I think we’ll be building one or two more beds this year and will be raising our existing beds an extra 6 inches.  I would LOVE a whole bed for lavender this summer since we have such nice sun, but I need to do some extra reading before I have Jared take the time to build a box for me.  Artichokes fascinate me, but I think they may be too advanced for me.  Last year we learned a lot about what we needed to plant more of, and what we didn’t use as much of.  For instance… LOTS more snow peas this year, we were way overboard on lettuce last year.  It was a great season for learning.

Here are some of my favorite seed resources:

• Seeds of Change
• The Populuxe Seed Bank
• Cubits
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
• Seed Savers Exchange

Are you trying anything new in your garden this year?

Every Wednesday on Cotton & Brass I do a post called Color Play, bringing beautiful palettes inspired by art, photography, fashion, nature, etc.  Today’s post is inspired by the beautiful bird photography of Luke Stephenson.

Head over to Cotton & Brass to see more beautiful bird palettes.

Nothing says comfy and cozy to me in winter like plaid.  I don’t care if it’s wool, flannel, a coat, scarf, wallpaper or a blanket.  Plaid is the perfect pattern for chilly days.  Here are some plaid picks to warm you up on this bleak January day.

Above: via Black & White {Side by Side}

- Schoolhouse Electric via Design Sponge & ModCloth -

- Stash -

– J Crew -

- Pendleton & via pinterest (origin unknown)

- Sporto via Zappos -

Last night Jared and I both found ourselves entranced by the process of Riusuke Fukahori.  He uses a meticulous method of painting carefully layered resin to create 3-dimensional goldfish floating in various found containers.

More images from his “Goldfish Salvation” Exhibition that just closed in London, visit this album by Dominic Alves. Or check out the video below to see the artist in action.

“Goldfish Salvation” Riusuke Fukahori from ICN gallery on Vimeo.

Photos courtesy of Dominc Alves.

I’m starting to load up my new shop The Chroma Society, with lots of new goodies.  I’m addicted to coral red right now, so there is plenty of that.  I have a pile of new items to list and I’m happy to create custom pieces as well.

To celebrate the grand opening, I’m currently offering 15% off your total purchase with the coupon code ‘HELLOTHERE’.

Thank you for being so welcoming as I introduce another side of my creative personality.  Here’s to The Chroma Society!

Click to play…

Image courtesy of Brad Sloan via Pinterest.

Music by Darren Korb & Ashley Barrett from the Bastion Soundtrack.

One thing on my list of resolutions this year, it to keep my handbag tidier.   I have a habit of throwing everything and anything in there and have ended up with open packets of apple butter, mountains of receipts and tracking slips for packages and a purse full of hot cocoa powder.  So this year I’ll be trying to change that by frequently cleaning it out.

I’ll be making my trusty leather handbag work for awhile, but I’ve been eyeing Made By Hank‘s bags and zippered pouches all morning.  Such wonderful use of texture and color.  Each piece is such a treasure.  Here are my picks…

See more beautiful bags at Made by Hank.

I know I JUST posted about Fab earlier this week, but one of my favorite artists is having a sale on Fab today and you have to know about it.  Kinship has a selection of pillowcases, tea towels and mugs for 33% off on Fab today!  I used some of my credit to pick up this “His & Hers” sent for our bed.  We already have their arrow pillow cases on our guest bed.

Here are some of my other picks from the sale.  Wish I could have picked them ALL up.

Head over to Fab today and treat yourself (Remember, Fab requires an invite.  Feel free to use mine)!

I love perusing designer discount sites, and I have found some amazing deals.  Lately I have a new obsession with Fab.  It’s a beautifully curated, invite-only shopping site featuring designer goods for 15-70% off.  They have everything from tees to furniture to kids stuff to home goods.  They often feature etsians and indie designers in their repertoire.

New deals start daily and they have a great rewards program (one of the best I’ve seen).  Feel free to grab an invite from me to see today’s deals!

And a little preview of sales starting later today…

There is some good stuff!  Hope to see you there!  Need an invite?  Remember to grab one of mine here.

To kick off the new year, I’ve started a new creative endeavor.  I love working with color.  The Chroma Society is a new shop with a very different flavor than L&F.  I have lots of colorful raw material on the way.  So stay tuned for brightly colored jewelry, including bracelets (and in the near future, housewares) to bring some color to your winter.

I’m so excited.  My new year is off to a productive start.  I have a renewed creative energy.  Here is to 2012!