Happy New Year's Eve! I am heading down to New York this afternoon to spend the holiday with family and friends. I can't wait for my nieces to try out their new scarves I made. (Yes! I finished both of them in record time!) Above is a collage I put together of some of my favorites memories from 2008. I wish you all love, happiness, and success in 2009!
xoxo, katy
Labels: holiday
I officially finished my scarf I started last winter! I love the gray yarn it's so comfy and fuzzy. I started on a purple one for my oldest niece. Hopefully I can finish hers today because I have a pink one to make for her sister!
Labels: diy
Somehow I came across nimpot.com last night while I was searching for "Guatemalan pillows". The site is full of gorgeous colorful textiles from different villages in Guatemala. You can purchase from the site but only via check or money order..seems strange. Prices range from $50-$500. Check out for inspiration: nimpot.com.
Labels: textiles
One of my New Year's resolution is to become a better knitter. I would love to master the scarf making skill and move onto hats and then maybe mittens! I love all these hand knit mittens by the talented knitters on etsy.
How I love wallpaper! These three papers are from Australian based company, Porters Paints. They are available stateside via Sydney Harbour Paint Company. My favorite is the pink floral above.
Labels: wallpaper
I am looking for floral side chairs for my living room in fabric like this. How cute is this little two-seater? So English and fun.
(via bliss)
Labels: furniture
I love all of these doors that I shot in Beacon Hill (boston) on Sunday afternoon. So quaint and New England. Hopefully we will get our house painted this summer. I really want to paint our front door red like the image above. Enjoy the rest of holiday!
Labels: holiday, on the streets, outdoor, photography
It was so warm here today all the snow melted away. We headed into Boston this afternoon to walk around and enjoy the warm weather. How could we not end the day with a yummy cannoli from Modern Pastry in the north end? I love the photo below with the two italian guys arguing outside the shop.
Modern Pastry
257 Hanover Street
Boston, MA
(617) 523-3783
Labels: boston and metro, on the streets, photography
I have friends coming over this afternoon so I better get my butt in gear and start cleaning up our messy house. One last share for the day. Don't these images just feel like Sunday morning? One of my favorite chemical brothers songs should be playing in the background. Part of series of photographs by Jay Waldron called, feelings.
(via aunt lou)
Labels: artist, photography
An illustration by Dan Haskett based on the theme of "The Other". See more: danhaskett.co.uk.
Labels: artist
I couldn't resist posting this adorable snowman photos from Martha Stewart. The above photos uses red food color to make rosy cheeks on the snowman. Below make a decorative hat using by layering molds of a bunt pan. So cute!
The NY Times always has great illustrations that I totally fall in love with. The above image from Jeffrey Fisher showcases events happenings on New Year's eve. Many of Fisher's illustrations have appeared in the Times before but for some reason this one caught my eye. The subdued color and layering of a washy sky against drawn linear buildings feels perfect. Check out a few more of Fisher's pieces below and online.
Labels: artist
Now that the holidays are winding down it's time to get back to the house renovation. I would love to get the entry way hallway done this winter. I've been contemplating wallpapering the space but have been kinda freaked out that the walls will get ripped. The space is really tight and we have a really hard time getting furniture up and down the stairs.
So if I did wallpaper what about this paper from Jocelyn Warner? Super pretty poppy paper that comes in five different colorways. Feminine and pretty.
Labels: wallpaper
A few reader's wrote and asked where I got the curtain that appears in my guest room covering the closet. I got the curtain at a John Robshaw sample sale last spring but you can now pick it up on sale at Anthropologie! A single curtain will cost you about $59. Still pricey but so much cheaper then they were. I am thinking about getting a couple more just in case I decide to cover the windows with the curtains rather then the closet.
Labels: textiles
I'll be blogging here and there till the New Year. I wanted to share these images from illustrator Philippe Weisbecker before I forgot and lost the link. A few of my favorites above and below. Check out more here.
Labels: artist
I hope everyone is having enjoyable day off. Greg and I spent our first holiday alone in our new house. This morning, I got up and went out for a run! The sun was shining and it was actually really warm. Usually we spend our holidays running between our two families houses. Honestly, it was so nice to just stay home and relax. We spent the afternoon making cookies and taking some photos with my new holga camera. For dinner we made a little ham, twice baked potatoes, and asparagus which turned out to be really good! Yum ham. Today was a perfect day. Merry Christmas!
Labels: holiday, photography, sweets
Budget Gifts Ideas Winner!
