rachel best blogs

happy new year

2011-01-07T15:05:00.003-05:00

Hello friends, just wanted to wish everyone a happy new year! I like to think of the whole world as being sparkly, because that's a happy thought.

Top image by Spanish artist Chema Madoz, second image from Confetti System.

favela painting

2010-08-13T16:43:00.004-04:00

Have you guys seen this project in Praça Cantão? What used to be "hillside slum" is now a monument for this community Santa Marta, a favela in the heart of Rio de Janeiro.

Art & design projects of this magnitude really blow my mind. I bet this would be amazing to see in person.

the talented ashley meaders

2010-08-13T09:59:00.004-04:00

Oh my, aren't the scenes in these photos enchanting? This fabric installation was made of braided fabric, hand-sewn garland, fabric strips, and lights by the ever-creative Ashley Meaders for the wedding of the uber-talented photographer, Max Wanger.

Ashley makes a lot of other neat things for events & parties... like plush yodel bubbles for photobooth props at Google's Annual Oktoberfest. I like the way this lady thinks....

It's the magical mystery kind

2010-08-11T13:28:00.002-04:00

I spotted this video on Beach Bungalow 8 the other day, and I just can't get enough of it!

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero's - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

I see they [Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros] will be coming to Florida in October, too bad none of the stops are in Jacksonville!

painted & patterned

2010-08-05T16:02:00.002-04:00

This image is another one that has sort of stuck with me after seeing it featured last month on Design*Spong e. Look at that magnificently painted floor. First of all, love that pattern and hello, yellow! Love it, love it.

memorable type

2010-08-04T12:35:00.007-04:00

A few months ago I spotted these adorable recipe boxes made by the lovely folks over at Rifle Paper Co. And memorable they are because I have not forgotten about them since.

Something about the lovely white script against the raw-looking wood just really strikes a chord with me. They come with cute recipe cards too.

I think this would make a lovely wedding gift, assuming your newly-wed friends have an appreciation for great type and carefully crafted wood. Something about recipe boxes seems timeless to me though, the kind of thing you keep forever and then your grandkids keep once your gone. I think these look like they could stand that test of time.

2010-08-04T03:38:00.002-04:00

Dear blog,

I am a bit ashamed of the way I have neglected you. I hope you will find it in your guts to forgive me. You see life has a funny way of interrupting things. And then technological advances like Google Buzz and Twitter come along and all the sudden I have found an easier way to share things. But I think I'd like to come and hangout with you again, blog. If you'll have me, I will sprinkle images of inspiration and creativity upon you and things will be just like old times.

Your grateful author,
Rachel Best

[image from nerdboyfriend.com]

loepsie: not your average braid

2010-04-12T19:05:00.006-04:00

I know I haven't posted in ages. But I decided to jump on here and quickly share a cool little resource. The other day curiosity peaked me and I went looking for a video tutorial for creating fishtail braids. Not only did I learn how to fishtail braid, but I found a youtube channel by this lovely lady named Lucy. She has a bunch of videos with easy hairstyles for long hair. At the moment my hair is short and being grown out, but my boyfriends' children live with us and his 7 year old daughter Ella has long hair (almost identical to Lucy's in the videos). I am looking forward to adding some new hairstyles to my repertoire for Miss Ella. After all, with long hair such as theirs why not exercise all the more options they have?

kanzashi masks

2009-05-03T12:55:00.004-04:00

I know the time of year for carnival celebrations has passed, but a few weeks ago I spotted these beautiful masks on Etsy, and I keep thinking about them.

These intricately designed masks are made out of paper kanzashi modules by Barcelonean Etsy user Ccaspia. Kanazashi is a Japanese art form of folding paper or fabric into small flowers which were traditionally worn in a woman's hair.

Ccaspia has used them to make masks for masquerade parties, carnivale, or whatever you desire. She has many other mask designs in her Etsy shop, be sure to jump over and check them out.

{all photos from Ccaspia's Etsy shop}

fab pillows under $25

2009-04-16T01:38:00.005-04:00

I can't take credit for finding these gems, I saw them on this post from Michelle's blog (Design Evolution). But for spending under $25 you can't beat these crafty designs... I'd like one of each please.

Spring Green and Bright White ruffle pillows by Hettle, $24 and $16.

Love and Doily pillow covers by Nuka, each $14.

Okay... these last two are not under $25, but I love the colors and I am particularly fond of the 'Be Nice or Leave' sentiment and I wanted to show them off anyway. These are made with recycled materials and love by Alexandra Ferguson.

le love and why i love it

2009-02-13T15:58:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and while I'm not into the consumerism/commercial aspect of it, and I believe love should be celebrated any & every day, but I love seeing all the creative things the design world has put together in honor of the holiday [hence the last few posts I've made]. I also really love the way a single image/thing/project can make you feel, and that is what art and love is all about. Happy Valentine's Day everyone, I hope you take a moment to appreciate something in your life that you love, whether it's a person, a feeling, or a creative endeavor and celebrate that.

Having trouble coming up with something? Find some inspiration here on this relatively new [and ingenious] site, by Thought & Theory, called yiloveit.com where you can read about profess love about anything and everything.

{images from the Le Love blog, which is also definitely worth checking out too}

kate spade valentines

2009-02-12T15:20:00.004-05:00

Some more free valentines! This time from Kate Spade and a whole slew of talented artists. Check them out here.

{via Creature Comforts}

obey this

2009-02-12T13:31:00.003-05:00

Going on sale tomorrow (Feb. 13th) are these Japanese Fabric Pattern Obey prints. They come in a set of 4, each 18 x 18 and are a limited edition of 100. Get 'em while they're still around.

freedom

2009-02-12T11:00:00.003-05:00

Did you know that this week is Freedom to Marry Week? Yep, just wanted to give a little attention to a good cause and nice logo design.

arturo tote bags

2009-02-11T14:30:00.005-05:00

While I have your attention, I just wanted to take a moment to point out some adorable tote bags. These bags, adorned with Bean the Boston Terrier, are hand screened by a local Jacksonville company called Arturo Clothing Co. I think they are just wonderful and would be perfect for, say, a small birthday gift (ahem, March 2nd, pink one). One can never have too many tote bags, right?

just. add. paper.

2009-02-11T11:28:00.003-05:00

In need of another easy or last-minute valentine? I love these printable Valentines from Little Brown Pen. For just $5 you get folded notecards, flat notecards, gift tags, an envelope and 8.5 x 11 stationery. All you do is download and then print!

Nichole and her family are currently living in a beautiful apartment in Paris. I have been enjoying reading her updates on her blog and catching her daily tweets on twitter for the last few months. Her and her hubby started this ingenious idea of "just. add. paper" and I must say, ever since I first saw their idea, I have seen it popping up all over the place; Trendsetters they are indeed! You must watch their beautifully crafted video (it was made during the holidays to exhibit the concept of "just. add. paper"... but you get the idea, it translates to any of their products).

