Amon Design Studio

Happy 2012

2012-01-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

I've landed in Los Angeles after a cross-country road trip. I'm all settled in (almost) and started back to work yesterday. More to come...

Check out more photos from the trip here.

love,

Bailey

(Almost) A Year in Review

2011-12-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

It sort of seems as though this year just began...

but in many other ways, it's been a year of many, many changes.

This blog has always been a place to quickly jot down notes about my life to keep as a record for the future. I love journals but am terrible at writing in them on a regular basis...much like this blog.

It is always nice though, to go back and read through what has happened and what I've had to say about it at the time.

This past year has turned my life upside down in many ways, all of them a bit unexpected.

First of all, my business Antiquaria has flourished beyond both mine and my business partners imagination within the first year. At this time last year, we were gearing up for our website launch, which occurred on December 10, 2010.

Since then, it has been a whirlwind keeping up with calligraphy and shipping, invitation design and PR. Overnight, it seems like our plates were over-filled and although we we're hungry, we were just trying to keep up!

In May, D & I were finally able to get away and went to New Mexico to visit my Best friend, Lauren.

When we were visiting Taos (one of my fav. places) we stayed at the most fabulous B&B. How cute are these bird houses!!! Straight out of Antropologie!!

We hiked.

Dined on some Bison pot roast. (Lauren and I went out to the local farmers market and got one of the most delicious pot roasts I've ever made.)

We played Taboo and hot tubbed. Over all it's just the kind of break that the doctor called for.

When I went to work for myself (now 2 &1/2 years ago) I never would have imagined how difficult it is to schedule time off over asking for it. One of the hardest things to cope with is the feeling of never truly being "off".

Right after the vacation, D moved:(

He went to Cali to pursue a graduate degree and left me here to miss him. J/K

I have missed him terribly but I am also moving!

I'll be moving to sunny CA, more specifically Los Angeles and I'm both excited and really sad. Austin is my home and contains everything that I love (except D). I think I've known for so long...that it will be refreshing when the day is finally here. Which is this month! Yikes!

This falls been crazy, I've been back and forth to LA 3 times, the last being last week for Thanksgiving. You can see how I spent it here.

This photo (above) was taken in Santa Barbara at dinner the night we drove into town for Thanksgiving. The sun was setting and it was so beautiful. The perfect way to relax after a few hours in traffic.

There is one last biggie that happened this year...

I'm engaged!

After an eight year relationship and a 13 year friendship, D & I are finally settling in together. So many changes...but I couldn't be more excited.

Obviously, things will be hectic until the dust settles after the move. I plan on being more present here and sharing more (in a timely manner) since now, so many dear friends will be so far away.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and I'll see you in the New Year 2012!!

xoxo

Bailey

Horse Invite

2011-01-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

Yet again, I have been seriously MIA.

The holidays came and went so quickly and then 2011 started with a bang and a pile of envelopes.

One of the first projects of the new year was another paper collaboration with my Antiquaria business partner, Emma James. This horse invite turned out so cute and cohesive, and I'm so glad that it got featured this morning on the wonderful blog, Oh So Beautiful Paper. Go and check out the full spread!!!

Lamar Pedestrian Bridge

2010-11-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Click Image to Enlarge

An experiment in watercolor. I first roughly blocked in colors in watercolor until I filled the entire page. I then began filling in details with my micron. I really like the resulting image and I look forward to experimenting more with this technique.

The Texas Capital

2010-11-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

Click Image to Enlarge

Throughout this sketching experience so far, nothing has challenged me as much as the Capital did last Monday. It was the first time that I had to face perspective head on and I realized that it wasn't what I liked to do.

This was my first sketch of the day...to warm up. I gave myself a short amount of time and was actually very pleased with the results. What ensued after was a careful study of perspective that didn't get completed because of lack of time.

McKinney Roughs

2010-11-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

Click Image to Enlarge

The weekend of Halloween I had the pleasure to study under a brilliant calligrapher, Ewan Clayton. He was the same instructor that I studied with at Conference in Boston this past summer. The first 2 days were held at the LCRA McKinney Roughs where I sketched this view during lunch.

Black Swan

2010-11-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Click Image to Enlarge

During the film festival a couple of weeks ago, I had the privileged to go to the premiere of Black Swan. It was a fantastic movie and I highly recommend it.

It played at the Paramount theater down on Congress and right before the movie started I quickly sketched the amazing chandelier that hung right in front of me.

What a wonderful place to see a movie...I felt just as if I had stepped back in time. Into old Austin.

Laguna Gloria

2010-11-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

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Sketch from class: Location, Laguna Gloria.

Feathers

2010-11-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

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Blind contour sketch of feathers done in Sharon's studio. A wonderful exercise that yields terrific results.

The Red Moccasins

2010-10-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

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watercolor, ink and gouache

My favorite in my sketchbook so far...

my momma's red moccasins.

The beaded detailed were done with my calligraphy pointed pen. Nikko G nib.

2010-10-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

click image to enlarge

Posey

Like I have previously mentioned...my cat is an endless source of entertainment. I am sure there will be more of him to come.

In the Zen Garden

2010-10-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

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This was my main study at the botanical gardens. They have the most amazing Japanese Zen garden.

Zilker Botanical Garden

2010-10-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

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Done with a pointed calligraphy brush pen and a micron.

Last Monday, the Austin sketchers visited the botanical gardens for a few hours of delightful drawing. This image was done within the last minute I was there, right before we left for lunch. I have never had such a strong desire to draw something...it is as if this palm tree was beckoning me. I was trying very hard to listen to Sharon's closing statements for the class with this in the front of my mind.

2010-10-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

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Orchid my cat.

I have an inkling that cats will be a prevalent theme throughout my sketching studies. We have three and they are always moving about the house. So far I think I have at least three cat pages and I have barely even started this book!

I Promise...

2010-10-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

At the Calligraphy guild meeting this past week, I had a lovely chat with my friend Karen about my sketchbook. I began reading her my intro to the book and I got such a strong reaction from her and others around that I thought I would post it. I had written this for my very first journal that I started because of being in lessons (calligraphy) with Sharon this past spring. So far, I have written this at the beginning of each journal/sketchbook (really what is the difference?) that I have started and I think I forever will...

I promise to mot make you precious.

To hold you dear and keep you safe.

To fill you up with life, from the monumental to the mundane.

Probably mundane.

Be my confidant. Be my translator.

Facilitate my inner most thoughts, visions and dreams.

Help me develop my skills and grow.

Most of all, be my friend.

As promised...the sketch of the day.

Click image to enlarge

This is a little drawing of a plant right outside Sharon's studio. It is actually one of my favorites so far.

Sketch Austin

2010-10-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I started a brilliant sketching class with the talented Sharon Zeugin.

A while back I gave you guys a little of my background when it comes to art and drawing, if you missed it you can find it here.

Sharon is the most inspiring and encouraging teacher, making this experience of sketching "in the field" more relaxing than it would normally be by yourself. I've been busy, really busy, but I have found time to do a few sketches in between classes. To be truthful, the more I do it, the more I want to do it and the less I want to do what I actually need to do.

I have been finding it difficult to keep up with my blog amidst all of the other things going on in my life. It seems like I have been blowing through time and I want that to stop. This might just be the answer to both things. I have decided that at least for the time being and the time I am in the class, I will be posting a sketch a day (or every two) so that you all can join me on this adventure. Plus it will be fun to have a digital record of my out-and-around-town adventures and daily life.

To start...

Click image to enlarge

My first sketch in the class...a Vespa sitting in Sharon's driveway.

