I hope so...

I do. I hope it is ok - ok that I haven't been posting a lot lately. It is not that I don't think about posting, it is just that I have been feeling under the weather and overwhelmed [with work]. So, hopefully this weekend will be full of lots of relaxation and regrouping. I won't be gone long, promise, just for maybe another day or so. Sorry for the lack of posts and hope it is ok that I have been gone.

[from: Secret Holiday]

Design Love

I thought of both of you all when I saw this on Cindy's Pinterest -

Cathy and our days in high school Chemistry together.  If only we could have been doing design-y stuff instead of chem lab...  

Sonchia and your work in science education and love for all things involving art and design. 

 [found on Piccsy]

Inspiration...

Silly, I know, but I am so loving the gi-normous beaker with corks. Maybe I will borrow the one from my office (yep, 4000mL) for my own version. Random, I know.

Happy Monday.

[from: Design*Sponge]

Geek Chic

How lovely are these science-y items? Yes, I do have back-to-school on the brain. One of each please, wrap it up, and make it quick! More lovely items from fermLIVING here.

Babycakes...

So, with a little help from Justin, I tackled a personalized baby present I have been thinking about for months now. My friend, Scientist Susan & her husband Murray recently welcomed to the world their beautiful daughter, Ruby. You can probably tell by my calling her "scientist" that Susan is, well, a scientist. To be more specific, she is a chemist. And, to honor Mama Susan - I decided to get crafty with the Periodic Table in creating a customized onesie for Ruby. I don't think this all that creative, but the parents seem to love them, they were fun to make, and hopefully Ruby digs wearing these one day soon.

We printed out the design on our home printer using iron on paper.

Justin lines up the first onesie for me.

I iron.

Success!

Of course we have to add a little bit of "us" for booty baby! Congratulations Susan & Murray!

Right Now...

I want to be here. Sigh.
Instead it is raining cats & dogs. And, tonight is our big annual fundraiser at Pinhead. Off to raise beaucoup bucks in the name of all things science. I promise to be back on track with posts next week.

[image: via Oh Joy!]

Farmer's Market Friday

Today's purchase...Sweet Peas. Now sitting in a beaker on my desk. Feels like summer - finally.

Today...

This makes me happy. Wooden cake stand - check. Science beaker (albeit random) - check.
Lovely neutral tones - check, check, check. Found via Oh Joy!

Super Smart Science

If only we could learn through osmosis - I would be snoozing on these guys all the time! Part of the "Science Project Collection" from Heather Lins, these pillows are made of eco-friendly materials including recycled polyester - derived from both post-industrial and post-consumer sources, including PET soda and water bottles. Need even more of a reason to buy these super science pillows? Now through Earth Day 2010 you can purchase these pillows for 20% off their regular price. Now that is some smart shopping!Geology
Botany
Anatomy

Hey, Hey, Geometry

I feel as though I have been noticing a lot of "math" inspired things out in the design world lately. Anyone else?

Nikki Graziano is a mathematician and photographer who explains
the world with math and her camera. Via Seesaw Designs.

Random Geometry Wallpaper from Nama Rococo

Hexpods from CB2

Geo Side Table from West Elm

Ikea Stockholm Rug

Geometry Silver Necklace

Birds, Bees, Bugs, and Trees

Totally digging artwork by Charley Harper today.
How cool are his designs? Biodiversity at its best.

Must See!

I know this won't be coming to Telluride anytime soon, but I look forward to seeing this at some point. "Creation" is a unique and inside look at Charles Darwin, his family and his
love for his deeply religious wife, whose faith contradicted his work. Torn between faith and science, this movie shows Darwin as he struggles to finish his legendary book “On the Origin of Species,” which goes on to become the foundation for evolutionary biology.
The science nerd in me is bursting with excitement.
Watch the trailer here.

Don't you just love this image?
Very Michelangelo (I mean, I know that is the point, but still)

Crafty Creations

Sorry, I am on a total science kick today - but I could not help myself with this one. I found "The Bizarre and Brilliant World of Knitted Science" accidently today and just had to post about this. The idea of meshing science with knitting seems a little nuts to me, but some of the creations featured in the slide show are simply amazing. What better way to learn the Periodic Table of Elements than to knit one? Hilarious.

