Where have you been???

You may be thinking. Indeed. Where have I been? Well. The short of it is that I've been working on 2 other blogs here and here. The long of it is, that while [over]working full-time, and traveling up the ying yang, I've also started my own business which has taken some might, time and patience to get off the ground. Officially it's still on the tarmac, but it's been cleared for takeoff. Introducing Passepartout Press. After discovering a real dearth of letterpress studios and even information or supplies in Ye Olde NL. I decided to start up my own company. Currently I make my own films and plates [on my homemade exposure unit] and print on a flatbed Tetterode. A great Dutch proofpress. I've been kept quite busy with teaching workshops on exposing your own photopolymer plates and setting up shop at home. Alongside a myriad of press projects I'm working on. Things have been going well! And busy! So check out the Passepartout website! Have any questions about building your own letterpress studio? Or just wanna yell at me for staying away so long? Shoot me an email. I'd love to hear from you. Oh and I won't be abandoning the good ole chateau here. I'll keep it updated with cool things I find and do, but for more press action check out the studio site. Ciao!

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen.

Speaking of cool creative things to do...

I've been waiting on this, because it was a surprise for my brother and he's a somewhat faithful reader at the 'ole chateau. The surprise has been revealed, so now I can show you what I've been cooking up over here. I'm getting into the letterpress game. For my first real foray. I met up with John Cornelisse of Enkidu Press in Philippine, The Netherlands. We met on Drukwerk in de Marge, a press forum for Dutch type nerds. He offered to show me how to burn photopolymer plates and to use them for the press. Since there's no Boxcar Press in the NL and as far as I can figure, no one else who provides a similar service. I figured, I gotta learn how to do this shizzle meself. What better excuse to learn than an invite for an upcoming concert featuring my fabulously talented baby brother? So checkout the flickr set. There's also a much larger and less edited set here, if you're a type nut like me. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kalimera!

That's good morning in Greek! I'm here on the balmy breezy island of Kos after a couple exciting days in Athens. The air is charged there right now. More on that later. But for now, the wifi in the room's been spotty, so I've been forced to relocate to the pool just to get this post to you! Oh the sacrifices I make for you guys. haha. Wanna see what it's like?

I call this girl with potato chip.

More fun photography and Greece travel tips to come. It's amazing here!

Recycling, Yay!

Those who know me well, know that I HATE throwing anything away. I've been known to eat questionable meat in lieu of depositing in the bin, and I refashion my old clothes before giving them the heave-ho, I even extend my denim life by patching the inner thighs. [yeah my thighs touch, sux] So in the spirit of reduce reuse recycle, check out this lovely newspaper wood. Stunning. And right up my alley. Via.

Can we kiss and make up?

I wrote that line after I realized the irony that I am in quite a tempest with my beloved at the moment, but the kissing and making up I'm talking about here is of me to you. Blogging! I've been away for so long! This new job + this new endeavor I've taken on = an overwhelmed and very tired gal. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. My new resolution, is much better time management [actually what it means is not crashing on the couch after a long day's work, but getting online and delivering the goods to you guys]. I have a stuffed folder of ideas to share and a whole flickr album of fun for everyone. But first things first. My amends. If this video doesn't melt your heart and send you rushing right back into my arms, well then I don't know what will. Don't you wish charming videos could piece divides back together in real life? I know I do. The only thing stress seems to be good for is weight loss. Well I can't say I'm not vain enough to enjoy that. Oh, I got this video via A a lovely friend of mine back in NYC that I miss dearly. Have a lovely week friends. Be back soon with more.

Friday's Inspiration.

Remember that sad post I wrote about not finding work? Well cheer up friends, because work, it seems has found me. Or more appropriately, we found each other. What started as an internship, "stage" as we call it here, has blossomed into much more. Thus the more sporadic postings. [trying to figure out how to balance work, exercise, blogging, and cuddle time] I was thinking about sending an email to my colleagues each friday of some weekend inspiration and then I realized; I would be a fool not to share it with you, my faithful readers, as well. So here we go, the balm that will soothe a week's worth of aches and get you in the mood for the weekend. I present, Friday's Inspiration.

Dope lamp.

Worn Out. via.


Fun and informative guide to printing processes.

