Tiffany Ann Laufer | Writer and Director

Merry Christmas indeed

2011-12-30T10:03:00.002-05:00

Bella dog got in the spirit.

Mom got Rachael Herron's new book "A Life in Stitches"

Amazing book, fun and insightful, I cried at points and tried to read it slowly so
it would never end. I highly recommend you get your own copy. Thanks Annie!

Yes Bella has her own Cowl

We feasted on Ginger cake (an hour after I arrived!)

Santa brought me a new handmade mug for 2012: for all my tea, coffee
and quite moments in the morning waking up and planning life, love, goals and more...

We did abit of work too...wood work.

Today, Monday Dec 12: Starbucks on Cedar

2011-12-15T20:44:00.000-05:00

I’m on a quest to find the best tasting cuppa coffee at the best price on Cedar Hill. From where I sit this morning I can walk about a minute in each direction and find several cups of coffee. Here we go… a cuppa coffee for the common man, woman, person, friend, mom, dad, boyfriend, girlfriend, Bella dog.. no Bella dog not for you.

Today, Monday Dec 12: Starbucks on Cedar

Normally $1.65 but free today, paid for by Key Bank. How nice of them. I wonder how much the CEO makes at Key, does she know about this free coffee. Nice way to start the investigation.

Three sugars. Smidge of half and half. The color is ok.

At the half and half condiments bar I picked up a free download from the ever present in cuteness “The New Girl”, Zooey Dechanel’s rock band “She and Him”… Getting distracted thinking of her recent divorce from the guy from Death Cab for Cutie. So depressing how much useless media stays parked in my mind. Can I delete that?

Ok, the coffee…Seems ok. Kinda watery. Not much depth. In my endeavors to review the cup of coffee for the common woman I have to learn more terms… several pop out at me in the shop. From where I’m sitting I can see the well designed pounds of coffee on the shelf next to me. Dark? Is this cuppa dark? No. Earthy, balanced, bold….. Not really. Somewhat carmelly, due to the three turbinado sugars I grant you.

Holiday Frank Sinatra plays in the background, that’s always nice and now the lovely Paul Simon… Graceland…

Coffee – yes. I get distracted easily in Starbucks. I heard an employee once tell me Starbucks’ big goal is to provide a sense of place and community. They do that well. I just don’t think the $1.65 cuppa coffee for this common woman is very good. It was a perfect price and that’s a treat indeed.

Ok, is the word I keep circling. It’s ok. I hope I have better coffees in my future this week.

Next on the list:
Dave’s Supermarket
Luna Bakery
Nighttown
Myxx nightclub? (Sure why not)
Bruegger’s Bagels

Do I dare try Zoss in their tiny styrofoam cups… We’ll see.

Ohio Philharmonic Orchestra: DePolo Brothers Composers Video Series

2011-12-01T22:59:00.001-05:00

This December 3rd, the Ohio Philharmonic Orchestra will be including a new orchestral piece composed by twin brothers, Andrew and Jared DePolo. This informal video series showcases their unique call to become composers. Enjoy!

Filmed at the First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland. A wonderfully enchanting church put up with money in part from the Rockafeller Family when they lived in Cleveland before the depression.

This is what the DePolo's had to say about their composition "Spirit of Christmas":
"The Spirit of Christmas releases the true meaning of the holiday season.
Created for this concert, the piece embodies the thoughts and feelings one celebrates in sharing the joy of this wonderful time of year."

For more information visit: www.ohiophilharmonic.org and visit the DePolo's website at: www.depolomusic.com

Cozy

2011-11-21T23:16:00.000-05:00

J & C Glass Studios | Video, Web series

2011-11-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

• Looking over the videos I've directed this year, here is one from a web series of behind the scenes with the J&C Glass artists in Cleveland, OH. For more videos jump over to: http://vimeo.com/user3765678/videos

Sunflower Mural: Part 3: Finished

2011-11-07T17:45:00.001-05:00

I finished painting the Shaker Family Center mural this morning. I had three children draw their hands on stiff paper plates, then cut out the hands and used a small rolling paint brush to 'stensil' the hand onto the wall. It was lovely. !

Film Series: Harvey Pekar Memorial

2011-10-29T13:26:00.000-04:00

Writer Joyce Brabner from Estate of Harvey L. Pekar on Vimeo.

I have been working with the amazing Joyce Brabner to put together a great film series about the Harvey Pekar Memorial sculpture going up at the Cleveland Hts. University Hts. Lee Road Public Library. A great man and a beautifully interactive sculpture coming soon.

Mike Wendt, another filmmaker helped out on Camera as well.

New Design: Holiday Member Show & Sale opening at the AAWR

2011-10-27T13:45:00.001-04:00

My latest designs for the AAWR Holiday show and sale. It should be a wonderful show - full of different art to purchase. I myself am submitting two pieces - watercolors of my time in Blue Hill Maine. I love this show! Come to the reception: November 18th from 5 - 8pm for wine and cheese celebration!

What is interesting I find in creating design work is how it changes from the initial concept or 'sketch' to the finished product. For many reasons things change in the course of a project. Here was my initial idea for the post card. I've been working with the AARW for their post card media campaign and they have been really supportive in working with lots of ideas and pushing some envelopes which I love.

I have to say I really loved the abstract nature of this. You have to sit with it and read into it - but I understand how things change and that's fine too. I believe there is great value in collaboration. I also have to admit that I was greatly greatly inspired by a poster for The Stone Roses, see below. I totally remember dancing away to the Stone Roses with a special guy and so, alas... I love design.

This poster is for their reunion show, how great is that!

