Thinking of Travel

As spring and summer seasons come, I start to get wanderlust. Especially with a husband in a PhD program, we're eager for some time to play together after an intense year.

I'd like to share some highlights from some of our favorite trips, in hopes that it inspires you in your travels.

First up - Niagara Falls! Booming water, images of 1950s honeymooners, astounding natural beauty... it's a fun and classically American place to visit. Not to mention that it's the spot for many movies and novels...

My husband and I took a brief trip to Niagara en route to Toronto for a wedding. We stayed in the Red Coach Inn - where you can hear the sounds of falls and watch the rush of water. We loved staying there. (I wouldn't recommend their restaurant, though.) I'm pretty sure the wedding from "The Office" took place here!

The main thing you mustn't miss is the boat ride to the base of the falls - it takes your breath away. And you get soaked. And you have FUN! Go to Maid of the Mist. You can also visit the museums to learn more about the Falls history and some of the crazy stuff people have done there. Barrels over the fall?? REALLY??

Enjoy some images and start dreaming about travel!

Holiday Boutique and Open House - This Weekend!

You are invited to join us this weekend for a Holiday Gift Boutique and Open House! Find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts like art, jewelry, books, ornaments, scarves, cards, and so much more! Unique gifts carefully crafted by local artists - come and see what we have to offer!

Support Art, not the Mall! :-)

December 5th 1-6pm

December 6th 1-5pm

704 Greenwood Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

720.329.8051 (Skyler)

Artists include:

Skyler McGee - visual art

Phaedra Taylor (Art Machine Studios)

Lisa Harrington - jewelry

Rachel Freyer (Paper and Pearls boutique)

Eleatta Diver - visual art

Andrew Stillwell - sculpture

First Feature on Craft Gawker!

I recently learned about Craft Gawker on some Etsy forums... So I gave it a whirl!!

My mini camellia journal is featured today! Check it out!

Paper and Pearls on Birthstones

It's my birthday month... so one way I'm celebrating is by creating the June Necklace made of the birthstone (pearls) and the birthflower (rose). I think roses and pearls look lovely together - timelessly classic and romantic.

Are you curious about your birthflower and birthstone? Check out below for the full scoop...

January - carnation, garnet

February - iris, amethyst

March - daffodil, acquamarine

April - daisy, diamond

May - Lily of the Valley, emerald

June - rose, pearl

July - larkspur, ruby

August - gladiolus, peridot

September - aster, sapphire

October - pot marigold, opal

November - chrysanthemum, topaz

December - paperwhite narcissus, turquoise

Paper and Pearls Newsy Bits

So - Paper and Pearls has joined TWITTER. Do you twitter - come tweet with me! Find me here.

Also - I've posted some new goodies... Evelyn vintage pearl necklace (pic above), and a new mini journal! Keep posted for more books.

Enjoy - and happy weekend!

Paper and Pearls Interview

Karen Opp - a very talented illustrator and recent Etsy Artisan feature - interviewed me over her blog!

Check it out here.

Thanks, Karen!

It's so fun to spread tales of creativity... Enjoy!

And while you're at it - check out Karen's Site. She has some new note cards I am LOVING (chocolate, anyone?).

Happy weekend!