alexkeller

for this i'm thankful - cowboys

2012-01-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

bigtexphotos

Living in Tucson, I get the pleasure of seeing riders on horseback nearly everyday.

Makes it feel like the wild, wild west.

In fact, Tucson Rodeo is coming up.

"Each February since 1925, Tucsonans saddle their horses, hitch up their buggies

and shine their cowboy boots for the Celebration of the Cowboys.

February 19-27, marks the 86th Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros,

a nine-day event highlighted by the Tucson Rodeo, a six-day professional rodeo."

Many businesses are closed and the schools even give the kids a few days off!

I'm taking my son this year, and it's our first time, so I'm really looking forward to it!

today i made - coco

2012-01-26T17:37:00.000-08:00

Coco - inspired by a vintage Chanel necklace.

I'm working on some pieces for an upcoming show,

and I'll be exhibiting some of my split style -

a little glamorous and a little bohemian.

what i want - watch the road

2012-01-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

children playing sign

Remember when kids could play in the street out in front of the house?

A car would slowly come down the road and someone would yell, "CAR!"

All the kids would run up on the sidewalks and when the car passed, and

everyone would run back out into the street and pick up where they left off.

Please pay attention to the road.

Put away your cell phone, don't worry about those emails,

and for goodness sake, update your status later!!!

the girls of Etsy - Olivia of OliviaRoyale

2012-01-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

Meet Olivia of OliviaRoyale, fashion for the wild and free.
Olivia creates all of the designs and makes everything by hand.
I really love her photos - that's her in all of them -
such a variety of characters and all wild and free!

just click on the images to go to the shop!

for this I'm thankful - warmer weather

2012-01-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

pinterest - original source somewhere on tumblr

It's starting to warm up in Tucson .... and I couldn't be happier.

The next few months we will get some fantastic weather, and I'm ready!

Bring out the summery dresses and sandals, I say.

the girls of Etsy - Carrie of Sorocco and BumbleEBuck

2012-01-17T15:17:00.000-08:00

Meet Carrie of Sorocco Vintage Eyewear and BumbleEBuck Vintage,
handpicked vintage treasures and eyewear.
I just love the close ups!!!
If you're looking for vintage, Carrie has you covered from head to toe.
She has a vintage shoe shop, too, at claude donoho shop.

just click on the images to go to the shop!
But you'll have to forgive me, because I bought that caftan!

bits of my weekend

2012-01-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

rain

just laundry

soccer a pouf

things for the house

a good book

what i want - manners

2012-01-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

the old try

little minnow designs

barn owl primitives

I think I've posted about manners before,

but sometimes we need to be reminded.

the girls of Etsy - Marta of Magpies Shop

2012-01-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

Meet Marta of Magpies Shop, Baltic amber, ethnic jewelry and vintage.
I discovered her shop through a friend on Etsy and was instantly intrigued.
Don't you just love how she changes for the photos? Like an actress!
And I love some of the titles of her shop items:
Bowie in space
Alas, poor Yorick
She's mad about art
and my new favorite, Lisbeth Salander.

just click on the images to go to the shop!
and thanks to Mari of frighten for the introduction

for this i'm thankful - storage ideas

2012-01-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

remodelista

I love the start of the new year!

And like most people, I get the organizing bug.

Which is a really good thing if you could see my office.

So I'm thankful for great storage ideas.

I read a book some time ago for packrats.

Not that I am one, but .....

Just buying more storage boxes isn't really going to cut it.

You have to get rid of the stuff you're not using, you don't need, and

all those duplicates you bought because you couldn't find the first one.

(do I really need 3 hole punches? the answer is no!)

Be honest with yourself, too.

Are you really going to finish that project you started last summer?

Are you really going to make those DIYs for which you bought supplies?

I used to get inspired by lots of handmade things and think to myself,

"I can do that!"

So I'd go out and get the supplies, buy how to books, look up tutorials ...

and never make the handmade things.

Just because I CAN do it, doesn't mean I'll make the time,

so in terms of time and money,

it's probably cheaper to just buy the handmade things from the source.

So this year I'll be cleaning out my office and

getting it to look like that photo up there!

What are you organizing this year?

what i want - a Saarinen tulip table

2012-01-03T22:49:00.000-08:00

www.inmod.com

Well, sort of.
I've been wanting to get a new kitchen table &
I love how you can scoot your chairs around a tulip table without table legs getting in the way. Perfect when friends come over & you need to squeeze in one more kid.
But I don't want to pay authentic Saarinen prices.
This one looks good ....
Anyone have a good reproduction???? Do tell!

the girls of Etsy - Maria and Rachel of Call of Earth

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Maria [top row] and Rachel of Call of Earth, handmade artisan jewelry and accessories.
Maria makes jewelry because she has a desire "to tell" people through her creations
about the beauty and uniqueness she discovers in them over and over again.
Rachel is a friend of hers. I love how they both exude beauty.

just click on the images to go to the shop!

bits of my weekend

2012-01-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

Hope you all rang in the new year with style!