I actually really like how incomplete it is and I love the geometric shapes. I am thinking of adding blocks of color.

Antiquaria

2010-10-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

Photo by Kelly James

While I have been away from the blog...

Time has seemed to fly by. Not only am I still working on calligraphy envelopes, commissions, etc, I am launching a new venture with the talented Emma James. Many of you would recognize our collaboration on her wedding invite last spring, that was featured on Oh So Beautiful Paper.

Our new baby (business) Antiquaria, is shaping up quickly and beautifully. I am not sure if you could put together two more visually perfectionistic people...but it is working. We have a temporary site up here and our blog has a couple of posts and we are working on many more. Of course I will keep you guys updated with developments as soon as I have news. I encourage any of you that are interested in vintage dishes, linens and home decor to subscribe to the Antiquaria blog to stay up to date. We will be previewing our favorites in our Catch of the Day section, which will give our readers first dibs on the new merchandise.

Our first photo shoot with Kelly James proved to be successful and rewarding so I am very much looking forward to another one tomorrow where we will be shooting a couple of table scapes and bar ware (my favorite)!

I Know...

2010-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

I know, I have been seriously MIA. I am trying to think of the reason for this absence and I just can't seem to pinpoint it. I think I can attribute it to an onslaught of work and deadlines combined with a lack of inspiration.

Glimpses into what my life has looked since I saw you last...

A quilt top finally got its backing fabric (the Roman Capital ivory) and binding (the black batik). It now awaits assembly. I just hope to have it before it starts getting chilly here (which it seems it never will).

D and I went putt putt golfing at Peter Pan...

It was pretty humid and sticky, but we had a awesome time anyway!

Some inspiration shots taken while house sitting...

Possibly for future paintings?

I've got some big things in the works....along with plenty of gorgeous wedding envelopes to address. I will keep you posted! Hope you have a splendid Monday!

Boston Part One

2010-08-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

So I had mentioned Boston. This was the view from the front door of the dorm that I stayed in at Stonehill College. It was just gorgeous. Brisk and green. Such a stark contrast to Austin.

And this is my new friend Adam Heller. He is one of the artists behind Samaritan Carvers located in Rhode Island. He is so talented and passionate. Because of him I came home with a new goal (one of many), to learn to carve stone.

He was traditionally trained and apprenticed but is now stepping out and creating modern carved pieces. Just beautiful stuff.

This is my absolute favorite picture from my Boston trip. One that I would like to watercolor or draw or paint...just so that I can experience it further.

It depicts Ewan Clayton's (my amazing teacher) hat along with some reed pens and a smattering of other goodies that were on the table. It is a wonderful memory for me and one that will not soon lose.

And this is where the moon piece that I previously posted started. Staring at this gorgeous and haunting moon.

Hope that you have all had a great week.

In This Night

2010-08-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

In this night

I look at the moon

so bright, so clear

so uncomplicated

In this night

I look at myself

so new, unclear

so complicated

Will I ever let peacefulness reside

within me

so bright, so clear

so uncomplicated

There is darkness

and sometimes

no moon at all

but he will come out

when I least expect

In this night

the moon looked down

upon my weary head

so bright, so clear

so uncomplicated

Wishing me

Goodnight

This is a piece that I began conceptualizing when I went to the Odyssey calligraphy conference in Boston at the end of July. I had won a scholarship to attend and I had the most amazing experience. The people I met and the beautiful setting at Stonehill College was the perfect platform to be truly inspired. This piece is the most precious and personal thing that I have ever done, because it is for myself. It explores anxiety, insecurity and self awareness. It was lettered with Sumi ink on handmade paper using a hand cut quill. I have to say, it was an extremely difficult piece to letter (because of the texture of the paper) so I needed to rub the surface with pumice. I think it ended up adding a dreamy quality to the piece.

It was difficult to come back home. Back to work, to envelopes, to the heat. August has been a terribly hot and draining month so far. I will try to post more calligraphy work soon.

Flan

2010-07-19T06:59:00.001-07:00

So somewhere in my crazy mind, I got the idea that D's grandmother made flan. Turns out...not so much! It was just a topic that had come up recently quite often between me and numerous people so I decided it was time to try it for myself.

D had always mentioned Cajeta (Mexican goats milk caramel) when talking about flan, so I knew that this would definitely need to be a component. Luckily, I came across this recipe for Cajeta.

It was easy but was a pretty involved time commitment, taking over an hour to make.
Definitely worth it.

So I made the Cajeta in advance (knowing that flan wasn't the quickest desert) and placed in in the refrigerator over night.

The next day was flan day! I had made steak fajitas for dinner and tried my best to save room. The flan came together more easily then I would have ever imagined. I suppose I can credit some of this to all my practice in custard making that I have gotten this year. I used this amazing Cajeta Flan recipe. It worked perfectly.

Enjoying Summer

2010-07-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello again.

I am just coming up for air trying to balance work and all that summer has to offer. Truth be told, work is winning at the moment...but I try not to let it stifle all of my fun!

This past week the heat in Austin has really set in (we have been fortunate so far with all the rain we have had) and temperatures have been sweltering. All that I crave when the heat is on are nice vegetables and salads. So this arranged salad (above) I made to satisfy my craving. The wonderful part about it is that it is so dang easy.

Really all you have to do is roast whichever vegetables you find, either at the local market or the grocery store in a 425 degree oven for about 30 minutes (or charred to your liking-I like them pretty charred). While they are roasting, you make a dressing:

1 part sherry vinegar

3 parts olive oil (extra virgin is probably best)

a tablespoon of Dijon mustard (or homemade if you are a food dork like me)

the juice from 1/2 of a lemon (whole if its not very juicy)

1 tablespoon finely minced shallot

Salt and pepper to taste ( do a pinch each)

It really couldn't be easier....and it is so much cheaper than buying it from the grocery store...and it tastes better. Believe me.

The only other thing that I added, the cherry on top (a very crucial cherry I might add) is Pure Luck goat cheese. Holy Wow this stuff is good. And it really brought the dish together.

Now for my favorite part of the meal...you know, being a dessert addict:

Homemade peach ice cream that I made and froze after getting all those peaches (remember?). This was an amazing way to use up a lot of them and is one of my favorite things ever (you all know that ice cream is my favorite food, right?). Besides the ice cream, I ended up making peach cobbler, peach bread pudding (kinda tasted like french toast, yum), lots of peach salsa, and the ice cream. We also had our share of fresh peaches and even froze a few.

I would definitely recommend peach picking but make sure that you first have a game plan for how to use them. Those suckers really ripened up fast...way faster than I thought that they would!

Well adios for today, I hope you have a blissful Thursday!

Calligraphy and Music

2010-07-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Cinematic Orchestra

Holy Moly this is amazing digital calligraphy work!

Birthday Part Two

2010-06-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

Let me just say...I have saved the best for last.

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to get on the road headed for Marburger Farms to pick peaches.

I have to say that I have many favorite things...but peaches are something that I cherish and look forward to their summer arrival every year. This, however, is the first time I had ever ventured out and picked them myself. It was worth it in every way.

I was giddy, bouncing up and down in the seat of our car as we approached the farm. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect.

When we arrived we all gathered under a large shed to get instructions and information about picking the peaches. At this time, we also had to select the variety of peach we were going to pick.

It was actually more daunting than one can imagine. Without being able to taste the variety, you were committed to an entire box.

We finally settled on Harvester, one that has a nice amount of acidity and with a very peachy flavour.

Then the picking ensued. I was running from tree to tree looking and feeling for the most perfect, large, sun-blushed peaches that I could find while D and my family looked on laughing.