This was from their Spike Island Concert in May 1990 Some cool photos here:

New Design: Seeing Green Recycled Art opening at the AAWR

2011-10-20T10:02:00.000-04:00

I recently designed this card for the Artist Archives of the Western Reserve show, Seeing Green: Recycled. A fantastic show that goes until October 28th.

Sunflower Mural: Part 2

2011-10-18T12:57:00.001-04:00

Today I added the sunflowers to the Family Connections mural in Shaker Heights. It's coming along very well. We still have to add the frame and the little hands that will make the grass on the bottom. Happy Days!

Sarah Lyman Community Service Mural: Family Connections

2011-10-06T11:53:00.004-04:00

Great colors! I designed a mural for the foyer of the Family Connections building in September.

It is a field of sunflowers symbolizing all the children and adults that make the Family
Connections family what it is today - wonderful people and wonderful community.

It's not finished yet - we still have to add the sundflowers and little hand prints that are the grasses
down below.

The paint and labor was donated by Laurel School volunteers. Go team! Click here to learn more about Family Connections: http://www.familyconnections1.org/

Knitting a world of Cowels

2011-10-01T15:44:00.001-04:00

I love making cowels. Here are five in the reserves for a table at Shaker Square I am
preparing for. I love making things with me hands and being primarily a filmmaker it leaves
little time for three dimensions.

The one on the bottom is my own knitted version of a Mark Rothko. Love the colors.

The Acorn Penny screens at the Twin Cities Film Festival

2011-09-12T12:37:00.002-04:00

The Acorn Penny will screen at the Twin Cities Film Festival September 25, 2011 as part of the Women's Film Institute Shorts Tour, Women in Film Program. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Learn more about the entire program list of films to be screened at:
http://www.twincitiesfilmfest.org/films/wfishorts/

Celebrating with Basil Seedlings

2011-08-27T22:34:00.004-04:00

After spending ages in front of the linolieum, and then the printing presses and then the computer and possibly some watercolor paper - I finally finished printing all of the carved pieces. After assembling all the pieces and running to kinkos to print it all - Oh my goodness was that expensive - I have now submitted the picture book dummie to the appropriate people to now not think about it at all. I get to relax!

So, after treating myself to the best ice cream in cleveland (Mitchell's! based on the west side of Ctown) I wanted to remember my celebration - the exact moment where it felt so good to hand the book in and breath a moment of peace. So I kept my Mitchell's ice cream cup and transplanted basil seedlings into it for a beautiful still life. Eventually I'll transplant the bigger plants into large pots for the winter. But for now I love to remember my moment of Celebration!

Printing at Zygote Press

2011-08-27T22:25:00.002-04:00

In preparation for the SCBWI conference here in Cleveland I have been printing the pages of my next children's book. Zygote is an amazing print shop in E.30th and Superior.

Playing Humble on Bellfield: Guess Blogger on Heights Observer

2011-08-26T21:08:00.001-04:00

By Tiffany Laufer

I feel like the only kid left on the playground not asked to play. “It’s good to be humble; it’s good to be humble!” I keep reminding myself.
Lord knows I try to be humble each and every day and when I think about it further — who better then Tyler Perry to remind me to be humble. Mr. Perry’s humble beginnings are well known by now and the story of his success and net worth, I would assume are also very well know. Looking out my window a few weeks ago I caught a glimpse of Mr. Tyler Perry. Very tall and dressed in an oxford and dress pants he looked quite proper. He was looking straight ahead, his head held high, maybe a bit pensive. His popular Madiera character quickly came to mind and I smiled. I like her. I am a huge fan of her (his?) feisty nature and no-sass attitude. She’s the kind of Aunt you want on your side on all occasions.
My neighborhood and the house next door to mine served as a film set for the feature film I, Alex Cross, a retelling of one of James Patterson’s crime novels. It was an exciting six days (plus weeks of prep) and yet all I can think of is how humble I need to be. In the back of my head it might even be in Madiera’s voice I keep hearing these phrases of humble attitude. You see, I’m a filmmaker too, and although I tried to get onto the film crew, I didn’t make it. That’s how it goes and I understand the dynamics. Filmmaking is competitive, from the crew hiring to the ticket sales in the theatre; and though my films have not grossed more than $500 million like Mr. Perry’s impressive roster of films, I am trying. And this past week I’m remembering the virtue of humility.

Read the rest at Heights Observer/ Blogs

If Ever... you needed inspiration

2011-08-11T13:41:00.000-04:00

Just found these in my backyard - on the tomato plants! If ever you needed inspiration for a children's book here it is. I'm tempted myself!

The Acorn Penny screens with the WIF Shorts Tour

2011-06-22T11:38:00.001-04:00

The Acorn Penny is now touring with the Women’s Film Institute Shorts Tour

Check out the trailer for this beautifully curated and powerful tour.

Click here for future screening dates.

Visit: http://womensfilminstitute.squarespace.com/ for further information

The next screening will be held August 3, 4th

Peninsula Metamorphic Arts & Learning
Date: August 3rd & 4th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 139 Mines Road, Blue Hill, ME 04614.
For more information and tickets:
http://www.peninsulametamorphic.com/Film_Festival.html
Additional screenings and locations to be announced.

J & C Glass Studios | Still photo shoot

2011-05-28T16:43:00.001-04:00

See additional photos at www.tiffanylaufer.com

How many times can you use it?

2011-05-06T08:26:00.000-04:00

Washed and ready for cup #3

Felted Bag VT Wool

2011-04-27T22:30:00.001-04:00

Before

After

Knitting does in fact save the day.

2011-04-16T12:52:00.000-04:00

Bella Rock Calastenics

2011-03-29T19:33:00.001-04:00

Confetti!

