Color Story: Deep Teal

Updated March 2023.

Originally published January 2020.

While Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year is Classic Blue, I feel like I’ve already explored that in my 2018 Blues color story. Instead, what’s been on my mind – colorwise, at least – is teal.

It’s a tricky one to define exactly.

Teal resides at the divide between blue and green, undulating from one to the other, like waves over the border between sea and ocean. The side it falls on depends on who is seeing it and how.

You might find dark, dramatic shades of teal in a flowing river, in paint and pottery, in flora and fauna. Maybe it’s made its way into your home.

Teal can feel tranquil. Like a deep breath. Like that time after the holidays but before you’ve completely resumed your regular routine. Like the peace we need more of in 2020.

For now, maybe we can start by simply taking a moment to breathe deeply and take in some gorgeous teal tranquility.

1. A dramatic shade of natural stucco paint made with minerals sourced in Europe. / via Kromoxi (H/T A Girl Inspired)

2. Diving kingfisher near Kirkcudbright, Scotland. / One of over 720,000 photographs Alan McFadyen shot during his 6-year quest to perfectly capture the birds’ dive into the water. / via Daily Mail

3. Detail of VisionShift, Sonia King’s mosaic installation for the HALL Arts complex in Dallas.

4. Mudstone font sample. / I’m not sure whether this festival actually exists, but I kinda hope it does. / via You Work For Them

5. Tips for making a eucalyptus leaf bundle to hang in your shower. (Or purchase a ready-made one.) / Photo via Healthline

6. Prickly pear cactus earrings created by Australian artist Amelia Marks. / via e.g. etal

7. Tiled steps at The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Ocean Park, Puerto Rico. / via BLDG 25 + Dreamcatcher on Facebook

8. DIY tropical wreath with paper foliage by Lia Griffith.

9. Ceramicist Gwendolyn Yoppolo shows the lovely variation from different glazes and firing techniques.

10. Hand-printed vintage camper tea towel by Cara Hibbs. (Her Etsy shop, ohlittlerabbit, is taking a break. More fun, hand-screened tea towels here.)

11. Sea lions and pelicans enjoying a sunny day at Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California. / I took this photo when we were there in 2012. We stayed in a cute little vintage camper that looked a bit like the lower right one on the tea towel above.

12. Lacinato kale + recipe for kale and sausage skillet via The Rainforest Garden.

13. 1960s brushed metal pendant lamp by Doria Leuchten via VNTG.

14. “You Belong Among the Wildflowers” embroidered Tom Petty lyrics wall hanging by BreezebotPunch on Etsy. (Currently out of stock but you can get on the waitlist or request a custom order.)

15. Abstract sketchbook painting of the Smith River in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Northern California) by Heather Day. / Her work is more about sensory experience than the literal represensation of a scene. She camped + painted in a spot overlooking this river in 2017. / via VSCO

16. The Vintage Turkish Over Dye Rug by Cadrys is one of the accessories “Interiors Addict” Jen Bishop selected to help your home feel cozy over the winter. (H/T The Home)

17. This adorable little square planter is handmade in Maine by Elizabeth Benotti.

Teal we meet again!

Photo sources: the Monterey and Venice photos are mine. Others are as cited.

This post contains Etsy affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on purchases – at no extra cost to you. So shop away!

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021

Clover Color Story

Somewhere in the neighborhood of Kelly green, a bit lighter than emerald, you’ll find Clover. It’s the color of lots of leafy growing things and glass bottles, and it brings an eye-catching vibrancy anywhere you add it.

A few places and projects that look great in this green…

1. Jungle Garden at the Huntington Library in Southern California. / from our 2016 Pasadena trip

2. Tips for building an A-frame Cabin on UO Journal. / Photo: Carey Quinton Haider

3. Embroidered aerial views of the British countryside by Victoria Rose Richards. / via @chromato_mania / +See more modern embroidery projects.

4. Cauliflower tacos we enjoyed at The Coronado in Phoenix. (They’re delicious!) / from a date day in 2019

5. Assemble-it-Yourself wind chime kit from an artist who makes beachy glass bottle sculptures, jewelry, and wind chimes in the Florida panhandle. / via Lifting Up Spirits / +More wind chimes you can make.