Exuberant packaging by wink. via.

Vrolijk Pasen!

Means Happy Easter in Dutch. I'm tickled today to find some fun Easter art on one of my favoriter Dutch blogs Fontanel.nl. Funnier still is that the illustration came from Christopher Niemann of the NY Times. It's come full-circle now.

IFFB Highlights.

Her. Obviously.

Lin.
Quiet, intense, and gorgeous. This film, as Ward Janssen put it, "Is perfect in every way." It really is.

Somewhere.
Oh Sofia, I can't help but love you. Sofia is at her schtick again, but I can't fight it, I like her quiet sad introspective films. 

Audrey the Trainwreck.
Funny, clever and poignant. This is a great date movie that doesn't dip into cliches or maxims.

Microphone.
Filled with the kind of hope and angst that only the repressed and teenagers can really channel. This film will bring you there and back and to places you never knew.

Twin Freaks.
It was a party. I wore a backless shirt. Woot woot!

Check out all the fun on Flickr. You might even spy a certain cheeky blogger.

There were a lot more films that I failed to see. Running around, Angeling, and After-Parties can take a lot out of you!

Many many thanks to Marijke [see 'licious pic above] and Ward for bringing me into the fray; and to Laura who got me acclimated, wined and dined me, and kept me in 6" stilettos on party night. I had an amazing time, saw an exciting panoply of films, and best and above all met a talented and driven group of amazing photographers, film-makers, artists, volunteers, bloggers etc etc. Man I gotta say. I fracking love the NL. The people here are tops.

Slow Breathing.

As much as I am "living the dream" out here in the NL complete with the gorgeous apartment and devastatingly handsome French partner; my ego still does get quite bashed about, by my current job situation...or lack thereof. I'm interning at the most darling of design agencies in the Hague, but not sure if that will manifest itself into something more. All the while I've been networking, and applying, and cold-calling, and interviewing and pavement pounding and all for naught. I average about a rejection a day. I didn't think it was taking such a mental toll until today when I got yet another and called said devastatingly handsome partner and broke down into a blubbering mess. I guess I am bummed. And then I stumbled upon this lovely painter Samantha French [what a name!] through Poppytalk handmade. I love the Frenchie feel, her chunky strokes and bold use of light and reflection. But most of all, I love the message. Slow Breathing. Relax and enjoy. Something I very much need right now. Check her out on Etsy. And check out Poppytalk's store here.

Microphone.

So I saw this really cool film about Egypt and it's underground hip-hop, skater community. Very interesting, entirely in Arabic [which was a real treat for the ears] and well-paced; I recommend it highly. The film unfolded around Khaled as he tries to bring together this community of artists with as many roadblocks as you could imagine in a conservative devout culture. Interesting, poignant, and eye-opening to a western gal like me. Come to the IFFB to attend a screening or find one near you. Check the movie site for more info. You can thank me later by buying me a drink at the Twin Freaks party tonight.

Dummy.

That's me. Here I am at the illustrious IFFB [that's International Film Festival Breda to the uninitiated] having a blast; watching great films, meeting cool people, and squiring cool directors about town and I haven't even told you guys all about it!



In my defense, I had a migraine yesterday and was in screenings all day today, but still. Check out this dope trailer! More to come babies, more to come...

Cooking and Cool Design.

What could be better?


Ikea - Art of cooking - Make sushi! from Carl Kleiner on Vimeo.

Thanks Fontanel! An awesome Dutch design blog that me loves. xoxoxo

Yummers.

Maquette. Wicked good illustrator painter.

I hope I look like that in the kitchen...

Boss right? Go here. Awesome.

Shadow Boxes and Nabokov.

What could be better?

Learn more about these amazing pieces here. Awesome design blog. See the collection here.

Battle for the Sun.

Killer. Everything. Song. Clothes. Scene. Except...notice how many ankles wobble on those super-high heels. Yikes.

Design Nerds Rejoice!

Designed by Thomas Gaskin. Creative direction by Hugh Dubberly.
Algorithms by Patrick Kessler.
Patent belongs to William Drenttel + Jessica Helfand.

Awesome good math fun. As someone who excels at math and loves the visual arts, graphic design was a natural choice for me. Finding stuff like this gives me a design woody. Found here. Via.

