Sorry for the radio silence on Friday…I was en route to Palm Springs for the most amazing crafting weekend put on by Kimmel Kids. More on that later.

I grew up with a crayon-obsessed mother. She would always buy anniversary “collector” sets in triplicate; one for me, one for my sister, and one for herself. Apparently, these collectibles would make us rich one day…I should really look into cashing those Crayolas in! Now for some impressive crayon finds…

Deciding which images to show from Chrisian Faur‘s amazing oeuvre was really tough. These are incredible. No need to say more.

These crayons were carved into the symbols of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Found via The Bored Ninja.

The cute factor here is very high! These sweet boats are perfect for the bathtub, swimming pool, or a sidewalk puddle.

These walnut boats by Made by Joel are ridiculous. I swear I’ve never seen anything so cute!

I’ve loved these juice box boats by Inchmark since they were in last August’s issue of Parents magazine.

The Crafty Crow is doing a great series of green craft round-ups (Happy Earth Day!). I heart these simple wine cork boats! Made by Together.

A new “column” for The Violet Hours. Occasionally I will feature one artist/maker/crafter/inventor…someone whose creations are comprehensively worth inspecting.

This is the work of Christien Meindertsma, from Utrecht, Netherlands. Her work mainly involves wool that she felts to make chunky, gorgeous, pillow-like yarn. She works the origin of the material into her pieces, which is very much a part of her concept. Unlike most “fine art” she wants her pieces used; it is a larger compliment to her when her work is purchased and put to work in a space. You can hear her thoughts on this here.

Her website doesn’t offer much explanation, but it’s quite jaw-dropping. Here are a few highlights…

Project: Idaho. A project for the Nature Conservancy made with wool from an organic flock of Panama sheep from Lava lake Ranch, Idaho.

Project: One Sheep Cardigan. These sweaters were made from one animal, and were designed based on the size of the sheep.

Project: Aran Rug. This piece is made from the wool of 18 merino sheep.

Project: Texel Ottoman. These stools are essentially over-sized yarn skeins.

Found via The Jealous Curator.

There is nothing wrong with a framed photo on the wall…nothing at all! But check out these creative ways to display your family portrait.

 

With the K Studios family series pillow, you choose your pillow size, color, family members and pets, and the design is embroidered on. Love!

Cozy Blue will make your family tree, with the parents on the inside and the kids on the leaves around. Such a cool, graphic idea! Found via Wise Craft.

I’m a huge lover of silhouettes…make a silhouette family equation (mom plus dad equals kids). Via Lil Sugar.

When you hear porcelain, you may imagine a high-gloss statuette of a girl walking a dog, glazed in pastels and perched on a pedestal with a tiny brass placard. And it would obviously be living in your grandmother’s curio cabinet. A new porcelain craze has been born…

Berry baskets found via Oh Joy!

I see these porcelain nuts at the Brooklyn Flea every weekend. By KG + AB.

There is something sort of ironic about a delicate key. From The Curiosity Shoppe.

Unglazed porcelain pendant lamps. Gorgeous! Via Apartment Therapy.

Delicate + delicate = porcelain feathers. Available at Fawbush & Shulz.

Sea urchins by Lisa Stevens. Found via Elaine Bradley.

I want one of everything made by Pigeon Toe Ceramics.