6. Decorating with statement leaves by Justina Blakeney. / via The Jungalow

7. The Secret of Kells poster by Jessica Seamans. This is her interpretation of the film (which I haven’t seen yet), and I love its detail and rich shades of green! / via Mondo

8. Clever paper cacti printables! / via The Crafted Sparrow / +More cactus crafts.

9. La Bobia restaurant, Madrid. / from an extended layover on the way back from Italy

10. Tips for freezing jalapeño peppers. / via Pepper Geek

11. A rowboat (adorably) called the “Toad.” These are made in a village northwest of London by a family that has been making and selling small boats for over 40 years. / via Heyland Marine

12. DIY faux-leather pouches project and tutorial by Claire Brander. / via Fellow Fellow on the Internet Archive

13. Delightful handcut paper plants and flowers by Tania Lissova in Tyumen, Russia. She sells prints of her work on posters, cards, and stickers – as well as her original pieces – in her Etsy shop. / via Lissova Craft

14. Neat pattern with dimensional hexagon tiles from the Atomic Subway Tile series, crafted in the Midwestern U.S. / via Heritage Tile

15. The World After Us: Imaging techno-aesthetic futures is an art exhibition that looks at the way growing things might take over our discarded tech in the far future. It features plants and fungi sprouting from electronics like laptops, keyboards, and phones. / via Nathaniel Stern

Photo sources are included in their descriptions. All the photos I took were from before the pandemic.

December 17, 2020December 17, 2020

Top Fives of 2020

We humans are weirdly resilient.

"Dirty P" art by John Carrillo. — “Dirty P” art by John Carrillo.

A few years ago, I wrote (through tears), “Life can be such an off-balance mix of highs and lows, beautiful moments and heartbreaking ones all scrambled together.”

It remains true at the close of this tumultuous, challenging, disorienting – and, yes, often heartbreaking – year. There are points of light, even in dark times.

Dog — Quijote hanging out with me before polling place setup in November.

I asked a few friends to think of some good moments they experienced in 2020 and share them in the form of a top five list of things they did or simply enjoyed.

Their lovely responses (and fun photos!) are below.

Handmade clothes and quilts — Craft projects by Kelli.

Kelli Donley Williams: Top 5 Things I Made

These are my top five favorite makes of 2020 – a year that provided ample time for me to be creative.

1. Cornflower Yoke Cardigan from Vintage Baby Knits for my niece, Maxine Eleanor. She was born August 1.

2. No. 1 shirt from designer Sonya Philip. I learned how to sew basic garments this year. I made several of these and lived in them all summer!

3. I participated in Denyse Schmidt’s Proverbial Quilt Along. The quilt reads, “The Darkest Nights Make the Brightest Stars.” I gave it to my eldest niece Alexis, who headed off to college in August and was having a hard time with everything she’d been forced to miss due to the pandemic.

4. My best friend Meghann turned 40 in August and asked for a quilt in her colors. This is the most ambitious quilting project I’ve ever completed. My mom quilted the top with her longarm, to make it extra special. The pattern is an Ohio star.

5. I completed Morning Sky sweater in cornflower blue and have enjoyed wearing it. I really like the scalloped edge and the fit. I made it from inexpensive yarn, and it has held up nicely!

Healthy meals — Serious meal prep by Christin!

Christin Underwood: Top 5 Ways I Stayed Healthy during 2020

1. Meal prepped weekly to stay on my nutrition

2. Made sure to do at least 3 home workouts a week

3. Made sure to hike weekly for Vitamin D

4. FaceTime and Zoom called my family once a week

5. Journaled and did meditation for mental health

Lucrecer Braxton portrait — Lucrecer with some of her many plants, who she plays music and dances with.

Lucrecer Braxton: Top 5 Songs I’ve Been Listening to This Year

1. Diana Gordon, “Woman”

2. Almondmilkhunni feat. Evander Griiim, “Grapefruit”

3. Yung Baby Tate, “That Girl”

4. Maxine Ashley, “Lobster”

5. Koffee, “Toast”

Sangeeta and Shanauk got the beet. — 2018 photo that I dug up on Sangeeta’s Facebook.

Sangeeta Agarawal: Top Ways I Learnt To Do R+R This Year

1. Call and Zoom friends

2. Walks in nature and meditation retreats

3. Cook fun recipes

4. Clean and decorate house

5. Coloring and calligraphy

6. Reading spiritual books

7. Being in pajamas

8. A little bit of gardening

Dog in a tent — Laurel says her dog, Honeybear, is an excellent camper!

