TypePad Featured Blogs

Bullets of Love

Bullets of Love is a poetry and arts blog, and in the words of its creators, was “born from a conversation of poet friends who realized there weren’t enough places for poetry to be published”. And so the site exists “to bring good poetry into the world” in ways that you might not consider to be traditional: there are videos of surreal movie classics posted by the site’s authors, literary discourse from posters, and simple shots that portray the beauty to be found in the world. Not your typical Wordsworth, but poetry exists in many forms, visually and literally, and the site collects them all for the pleasure of readers everywhere. There are links to poet blogs for those that wish to explore this particular art form further.

ArtPark

Rob and Laura Jones share a love of art, nature, and the fluid beauty of the natural world. Owners of Migration, an art gallery in Charlottesville VA, they also run the artPark blog; both studio and site reflect their love of the natural order, and their desire to change the art world. You’ll see that mindset expressed in their posts on featured Migration artists such as Randall Stoltzfus, Foust, and Steve Griffin. Other art news abounds here too, in addition to photo albums on gallery shows and related art blog links. Informal, easy reading here (and easy on the eyes); it’s a wonderful way of looking at the world without leaving your seat.

DigiChicks

A blog is comprised of many components - the most vital being the people that contribute to it. The DigiChick exemplifies this collaborative spirit by gathering artists and designers in one collaborative forum. In these pages they write about trends, showcase their work, and open their galleries (we’ve just linked a few at random – there are lots more to see). The coolest thing about the blog is how the artists invite you to take part in fun contests that will test your skills (no, you don't have to be a professional to enter). For starters, the Photo A Day contest will test all the shutterbugs out there. The Color Challenge will give you the chance to see what you can make out of certain shades (this month, Silver and Blue). Or how about trying your hand (literally) at being crowned the new Posting Queen? This feature truly illustrates the community aspect of blogging and should get your creative juices flowing (especially if you’re snowbound). It’s great family fun, too!

Happy Day Art

Catherine Witherell loves making things. And in Happy Day Art she takes that passion and skill and transfers it from metals and clay to her blog. Her motto, “any day you get a gift of art is a happy day”, and it’s a feeling she puts into practice by designing jewelry and crafting functional pieces for people who love beautiful things. Catherine is a true artist, as you’ll see in her posts and photos from her gallery, her workshop, and her kiln (her stamp pad is pretty impressive too). You can take a photo tour of her studio to see how (and where) she works. We’re partial to artists who can craft beautiful items out of such materials as clay and brass (among other materials) and Catherine’s skill is evident in everything she (literally) touches. Like her work? Shop her store!

One Little Word

This is your place to reflect on and celebrate the power of words. One Little Word is in fact a “global challenge blog” that harnesses the creative juices of wordsters from around the world to make something wonderful out of…words! Every week, the authors post a new “word up” and readers are challenged to design layouts, mini-albums, tags, home décor and more from that word. But don't take our, er, word, for it, see what assorted winners made from words such as seek, pure, and go. Part contest, part community gallery, and all exuberant expression, this blog is a wonderful example of the interactive nature of blogs, and will have you reaching for your art supplies before you know it! Intrigued? Read more here.

Creature Comforts

It’s always nice to give “airplay” to the non-boxed, original, and downright delightful craftspeople (and TypePad customers) out there, and Creature Comforts is one of the best. Featuring “design for all creatures great and small”, this blog showcases items such as fabulous fabric, ornaments, even faux cookie cutters. There’s a plethora of whimsical, nature-based, and world-fusion designs to be found here, and we’ve just scratched the surface. To make things easier, you can peruse the holiday gift guide. (And if you’re watching your wallet, there’s a wonderful Chic For Chic section too!) So instead of jamming into a store aisles and standing in line this month, pop online and enjoy the holiday!

Paper Pleasing Ideas

We’ve always been partial to those who take their passion and talents and put them to work, and Paper Pleasing Ideas, details the works of a paper crafting Canadian artist. This is one of the decorative arts that turn a simple material into wonderful creations, limited only by the imagination. No lack of that here, as those looking for Christmas inspiration will see in Holiday Seat Treats, the Package Packin’ Penguin (actually, a whimsical stamp designed by the author), and the Sleigh Trio cards all beautifully photographed. Of course card crafting and its related activities are a year-long enterprise, so there are plenty of other non-holiday oriented categories to check out, from Altered 3D projects to video tutorials. There are more blogs (for Shop-O-Holics or just for pleasure) too. Enjoy!