Thought I'd share some things from my weekend ...

and tell you that my new year's resolution is to play better!

What's yours?

click on the images to go to the source

what i want - a spa day

2011-12-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

After all of the holiday bustle
[and a sore back from moving the sofa],
I'm ready for a spa day.
Who's with me?

much love - making merry

2011-12-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

much love - Mongolian lamb pillow cover

2011-12-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

Mongolian lamb pillow cover from West Elm

I have been coveting these pillow covers from West Elm.

So I finally broke down and got one, and my son has claimed it for his own.

Now I need another ... Super soft and cuddly, I want them all!

A perfectly indulgent gift for someone, if you're still holiday shopping.

This post was not sponsored by West Elm - I just really love this pillow!

for this i'm thankful - half off sales

2011-12-08T20:15:00.001-08:00

I haven't finished my holiday shopping yet, and if you haven't either,

please take advantage of my BonBon sale this weekend!

50% off everything at AlexKeller, now until Sunday at midnight!

today i made - cranberry oat banana bread

2011-12-07T20:25:00.001-08:00

a cozy kitchen

I had some cranberries left over from Thanksgiving & found this recipe.
I didn't have rolled oats, so I used steel cut oats.
Forgot to sprinkle any on top, but it still tastes delicious -
not too sweet and perfect with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

what i want - holiday decor

2011-12-06T21:47:00.001-08:00

2modern

I've been thinking that I really need to get our tree up,
but the living room is still being painted and the kitchen is next.
I love the twinkle canvas ... I could do it in a tree shape!
Or the idea below is fantastic, too ....

hp.com via design crush

Just think how fun it would be to put up 3D ornaments on this 2D tree!!!
What sort of holiday decor are you putting up this year?
If you've got it all up, you're waaaaay ahead of me!

much love - baby pictures

2011-11-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Nash - 3 months

A customer sent me this adorable photo of her son posing with some blocks she ordered from me.

I love baby pictures! Kids have such bright eyes, chubby cheeks and limbs, and the sweetest faces.

Thanks, Lauren, for the photo!

And please visit the photographer's site, twiceblessedphotography, for more cute babes.

It's really getting me motivated to hire a photographer to come to our house for a photo session.

The session at the mall was ... well ... let's just say my subject wasn't very cooperative!

today i made - new jewelry

2011-11-10T18:50:00.001-08:00

4 black dots - inspired by 4 Big Dots by Alexander Calder

vintage luster bracelet - alexkeller.etsy.com

my vintage heart bracelet - coming to the shop soon

kiss me, i'm yours necklace - coming to the shop soon

I found some time to make a few things recently.

It's been tough to carve out blocks of time.

I just don't work well with only a few minutes here and there.

I need a good few hours.

How do you like the 4 black dots necklace?

I've been keeping those vintage beads for a while,

waiting for the right way to use them.

Thanks, Alexander Calder, for the inspiration.

what i want - to get ahead

2011-11-10T05:46:00.001-08:00

finch and hawk

enough said.

the girls of Etsy - girls who wear glasses

2011-11-07T21:43:00.000-08:00

I had to get glasses when I was in grade school.
Had contacts for a while, went back to glasses, had lasik, and still need glasses.
So I like girls who wear glasses.

just click on the images to go to the shops!

much love - light sabers

2011-11-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

ChiPhotoGuy

We got a couple of light sabers this weekend.

Very cool, they are.

I found this photo on flicker and here's the whole set of lightsaber painting.

The photographer, Nick Uliveiri, is from Chicago and has some great photos from around the city, too.

May the force be with you.

for this i'm thankful - the collectors on Etsy

2011-11-04T23:55:00.000-07:00

etsy - the collectors: kilim

I'm so excited to be featured on Etsy's blog today!
Thanks so much to Etsy and kristal of rikrak :)
Read the article on Etsy here and kristal's post here!

what i want - ponytails

2011-11-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

I wear a ponytail every day.

It's convenient and it works for my fine hair.

I don't blow dry, I don't curl - just wash and wear.

To the women at the YMCA who work out with your hair down,

"Would you please put your hair up in a ponytail?"

And if I had a daughter, I would totally do this to her.

My mom did it to me!

what i want - to learn Spanish

2011-10-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

nuevo-estilo

I should really learn because:

I already speak fluent Ukrainian;

took several years of French (which I only remember a bit);

it shouldn't be to hard to learn since it's another romance language;

I live about an hour and a half from the Mexican border;

and I don't want my son to be translating for me when we go to Mexico.

(He will start learning it in school.)

And I want to be able to read this gorgeous site.

I know there's Google translate,

but it would still be cool to be able to read it in Spanish!

I think these will be the bookshelves that we do in our living room, too.

Now I just have to figure out how to finish the tops.

I like how the tops of these are open to the ceiling.

