Pairings: Arizona Autumn + Fall Decor

I’ve paired nine shots of Arizona fall color with Etsy finds that match their autumn vibes! Each pair is a place to go along with fall-inspired decor and other fun stuff.

You can see more on Etsy’s Fall Decor Essentials guide or check out my personal picks.


 

Fall leaves at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Artificial stems with fall foliage in a glass jar vase
Six fall foliage stems from BoutiqueBarn in New Hampshire.

1. Fiery Orange Trees + Stems

Go: Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona

Every fall, this Chinese Pistache Tree at Boyce Thompson Arboretum turns brilliant shades of orange. You can see it from far away, as it stands out from the green leaves of trees surrounding it.

BTA is a great day trip from the Phoenix area! It’s just about 45 minutes from the East Valley via US 60.

Get it: Rustic Fall Branch

In similarly striking oranges and yellows, you could use these fall foliage stems as part of a flower arrangement or on their own, grouped together to make a standout seasonal centerpiece.

    • At 24 inches tall, they could really add some height to your Thanksgiving tablescape!
    • Sourced by BoutiqueBarn + shipping from New Hampshire.

 

Tree stump with small mushrooms growing on it.

shelves that look like mushrooms
Ceramic floating shelves made by LeilyCloud

2. Stump Mushrooms + Wall Mushrooms

Go: Summerhaven, Mount Lemmon near Tucson

I wasn’t planning on taking a photo of a tree stump while I was admiring the view from Mount Lemmon. Then I noticed teeny – almost cute – little mushrooms growing out of it, and those needed to be captured!

Get it: Mushroom Shelves

I don’t think I’ve seen anything like these mushroom shelves! They are the result of a husband and wife collaboration. She makes the ceramic mushrooms, and he designed a metal mount that allows you to hang them on almost any type of interior wall. Their shop has a variety of mushroom hooks, floating shelves, and even a mushroom soap dish!

    • Waterproof.
    • Designed to hold up to 8 lbs.

 

butterflies on a plant with yellow flowers

plantable card with butterflies on the front
Handmade in the UK by URBANSPROUT Store.

3. Butterflies Pollinating Flowers + Planting Flowers

Go: Boyce Thompson Arboretum

We were at Boyce Thompson Arboretum and noticed a small row of plants with yellow flowers on them – and each had multiple butterflies on it slowly opening and closing their wings, and (I assume) feeding on nectar. They were so beautiful. And so focused on the task at hand that I could get a little closer than normal to snap some photos with my phone.

    • BTA is right ouside Superior.
    • If you’re heading east, you’ll pass the Arboretum before you get to Superior proper.
Get it:
Bee + Butterfly Plantable Seed Cards

It’s truly wild how closely one butterfly on the card happens to match one in my photo!

    • Part of a pack of 6 cards featuring watercolor illustrations of butterflies and bees.
    • Plantable cards: The cards are made from recycled paper with wildflower seeds embedded, so you can plant them!

 

Boyce Thompson Arboretum berries

botanicals
Natural dried canella berries, handpicked by BoutiqueBarn in New Hampshire.

4. Berries

Go: Boyce Thompson Arboretum

This cluster of bright orange berries was another BTA find, when I was on the hunt for fall colors in unusual places.

Back when Phillip and I lived in the Phoenix area, there were a couple years we got memberships to the Arboretum. It neat to see it in all different seasons!

Get it: Natural dried canella berries

You can get this type of berries in more vibrant colors, but there was something I preferred about the muted, neutral tones of this one.

 

papel picado outside Tucson Museum of Art

Miniature papel picado flags
Cake-topping miniature papel picado, made by AyMujer in Indio, California.

5. Papel Picado

Go: Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson

Intricately cut paper flags are part of the celebration of Day of the Dead, which also happens this time of year. They’re a different kind of fall color!

We saw these hanging on one corner of TMA on a visit to Tucson, years before we lived here.

Get it: Papel Picado Garland Cake Topper

I love these miniature papel picado flags made into a cake topper!

    • Sold in sets of two strands with bamboo flag stems included.
    • Fits a 6-12 inch cake.

 

 

Sunset in willcox

wreath
Handmade by Melshomedecorshop in Chicago, Illinois.