My mom dubbed this a very cheap thrill and she was right. For $30, it was just about the perfect thing to do on a warm summer Saturday afternoon.

Finally, everyone got in on the action and in no time our box was filling up. We did find a few tree-ripe peaches and couldn't help ourselves from being "peach bandits" and eating them right there on the spot.

The peach trees were actually much lower to the ground than I had imagined, so nearly all of the peaches were within reach. Only a few times did I have to call D to get a peach near the top of the tree that I was too short for.

About an hour after we arrived, we had filled up our box to the brim with peaches. I was sad to go but excited to bring so many perfect peaches home with me.

We went into Fredericksburg for lunch (Rather's Bakery) and walked around a bit, enjoying the nice day.

Talk focused mainly on how to use up all of the peaches we had just picked. I'm not a psychic but I see many a peach cobbler, ice cream, salsa and fruit salad in my near future!

All I kept saying all day is how perfect it was. It really is the simple and natural things that make me happy and the older I get, the more I realize and appreciate them.

We came home and counted our loot. 107 peaches. Wow! Better get cooking.

Birthday Part One

2010-06-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ever since I can remember, my birthday has been quite a celebration. Usually it drags on for about a week, starting at fathers day (where we go to San Antonio to celebrate fathers day/ my birthday) and ending when the last bit of cake has been eaten after my actual birthday (June 25).

For the previous two birthdays, I was in Dallas. It threw traditions for a loop.

Let me just say, I am glad to be back to normal. It's not that I relish attention (I really don't like it at all) but it is that I can really spend quality time with friends and family that is the best gift of all.

Friday (my actual birthday) started off early. This year is the year.... I get to have my drivers license renewed. What a way to start the day! Computer malfunctions turned a brief trip into an hour long wait (I was #002 in line)! Good news is, that I don't have to go to the DPS to renew for another 12 years (I will be 36...yikes!)

A trip to Upper Crust Bakery for breakfast made me happy as I dove into a cheese brioche and cappuccino. Definitely a great way to start the day.

Then it was back home to recoup and relax. Shortly after I arrived the doorbell rang. To my surprise, I was greeted with a gorgeous arrangement of hydrangeas from miss L!

So lovely!

My grandmother and uncle then came over to visit for a while. It had been surprisingly long since I had seen them so I nice chat was overdue!

About the time that they left, my tummy started grumbling, hankering for a yummy lunch. Fortunately, my lovely boyfriend took me to The Steeping Room for tea sandwiches and my favorite cookie in town, their salty toffee chocolate chip cookie.

Yes, please, I would love this recipe...on second thought it may be dangerous!

Some more relaxing, lounging and catching up on missed TV ensued while we waited for our dinner reservation at Fonda San Miguel.

Finally 8:30 had arrived and we were seated at FSM. I had really eaten quite more than usual, so I was craving something fresh and light. My tomato (little yellow ones), cucumber (picked fresh from their garden) and pine nut salad did the trick.

Then, the desert arrived.

And I made a wish.

And filled up my tummy a little more with this fabulous peach tres leches cake. Less soggy than the other tres leches I have had, this one really hit the spot.

10:04pm...exactly 24 years old. Now I was off to cap off the night with a glass of wine with D and get some rest for the big Saturday we had planned.

Real Wedding, Spring 2010

2010-06-17T15:51:00.001-07:00

Today, I had a wonderful surprise in my mailbox, one of my clients had sent over pictures from her wedding this past spring. I always wonder what my clients weddings look like after spending so much time talking with them at length about the details that go into their event. Alas, only a few actually have photographs of the calligraphy to share.

I remember as I was lettering this menu how incredibly hungry it made me. The menu was designed my brides brother who is an acclaimed chef in New York City. You know how much of a foodie I am...I was absolutely drooling!

The place cards and escort cards were done in walnut ink...one of my absolute favorite inks to use. The slight variation of color that the natural ink has is so unlike anything else available. It matched the brown shades that adorned her tables beautifully.

If only I could peek into every one of my brides weddings. It brings such a happy and rewarding feeling and is good to know that all of the hand lettering is still appreciated in these modern times.

Her wonderful photography was done by Lume Photography.

Succulents and Poetry

2010-06-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

The yucca's in bloom. Summer is here.

So far I have not been able to enjoy much that summer has to offer. I have been to Barton, however, and spent time with friends. Generally you can find me in my studio addressing envelopes.

More recently I did Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare. It is a beautiful piece of poetry and I thought I would share.

Welcome June.

2010-06-02T17:35:00.001-07:00

Starting to really feel like summer here in Austin!

It makes me want lemonade, snow cones, pool parties and cook outs. I can't wait.

I've Met Bruno

2010-05-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

This past Friday I scored.

I found these four pairs of shoes at a neighborhood estate sale....in my size. They are all made by Bruno Magli and I would say that they are at least 20 years old.

Do I need any more shoes? These shoes....well no, of course. But it's like Cinderella and if the shoe fits then I can't pass them up.

I mean, if you think about it logically, its better to have these shoes on hand than to go buy them at $500 a pair when you find yourself needing them...right?

Acanthus Leaf

2010-05-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

This past week at study group we watched Rosemary Buczek's video on how to draw and paint Acanthus leaves. I went home inspired and created the one above for practice. I really like the way that it turned out and am looking forward to learning how to incorporate them into my work.

Hope you all have had a lovely weekend and are ready to start this last week of May!

Letter Love

2010-05-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

I snapped these photo's a while back and rediscovered them while browsing through my photo files this morning. They were taken at the beautiful Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala. D and I visited there last summer and I fell in love with these painted letters. I think they match the mission style well.

A view of the inner courtyard at the mission.

Isn't this lettering cool? Hope you've had a splendid week.

Driftwood, Texas

2010-05-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Once again, we had a beautiful weekend here in Texas. It was warm and sunny and Saturday was the perfect day to go back to the hill country. This time, we ventured to Driftwood to meet up with the Cornell club of Austin (D's Alma mater) at Mandola Estate, a winery and vineyard.

Even though I started the wine tasting before noon (a bit early for my standards and stomach), the wines were wonderful. Truly, they blew a lot of the Texas wines out of the water. They are all Italian style wines so none of them are oaky which is good for me!

On another note, I was so excited to be able to wear my new gingham shirt this weekend. I love it! It is loosely based off of a vintage Simplicity pattern, circa 1975 that I had bought years ago while beginning to compile my vintage pattern collection. The wonderful gingham fabric came from the assistance league thrift shop for a whopping $2.50. I still have plans for a different belt option, but my trusty Rachel Pally belt will have to do for now.

Then, we headed to Driftwood Vineyards, where we sat with a glass of (not great) viogner, and soaked in this wonderful view. It was so peaceful up there and I only wish that the wine had been better. Below us, there was a field of goats that we could hear talking and playing. Definitely recommend for the view, just not so much for the wine.

After a while though, our tummies started rumbling and we decided that since we were already out in Driftwood, a stop off at the Salt Lick was called for. Actually, neither of us had been to the original before.

Um.....delicious is an understatement of how good this BBQ was. Thankfully I had ordered the small portion dinner, because there is no way that I could have finished what D had ordered. If you go....be sure to get the habanero BBQ sauce! So good.

Hope everyone had a great week and are excited for May!

Tamale Pie

2010-04-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you one of the best things that I have ever made and eaten. It is this tamale pie found in Bon Appetit last month. Instead of the pork, I used ground beef 85% lean. I also used roasted tomatillos instead of prepared salsa. The top cornbread was made gluten free by using Bob's Red Mill gf All Purpose flour and a bit of Xanthum Gum...maybe 1/2 teaspoon substituted for the all purpose flour it calls for.