Check out the Little Brown Pen etsy shop, there are other valentines, stationery, calendars and such too.

made with love

2009-02-10T13:36:00.004-05:00

Check out this fantastic little freebie made by Twig & Thistle... the idea is you make the heart-shaped brownies, download Twig & Thistle's free graphic, print the graphic on a paper bag or sticker, and tada(!), instant valentine's gift, appropriate for anyone. A genius idea if you ask me.

If you're feeling a little more adventurous in the kitchen, click here to see Twig & Thistle's recipe for individual apple pies and another free graphic to go along with them. Twig & Thistle is on a roll, make sure to give the blog some love.

{photos from Twig & Thistle}

transmogrification

2009-02-09T15:01:00.010-05:00

Today I saw this cute little illustration entitled "you are what you eat" by Hiss Illustration. Isn't it adorable? It reminded me of this silly video my boyfriend sent me earlier. Check out the transformations of this crazy looking bird...

[For those of you using an rss reader, click through to the web page to see the following you tube video]

{illustration found via so sweet & so cold}

merry christmas!

2008-12-25T07:43:00.002-05:00

Good Morning, folks! This season has been hectic, and I haven't been able to produce much blog action, but I just wanted to take a quick timeout to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I hope your day is pleasant and filled with family and love. Hope to see more of you guys (and free time) in the new year!

[Our tree this year. Excuse the barren space, the photo was quickly snapped before I got a chance to wrap all the presents!]

whimsy & spice

2008-11-20T20:28:00.002-05:00

I used to bake [and blog] pretty often... but lately my free time has been slim to none. Today I stumbled upon a lovely website, Whimsy & Spice, and I am smitten.

"Whimsy & Spice was founded in 2008 by the husband and wife team of Mark Sopchak and Jenna Park, who combine their skills and more than 12 years of experience in culinary arts and graphic design to produce a distinctive line of handmade sweets."

I love how amazingly styled the photographs and website are. Which I'm sure is thanks to Jenna, whom leads all of the company's branding and creative efforts. I'll have two Pumpkin Ginger Sandwich Cookies, please.

{all photos from Whimsy & Spice website}

yoran morvant

2008-10-25T22:19:00.003-04:00

These intricate drawings on stone are made by Yoran Morvant, you can find them in the Ashes & Milk online store. I think they are just beautiful.

pattern tales by alan, the gallant

2008-10-15T00:17:00.003-04:00

Here is another really cool pattern to enjoy this week. This one is a limited edition handmade designed wallpaper called TOPO AZUL by Barcelona-based creative studio Alan, The Gallant. You can see more patterns from the Pattern Tales series here.

gravity's rainbow

2008-10-11T16:48:00.003-04:00

I'm really digging this print by Dan Funderburgh called 'Gravity's Rainbow'. The print is available on the I Am Still Alive website.

This pattern is especially neat because when you look up close at the details, you notice the knives, scissors, etc.

Dan has another print for sale on the same site, called 'Census' in which all proceeds will go to the Obama campaign.

{via local Jacksonville blogger, Paper and Stitch}

pretty pumpkin

2008-10-10T12:38:00.005-04:00

Today I am really loving this photo from a pumpkin carving feature Country Living has done. The pattern on the pumpkin is cool, but it is the styling and colors of the photo that I am really drawn to. Check out some of the other pumpkin design ideas they feature here.

Oh, and here's a little tip that they suggest:

"To keep the exposed flesh fresh-looking before a party, rub a coating of Vaseline over it, then wipe it off before the event."

{via Poppytalk}

pierre andré senizergues

2008-10-07T19:26:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago my boyfriend sent me a link to a set of photos from the house of Etnies founder, Pierre André Senizergues. (If you are not familiar, Etnies is a shoe & apparel company primarily for skateboarders.) The photos, taken by Don Bartletti, were featured in LA Times' Home & Garden section. All the color and patterns are a little zany, but then again, I love color and patterns.

I did a little more research and I noticed that LA Times aren't the only ones that have featured Pierre André's home. In May 2007, the Orange County Register also did a feature on his design aesthetic and style; 'A House with Sole' is what they called it. In this article he sites back to his Catalan roots as influence in this space, which can be clearly seen with his choice in colors and the abundance of mosaics all over the place.

"I think design is like an art piece, and art is inspiring. It makes you think differently. Just like in Paris, when you see all the buildings lit beautifully. Visual enjoyment in life is important."

You can see more photos from Newport Beach house here.

{photos by Don Bartletti with the Los Angeles Times}

me encanta esta sala.

2008-09-20T19:05:00.003-04:00

I sort of love that green couch... and the wallpaper panels... and the pink patterned chair.

{I saved this photo a while ago, I am pretty sure it is from the Spanish magazine micasa. If you know otherwise, feel free to leave a comment!}

change we need

2008-09-18T14:15:00.007-04:00

Obama is coming to Jacksonville this Saturday! And I just spotted the perfect t-shirt to wear... too bad it probably won't arrive in time for the rally. Nonetheless, this is still an awesome shirt and you can buy your own right here. (and yes, a portion of the proceeds go to Obama's Presidential Campaign.)

{via joanna goddard}

If you are here locally and plan on attending the Saturday event, here are the details:

Metropolitan Park
1410 Gator Bowl Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
No bags. Limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.

Saturday, September 20th
Doors Open: 12:30 p.m.
Program Begins: 2:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are not required. However, RSVP is strongly encouraged.

the road to finding the perfect chevron.. err, ripple pattern

2008-09-15T15:38:00.007-04:00

{Rachel Saldaña's bedroom featured on Design*Sponge}

There is something about the return of Fall TV that always makes me want to dig out my yarn and knitting needles. I would have normally said "the return of fall" but as I was about to write this post I realized this past year I haven't pick up my knitting needles once. This is probably due to the strike-inducing, terrible lack of television. Television is one of my very few vices, I love my DVR a little too much. And I will be honest, I don't really watch that much tv, I just have a few shows every season that I stay extremely dedicated to and insist on watching them from start to finish and never out of order (it's borderline OCD the order and way I watch tv). Anyway... to me, there is nothing more relaxing and rewarding than sitting down after a long day, turning on a good show and working on a great knitting project. (This makes me sound like a granny, doesn't it?)

{Rachel Saldaña's bedroom featured on Design*Sponge}

Last week I saw the beautiful home of Rachel Saldaña on Design*Sponge. The images of her bedroom in the sneak peak just stuck with me for some reason {see the two pictures above, both photos from D*S}. And then I realized what it was, I really love that blanket. I've always been partial to a chevron pattern, and I am realizing over time that (for whatever reason) I am drawn to pink/magenta shades of color. And this is how my hunt for the perfect chevron pattern began...