6. Wispy

Go: Willcox, Arizona

Phillip and I visited Apple Annie’s Farm in Willcox to go apple picking during a weekend trip. We left because the sun was setting, and then saw these fantastic clouds!

    • Apple Annie’s has 3 locations around Willcox with different offerings.
    • If you want to go apple picking, make sure you’re headed to their fruit orchards, which are about 15 minutes northwest of the center of town.
Get it: Pampas Grass Wreath

I like how understated this is compared to a lot of fall wreaths! The pampas grass reminds me of those wispy clouds. And I guess I’m into a kind of into neutral color palette this fall.

    • Approximately 20-21 inches from leaf tip to tip.
    • Made with faux pampas grass, cream berries, blackberries, brown bunny tails, and laurel leaves, accented with a brown velvet bow, on a grapevine wreath.

 

leaves collecting in a stream

candle with dried flowers
Candle made with soy wax by Monsoon Wildflowers in Maricopa, Arizona.

7. Fallen Flora

Go: Sedona, Arizona

While hiking in Sedona, I noticed how the fall leaves were collecting up against stones in the creek, and mixing with the plants that were growing in the shallow water.

    • The West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is a beautiful place to hike and enjoy autumn leaves!
    • The trailhead is between Sedona and Flagstaff, off of Route 89A.
    • Phillip and I have done parts of that hike a number of times.
Get it: Dried Flower Soy Candle

I like the asymmetry of the offset florals and dried orange slices.

    • This candle is made with soy wax and other natural ingredients.
    • You can choose your own scent from a long list of options!

 

 

Día de los Muertos in Mesa

Headpiece decorated with flowers
Made by BloomDesign Studio in Quilcene, WA.

8. Flower Arch

Go: Día De Los Muertos Festival in Mesa

Tissue paper flower arches decorate Mesa’s annual Day of the Dead Celebration.

    • The free festival is going on this weekend! It happens every October.
    • It takes place outside the Mesa Arts Center, which is right by a light rail stop.
Get it: Day of the Dead Headpiece

Frida Kahlo-inspired flower crown for Día de Los Muertos. Fabric flowers are attached to a headband with eco felt underneath to keep it comfortable to wear!

 

 

the last fall leaves hanging on to a tree

Botanical print
Signed original print, handmade by KathyHuttonPrints in Bath, UK.

9. Last Leaves

Go: Boyce Thompson Arboretum 

The last few leaves hanging out in the tree. They probably got around to falling eventually.

Get it:Chestnut Art Print

The shape comes from the artist’s sketches of chestnut tree leaves. She hand-carved a stamp, covered it in saffron yellow ink, and used that to create these prints. They were individually printed onto Washi paper from Japan, so each is unique.



Product photos are from the seller’s Etsy page.

I may receive compensation from Etsy for affiliate posts and links.

Modern Embroidery

embroidered ASL i love you

Since another World Embroidery Day is just around the corner, I updated this 2018 post and added more information about the embroidery artists and what they’ve been up to lately. Also, since it is World Embroidery Day, I listed what countries they are from and/or living in. 
—S


In honor of the upcoming World Embroidery Day (July 30), here are 18 modern embroidery art pieces and patterns!

travel embroidery by Le Kadre
Via My Modern Met.

1. Travel memories.

Charles Henry and Elin Petronella (a.k.a. “Le Kadre”) embroider scenes from places they travel.

Artists: Charles Henry and Elin Petronella

Countries: France and Sweden

Currently…

  • Still together, but no longer going by Le Kadre, the artistic couple’s new website is simply charlesandelin.com.
  • They’ve also created the Charles and Elin Academy, where they offer online courses in modern hand embroidery.

 

Little leaf embroidery
By Brannon Addison via Brown Paper Bag.

2. Intricate blooms.

Brannon Addison of Happy Cactus Designs does spontaneous freehand embroidery of tiny flowers, leaves, and ferns. Doesn’t this piece just look so joyful?!  (h/t Brown Paper Bag)

Artist: Brannon Addison

Country: USA

Currently…

  • Happy Cactus Designs is her line of framed, one-of-a-kind pieces that she has embroidered by hand.
  • High quality photos of some of her work become the front of cheerful, blank greeting cards.

 

Geometric heart
By Jennifer Jayne.