Top 5 Things I Enjoyed in Spite of 2020…

• from Laurel Shane:

1. Camping trips

2. Cuddling with my dog

3. Reading Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh

4. DIY projects like sewing masks and making home improvements

5. Rewatching The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• from Vesna Taneva-Miller:

1. I went on my first meditation retreat in Stockbridge, MA a week before everything shut down because of COVID. This was on my 2020 list before 2020 arrived.

2. I went on an epic hike in Yosemite and hiked Half Dome. I was sooo lucky to be invited on this hike as going all the way to the top requires a permit that is given through a lottery system.

Stamps — Two of Vesna’s hand carved stamps.

3. I was able to stay home for 6 weeks when COVID first hit. We did a lot of walks in local parks. I also learned how to edit videos and filmed 3 classes for Skillshare.

4. I planted two fruit trees in my backyard: a fig and a pomegranate. I will always remember that they were planted during COVID year (haha)!

5. I am joining Carve December, and I am determined to carve a stamp a day during this month.

Happy campers — Lori camping with family.

• from Lori Meisner Cleland:

1. Socially distanced camping trips with my brother and his family

2. Discovering new (to me) music, like Gregory Porter

3. A slower pace

4. Increased support of and appreciation of small businesses

5. Seeing all the amazing creativity going on as people work to navigate this crazy year together

Food and beverages — Photos from some of the local restaurants Lori supported this year.

Photos that go with the lists are from the respective listmakers.

P.S. Dinah Liebold’s list of gift ideas that was so detailed and timely that it got its own post last week, so be sure to check that out if you haven’t already!

November 30, 2020December 1, 2020

Honeycomb Color Story

Lately, I can’t seem to ignore this charming yellow hue that’s a bit more orangey than mustard and more opaque than just plain honey. I’m calling it “honeycomb.”

You can find this sweet shade on artisan goods, as well as things you can make, wear, or eat.

1. Honeycomb with fresh nectar reflecting the tree canopy. Photo by Max Westby, a beekeeper and honey producer in Burgundy, France. (CCL)

2. Dreamweaver lampshade made-to-order by Pop + Scott, $980. / Similar DIY project: rope-wrapped hanging lamp.

3. Nipomo picnic blanket, rolled up and ready to go, with leather carrying straps, $86. (Shown unfolded in the top/featured image.)

4. Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech, Morocco. Photo by Kelly Graham, taken during a trip in 2013.

5. Peanut Butter Creamed Honey made and bottled (and occasionally overfilled) by True Love Honey, Tucson, Arizona, $30 for 3 jars. / HT Freight Train Coffee (their 4th Ave. neighbor!)

6. Sweet Bee + Floral Wreath: Embroidery Pattern by Emillie Ferris. Digital download and tutorial available on Etsy, $17.

7. Ampersand design by Priscyla Falkenburger for Letterpress Brasil.

8. Aimilios dress by Mara Hoffman, modeled by Adeng. $395. / HT SPREAD LOVE + SHINE LIGHT auction for aid to the Navajo Reservation.

9. Honeybee tassel earrings handmade in Murrieta, California by Letter and Thread Co, $10.

10. Coffee Bear, part of San Francisco street artist fnnch’s series of Honey Bear paintings.

11. How to add a pocket to an art journal by Craftnomicon.

12. “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” Stephen King quote on stickers (and t-shirts) by Bookshelf Tees.

13. Tips for choosing the best dog chews.

14. Pipit Loungewear Set digital sewing pattern by Common Stitch, $15.

15. “Cozy Up” art by Ash Elizabeth. Digital download, $3.

Photos link to their sources. All images via their respective artists / vendors / creators.

October 20, 2020October 20, 2020

Treats (no tricks!): Fall 2020

In these tricky times, here’s a virtual goodie bag full of classes, films, performances, and tours you can enjoy from home, as well as artisan wares you can shop from anywhere!

For good stuff and in between these seasonal roundups, watch our Instagram stories!

Stay well and be safe, friends! Keep supporting artists, makers, local businesses, and causes when you can. Nourish your soul.

tropical plants — Denver Botanic Gardens tropical conservatory, 2013.

