2012's Cutest & Coolest - Little Printer

Hello Little Printer, available 2012 from BERG on Vimeo.


O.M.G.  I'm so excited about Little Printer.  How stinkin' cute is he?!  This little guy will take all your favorite little bits from your smart phone and make you a little receipt-like "newspaper" of all the info that matters to you.  Check it out in the rad little video and I dare you not to fall in love.  It's too bad this won't be ready until 2012 or everyone I know would be getting this cute little dude in their stocking.  Bring on the New Year!  

Wild for Wildwood Chronicles

One of our favorite bands is the Decemberists.  In fact, their album The King is Dead is transformative. . . it literally changes me every time I hear it.  So I was beyond excited when I saw that Collin Meloy and his wife, illustrator Carson Ellis have just collaborated on a new book, the Wildwood Chronicles and it's getting great reviews.  Take a look at this lovely video of them talking about the process to create this together. . . I love the way they are together and how they talk about working together.  What a gift!  And below, prepare to be inspired, and maybe moved to tears. . . Rise to Me is all about love, life, courage and specifically Collin's ode to Carson and their son Henry.   Beautiful.  I'm looking forward to being moved and changed by the book, and maybe surprise some people with a special Christmas gift. A Decemberist surprise seems fitting. 

Before and After - Artwork Update

When I first started this this blog (my second) I wrote a post called Remember your Roots where I told you about blowing up some old letterhead from my hometown, printing it in a large format and hanging it on my wall.  (Hubs build the really simple frame, too)  I have loved this piece so much even I used it in two different rooms (both my bedroom and most recently in my living room).  But recently, I felt compelled to change it up and I had been itching to get my acrylic paints out.  I had to paint and draw in college as a part of my degree in Interior Design, and I love the look of acrylic paints.  I was never an artist by any stretch, but truly love to paint - I love color and I love the textural, imperfect, layered look of acrylics.  Anyway, I drug out my art boxes, pulled the Callahan County print down off the wall and went for it.  I love and miss my home so much, and always always say that my roots, my family, and our heritage in West Texas makes me who I am.  This was a way to illustrate the light and love of my upbringing, family and place, and how that moves me still today.  I like it - the mix of the old illustration against new bright graphics - I'd definitely say it totally "pops" and of course, the colors alone make me so happy.  And the graphic burst is so simple to do.  Here's to doing a bit of what you love whenever you can, creative decor, and of course remembering your roots. 

the paints

the palette on a plate

my hometown 

Smmidge Style: Winter Color and Funky Silhouettes

Winter time doesn't have to mean gray and black sweaters and heavy coats.  No, Siree.  Bring on the color and. . . uh, short sleeves?  Well, yes, atleast in this case. Now, to be fair, living in Dallas makes this easier as we are fortunate to have mild winters, and though it does get cold and even (horrors!) snows on occasion, many days we can keep warm with layers - cardigans, capes, scarves.  What does this mean?  Year round tops, that's what.

I found this little number at Anthro this weekend. . . and in all honesty, aside from color, I am currently obsessed with silhouettes whether in home decor or fashion.  From babies to dogs to well. . . penguins on a silk shirt, I wantitneeditmusthaveit.  This uh-freakin'-dorable top is by Charlotte Taylor.  There is a full group of creature covered, colorful silk-silhouetted garments at Anthro right now, and all are bound to spice up your tights, scarves and sweaters.  In fact, each piece (dresses, skirts, shirts) would look fabulous layered with simple winter grays and blacks.  But here in Big D, I'll be able to wear this just as it is right here with my purple jeans (coincidentally, also from Anthropologie. . .I know I know) and boots.  It is Big D after all.

Blouse info here

More on Charlotte Taylor here

Watch, Listen and be Moved: WLT & Young the Giant

I came across an amazing grouping of music videos on It's Invigorating today.  First off, that's one rad blog with ideas on lots of things. . .why is it so, well, invigorating to find others (even if only online) with similar interests and taste. . . so I say, check it out today.  And of course I got to I-I through one of my fave Dallas blogs, Hello Splendor.  Ahhh, our online connections. . . But back to biz - I was inspired to share one video in particular - Young the Giant's I Got.  I cannot get over this guy's voice.  I'm hooked and completely obsessed at this point.  They are totes on my must-see list.  I'll be getting this to Hubs immediately for our next night on the town.  I was at once transported to a Mexican-like town in the, well, the 50s... but like filled with New Yorkers, surfers and Texans. . . does that make ANY sense?  Whatever it was and wherever it took me, I want more.  And beyond loving the music I absolutely, positively love the videography.  WLT or Watch Listen Tell is the production house behind these amazing videos. . . and just as it was designed, they make you want to eat them up and bring all your frinds to the table.  So, because they work so well, I couldn't leave you without sharing another of my very favorite artists also captured by WLT, Lissie, whom I've blogged about several times here on Smmidge.  I couldn't share her enough.  She makes me happy/sad/hopeful/inspired everytime.  Hope you like these and are inspired to share just the same.  Happy Thanksgiving week! xx - m.m.