3. Geometric heart.

Busy Being Jennifer explains how to sew your own “geo style” embroidery art, like the heart she made.

Artist: Jennifer Jayne

Country: Canada

Currently…

  • Jennifer continues to write about DIY and craft projects, food, health, and a variety of other topics.
  • She recently posted about what to see during a romantic weekend in Verona, Italy!

 

Solar system embroidery
By Alice Mitev.

4. Solar system on a string.

Alice of Cut and Rum created this fanciful piece that shows the planets on cat’s cradle strings. She teaches hand embroidery classes on Skillshare.

Artist: Alice Mitev

Countries: from Brazil, living in Germany

Currently… Her Instagram bio includes a link to get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium!

 

embroidered suns
By Hanna Andersson.

5. Artist trading cards.

iHanna made these sunny embroidered artist trading cards on fabric with painted backgrounds.

Artist: Hanna Andersson

Country: Sweden

Currently…

  • Hanna created her first short film! It’s called “Winter.”
  • Other media she has been exploring recently include watercolor, collage, and art journalling.
  • She continues to share her latest projects on her site, Studio iHanna.

 

Coffee photo with embroidery. Original listing was at https://www.etsy.com/listing/578242120/you-had-me-at-coffee-coffee-lover-latte
By Emily Lewin Bose.

6. Coffee

Emily Lewin, whose travel photography we featured in a previous post, uses embroidery to embellish her photos with subjects ranging from landscapes to latte art.

Artist: Emily Lewin Bose

Country: USA

Currently…

  • She got married! Search “Emily Bose” to find her on social media.
  • While she’s no longer selling on Etsy, you can find links to her book, past podcast episodes, and other projects at EmilyLewin.com.

 

fable applique - chicken
By MICAO via Brown Paper Bag.

7. Fabled.

Another find via Brown Paper Bag were these fanciful embroidered interpretations of Aesop’s Fables by Mika Hirasa (also known as MICAO).

Artist: Mika Hirasa / MICAO

Country: Japan

Currently…

  • You can see MICAO’s latest projects on Behance.
  • She has started writing and illustrating children’s books!
  • The first book she published, Boring Sunday, uses embroidery in an inventive way that is also key to the story.

 

stitched painting
By Marna Lunt.

8. Stitched paintings.

Marna Lunt used stitches like brushstrokes to create her detailed, one-of-a-kind works.

Artist: Marna Lunt

Country: U.K. (northeast England)

Currently…

 

Embroidered map. Original image source: http://www.bryningart.co.uk/photo_14379993.html
By Mary Bryning.

9. Embroidered maps.

Mary Bryning makes embroidered maps of places, primarily near her home in northwestern England.

Artist: Mary Bryning

Country: U.K. (Wirral Peninsula)

Currently… She continues creating fiber art maps and nature-inspired pieces.

 

pineapple pattern
By Yumiko Higuchi.

10. Pineapples.

These pineapples were stitched by Yumiko Higuchi, with help from her cat, Bona. To see more of Bona on Instagram, check out hashtag  #樋口ボナ or #BonaHiguchi.

Artist: Yumiko Higuchi

Country: Japan (Tokyo)

Currently…

  • Yumiko Higuchi’s latest book is Embroidery in Everyday Life. (It’s in Japanese with an English translation is in progress.)
  • Several of her other books have been translated into English, as well as some into Korean, French, and German.

 

ASL I love you pattern
By Jess Coppom.

11. I love you.

Make + Do Crew offers this embroidery pattern of the ASL sign for “I love you” free to subscribers of their email list.

Artist: Jess Coppom

Country: USA (Colorado)

Currently… 

  • The Make + Do Crew is made up of Jess Coppom, along with her mother and sisters.
  • Although this is an embroidery design, their focus is on creating  crochet patterns that are easy to follow and make cozy items.

 

Donut Totoro!
By Courtney Doom.

12. Donutotoros!

Phoenix artist IggyStarpup whipped up a dozen donut-shaped Totoros!

Artist: IggyStarpup / Courtney Doom

Country: USA (Arizona)

Currently…

 

Stitched mountain postcard. Original listing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/254842341/mountain-scene-postcard-embroidered
By Alicia Hubbell.

