.

Some activity at least...

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:53:00 +0000

Terrible blogger finally attends to blog. Yes, it has been a while, but I have been focussing on a number of new projects. Some have to do with the "biz" and some are just those life tasks one must complete. The spring weather has encouraged me to get my house in order - boring - I know - but so nice to finally see the playroom as a useful place. Clean - and with toys that cater to babies removed!

Also, the taxes were a bear this year - but also - finished!! Visit to family for a week - also fun. Participated in my first sales party and was so happy to have the opportunity to meet other designers and crafts people from my area. I am new here as we moved last fall to our new house. Everyone was so friendly! Made some sales - met some new people - donated to Cancer Research - what could be better!

Ok - and I have been working on some new things too - not enough for my taste, as I have some ideas that just won't let me go until I try them. They are next - I promise!!

So here are a few pictures of fun new items in the shop- Totes and T-shirts and a new textile pattern. I will be adding to the children and baby T's category as time goes on - adding some sets that will be perfect for baby showers! (I'm thinking camp set of three- one of each camp design - so cute!)

I hope everyone is enjoying their spring and has a new found energy for creating!
Cheers!!

So now I'm Hooked!

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:18:00 +0000

I am having so much fun making these patterns based on my lino cut Tea Towels! This is the latest - based on my House Next Door pattern is available in my shop. I changed up the colors a bit and reduced the scale. It turned out better than I thought - as I'm usually drawn to larger patterns.

Can't wait to show you the next after this (as I am hoping the most recent will be shipped out this week from Spoonflower).

Like candy arriving in the mail. I highly recommend the process...

Cheers!

O.K. - so finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:06:00 +0000

I have been on the beta list for Spoonflower for - what - 9 months? I just haven't gotten the nerve ( read - tech knowledge) to actually send one of my patterns to be digitally printed. Boy - it was really satisfying. I have a piece of cloth - with my pattern, and I didn't actually have to print it myself. Crazy concept, I know!

After watching all of the beautiful textiles being created through Spoonflower - both on their website - but also in the shops and blogs of many of my favorite designers, I just had to get over my fear.

So here it is. Camper in repeat ( an some other colors thrown in) - go figure. I am happy with how this has turned out. It is a bit different that I thought it would be - but no matter - that's how it goes when you have never tried something before.

Now I'm hooked - and have already sent another for printing. Will hopefully have something else to show by the end of the week.

This one is up in the shop.

Hope everyone out there is staying warm - snow still seems to be falling in this neck of the woods.

Thanks Brittni and Papernstitch.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Things have been a bit busy around Camp Graeff lately. One 5th birthday can certainly take up a lot of time. It was perfect - and when would I ever use my real china except for a Princess Dress-up Tea Party for 12 beautiful girls.

I think it was a hit - at least it was with my little princess. Now that I'm done with hand washing dishes......

On a more "business" side - I wanted to thank Brittni over at Papernstitch - for all of the wonderful news she has been sending my way this week.

Firstly, she was lovely to have picked my "My Heart is Yours" tea towel in her Top Picks for a fun interview she did on Heart Handmade's Blog. (see picture - and of course link - to check out the others too!) I was happy to have been chosen - but equally happy to learn more about Brittni and the development of her site. It's really great to see it taking off - I'm always encouraged by other's successes - especially when they are so nice to work with.

And then - again I received a note just today that my "Custom Portrait - Tea Towels" were picked by Erin Loechner as a Design for Mankind Favorite - on the Papernstitch blog.

I'm very happy to have been chosen for both of these Favs. There are really so many wonderful designers being showcased at Papernstitch it must have been very hard choices.

So thanks mucho Brittni for these as well as all of your hard work- and I wish I could send you a piece of the super-fun, quadruple tiered, from scratch, Barbie cake as a little treat. Yum!

Tea Towels Unite...

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:53:00 +0000

I know my world is a bit skewed - but I really think there is a tea towel revolution on the horizon. Ok - nothing violent or really uprising - just some more exposure than is normal.

Poppytalk has a nice showcase of tea towel designs in their latest newsletter ( I'm happy to be included).

There are more articles on the horizon - so keep posted. (I'm sure you are on the edge of your seat).

Have a wonderful - cozy day.

How Great is this Treasury!

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:21:00 +0000

I just love this treasury I am in ( was in, I should say, as I sold a Camper towel after 4 minutes on the Front Page - wooot!).

I had to show this collection - how fun and eclectic. I would love to go to this "Fondue Party". Thanks so much to Kira for including me - check out her shop as well. She has some really terrific jewelry!