2011-03-22T21:15:00.003-04:00

arriving decidedly after the party, I can't help to wonder what the celebration was?

Paws and Paper Confetti on the walk this afternoon.

The iphone does a pretty good job....for overcast skys!

Pokadot black socks and colorful confetti, circles and circles. One I wear the others I left behind.

a dream of Los Angeles

2011-03-21T15:54:00.001-04:00

Ornamental Sun Tree

2011-03-20T20:59:00.002-04:00

Even little birds need some decoration around the house...


This is right across the street from Beaumont School... I'm tempted to add my own sparkly ornament.

All Mozart Concert with The Ohio Philharmonic Orchestra May 7, 2011

2011-03-19T11:24:00.001-04:00

May 7th, 2011 launches a beautiful all Mozart classical and operatic concert with The Ohio Philharmonic Orchestra. Talented and charasmatic conductor Domenico Boyagian will present the concert at the First Baptist Church in Cleveland Heights. Concert begins at 7:00pm, with free parking at the church and a reception will follow.

The Ohio Philharmonic was founded by William C. Laufer to help support and encourage new audiences to discover classical music. The OPO is also launching an Educational Outreach Project "Young Classical" to visit and collaborate with Cleveland area grade schools, engage young composers with a Young Composers Series and bring new audiences together in classical music.

The Ohio Philharmonic Orchestra is an official Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Sponsorships and donations are always welcome for this first concert and for the educational outreach. For further information and details visit: http://www.ohiophil.org or call 216.647.5001

A Mozart Celebration: May 7th, 2011 at 7:00pm First Baptist Church Cleveland Heights OH

Doan Creek is not a trash can | Cleveland give us a proper trash can!

2011-03-17T13:07:00.002-04:00

Doan Creek is a beautiful park right on the boarder of Cleveland & Cleveland Hts.

Bella was abit disheartened to find we filled an entire bag of trash - Earth Day is almost upon us - Pick it up!

Why the city of Cleveland nor the city of Cleveland Heights won't give us a trash can is beyond me.

For three years I have walked my dog Bella on the North Park Blvd section of the Doan Creek park area. This area has no official title as I know it, no trash cans and no walk ways other than dirt paths. Each day I see runners, parents with small children and people walking their dogs - I love this area and it is used every day by I would guess a hundred people. I have called the city three times asking for a trash can.

This bag of trash is what I picked up in just a half hour walk with Bella dog. I was sick of walking by and NOT picking it up.

So, city of Cleveland give us a trash can!

Banksy's "Park" | Downtown LA

2011-03-12T23:12:00.002-05:00

Amazing how some art is so simple... and perfect.

Masa of Echo Park | Best Gnocci ever.

2011-03-10T20:27:00.001-05:00

1800 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Amelia Island Film Festival 2011 | If You Listen...

2011-03-05T21:04:00.002-05:00

Amelia Island Film Festival (February 24 - 27th) just concluded with a very successful and exciting 3rd year in the making. This is the second year I have participated in the festival with a short film in both years. Last year I premiered The Acorn Penny and this year, If You Listen....
The Amelia Island Film Festival was the first film festival I attended as a Writer/Director. Many of the short films I have shot as a Cinematographer have shown in festivals (Comic Con, AFI Fest, Cleveland International Film Festival are a few of the festivals) but this was the first as Writer/Director and it was exciting to say the very least.
Having grown up in Saint Augustine during the summers, I was curious to see what Amelia Island was like in that regard. Even in February it was just a lovely as I'd remembered Saint Augustine. The festival is held in the historic downtown section of the city, with various venues hosting screenings and Q&A's. We started Thursday night at the hip Indigo Alley Bar & Secret Garden. Having left my own dog at home, i felt particularly attracted to the blue dog behind the counter! (See left). There is art everywhere in Amelia Island, this artist Mad Dog Art does pet portraits. The Indigo Alley beer selection was vast and quiet tasty.
The festival is the brain child of Tony McAdoo & Cathy Schultz (co-founders). It was a joy to attend and I can't wait for next year.
For more information visit:
http://www.ameliaislandfilmfestival.org/

Thanks to Laura Hara for a great article on Jacksonville.com

Star power adds shine to Amelia Island Film Festival

Volunteers made the Fest a success - thanks for all their help!

Belly dancers (clockwise) Kathy, Stephannie / Joan Bean and Kathy / Kathy, Joan & Stephannie

American Experience Senior Editor, Paul Taylor (L-R), "Freedom Riders" Author Ray Arsenault, Festival Member, Amelia Island Film Festival Co-Founder/President Tony McAdoo after the exciting screening of Freedom Riders at the La Tierra Prometida.

FREEDOM RIDERS, premieres on PBS in May 2011.

Q & A with the filmmaker NADIA RAMOUTAR and historians of HOLLYWOOD EAST DOCUMENTARY, a documentary highlighting the importance of Jacksonville as the summer hot spot for early silent films. Their website http://www.normanstudios.org has a wealth of additional information and pictures.

Producer Stanley Nelson (Far Right) and fans with Paul Taylor (Center) the Senior Editor PBS American Experience after the screening of the new documentary FREEDOM RIDERS (based on the book of the same title by author, Ray Arsenault).

Amelia Island Film Festival Volunteers Gonzo, Michael Smith (BM), Bonnie, Board Member Margo Story and me, Filmmaker Tiff Laufer at the Budwiser Lounge. A great new addition to the festival, the 'Bud Lounge' had free beer! It also had the Oscar Nominated short films playing and was a quiet respite from the walking and talking on main street where most of the films played. It was the perfect place a talk to other festival goers, filmmakers and festival staff.