Space Science

Since starting my job at Pinhead I have become a total science geek. It is actually amazing to see the connections that arise between the art world & the science world. Anyway, in case you didn't know, 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. Actually, 2009 is a big "science year" between the anniversary of Darwin's 200th birthday, celebrating 150 years since the publication of "On the Origin of Species" and the celebration of 400 years since Galileo first used a telescope to study the heavens. These posters give a retro vibe to celebrating science - they are amazing. Each one is now available for purchase right here. (Also: if you're interested in buying 3 or more, just contact artists Simon Page through the site and he'll give you a 25% off Christmas discount!)

She Blinded Me With Science

Here is where I am today. In meetings - all. day. long. I miss the beach already.
Have a great weekend & I promise to post some fun items about my adventures soon.

[image: Chemical Heritage Foundation]

Away We Go...

Ok - well, not anywhere - I have a couple of specific spots in mind. As much as I love Telluride, one needs to escape once in awhile to truly appreciate how lucky we are to live in such an amazing location. Besides the trip to Arizona in March (where I got to see you girls!) I have not left the state - heck, even the region - since last year. To say I am going a bit nutty is an understatement! I am currently sitting in coffee shop in Ouray, CO (about an hour from Telluride) as I am visiting all of the regional schools this week to meet with students for the Pinhead Internship Program. I am watching the snow fall, finishing up a couple of grants between school visits, and dreaming of my pending vacation.

We leave Thursday for Salt Lake City, UT - as Justin has a Mountainfilm on Tour show to host & this will be the "major airport" we will be flying in and out of.

We then head to Savannah, GA for a few days to visit our former hometown & to visit with some old friends. I cannot WAIT to share posts from Savannah with you all.

Then we head to Watercolor, FL where Justin has another tour show & I get to enjoy some beach time.

Then it is off to Boston, MA where I get to visit lots of friends & meet with some collegues at Boston University for a little Pinhead development work.

I absolutely cannot wait for this trip - have I said that already?!? So - my question to you - where should I absolutely not miss in this cities? I have linked to some ideas from one of my favorite blogs - Design*Sponge - but if you were in any of these locations...where would YOU go?

Of course - I will be sharing all of my finds here while I am gone. Fun posts pending...check in often over the next couple of weeks!

Listen Up

It is snowing out & I am writing grants all day - until I have to run to the Telluride High School to present to the junior class later today. Anyway, I downloaded this album last night. Girlie music & grants - as good as a snowy Wednesday can get.

>

Nerd

I am totally nerding out today - aka. not getting work done. Shame on me. Anyway, I grew up loving They Might Be Giants. How can you not love Particle Man, Istanbul not Constantinople, Birdhouse in Your Soul, and Ana Ng? TMBG still gets big play on my iPod. Well, TMBG has since branched out into kids songs/videos. I am totally geeking out today on their new album "Here Come Science." Since I work for an organization that promotes science to kids - I can consider this research - right? Have fun rocking out & learning a little too!

Yes it does...

I am in the midst of grant writing season. I should have my last grant submitted right before I leave for vacation in November. Hope you girls are being productive today too!

[from: MaryKateMcDevitt]

Back to School

I don't know about you guys, but I cannot believe that it is nearly the end of September! I spent today (all day) in the Telluride Schools with a visiting scientist as part of Pinhead's "Scholars in the Schools" program. This was my first "in class" program since school started a few weeks ago. Every time I am in the classroom, I am amazed how young the students become - then again, maybe it is just that I am getting old.

Since both Becca & I work with students, I thought I would put together some items that may make us all want to sharpen some pencils in honor of all things "back to school." Why does everything inspire me to think about design?

Ruler Ribbon Headband

Alphabet

Pencil & Eraser Earrings

Vintage English Globe

Serotonin Molecule Earrings

Memo Mug

North America Chalkboard Map

Graphkin

Bright Ideas Notebook