Holy Moly this was good. The crusty top part is sharp cheddar. Served with sour cream and cilantro, this one is sure to please. Perfect to make for Cinco de Mayo next week!

Have a happy weekend! I can't believe it's already going to be May!

Enchantment

2010-04-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember, I have loved going to enchanted rock. My family used to go climb the large granite stone every year in the spring. As I grew up and my schedule became hectic, that tradition faded. For many years now, I have wanted to go back.

This Saturday, I got my wish. J, K, D and I all went to climb the rock and enjoy a gorgeous spring day in the hill country. The day from beginning to end was perfect.

This photo shows looking out over the hill country from the top. It is just beautiful.

I was amazed by all of the plant life atop the rock. It was lush and green with grasses, succulents, trees and flowers. I especially liked these purple ones.

We sat and relaxed at the top, letting our tummies anticipate the wonderful picnic we all had brought to share. By the time that we came down I was starving.

We had roast beef and horseradish cheddar sandwiches, all sorts of cheeses, crackers, sausages, spinach pinwheels, vegetable and hummus, jalapeno stuffed olives and to finish it off, some sweet cantaloupe. It was divine. Just exactly how I like to eat lunch...noshing until my hunger subsides.

Now that we had happy tummies, we ventured off to begin our hill country wine tour. We visited four great wineries on our way back to Austin. They have such a fun atmosphere and are the perfect thing to do on a sunny afternoon.

We visited Becker vineyards, a winery that I had done a wedding at last year. Besides having great wine, they also have lavender fields that were in bloom.

The tastings are extremely affordable, ranging from 5-13 dollars for a varying amount of tastings. At some of the wineries we even got to keep the glasses! This is great because I am notorious for breaking them.

I hope everyone is able to enjoy this beautiful season...

and having a wonderful week so far!

My New Studio!!!!

2010-04-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

Scoop-back chair, West Elm

I realize that I have been pretty quiet for a few days but it is for a good reason. Remember the fence? It is gone and now the room houses my studio! It is significantly bigger than my old studio and has a very high vaulted ceiling. My studio feels so airy and light now.

Everything is not quite in it's place yet although it is now functioning properly. There are still things to hang on the walls and furniture to get.

Speaking of furniture, see the chairs above... I am now the proud owner of 2 of the cinnibar (burnt orange) color ones. I also got the same style in a padded slate blue colored leather that I will use at my calligraphy desk.

The best part...they were on sale. The orange ones were $35 each (seeing as they were floor samples and the last 2 left), and the leather one was $99. I am so happy with them ( I have been addressing envelopes in my blue one all afternoon) and can't wait to finish the rest of the studio.

More pictures of the room to come.

Happy Monday!

The Purple Picket Fence

2010-04-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Today is both exciting and kinda sad. The painters are here to paint my room, to make it fresh and match the rest of the house. The sad part is that they are painting over my purple picket fence that has been there now for 10 years.

When I was 13, I had security issues and painted the fence for protection while sleeping and for a romantic girlie garden room. I had swags over my bed and fabric dragonflies on the walls. I absolutely loved my room.

Despite the fact that it hasn't been my part of my style now for years, it is still sad to see it go. It seems like just yesterday that I painted it myself using the regular kind of masking tape for dividers because they hadn't put the blue painters tape on the market yet. The thrill of having the fence done and decorating my newly painted room.

It wasn't just yesterday though. It has been 10 years and the room is ready for a new life. I am ready too.

Some things are still the same though from 10 years ago which I guess makes it seem like not so long ago. I still am a dreamer, looking for ways to make the world around me more beautiful. I love to make things, to be active with my hands and to always be learning new skills (I actually learned to knit when I was 13). I still have a crush on the same boy as I did when I was 13, although, he is now my boyfriend.

Have a wonderful day.

Ah the Bougainvillias

2010-04-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say hello and happy Monday. I hope everyone had a great weekend.

For some reason, I have been feeling a bit down lately. I have been attributing it to all the pollen and allergies looming in Central Texas. It feels as if I am in a fog. Not sick just sluggish.

Looking at this picture of bougainvillea helps though. I just love the vivid hues that this plant has. This picture was taken last June when D took me to San Diego for my birthday. Most recently though, we saw the most amazing bougainvilleas in Key West.

Farmer's Market Frittata

2010-04-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

For me, the easiest thing to cook after a trip to the farmer's market is a fabulous frittata. Most of the ingredients can be found there, and it is quick to make.

After the trip to the market the other day, I whipped this one up with beet greens (a 2 for 1 at the market because you also get the beets), spring onions and feta cheese.

Beet Green, Onion and Feta Frittata

1 bunch beet greens, washed and chopped

2 spring onions (they look like over sized scallions), sliced

1 tbs butter

6 eggs, gently beaten with salt, pepper and 2 tbs of water

feta cheese

mozzarella cheese

In a good skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add spring onions, season with salt and pepper and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the beet greens and let wilt. This won't take long.

Now, add the egg mixture. Pour into skillet and pull filling up into mixture with a spatula. Add feta in chunks and push into mixture. Continue pulling frittata away from the sides of the pan to let uncooked egg move under. Let set for a few minutes.

When the top of the frittata is mostly cooked through, you have two choices of how to finish. First, if your skillet is oven proof, put it into a 400 degree heated oven for about 5 minutes. If not, as mine wasn't, slide frittata off onto another plate, then cover with skillet and flip over to finish cooking other side. Either way you do it works. Top with mozzarella cheese and let melt.

Slide onto cutting board and slice away!

This makes 3-6 servings depending on how hungry your crowd is.

How beautiful vegetables are! I just love to eat them...I hope that you enjoy and find out interesting ways to make frittatas. There are so many possibilities, the combination's are only limited by your imagination.

Radishes!

2010-04-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Today I finally made it to the Wednesday farmer's market. I hadn't been since the winter when there wasn't much there but today there was plenty. I got lots of baby lettuce, some tomatoes (my first ones of the season), eggs, pork jalapeno sausage, of course the radishes, and herbs. Next week, I'm hoping to score the organic blue corn tortillas for my breakfast tacos (I eat them practically everyday for one of my meals)!

The food that you can get at the farmers market is just tastier than what is at the market. Plus, the experience adds so much to the beauty of the food.

Fresh Eggs

2010-04-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

It truly is amazing what excites me in this world. You know, fifty years ago, something like fresh eggs was common-place. How sad that now, these eggs are a rarity, that you only can find if you looks really hard.

That is why when my dad brought these home randomly from a meeting he had, I was elated. Really there is no better surprise. I think I rather be presented with these than with a new pair of shoes.

Of course you can find some good eggs at the grocery store these days if you look hard. It is a research project every time, trying to decipher if they meet my qualifications. So many fall short.

Who knew that there could be so many factors to great eggs. Were they free range? Fed a natural diet (not in the fake way that they market natural, but naturally what chickens are supposed to eat)? Were they given any hormones to induce eggs to lay? Were their beaks seared? Ok...finally some eggs! Geez.

That is what I love about fresh, farm raised eggs, ones that you find at the farmers market or are given to you out of someone's back yard; you know that they meet all the criteria.

And they are a visual feast inside and out. First, all the beautiful colors of shells....that you could not ever find in the grocery store. Then, all the yolks are the most beautiful vibrant shade of orange that you will ever see. That is how you know just how well they were raised. And it makes for the best eggs you've ever had.