13. Mountain scene postcard.

GrannyAbell upcycles paper grocery bags into postcards with designs embroidered onto them. There’s white cardstock on the back, so your writing will show up clearly!

Artist: Alicia Hubbell (F.K.A. Granny Abell)

Country: USA (from Navajo Nation, living in Illinois)

Currently… Now Alicia Hubbell sells her embroidery, paper, and bead art as Loveabell Studio.

 

fox embroidery
By Helen Richman.

14. Fox.

Helen Richman of The Bluebird Embroidery Company creates original embroidery of lovely, realistic-looking forest animals.

Artist: Helen Richman

Country: U.K. (Somerset, England)

Currently… 

  • In addition to her original embroidered artwork, she sells embroidery kits, greeting cards and prints of her original designs.
  • She also takes commissions for pet portraits and other subjects.

 

WINGED HEART COUCHED EMBROIDERY EXPLORED

15. Winged heart.

Constanza created this puffy heart with couched embroidery, ribbon, fibers – and two days’ work.

Artist: Constanza Berger Silva

Countries: Chile / USA / England

Currently… Constanza Berger sells her art, as well as vintage and antique items in her Etsy shop, Peregrine Blue.

 

flying swallow embroidery

16. Swallow galaxy.

There’s a magical quality to this swallow with a tail of stars trailing behind it by Juno Embroidery.

Artist: juno (ユノ)

Country: Japan

Currently…

 

Tiny feather necklaces
By Jenny Vantland.

17. Tiny feather necklaces.

These cute little embroidery hoops by Jenny Vantland might get lost on your wall, but they’re a great size for necklaces!

Artist: Jenny Vantland

Country: USA (coastal Georgia)

Currently…

  • Jenny Vantland’s personal Instagram (where these necklaces were featured) is now private.
  • You can follow Goldie, her new brand of embroidered caps celebrating the Golden Isles of Georgia.
  • To purchase one, DM her via @goldie.merch on Instagram.
  • In person, you can find her merch at Viola’s Market on St. Simons Island or Makers in Brunswick, Georgia.

 

we're all human. Original source link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/622540221/were-all-human-pdf-embroidery-pattern-by
By Sarah K. Benning.

18. We’re all human.

Sarah K. Benning designed this pattern with a simple and powerful message. It’s available for purchase, and all proceeds go to RAICES Texas.

Artist: Sarah K. Benning

Country: USA (Maryland)

Currently…

…Donations

  • This pattern is not online anymore.
  • You can still donate directly to RAICES to support their work advocating for immigrants and refugees.

Sarah K. Benning

…Sara Barnes

  • Besides authoring Embroidered Life, Sara Barnes writes about great illustration (which often includes embroidery) on her site, Brown Paper Bag.
  • Her site is where I learned about two of the artists I featured above, Brannon Addison (#2) and MICAO (#7). (So we’ve kind of come full circle!)
plant embroidery
By Sarah K. Benning.

Updated July 2024.
Originally posted July 2018.

Etsy links shops have been converted to affiliate links. Etsy purchases you make after clicking them earns a small commission that helps this site without costing you anything extra!

Color Story: Gems + Jewel Tones (part 2)

l had so much jewel-toned goodness to share with you in part 1 of this color story that it overflowed into this whole separate post!

So you can continue to revel in jewel-toned art, nature, artisan goods, destinations, and DIYs.

Hummingbird with iridescent head feathers in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Hummingbird Aviary.

Also, I’ve put all the Etsy items from both posts into a Jewel Tones collection, so you can find them more easily. (I’m an Etsy affiliate, so you can click through one of the links on this page, buy something awesome, and you’ll be supporting the site at the same time!)

 

Painting of trees and shadows.

