JAMIE L. LUOTO
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Mailbox Makeover & House Number Hunting

2/25/2010

7 Comments

 
After seeing my plain old redish-magenta mailbox day after day, I decided to spruce it up a bit. My bf and I had our house painted just before this winter started and are very happy with the change from red, white, and blue, to a more sophisticated rich navy and warm white. But our mail box was still an eyesore. There is something very nautical about the new blue and it inspired a mailbox makeover! C'est magnifique, non? 
I had a blast painting the little critter on my mailbox and thought that my mail carrier would really appreciate the improvement! I think the Octopus is a great addition because he livens up the box from every angle! The mailbox is now worthy of my crafty snail mail and makes me look forward to collecting the mail! I am still looking for the perfect ship steering wheel to glue on to the magnetized clip that hold the outgoing mail. A work in progress.  

After painting the mailbox, I felt like the house numbers could stand a makeover too. I took them down right away thinking that I would find a replacement at the snap of my finger. Unfortunately since that day, I've been scolded many times by delivery persons who suggest I put my numbers back up... oops. I was waiting for the perfect numbers. 
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Decorative House Numbers by Mooza on Etsy
I led my house number search to Etsy and voila! I give you decorative house numbers by Mooza, an Australian seller, or rather, two creative mama's dedicated to hand making acrylic letters and numbers and matching them with beautiful Japanese papers. Kinda great, isn't it! I really like the blue floral design on the number 21 shown above. I think that this pattern will looks wonderful against the new warm white. I am so happy that my search has finally ended - woo hoo! Have you done anything crafty to your front door area? I'd love to hear about it! Also, have at look at Mooza on Etsy and take care, my friends.

Mooza Designs on Etsy

-Miss Bojambo
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My Open Studio Tour ♥

2/21/2010

1 Comment

 
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A work in progress
✿ What's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name Jamie, but my friends call me Jambo or more formally Miss Bojambo. The skinny on my craft is ... I know no limits. I like to think that I can make anything I set my mind to ... and I try. And sometimes I fail and it's magical. I am particularly fond of jewelry making, drawing and painting, and book binding. I just love to create!
✿ When did you decide that you needed a studio?
I've always needed, at least a place to store the outcome of my varied interests. I guess, the dawn of my studio life rose when I decided to keep all of my supplies in one space and work near them.
✿ When and how have you set up your studio?
I've always made little spaces for myself to work, but I decided once and for all that I wanted/needed/deserved to have a space that I wanted to be in, had a purpose, and inspired me. I "set up" my studio a couple years back. It entailed a crazy wallpaper search, finding the right craft tables, and a wild hunt for a dreamy chair ... which I have finally found!
✿ Did the studio set up impact your crafter budget?
Absolutely. I let my aesthetic sensibility run the show ... in fact, it usually runs the show. Meaning, I didn't just throw together this and that. I designed a space that inspires me! I think it was worth it because it's a space I love and value. I think everyone who is creating or revamping a studio should make a place that they love and value ... by whatever means they want. 
✿ How big is your studio?
Hmm I'd say 5' x 8' with 9+ foot ceiling and a "storage" closet that is 2.5' x 6'. Long and narrow. 
✿ Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
This is so tough. I'll have to get back to you on this one.
✿ Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
Oddly, my studio space doubles as a dressing room and closet. In the 100 year old bungalow house where I reside, the closets are itty bitty and painfully narrow. I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a lot of clothing. And In my studio, I use the closet for art supply storage and have a wardrobe where all of my clothing and accessories are stored. I didn't want to clutter my bedroom with my collection of goodies, hence the studio/dressing room combo.
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The Secret ...
✿ How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
That really depends on how tidy it is ... When my studio is clean, I love to be in it. Love, love, love. But unfortunately, no one taught me to clean up my art messes. They just pile up on top of each other until it gets out of control, then I avoid my studio and unintentionally usually conquer the dinning room table. Once the dinning table is out of commission, I take that as my cue to clean up my studio. I'm unconventional. 
✿ Do you share your studio with someone or would you like to do so?
As I admitted in my shared studio secret, I share my studio work space with mine and my boyfriend's clothing. At times, it can be a dangerous combination.
✿ Is there anything you would add to your working space?
More storage and organizing tools! 
✿ If you had to choose one synonym for your studio which one would you pick: atelier, family room, lair, lodge, nest, playroom, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, darkroom, or showroom and why?
My boyfriend and I actually call my studio "The Jungle." It's a wild zone in the house ... to quote the dictionary, "Jungle: A dense, confused mass; a jumble. A place or milieu characterized by intense, often ruthless competition or struggle for survival." And that's just what it's like in there, but it's also lush and beautiful.
✿ And last but not least how often do you clean it?
Yikes!
1 Comment

Happy Valentine's Day

2/14/2010

2 Comments

 
Happy Valentine's Day, my friends. On this fine day, I wanted to share with you a few lovely floral arrangements, however, I temporarily do not have access to the photo's. But what I do have to share are a few snaps I've captured while in Italy, this past fall. All Valentine's Day approved!
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Though this wasn't the romantic gondola ride that I shared with my shweetheart, I captured this gondolier and his boat while in Venice on the Grand Canal. The city of Venice is like a museum and is definitely worth seeing at least once! Make sure you have a friend or special someone to share a gondola ride with!
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While in the quaint town of Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, In Southern Italy, My Bf and I walked through though the vender filled streets and happened across this stand of hot peppers. Hot red peppers to spice up your life!
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Lastly, I will leave you with the lovely photo taken in the romantic gardens in Ravello; A sleepy town atop the rolling hills of the Amalfi Coast.  DH Lawrence, Truman Capote, and Virginia Woolf have all spent time in Ravello; finding inspirations from its beauty no doubt. Italy is such a wonder. Enjoy your Valentine's Day, my friends!
- Miss Bojambo
2 Comments

Accepts With Pleasure, Declines With Regrets ... Custom Wedding Invite

2/1/2010

1 Comment

 
Wedding season is about to explode, but for many the work of putting together their wedding has just begun. It is appropriate to send out wedding invitations six weeks prior to the day of your wedding ... That sounds simple enough, until you begin to list all of the other items that need to be addressed prior to the big day. To you, dear readers, I offer this: An easy to do, affordable, custom invitation for you or someone you know who is taking the plunge. 
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Hand drawn invitation - comfortable fits into a standard business size envelope


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Hand drawn RSVP - approximately 3' x 5'
I've hand drawn this elegant invitation and RSVP set. You may be thinking to yourself: [Custom drawing ... probably costs a fortune!]. However, dear readers, I assure you this is yet another cost effective wedding invite set. As I was saying, I've hand drawn this customized set for a couple tying the knot this Spring in Seattle - they are saving money by making copies of the imagery that I made for them and by laying out the announcement themselves. Absolutely a smart move when times are tough! 

Are you looking for something unique - can't quite find what you've envisioned for you invitation? Together we can created a one of a kind invite and turn it into a beautiful and affordable invitation for your guests.


For more information or if you have any questions, please contact me.
- Miss Bojambo
1 Comment
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Jamie L. Luoto

San Francisco Bay Area
​Healdsburg, California, USA
Studio Visits by Appt.
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  • Home + Recent News
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  • I Believe in Ghosts (current work)
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