My Daily Inspiration.

Just got a coupla kasten [dutch word, look it up] delivered and was feeling that procrastinating lull at the thought of organizing and filling them. Then I found this.



How well-timed. Well it's up and at 'em for me. Tot Ziens! Via What Katie Ate. A totally rad food blog [one of my absolute faves]. Check it out.

Ohhh, yes.

Ummm. So yeah. Yes to everything in this picture. Do I spy a grand scenic cliff-overhang tapestry done entirely in needlepoint? Oh yes, yes I do. Hot damn, that's awesome. Head over here for much much more awesomeness.

What I've been up to.

Those of you who know me personally, know, but those who are acquainted with me virtually have been kept from the truth. {I had this notion of separation of church and state} But now I am prepared to expose myself, to confess my carnal longings. I am... a fanatic née rabid cook. My idea of a swell weekend is to stand sun-up to down in a hot kitchen wiping my bangs and flour from out mine eyes. Feeling particularly proud of these babies, I thought I'd share. The ones on the left are raspberry glacé brownie, the middle is caramel au sel de mer, and the right is good old-fashioned valrhona chocolate ganache. A little thank you gift to Maman for sending along her exquisite homemade confitures. mmmm. yumminess abounds. And now my secret is out. I'm just another cooking-mad foodie like everyone else. pfffff.

Nudie Patootie.

How cute is this little naked lady swimming in your tea?

via. via.

This makes me laugh.

Bloesem. You slay me. spanx.

Stuff I like right now.

This Dollhouse.

Story Cabinet.

Super Cute Illos.

Red and Neutrals.

Nerd Boyfriend.

When Fashion and Fun come together.

When Science and Art come together.

Cool rumpled homes.

Feeling humbled and subdued by all the chaos. Much love to those affected.

Me likey.

Qiu Yang, is really somethin'. Evoking Helmut Newton & Guy Bourdin while still having very much his own look and feel. I haven't seen photography I've felt this strongly about in awhile. Via It's Nice That. A super smart art blog and publication vehicle.

Ratty!

Oh Garsh! This is just so darn cute.

View the rest over here. Thanks to Design Work for Life for illuminating.

Round 2.

You know you're excited! I put some new styles up on Etsy. This time I knit these babies with a super duper thick yarn. 2x the weight of my other yarns, this baby alpaca puts the other "chunky" items out there in fashion-land to shame. All natural with no synthetic fibers, this Super alpaca takes the cake and is ultra-sexy and snuggly. See for yourself.

If you haven't yet, go ahead and like me on Facebook

too. You'll feel better about yourself instantly!

Also wanted to say to give a shout-out for all of you who've been supportive on the blog, on FB, and on Etsy. The love has been quite nice indeed. Spanx!

Etsy Love.

I stumbled upon this oh-so-lovely clutch at inaluxe. [mysteriously the post has been taken down...weird.] Which prompted me to make my own little "best of" bit on clutches. I know I usually showcase 9 pieces. But I was feeling really picky today and a lot of the clutches on Etsy seemed to have a common thread. Similar enclosures/fabrics/sizes etc. So I'm giving you four fabulous standouts. *

1. The previously featured on inaluxe clutch. I prefer the champagne color to the pink [featured]. A bit more subtle don't you think?And how about that handiwork? Exquisite, no? Do check her other goodies. Masterful tactile construction indeed. See it here.

2. Ever since I saw Carrie toting this baby on a boat while avoiding Mr. Big, I've wanted one.

sorry these 2 pics blow. was all I could find on the interwebs.

And no I'm not one of those Sex and the City drones. I don't take quizzes to discover which character I am most like. Or squeal about shoes. See here for more proof. But indeed Pat Field styled the hell outta that show and sometimes, I crave an item. Sue me. But I digress. I love this purse and lo and behold, here it is.

Just waiting to go to a loving home and be squired about town.  Don't you just dig the palm trees? Go here to check it out.


3. Ikat my old friend, has resurfaced at the Chateau. I must say I'm a little over all the Ikat on every decor blog; but this purse feels fresh and sexy and it looks like it would go with most anything. Me likey. Check it here.