Gem intarsia box - center top: opal, sugilite, lapis-lazuli, and turquoise over four malachite stalactites; additional malachite, azurite-malachite, opal, and gold-in-quartz with 18kt gold hinge.

gem watercolor blank greeting cards

cheesecake with blueberry glaze

Still life painting of plums

1. Amethyst-colored feathers cover the heads of male Costa’s hummingbirds, like this striking fella, who was perched in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Hummingbird Aviary. / photo by @reenagiolaphoto (avid photographer of birds + her Australian shepherds) via Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

2. “Crystal Trees” oil painting by Erin Hanson. Its palette was inspired by lush springtime in the Texas hill country. / prints + textured replicas are available to ship worldwide

3. “The Sacred Garden Box” made by gem intarsia artist Nicolai Medvedev from opal, sugilite, lapis-lazuli, turquoise, and malachite. / H/T Western Spirit (“Scottsdale’s museum of the West”), which had an exhibition of his work in 2023. / Photo by Harold + Erica Van Pelt

4. A pack of 24 watercolor birthstone greeting cards (blank inside) by The Ritzy Rose.

5. Fabulous Cheesecake with Blueberry Glaze, a dessert re-discovered on a clipping from a 1975 issue of Southern Living magazine tucked into in a family recipe box. / via Food.com

6. Still life with plums, part of the Endless Summer series of 9 paintings by French illustrator Léa Maupetit. / Endless Summer has been exhibited in the artist’s home city of Paris at Klin d’oeil Boutique + Galerie and as far away as 1905 Re-creative Space in Shenyang, China!

 

Since 2018, Love Is Project has been partnered with Mercado Global to bring gorgeous Atitlán bracelets from Guatemala to wrists all over the world. / Three years ago, three sisters, Carolina, Claudia and Wendy began working with Love Is Project weaving LOVE bracelets. They were able to build an extra floor in their home from their earnings to accommodate their mother.

candle in a tin / Enchanted soy candle by A Bearden Project via Bee Hive.

Phoenix Chile festival

bouquet

7. LOVE bracelets, part of a project providing artisans worldwide with fair wages. / Pictured are Carolina, Claudia, and Wendy, three sisters from a village near Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, who earned enough money weaving these bracelets to build an extra floor onto their home! / via Love Is Project

8. “Enchanted” soy candle in a tin made by A Bearden Project. / sold via The Bee Hive, a boutique collective of independent makers in Atlanta

9. Phoenix Chile Pepper Festival attendees mingling as the sun goes down. / We went to the festival in 2016. Unfortunately, I don’t think they hold it anymore.

10. “Woodland romance” bouquet made from foliage with a mix of textures and tied with cascading ribbons. The flowers and other decor were inspired by the woodsy outdoor setting of a wedding reception. / flowers by Lace and Lilies + photo by Lori Kennedy Photography via The Perfect Palette

 

"We Are Star Stuff" by Frank Gonzales

Northern Lights in Norway (Aurora Borealis. Photo credit: Hans Petter Sørensen and FarOutFocus/Visit Norway. Via AFAR Media.)

Globe Glass Terrarium for Succulents Air Plants.

Since 2018, Love Is Project has been partnered with Mercado Global to bring gorgeous Atitlán bracelets from Guatemala to wrists all over the world. / Three years ago, three sisters, Carolina, Claudia and Wendy began working with Love Is Project weaving LOVE bracelets. They were able to build an extra floor in their home from their earnings to accommodate their mother.

Peacock Watercolor Print by Dean Crouser.

11. We Are Star Stuff acrylic painting by Arizona artist Frank Gonzales, whose art is also featured on a large scale in the terrazzo floor of the 24th Street Sky Tram station at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

12. The Northern Lights in Norway! / The photo comes from one of the Sustainable Susie comic books, where the titular character shares responsible travel tips for seeing the aurora borealis and exploring fjords. The books were created by the nonprofit United States Tour Operators Association. / Photo credit: Hans Petter Sørensen + FarOutFocus/Visit Norway via AFAR Media

13. Teal and blue blown-glass terrarium for succulents, air plants, or fairy gardens. / by Garden Outside the Box / mostly blue version

14. Large malachite gemstone in the University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem + Mineral Museum, Tucson. / I took the photo when I visited the museum last fall. It’s one of Tucson’s top spots to see crystals, gems, and minerals all year round!

15. Rainbow Peacock Watercolor Print by Dean Crouser.

 

Beeswax Wrap

Boozy Jam Gems by Moxie + Sassafras

hand-knit socks

At Sky Bar in Tucson, a video that looks like space plays on the big screen

16. Guide for making beeswax food wraps, bee-less vegan food wraps, and snack bags, as reusable alternatives to single-use plastic wrap and baggies. / by Mountain Rose Herbs

17. Boozy Gem Jams by Moxie and Sassafras, a Tucson maker of small-batch macarons, alcohol-infused jams, and other treats with unexpected flavors.