My New Frock!

2010-04-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited...I just bought this dress from Plum Pretty Sugar today. I really rarely find things that I like but this has it all. Great pattern, handmade and nice fabric. I can't wait for it to come in the mail. Check out all the great stuff in the shop. There are the most beautiful robes and pj's too!

Grandma Charlotte's Rose Bush

2010-04-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

Starting on Friday of last week, my spring fever began to kick in. Every year without fail I get a yearning to be outside, to grow things, to commune with nature. Like clockwork, around Easter I must go buy plants. Why Easter you ask? Because my grandmother Viola always said that no matter what day Easter is on, it can freeze until then. So off I went on Good Friday in search of new plants and dreaming of my garden.

The only problem? I do not have a green thumb. You say sure....you don't believe me? I really don't. I have a horrible track record. While most people that can't garden may give up and rely on a gardener, I refuse. I will persist and one day I will be a great gardener. You may think that I am crazy, but this year I can actually feel it. I think it will be the year that I will overcome my black thumb and cultivate plants successfully. This year is different because my mother will help me. She will guide me in the ways of plants and watering and sun/shade...so very basic but all too easy to screw up. I am excited for this year.

So excited that over the weekend I had a divine plant idea. It's actually almost romantic when it comes down to it. Looking into my grandfather's back yard in San Antonio on Saturday I gazed upon one of the largest and most beautiful rose bushes I have ever seen.

I have been to my grandfather's house so many times over the past 10 years but ever since "growing up," there wasn't a need to go back there anymore. Well this year was different. I knew that there were roses back there...I remembered that from my childhood. I actually went back there in search of something to draw. The roses that I found were so different than I remembered.

Gorgeous ivory garden roses with a touch of soft pink that smell like heaven. There were probably at least fifty on the enormous bush that was over 10 feet wide. I selected the specimen that I wanted to draw and set myself inside at my grandfather's kitchen table. I began to draw.

While I was drawing, I sense of completeness came over me. I remembered that this was my grandmother Charlotte's rose bush. My grandmother Charlotte is my dad's mother that passed away before I was born. I really think that she is where a lot of my creativity and love of working with my hands comes from. She was a sewer, a painter, a knitter, a cook and so much more.

A funny story about her: One day, after my parents had been married for quite a while, they called my pop-pop and grandma Charlotte and said that they had something to tell them. Thinking "oh boy! They are having a baby!," she knit baby booties. Only when they came, she found out that she had knit the booties for a new car. So typical of my parents. They ended up waiting 14 years after getting married to have me. By this point, it was too late for me to meet her.

So while I was drawing, I had the idea: I want to cultivate a rose bush from my grandmothers; a way to keep her memory with me, to touch and nurture something that she once did. Only one little problem...my black thumb. I now set out with a new goal for the day...find out how.

At dinner, my aunt Donna, eldest of my father's siblings, recalled how her grandmother taught her to propagate roses. First she said, to make sure that the knotted parts and buried in the soil. Then she said that you put a jar over it. Huh? OK, I'll try that.

But I also came home and watched You Tube videos about rose propagation and learned that you can just stick them in water or in soil. The one you put into soil they suggested to put the cut part in honey. So I'll try that too.

So now I have many different clippings experimentally propagating and I am hoping that at least one works. I want so badly to grow these beautiful roses that were my grandmothers. I want to have them for my children and for theirs to pass along this family plant, the joy and beauty that it brings to the world. A living heirloom.

But first I must get it to root. Any other suggestions to try?

Wild Basin

2010-04-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite pictures from yesterday's hike in the Wild Basin. There wasn't a ton of trail mileage...it only took us a little over an hour to do the entire trail system but it was lovely. I especially liked that it had hills. All too often the trails around here are a little flat for my taste.

I especially love the picture of the wood with the insect tracks that look like cavemen carvings. And of course the one above with the dewdrops on the spider web.

Have a happy Monday!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful day with the people that I love. After church, I went hiking with D at the wild basin preserve off of 360. I hope everyone else got to enjoy the beauty of the world today too.

Decorated Envelope

2010-03-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of 2010 I joined a decorated envelope letter exchange. Every month, I must send off an envelope to my person and in return I receive a lovely piece of mail. Getting it in the mail is the highlight of that day!

This month, I did the envelope above to both my assigned person and my pen pal, Alison. I sent them off yesterday but was too excited by the way they turned out not to share.

Sorry if you see this before it arrives!

I'm so excited about spring that flowers keep popping up everywhere in my thoughts and work!

Friday

2010-03-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

On Friday both D and myself were tired of going out to eat, only to be disappointed and thinking that we could probably make something better at home. In Austin, there are a few restaurants that I think are worth spending your time and money at, but in general, it is much easier to have a great meal at home.

Top 5 restaurants worth the wait (there are some new ones I'd like to try though!)

1. Vespaio
2. Uchi
3. Enoteca...shares a kitchen with Vespaio!
4. Food Heads...best lunch spot in town
5. East Side Cafe

There are more restaurants that are great, but I can personally guarantee that these offer me something different that either I wouldn't or couldn't make at home!

So we went to the grocery store (Central Market to be exact) without much of a plan. We decided on fish, not because of lent, but because we wanted something light. I paired it with brussel sprouts from the Thursday farmers market and roasted red potatoes.

The fish is my favorite recipe that I have made time and again. This time we used halibut which I think is my favorite fish so far.

The brussel sprouts I sauteed with shallot and garlic in a pan and then deglazed/steamed them with white wine and chicken broth. They were fabulous!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and are ready to start the week off fresh!

Geez

2010-03-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is already the end of another week. Sorry I have been MIA lately but I am up to my eyeballs in doing envelopes.

On another note, my website has had a few edits, thanks to my lovely web designer Robert Bredvad. The envelope above shows the new script I have on the site called knot! I have done it on a number of wedding envelope jobs and it always turns out beautifully no matter what color it is done in.

Everyone have a happy weekend!

Oh So Beautiful Paper!

2010-03-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

Emma's wonderful invitation set got featured on the ever-so-popular blog...Oh so beautiful paper! It looks great and there is a lovely write up.
Check it out here.

Love & Folly

2010-03-17T07:45:00.001-07:00

A big thank you goes out to Miss Emma Brode for featuring me on her blog, Love & Folly!

I was so thrilled to work with her on her amazing wedding invitations that she designed herself (not exactly DIY when you are a talented graphic artist). I couldn't have had more fun with these for there are few people that really let you go crazy with concepts for their envelopes.

All in all, with everything together (including the fantastic cactus and western stamps she sourced) I haven't seen such a creative and cohesive wedding set come my way!

Check out her blog and you will see what a talented designer she really is! Thanks Emma!

Nassau

2010-03-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things from my recent vacation in Nassau, Bahamas was coming up with things to write in the sand. It was the perfect consistency to hold the letters. Nothing is better than soaking up a sunset on the beach with the people you love.

Drawing Workshop

2010-03-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

And so I am beginning my journey for now...teaching myself to draw. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain was not available yesterday at the Half Priced Books so I settled on this one. It guides you through projects so that you can experiment with different drawing styles.

This is my first study from the book....drawing what you see. This one was similar to what I had been doing this past weekend in the workshop, so I was comfortable doing it. I have a feeling that the challenges will not be so comfortable as I go along.

This was some coral I found at the Beach in Nassau last week. I picked up some pieces because their simple opulence amazed me.

Another thing that I have learned over the weekend regarding drawing is the time that it entails. I have always thought that drawing was easy for good artists but I have been shown just how much time and patience it takes to really get something right.