Oh Joy

The clock's ticking, and "H" hour is fast approaching - (H as in holiday, that is). But if you're lacking in inspiration, don't worry… Oh Joy has you covered, with "design, style, and other cool things". A crafts blog with a homespun heart, Oh Joy gathers styles from local and national designers and artisans and presents them for your shopping pleasure. Check out the beautifully screen printed linen handbags , handmade holiday items like tags, stockings and ornaments, and wonderful ways to wrap your gifts. In addition to the main features, there are links to sponsors, daily reads, and categories, all featuring unique gift ideas, news, and places to shop. Lots of colorful product shots will whet your appetite, too!

Flea Market Studio

We’ve been featuring several crafts blogs lately for the simple reason that the holidays are fast approaching and whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Chanukah, many people like to add special touches to their homes Flea Market Studio is our latest featured blog, and in it, you’ll get hints for next year’s ghost and goblin day,  crafting with kids, and sewing, There’s a neat little store specializing in art pieces and art journals for sale by the author too. These are delightful, homemade pieces that will inspire you to create your own works of art for family, friends, and home.

Vintage Pretties

What are Vintage Pretties? They’re unique items (often antique) that you find in stores, flea markets, and yard sales. They can make your home a decorator’s showcase, as you’ll see in Vintage Pretties, a blog that shows you where to find all sorts of items and what to do with them. Case in point: antique biscuit tins and picnic baskets, shoes, and milk carriers.  You’ll be amazed – and inspired – at how the author turns these simple items into eye-catching pieces for her home. Travel stories and birthdays  add their charm, and turn this into a comfortable, beautiful read. Enjoy!

House Wren Studio

A "happy mix of design, craft, and art", House Wren Studio is the online “workshop” of artist Charlotte Lyons. Inspired by traditional arts and crafts and the inventive use of everyday materials, Ms. Lyons  has created some unique designs and in her blog, you’ll see items such as tea mice and couch crafts, and read about her sources of inspiration. Ms Lyons also offers her insights into family and vacation.  Her styles have a wonderful, timeless feel, and although you may not be able to visit her studio on the Hudson, this is the next best thing to being there!

Nest Decorating

Here's a blog that helps redefine multitasking. Tamar is the mother of three teenage boys and a unique designer; she combines both her talent and her love for family in Nest Decorating. As you read her musings on daily life in Burlington, Vermont, and look at photos of her tote bags, dream catchers, fall fairy headbands, and more, you'll be awed by her unique style and zest for life. Don't forget to stop by  Etsy, her unique store and treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind Whisper necklace!

American Crafts Studio

If you're planning to join the cast of thousands who indulge in the fruitful art of scrapbooking, look to the experts on the American Crafts design team.  These talented and experienced leaders are the creative energy behind American Crafts Studio blog, where they provide 'sneak peaks' of their latest product samples, page designs or information on upcoming conventions. This is truly an open and welcoming community as they encourage and inspire visitors to leave both comments and suggestions.  If you agree that this team is uniquely talented, vote for them to win the Creating Keepsakes 2008 Readers Choice award.

Lisa Congdon

Lisa Congdon is a San Francisco artist who has never received any formal art training, and is glad for that. We'd have to agree; her lush, multi-layered collages, illustrations and textiles just wouldn't be the same without her unique sense of color, composition and style. With features in magazines Adorn, Country Living, and ReadyMade, plus countless features on popular blogs and websites, it seems everyone agrees her work is something special. We've been lucky enough to feature Lisa at a particularly exciting time in her life; as of tomorrow she's venturing further into the world of a working artist, having cut back her job to part-time. For those of you who can't make it to one of her shows, be sure to check out her online store.

Purls and Pugs

Knit one, pug two… Take a web application developer with an appreciation for the yarn arts and add a adorable pug named Yoda, and you get Purls and Pugs, a blog devoted to all the creative endeavors Amanda Swanson can come up with. An avid knitter, to be sure, she also impressively takes on furniture building, sewing, and maybe a drink recipe or two thrown in for good measure. All of the work, of course, carefully supervised by the omnipresent Yoda. And don’t forget to wish Amanda and Yoda happy "blogversary;" Purls and Pugs turned three on June 6.

The Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts

The Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts is fantastic in every sense of the word. Founded in 1987, this is "an organization dedicated to literary, visual, and performance arts rooted in myth, folklore, and fairy tales." Who can resist that? Fans of all things legendary can keep up with the latest books, films, and even music dedicated to other-wordly fiction. Topics covered include the esoteric, like French fantasy fiction, and the mainstream, like Disney. And what blog on the mythic would be complete without a post or two on Tolkien? Check out the early word on the recently-released The Children of Hurin, a return to Middle-Earth taken from the master’s unpublished manuscripts and completed by his son, Christopher. Now that's an event in any realm. 

Kitty Genius

Browse through the Kitty Genius blog and you’ll have a peek into the mind and heart of 25-year-old artist Ashley Goldberg. Focusing on simple, sophisticated portraiture with lots of nature-inspired motifs and lovable critters, her work is instantly appealing and immediately endearing. Her blog is a gallery of not only her work, but also her life; glimpses of her living and work spaces only underline the fact Ashley thrives in creative, colorful surroundings touched by design and beauty. Don’t forget to visit her Etsy store and snap up an original piece or a print (if the TypePad team doesn’t get it all first).

Rock-Paper-Scissors

Theresa Smythe is a busy mother and makes her living as a children’s books illustrator, but in whatever free time she finds she updates her blog, Rock-Paper-Scissors, with the kinds of things that make her tick – handmade books, creative endeavors, and philosophical ponderings. There’s lots to browse through, including her thrift-store finds, inspirational artists, and her own collection of books she has illustrated. Her hands-on approach to everything she does can be summed up in her simple but powerful biography: “An artist who is in the process of creating a lived life - so no regrets on the deathbed, make sense?” Makes sense to us.

Rocky Point Movie blog

As Rhode Islanders say goodbye to 40 years of family fun at the Rocky Point amusement park, heroes David Bettencourt, Harry Cawthorn, Liam Gray and crew are creating the documentary, You Must Be This Tall as a way of preserving history and reliving the good times so many locals cherished.  You Must Be This Blog follows their documentary efforts, trips to the park site, progress with the film, and meetups with Rhode Islanders to collect memorabilia and interviews. Blog posts center around one picture with diary-style entries annotating their journey. Demolition Day gives you an idea that the end of the Midway, thrill rides, decades of baseball, and chowder has truly come. Thankfully, the story of Rocky Point Park won't be forgotten. The film premieres September 7.

HELLOmynameisHeather

Heather Bailey is a mother of two and the creative energy behind Freshcut™, a beautiful line of fabrics she designed. Her blog, HELLOmynameisHeather, is awash in gorgeous fabric projects made with her talented hands. Proving good taste and a knack for style can equal success, many of her designs have been snapped up by celebrities and high-end boutiques and department stores. Just a quick glance through the blog will have the fabricphiles ooohing and aaahing over the lush patterns and the eye-candy photographs. For the more ambitious, Heather has thoughtfully provided free patterns so we can try our hand at creating her wares. Keep an eye on this blog for new fabric designs and projects.

etherbrian

Do you ever feel like blogs are too preachy, too educational, too much like that college business course that put you to sleep every week? Some of them are. But etherbrian is the blog of an artist who just... is. A creator tapped into digi-culture, the posts represent his work and thoughts, and include products for sale. A virtual business card, prospective companies needing graphic design will want to come over to etherbrian's house and chill on the couch as much as they will want to hire him. Post titles include things like, "oculardelic psycheregenerative," that will have you scratching your head. Indulge yourself in soaking up the vibe of the art that could be described as whimsical-noir. Caution: reading etherbrian might inspire you to pick up a pad of paper and pen. Just don't fret if your pages aren't as cool as what's on the cheapskate's sketchbook.

Liquid Paper

Laurie Bertrand has always loved art and design. All the crafts you see on her blog, Liquid Paper, are made and photographed by herself, from the teensy pins to the soft toys to the fabric bags. The photographs alone are colorful works of art, but the masterpieces contained within them are equally worthy of praise. Laurie sees beauty in everything; only in her hands could her trusty Canon Digital Rebel capture the magical beauty of… toast. If there’s art and design to be had, Laurie will find it, make it, and photograph it. Don’t forget to take a look at her Mod Dots shop where some of your favorite items are bound to turn up.

d'Blogala: Art Journals

Book designer Dawn DeVries Sokol doesn't brag about her work. She has dozens of books under her belt but leaves most professional chatter off of her personal blog. d'Blogala: Art Journals is a creative space for sharing  journals. Emphasizing text as art, Dawn's pages include delightful illustrations that express whatever is on her mind from to-do lists to travelogues. At first glance, Lucy the black lab looks like the blog's mascot, but she's really much more of a family member and creative partner to Dawn. If this medium of art inspires you, stay tuned for Dawn's next book, 1,000 Artist Journal Pages, an extensive collection of journal pages from visual journalists and mixed media enthusiasts.