18. Super colorful socks knit by the ever talented + creative Kelli Donley Williams!

19. At Sky Bar in Tucson, a video that looks like space plays on the big screen, while we wait for them to wheel out the telescope. They have nightly stargazing on the patio with volunteer astronomers to guide you and answer questions!

 

FLUORITE LAURENT

Dark Chocolate Mendiants

20. Fluorite and smoked quartz at the Galerie de Géologie et de Minéralogie in the Jardin des Plantes, Paris. It was found on Mount Blanc by crystal prospector Christophe Péray, who had lost his longtime collaborator Laurent Chatel on the same mountain range the year before. In his memory, Christophe named this specimen “Laurent.” / Photo by F. Farges via Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle

21. Dark Chocolate Detox Bites topped with dried fruit that looks just like the red fluorite in Laurent (from #20)! / The sweets are meant to be a healthier version of a traditional French Christmas candy, called mendiants (medallions). / by The View From Great Island

Dark Chocolate Mendiants

Color Story: Gems + Jewel Tones (part 1)

watercolor paper gems

Beyond just decoration, color is elemental.

Think of mineral pigments. The way a body of water takes on shades of what it carries – a cloudy blue glacial stream, a teal bay concealing a forest of kelp, a river that turns mud-brown with sediment. The hue of flames shifting from fuel and temperature changes. Or the impact of heat and chemical makeup on the color of lava, of aurora, of stars.

telescope image of nebula and stars - Webb Telescope image of Pillars of Creation composite image produced by NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI).

The rich, saturated colors of rubies, emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, and other gemstones are actually from trace elements within them. It’s those so-called imperfections that create the gorgeous palette we call jewel tones.

With Tucson’s gem show season beginning today, it seemed like the perfect time to explore jewel-toned things to make, places to visit, handmade items to shop, and nature to marvel at.

In fact, I found so many gems to share with you that there will be a Part 2!

 

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, OR: The Museum’s main gallery, located on the lower level, contains one of the world’s finest collections of crystals.

Interstellar Collection: Handmade modern polymer clay space earrings by LittleRabbitJewelry.

dragon creature in a mural by Jessica Gonzales

Natural Fluorite Gemstone Tower - Crystal Obelisk

1. Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula, as seen through Webb Telescope filters. / public domain composite image via NASA and Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) / in case you’re wondering: “How Are Webb’s Full-Color Images Made?” + “Where Colors in Telescope Images Come From

2.  Mineral from “one of the world’s finest collections of crystals” in the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon.

3. Interstellar Collection clay earrings handmade in Tucson by Little Rabbit Jewelry.

4. My photo of the fantastical Gila monster/Quetzalcoatl dragon mural that Jessica Gonzales created for Amazing Discoveries game store in Tucson.

5. Fluorite Obelisk made from natural crystal by Liz Creation Studio.

 

butterfly mosaic

people throwing beads during Mardi Gras in New Orleans via MardiGrasNewOrleans.com

Caramelized Balsamic Goat Cheese Pasta via Half-Baked Harvest.

cooked beets for pasta dish

6. Monarch butterfly mosaic made on sustainable birchwood by Lantern Press Artwork.

7. Tossing Mardi Gras beads from a balcony in New Orleans. / via MardiGrasNewOrleans.com / History of throwing trinkets to Mardi Gras crowds.

8+9. Balsamic goat cheese pasta with roasted beets. / via Half-Baked Harvest

 

Decorative, gem-shaped theater ceiling with chandelier in the center. / Looking up at the ceiling and chandelier of the Byrd Theatre, Richmond, VA. Photo by Florence Womack.

fruit ice cubes in tumblers / Fruit and Tonics via A Beautiful Mess.

Indian Sari Silk Cushion Covers via TheCraftmanship

Printable watercolor paper gems (free!) via We Are Scout

10. Looking up at the cut-gem shape of the ceiling of the Byrd Theatre in Richmond, Virginia. / photo by Florence Womack

11. Fruit and Tonics: Recipe for giant, fruit-infused ice cubes that will give your drink more flavor as they melt instead of watering it down! / Add to gin and tonics, plain sparkling water, lemonade, or a pitcher of sangria. / via A Beautiful Mess

12. Sari Silk Cushion Cover made from vintage fabric in Jaipur, India by TheCraftmanship.

13. Free printable for making watercolor paper gems. / via We Are Scout

 

Desert Forager prickly pear drink

Traditional Palestinian Costume book

Lanterns

bottle wind chimes

BIRDLOVER. Silk Hand Embroidered Women Huipil Blouse with Bird Design by MayanArtisans.

