TWELVE TWELVE ETSY SHOP

I. am. tired. Yesterday brought an influx of last minute orders for my customizable Map Art piece. In order to guarantee delivery in time for Mother's Day, I had to get them in the mail this morning, so had to work late! However, they are fun to work on, and I love the finished product. If you are in need of a belated Mother's Day gift, or want a graduation gift for friends from near or far, check out the listing here!

WHAT WAS THERE

What Was There is a really cool website that was designed as a "virtual time machine" that allows users to search for and upload historic images via Google Maps. It provides a way to quickly see how a place has changed throughout history.

"The premise is simple: provide a platform where anyone can easily upload a photograph with two straightforward tags to provide context: Location and Year. If enough people upload enough photographs in enough places, together we will weave together a photographic history of the world (or at least any place covered by Google Maps). So wherever you are in the world, take a moment to upload a photograph and contribute to history!" (whatwasthere.com: about)

I did a search in Boston, and found this image of Boylston Street from the 1910's, alongside the Public Garden. 

Here is what exists in this spot today. Note how the street has been widened, and the buildings to the left have changed. The new structure seems to be an updated version of the various buildings that it replaced.

And, to really illustrate the changes, the historical image becomes an overlay on the modern day street view. 

Definitely take a few minutes to check it out, and upload any old pictures that you may have!

MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER

This October, I casually started an Etsy shop and have really enjoyed becoming a part of the Etsy universe. Every item is so unique, and it's too easy to spend hours sifting through all that is available. One of my "26 Things" is to expand my Etsy store, but for now I have one item listed:

When my sister decided to move across the country, I wanted to give her something special to put in her new apartment as a reminder that her family is always thinking of her. This is what I came up with, and am very happy with the results. It is a colorful and simple piece of art that can be made to match any decor.

I also created my first treasury yesterday, Makes the Heart Grow Fonder. Absence makes the heart grow fonder...and I've found some creative ways that people are showing it!