{above photo by Ripple-Along group member charlottelader, you can see her blog post about the blanket pictured here}

At first I tried looking for different chevron knitting patterns online, and to my dismay it appears all of the stitches I was drawn to weren't knitting patterns at all, but crochet. I currently don't know how to crochet. I've tried it a handful of times, but never really had anything pushing me to learn it. I suppose now I do!

{above photo by Ripple-Along group member Attic 24, you can see her blog post about the blanket pictured here}

After clicking through different links, and being disappointed with my finds, I somehow stumbled upon this blog post on Shelterific, which in turn took me to a Flickr group called Ripple-Along. Aha! So 'ripple' is the hip word used in the crafty community, not 'chevron' (silly, design-thinker me). I thought to myself, 'wow, this is where all those cool looking blankets are hiding' followed by a 'I should have known better to check flickr and blogs first'. Everything else I had come across was slathered in 70s vintage brown, and just wasn't the look I was going for... at all.

{pattern inspiration from this image at Pottery Barn}

But honestly, now I am even more confused. At first I thought I wanted to do a simple two-color chevron pattern, similar to something like this rug from Pottery Barn {see above}. And now that I've seen all these bright and colorful blankets from the Ripple-Along group, I am having a hard time resisting the bold beautiful explosions of color! And what-to-do? A ripple wave? Or a pointed ripple? Forget ripples, look at this astounding Tuscon crochet pattern {shown below in white}! Oh the decisions...

{Tuscon blanket made as a wedding present by the talented flickr user Pinkshoes Family}

Either way, I am looking forward to watching more Mad Men* with a new project in hand, and the hunt for some cool yarn. It never ceases to amaze me, where the blogging and flickr communities can take you. So much inspiration to be had and projects to embark on.

* Oh, how I love Mad Men! Don't get me started, I will have to save that post for another day...

john derian at target!

2008-08-18T11:22:00.004-04:00

Oh my oh my... I am so excited, what a nice surprise to come home to! Upon peering into my new issue of domino last night I saw an ad for Target promoting a new line coming in September by John Derian! This is so great! {pardon the dodgy photo above, I just snapped a photo of it real quick on my phone to display the ad.}

I have admired John Derian for years now. In fact my first 'decor / design / inspirational' blog post I ever made was an ode to John Derian on my myspace blog (ick myspace blogs, i know). I'm not going to bother linking you to myspace, but you can see a small set on my flickr with the objects I posted about. {Btw, that was over two years ago! I can't believe how fast time flies... I quickly launched rachel best blogs with blogger very soon after. Yep, a 2 year birthday for the blog coming up in November!}

Well, this post has turned into a little trip down memory lane. Sorry about trailing off on a side tangent, John Derian sits a little close to my heart. His style is eclectic and I love that. He works in beautiful collage form and incorporates a lot of swoon-worthy pieces that mix old fashioned writing with beautiful organic forms like leaves, animals or insects (did I mention I have always had a thing for dragonflies and butterflies? ask my friends from middle school.. they will confirm).

I have long coveted one of his gorgeous pieces, but they are really out of my casual spending range. But alas! Now target is doing what it does best, making the work of amazingly talented designers affordable for people like you and me. Now I can have my very own Derian piece. This makes me truly happy. And I'm happy that more people in the world will now know of the great work John Derian makes. Thank you Target!

p.s. I can't leave this post without mentioning the lovely objects (aside from his decoupage pieces) he carries in his store. You can see them on his website too.

p.s.s. I should note that I have no idea what the pieces at Target will look like aside from the ad above, I have searched for pics to no avail. The other photos in this post are all from his website.

backyard sunday

2008-08-17T12:00:00.001-04:00

Hope you are having a lazy, delightful sunday.

Are you possibly hanging out on some lovely patios?

Take a look at the lovely patio selections featured over on Domino Magazine's website.

Or maybe you are taking a dip in a refreshing pool?

Isn't this pool at the Jay Paley residence amazing?

{via style court and domino}

bursts of pink!

2008-08-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

I'm loving the bursts of pink in the posts of newfound blogger, hidden in france.

Smegs are cool.

Love this vanity from Lulu Guinness's home.

{via hidden in france}

carolyn quartermaine

2008-08-16T23:42:00.004-04:00

Like yesterday's white + color inspiration, this home of Carolyn Quartermaine is so incredible. I love the delicate balance of white and blushing pink.

Bits of modern, color and rustic.

Turquoise in the kitchen is a must.

Fresh flowers and patterned wall hangings always welcome.

Sheer romance never hurts.

{photos vogue living australia / via poppytalk}

[disclaimer: I apologize for posting this entry twice. I am out of town in Columbia, South Carolina for the weekend - helping my younger sister move into her dorm room at USC - and I had scheduled this post on Friday night, and for some reason when it went live earlier today the flickr images didn't make it. So hopefully this won't happen to the two posts I scheduled for tomorrow. In the meantime... on with the original post.]

on with the white inspiration...

2008-08-15T18:39:00.004-04:00

I feel like this white danish home with colorful accents is everything I wish my home was. It has all the colors I love and gravitate towards, yet lots of white. Clean, very clean looking.

Like bright colors, I am gravitated towards great patterns and a strong ethnic flair.

{photos / via the style files}

pink unicorn

2008-08-15T16:51:00.001-04:00

I think this temporary tattoo from Julia Pott is hilarious. She is quite a talented illustrator, check out the work in her portfolio on her website.

{via krisatomic}

white + detail

2008-08-15T16:45:00.002-04:00

Lately I have been really inspired by white, especially when it includes fine detail (check out the crown molding and medallions on the ceiling)... amazing!

{via this is glamorous, photo from 2+6 - Vogue Living Australia}

something blue

2008-08-11T15:31:00.002-04:00

I'll take one of each, thankyouverymuch.

{via The Bride's Guide}

enchanting 4,000 sf, 1910 queen anne victorian

2008-08-11T13:22:00.005-04:00

Saw this over at design*sponge today and I think I have found my dream house in east Athens, Georgia. Let's buy it, yes?

Enchanting 4,000 sf, 1910 Queen Anne Victorian that was moved to this private 5.5 acres setting and has been passionately restored by local artists over the last 20 years! Also there is a whimsical 2-story retreat/guest house nestled in the woods at the end of a path behind the main house (an additional 20 acres is available for purchase). Both houses are full of magic & artist's whimsy while still being respectful of the historical authenticity of the house. The woodwork is beautiful, heart pine floors throughout, bead board ceilings and wainscotting, detailed trim and mantels. Artist/craftsman built-in bookshelves modeled on original woodwork to create a library within the full dining room, pocket doors separating an old-fashioned parlor from the large living room and many original plumbing fixtures. Copper counters in kitchen, a 1920's vintage stove, several clawfoot tubs, beautiful tile showers (including a room sized master shower built with handmade tiles and multiple shower heads). There is a wrap-around front porch, a balcony porch and rear wrap-around deck with the main house.The guest house has a huge screened porch with Eastern European and North African style wood detailing. People have traveled from around the world to do photo-shoots on this property and with good reason! It is truly a magical setting.