All About Art

All About Art is Lynne Taetzsch’s unflinching look at her life as a New York-based abstract artist. Author of the memoir, The Bipolar Dementia Art Chronicles, Lynne dips from her palette of doubt, fear, and existential angst to write frankly and engagingly about her ongoing struggle with manic-depression, especially as it relates to the creative process.  She is currently in the midst of A Year of Making Art. Her intent: create something and write about it each day for one year. Though Lynne may be bi-polar, she’s certainly not bi-chromatic. Check out her studies in green, red and orange, and more. Despite its unflagging honesty, or rather, because of it, this blog ultimately uplifts. As Lynne writes in one post: “I know that if I just keep pushing through the gloom, if I keep making art, I will eventually come back out into the light.”

A Spoonful of Sprinkles

Take a handful of precious photographs, add a dash of creativity and a pinch of inspiration, and you'll get A Spoonful of Sprinkles, a scrapbooking blog committed to bringing you the best in "delectable classes and challenges."€ Cooked up by a team of dedicated "Dream Team Chefs," every week brings new layout ideas, classes, and, of course, lots of beautiful images to whet your appetite. Especially enticing are the free downloadable digital scrapbooking offerings that include layouts and other scrumptious items, and the periodic giveaways for their readers are always appreciated. With all of these great scrapbooking morsels awaiting you, dig in!

Unfold UK

Gabrielle is expanding her knowledge base of the stationery world (if that were possible). The founder of Soleberry.com and early hire at Real Simple has traded U.S. soil to marry a Brit. Unfold UK is her blog that taps the pulse of the creative stationery market to reveal the latest and greatest trends, designers, and retail outlets from both sides of the pond. We love her "one to watch" tip at the bottom of her Trend Sense posts that points to fresh designers. Not only will you find a wealth of stationery artists, but Gabrielle also offers much-appreciated advice on what to write on these beautiful cards. Her category What's the Occasion is bookmark-worthy just from her advice on buying and writing sympathy cards. Stationery fans looking to start their own businesses will give equal praise for the marketing advice present throughout. After a few minutes on Unfold UK, readers will be inspired to catch up on thank you notes, if not start designing their own.

Retail Design Diva

The Retail Design Diva blog gives the avid shopper a place to put up her Manolo-clad feet and revel in the consumer experience. Hosted by DDI Magazine and GlobalShop, Retail Design Diva is a fascinating read about the art and science of retail design. From upscale Neiman Marcus to modest J.C. Penney, no store is safe from the scrutiny of the Diva; even something as innocuous as mall curfews and dressing room mirrors fall under her discriminating eye. If retail design is among your interests, be sure to take a look at the articles about branding, visual merchandising, and retail technology. And if retail design is your career (or dream job), there’s a section just for you. The blog invites feedback and conversation, and encourages praise and venting equally. Because, hey, every diva should have her day.

Yarnmaven

Yarnmaven, aka "The Adventures of a Knitting Naturalist," chronicles the creatures and crafts in the life of Julia, a Master Naturalist from Austin, Texas. We recently ran into Julia at South by Southwest Interactive, where she was organizing a meetup for knitting bloggers who had traveled from near and far to attend the conference. Impressed by her knowledge of both the knitblogging community in her home state and the fauna in her hometown (those bats!), we weren't surprised to find those same enthusiasms well represented on her blog. From recent sightings of baby bluebirds and a local lizard (and waiting for the spring arrival of a grandson!) to playing traffic cop for tortoises to detailing her finished and unfinished objects, we love that Julia is just as open and generous on her blog as she is in person.