Actor David Keith (Beneath the Blue) and festival friend Kelley

If You Listen | Short film to play Amelia Island & Phoenix Film Festivals

2011-02-11T20:13:00.000-05:00

Exciting News! If You Listen, a new short short film written & directed by Tiffany Ann Laufer (yahoo) will play at the Amelia Island Film Festival (February 24 -27th, 2011) and the Phoenix Film Festival (March 31 - April 7th, 2011)

Dragons & Sweaters with the Charlatan Knitters

2011-01-08T11:46:00.000-05:00

This Christmas I received three dragons in my stocking, something of a surprise for I didn't realize how much I would love having dragons. I put them in my pocket, take them around and you know they love candy. They get into trouble all the time but I'm smitten with them. I forgot to introduce them to my new Charlatan Knitting friends, maybe next time.

Lyric's Birthday Sweater - Pink!

A new baby sock for a little friend!

The African Giraffe from South Africa gets into all sorts of trouble as well. Likes the colors!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Tif

2010-12-20T11:02:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Here is a little short short film to brighten your holidays!

love Tiffany and Belladog

Sunbeam Book Signing | Fun Times!

2010-12-11T14:36:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all those who came out to the book signing at the lovely Sunbeam shop! We met several new friends and even bought a few Christmas gifts ourselves, that's the beauty of having a signing at Sunbeam, there are so many beautiful things in that store to shop for.

Christmas season would not be complete without Swedish Pepparkakor Cookies!

Even Bellaboo & B-Bug's Book of Counting made an appearance.

Book Signing The Porch Dream & Letter Birds | Sunbeam this Sat

2010-12-09T11:42:00.000-05:00

Come out and shop for two wonderful picture books and the wonderful things at the Sunbeam A Shop For Children. Proceeds from Sunbeam help support people re-entering the workforce with education and support. Both myself and Pam Spremulli will be on hand to sign books.

THIS SATURDAY December 11th at Sunbeam 3469 Fairmount Blvd Cleveland Heights OH

www.bellaboobooks.com for more info.

Malabrigo Yarns | Knitting | Watercolors

2010-12-01T12:02:00.000-05:00

Malabrigo Yarns are so beautiful! After discovering Fine Points Knitting store on Larchmere, I've picked up my knitting needles and now I am hooked once again. The last big project I knitted was a basic brown wool sweater, how boring now that I am hooked on this RASTA Merino wool from Uruguay. I am now dreaming of how I can become a sheep farmer, is that what's it's called? sheep farmer? Seems not... but I am in love with this yarn and how it reminds me of my watercolors.

For some little friends I know!

I made these a bit longer because it always seems like socks are falling off little kids feet, right?

This is the next project, more baby socks for all my little friends and their cold winter feet!
This is a wool blend from Germany.

The Acorn Penny | Trailer

2010-11-18T12:23:00.001-05:00

We have just edited our trailer for The Acorn Penny. With just 42 seconds of thoughtful and exciting images hope you enjoy it. We screened this past weekend at the Anthology Film Archives with the Women's Film Institute Shorts Tour. The film will travel to Seattle in 2010, Stanford and hopefully Maine as well. Keep tuned.

The Acorn Penny Trailer from Tiffany Ann Laufer on Vimeo.
Written & Directed by Tiffany Ann Laufer, www.tiffanylaufer.com

Kinshasa dreamed of simple things...a Mom and Dad, food on the table...but when her dreams fade she finds a reality not her own. Alone in a world that forgot about children and their dreams, she has to find the courage to discover her own destiny.

The Acorn Penny is a short film of hope. An artistic work that shines a light on a forgotten part of the world. A call to aid for the living and a remembrance of the 5.4 million people who have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Mineral Wars since 1998.

Visit www.theacornpenny.com for full festival screenings and further information.

A trip to the Highline | NYC Screening Trip

2010-11-17T15:01:00.001-05:00

At sunset | It was a perfect way to finish the day. This is a water feature I would presume for the summer. There is a tiny thread of water that constantly flows so you can cool your feet from the hot sun...

This is my favorite shot to take. It really focuses your attention on the different textures you find yourself in.

I love how the cement and plants grow out from each other.

The Art of Raising Chickens | Cleveland School for the Arts

2010-11-02T09:05:00.000-04:00

“They really are like dinosaurs and the students love them.” Principal Andrew Koonce mentions to me as he opens the coop door and slowly one by one, the more adventurous chickens hop out for a morning walk about. “It started as a science project, learning about the life cycle of chickens and incubating and taking care of the baby hatchlings and two years ago we decided to keep them.” A large, boisterous and I must admit elegant rooster gave a corresponding cackle, he too approved.

Principal Koonce keeps a watchful eye over an oasis of a school. The Cleveland School for the Arts (lower campus) serves pre-K to sixth graders in the city of Cleveland and the art they create is both beautiful and inspiring. A magnet school focused on the arts exists within the Cleveland public school system. It’s a breath of fresh air with in a city that is striving to hold on to its population and the morality of its civic leaders. Northern Ohio has had 309 public officials convicted of crimes over the past ten years and unfortunately for the city, Cleveland took the top spot this year in Forbes’s third annual ranking of the most miserable cities.

Under a grand oak tree, the nine blue bantam hens and rooster live in a colorfully painted coop that sits in the center of the school’s open-air atrium. “We have four students that are the main caretakers and it’s a coveted position to be sure.” Principal Koonce mentions as several students and the security guard stop to gaze at the flock. By now several more have ventured out from the coop. Scratching at the grass and pecking at the fallen acorns, I’m impressed with their clear eyes and glossy feathers. They look healthy to be sure. “Everything that has come from the chickens has been positive and there have been some surprises too, in a good way. ” Principal Koonce goes on to recall a young student who was suffering from separation anxiety, but was able to redirect her energy once we was assigned to collect eggs in the morning. They hadn’t expected the chickens to serve in that way, he admits. But was thankful for it.