{via design*sponge}

pattern by hand

2008-08-01T13:45:00.004-04:00

oh, i really love a lot of things about this space.

{via design*sponge}

alberto seveso

2008-07-22T11:09:00.003-04:00

Today I am really enjoying this series called Destructive Vintage TyPO experiment from Italian illustrator and graphic designer Alberto Seveso. Here are few more...

{via Oh Joy!}

something's hiding in here

2008-07-21T16:40:00.002-04:00

Today Grace at design*sponge featured the most fascinating sneak peak that I had to share it. The sneak peak gives us a look at the home of Shauna Alterio & Stephen Loidolt , owners of the lovely shop called Something's Hiding in Here. Here are some of my favorite images from their loft...

I really love their headboard with a nook for their deer collection and the paint-by-numbers above the mirror.

And I just love this image taken looking through the mirror where you can see their print of an eye chart, which I think I may be right by saying it is the 'hind sight is always twenty twenty' print from the Keep Calm Gallery.

How cool is the porch swing in the bedroom?

Doesn't their studio make you jealous?

You can see more images from their loft here.

Last but not least, if you haven't already seen any of the products that Something's Hiding in Here makes you should definitely check out their shop and visit their blog for a view of products in the making. Personally, I love the paint-by-number United States {pictured above}.

{photos from design*sponge and something's hiding in here's flickr}

digitile map

2008-07-08T18:46:00.003-04:00

Today I am loving this translation of a world map to tile. Digitile is a company that features collections of digital wall tiles, custom floor tiles, photo tiles as well as bespoke wallpaper and wallpaper murals from internationally renowned designers and photographers, check out their website for other interesting tile art.

{via the style files}

a furniture wish list

2008-06-28T00:37:00.003-04:00

I'm taking a break from production on EU's July issue (yes, I'm working at midnight on a Friday night - I'm awesome!), and I was thinking about some lovely pieces of furniture design I recently added to my ongoing [unattainable] wish list. Aren't they pretty?

{clockwise} Heirloom Ellinor Rocking Chair, Danish Modern Vanity (I really love this), Pharmacy Floor Lamp from Urban Outfitters (this piece is actually do-able), Heirloom Nora Table

muto by blu

2008-06-18T23:27:00.003-04:00

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

i don't normally post videos, but i'm making an exception to a really incredible piece of artwork, in one my favorite forms. you have to watch it to believe me.

{via urbismus}

help i need help!

2008-06-18T10:08:00.002-04:00

Today I am sick, and in lieu of being so, I'd like to express my appreciation for the package and web design on these Help products.

Go to the website and make sure to check out the 'Bored?' section. It's humorous.

small magazine

2008-06-17T02:15:00.003-04:00

Have you ever heard of Small Magazine? Although it seems like they are on their 6th issue, I just discovered Small Magazine today. It appears to be an exclusively online publication.

For anyone with little kiddies in their life (or anyone who can appreciate good design for wee ones) take a look at the magazine. They show off some really cool artists.

And feature some pretty amazing photography.

I love the For Frida spread {pictured above}.

{via Black*Eiffel}

well styled: the black kids

2008-06-13T23:42:00.007-04:00

So I was just scrolling through my daily RSS subscriptions (thank you beloved google reader), and I happened upon a blog I enjoy quite a bit, grain edit. And whadya know, a post about our local hometown heroes, the Black Kids, and their new tour poster designed by Michael Fusco and Co. !

Which I agree, is awesome! I'm really loving the direction of the band's style. I mean I have known Kevin and Reggie for years - I believe I first saw them play at my best friend's brother's birthday party back when I was still middle school (gasp! that's at least 11 years ago) - but point in case, I have never thought any of the band members lacked in style, so the choosing of the posters and artwork is not surprising at all, and I think is great. I'm also really digging this photo / graphic:

Not sure who put this last one together, I've just seen it on their myspace page and other random places.

Good job, y'all! Jacksonville represent!

white porcelain

2008-06-10T18:06:00.002-04:00

Lately I am loving the clean look of smooth white porcelain, especially when grouped together.

{above} Lock & Key key chains ($25), Porcelain Paper Plates by Virginia Sin ($35-$85), Triple Long Neck Porcelain Vases On Stand ($78)

{above} German 70’s pop porcelain vase, stamped Kaiser (£48), Industreal Chapeaux Pour Vase ($100), Industreal Tissé Vase ($243)

tinctory

2008-06-10T17:09:00.002-04:00

Ooh.. I really like these beautiful necklaces from etsy seller tinctory. Thanks Ez, for pointing them out!

{via creature comforts}

Aida Coronado on Etsy

2008-06-08T18:53:00.005-04:00

This weekend I stumbled across Aida Coronado's shop on Etsy. In her shop she shares wonderful and beautiful handmade items from Mexico. The design and embroidery work is stunning, and the colors are bright and beautiful. I don't know how the prices compare if you were buying them yourself on the streets of Mexico, but the fact that you can purchase these beauties from your own living room, I think the prices are fair and reasonable. Any of these pieces would be a perfect addition to your summer wardrobe, check them out!

in the kitchen

2008-06-08T11:06:00.006-04:00

{from top to bottom} Soy Sauce Dispenser, Go Kumagai, 2004 ($14), Eva Solo's Table Grill ($300), Plum Party Basket Weave Coral paper plates ($4.50-$6.00), oven mitt, blue and green platter from Svenskt Tenn , Chat Plates, Ikuko Nakazawa, 2007 ($45), Anthropologie Parrot Bottle Stoppers ($12), Bambu low bowls ($34), Anthropologie Rondavel Serving Bowl ($49.95), Anthropologie Crocheted Food Cover, Yellow ($18), glass bottles (oops! i started putting this post together a couple of weeks ago and i cannot seem to find where i found those glass bottles! if anyone has the link please comment below. my apologies!)

on the patio

2008-05-09T00:38:00.004-04:00

{top row} raspberry linear wire lantern $85, sagaform herb pot $15, bird feeder by perch $88 {second row} patio from big red sun {third row} from the moma store, grow your own veggies kit $19 {fourth row} farrier platters $105, conch shell pot $58

(5.16. 08) update! I just found out you can purchase the bird feeder by perch {shown above} for $84 here locally in Jacksonville at a fairly new store in 5 Points called Nest-Living. You can purchase it in the store or online.

christiaan postma

2008-05-07T22:52:00.003-04:00

Wow, take a look at this calendar wallpaper from Christiaan Postma.