Jeff Ascough Wedding Photojournalist

Jeff Ascough has been named one of the ten best wedding photographers in the world. Says who? Says American Photo, that’s who. With more than 1000 professional photography assignments under his belt, Jeff's been a professional for almost two decades (but he's quick to point out he started very young). His four-month-old archive is not an ego tool or a virtual business card; his blog serves as an altruistic tutorial worth its image size in advice and inspiration. Touting the viewpoint that wedding photographers are more aptly described as wedding photojournalists, Jeff shows new and working wedding photographers how to capture a moment that tells a story, rather than simply making sure everyone is in the picture with their heads intact. You can also learn about the tools of the trade including equipment and philosophy, buy Jeff's Photoshop "Actions", and keep on top of his teaching seminars. New brides hiring photographers for their own weddings might want to show off this site as an example of what they're looking for. If you're really into wedding photojournalism, check out Jeff in the documentary, "Masters of Wedding Photography."

A to Z

Anne Louise and Zoe are British designers who share a love of textiles. They love the colors (sorry... "colours") and textures that go into creating beautiful fabrics and hand-crafted goods. Because their 9-to-5 jobs don't necessarily allow them to experiment with textiles as much as they'd like, they started the A to Z blog (derived from their initials) to share their beautiful creations with the world. Full of delightful handmade cards, prints, and handbags they've crafted themselves as well as resources and artists that inspire them, their blog is punctuated with stunning photography that really shows off their beautiful handiwork. Of course, you're free to simply admire their wares, but they also have a store for when you fall in love with that special item. And you should count on falling in love.

Daily Monster

Stefan G. Bucher, the man behind 344 Design, is a graphic designer, illustrator, and "good egg." He also likes monsters. His blog, Daily Monster, started as a 100-day project to promote his book, Upstairs Neighbors. Every day, Bucher posted videos of himself deftly sketching creepy and whimsical monsters derived from random inkblots. Daily Monster soon captured the imagination of its readers who began assigning names, jobs, and personalities to Bucher's critters (sometimes even composing odes to the little varmints). When the 100 days were up, Bucher decided to keep the monster love going by turning Daily Monster into an interactive experience; "open source" inkblots are provided so readers may create their own monstrous menageries and submit them to the blog. With a book of the original 100 monsters in the works, Daily Monster is very much alive.

Scoutie Girl

Jan DiCintio of Scoutie Girl had an epiphany as she pretzeled herself around a client's toilet to paint the wall behind it. It just wasn't worth it. She embarked on a new creative venture, designing handbags for her own store, Daisy Janie. As she was exchanging links with other independent designers, she discovered a whole world of unique, labor-intensive products out there just waiting to be coveted. Scoutie Girl brings that world of outrageously talented indie designers to you, with jewelry, clothing, art, and paper goods all well represented. Each item is hand-picked by DiCintio for its creativity, beauty, and above all, its independent spirit. If you eschew mass-produced consumer products and appreciate items made with hands instead of machines, then you may be a scoutie girl, too.

Comic Coverage

With the enthusiasm of a 12-year-old on the day the latest Justice League appears on shelves, Mark Engblom has turned Comic Coverage into a Bang! Pow! resource for all those who enjoy their literature on the pictorial side. Engblom, a member of the National Cartoonists Society, scours the comics world to cull the best in the community of world-saving, underwear-clad preternatural beings. This paean to the Marvel Treasury #1 Spider Man cover is a typical post, but lest you think Engblom views the object of his passion with an uncritical eye, check out his section on the Sorriest Supervillains and the Worst Covers. Comics Coverage is a colorful hit.

Taylor Made Designs

You can tell that William and Davis's mother loves being a mom by the way she shares photos, craft projects, and snippets of their special days. Lucky for us, she's addicted to graphic design and can't stop thinking in color. Taylor Made Designs taps into her passion for creating logos, gifts, and all things aesthetic. She started blogging to connect with other like-minded folks interested in design, kids, and craft -- and whether she knows it or not, she's become a source of inspiration for other crafters. Come here for ideas on handmade crafts and gifts, to join her in virtual window shopping, or to buy one of her custom journals if you can't make it to Boston for a Taylor Made trunk show. We like that she begins some posts with a quote or motto for the day, and then follows up with making the most of her day.