New in Shop - Love is in the Air.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:04:00 +0000

I am happy that I have started up again. It was a bit overwhelming this Holiday - all the printing...printing...printing. I'm not complaining - but because I was so busy producing pieces - I couldn't design anything new.

So here are two new tea towels for the shop. Why not go seasonal?

Actually the Doggie was a pattern I made in December with my daughter - at her request because she loves our dog soooo much. (As I write this she is sitting next to me with our dogs head on her lap).

I really wasn't sure how the "crochet" would turn out - but I am happy. I think it captures my impression of those delicate hand made doilies.

Ok - on to the next....

New Year = New Projects.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:14:00 +0000

After a looooong absence from my blog - I am pleased to say "Happy New Year" - to any and all who still check in!!
Thanks so much for all of your attention and lovely comments and support this past year. Blogging still feels a bit foreign to me - but so much more comfortable than one year ago - thanks to everyone who have welcomed me.

We at Camp Graeff have had a fun, busy, exciting, family-full time over the Holidays. I feel truly blessed!
Yes, and totally exhausted - but very satisfied - and ready to begin the new adventures in 2009.

My little peach received a very sweet sewing machine (Hello Kitty by Jenome) for Christmas and a ton of scrap fabric from Santa's dress workshop. She and I have started a simple quilt for her to practice using the machine. I truly hope to spend more time creating with my children in 2009.

2008 was all about reviving my own creative juices - and now I am hoping to be more "effective" with my stuff - so I can spend more time not thinking about work - and more time with (read: truly engaged) with my little people.

So here are a few pictures showing the organizing of the patterns and marking the squares for the quilt.

I wish all of you a wonderful and "Project Filled" 2009!!!

I really love Tea.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:55:00 +0000

It's kind of ironic that I started printing tea towels - as drinking tea is one of my favorite past times. This is a misnomer, however, - as I don't really pass time while drinking. Its more like grab a cup of hot tea in one hand balancing purse over arm - other hand filled with keys, lost mitten, hat, school book/paper - late for school - out the door while two kids ( and dog) bump, pull and generally trip me - all the way to the car. Set tea on roof - buckle everyone in. Once in car drive with one hand - other holding tea so it doesn't spill all over the console - drive down our very bumpy steep hill (read: potholes and stray branches) - down the driveway - again bumpy. Ahh at the street - once on pavement - drinking - finally - while driving.

So, I had a tea kettle that worked. However, it didn't whistle - and was always burning me with steam that escaped at the most inopportune moments - and had a loose handle (from continual use). I really needed a new kettle.

This beauty caught my eye and I splurged. The Oxo in orange. We are in the honeymoon phase - no hard water deposits - yet. All is good.

And I think it is really influencing my choice of color too - see these new custom house portrait tea towels - doesn't the color look great?

Now if I was only civilized enough to actually serve with a tea towel...

Thanks Michelle and Indie Fixx.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:26:00 +0000

Just about to start my (much needed) holiday - but I looked one... last ... time at my favorites and found that Michelle of Cicada Studio - has posted a comprehensive overview of ornaments as a guest blogger on IndiFixx.

I am lucky to have been included - as all of the others are so lovely!

Thanks very much! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.

(The photo is a shot of some especially nice grocery flowers I picked up this week- just to brighten things up!)

New Kitchen.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:55:00 +0000

I have not posted many photos of the new house since we have moved in. I really want to post shots - but I have been too busy to take the time to even take any photos. This post is mainly for my mom and sister in Nashville - who have been asking me to show the new kitchen - with the new window. I have one photo - here which shows the new window and the wonderful cabinets below.

I really love it! The ceiling is still '"in work" and the dishwasher panel is not in yet - and the bamboo floors are still in the barn - but it doesn't matter. Cooking here is a pleasure - I feel like I'm outside with the wonderful views.

I have added the old kitchen - taken in the late 50's to show the difference. We have really opened up the back wall - and moved the oven and refrigerator to a wall location - so the window would not be blocked. I will continue to add photos as we continue to progress.

"491 Crestmont Lane"

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:32:00 +0000

This post is especially for Erin - who has been very patient waiting for this lovely portrait to be finished.
I was originally calling this house "The House with the New Baby", as in every photo there was an indication of little one(s). I added the push cart as a reminder to them of these days. Those babies - they get big - and it happens gradually so it seems like nothing has changed. Then you look at those old photos and - wow - you remember.

So in my mind it is still "The House with the New Baby" - but officially the title has changed. I hope they love the set!

"Antique" Ornaments.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:14:00 +0000

Something new to the shop- and I had to post about it.

I just had so much fun getting these ready for sale. They make me smile for two reasons - the first being that they really reminding me of my grandmother.