We have a sloped ceiling ...

archdaily

Ours slopes the other way ...

my living room

And there is and odd angle at the entrance to our master bedroom ... any suggestions?

Should I build a box right above the door to connect the shelves to the other wall?

Make them look more like built ins? Or should I just top the whole thing with a box?

The window will be gone and we're also painting the whole room Pigeon Gray.

The color splotch on the wall, Play on Gray, is just too blue.

And then there's drapes ....

But I think that's enough rambling for tonight.

my favorites - tangerine

2011-10-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because it's autumn?
Maybe it's because it's almost Halloween?
I'm really loving tangerine!

my favorites on Etsy - click on the pictures to go to the items

my favorites - Halloween

2011-10-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Blue Rose Retro

I can't believe it's almost Halloween! These would make the perfect witchy boots, too.

I realized I was getting in the mood with my favorites on Etsy.

click on the photos to go to the items

What are you going to be this Halloween and how are you getting into a spooky mood?

much love - my Mac

2011-10-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

decallab on etsy.com

I think I just might need that decal for my MacBook.

vintage by alex keller

for this i'm thankful - my husband

2011-10-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Lego nurse

A couple of weeks ago,
we had to take my 5 year old son to the Emergency Department.
It wasn't for anything really bad ....
see those little yellow hands on the Lego nurse?
My son stuck one of those in his ear & could not get it out.
He was just sitting there watching a cartoon, having cereal
& used the little thing to scratch an itch.
So I'm thankful that my husband works in the ED & we could go right in,
get that little yellow hand out, and head right for school.
We were only 20 minutes late.
Thanks, honey!

letterhappy

what i want - paint

2011-09-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

pinterest

I've been all about the house lately ....
I'd love to paint the whole place white Scandinavian style.
But I live with all boys: husband, son, black Lab.
So I'm thinking gray now ..... but how dark?

pinterest

much love - bookshelves

2011-09-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

The City Sage

I've been obsessed with bookshelves lately. So many books, so little time.

We need a way to keep all of our books organized &

I'd love a central place to display them and the numerous things I've collected.

How do you organize and keep your books?

today i made - a beautiful mess

2011-09-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

I have quite the collection of pearls.

Madonna would be jealous.

what i want - bookshelves

2011-09-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

pinterest

much love - babies and beer

2011-09-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

wilhelminasworld

I've been playing with vintage blocks quite a bit lately.
'Love' and 'happy' are quite popular,
as well as custom arrangements of children's names.
I recently did a custom order for 'baby' and 'beer'
for some expecting parents. I love the end result!
Thanks, Susan, for sending the photos!

wilhelminasworld

the girls of Etsy - Sylke of Sealmaiden

2011-09-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

Meet Sylke of Sealmaiden.
I love the look - easy, beautiful and sophisticated all at the same time.

Sealmaiden: Casual Chic Hand Screened Designs.

And in the spirit of "Song For A Future Generation" by The B-52's....

"hi i am Sylke
i am a cancer
i am from Germany and
i love rainy days and sometimes i love doing nothing at all."

just click on the images to go to the shop!

much love - boots

2011-09-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

Free People

Cooler weather - finally!
Which means "boots and boots and more good boots!"
[a jingle from some boot store ... I can't remember where]
These from Free People are a cool way to wear an old pair of boots.
And a really easy DIY, I bet, instead of paying full retail.
via outsapop

for this i'm thankful - busy busy busy

2011-09-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

designlovefest via pinterest

I normally don't apologize for not blogging, because I won't apologize
for my life or family getting in the way of sitting in front of a screen, y'know?

So, what have I been doing?
I ask myself that everyday - haha!
But seriously, I'm getting healthy working out everyday,
volunteering at my son's school,
getting lots of play time with my vintage block orders,
and cleaning out the clutter - still!

I'm thankful for all the busy, and I wouldn't trade it in.
But I need to chain myself [pun intended]
to my work table so that I can make some bling.
All sorts of things rolling around in my head ... chains, beads, charms, pearls ...
and piles of sheets torn out of magazines and catalogs for inspiration.

So you'll have to excuse me for a little while ...

much love - grilled cheese

2011-08-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

pinterest

My son asked for a grilled cheese sandwich for his lunch box last week.
What a big hit! All that cheesy goodness .... yum!
So we had another one today.
And he wants another one for lunch tomorrow.
What's in your lunch box?

much love - Mondays

2011-08-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Rachel of Mousevox Vintage wearing Alex Keller

Would I be the only one in the world who was looking forward to Mondays?
The boy goes back to school, the house gets cleaned up, and
I'm looking forward to getting a mani/pedi.
Nothing wrong with that!

much love - Adorn London

2011-08-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

Adorn London

A necklace from Alex Keller was featured on Adorn London,
"The ultimate showcase of jewellery trends and style."
Fabulous!