From arts and science classes to history and food sciences the chickens have provided a multidisciplinary facet that spans in every direction he tells me. With the meat and poultry industry being the largest segment in agriculture in the United States, maybe each school should have chickens these days. The green movement encompasses economics, and the economics of agriculture does not have to be obscure or confusing and what better time to talk numbers then when you are young.

“The eggs you get at the grocery store are on average from five to six weeks old. Not here, they are perfectly fresh.” The more I heard from Principle Koonce, the more I want my own flock. Students from the local high school built the coop and then Principal Koonce assembled the wire and wooden run. Each morning four students water, feed and collect nine eggs from the flock. “A lot of their grandparents had chickens but this generation didn’t have any exposure to raising animals. Nor did I, it’s been a great learning experience for us all."

As I left that morning, wishing I had taken the free eggs offered, I drove past two gang unit cop cars parked a block away at a local high-school. A swift kick back to reality. But reality also brings us clarity and it has been a breath of fresh air to see a lovely flock of chickens bringing a whole new reality to the Cleveland School for the Arts. Chickens as a food source, a source of friendship, a way to learn of economics and of our history. That's a pretty well rounded reality. As I turned onto E. 55^th I thought maybe that high school needed some chickens too.

Chagrin Documentary Film Festival | Chagrin Falls Oh

2010-10-15T08:41:00.002-04:00

2010-10-11T18:27:00.000-04:00

Blue Pike Farm

2010-10-08T10:21:00.001-04:00

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Thru a window into rest

2010-09-23T17:52:00.001-04:00

Morning Shapes lines and fur

2010-09-23T09:25:00.001-04:00

Bread Love

2010-09-22T18:55:00.001-04:00

Barnes and Noble at Eaton Collection

2010-09-21T18:19:00.001-04:00

Go team!

'Acorn Penny' brings war in Africa to Cleveland

2010-08-10T10:56:00.000-04:00

The Acorn Penny in the Cleveland Plain Dealer article (August 1) by Joanna Conners. Check it out.

Tiffany Laufer has never been to the Democratic Republic of Congo. For that matter, she hasn't traveled anywhere in Africa. But a 2008 National Geographic cover story about the slaughter of seven endangered mountain gorillas in eastern Congo took her heart and her imagination there, and led to her first film as a writer and director. "The Acorn Penny," her 14-minute feature, will be shown at the Cleveland Museum of Art on Friday, Aug. 13. Read full story...

The Acorn Penny to play at the Charlotte Film Festival

2010-06-26T15:41:00.000-04:00

Sept 20 - 26, 2010 The Acorn Penny has gotten into the Charlotte Film Festival. Screening date to be decided. We are excited to think our short film will now play in Charlotte as well as having won 1st place in Asheville's Twin Rivers Media Festival. Very exciting!

Printing a sample page of The Birthday Wish

2010-06-21T15:35:00.000-04:00

Visit www.theacornpenny.com A short film of hope.

Seeing Green Art Show!

2010-06-21T15:30:00.000-04:00

Check out the recycling truck spread from The Porch Dream at the
Artists Archive of the Western Reserve until July 16th

The Acorn Penny wins 1st Place at the Twin Rivers Media Festival, Experimental Film Category

2010-05-25T21:16:00.002-04:00

The Acorn Penny has won 1st place at the Twin Rivers Media Festival in the Experimental Film Category. Twin Rivers Media Festival is located in Asheville NC.

Screening: May 29 Saturday 2010

Starting the new book

2010-04-20T18:37:00.000-04:00

2010-03-27T10:02:00.001-04:00

2010-03-27T10:01:00.000-04:00

2010-03-27T02:14:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the LA Woman's International Film Festival

2010-03-27T02:14:00.001-04:00

It's a wrap for second Amelia Island Film Festival

2010-03-10T08:59:00.000-05:00

by Michelle Eggers
The second annual Amelia Island Film Festival drew to a close Sunday after showing more than 70 films over three days at four locations in Fernandina Beach. The infant fest garnered submissions from across the globe with an array of genres ranging from comedy to drama to horror.
Most of the films were shorts - under a half-hour. Whether short or long, each film was chosen for the impact of its message.
Organizers said they were happy to have been able to pick from such a large selection of films that were submitted.
Some films hit home, like Jacksonville Beach resident Josh Hansbrough's "One Village Same Ocean," a 45-minute documentary exposing the negative impact of cruise ships on Mayport's waters.
Other films were more pressing, like Tiffany Laufer's short film titled "The Acorn Penny," which guides viewers through the metaphorical journey of a young African refugee and her magical acorn. Laufer said she originally hoped to produce a feature-length film on genocide in the Congo, but because of the immediacy of the issue, created a short instead.
"This message is too important to wait," Laufer said, "I knew that I needed to get it out to people as quickly as possible."
Visiting filmmakers were happy as well with Fernandina Beach as a location for the film festival.
Filmmaker Brett Carlson, whose comic short "Take My Wife" won the AIFF Best Comedy Sid Sax Memorial Award, traveled from Los Angeles to attend the event and has fond childhood memories of Amelia Island.
"I remember the family spending a few weekends here as a kid," Carlson said, "and I loved it."
Carlson's mother and executive producer of the film, Dimity Carlson, expressed equal excitement. "The whole community has been so welcoming and supportive of the filmmakers, she said, adding "This has been an excellent film festival."
Such praises are good news to festival organizers, who hope to expand in the future by appealing to broader markets and attracting more filmmakers to Fernandina Beach.
"This festival stands out. It's not just regional," says local author and film festival board member Nadine Vaughn. "We're looking to grow."
Don't fret if you missed the films, all films showcased in the festival are available at the Nassau County Library.

