Furious Shirley » Shannon Shirley

Fancy Photo Weekend

Shannon Shirley — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:22:00 +0000

(and by fancy, i mean instagram & camera+)

Get Your Craft On!

Shannon Shirley — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:00:49 +0000

I have always wanted to be a crafty person. I suppose if I actually took the time to learn some crafting skills, I could make some pretty rad stuff. Right now, I’m on par with my three year old and I figure we will learn to be crafty together. [Although I am darn good at making things look cool with spray paint - post forthcoming.] The rest of you DIY mavens should pack up your sewing kits, letterpress blocks, scissors, glue, and glitter and head to the Craftcation Conference in Ventura, CA from March 22-25th.

This three day event was put together by the talented duo of Nicole Stevenson [of Random Nicole] and Delilah Snell [of The Road Less Traveled] [both co-produce the Patchwork indie art festival as well]. It’s a smorgasbord of workshops and lectures geared to help you start, improve, and maintain your very own indie business.

Want to make felt flowers? You can do it at Craftcation.

Want to learn to bind books? They’ve got a workshop for it.

Want to find out how to finance your business? They have it covered.

Bake pies, make jewelry, learn wordpress, expand your business, make jam, take better photos, conquer social marketing, and tons more … sounds like a good time. Wish I could make it.

Thanks to Nicole for letting me be a part of spreading the word.

My Favorite Quote

Shannon Shirley — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:25:51 +0000

“Forgiveness is the fragrance

that the violet sheds

on the heel that has crushed it.”

-Mark Twain

(photo credit - Oleg Sidorenko)

Paper Bag Puppets

Shannon Shirley — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:12:10 +0000

Yesterday I got out our giant craft box, handed Ava a bunch of supplies, and watched her create these ‘Ava & Pixie’ paper bag puppets.

I helped by cutting out a few things she requested [hair, ballet shoes, etc] and she did the rest herself. I think they are pretty cute and wanted to see what kind of paper bag puppets other people were making. I’d love to see some of your own creations too!

I love this pirate! By Amanda Formaro on Kaboose

From ‘The Star Wars Craft Book‘ by Bonnie Burton, Admiral “Sackbar”! LOL [via boingboing]

Toothy Guys by Michelle M. of Isle Tri

Rrrribit! Cute and Simple Froggie from Learning Ideas

I am crazy about this owl made by Denise Sharp. I think I’m going to buy a pack of brown paper bags today!

Love is in the Air

Shannon Shirley — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:50:59 +0000

I am in love with air plants. They are virtually un-killable, which is perfect for someone [like me] who always forgets to water the plants. They have a lot going for them – durability, a unique look, and so versatile. The perfect plant. How do you display yours??

Pink Sea Urchin & Air Plant combo by toHOLD

Hanging Pods & Baby Head by mudpuppy

Whimsical Giraffe Planter by BoyGirl Tees

We used glass globes from West Elm filled with plants from Air Plant Supply Co to fill a blank wall.

Light Bulb Terrarium by Ryan’s DIY Craft Supply

Domsai Terrariums by Matteo Cibic [via GSelect]

Star Wars Decor

Shannon Shirley — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:43:30 +0000

My husband has a thing for Star Wars [gee, what guy doesn't?]. He has a few tees and some little figurines [that we keep in his upstairs office - aka out of sight] and he and Ava have Star Wars battles with the lightsabers he bought her. A little bit of novelty can be fun.

Like this print from Restyle Prints that I bought & framed and allowed into our living room.

I actually kind of like this Imperial Forces Wallpaper from Super7.

And this nursery featured on Apartment Therapy? Almost makes me want to make another baby.

Another bedroom – by Mary of Quite Contrary.

At -At Walker lamp —- I LOVE IT! (via Life Goods)

To The One I Love

Shannon Shirley — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:11:02 +0000

I just came across these prints by Amanda Catherine Designs and had to share.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day … or any day. (Love you, MS)

Postagram App! Adorable!

Shannon Shirley — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:23:57 +0000

I love this app! Choose a photo from your iPhone or Android [or send from the internet], specify a recipient, type a message, and Postagram will send it as a cute little postcard!

Just 99 cents to send a bit of love. And the photo is perforated so the recipient can pop it out and keep it! I especially love it because I don’t have to go to the post office. XO

The Best Gift

Shannon Shirley — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:40:56 +0000

This year we brought a few of our family members to tears with this gift -

A mini book about little miss Ava. It came out soooo cute! We did a pic or two for each month of her existence and a few extra pages for some of her artwork and photos with family members.

We used Blurb to make the books and were really happy with the outcome.

I’m sure we will be making more books in the future … I’m thinking a wedding book would be great since I know I’ll never get around to printing photos and putting them in an album.

Shop Crushes!

Shannon Shirley — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:00:48 +0000

You would think that after the holidays I would be all shopped out … think again! Now I have to spend Christmas cash and use up gift cards! It would be easy to spend it all and more at my latest shop crushes – Alder & Co and Leif. Alder & Co is in Portland [another love of mine] and Leif is based in my old hometown of Brooklyn. Both shops are full of simple and beautiful things … how can I resist?

French Linen Tote (Alder & Co.)

“KNOT” Rope Basket (Alder & Co.)

Sailcloth Pot Holder (Alder & Co.)

Gemstone Magnets (LEIF)

Batik Coffee Scoop (LEIF)

Chrysocolla Necklace (LEIF)