City of Sound

City of Sound is the personal site of U.K. writer and designer Dan Hill. He's been publishing the site since 2002 and we're proud to say, he's been on TypePad for a good chunk of the last 5 years. You may know Hill from his work for the BBC or, more recently, the eye-openingly gorgeous Monocle magazine, where he is the Director of Web and Broadcast. On his own site, you'll find a smart mix of architecture-, design-, and culture-related commentary, with enough eclectic tangents to keep the most web-weary reader off-balance and intrigued. Take, for instance, Hill's essay on "Design, Archictecture, and Football," where he deftly passes his subject from the World Cup to adaptive design, with a good touch from Alan Partridge. All we can say after a move like that is "Aha!"

notebookism

“An empty book is like an infant’s soul, in which anything may be written.” That's a line from poet Thomas Traherne, but it may as well be the mission statement for notebookism. While some of us may associate the word “notebook” with 6th-period Algebra, not so blog founder Armand B. Frasco, who writes of his target audience: “We all share a pleasant affliction -- the urge to create on paper. The smell of smooth creamy paper sends our hearts aflutter...We stare endlessly at the first blank page." Frasco and friends have parlayed this charming fetishism into a lovingly crafted destination for those who want to keep up with a primary way of turning thought into expression. Typical posts include an entry on the visual diary of a former New Orleans resident and one on a soft rubbery prison pen that bends under the slightest pressure. Every Wednesday, check out Blank Page, “your chance to ask, answer and discuss anything notebook-related.” In this era of ubiquitous electronic communication, how nice to see a site devoted to good old-fashioned pen and paper.

Gleaming Lark

Gleaming Lark is the blog of artist Katherine Louise Mitchell, who works in a number of different media. We appreciate the wonderful forms of her collages and paintings, but she also produces fashion and accessories and scupltural pieces. Check out the amazing variety -- from birds to dresses to "tiny treasures." Mitchell's currently part of a show at San Francisco's CELLspace, but if you can't make to SF to see for yourself, peruse the galleries in Gleaming Lark's sidebar or check out the artist's very own Etsy store.

Softies Central

"Softies" are small handcrafted creatures and other plush creations. Softies Central is the place to find a steady supply of amazing examples of the artform, which covers the spectrum from the aforementioned animals to more out-there instances like houses to food.   If you have a soft place in your heart for these delightful pieces, join the community and get your daily fix. If you're one of the talented crafters who creates softies, send a link to Softies Central and you may very well see your own work profiled. And like any good community, the crafters who curate this site are giving back to the participants by recognizing greatness  -- the 2007 Softie Awards are already underway. Check the gallery of nominees and we think you'll agree that every one is a winner.

nonaSwatches

Nona knits. In fact, that's the very name of her knitting blog, which offers wonderfully illustrated posts that detail Nona's finished objects and her crafting observations. However, we're here to talk about Nona's second blog, nonaSwatches, which she started at the beginning of this year. First off, a swatch is a test piece that knitters create to assess the gauge of their knitting -- how the size of their needles and the tightness of their stitches interact with the patterns they've chosen. It's mostly about getting the sizing right on full knitting projects like sweaters and such, but it can also be a great way to index stitch patterns and how they look and feel. Nona has decided (inspired by her sister's similarly wonderful collage project) to knit and post a swatch every day for a year. We love her attention to detail when it comes to posting her daily work. For each piece, she lists the yarn, the stitch, the needles, and the techniques she uses, along with some commentary on what she found. We love daily sources of inspiration, and we wish Nona all the best as she shares her swatches for the rest of the year!

Art Junk Girl

Art Junk Girl is part of the Altered Art Obsession network, a group of artists working in mixed media and collage. Lia K is the artist and her decidedly un-junk-like blog takes us into her studio and through her day-to-day projects, challenges, and elations. Currently, her goal is to create a thousand one-inch squares in 2007. The blog is full of photos so vivid you want to just reach over and pick up her books, journals, papers, and cards. There are months of inspiration in the archives and a long blogroll of other crafters that inspire her. Check out the monthly mosaic for a quick hit of craft love, and at the very least adopt Lia's positive attitude and productive work ethic. She views each day as a clean slate and is always ready to jump into her dreams and goals. Whether you're an artist or not, this is a timeless and refreshing perspective to experience.

Nebo Peklo

Nebo Peklo is the online home of artist and illustrator Natalie Tweedie, where you'll find glimpses of her own amazing work, as well as design, art, and fashion visuals that catch her eye. We first noticed Natalie through her participation in the recent Kim Family Auction, where she donated a pair of stunning gocco prints that we missed out on winning, not once, but twice! Oh, the humanity. Still, we're consoled by the fact that Natalie's blog offers frequent flashes of the same aesthetic spirit that attracted us to her work -- whether it's her prints, illustrations, or "line work," or the work of others that inspires her. Happily, the blog also acts as an online shop where fans can browse and order any of Natalie's available pieces. Tweedie lives and works in Glasgow, Scotland, but she recently mentioned that she'll be traveling to California and touring the West Coast. We raise our burritos in salute, Natalie. Enjoy your trip!

