Mr. Dan

When Mike and I were in Seattle back in May, we met a really nice artist called Mr Dan. Mr Dan sells his art in the Pike Place farmer's market. Mike fell in love with Dan's graffiti style of art and purchased four original hats.

When it came time to buy Mike's birthday present the next month, my decision was pretty easy. I commissioned Dan to create a 36 by 18 inch custom painting of the Seattle skyline.

(click to see a big version!)

Though it took a lot longer to receive the painting than I'd anticipated, the wait was worth it! Dan did a great job of capturing Seattle's gorgeous skyline, music scene and even the train Mike and I took to get down to Seattle.

I love how he used the unraveling cassette tape to write out Seattle.

You can see more of Dan's work on his myspace story here.

Oh my love!

Michael and I were at a camera mini convention yesterday that was essentially a big garage sale of all things cameras. Lots of lenses, tripods, funny old cameras...

Now, I have to say that I have wanted a Polaroid camera for YEARS. Literally. Years. So when Michael spotted one across the aisle from where we were standing, I had to check it out.

It was beautiful.

I debated getting it, but when the man selling it said it was only $10, and in working condition (provided being able to find film), I couldn't say no.

There have been many models of Polaroid cameras over this years, but this is the very first. It's a SX-70 Model 1, complete with a folding body in brushed chrome and real leather.

(Isn't it cute when it's collapsed? You can tuck it into a pocket or put it in your purse.)

SX-70 cameras are also neat because they use a different type of film than the newer ones which allow the image to be manipulated up to few days after the picture has been taken.

The only downside is that film for Polaroid cameras was stopped being made in 2006. Not only that, but different models of Polaroid cameras use different Polaroid film, and the film for the SX-70 model happens to be one of the more rare types of film.

According to Wikipedia, "Because the emulsion is gelatin-based and the Mylar covering does not allow water vapor to readily pass, the emulsion stays soft for several days, allowing artists to press and manipulate the emulsion to produce effects somewhat like impressionist paintings."

There is still film available on ebay, but one pack of film (containing eight exposures) costs between $20 and $30. Also, the film available all expires this month. I'm sure it would still be usable a few months after, but apparently if it's too much older, they don't work right and can wreck the camera.

I just think I might splurge and buy several packages of film.

My next crochet project

Since I took up knitting this summer, I haven't done much crocheting at all.

The other day though, I saw the coolest project posted on Purl Bee.

It's a crocheted linen grocery tote, perfect for putting fruits and vegetables in.

When I go grocery shopping, I usually avoid putting my fruits and vegetables in plastic bags because it just seems like such a waste.

This seems like the perfect alternative! It's super stretchy, and when it isn't being used, can be squished down tiny enough to fit in my purse.

I can't do any crazy crocheting, but the pattern seems simple enough and has pretty pictures. You can check it out here.