14. Prickly pear juice handcrafted by Desert Forager’s John Slattery. / At Tucson Meet Yourself, he was hustling to ring up beverage orders on one side of his booth while selling and signing his book, Southwest Foraging, on the other! / Return the jar your drink is served in for a discounted refill.

15. Traditional Palestinian Costume: Origins and Evolution by Hanan Karaman Munayyer, a beautiful book I borrowed recently.

16. Lanterns to celebrate Buddha’s birthday (Vesak Day) in Seoul, South Korea. / via Huffington Post

17. Hand-cut glass bottle wind chimes made by Bottles Uncorked. / You can order a set of all 10 colors or choose a single bottle.

18. BIRDLOVER Guatemalan Huipil Blouse, handwoven and embroidered by Doña Juana, a Mayan weaver in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. It was a 6-month long project! / via Mayan Artisans on Etsy

detail of hand-embroidered Guatemalan blouse


Photos link to their sources. This post contains Etsy affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on purchases – at no extra cost to you! Win-win!

“Frybread Face:” a Film about Family, Flocks + Defining Yourself

Benny on the bus. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Imagine that you’re 12.

It’s the beginning of summer 1990, and you’re growing up in San Diego. You’ve got a Walkman, a neon green fanny pack, and annual passes to SeaWorld.

Then your mom effectively cancels all your summer plans when she tells you she’ll be sending you to stay at your grandma’s house on a sheep ranch in rural Arizona instead. [Record scratch.]

That’s the beginning of Benny’s story in the film Frybread Face and Me.

 

A hogan and mobile home in the desert. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Welcome to the Rez

Benny, portrayed by Keir Tallman, is a sweet, Fleetwood-Mac-loving preteen, who marches to the beat of his own drum.

His Aunt Lucy drops him off at the home of his grandmother (played by Sarah Natani, who is a Navajo master weaver in real life, as well as in the movie).

Sarah Natani weaving. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

It’s the first time in years he’s been on the reservation, and it is a bit of culture shock for the city kid. Although he’s Navajo (Diné), he doesn’t speak the language and has grown up away from the traditions that weave their way into the life of many of his relatives.

Benny with his grandma. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Grandma Lorraine only speaks Navajo. When it is just the two of them, her words are not subtitled. So unless you speak Navajo, you are as in the dark as Benny is.

His Uncle Marvin, who also lives on the ranch, speaks English but doesn’t have a kind word to say to Benny.

Benny with his relatives. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Although Grandma Lorraine’s house is so remote that it doesn’t have running water or electricity, it is actually the hub that connects his extended family. It’s where they always return – especially in times of transition or difficulty.

 

Benny and his cousin. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

The City Cousin and the Country Cousin

Things begin to turn around for Benny with the arrival of his 10-year-old cousin (played by Charley Hogan), who everyone calls “Frybread Face.” Not only is she able to translate the Navajo language and culture for him, she can give him the scoop on their relatives, as well. The two cousins bond while working together to take care of sheep, fix fences, and find time to just have fun and be kids.

Frybread Face and Benny. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Throughout the film, Benny is trying to understand who he is and how he fits into his culture and his family. He also learns that the adults don’t have it all figured out either.

 

"You need to learn to weave." From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Native American Heritage Continues

The film is beautiful with plenty of moments to both make you smile and to tug at your heart strings.

It was written and directed by Billy Luther, who is Navajo, Hopi, and Laguna Pueblo. While he has made documentaries (including the award-winning Miss Navajo) and television shows, this is his first feature film! It was filmed on location in New Mexico with shots that capture the wide open spaces and stark beauty of the high desert.

Frybread Face and Me is being released on Netflix and in select theaters today (November 24, 2023) in honor of Native American Heritage Day.

Frybread Face and Me film poster.


Film preview and photos courtesy of ARRAY.