess that will be unworthy of photography but the process will be fun and carefree! Happy Spring! Please send green thoughts to Maine, Heidi