Only 3 days left in the alphabet series, and here we are at X.  I have a copy of the dictionary right here, and the “X” section only takes up 3 pages.  3!  And about 20 entries all start with “x-ray….”  So I’ve been a bit worried about this letter.  I hope you’ll allow a little stretch of the imagination if I tell you that X is for X-acto knife.  The good news is that I rounded up some links on paper cutting, and as always, I’m blown away by some of the artists in this medium.

• Rob Ryan just re-launched his web-site at Mister Rob.  His paper cuts are amazing, but I think what is special about Rob is the way he integrates story into his work.  Below is the cover of his book.  He has a brick and mortar shop at the Columbia Road shops and flower market in London.  (If you check out this amazing link, you will almost feel like you are there, strolling down the street).  Other favorites to check out: his other products and especially this skirt.

• Great round up of book art via author Abra Ebner
• Amy Karol’s downloadable paper cutting patterns
• Loobylu’s paper cutting post
• Elsita Mora, paper cutting artist (via Loobylu)
• Sharyn Sowell, paper cutting artist who specializes in silhouettes

Has anyone tried this?  Just thinking about paper cutting makes my fingers hurt.  However, the results seem so special — maybe it’s worth it?

(YAWN!)  I feel a bit like this sleepy little koala today.  I am ready for a nap and the soft raindrops collecting on the window next to me are not helping me one bit.

However, today is the letter K, special K, and Day 11 of my series More to Love: A to Z.

• some of my favorite people (Kaden, Kristen, Koa, Katie, just to name a few) ,
• some very interesting animals (koalas, kangaroos, Komodo dragons, kittens)
• some words I like kettle, kerchief, kilt, king, kiss, knight, knave, knoll
• some words I don’t (kayak – don’t ask, it’s a long story)

K is for Kits

(Photo above is of a pop-up book kit from Lilibee)

You may have noticed my love of craft kits if you’ve been visiting here for long.  Remember these felt cookies or this felt wind-up doll or maybe my own craft kit creation, these yule logs?  As much as I like to invent my own projects and gather up materials, there is something relaxing about buying a kit and knowing that all the pieces and instructions are right there for you.  No more last minute trips to the craft store to pick up something you forgot.

(Photo is of the Golden Harvest album kit from Christine Middlecamp)

It’s also nice to try out other people’s techniques.  I always walk away having tried something new.  I have a little stash of kits that I keep on hand “just in case” I run out of projects (haha!).  Of course, I could always dig into this next pile.

K is for Knitting

I say knitting here, but I am also thinking about crochet.  I have a big felt basket full of yarn and a jumble of needles.  I am not a year round knitter (nor a particularly accomplished one), but there are certain seasons that just call for a warm, woolly project in front of the TV.

Wow, that sounds so nice right about now.  The rain is picking up.

I leave you with one last koala picture.  (When else would I get to show you these?)  See you next time!