The things that bloom

Spoonflower teamed up with Moda Fabrics to host a Botanical Sketchbook fabric design contest.  I love this idea, so I knew I just had to submit a design.  Even though our yard is tiny, we do have some lovely flora--so, I headed outside to get sketching!

This is what came of those sketches...

Here's some watercolor splashed on there...

And here is the final version I submitted for the contest! Wish me luck!

I'll have both of these designs available for purchase on my Spoonflower page soon!

Dear Oregon...I love you...and miss you

I was 2 years old when I visited Oregon for the first time.  Fast forward 27 years and I found myself once again in the Beaver State.  This past June Geoff and I spent an amazing week long adventure, visiting friends in Portland, hiking in the Columbia River Gorge (mmm yeah, that's not photoshopped!), and spending three glorious Gooney filled, history laden, cannery loving days in Astoria.

- Portland -

This is my friend, Emily.  

Illustrator extraordinaire.  

Does cool animation stuff.

This is her studio in Portland

She is amazing.

In comparison, this is currently my studio...aka coffee table/dinner table/baby toy dump.

No joke...when I showed up at my friend Randi's house her roommate was in the backyard in full on bee keeper gear.  

He looked at us and said,

"Welcome to Portlandia."

- Fort Clatsop -

Of course had to check out the fort that Lewis and Clark stayed at when they were charting a path to the Pacific Ocean.

Love the typography on the this old map hanging in the National Park visitor's center.

The fort...pretty snazzy.

Sakakawea (Sa-cog-a-way-a)...

Sold into marriage to a french Canadian dude at age 13.

Became a guide/interpreter to Lewis and Clark at age 18.

Had a baby on the trip and carried him the whole way.

A.K.A. super woman.

- The Gorge -

I can't believe this is in Portland's backyard.

It was so awesome spending time and exploring with Randi.

Yay quality time!

- Astoria- 

Like Pine Trees?

and water views?

and 80's movies?

Go to Astoria. Now.

Best pizza and beer.

Best coffee shop location EVER.

To get the best idea of the town's history do these 3 things:

1. Watch the video at the Flavel House gift shop (in the Carriage House)

2. Visit the Maritime Museum

3.  Do the audio tours (yes, BOTH of them!) that you can buy at the Astoria Chamber of Commerce...I know I sound like I'm 80-years-old right now, but seriously...do it.