Open for Business

Cards and Photo by Monkey & The Whale

Monkey & The Whale is officially open for business on Etsy! For now, take a look at my Honeycomb cards. I am in love with yellow lately and these cards are a wonderful warm palette of yellows and oranges. They are blank inside for you to write your own message.

I am still adding items ever so slowly so check in often to see what is new!

Type

Photo from Dana Tanamachi's website

I read a post about Dana Tanamachi's chalk typography on Grainedit, and I just had to share her work with you. She is a graphic designer, but she is getting attention for her recent chalk wall installations with the most amazing typography. Even more amazing, she does it all free hand. You can check out some time-lapsed videos of her creating the work here. They are extraordinary to watch.

I find her work very expressive and emotional. I love that type can make you feel something just by looking at it, before you even read the words. Even a designer like myself forgets to notice how beautiful typography can really be. So often type gets lost in all of the chaos of everything else, but once in a while someone creative does something amazing to letters and your senses are awakened again. I hope that it inspires you this week to take a look at all the beautiful lettering out there, just waiting to be noticed.

Take a Sneak Peak

Photo and Art by Monkey & The Whale

Lookout, it's a whale convention! These whales decided to have a meet and greet, while a lonely octopus tagged along for some conversation. You are probably wondering where Monkey is....stay tuned, I'm sure she will make an appearance soon!

I am very excited to announce that Monkey & The Whale is opening up shop! This is something very important for me and has been in the making for many months now. I have always wanted to have my own place to sell handmade goods and Etsy is making it possible.

I have long been a stationery lover so you will find little cards, and note cards to give to friends and loved ones. Printmaking is becoming one of my new loves as well so you will also find art prints to decorate those walls of yours. Everything will have that special Monkey & The Whale touch so stay tuned for the shop opening on Etsy! If there is something in particular you would like to see, feel free to let me know!

Street Food!

Photo by Monkey & The Whale

 After many months of wanting to go, I finally was able to get my butt to the Off The Grid street food festival in the Upper Haight. It was, in a word, yummy and I can't wait to try all the rest of the offerings. I decided that since I am Filipino by marriage, I would go with the Hapa SF truck and have me some Sisig tacos. They were absolutely delicious, with a lovely avocado sauce and braised pork with a yummy glaze. I can't help it, yummy is just going to get repeated over and over in this post.

Photo by Monkey & The Whale

For dessert I chose a salted caramel cupcake from Cupkates and M chose a Red Velvet. Both were delicious, but the salted caramel was particularly special. I have always had a thing for salty and sweet.


There was a Tikka Masala burrito that was tugging at my curiosity, but in the end the tacos won so I will have to try the burrito next time. You can get on the Off The Grid email list to see weekly schedules. My tummy is already growling...

Glass Cathedrals

Photo from Lisa Swerling, Glass Cathedrals

I came across Glass Cathedrals at last December's Renegade Craft Fair and fell in love with Lisa Swerling's work. They are vaguely reminiscent of those quirky little dioramas we all made in elementary school, but much much better of course. Her subject matter is whimsical, thoughtful, and engaging.

Lisa has added some new pieces to her collection which are even more fun, I especially like "Believe", and "An Utter Disregard for Consequences." Take a look at her website and fall in love with her work like I have! I think you will find her work truly unique and inspiring.

Happy Mother's Day

Photo by Monkey & The Whale

This weekend will mark my 3rd mother's day as a mom. Wow. That is kind of amazing to me. I am so thankful to have these wonderful little beings in my life, so grateful to be their mother. This mother's day I would like to take a moment and relax with my children. I get to spend a lot of time with my kids, but I feel like most days we get swallowed up in the routine and craziness of the day. I want to just BE. Just be present with my kids and watch them smile and play. Of course, I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for my own mother.  I like to think that I am a good mommy and if that is true than it has to be because my mom showed me the way. She taught me to be calm and patient and to love. That is really all you need, to love. Even when they poop on you. So, thanks mom. Love you.