And the winner of my giveaway is ...
Kristin of The Bon Bon Rose Girls!
Congrats :)

for this i'm thankful - back to school [& last day to enter my giveaway]

2011-08-12T16:25:00.001-07:00

small earth vintage

See, even I got a backpack for back to school!
Today's the last day to enter my giveaway!

today i made - vintage bead necklaces

2011-08-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

vintage beads, gold filled chain

I found myself to be quite symmetrical with these designs.
The orange and tan beads have some great texture,
the turquoise blue is so classic, and the fuchsia and orange pops!
I think I'll have to put that last one on some thicker vintage chain,
as the orange beads are heavier.

I have bins of jewelry to sort through, and am so excited to be making again!

what i want - some love, some Pamela Love

2011-08-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

photos from Bona Drag

Pamela Love - Her work just satisfies that punk rock girl in me.
She has some great skull necklaces ....
I might have to make a skull necklace with
some of the skull beads I have from the gem show.
Now, mine don't have spikes on them, but they're still cool!
[Well, this punk rock girl thinks so!]
Photos to come!

today i made - bubble necklaces

2011-08-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

I got out some rolls of leather lacing and strung up some beads the other night.
Bubble necklaces - vintage, recycled, plastic and wood.
Self tie, slip over your head and go.
I think I might string up some more on some chain this weekend.

what i want - new bedding

2011-08-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

pinterest

I love the feel of this bedroom.
I'd like to go darker in ours, but probably not this dark.
Thinking of doing gray walls, and neutral drapes along
one entire wall to cover windows and sliding glass doors.
Now I need to decide on bedding for our king size bed.
More gray but darker?
Can't go with white - we have a black Lab.
Which reminds me: has to be very washable & fit in my machine.
Probably will have to be a duvet, then, because
a comforter or coverlet will never fit in the washing machine....

So, I have to find a king size, gray duvet that's washing machine friendly.
Any suggestions?
[and thanks for letting me thing through that :)]

the girls of Etsy - Pinky of Lucy Snowe Photography

2011-08-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

Meet Pinky from Lucy Snowe Photography.

I was listening to my iPod at the gym recently and came across
"Song For A Future Generation" by The B-52's.
I have had "....I like chihuahuas and Chinese noodles ..."
stuck in my head for days!
So I thought I'd have you meet my favorite chihuahua, Pinky!
She's just the greatest subject, don't you think?

Lucy Snowe Photography: Mid Century Modern Inspired Fine Art Museum Quality
Photographs of animals, homes and nature by Lucy Snowe.

just click on the images to go to the shop!

for this i'm thankful - my Etsyversary

2011-07-29T07:32:00.001-07:00

I opened Alex Keller over 2 years ago on Etsy,
and last week was my Etsyversary for Vintage by Alex Keller.

So to celebrate, I'm giving away any key necklace from my shop - your choice -
and your name spelled out with vintage blocks!
Just make a comment below by midnight August 12th PST and
I'll announce the winner on August 13th - my birthday!

Have a great weekend :)
(contest is open internationally!)

what i want - your opinion

2011-07-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

If you have been to my vintage shop on Etsy,
vintagebyalexkeller, you know that I sell vintage blocks.
I spell out words and phrases and also accept custom orders.
Many times the orders are for a child's name and
sometimes I get requests for certain colors.
The blocks usually come in the same colors all the time ...
an L or E is usually red or yellow and an O or V is usually blue or green,
so I don't often have a blue E or a green L.

I would like to know if you think I should start making custom colors.
This will involve painting the blocks (need to figure out how best to do that)
and changing the colors. I've also thought about just enhancing
the existing color with paint in the event the blocks are a little shabby.

But some people like shabby and
some may think it 'ruining' the blocks if they are altered.
What do you think?

Click here to take survey

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

much love monday - back to school

2011-07-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

My son goes back to school soon [only 17 more days] !
I've always loved school and office supplies & here are some from my vintage shop.

And here are some others that I think are just perfect!

Just click on the images to go to the items on Etsy!

much love monday - my guys

2011-07-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

I've been having the best summer with my guys!
This was taken at the end of the school year by one of my son's classmates.
Not bad for a 5 year old!
And I especially like the twinkle in my eye :)
Hope you're having a good summer & staying cool.
I'll be making cold pressed iced coffee and
trying out these salted tarragon greyhounds in about a week!

for this i'm thankful - coming home

2011-07-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

pinterest

We went on a little road trip to California.
The weather was great and we had some fun,
but it is good to be home in Tucson.

what i want - an anniversary wish

2011-07-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

pinterest

Forty eight years ago this week, my mom came to the United States.
The Fourth of July is a very special holiday for her.
It means a lot of different things to her, but to me it means that
a brave young woman stepped off a boat & started a whole new life.
She made so many things in life possible.
So, happy anniversary, Mom.

the girls of Etsy - Andy (a boy!) of Small Earth Vintage

2011-07-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Meet Andy of Small Earth Vintage!
Mid century vintage clothing, shoes and decor for the modern person.