When she died I was given her collection of beautiful antique ornaments. Some even from her childhood in Ireland - so I had to immortalize them in these.

And secondly - just because they are a bit tongue in cheek and fun.

I am always afraid of breaking my true glass lovelies - so here they are - unbreakable!!

Well.... don't try.

Enjoy!!

Little Gifts!

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:31:00 +0000

Just wanted to post about my new Christmas items. I will have more as the week progresses - can't get it all done at the same time around here.

Today was a bit rainy to take photos - but I was actually happy with their color etc.

So here's the first of the ornaments - Tractor Set of 2 - all packaged up properly - imagine that!

Come back again I will have a couple more cuties to put up later this week in my shop.

Oh, and I have a new Holiday Tea Towel - I forgot to post about it last week.

Enjoy!

House on the Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:41:00 +0000

I haven't received the "official" title for this pretty house - yet. I've been calling it House on the Hill just as I name all of the houses before I know the true address. My hands have been a little cramped lately - with all of the carving - but I have been so happy with all of the finished pieces. ( the third is in-process and will be printed this week.)

This will be a wonderful surprise present ( as have been most of the Custom Portraits I have done).
So - a view for you of the 2nd homey house for tonight. I hope the bad light does not take away too much. Again - I will photo in better daylight tomorrow.

Thanks so much Ali !!

2153 North Alberta

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:31:00 +0000

I'v been busy lately with some lovely House Portraits! Here is a view of the first of two I'm posing tonight. You know - the photos don't do them justice. The colors don't show well with flash and overhead lights. I should have taken the pictures today - with the sun... but the day just went too fast.

I think I will take some more pics tomorrow before I send them off. I hope they are well received!
Thanks so much Amanda!!

Go Phillies.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:47:00 +0000

We had an exciting time this past week. The Phillies won - which is a great thing for my hubby. I'm not the most faithful of fans as I didn't grow up in Philadelphia. But I'm very happy for all of the people in my life who feel relieved / elated by the big win.

I had a wonderful gift from Philly last week too. This copy of Philadelphia Home came on Friday - featuring my custom House Print Tea Towels. The lovely editor Emily contacted me after seeing my towels on the front page at Etsy. I feel a little star struck to be on the same page as Ligne Roset - as well as the other fab. local designers.

So here's to Philadelphia - where I met my husband in college, best friends, and have migrated back to after many years.

Go Phillies!

A bit of Printing.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:47:00 +0000

It has been some time since I have had fun just making new patterns and printing. Sometimes it take just staying up to all hours to do something creative. Here are a few pictures of some new things in the shop.

The first is a TeePee print. I was contacted by Karen in Australia - to see if I could make a TeePee pattern for her mum who has a TeePee of her very own. It was such fun - and she was so pleased! I'm happy too.

I also tried some cloth printing again - but using my tractor instead of silkscreens. It was nice to be able to ombre the color up the cloth. I think I may need to make some cute small clasp purses out of this for Christmas presents.( SHHH - don't tell anyone.)

Oh - and I almost forgot - these super cute camper napkins. I have been using these style napkins for printing for years - they hold up well - and cloth napkins are just so much better the paper - every time.

Thanks for looking! Have a great night.

Thank You Poppytalk.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:26:00 +0000

Thank you Poppytalk - for brightening my day! I awoke to find this lovely post on the Poppytalk site. If you haven't seen all of the goings on at Poppytalk - check it out here. Not only do they showcase different artists, designers regularly in a blog type format - they have the most fun and eclectic sales showcases too. The showcase up now until Oct 10 is "Mixed Tape". Which is " A compilation of all our favorite things. From papergoods, affordable art, ceramics, softees, housewares, gifts, jewelry, the whole shabam!"

New showcases are up monthly - and are a great way to find a gift for another - or something special for yourself quickly.

I'm so happy the the Camp series has been well received. My husband thought I was a bit nutty to be printing tents and campers on Tea towels - but I guess the world is full of nuts! I'm happy I'm not alone.

Thanks for looking!

667 Melrose.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:52:00 +0000

What a cutie. Just some shots of the latest house portrait.
I really love the red - and the black with the deep blue sky.

Thanks for looking!

I miss bloggin'.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:58:00 +0000

I can't say enough how much I enjoy communicating via blogging. It is great - I love all of my "everyday" blogs that I visit. It has been so hard these past few weeks with the new job and the new house and the new schools -( can you believe the amount of paperwork that comes home every week - day? - Oh the school communications should be a whole discussion in itself. I write more checks (all be them small) to my children's schools than I write to my regular expenses!)
I have been completely swamped. So I thought I would put up a few photos of actual fun we have been having a Camp Graeff.