{via black*eiffel}

live wire farm

2008-05-07T19:59:00.004-04:00

Today I was on the Domino magazine website checking out Grace's affordable bathroom accessories under $100 monthly gallery contribution, and one of the things she featured this month was a hand-carved wooden hook from Vermont's Live Wire Farm. Upon further curiosity I hopped over to the Live Wire Farm website and I was really impressed with the photography and photo styling for their products.

I love the clean, raw look. The photos were styled by Susan Robohm and the photography was done by Ewan Burns.

sarah king

2008-04-26T11:00:00.004-04:00

Isn't this pear amazing? Customized type by Sarah King.

Her illustrated type was featured in Graphic 12: Customise.

john pour home

2008-04-25T22:42:00.005-04:00

i am really loving these typographic rugs from john pour home!

{via design*sponge}

lowrys farm {vain and vapid}

2008-04-24T00:33:00.005-04:00

i'm interrupting a late-night work session to bring you these great images. i recently came across another new note-worthy blog called vain and vapid, and on her blog she mentioned this really cool japanese based label called lowrys farm.

the catalog has some really great stylized and designed images... in the layout of a newspaper no less. since i am knee-deep in newspaper page layouts myself, i felt they were appropriate to share.

take a look at the lowrys farm website, it's neat and in japanese (so you may have a hard time understanding what it says). you should also check out vain and vapid if you're looking for a great fashion-inspired read.

israeli environment stamps {grain edit}

2008-04-23T01:30:00.005-04:00

Today I am really loving the designs on these Israeli environment stamps that I found on a really cool website / blog called grain edit. It's a blog about "classic design work from the 1950s-1970s and contemporary designers that draw inspiration from that time period." You should really check it out, as a graphic designer it's pretty inspiring to me.

blue bell bazaar

2008-04-20T23:58:00.009-04:00

I just got an email from Gosia over at Blue Bell Bazaar highlighting some of her new items. Blue Bell Bazaar is an etsy shop that features all kinds of great vintage pieces. The items above are actually not the newest, but some that I found particularly interesting. I especially love that chalk board sign! Too bad it's already reserved for someone or I would have snatched it up.

She also has a great assortment of typographic display signs and letters that I like a lot. You should definitely take some time to look through her shop. She adds new stuff pretty often. And it's a perfect substitute for those that never have the time to rummage through flea markets and antique shops themselves.

'the little zoo' by elizabeth soule

2008-04-15T18:43:00.003-04:00

today i want to show off the photography of elizabeth soule. she has a whole series of polaroids called 'the little zoo', which you can see on her websit e. but you can buy these prints mounted on a 8"x8" wooden frame from her esty shop. i love these images by themselves, but also think they would be a great series of art to have in a nursery or child's room.

harry allen {areaware}

2008-04-15T00:56:00.005-04:00

fellow readers, i hate to be this way again... but i do apologize about the neglect i have left my blog in. finally i am crawling out from under the rock of oppressing issues with networking computers, deadlines, re-organization, etc. i truly hope that i have a reached a point where i can read my blog subscriptions on a daily basis and update on here every now and then. i am going to begin, like i have before, with the simple 'today i love this' posts.

today's post is about imagery and style. i love this opening photograph on the harry allen page of the areaware website {see above}. the colors are amazing. areaware features some really unique artists and products as well. ch-ch-check it out.

paula hayes

2008-03-12T18:09:00.003-04:00

i love the garden [art] work of paula hayes. above you can see some of her terrariums. below are her silicone planters.

{found via bientot demain}

anthropologie goes to morocco.

2008-03-05T01:23:00.004-05:00

hello, friends. i would like to apologize for my absence these past couple of weeks. since i last posted my [work] life has shifted... but in a good way! EU (the newspaper / magazine i produce here in jacksonville, fl) has gone from being a weekly publication to a monthly. we are extremely excited about all the new opportunities and endeavors this will give us. this change is going to allow so many doors to open that i have been patiently waiting by.

not only is the pace and schedule of my work changed but i have also decided to to do my work from my home(!). bringing my work home with me [literally] has been exciting and intimidating at the same time. mostly exciting though because i am hoping that i will now have more time to cultivate my inspiration that i find on this great network of blogs, and also allow time to dedicate to my photography business. i have spent the last week preparing things and it hasn't been until just now that i've had a moment to calmly sit down at my computer, catch up on my blog reader subscriptions and put a little TLC into this blog. so that leaves me back to my original intentions for this post...

have you seen the new anthropologie catalog? {see above photo} i am so thrilled to see two of my favorite (and inspirational) things come to together: anthropologie and morocco! last spring/summer i visited marrakech, morocco (where it looks like the photos in the catalog were taken) and anytime i see photographs from that place it instantly brings back so many memories. i love that anthropologie used morocco as their location... and, really, a lot of their new items seem to have lovely moroccan / moorish design elements and inspiration. (and i'm talking about the real moroccan design elements... lately every time you turn around you see "moroccan-themed decor" and most of that is far too flashy and "arabian nights-ish" than the real deal.) so it is refreshing to see the right design elements subtly borrowed by these products. i feel like anthropologie and morocco are a perfect fit. like the anthropologie stores, moroccan design melds together the most beautiful worldy elements into one... morocco has a feel of its own, but amazingly borrows traditions and elements from the moors, spanish-europeans, africans and arabic culture.

i look at the photo above and i have to wonder if the photographers actually hired that boy to use him for the shoot or if he stumbled upon their shoot claiming to "show them the way to the souks" .... haha. (you'd have to go there to believe it, but in the medina of marrakech it is nearly impossible to walk down the streets as a foreigner and not be chased by a gang of pre-pubescent boys begging to help you in anyway they can... all for a fee - in which they wait until after they've helped you to disclose - of course.)

{brought to my attention by both maryam at my marrakesh and the craving anthrolpolgie blog.}

dwell studio cushions

2008-02-18T08:43:00.003-05:00

still in my search for lovely pillow cushions... here are some fantastic new designs from dwell studio. these particular pillows can be purchased from the dwell shop directly or you can also find them at design public.

happy valentine's day!

2008-02-14T20:30:00.002-05:00

hello, happy valentine's day! i hope everyone is having a lovely day. lucky me, i came home and and my valentine {he's so sweet and knows me so well} had two small surprises for me: 1. a new apple mighty mouse! 2. a new thin-as-heck apple keyboard! i know for the average person, not so exciting... but when you work as much as i do on the computer, having well-designed hardware is a godsend. yay! {the wii belong together valentine is from argylewhale etsy shop.}

lastly, let me leave you with these totally cute guys from lauren alane.

heart breakers

2008-02-11T19:52:00.000-05:00

i just got our house a lovely little valentine's day present. keep calm inc. released a beautiful new print today called ‘heart breakers’ by jacob arden mcclure. i usually don't buy things on such impulse, but this run is limited to 100, and i didn't want to pass it up. so, yay, now i am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. he has another new print called 'grenade' available too.

folk art forms {part 1}

2008-02-08T22:59:00.001-05:00

lately i've been incredibly inspired by different forms of folk art... patterns, textures, techniques. there is nothing like an authentic form of folk art, i especially love seeing some of the ways people are incorporating these age-old looks and traditions into modern pieces and rooms.

wycinanki {pronounced vi-chee-nahn-key} is a polish folk art that involves paper cutouts, bright colors and intricate patterns. wycinanki dates back to mid 19th century and originated with polish sheepherders cutting designs out of treebark and leather. in rural areas of poland this craft is done for relaxation and passed down for generations, all the while designs and themes have become more intricate and detailed.