Karen is the other half of Small Earth Vintage.
Some time ago, I asked her if I could feature Andy in my Etsy series.
Would he would mind being up here with a bunch of -- girls?!?!?
I can't think of any reason why not, and neither could she, so here he is!
Karen and Andy sell wonderful vintage in their shop and do so very well!
They also manage to have a good time and you can go along on their blog, Small Earth Vintage.
Click on the photos to go to the shop!

today i made - romaine bean and corn salad

2011-06-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

pinterest

This recipe is from a friend of mine.
It is even good as leftovers - seriously!

Romaine Salad with beans and corn

3 heads of romaine
1 can of black olives
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of garbanzo beans
1 can of white corn
red onion
lemon zest
lemon juice
olive oil
sea salt & pepper

cut up the romaine into a large bowl.
drain and rinse cans of beans and such; add to romaine.
add some red onion - you decide how much!
add lemon zest.
pour onsome lemon juice and olive oil.
[I didn't get precise measurements, so again, you decide.]
add sea salt and pepper to taste.
toss and enjoy!

note: the photo above is for a different salad,
because I really don't like taking photos of my food!
the avocado looks good, though! I would just add that last minute.

what i want - just a bathing suit

2011-06-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

Really? C'mon!

what i want - road trip

2011-06-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's definitely summer.
Time for a road trip.

pinterest
A little Palm Springs.

pinterest
A little LA

pinterest
and Long Beach.

aviator nation
And some San Diego.
Here we come!
See you when I get back.

for this i'm thankful - creativity

2011-06-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Ghost in the Machine: Jimi Hendrix

Ghost in the Machine: Bob Dylan

Ghost in the Machine: Bob Marley

Ghost in the Machine: Kurt Cobain

I discovered this artist today: Erika Iris Simmons.
I can't stop staring at her work!
I love that she took something that's pretty much no longer useful and
made it into something so incredibly beautiful.
All the links above take you to her website, and you can find links to her
blog, shop and flickr. [Check out her new work with paper!]

You can read the interview I found in a real estate magazine called
American Lifestyle. Download the current issue here and Erika's interview
starts on page 24.

Ghost in the Machine: The Clash

today i made - fresh mint and pea pasta alla carbonara

2011-06-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

I made this dish for us the other night, and I just have to say, "Delicious!"
I don't cook very often, so you should have heard me in the kitchen ...
I forgot to save the pasta water,
I didn't make enough pasta so I had to make more,
I couldn't for the life of me remember if I needed to do anything to the prosciutto,
(I didn't),
and it took me more than 15 minutes to shuck only 8 ounces of sugar snap peas.
So make sure you allow more time for that!
Go to Honest Fare for Fresh Mint & Pea Pasta alla Carbonara.

what i want - planters

2011-06-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

potted

Thos. Baker

Thos. Baker

potted

I'm shopping for planters for my backyard. I love the look of concrete
or terrazzolite {a mixture of crushed stone & fiberglass},
but it is pretty expensive. Maybe I should start small ...

atstuart

the girls of Etsy - Vanessa of Supayana

2011-06-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Meet Vanessa of Supayana!
One-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces inspired by vintage and modern trends.

Yana is the designer behind Supayana,
and she uses as much vintage and recycled fabric as she can, which I love!
The designs you see on Vanessa are part of the Spring/Summer 2011 line.
Keep an eye out for the new Fall 2011 line, which will feature lots of brown,
burnt orange, red, and black, as well as some her own fabric designs!
Click on the photos to be taken to her shop!

much love - customer photos

2011-06-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

Kristen of BonBon Rose Girls wearing Alex Keller earrings

Kristen posted this photo of herself yesterday - isn't she adorable?
She's going out to dinner with her husband,
and she's wearing a pair of pearl earrings from my shop.
I love seeing photos of jewelry I've made!
Now I just need her to teach me how to tie a scarf like that ....

for this i'm thankful - thrift stores

2011-06-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

pinterest

I can't believe I haven't posted this yet ....
The thrill of the hunt, the excitement of the find, and the victorious purchase!
[not to mention the nerve wracking worry of missed treasures if you don't brake!]

I've been thrifting less this year than I did last year
for the simple reason that I've run out of room to store things.
It would be lovely to have a basement as midwesterners do,
but then I'd probably quickly fill that up.
Aunt Peggy has.
So maybe having less room has made me a little more choosy in my purchases now.
I tend to buy more things for creating my jewelry and only a few housewares.
One of these days, I'll find balance.
Need to do that in my closet, too ...

what i want - date night

2011-06-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

pinterest

I spent a lot of time with family this week,
and although we saw a lot of each other,
I think I still need some grown up time with my husband.
[kind of like you always need a vacation after you get home from vacation.]
Time to call a babysitter!
How often do you have date night?

happy Memorial Day

2011-05-30T12:10:00.002-07:00

Tierrasolpaz

Behind the Picture

Spent some time back in the mid west over the holiday weekend.
Such beautiful scenery, old barns, and so green!

the girls of Etsy - Amy of Wildfellhall Vintage

2011-05-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Meet Amy of Wildfellhall Vintage!
She's "just a vintage-loving New Zealander living in the big old Apple."
I chose some great summer fashions & there is much more in the shop.
Hopefully, I'll get to meet her later this year and we'll go thrifting together!

