Pretty Paintings: Daniel Merriam

Today I stumbled upon Daniel Merriam's enchanting paintings. They look like fairytales brought to life. Not only the kind with princesses, but also the ones with strange and magical creatures that have the quirkiest and sometimes darkest personalities. It really brings me back to when I was little and could really lose myself in to those stories. It makes me feel like reading some of them again!

{all images belong to Daniel Merriam of course}

Owl Things Considered

Though I can't say I own any, I always love a good pair of shoe clips. Needless to say I am very fond of the ones Jordana Silver designed.

These can definitely brighten up any outfit!

And if you're a member of Fab(a sort of Groupon but for design things) you can get them a whole lot cheaper during the next four days.

Loads of other designs are available too, including moustaches.

Circle Songs #2

"You've got time to turn around and make things right..."

You Got Time - Clare and the Reasons

{pictures: 1 - 2 - 3}

I've been listening to this song a lot, it gives such a strange sense of both comfort and uneasiness. It really intrigues me.

Plans & Goals: June

 

Though the weather has been very unpredictable, I have faith in June. Apart from going outside to catch lots and lots of fresh air, I have some other plans as well:

• Do a nice giveaway when I hit 400 GFC followers/100.000 views.
• Post analogue pictures now I have a scanner.
• Knit something with my first selfspun skein of yarn.
• Spin more yarn.
• Send some nice things out.
• Finish reading Caitlin Moran's book.
• Make some tasty salads.
• Read some of the non-fiction books from the evergrowing pile.
• Go to an amazing picnic party!

What do you have planned for this month?

In the mail...

I can't even tell you how excited I was when this huge envelope came in from Ashlie Blake! I knew it contained my portrait and though I was certain it would be amazing, I had no idea what it would look like.

If you've seen Ashlie's work you know she's talented. But I can now tell you from personal experience that she can do an amazing portrait too! Apart from the painting being absolutely beautiful, I also really feel she has painted me. To get a bit vague perhaps, I recognize the "soul within" as well as all the obvious external features.

I was glad she included an owl as well. She makes many wonderful owls and I'm so happy to have one in my portrait too.

Below you can see the entire painting, isn't it incredible?! I love everything about it, the colors, the flowy composition and the magical atmosphere.

To learn more about Ashlie Blake visit her lovely blog, it's filled with lots of fun posts as well as updates on her art work.

Be sure to check out her Etsy as well.

Looking back on May

May was quite a lovely month. And it had a nice little preview of summer, with it's warm temperatures and occasional rays of sunshine. I look forward to see what June will bring, but first... let's look back at last month!

{click to learn more about the baker's twine}

• I learned two new crafts.
• Got a chance to visit a special release party. more on that later!
• Gave away a cute owl and some goodies.
• Ate some vegetables I never had before.
• Received some lovely birthday gifts in the mail. Both from the UK and the US.
• And a very special work of art. Also, coming soon!
• Posted a first of its kind, but probably regular blog post.
• Reopened my shop.
• Did a review for a wonderful shop.
• And finally got a working scanner!

Open for business

When I suddenly went to Singapore I closed my shop for about 2 months, but I almost forgot to tell you that:

So if you're in dire need of a bookmark, or even a custom gift for a bookworm-friend, head on over there.

I also hope to add some "clickables" soon.

Owl Things Considered

Sometimes it's just time for a little video, don't you think?

Marvelous Music: Ben l'Oncle Soul

Honestly I wasn't really expecting the revival of soul music to start in France, it sounds a bit odd to be honest. Well, only until I actually heard Ben l'Oncle Soul, because his cd is awesome.

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His international succes came after his cover of Seven Nation Army, which was awesome by the way. And though his original songs are amazing too, I wanted to leave you guys with his cover of Barbie Girl. If you can make that song into a proper piece of music, you are one talented guy, wouldn't you agree?

I learned to needle felt!

This is something I've wanted for ages. I took a workshop because I thought it would be complicated, but it was a lot easier than I expected.

I also made a bigger project, a bird, but I have yet to sew its eyes on. I'll show you soon, in the meantime there's a smaller bird project below.

Have you picked up any new hobbies recently?

Singapore: the Zoo

As promised, here is my post on the animals of Singapore. There is yet to be a post of the birds, but for now you can enjoy all the other animals I saw.

Oddly enough I consider this monkey my friend. He was just so cool and played mirror games with me. At one point I held out my arms and it looked like he would actually jump across the water. I got kinda spooked so I stepped back and he clapped instead.

I love meerkats! They were hard to spot at first and even harder to photograph, but I got my chance eventually.

These monkeys are so laid back, but most of all so uniquely looking.

Of all animals, the prospect of seeing tapirs had me most excited. Unfortunately I'm always unlucky with them, yet again they were at the very back of their territory.

This monkey looked like an old man looking down on today's kids, reminiscing the good old days.

Ok, this might not be the most exciting animal of the entire zoo, but I love the way he blends in with his surroundings.

I didn't have much time at the zoo, so I tried my best to see as many animals as possible. This was one of the last ones I could see before the sun set.

When we entered we were greeted by some people in these amazing costumes. I once went to the musical of the Lion King and it really made me think of that.

Perhaps my favorite thing about the zoo are the amazing signs that tell you were to go. They are so lifelike and so very cool.

Usually I don't really like zoos, it makes me depressed to see all those animals in cages that are too small for their comfort, but the Singapore zoo looks like a great place to live as an animal. They have lots of space and lots of green, no concrete and fences here! I enjoyed my visit very much.

Lovely Movies: Intouchables

Intouchables has turned into a big art house hype, and rightfully so. It is one of the best movies I've ever seen. In fact, it's such a special story that I could hardly believe anyone can just walk in a theater and see it. It's such a special one of a kind movie that it gives me the odd feeling that I'm the only one in the world tho have seen it. Weird, I know!

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Honestly I think you should just take my word, skip the trailer and watch this film straight away. But if you can't help yourself, you know my one minute rule:

If you're ever in a low mood and need some hope and inspiration, these two are your men. I promise you they'll deliver.

Sponsor Call: June

Click for more elaborate info, but here's the essential stuff:

-Large ad: $20 - includes interview, tutorial or guest post ONLY 1 AVAILABLE!
-Regular ads: $8 or $20 for 3 months
-Small ads: $5 or $12 for 3 months

Email Me if you'd like to reserve a spot.

If you're interested in doing a giveaway on Blue Eyed Night Owl or if you would like me to review something from your shop or business, you can check the bottom of this page for more info, or shoot me an email instead .

Pretty Painting: Naoto Hattori

Leaving through Mark Ryden's Pinxit this week has definitely rekindled my love for low brow art! And to stick with the surreal vibe I thought I'd show you guys the art of Naoto Hattori. It is very trippy, very cool and includes quite a lot of pandas. Enjoy!

                            

{All images belong to Naoto Hattori of course!}

Owl Things Considered

This owl speaker is just perfect! So cute and I'm guessing it might even be able to move it's wings. It's an affordable little fellow as well, apparently only $14,99!

Marvelous Music: King Charles

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One of my latest accidental finds is King Charles. Ever since I I first heard one of his songs I was hooked, I think I've listened to his music every single day since then. He has such a unique sound... and appearance by the way.

He was actually in my city last week, but unfortunately I couldn't make it to the gig. Next time, definitely next time!

Have you found any great artists recently?