+ you can find more designs and purchase some pieces of art work at the polish art center.
+ doris sikorsky is an artist from chicago who has mastered the art of wycinanki.
+ the rug pictured above {top, right-hand corner} is from urban outfitters. the uo website describes the rug as "greek floral pattern" but it looks like wycinanki if you ask me {as pointed out by jamie from the i suwannee blog the other day}.
+ the framed artwork is a photo i found on picasa.

another fascinating form of folk art is colcha fabric. this folkart has been practiced by the otomi indians (from the tenango region of the mexican state of hidalgo). each piece of fabric usually comes in very bright colors and takes up to three weeks to complete. this region has been an impoverished region, and buying these fabrics helps the women who spend so much time making them and it also helps to sustain the viability of this tradition of endangered textiles.

+ you can read about colcha fabric at the beachbungalow blog.
+ you can purchase colcha fabric panels from jacarnda home and at the mexican textiles museum. (a bedspread size panel will cost you anywhere from $250 -$400.)
+ {photos from design*sponge, jacarnda home and the beachbungalow blog}

juju (or tyn) hats are a ceremonial accessory to the villages of cameroon. it is worn by chiefs, prominent officials and important dancers. the hats are made out of brightly colored feathers that are sewn onto a raffia fiber base. the feathers are utilized as a symbol of prosperity and positive qualities associated with birds.

+ you can read more about juju hats being used in decorating at the more ways to waste time blog.
+ you can purchase a juju hat for about $325 at the authentic africa store.

moroccan wedding blankets are a tradition used with brides in moroccan weddings. usually five days before the wedding the a mattress, blankets and other necessities are taken into the bridal chamber where the bride is given a milk bath in the hammam. the negassa (female attendants) spend the days beatifying and preparing the bride with henna stains and then dress her in embroidered wedding finery of white robes.

+ you can contact maryam (from my marrakesh) and she may have some of these fine blankets left to sell you.
+ you can read about the others who have been so lucky to acquire on these blankets from maryam: holly (from decor8), blue mountains mary and tara (from paris parfait)
+ {the pillow pictured above is from a post holly made a while ago and the store it came from doesn't seem to exist any longer.}
+ {the picture of the moroccan bride came from here.}
+ also, i must add that the other day i was in the urban outfitters store and i spotted a rug that looked remarkably like a traditional moroccan wedding blanket. i don't see one on the website at all, but maybe you've seen it in the stores as well.

now after all this inspiration and back-stories of these wonderful forms of folk art, isn't it refreshing to see items like these {pictured below} made by bokja design?

{photo from bokja's press release page}

i hope to bring more folk art to this blog in the future as inspiration. it is refreshing sometimes to know why and where these patterns and designs originated from.

all around the world.

2008-02-08T13:34:00.002-05:00

okay, today i LOVE this! check out these world atlas bowls made by etsy seller bombu's shop! {um, boyfriend and family, my birthday is march 2nd... hint, hint.} i think this would look so perfect on our casual white dining table.

{via more ways to waste time. thanks, leah for pointing them out!}

wake up & smell the coffee

2008-02-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

wake up! and smell the coffee.

new print from the folks at keep calm ltd.

super tuesday

2008-02-05T17:18:00.000-05:00

in lieu of super tuesday...

{1} obama for america card from stand4change etsy shop

{2} Barack your world card from Alcove Press (i saw this etsy valentine on the indiefixx blog today, but it doesn't appear to be available anymore. it's great, so i am still going to post it anyway.)

see jane work

2008-02-03T23:06:00.000-05:00

i've been meaning to blog about see jane work for a long time now. i love this website, it has everything you need to keep your desk organized. i am a pretty big advocate of having clean and pleasant workspaces (especially because i spend so much time at my own). {pictured above: winter white desk of the month}

{clockwise} Kate Spade Agenda (refills) $11, #2 Tree Lover Graphite Pencils $5, Veneer File Folders $7, No. 2 Utility Bands $6.50

{clockwise} Vintage Wire Desk Trays $58, Clear Acrylic Paperclip Cup $8, Schlep Luggage Tags $12, Hable Construction Spiral Top Notepads $16

{clockwise} Thomas Paul Address Book $15, Ceramic Memo Board $11.50,
Garden Urn Pencil Cup $15, Soho Containers with Strip $20.95

pillow cushions

2008-02-03T13:33:00.000-05:00

as i've mentioned before, i am on a hunt to refresh the throw pillows in my living room. along the way i've come across a lot of really great ones so i thought i might as well put together a little guide in case anyone else likes them too.

{column 1} Thomas Paul Instanbul Red Pillow $58.99, Denyse Schmidt Green Penny Pillow $50, Koko Mural 15 x 27 Pillow $90, Twinkle Living ZigZag Throw Pillow $50

{column 2} Virginia J. 20 in. yellow canvas pillow (doesn't appear to be available anymore, sorry), Paper Cloud Cornstalk Pillow $75, Flowering Pillow Sky $120

{column 3} 50s Black/White Pillow Cover $25, green green grass wool felt appliqué pillow $135, Slope 17x11 Pillow in Ocean $129, LoooLo - Molehill Pillow $124-$160

{art school girl} valentines

2008-02-02T10:08:00.001-05:00

have you gotten your valentine cards yet? these cards from art school girl are perfect for friendly love notes.

{via poppytalk}

harmonie intérieure

2008-02-01T22:13:00.000-05:00

i made a post about wall decals a week or two ago saying i had never really been very impressed with any, and boy i am biting my tongue now. harmonie intérieure features some of the coolest designs for your walls.

i love the idea of having just a small portion of a room or wall wallpapered, and these decal stickers are perfect for people like me whom are renting homes.

and even more, i love the idea of stenciling letters in a great typography or finding vintage letters and making a collection of them, and these decals use text in a beautiful way.

i love how these organic decals have an almost "urban decay" look. and really, i think the photography they used to portray these decals is wonderful.