Amy is the proprietor of Wildfellhall Vintage and
has more summer shoes on the way!
Click on the photos to be taken to her shop!

much love - routine

2011-05-22T23:52:00.000-07:00

vintagebyalexkeller

No photos of hearts today ... Just feeling a little lost lately.
My son finished preschool about a week ago, and we've lost our rhythm.
I used to get up, have coffee, make his lunch.
Drop him off at school and go to the gym.
Then run around like crazy trying to get as much done before pick up at 3pm.
Now things are completely fly by the seat of our pants.
Don't get me wrong - I like sleeping in! And some down time is good for both of us.
But I think after Memorial Day weekend, we'll have to come up with a plan.
What are your plans for the summer?

for this i'm thankful - my local community

2011-05-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Dragon Spark Urban Boutique

When I opened up my jewelry shop on Etsy a couple of years ago,
I wanted to network with other local artists here in Tucson.
I joined a local team, Desert Indie Designers
and have met lots of great artists, designers and crafters.
One of my team mates opened up a pop-up shop and has my work so wonderfully displayed!
[I'll need to pick up some tips if I ever do another craft fair.]
The shop made the local weekly - check it out!

For the locals, Dragon Spark is a temporary store selling crafts by local artisans,
products made of recycled materials, fair trade merchandise, and combinations
thereof. Located at 4280 N Oracle Road, Suite 130, Tucson, AZ.

today i made - rosaries

2011-05-18T23:30:00.000-07:00

I made these last week, really, as gifts for my son's teachers.
All recycled pearls, repurposed silver beads, and recycled crosses.
It always amazes me what I find to use as materials for Jewelry Recycled.

what i want - dinner with a friend

2011-05-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

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Making some plans ...
Just dinner with a friend.
A little girl time. No husband, no kids.

what i want - a giveaway

2011-05-11T10:49:00.001-07:00

Well, I want YOU to go enter my giveaway!
Please meet Chantele from Cardiff. I met Chantele through a pen pal match up.
And now I'm her first sponsor - See the nifty button she made on her blog Daisy Dayz?
She writes about fashion, Vivian Westwood, and 'general observations from her strange and wacky life.'
So we're having a giveaway worth $25 in my jewelry shop, Alex Keller.
You have until May 25th to enter, and there are many ways to get extra entries.
Good luck!!!
Enter HERE

for this i'm thankful - quiet things

2011-05-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

brown leather moleskine journal cover by julieboyles

GypsyMoonGifts

sintwister

jennifersquires

heidiyount

mrYen

today i made - bubble lamp necklaces

2011-05-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

Nelson cluster necklace

Nelson ball necklace

Nelson lantern necklace

Nelson cigar 2 necklace

Nelson cigar 1 necklace

Recently I was contacted by Erin Hall of Vintage Modern in Brooklyn, NY.
Erin owns and runs a shop full of mid century modern furniture and accessories.
[I'd love to take a road trip and see it in person!]
Erin now carries some of my mid century modern inspired necklaces,
including Eichler, and we collaborated on the pieces above.
I even had a mention in an article in the Greenpoint Gazette - Thanks Erin!

These necklaces are also available in my Etsy shop, alexkeller.etsy.com.
Made with vintage German glass beads strung on gold filled chain,
they are simple and modern necklaces to wear all the time.
Look for more mid century inspired pieces coming soon!

the girls of Etsy - Angie of I Heart Norwegian Wood

2011-05-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

Meet Angie of I Heart Norwegian Wood.
Clothing and accessories created by Angie Johnson.

I have a serious girl crush on Angie and everything in her shop!
A while back I purchased a couple of scoop tanks and high waist skirts.
Gorgeous work, super quality and beautiful fabrics!

Angie is the proprietor of Norwegian Wood.
See her lookbooks here: norwegianwoodonline.com

for this i'm thankful - spa day

2011-04-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely spa day with a fabulous friend.
Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain, Marana, AZ

today i made - jewelry

2011-04-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

I have not been able to really get into my work space and make things for a while.
Stuff was in the way, physically and maybe mentally - who knows?
But I've been making some pieces lately, and it's nice to be back to creating!

what i want - an assistant

2011-04-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

backgarage

Wouldn't it be nice to have someone to fill out all the paperwork?
Figure out Quickbooks, run to the post office, pick up shipping supplies?
Pay the bills, pick up the dry cleaning and make coffee?
Wouldn't it be nice?