Amelia Island Book signing at The Book Loft

2010-03-09T08:49:00.001-05:00

Making a digibeta for our LA festival screening...

2010-03-05T15:38:00.001-05:00

Florida sun

2010-03-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

The Porch Dream included in the Ohioana Book Festival | May 8, 2010

2010-02-16T16:56:00.003-05:00

We are excited to announce The Porch Dream, my new children's book will be included in the Ohioana Book Festival. Visit the official site at: www.ohioanabookfestival.com/authors/ for more information. What a great way to welcome the new year!

This is from their website:

“The Ohioana Book Festival is a welcome reminder of the powerful friend we have in a generous author who gifts us with a well-written book.”

- Ohio’s First Lady Frances Strickland in Over the Back Fence May/June 2009

Amelia Island Film Festival | Spreading the word about the crisis in the Congo

2010-02-15T09:09:00.001-05:00

The Acorn Penny will be showing at the Amelia Island Film Festival - we are excited and thankful that our little film will be able to spread the word and hopes of the events in the DRC region. Thank you Amelia Island!

A great article this past week in the NYTimes by Op-Ed Columnist, Nicolas D. Kristof - definately worth the read: The Grotesque Vocabulary in Congo

The Acorn Penny will play at the Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival

2010-02-04T14:23:00.001-05:00

The Acorn Penny will be playing at the lovely Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival.

March 26 - April 1st, 2010

The LAWIFF is sponsored by the Alliance of Women Filmmakers.

Alliance of Women Filmmakers Inc. is a non-profit 501c(3) organization founded by Diana Means 6 years ago with a goal to increase opportunities for women filmmakers to share their stories with the world. We have developed an internationally acclaimed film festival that has showcased over 500 films made by women of diverse back grounds from all over the world. Alliance of Women Filmmakers has also established a network of women filmmakers world wide who share the same passion in creating powerful screen images of women.

Described by Back Stage West Magazine, a leading source for entertainment news, as a “Must-attend event for all women in the entertainment industry,” the festival presents narratives, documentaries, animation and student short films. The festival’s programming reflects our commitment to educate and inform audiences of social political and health issues impacting women globally.

Hope to see you in Los Angeles in the beautiful Spring! Thanks LAWIFF!

Favorite Illustrator #2 - Kelly Murphy

2010-01-11T09:39:00.001-05:00

KELLY MURPHY
http://www.kelmurphy.com/books.html

Amazing work and lots of it. We first found Kelly Murphy's The Bool Weevil Ball, which is a sweet tale about being happy with who you are. Check her website, really fun stuff.

2010-01-08T13:32:00.001-05:00

2010: A look at our Heros in Childrens' book Illustration

2010-01-04T12:30:00.000-05:00

EMILY GRAVETT
http://www.emilygravett.com/

Horray for 2010! This will be a year of inspiration! for new friends and new adventures. For the next month I'll share with you my heros of children's book illustration. I am in love with my new found passion of Children's books. The Porch Dream is now carried on Amazon.com included in their free shipping program and as always at BELLABOO BOOKS (Macs Backs Books, Fireside Booshop, The Learned Owl, Sunbeam & The Book Loft on Amelia Island).

Snowflake Garland Crafts for the Season

2009-12-07T13:18:00.000-05:00

Here's an arts and crafts idea for all those artsy people in my life. love Tiff and Bellaboo Books

first snow

2009-12-06T10:31:00.002-05:00

waiting

2009-12-04T12:17:00.001-05:00

waiting to hear if your film gets accepted into a film festival is hard - today I have checked my computer numerous times...and once again...and again. So far we've submitted The Acorn Penny to lots of festivals and today and monday are two notification days.

so...I do alittle drawing, reading, writing, send some books out, check the email, update my linkin in status, check the email, make lunch, call my mom, check the email... we'll see!

Connected Shadows

2009-12-02T10:53:00.000-05:00

"Going West" by the New Zealand book council

2009-12-01T09:14:00.002-05:00

AMAZING!

Seaside countryside | maine

2009-11-30T10:51:00.004-05:00

Dog and dog

2009-11-27T10:04:00.000-05:00

Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2009

2009-11-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

By THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
Every year since 1952, the Book Review has asked a panel of judges to select 10 books from among the several thousand children’s books published that year. The judges this time around were Adam Gopnik, who writes regularly for The New Yorker and is the author of two novels for children, “The King in the Window” and the forthcoming “Steps Across the Water”; Jillian Tamaki, a teacher at the School of Visual Arts and the recipient of a Society of Illustrators gold medal; and Lisa Von Drasek, the children’s librarian of the Bank Street College of Education.

IMDB page now up and running

2009-11-10T15:03:00.000-05:00

We have put up our IMDB page with all our credits and poster image. We will be updating the page with more photos soon. It takes awhile to work with imdb though they are getting better as they grow. Our next goal - TWITTER! With the film festivals approaching in January we are aiming to keep in touch on all levels with our support groups in each city. Yeah technology!

Come on down to Wooster! the Buckeye Book Fair

2009-11-06T22:43:00.000-05:00

This is it - the Buckeye Book Fair - 100 authors/artists from all around Ohio and beyond - ready to tell you some brilliant and beautiful stories. Bring your eager mind and checkbook to shop for all your friends and family. Think of it, you could be done with all your holiday shopping in just one place!