The best way to put it is that no one would expect to be able to play the piano well overnight. The same is true for anything...calligraphy, drawing, etc....just enjoy the process of learning.

Drawing

2010-03-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I attended Kristen Doty's Drawing for Calligraphers class here in Austin. It was wonderful. I am now an addict and have made yet another goal in life....to learn how to draw really well.

I have always been fascinated by art...painting, drawing, etc. but I have never thought that I was very good at it. I really think that it stems from my experiences in art as a small girl. In elementary school, my art teacher told me that my stuff was bad. Not just that....she would throw things away that she didn't approve of. Basically it is just plain wrong to do....especially for someone who really does like art.
I don't think that actual talent is needed...helpful, yes, but not needed. Passion is really what makes things worthwhile and gives you the longevity to actually pursue it.

Case in point: In 1994 I wrote that my favorite thing that I loved was art. I was 7.
After my art experiences in elementary school, I pursued music in middle and high school. I studied pretty intensely and even won state awards, and was drum major of our marching band. I stopped playing my flute in college and haven't looked back. I love music and am grateful for all the experiences of my youth in music but it boils down to a lack of passion. Also, I wanted to be a doctor.

In college however, it was part of the curriculum to take art history, costume history and fashion illustration....which ended up being my favorite classes. I was finally on the right track and moving toward a career in visual arts.
This society and the world that we live in does not nurture alternative thinking and creativity. I was so very afraid (and still am) of relying on my creativity to make a living. I purposely chose my degree fashion merchandising (aka the business of fashion) over design for fear of having to be creative, of failing.

Up to this point, my experiences and decisions have been made with a "practicality" mindset instead of really feeling what has been right all along. I love art, every aspect of the visual world, be it textile, paint, pen or pottery...I love it all. I finally feel that while I don't know what opportunities lie ahead, I am wholeheartedly ready to take the challenge and pursue my passion...art.

I think your passion just finds you. It takes a lot of reluctance and discouragement sometimes to break through to find your purpose, your happiness.

Drawing of my hand done last night...using a Plexiglas technique that Kristen taught us. She was right..anyone can draw!

Snowy Day

2010-02-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

The groundhog really did see his shadow....it's snowing in Austin, Texas.

While it's been coming down now for about an hour, it isn't really sticking to the ground which is fine with me.

It is really challenging to work with the delightful powder floating in the sky...one last glimpse of winter.

Ukulele's and dimples

2010-02-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

All that I can say is that this girl takes music that I am not so fond of and makes it sound amazing.

She is too cute!

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

Although Valentines Day is not my favorite holiday, I am looking forward to it this weekend.

My best friend who I haven't seen in 2 years is coming to Austin to be my valentine and for the first time in 5 years, I live in the same city as my wonderful boyfriend.

Above is my collection of valentines and love related ephemera. It got a boost from some of my dear friends at the CCS (capital city scribes) meeting last night.

Featured in the center is a red and white mandala by Sandy Odom.

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend...and happy St. Valentine's Day.

Record your Life

2010-02-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

A little journal that I inscribed this past week. What a wonderful gift idea.

Dinner Club

2010-02-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

So we gathered, the five of us, to begin this adventure in food.

I brought New Age White Wine... served over ice with lime.

Since it was K's night, he was responsible for the meal. To begin...fresh rosemary sea salt bread...straight from the oven.

The Lavender crusted Tuna prior to cooking.

First Course: Filo stuffed with Three cheeses and herbs...served with Harissa infused Olive Oil.

The Main Course: Seared Tuna with a Lavender Crust and a Wasabi Avocado Sauce, Spinach Souffle in a Tomato.

Dessert: Lavender Sorbet with an Almond Tuille.

Thanks to K for a wonderful Dinner! And to everyone else for fabulous memories. I can't wait for D's turn next!

Food and More Food

2010-02-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Things here at Amon Design Studio have been a little out of sorts. While I couldn't possibly live without my computer, I did have to for a bit while it was being reformatted. All is corrected and I'm back and running better than ever.

This picture is of a dinner I made for my lovely boyfriend a little while back. He apparently doesn't "care for" scallops although anyone that does would love this dish. I simply wrapped some large sea scallops in bacon that I had found at the farmers market (it was honey rosemary bacon!!) and grilled it on the indoor grill. With it, I paired roasted potatoes and asparagus.

I love, love, love roasted vegetables and think that you can never mess them up. Oh and if you have a convection oven at home, do roast them with that...it makes for some fabulous food.

One last food related comment.

Our dear friends K & J are back from exploring Europe and have invited us to join them in a dinner rotation. Basically, each "member" cooks a meal in turn and we enjoy a lovely meal each time! For me, it is the perfect way to spend time with friends and save a little money. This week is K's turn...he is a master grill er!

Fragrant Garden Roses

2010-01-25T06:04:00.000-08:00

Good Monday morning. We've had a bit of nice weather this weekend and it has cheered me up immensely!

As a promise to myself, I have been keeping my little heirloom vase full of beautiful flowers. Gosh, it really does do a person some good to have them around.
Starring in this arrangement are some fragrant garden roses (not from my garden---if only). They were a great find at the local Central market here in town. And boy do they smell great.

Usually supermarket (and even wholesale) roses just don't have a fragrance. These however, smell just like you would dream a rose would smell, like a perfume that you want to put on right away.

So for this Monday, I have stopped to smell the roses, and I challenge you to do the same.

Watercolors

2010-01-20T18:24:00.001-08:00

After receiving Sarah Midda's South of France: A Sketchbook as a wonderful gift from my pen pal, I did a few little watercolor cards. I love her whimsical style and was inspired by all of the shades of colors and her little sketches of produce.

Hooray for color other than gray.
It has been so mediocre here in Austin the past while.
I'm wanting vibrant shades of summer colors.

New little treasure

2010-01-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying this new little gold Seiko watch more than I would have ever imagined. I have a strong draw to watches of all kinds but there is something so ladylike about this one. It was $20 at the Assistance league shop on Burnet road...one of my favorite thirfts in town.

Off for more frilly and romantic ventures ahead.

Heirloom

2010-01-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

This year, for Christmas, I received a little flower vase from my grandmother, Viola. The story goes that they had this vase on their family farm in New Sweden, Texas and that it belonged to my grandmother's mother and then her sister, Ethelia. After Ethelia's passing, my grandmother got it.

I have received quite a few little heirlooms from my grandmother and they all mean the world to me. I made a promise to myself to keep it in my studio full of flowers so that I can enjoy my heirloom and the happiness of fresh flowers every week.

We often live such hurried and frantic lives that I want to stop to see and smell the flowers. My little heirloom will help me do just that.

It's design is interesting and in all my antiqueing and estate sale adventures I have never seen a vase like this. Certainly, they don't make them anymore in this design. It is a fluted bowl, that has a lid with holes where you thread the flowers through. It makes flower arranging simple and lovely. I am throuroughly enjoying the results of my gift and my labor.

Thank you Mema.

Penny Kay

2010-01-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went to brunch and ran errand with my mother, Penny. She wore the sweater that I made her for her birthday this past year. It was a monumental one (I'll let you guess) so I wanted to commemorate it with something that was handmade. It is truly where my knitted with love theory originated, in that I really wanted to give her something that had my love in it.

I couldn't think of anything more appropriate and seeing as she had been eying my sweaters for a long time, she finally had one all her own (although I do on occasion borrow it).

The pattern is one of my tried and true which I am constantly adapting and changing to suit different yarns, proportions and seasons. This is my fourth of this sweater to make and I think that everytime I make another, it's better than the last.