Material Obsession

It seems like knitting and sewing are getting all the love when it comes to crafting these days. That's not to say there aren't books, stores, and blogs out there dedicated to other crafts, such as beading, crocheting, and rug-hooking, but, well, sometimes they may be hard to see over the mountains of yarn. Enter Material Obsession, a blog (and a store) in the Sydney area of Australia, dedicated to the fine art of quilting. The two proprietors, Sarah Fielke and Kathy Doughty, met at another quilting establishment, liked each other's work, and decided to team up on their own shop. Now, they dispense finished quilts, beautiful material, instructional classes, and plenty of encouragement for new quilters and old who visit their shop or their blog. Don't be alarmed by the recent posts about the mind-blowing insects of rural Australia -- Sarah and Kathy often stitch together personal anecdotes and practical information, and that was simply an inspiring tale from a fortnight on the farm.

One Piece

Illustrator Kim DeMarco's blog, One Piece, is a nice mix of her own work and visual snippets from elsewhere. The mantra of the site is reflected in its title -- DeMarco puts up one piece per day, which, if you ask us, is more than enough to keep readers coming back time and time again. Whether its to see the illustrations that Kim has done for clients like The New Yorker and The New York Times, or just to see the kinds of images that catch her fancy. Recent posts include visuals and links to holiday "inflatables," a remembrance of the legendary comic illustrator Joseph Barbera, who recently passed away, and ruminations on the mysterious water towers of New York City. You don't have to be a New Yorker to find something intriguing at One Piece.

Tinselman

Tinselman is Robyn Miller, the co-creator of the popular computer game series that began with Myst. And not to gush or anything, but Myst was pretty much the bomb-diggity. If we got back just a small percentage of the hours that we spent agog at the imagery and soundscapes of Myst, we'd have a ton of extra time on our hands. And it's time we'd love to spend browsing through the retro-futuristic fun of Robyn's blog. Miller takes his readers on a tour of his own curiosities, with each post lovingly illustrated with drawings, photos, and paintings -- many by Miller himself. Dip into Miller's blog to see what makes him tick, then take a tour of his website to explore some of the magic that he continues to create.

Wise Craft

The popularity of craft blogs signals both the inherent joy of creating useful art and also growing public appreciation for all things handmade. Blair Peter's Wise Craft embraces crafting as a lifestyle and invites us behind the scenes to illustrate the delicate process in balancing home life with creating art. Blair shares her many inspirations, including vintage children's books, Japanese fabrics, recycled fabrics, nature and other artists. Her posts show photos of her materials, completed goods, and gems from her thrifting trips. She offers words of wisdom to beginners, and points out that it's okay to have several projects going on at once. "I often feel like knitting some days, and sewing on another day, and making paper flowers the next day. Its the way I work. I believe its part of the passion we feel for what we do." Her art is a comforting hybrid of traditional and modern styles. Don't miss Blair's patchwork bags, sewing projects, and category on crafting with kids.

Comtemporary Art + CGI

Italian blogger Ernesto Bracciante investigates the intersection  between Contemporary Art and CGI (computer generated imagery). He offers posts about events, shows, artistic theory, and, of course, individual artists who work with CGI. On the right-hand side of the blog, you'll find a detailed blogroll that serves as a great introduction to the world of computer-generated art, with special focus on artists who produce work "almost entirely through 3D-graphics software such as Maya, 3D Studio Max, Zbrush, [and] Softimage XSI." With more and more CG images touching our lives, whether through movies or games or virtual worlds, it's only natural that this genre of imagery will grow as a fertile ground for art and artists.

Simply Put

Professional photographer Susan Braswell traded in a newsletter for her blog, Simply Put. It is a good example of how small businesses or those that are self-employed can use blogging to show off their talents and speak to their clients. Susan specializes in children's portraiture and posts soulful examples of her work a few times a week. Capturing a unique moment in time, the photos show a child in the middle of a laugh, in a pensive pose, or at play with mom and dad. Potential clients can also find friendly reminders of popular products like Susan's 10x20 collage storyboards or