The Porch Dream will be there, come on out and say hi! Meet some new friends!

ps: I designed the POSTER, yahoo!

Book Signing | December 19th 11-1pm | Sunbeam

2009-11-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

Get ready for some storytelling, tasty cookies and shopping for a good cause. I shall be reading and signing copies of The Porch Dream at SUNBEAM | A shop for children on Fairmount Blvd. - Sales from Sunbeam go to benefit Vocational Guidance Services In addition, anyone who brings in a doggie or cat related donation for the CLEVELAND ANIMAL PROTECTIVE LEAGUE will receive a discount at the store that day.

This year you can buy a gift and support all local people directly. The Porch Dream was printed in the USA so even there - more home based jobs supported.

Oprah Picks 'Say You're One of Them'

2009-09-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

Just read this - wow!

Charlotte Abbott -- Publishers Weekly, 9/18/2009 10:01:00 AM

Broadcasting live from Central Park under sunny blue skies, Oprah Winfrey announced that Say You’re One of Them by Nigeran author Uwem Akpan is the first story collection to be featured in her book club. Each of the five stories in the collection “left me gasping,” Winfrey said, in explaining why she chose the book. read on

The Official Film Festival Poster

2009-09-21T09:49:00.000-04:00

The Package Arrived - Layout enclosed

2009-09-07T13:33:00.000-04:00

I am almost ready to print THE PORCH DREAM. Yahoo! Crazy cakes! and it's a dream to be saying that as well. Say it again, crazy cakes! From the printer I received four things that have to be approved and then sent back. Here's what I got back - just in case you ever want to do a book, here's what you'll get:

1. Cover

2. Dust jacket (on the far left or above it's the bottom one)

3. Contents - this is not printed to the highest resolution, more for layout and such

4. Layouts of each page printed at the highest resolution.
I checked everything and ended up re-uploading corrected pages and then sent it back to the printer....
upnext...Online proofs and then to the PRESSES WE GO.

I'll let you know when the book arrives!

NEW Bellaboo Coffee, Tea and Juice mugs! on sale to benefit the Cleveland APL

2009-09-03T10:22:00.000-04:00

Georgia O'Keefe as inspiration

2009-09-02T14:39:00.000-04:00

Great new link from the ALA for websites for Kids

2009-08-28T11:37:00.000-04:00

ALSC announces exceptional Web sites for children ... The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association, has added Web sites this fall to Great Web Sites for Kids (www.ala.org/greatsites)... “Not all Web sites for kids are created equal,” said Karen Lemmons, co-chair of the committee and a library media specialist at Howe Elementary School in Detroit. “To make the cut and appear on the Great Web sites for Kids, a site must demonstrate commendable quality and reflect and encourage young people’s interests in exemplary ways. Sites must stand up to an evaluation and voting process by the committee before being deemed ‘great’ and added to the GWS page.”

Easy FELT Flowers for your desk, stroller, bookmark...

2009-08-16T12:57:00.000-04:00

Gathering the materials is the hardest thing - from here it's pretty simple. Enjoy!

Rooftop Gardening Chicago Restaurant

2009-08-08T00:22:00.000-04:00

Surrounded by dirt, trellises, plants and happy gardeners; you would think we had wandered into a fairy tale about sustainable agriculture. Which, in a way, we had … except this storybook was set in a magical land 20 feet above the ground. On Saturday, Uncommon Ground opened America’s first organically certified rooftop garden at their Devon Avenue location, and they invited Mayor Daley to join in the revelry.

Owners Mike and Helen Cameron are committed to running their restaurant in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. They have participated in Slow Food, won environmental awards, used local produce and started a farmer’s market in their parking lot (Ed. Note: That Farmer's market happens every Friday from 4-8 p.m. — CS). The rooftop garden takes it to another level. There is almost a fifth of an acre on the roof of the restaurant devoted to growing organic crops. That might not sound like much land, but this isn’t a flower garden - they are focusing on high-yield crops like tomatoes, beans and cucumbers. Gardeners know how much food can be produced from a properly set-up small garden and Uncommon Ground has taken it one step farther, hiring a professional garden manager to make sure everything runs smoothly. full article HERE Written by: Anthony Todd at www.chicagoist.com

Swedish Has Beens adorable shoes

2009-08-05T15:28:00.000-04:00

Adorable Swedish shoes - just found these at Swedish Has Beens - what luxury - don't fret they have them in our size too (albeit abit pricey wow!) But we can dream, right?

Behind the Scenes | Creative House Studios Greenscreen

2009-07-27T11:10:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Peter Samson at Creative House Studios for putting together this great behind the scenes video highlighting our shoot and their great studio. Check it out here.

Day 1 : Expansion

2009-07-15T21:22:00.003-04:00

Images: Day 1
Situation: Location Scout for our short film THE ACORN PENNY
Location: The Cleveland Museum of Art
Feeling of the day: expansion

Giving Cleveland and Ohio a Chance | The Acorn Penny

2009-07-08T10:23:00.000-04:00

June 15th we began filming the short film The Acorn Penny here in Cleveland Ohio. It's a short film about a young girl searching for her future - in following an unlikely guide she finds herself taken back in time, brought back to reality and then presented her future - all in an afternoon.

We found that Cleveland holds a myriad of beautiful locations some readily apparent and others hidden to only locals. Even though Ohio has no competitive film tax incentives we believe Ohio (and my hometown Cleveland) deserves a chance whether or not the politicians in Columbus understand our livelihood or not. Filmmaking is hard to understand as a craft because there are so many people involved in the process and until you work on a film set you won't fully comprehend how much goes into it.

