Brinca Dada's Emerson Dollhouse is already a hit in modern design circles. Because let's face it, not everyone's version of an ideal home or dollhouse is a Victorian era mansion.
So imagine our delight when we discovered their very futuristic yet rustic dolls, that will be ready just in time for the Holiday season. We secretly wish they didn't have eyes because then we could just imagine their expressions. Nonetheless, they're still winners.
We can't believe we have never posted on Renegade Handmade before! One of us is off to Chicago for Christmas this year and is already scoping out a top ten list of places to stop. Renegade Handmade in Wicker Park is on the list! So happy we stumbled upon them again. All the fun of Etsy but with editing!!!!! Here are some of our favorites in the back to school vein.
We are huge fans of chalkboard paint. So it was only natural that we would fall for ideapaint. Transforming classrooms, boardrooms, home offices and children's spaces this paint is replacing dry-erase boards one wall at a time. It is said to be safe from harmful chemicals and will certainly help save a few trees. Makes us want to have a brainstorming session just so we can take notes!
Every family has its lore. in our family it's a story of how a young man in overalls and work boots went to play ball. Here's how the story is told:
The year was 1945-if we have this part wrong someone will surely set us straight, but you know how these stories go....
My Grandpa, Clarence, lived on a farm in the middle of North Dakota- five miles off the last paved road! (Really you can see the middle of nowhere from my grandparent's porch) The work week was spent in the fields and tending to the livestock. It was unyielding work. But on Sundays- Sundays they rested. They had picnics and the city cousins would come out and play catch. My Grandpa looked forward to this the whole week. On Sundays he'd pass the ball back and forth with his cousin Wes. Wes and his brother played for the farm teams that were in the surrounding areas. These farm teams were like the minor league teams of today. Players were paid a small salary and major league teams fished through them for talent. Well, one day Wes' pitcher was sick or hurt or drunk- I never remember why he wasn't there and I'm not sure it even matters to the story. The important part is that the team needed a pitcher and FAST! There was a double header. That Wes was a quick thinker. Off he dashed to that rural farmstead to grab Clarence. When Wes found him, he was in the middle of morning chores. In overalls and work boots. Wes grabbed him and they were off. It would be pretty fun to know what that conversation went like. If I were better at dialogue I would try to recreate it but what you come up with will be better. Anyway they were off. When they got to the field, Wes pulled Clarence out to the mound with his overalls and boots still on. He slapped a mitt in Clarence's hand and told him that this was just going to be like a game of catch on Sunday. He winked and then pulled his mask down and headed behind the plate. The story goes they won their double header. I like to say that he pitched a perfect game, but that's probably hyperbole. My Grandfather went on to pitch for a variety of farm teams in the area and even tried out for the Cubs! Obviously, I never knew my Grandfather in his pitching days and my knowledge of his talent comes from tales and these pictures my Grandmother took (which is another great story but for another time!)
All I know is that he was my favorite person for such a long time and I miss him and his laugh very much!
This 1908 recording of Edward Meeker singing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" can really get you in the mood!
Here are the lyrics so you can sing along.
Katie Casey was base ball mad.
Had the fever and had it bad;
Just to root for the home town crew,
Ev'ry sou Katie blew.
On a Saturday, her young beau
Called to see if she'd like to go,
To see a show but Miss Kate said,
"No, I'll tell you what you can do."
"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."
Katie Casey saw all the games,
Knew the players by their first names;
Told the umpire he was wrong,
All along good and strong.
When the score was just two to two,
Katie Casey knew what to do,
Just to cheer up the boys she knew,
She made the gang sing this song:
"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."
Lyrics by Jack Norworth
Melody by Albert Von Tilzer
To have a little Summertime fun yourself, swing by Etsy and grab yourself a:
Lemon Ball brings back the game of Summer in full vintage form!
These baseballs are made the old fashioned way: handmade and leather. They're the perfect gift for the boys in your life. What's more? They even make a handcrafted leather football- ideal for a game this fall!
Oots' Ben Fritz designed the Woodmobiel for his grandchildren but it will soon be available for everyone. Pine posts, wheels, nuts and bolts can be reconfigured to make a multitude of play objects. No need to buy multiple toys, just rebuild. The building is the playing! We're predicting hours and hours of fun!
Even if you've been known to whip up a pencil case or two, these are worth the look. Who wouldn't love a new carrying case for pencils and other treasures? From girly to tough, etsy has it covered.
The Guedelon Castle in France
This is one of those projects that just make you start screaming! In the words of Tina Fey's daughter "I want to go to there!!" Once upon a time in the year nineteen hundred and ninety seven, a group of fifty people came together to do the extraordinary. They set out to build a castle using thirteenth century techniques. Now thousands flock to the site each year to watch the progress and learn about the Middle Ages. The date of completion for the castle is 2025, so we have plenty of time to book our flights!
Their website has a fun 2 minute introductory video. If anyone has gone- please do share- we would love living vicariously through you!
Green Depot for back-to-school essentials. Green Depot's wide assortment makes the transition to ecofriendly products seamless. Stock up on natural supplies for the school set and keep a stash at home for the wee ones. Here's what's on our list. . .
Decomposition Books made from 100% post consumer waste.
Solvent free paste and glue: strong enough for grown-up projects, too!
Natural glue, markers and paint from perennial favorite, Clementine.
Recycled Newspapers wrapped around lead refashion yesterday's news into pencils.
Who needs a Ziploc when you can use this water-resistant hand embroidered bag?
Wish they would have had all of these nifty supplies when we were tots!
Nothing seems to say summer more than a Carousel! These images of carnival fun just make us smile. Here's to the last month of summer and making the most of it! P.S. These are more fantastic Etsy Artists!
Do you make something marvelous or know someone who does? Have a post worthy idea? Your emails are such a delight, so please write. williehenrietta@gmail.com
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