[This is not an advertisement for a position, just a pipe dream.]

the girls of Etsy - Desiree of Prance and Swagger

2011-04-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

Meet Desiree of Prance and Swagger!
Classic his and hers vintage apparel and accessories.

Desiree is also the proprietor of Prance and Swagger.
I have always loved hats and she wears them so well.
Click on the photos to be taken to her shop!

for this i'm thankful - beautiful brides

2011-04-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

Meet Libby!
Libby sent me a little note to let me know that she wore this necklace at her wedding last year.
I sold 'She Wore Pearls ' to her over a year ago and looking at these photos just gave me goosebumps!

Libby and Darrell - what a couple of sweethearts!
See more at the photographer's website Annabella Charles. Gorgeous!
And I'm inspired to create some more pearly wedding jewelry!
Cheers!

for this i'm thankful - a new ring

2011-04-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Jealousy design

I purchased this azurite and malachite ring, well, because it's gorgeous!
But also because of the supposed healing properties.

Calming - Loyalty - Leadership - Protection
Comfort - Balance - Peace - Self-understanding
Positive transformation - Healing - Wisdom
Purifying - Positive influence - Streamlining thoughts

I'm not sure if I believe in this sort of healing, but it can't hurt!
I liken it to carrying around a lucky stone, or wearing a favorite shirt.
I think it just makes you feel better and then you are better!
What do you do to cheer yourself up or to make yourself feel better?

today i made - the decision to start over

2011-04-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

leaping gazelle

I'm working on a big project at home.
Yesterday I made the decision to start over on quite a large portion of it.
I'll be taking some losses on money and time.
But I didn't want to look at the final result down the road and wish I had started over.
If I had not made the decision, I would be unhappy.
And I just have to be happy at home.
Home should be a place of refuge, comfort and ease.
Don't you think?

solstice home

what i want - my pool

2011-04-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

printed

Lolas Room

sfgirlbybay

It's getting a little warm out here in Arizona!

the girls of Etsy - Connie and Marion of Urban Revisions

2011-03-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Meet Connie and Marion of Urban Revisions.
Shredded T-Shirt Apparel, Accessories and Glass Jewelry

I first heard of Urban Revisions from Kerri of tenthings
and recently purchased Shredded T-Shirt No. 9.
I have a feeling I'll be getting another shredded shirt soon.
Click on the photos to be taken to the shop!
{Connie is in the 3rd photo above and Marion is in the first.}

for this i'm thankful - he came back

2011-03-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

This post is for the mamas out there.

It's so amazing to watch little ones grow up, isn't it? And scary.
Our son got a new bicycle last month. His dad took him out the first day. He loved it!
I took him out the next day. Here he is on a path near our home, happily pedaling away.
And away he went. As in, out of sight. I tried running to keep up.
Could not do it.
I called his name. Yelled his name.
People rode by and asked if that was my little boy way up there.
Yes.
No one offered to ride back and ask him to turn around ... that his mommy wanted him back.
He rode out at least a mile or so before turning around at a bridge.
I was in tears and so happy he was okay.
I told him never to do that again. He rode slowly behind me as I walked home.
Before we reached the house, he said, 'Mommy, I'm sorry.'

So I took my bike in for a tune up and joined the YMCA.

At least I know he is ready for the school's upcoming St. Jude Trike-A-Thon.
I love that he wants to ride his bike and that he wants to be independent.
But I haven't taken him out on the path again just yet. But I will. On my bike.
Because I want to be by his side for as long as I can.

today i made - necklaces

2011-03-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

Finally! Some pearls and gold.
Just the smallest of smallest dents into the train case full of pearls.
Been busy doing inventory - glad that's over!!!
I'll be listing these 2 pieces in the shop today ... Just need to come up with names for them.
Sometimes the naming comes easily, and other times, not so much.
I keep a notebook to write down ideas. But I need to actually write down the ideas!
How do you remember things?

what i want - responsible pedestrians

2011-03-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

greenpiano1

Do you remember learning to look both ways before crossing?
I grew up in the midwest and lived in a big city and learned to watch for cars.
You looked both ways and crossed quickly.
In Tucson, pedestrians have the right of way. I'm sure they do everywhere.
But somehow things work differently here.
Pedestrians may walk out into the street or cross traffic flow in a parking lot without looking.
As a motorist here, it seems I need to watch more for pedestrians than they watch for cars.
So I just wish pedestrians would look both ways before crossing.
Safety first!

the girls of Etsy - Lisa of Mother Midnight

2011-03-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

Meet Lisa of Mother Midnight
Where have you been?! We've been waiting for you ...