It is loosely based on a pattern idea by Lily Chin. I have never seen the pattern but use her construction method to suit by own body type.

Knitted with Love

2010-01-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

A sneak peak into Amon Design Studio for the coming year.

After graciously asked to create a baby hat by my boyfriend's mother, I constructed this little gem. Unfortunetely, I do not have a baby laying around to model the hat but imagine how sweet the little recipient will look in it as it keeps her newborn head warm.

The tag that I hand lettered with the care instructions, also has the saying above. To me, things that are done by hand with patient skill are well worth the effort.

I really do believe that I have given forth my love into this little hat and therefore it will give more warmth and blessing than anything that you could possibly buy in a store.

This mantra carries over to most things in my life.
And I strive everyday to make the choices that support craftsman, artists and farmers. Because to me, the fact that they have cared for, touched and loved what they have done to make the end product, it will in turn, nourish my body, mind and soul during my consumption.

Dreamland

2010-01-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

It is cold here now. All I find myself wanting to do bourough like a hybernating animal and wait for spring.

I have dreams and plans for the sunshine, of planting herbs, sun on my shoulders, of outdoor painting. But for now it remains only a dream.

I must be comforted by cups of hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Slow roasted meals of animal and earth. Of piles of yarn ready to be knotted and knitted into practical objects made to keep winter's frost off of delicate skin.

And when summer's heat drives near to insanity, I will have dream's and plans for winter. Of hot chocolate by the fire, stews and roasts of knitted hats and scarves.

I must think in the here and now and dream in the there and when and somehow, someway, make them see eye to eye, so that I may forever live in a dream.

2010

2010-01-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that another year has already gone by. It is amazing how much faster time goes when you are surrounded by family and friends.

2009 was a memorable year for me. I finally decided that Dallas was not home and moved back to Austin to be closer to my family. Enabling this transition was the opening of Amon Design Studio, a business that is focused on calligraphy but is ever evolving and expanding wherever my mind can take me. I have had the opportunity to be taught by some of the most inspirational and experienced calligraphers of the time. People have welcomed me into their homes and lives to create heirloom pieces that mark a special occasion. 2009 taught me about event planning and floral design...who would have known? And the kicker is that I love them both! I do miss the activity of creating arrangements for beautiful homes in Dallas but for now my home will have to do.
The last few weeks of 2009 brought opportunity knocking on my door again as I began cooking dinners for a family in Westlake. Anyone who knows me, knows my passion for food so I was more than eager to begin. They embody the same food philosophy as I, so I am able to create fresh and ethical meals to nourish their bodies and support local agriculture.

As fulfilling as 2009 turned out to be for me, I look forward to and welcome 2010. I am pleased with my life and my career is headed, I am content and moving forward to my goals peacefully. This year I have no resolutions. It is kind of a freeing thought.

Learning from the Best

2009-10-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Coming down from such an incredible experience is difficult. This past Thursday through Sunday Denis Brown, the master calligrapher himself came to the capitol city to teach his basic italic class. I learned so much and am disappointed that it came to an end so quickly. I had fun learning and getting to know the other students in the class.

Now back to routine...

Arbor Pointe

2009-10-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I love to put displays together...whether it be for stores, events or as this case was...to showcase my calligraphy to future brides.

Overall the night at Arbor Pointe when well and I met some lovely people and enjoyed some delicious food and cake!
Best of all, I now get to have the white flower and pumpkin arrangement on my dining room table!

In the Mailbox

2009-10-01T18:52:00.001-07:00

Today, I received this lovely welcome note from Trish Taylor, the President of the Capital City Scribes. What a lovely envelope and card! It also included her trademark "Trish-trash." At least I had been for warned. Thanks Trish for the wonderful welcome!

Mailbox Surprise!

2009-09-30T15:10:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of Gabi Glass...Welcoming my into the Capital City Scribes! She also took the beautiful photo on the card. She took in while traveling in Prague! Such a wonderful thing...it totally brightened my day!

Elegant Envelopes

2009-09-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

This is a glance into my day last Saturday. I attended a workshop put together by the Capital City Scribes called The Decorated Envelope. It was inspirational and fun and lets just state that I may never be able to send a "normal" envelope again!

Sneak Peak

2009-09-24T07:29:00.001-07:00

Right now, I have the pleasure of working on a antique Bible. It is such a wonderful tradition...do any of you have old family heirlooms like this?

Working on such a special piece makes me want to start a heritage piece of my own. How easily we forget the names and dates (birth, marriage, death) of family members even just a few generations removed.

An Apple a Day

2009-09-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of the fall breeze and cooler temperatures in Austin, I have been craving my autumn favorite, homemade apple sauce. This is loads better than the stuff that you can get from the grocery and worth the effort. It may require a little time, but even children could perfect this easy recipe.
Apples have not quite started flooding the market here yet but they are beginning to make their return slowly. Soon...very soon.

Apple Sauce

Ingredients:

4 Cortland Apples, Peeled, cored and cut into 8 pieces (reserve a few pieces of skin)

4 Granny Smith Apples, Peeled, cored and cut into 8 pieces

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

½ cup Simply Orange juice

¼ cup dark brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

½ tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350^◦.

Mix apples with the zest and juice of lemon and the orange juice toss to coat so that apples do not brown. Mix in the sugar, and spices through ginger, toss to coat. Put mixture in a heavy Dutch oven. Top with butter and reserved apple skin. Let cook in oven for 1 ½ hours. Whisk to puree. Serve hot or cold.

Makes 6 cups or 12 servings, 110 calories per serving

Serve and enjoy!

Shop of the Day!

2009-09-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Amon Design Studio is so excited to be Papernstitch featured shop of the day! Thank you so much for the honor. Visit the blog to check out the feature!

Paper N Stitch

2009-08-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

God do I love me some papernstitch! If you haven't been there you need to go. Imagine Etsy but every shop is fabulous. Hand picked by Miss Brittni (whom I must say has excellent taste) all the stores are owned by individual artisans and will link to either their etsy shops or personal websites. This is the perfect department store for the person the loves art and handcraftsmanship.

Birdies on chairs

Avian therapy

Giraffes

Oh So fancy armchair

The design above is by a fellow Austin fabric artist on papernstitch, Scarlet Fig. I found her a little while back and her designs are truly inspiring. I am completely obsessed with all the chairs and animals that she uses in her designs. Two of my favorite things.

Roast Beef and Brie

2009-08-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

As if they were meant for each other, I just don't tire of pairing Roast Beef with soft and Creamy Brie. This sandwich a fresh and clean version of my Whole Foods staple (the Barton) pairs cajun roast, brie, arugula and surprise...peach preserves!
I wouldn't normally have paired the peach preserves (homemade but store would also be perfect) with this combination but low and behold it worked into the mix like a charm. (The peppery arugula does wonders to cut the sweetness!) The original Barton I have now been craving for ages but did not have my fig preserves handy so this did the trick!

Peachy Keen

1 baguette
1/4 lb cajun roast beef (Whole Foods house made)
1/4 lb wedge soft Brie
Peach preserves
Arugula

Split baguette open lengthwise and spread open without cutting through the other side. Spread entire loaf with peach preserves. Layer the roast, brie and arugula and season with salt and pepper.
Serves 4-5 people

It really is this simple. Experiment with any type of preserves you like...fig is the classic but strawberry could be good too.

Amon Design Studio

2009-08-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

Is proud to announce ... the long wait for the website is finally here! Visit the site to receive get ideas for your next project or event. What a great way to start off the week!