4. And this little beauty. That print is hand-printed on the fabric by the artisan. Isn't that just the cat's meow? I love attention to detail and this really takes the cake, not to mention it's beauteous. Explore this item here.

* I always try to choose items that aren't just standout on their own but are part of a great collection by a fantastic vendor on Etsy. So when you check out these babies, make sure to take a stroll through the shop too. I promise, you won't regret.

Merci Beaucoup.

A hearty thank you to the sweet folks over there at Pollen Arts. After I posted about them here, the kind lady who makes the delectable all natural beeswax candles sent me a lovely melange of said candles as a thank you. See pic above. I couldn't be more thrilled and flattered. Did you see how they're wrapped? In pattern tissue? That's recycling and adorable. I was positively tickled to open my package. Merci beaucoup, Pollen Arts.

Knitwear.

More. Sneak Peek here...

Stay Tuned.

Amazing Etsy Candle Finds.

Not to get all hoity-toity on y'all but after working here as an art director for 3+ years. I think I know my way around a candle. With my emergency stash almost all used up and my connections to my employer of yore, all over-seas; I think it's about time I [gasp] buy some candles. As in spend my own money. Now that I'll be paying for the merch as opposed to charming my way through the PR closet, I'm going to need to be selective. Being a bit of a luxury-hound snob, my thoughts immediately went to here. But then I thought, Etsy! What's better then supporting a little home-grown business? And meeting some interesting guys and gals? [I've met the best/most interesting creatives on there] So without further ado, my picks for sexiest candles on Etsy.* Click on the pics to be taken to the shop.

*I have yet to purchase my candles, therefore these picks were based on design, scent combos, and spiffiness of shop.

Things I liked this week...

redonk kitty from Neëst.

nuzzles. via.

ink + wit wrapping paper.

underground railroad in Budapest. via.

most beautiful home. ever.

this blog/cat. and their shop. via.

Ballet be Sexy!

I know you kids are all jazzed about Nathalie Portman and froufy ballerina fashion since Black Swan came out. But the thing that's got me all hot and bothered from all this hullabaloo is this...ahem him.

pic from Best Week Ever.

Nathalie Portman's man/choreographer/baby daddy. Benjamin Millipied is smokin! Check out more saucy pics here. Those of you who know me, might very well be able to figure out why I'm so enamored of Monsieur Millepied. He happens to be a dead ringer for a sexy french fellow, I just happen to be acquainted with. Lucky Lucky Lucky Me.

Voila!

Remember that surprise I hinted about the other day? Well here's the unveiling.

I'm selling my sexy, chunky, cuddly knitwear on etsy. All of the pieces are designed and knitted by yours truly using only the finest most sumptuous of wools. Check out the shop here. And more pics of my fun photoshoot with the BF here. Let me know what you think. Oh and more colors coming soon. Enjoy!

Don't you just love this?

Book cover by Kulick Design. Lots more great work by them here. Thanks to Design Work for Life.

Some of you may be wondering...

where I've been for a bit. Here's a clue:

I'm cooking something up at the ole chateau. You'll be the first to know when it's ready to unveil.

Beauty...

Olek “Traces” photo (c) Zuza Krajewska & Bartek Wieczorek found at Yatzer.

Smile...

I haven't seen anyone look that content in a long time. Makes me smile big and remember to appreciate.

Katie Sokoler of Color Me Katie Fame took this. Awesome.

A little warmer...

So it's frackin' cold. I've been spending the week in Savoie [no kidding] lapping up the snow and general frenchiness. My grasp of the french language has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to my many english-language-challenged extended family members. And on a much much much more surprising note, my snowboarding skills have become...well something more akin to skills. It might have helped that I had the hottest teacher in the whole damn L'ecole du Ski Français. If you're ever in Savoie at the Les Menuires ski station go to the school and ask for a snowboarding lesson with Laurent. When they ask, Laurent who? Say the hot one. I think his last name begins with an F. Thank me later. And tell him Anna says hi.

OK. But I digress. The point of this post was to warm up your day. Voila!

Taken on a brilliant day at Coney Island some years back with some of my best girls. I've finally gotten around to posting my photog exploits on flickr. If you like that, you'll love the rest of the set. Enjoy!