{D.I.Y.} design*sponge & creature comforts

2008-01-30T20:38:00.001-05:00

i had to post these two clever DIY projects. the first one {above} is a project from Grace at design*sponge. she decided she would try one of the suggestions from Blueprint magazine's article about stylish jewelry storage. you can read more about Grace's shadowbox jewelry cases at her blog. they seem pretty simple to make and are excellent way to incorporate your new favorite patterns in small way.

secondly, i had to post about Ez's crafty project for chocolate valentine wrappers! these {above, and Ez's instructions the right} also look incredibly easy to assemble and Ez has been nice enough to make a PDF guide to download. read more about this project at her creature comforts blog.

thanks grace / blueprint and ez for these easy ideas!

{photos from design*sponge and creature comforts, respectively}

don't make me cut you.

2008-01-30T02:09:00.000-05:00

i made this polyvore set last week or so and meant to blog about subversive stitching. these cross stitching kits are not very expensive and take a stray away from the pastel kittens and horses-in-meadows motifs. my favorite is pictured in the polyvore set {above}. (also if you are curious about any of the other items in the ployvore set, just click on the photo and it will take you to my ployvore and show you the sites the items came from.)

deeply madly in love

2008-01-29T00:30:00.000-05:00

{1} deeply madly in love card from madebygirl.
{2} dna cowboy sunglasses from tobi.
{3} red doily heart earring from fred flare.

love yourself.

2008-01-28T18:58:00.000-05:00

felt heart rings by the funkyfelter etsy shop.

love orgami {more beautiful photography from the cox & cox store.}

"like carrying around a little piece of art when you go to the store," reusable tote bags from melissa vest designs etsy shop.

sweet talk

2008-01-27T14:31:00.000-05:00

chocolates send a romantic message: these sweet talking chocolates can be found at cox & cox and baska-jon fine foods.

{r.s.v.p. berlin} stickpostkarten

2008-01-27T10:14:00.000-05:00

i love the idea of these maps with thread. the website they are from is in german, but i am assuming you are to use the thread to chart a path of places you went or are going to on a trip. how lovely it would be to have a whole collection of these showing your landmarks for each trip you've taken.

rose and radish {valentine edition}

2008-01-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

i know it's a little early for valentine's day, but like i said in my earlier post, i've been poking around the rose and radish shop and they have some of the best valentine styled product shoots, i had to share.

(knowing me, i'd save the photos in my google notebook, wait until the week of the holiday and plan to post it then, but before i'd know it, i'd get too busy and the holiday would be said and done with. {this happened to me at both halloween and christmas.} so this time i'm not going to wait!)

melanie bilenker

2008-01-26T18:18:00.000-05:00

i've come across another talented artist today, melanie bilenker. her exquisitely detailed images have something romantic about them too; this is what melanie says about her creations on her website:

The Victorians kept lockets of hair and miniature portraits painted with ground hair and pigment to secure the memory of a lost love. In much the same way, I secure my memories through photographic images rendered in lines of my own hair, the physical remnants. I do not reproduce events, but quiet minutes, the mundane, the domestic, the ordinary moments.

you can view more of melanie bilenker's work on her website or at the sienna gallery.

laura normandin

2008-01-26T12:14:00.001-05:00

i've been poking around the rose and radish shop the last couple of days and one of the artists that has caught my eye is laura normandin. she is the one who made the painted bottles {above, which you can buy at the rose and radish shop here}.

so i looked her up and found her website; it is full of kinds of interesting artwork.

the art sort of gives me the feeling of the weather today: rainy and chilly. not in a bad way, but the feeling of being inside and cozy, peering out at an almost beautiful dreary day.

there is even hair embroidery.

you can view more of laura normandin's work for yourself on her website.

design police: comic sans is illegal

2008-01-23T16:48:00.000-05:00

haha, i have seen this before, but my boyfriend just sent me the link again and i had to post about it (guess i forgot to the first time i saw it). behold the ever-clever visual enforcement kit by the design police. follow the link and it will take you to a page where you can download a PDF of 5 pages of the most awesome, rip-your-work-to-shreds editing labels to be found. this is genius.

{creature comforts} thank you, ez!

2008-01-23T12:39:00.002-05:00

i received the sweetest note in the mail today (yes, the real u.s. postal service) from Ez over at Creature Comforts. and inside she included one of these adorable paper dolls from her wren eleven shop! {pictured to the left.} (such a neat idea! its a beautiful gocco print that has cutouts and when you place different patterned papers behind the print it changes the pattern on the girl's dress. you can buy them in the wren eleven shop here.) i have the perfect spot for it on my desk and it's now hanging beautifully. thank you so much, Ez!

let me just say, Ez is truly a talented lady. i adore her blog and flickr photos so much. in fact, the whole note she sent me was spurred from a comment i made on the blueprint magazine's blog, bluelines, concerning the closing of the magazine (yes, sad and true. a publication i will truly miss). the post was asking for advice from readers on how blueprint could continue to entice readers now that the monthly paper magazine would be gone. (you can read the post and the many many comments here.) in my comment i said:

One of the best things about Blueprint magazine was the styling and design. I've never gotten the same vibe with the blog. I feel like in order for the blog to replace the true feeling of Blueprint style you must consider designing the layout of the blog and posts better. The glossy large photos are one of the best things about a magazine, and this can still be achieved (somewhat) by blogging. I say look at Creature Comforts and Oh Joy! blog for great examples of stylized design blogging. And the best thing about those two examples, even in RSS reader form, they still have a great look. Just some advice to consider!

and it is true, i think of Ez's blog posts on Creature Comforts as some of the best looking blog posts out there. she has quite an eye for grouping items together for a perfect stylized match, and moreso she has a unique way of presenting the items with beautiful borders, lettering, etc. you can certainly tell she puts time and effort into her blog, home and other online endeavors. and i must add, it is rare to come across someone so gracious and thoughtful enough to send a lovely handwritten note in the mail.

so i continue to be inspired by Ez all the time, and I think if you have yet to discover her blog for yourself, now is the time you should check it out! she also has two online shops that you must visit, wren eleven and wren & chickadee.

{all photos from creature comforts blog, except first photo of the paperdoll, that is from the wren eleven shop}

matteart

2008-01-23T12:01:00.000-05:00

i feel like i have posted about matte stephens before, but i couldn't find it in my archives... anyway, super cute and super affordable prints are available at the matteart etsy shop!

(reminded by bloesem's birthday post)

de klein zebra

2008-01-21T21:57:00.001-05:00

i must introduce you to the most adorable belgium children's shop, de klein zebra. i had a hard time picking just a few items to share, so you should check the shop out for yourself. i especially love the robot pillow.

(via bloesem kids)

world map decals

2008-01-17T00:26:00.001-05:00

i've watched the wall decal trend over the last couple of years and none of it has really grabbed me one way or the other, but i have to say that this one from ferm living is an exception. obviously i have a thing for maps (hence the post right before this one and the other post i've made about map murals and globes - i even used vintage maps as my wrapping paper this past christmas) , so naturally i would be partial to this sort of thing. even though one of my favorite things about maps are usually their color, i do like the sleek design of the map silhouette.