Etsy Favorite Seller

2009-08-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

Gracie's Eggies is a wonderful place to go for unique party favors for your upcoming wedding or event. They have just branched into the wedding area from producing mainly children and themed cascarones. They are wonderful to work with and have a delightful product. Stop by the shop or on the blog to view more options!

News on the contest...Miss Lauren from Austin, Texas is the first to win the discount on her wedding calligraphy! Lauren, please check the comments from the contest to find out the procedure to redeem. To the rest of you, there are still two more spots available for the contest found here! Good luck.

Bailey

Inventing Weddings

2009-08-12T05:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to send a little thank you too Bonnie Bell at the blog Inventing Weddings for including my custom wedding invitation calligraphy in a beautiful inspiration board inspired by piano keys (black and white). She does a wonderful job of curating these inspiration boards full of fabulous etsy artisans. Visit the site to check out the the collection here.

This invitation is in a traditional copperplate script style with my own flourish designs. It is part of a wedding suite (invitation, rsvp, program and menu) for a Virginia bride. It is very elegant in creme paper with traditional black ink. Find it in my shop!

Orchids

2009-08-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

I am the first one to admit that I do not have a green thumb. To my utter shock, I was somehow able to re-sprout this Phalaenopsis Orchid after it had bloomed out the first time.
Shock and awe.
Seriously...I even kill ivy!

Announcing...

2009-08-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

Amon Design Studio is now on Esty!!!!
Shop Amon Design Studio at:

amondesignstudio.esty.com

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend and dodging the heat!
Stop by the store and say hi!

til next time,
Bailey

Welcome Home Baby

2009-08-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love to collaborate with clients and to make their vision come alive. This cute welcome home poem is printed in my roundhand text using a Faber-Castell Indian Ink pen. I love the way the chocolate brown lends such a different look than black...the baby's room will be trimmed in chocolate so this will be perfect. The handwriting also makes it a much more affordable option for people on a strict budget (an economical choice if you will). The baby's room will be painted a lovely shade of green and the birdies were inspired from the crib set below.
So freakin' cute!

Also...keep on the edge of your chair, a huge surprise will be announced very soon! Til next time, au revoir!

Friday Flowers

2009-07-31T05:07:00.000-07:00

A view of the altar.

Just wanted to send some floral eye candy to you for your weekend.

These were all from a wedding ceremony back in February. The wedding reception was at Becker Vineyards, a very beautiful and quaint place to hold a reception. They also make some pretty stellar Texas wine...I recommend the Viogner. It has a strong nose and taste of Texas peaches, mmmm...

In case you need some entertainment, visit www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com, it made my sides cramp I was laughing so hard. You will see what happens when professional cake bakers get it very wrong. It was crazy...the longer I looked the funnier it got. It is my mfln or fml, meaning it sucks you in and the next thing you know you've been reading for an hour.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Business cards

2009-07-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated business cards are finally done and I love them. It was so exciting to mix and match the vintage European stamps on the different color "envelopes." I found these great stamps here. They were wonderful to work with and I can't wait to continue to unveil some of the ones I bought. There are just so many wonderful stamp designs out there!

Scallops + Corn= Magic

2009-07-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Scallops aren't something that I grew up with eating. I don't really know why that is but it seems as though most of the meals growing up centered around chicken. Not that we didn't have the occasional fish or shrimp dish, scallops just didn't ever seem to make the cut.

As of late, it has been so blasted hot here that I have not been inclined to heat my kitchen up by cooking for longer than about 15 minutes. This scallop dish has turned out to be the perfect thing.

note: Scallops are kinda pricey so I tend to by one (I select the largest one out of the case) and treat it if it were a fillet Mignon, meant to be a buttery, small, heavenly part of the meal. The most recent scallop I bought cost $2.30.

Scallops and corn have a natural affinity for one another therefore the clean, simple flavors of this dish work perfectly.

Scallop on a bed of corn

For the corn:
3 ears of corn (for one I used yellow and one red...both delicious)
butter
salt and pepper

Cut the corn off the cob. Over medium heat, melt butter (I really don't use very much, just a swipe) and add corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cover until corn is tender but still vibrant, about 10 minutes.

For the scallop:
4 very large (2-3oz.) scallops
salt and pepper
butter
white wine (what you will be drinking with dinner), if desired

Dry off the scallops very well and season with salt and pepper. Melt butter (again another swipe) in a skillet over medium/high heat. Once the pan is nice and hot, sear scallops, forming a crust on both sides. Once scallop is cooked, off the heat, pour a bit of wine in the pan and let cook out.

Place corn in a bowl or on a plate and top with scallop. Garnish with olive oil, basil or parsley and a lemon wegde if desired.
Serves 2-4

Then, Let them Eat Cake!

2009-07-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

I like cake, yes the band...but especially the food. I mean, put it in a bowl with some ice cream and I am darn near heaven.

Ready to drool?
This cake is a three layer sour cream cake, filled with homemade lemon curd and iced with a lemon mascarpone frosting.

This cake got its start about a year ago when I planned and catered my grandmother's 90th birthday party. I was cake testing to figure out what sort of flavor combination/s I wanted to do and I stumbled upon this. I knew it was the perfect trifecta when, sitting at my dining table, fork in hand, I couldn't stop eating it. It took my mother (who was visiting me at the time/taste testing) prying the fork out of my hand and promising me that it would still be there tomorrow. It was a sheet cake meant to serve 75 people and I devoured about a fourth of it (no joke).

Here is a photo of the original test cake.

After this experience and the sugar coma that ensued, for me, recipe testing, especially baked goods is a mighty dangerous thing.

Gabrielle

2009-07-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce the arrival of my first posted invitation suite, written in a fun whimsical style, Gabrielle. This writing style was created to update the traditional styles of calligraphy and give a different option to make your event unique.

This style is also perfect for bridal showers, luncheons, baby announcements, really anything that needs a special touch.

Inspiration Tuesday: San Diego

2009-07-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

A little bit of inspiration for you this morning all the way from San Diego. I recently visited and came back with so many thoughts scurrying through my head. I thought that I would share some of the magic.

It's very nice to meet you!

2009-07-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Bailey and I am the owner and founder of Amon Design Studio, a fine hand lettering, illustration and stationery studio.

Ever since I was a small girl I have been consumed by pattern, textures and techniques. My mother constantly grew weary when she would take me to a store (especially stationery, fabric or hobby stores) and would have to drag me out kicking and screaming. Since then, I have taken on many hand crafting techniques (knitting, sewing, embroidering, quilting...just to name a few) but the moment I tried writing with a dip pen and ink I fell in love. Never have I been so enamored and consumed by a craft. It now makes since to me why I was never much of a computer person and preferred instead to write on paper. I would always be renewed at the sight of the beautifully light blue lined notebook paper that I would buy for school supplies at the beginning of every year.

Since graduating from The University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science Degree in retail merchandising, I have focused on product, floral and event styling. I am so glad to meet you and that I am able to share my work, passions and insight into design with you.

When I am not in my studio, I enjoy cooking (a lot), knitting, taking pictures, gardens, flower arranging, museums and last but definitely not least, coffee.

This week I would like to let you get to know me a bit and I would love to get to know you!

First...

A little jewel of mine...my first canning experiment went right!

I have always been fearful of canning due to common known complications (botulism anyone?) and the stigma of it being difficult portrayed ever since convenience foods took precedence in America. I am here to attest that this was truly a wonderful and rewarding experiment. So much so that I will definitely be doing this again this weekend to begin early on Christmas gifts (sorry for spoiling the surprise).