Lisa's a little shy, but I had to share her shop with you.
When I saw this a few weeks ago, I instantly thought of her.
Vogue 'Bunny Mask' photo on Conde Nast
Click on the photos to be taken to the shop!

much love - diet cupcakes

2011-03-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to The Maddy Chronicles for this diet cake recipe.
I used a yellow cake mix and a Diet 7-Up.
To make the heart shape, I put a marble in between the cupcake liner and the pan.
Then I used regular icing to emphasize the heart shape.
The recipe calls for fat free whipped cream, but these were for my husband's birthday.
I couldn't do THAT to him :)
I shared some with a friend last week & didn't tell her they were diet.
This morning at the gym she 'thanked' me, since she ate 3 of them over the weekend.
'No biggie!' I told her. 'They're diet!'

Tell Anna what you love - Much Love Monday

the girls of Etsy - Kim of Vint Condition

2011-03-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Meet Kim of Vint Condition
vintage clothing and accessories carefully selected for your modern life

New spring looks coming soon, and
Click on the photos to be taken to the shop!

much love monday - stones

2011-03-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

My son has been bringing me stones for a few years now.
He goes on walks with his dad and brings me some stones.
He goes to school and comes home with rocks from the playground.
We fill up a jar, dump it out in the back yard and fill up the jar again.
My favorite stone is the one with which he reminded me to say 'thank you.'
I kept that one. And the stone above I found in our yard. I think I'll keep it, too.

Tell Anna what you love - Much Love Monday
And please keep the people of Japan in your thoughts.

for this i'm thankful - free upgrades

2011-03-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale, AZ

We went up to Scottsdale for a night so my boys could go to a spring training game.
We always like to stay at Hotel Valley Ho.
The staff is always super nice, pleasant and welcoming.
The place is swanky and a mid century modern dream full of Hollywood history.

We were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to our reservation to a Tower Suite!

This wasn't our exact suite, but ours was much the same decor.
The suite is essentially a 900 square foot apartment with a full kitchen,
walk in closet, huge bath, and even a washer and dryer.
My son wants to live there.

While the boys went to a game, I spent some quality time at the spa!
That's not me, by the way!
Here are some more groovy photos of Valley Ho ...
Maybe we could meet up for cocktails sometime!

this is not a sponsored post - i just really like the hotel!
all photos via google image search - better than my iPhone

the girls of Etsy - Christina of zwzzy

2011-03-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

Meet Christina of Zwzzy!
Get Cute! Genuine Vintage Clothing

Don't you just love her expressions!?
Click on the photos to be taken to the shop!

for this i'm thankful - new friends

2011-03-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

Gypsy Moon Gifts

Making new friends can be kind of tough.
Especially when you are thrown together with people you might not normally meet.
Enter = all the other moms at school.
So I am glad to have met Aundrea, who took me to Pilates class yesterday.
Thanks - I needed that!
[even though I am sore as heck]

today i made - Swedish cookies

2011-03-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

To be truthful, I've been making cookies since last week.
My son's school is having a fundraiser, Multi Cultural Night,
and I'm the Swedish dessert lady. I need at least 400 cookies!
I picked up this book at a little shop in San Diego,
but you can find it on Amazon or a bookstore.

Try these Almond Spice Cookies

3/4 cup margarine or butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
2/3 cup ground almonds
garnish: pearl sugar

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg.
Combine the remaining ingredients.
Form into small balls & dip in pearl sugar.
Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake on the center oven rack for 10-12 minutes.
Makes about 75 cookies.

For my baking project, I doubled the recipe and skipped the pearl sugar.
And I must make big cookies, because I ended up with about 80.
Probably would have had a few more, but my son and I like cookie dough :)
Back to baking!

much love - poetry

2011-02-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

satsuma press

I'm cheating a little bit this week, because I didn't take a photo.
But I had to share with you this letterpress print.
It's a poem by e. e. cummings, i carry your heart with me.

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Back in high school I wrote a paper in English class about e. e. cummings.
He was writing in lower case before anyone!
I wonder if I still have that paper somewhere?

for this i'm thankful - my husband

2011-02-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

I've been sort of a romantic fool this month, with Valentine's and my anniversary.
It's been 5 years and I still get butterflies in my tummy on date night!
It's funny to think we met almost 15 years ago, shooting pool at a college bar.
We were such kids! Little hippies, really, with long hair and Birkenstocks.
But, man, could we shoot pool!
We actually have a pool table that doubles as a dining room table.
Unfortunately for the Mister, it's continually covered in my jewelry projects and vintage wares.
I should really clean that up one of these days, so we can shoot a game of pool!

what i want - a comfy bed

2011-02-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

bed by heidiyount

The Mr. and I went to Las Vegas to celebrate our wedding anniversary over the weekend.
While it was lots of fun, with good food and drink, and lots of old friends,
it was nice to come home to my own comfy bed.

the girls of Etsy - Wren of Wren Willow

2011-02-15T05:53:00.000-08:00

Meet Wren of Wren Willow.
T-Shirts for Peace, Fox, Roller Skates, Owl and Kids

click on the photos to be taken to the shop

much love monday - valentines

2011-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
Tell Anna what you love - Much Love Monday