(via laissez faire)

make your own path.

2008-01-16T23:23:00.000-05:00

from the makers of the keep calm and carry on posters (keep calm ltd.), comes this poster by douglas wilson. the make your own path posters are all printed on individual vintage maps. it's too bad they are sold out already.

however another one of douglas wilson's posters, kill them with kindness, is available. it's not as visually exciting, but certainly a mantra i personally live by.

polyvore amor

2008-01-16T12:17:00.001-05:00

polyvore. i feel like i may be a little behind on this discovery, but thanks to one of my favorite bloggers, creature comforts, i stumbled upon this amazing website / application called polyvore. i mean really, it amazes me. it is like playing paperdolls for grownups (or pretending to design a page in Lucky magazine).

basically it takes thousands and thousands of products / items (clothing, accessories, furniture, artwork... you name it) and allows you to drag them onto an online editor and create your own collage of images. it can be used for putting together outfits, designing a room, planning a party or event scheme, really... anything. for people like me (those who find it enjoyable to spend hours in front of a computer and create pastimes of scouring the internet) this can equal hours of fun (beware, its addicting).

however, this doesn't even cover the ingenious part of this site; each and every item has been imported from the online store where it was found and links to that page when you click on it. it's like walking through the largest mall you could imagine and searching through it however you please (by outfit, items, color, style, seasonality, similar items, etc.). i think polyvore has serious revenue potential. and it's great for giving exposure to small independent designers and artists too.

and above all, this site is incredibly incredibly easy to use and navigate. anyone could do it. no need for photoshop skills, the built-in editor does everything for you. it really, truly is almost effortless. some people get really fancy and add all kinds of backgrounds and whatnot, so far i haven't experimented with that; however, simple design is more my style anyway.

oh, and another added bonus, if you have a facebook, polyvore has made an application where you can use polyvore directly from there... and you know send gifts and all that weird stuff facebook does.

if you like any of the items you see in the polyvore images above, just click on any one of them and it will take you to my polyvore page, and from there you can visit the store where each of the items came from. i'm thinking right now it would be fun to feature a polyvore collage i have made once a week. that would be fun. so, we'll see!

do you polyvore? will you try it now? if you do use it or start to, stop by and visit my page and add me as a contact!

organic ortolan

2008-01-14T13:44:00.001-05:00

i'm in dire need of pillow refreshment in my living room, so i'm on a big hunt. although i don't think these are the perfect fit for my personal needs, i do think they are worth mentioning. using 100% organic tangius cotton, ortolan has some great linen designs for the bed, bath and kitchen. (i especially love the skeleton pillow.)

(via design*sponge)

jane d'arensbourg

2008-01-11T01:15:00.000-05:00

i love it when i see a refreshing new take on such a simple design. jane d'arensbourg's baubles are made of glass, how neat is that?

wis design

2008-01-09T16:00:00.001-05:00

two clever designs from wis design i wish i could see in my in my home:

1. decades chest of drawers "Chest of drawers made out of discarded drawers, found and rescued at flea markets. A mix of different styles from earlier decades, with woods and knobs of various kinds, in a single piece of furniture. The old drawers are enhanced by the new frame in white lacquered MDF."

2. the jewelry lamp "Instead of letting jewelleries get tangled on hooks, or hiding them in boxes, we literally want to bring them into the light. When the jewelleries are not decorating you, they are decorating your own personally styled lamp."

zara home online

2008-01-07T17:13:00.000-05:00

as i've mentioned before, zara home is very amazing. i went to go see if they had a spring catalog available and i found that they have redone their website and you can now shop online! (now i just need to find out if they will ship to the states. gosh i hope so, one step closer to american soil!) i've only been able to briefly peep into what they have available and already i am coveting. maybe i will make a second post with more of my favorite goods. but in the meantime i'll let the photo above entice you into taking a look for yourself.

calendars

2008-01-05T01:28:00.000-05:00

it's about that time to replace our calendars and datebooks. tonight i have gathered a few that i find aesthetically pleasing:

the human calendar

sampson may designs

the very infamous stendig calendar

blissen datebook
(i believe i also saw this in a local jacksonville store, violet in 5 points.)

enzo mari: timor desk calendar

colour calendar

mollie dash

2008-01-04T21:01:00.000-05:00

today i am really loving the recycled designs of brooklyn jewelry designer mollie dash. on her website she says:

"In my work I use many discarded, thrifted, donated, and yard sale-derived materials. I prefer metal over plastic. I like to pick things up off the street. I use a minimum of new stones. I use cotton and linen cord, rather than leather. I make things last."

reduce, reuse, recycle. love it.

happy new year

2008-01-02T16:00:00.000-05:00

happy new year, yall!
may your new year be filled with riches and diamond trays like this one from Via Maris.

a to z

2007-12-29T10:35:00.001-05:00

apparently i'm on a typography kick today. i just found these clever bookends at delight.com.

in lieu of my love for type, here are a few of my favorite typography blog reads:

ace jet 170
i love typography
type for you

stephanie dearmond

2007-12-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

have i posted about this before? well, i can't remember, but today in particular i am really loving what stephanie dearmond has done with ceramic and type.

global bazaar

2007-12-29T00:07:00.000-05:00

well hello to all you readers out there (because i know there are so many of you). i am back from the black hole known as christmas. i can't believe how busy i got! i never even got a chance to finish posting the gift guides i made! (i'll just have to save the great items for a rainy day blog post.) anyhow, i think i may be back to a somewhat normal schedule, so maybe that means i'll be back to blog posting regularly once again. we'll see. but for now, on with the show...

i probably got a little more excited than necessary, but when i saw these new global bazaar items on the target website my eyes did such a happy dance! at heart i am such a sucker for items like these; nothing necessary, but all so precious and pretty (and CHEAP).

surprisingly i really like the black side table (which i need two of for my living room and the style of the legs match my dining table). i've fought black furniture for so long now. i have an amoire that is painted black and i've banished it to my outside shed until i got around to painting it another color. my natural instinct is to never use black furniture in my decor (i have no idea why, i don't dislike it in other people's homes), but more and more i'm realizing that maybe black isn't so bad. maybe i need to embrace the black. and oddly enough, the other piece of furniture i am currently in the market for is a new desk. and the black parsons desk pictured above is very similar to the desk i've been imaging in white. so for now, these items are being placed on my wish list and i'll be anxiously awaiting their arrivals in my local target store (on the website it says items should be available in the next 2 to 6 weeks).

one, two, three bunnies

2007-12-07T18:15:00.001-05:00

paul smith ceramic bunnies

p.s. more of the gift guide will be posted soon! (i know, running late! i'm too busy. all the time.)