1st - F found a monarch butterfly caterpillar a couple of weeks ago. Into the terrarium he went - with milkweed (favorite food) and some water. He was crawling around for a couple of days - and then it seemed as if he was lost. The kids were quite upset - until we looked in the top of the terrarium (old fish tank) and saw a beautiful bright green chrysalis hanging from the smallest cord from the top. It was a miracle. The children then watched it's progress. 9 days later the skin of the chrysalis was very dark - then turned clear - so you could see the butterfly all tightly wrapped up. He came out of the sack yesterday and began filling his wings with fluid.

At this point we found out that He was a She (you can tell in the photo that her veining is quite large and there are no large black spots on the wings that males have.)

So even though I have been in my little world of "crazy" - the peeps are having fun; growing butterflies, hanging from vines, playing in the new hammock and witnessing rainbows.

It's all good.

House with Twin Peaks.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Things are crazy here at the "Camp" - but I just wanted to post these final prints of my latest house portrait while I have literally - a minute. I am very happy with how this one turned out. The layout os a bit smaller as I used a 6x9 lino instead of the regular 8 x 10. I also added a little figure to the forground. The owner had sent me some photos - which I have here too . Their little girl was in the original picture - so I couldn't resist putting her in front.

Just for Fun.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:17:00 +0000

Ok - so I didn't actually get this lovely group into a real Treasury - Rats!

I have tried, sort of, but I seem to calculate the time both the regular Treasury and Treasury West would become available incorrectly(......for days). I had hoped to show off these things and images as a nod to the year(s) my new house was built. Don't all of these look nice together? I will list the Etsy Shops below - so if you do like something you can see it yourself.

Have a great day!

Vintagedame - Plastic divided lunch plates
VintageButterfly94 - Pink Aqua Pottery Carafe 1957
Randomretro - 1957 Dutch Farm Tea Towel
Surrenderdorothy -Green Goddess Vintage Sewing Machiene - 1958and Be Prepared. American Red Cross First Aid Handbook circa 1957
Waltercurlee - 1957 DeSoto Fireflight Photo
Ohsewcharming - 1957 Simplicity Sewing Pattern Vintage 2195 Blouse Size 20 Complete
Mybirdwalks -vintage swimmers
Tigerlux -Bell and Howell Two Twenty 8mm Movie Camera
BBsvintage - Vintage Pattern - Blouse - Size 12 B
3
Jessjamesjake - Rare 1958 Golden Hearts Pyrex
deadbirdfinds- SALE Fifties Vintage Reader

The "true" meaning of Color.

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:59:00 +0000

Colors evoke emotion. We all know that. The site "Cymbolism" let's you see how your color impression of different emotionally loaded words compare to other's votes. Click here for a bit of time wasting, interesting, fun...

OK we're in!

noreply@blogger.com (Leanne Graeff) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0000

If anyone is even following things here - thanks so much for actually coming back!! I have been soooo absent from blogland these days - but for good reasons.

We finally moved into Camp Graeff - complete ( or I should say incomplete) with one tub to act as kitchen sink - bathroom sink and well also - tub. We do have a functioning toilet - which I thank God for - as it could have easily been on the "get rid of list" as it is quite stained - the kind that no amount of scrubbing - or soaking with bleach - or vinegar will erase... well too much info.

Our nice new potty and new sinks and new tub, etc. etc are all waiting patiently in their boxes for the big day when they will be opened up and installed. I imagine a perfectly tiled bathroom with plumb walls and perfectly clean sinks - like a magazine. Each with a crispy clean towel hanging on matching chrome towel bars.... ahhh
I have a feeling things will pretty much stay as they are, however, due to many factors - especially the status of the building budget. Isn't that always how it goes? High ideals - then reality sets in.

It doesn't matter though - because This Place Rocks! We have a beautiful view from every angle. The kids run around outside playing in dirt - and in the woods. They don't seem to mind (as much anymore) the multitudes of spiders and other creepy crawlies that share our space.

I love drinking my tea in the morning - watching the deer in meadow - and the sun come up over the hills beyond. It's really like being away - but still here.

Ok - so last week was spent packing furiously - and working in NYC - and dealing with the flu - which decided to land on us the day before the movers came... poor peanut #2. All went well and it's all over - or should I say , the part I was really dreading is over - and now we can just move along - enjoy the first days of 1st grade - and PreK - and meeting new friends. It certainly doesn't hurt that there are about 100 fab take-out places within 10 mins either.

Thanks for listening to my joy. I will be writing about all kinds of crafty things next time....