Freebies

Badge Bomb:

Fun stay-at-home-themed coloring pages, activity sheets, and stickers. Download a PDF or request a free printed sheet with any order.
Free shipping on US orders over $50 + international orders over $75.

Black Lives Matter poster printable: PDF you can download from Dropbox, print, and hang up. Artwork by Stephen Powers. (Preview)

Denver Botanic Gardens virtual Día de los Muertos celebration: Coloring pages, classes, short film competition, and online mercado.

In Denver: Glow at the Gardens, Oct. 20-25. Reimagined for 2020, an evening of luminous displays and live performers. Advance purchase of timed tickets required. $17-21

Monterey Bay Aquarium:

Museum of Craft and Design: MCD@Home has partnered with artists and community collaborators to create at-home projects based on museum’s signature programs and exhibitions.

Where to Go + When: Free ebook by longtime travel blogger Sherry Ott of Ottsworld. Email address required to receive the download link.

Why I Love Where I Live:

Notes of Gratitude. Free.
Coloring pages by Southwestern artists. Free.
Backgrounds for your phone or Zoom meetings by Tucson-based Saywells Design. Free.
Free shipping on orders over $15 with code 2020IG.
Buy a mask and they’ll donate one to a local organization!

Classes

Debbie Allen Dance Academy: Founded by Debbie Allen of Fame fame, DADA is a non-profit organization with programs to expand young people’s access to dance + theater.

$5 virtual dance classes.
Free Instagram Live classes on Wednesdays.

Hanna Naegle yoga:

“Crooked Yoga” classes on YouTube. (Optional donations: Venmo @hanna-naegle.)
In Tucson: YogaOasis Central parking lot: Mondays 6:45pm, $6. / Crooked Tooth Brewery patio: last Sunday of every month at 6:30p, $12 for yoga + pint of Crooked Tooth beer.

MyIntent:

Free classes in yoga, meditation, journaling, etc.
A big list of free self-care resources.

San Francisco School of Needlework + Design:

Online classes on embroidery and other stitching techniques. Fees vary.
Virtual Stitch-ins: Weekly Zoom meetups where you can craft along with fellow fans of fiber arts. No RSVP required. Free.

Olney gallery in Phoenix — Olney Gallery, a Phoenix First Friday and Art Detour venue.

Virtual Tours

Artnet: Roundup of virtual art world events.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art: Take a virtual tour from home.

Mission San Juan Capistrano:

Digital Resource Center. Free. (Donations accepted.)
Shop online.
Digital art exhibits.

NYC virtual guide:

Central Park tour.

Phoenix-area virtual attractions:

Fabric at Not Just Quiltz, designed by Donna Abbots.

Shop Art + Craft

L.A. County Yarn Crawl Shops:

Gather DTLA – Now offering custom curated packages.
Jennifer Knits – Free patterns for tops, scarves, and hats.
Knitting Tree – Sale on discontinued and overstocked items.
Wildflower Studio – Free digital pattern for M.1 scarf by Shelli Anderson with purchase of 4 skeins.

Not Just Quiltz: We met this vendor at the Quilt, Craft, and Sewing Festival!

25% off the Bolt of the Week.
All bolt BATIKS and precut bundles 15% off (half-yard minimum).
Closeout fabrics $8/yard, while supplies last.
WE CARE Paradise Fire Relief.

Orenda Tribe SPREAD LOVE + SHINE LIGHT Shop: Sale of art and artisan goods with 100% of proceeds going to critical aid on the Diné / Navajo reservation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quilt-Craft-Sew Mall: Shop vendors from Quilt, Craft + Sewing Festivals online, since so many of 2020’s events had to be canceled.

Riders of the Purple Sage program — Waiting for the premiere of Riders of the Purple Sage!

Watch

Arizona Opera’s Reimagined 2020/21 Season:

Musical Storytime: New musical story online every two weeks through December.
“Arizona Opera OnDemand” channel.

The Loft Cinema:

Streaming movie rentals. (Price varies.)
In Tucson: Open air screenings in distanced seating outside the theater. Tickets $15/person.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts concerts: Many upcoming Scottsdale Arts shows are either all virtual or in-person with a virtual option. Live stream tickets vary by show ($20-39).

SXSW Short Films: A collection of shorts that were selected for SXSW 2020, but couldn’t be screened when the festival had to be canceled last-minute, due to the pandemic. You can now watch them from home! Free.