There are talented crews here in town but unfortunately many of them have left for Los Angeles, New York and recently Michigan and Pittsburgh all due to other states voting in film production tax incentives. Just last month I worked on a show where I had met a new production assistant and in talking I said 'What's next for you?' I was curious, he seemed motivated and ready to learn - he replied 'Oh, I'm moving to LA. ' How could I blame him? I couldn't for in the end I'll probably have to move back there as well. At least not for a few more months. We'll see.

Picture by: Tom Gavan

Understanding our Storyboards

2009-07-01T09:42:00.000-04:00

Just finished shooting and now for editing. Our storyboards were blown up onto show card and then placed on a Cstand so we could put them close to our camera and slowly check off each shot as we finished them. Next time I should find a professional storyboard artist for some of my stick figures were hard to decipher on set.

More picts to follow!

DAY 1: SHOOTING has begun

2009-06-17T13:17:00.000-04:00

R-L: TJ Hellmuth (DP), Mark Conchie (Camera PA), Tiff Laufer (Director), Tom Gavan (Dolly Grip) & Jada Young (Actress) Photo ©2009 William C. Laufer

We've just finished our first offical day of shooting - we were lucky to have the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in our backyard to provide the amazingly beautiful and historic backdrop for our film. We started in the Kirtland Hall of Prehistoric Life and then moved into a smaller gallery from there. It seemed like a quick day, literally flying by. It's quite a dance once you start shooting - trying to balance actors, camera movement, script and story ideas all into one shot.
I storyboarded the sequence but even then once you get onto set there are adjustments and modifications that continue to work their way into the shot, hopefully it only improves the shot and adds more life to it. We have a great crew so I know we'll be able to get our shots and make our days once we resume shooting. Yeah!

Our first shot was of this amazingly beautiful Tyrannosaurus Rex, here is some information on her from CMNH's website:

"Paleontologists have discovered and excavated only about 20 T. rexes, all of them from North America in Texas, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Rancher Kathy Wankel discovered the original specimen of this T. rex in 1988 in the badlands of eastern Montana while out on a walk.

She brought the find to the attention of Jack Horner, curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies (MOR) in Bozeman, Montana. He led a crew that excavated the site in 1989 and 1990.

The bones of this specimen were prepared between 1991 and 1993 and are now on display at MOR. The original mount is nearly 90 percent complete and includes the first intact forelimb of a T. rex ever found."

Amazing play about the DRC Crisis - RUINED

2009-06-17T13:11:00.000-04:00

RUINED, the Tony award winning play.

From their website:

A world-premiere co-production with the Goodman Theatre.
Previews begin January 21, 2009
· STAGE I ·

From Lynn Nottage, the Obie Award-winning author of such plays as Fabulation and Intimate Apparel, comes this haunting, probing work about the resilience of the human spirit during times of war. Set in a small mining town in Democratic Republic of Congo, this powerful play follows Mama Nadi, a shrewd businesswoman in a land torn apart by civil war. But is she protecting or profiting by the women she shelters? How far will she go to survive? Can a price be placed on a human life? Directing is Kate Whoriskey, who staged Ms. Nottage’s Fabulation at Playwrights Horizons.

Simple sewing for beginners: The New Handmade

2009-05-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

Just bought this book and plan to make several things with my niece this summer. Cool projects that are easy beginning sewing and utilitarian objects which get used!

from amazon description:
In an age of mass-produced fashion, express your individual style! Create handmade projects for your wardrobe and home with only a small time commitment and basic sewing skills. Now you can make fun, useful accessories and gifts with the contemporary fabrics you love.

* Choose from totes and bags, cases and covers, fashion accents, and home decor projects
* Learn techniques you'll use again and again, such as installing zippers, using fusible applique, and basic machine quilting
* Mix and match the elements to make each design a one-of-a-kind masterpiece

Buckeye Book Fair • November 2009

2009-05-01T10:20:00.000-04:00

Poster design: Tiffany Ann Laufer - I submitted this to them and they graciously used it, yipee! The power of doing something from the heart!

That's it - Novmber 7, 2009 we be meeting new friends and celebrating books, reading and creativity at the 22nd annual Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster, Ohio.

Food Inc | Documentary of note

2009-04-22T14:27:00.000-04:00

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that’s been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. Food, Inc. reveals surprising — and often shocking truths — about what we eat, how it’s produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.

Official Movie Site

Making Books with Children | a link

2009-04-21T13:55:00.000-04:00

Check out these great projects by Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord- free instructions and ideas for fun projects to do with your kids.

http://www.makingbooks.com/freeprojects.shtml

Stick & Elastic Book

This is a fun book because it is so simple and so clever. The directions start by folding paper in half the long way. By doing this you can reuse paper as long as it has writing on only one side. You can also use single sheets of paper. If you use new paper, you can skip the first step and make a larger book. Your book can have more pages but it will be harder to punch through all the layers at once. Although the book is simple, punching the holes and manipulating the elastic can be awkward. I don't make it with groups but it's perfect with a few children.

You Need:
* 2 sheets paper (it can have writing on one side)
* 1 elastic band (I use ones from vegetables and newspaper delivery)
* 1 stick about the height of the folded paper after step 1
* Hole punch

Making the Book:
1. Fold each paper in half the long way so that is long and skinny like a hot dog. If it has writing on it, the writing should be on the inside.

2. Fold each paper in half the other way.

3. Tuck one folded piece inside the other.

4. Punch two holes through all the layers about 1/4" in from the folded edge of the papers.

5. Wrap the elastic around the top of the stick and put the end into and through the top hole.

6. Turn the book over. At the back of the book, pull the end of the elastic down and put it through the bottom hole. Insert the other end of the stick into the loop.