Stephanie from Even Cleveland is the winner of the budget gifts ideas sweepstakes! I absolutely fell in love with her diy snowflake ornaments. A sweet and cost-effective gift for the holidays. Stephanie was kind enough to share the instructions with all us. I can't wait to try out this fun craft.
p.s. my boyfriend said, "I think they're gorgeous"....he not a gorgeous saying kind of guy. I got him his own glue to help me make some.
This is how you make them:
1. Select your macaroni - I used large and small wagon wheels, small shells, and fiori (flower shaped pasta).
2. Come up with your designs - this part is the most fun. I like to spill a few macaronis out and move them around, until I find the most snowflake-like arrangements. This year, I came up with ten different styles - the possibilities are only limited by your imagination (and the strength of your glue!)
3. Using a good strong craft glue (Like Aleen's or Smart) and a small paint brush, apply glue generously to the edges of the pasta and attach the pieces to make your design. Once they are put together, I like to lay them out on wax paper to dry. Let glue dry completely, making sure to rotate your snowflakes periodically. This prevents them from sticking fast to your wax paper.
4. Using a large cardboard box, lay out a single layer of the snowflakes. Make sure that they are not touching each other. Spray lightly with glossy, fast-drying white spray-paint. Let dry. Re-apply in light layers, letting snowflakes dry in between, until they are completely coated. I spray the backs as well. As they are drying, give the box a few gentle shakes to keep them from drying to the bottom of the box. Make sure to keep the coats of paint light, or the macaroni will soften and start to lose it's shape.
5. Once they are painted and dried, it's time to apply the glitter. I thin my craft glue with a few drops of water, then use a sponge brush to lightly coat each snowflake with glue. Sprinkle generously with glitter, and let dry completely, Re-apply glitter as needed to cover any empty spots. I used large flake clear crystal glitter on these, but any glitter would look lovely - it's craft magic.
7. Attach a looped length of ribbon or monofilament, and ta da! Macaroni snowflake ornaments!
I made mine white, but I think colorful ones might be fun, too. They make great garlands as well. I also tie them on the necks of wine bottles as little presents.
Labels: $1 design finds, diy, holiday
Last Minute Gift Ideas: Books
All you last minute shoppers, listen up! I like you have been known to wait till the last minute to find gifts for my immediate family. It's so much easier to buy gifts for friends! So give them a book! If you order in the next few hours amazon can have it on your doorstep by tomorrow midday.
A few of my favorites I've recently bought above and below. Are they a baker? Check out my list of my favorite baking books here. Good luck my last minute shoppers!
Labels: gifts
Acorn and Pine cone Porcelain Sculptures
Everyone is getting ready to go away for the holidays. I'm happy to spend our first Christmas alone in our new house. I can't wait to spend the day eating fresh cinnamon buns and watching movies. These gorgeous pine cone and acorn porcelain sculptures from Coe and Waito (via oh joy) feel perfect for the snowy winter weather outside. Each porcelain piece is meticulously hand sculpted, capturing the intricate beauty of the object.
Labels: ceramics
Paperwhites
I have all the windows filled with paperwhites. Some of them have already bloomed. The sweet smell is so intoxicating. I planted a pair of amarilysis that I hoped would have bloomed for Christmas. No luck, they've hardly grown.
Labels: flowers
I just like these. Show some love for needlepoint here and here. Maybe I should take up needlepoint. Nah...seems to hard.
Labels: affordable artwork, textiles
I love these assorted paper garlands made by blogger Pam Garrison. She was inspired by a display she saw at Anthropologie. Super pretty for Christmas, a wedding, or for fun.
(via bohemianhellhole)
I've fallen in love with these candy colored light filled photographs. Each is so dreamy and perfect. Check out more on the photographer's blog.
(via please sir)
Labels: artist, inspiration, photography
I always buy myself a little something for christmas. Takes the pressure of my significant other (last year I got crest white strips). I've been thinking about getting an old plastic camera like a Holga. The camera uses film which does feel incredibly archaic. However, the photos you can produce are like nothing you could ever get with a fancy SLR. They are abstract, saturated, and blurry. A style you either love or hate. Does anyone have one? You can buy a kit on amazon right for just $59.95.
Labels: gifts, inspiration, photography
I've heard this recipe makes the best chocolate chip cookies recipe ever! The secret? The dough rests in the frig from 24 to 36 hours before baking. Added bonus? The dough is sprinkled with sea salt before baking. Salty and sweet always makes to die for flavor. How could they not be good? A number of prominenet bakers worked on the recipe like Jacques Torres and Dorie Greenspan author of “Baking: From My Home to Yours”. An extra special treat for Santa! Get the recipe on the nytimes.com.
I was just answering some reader questions over at my domino gig when I came across these plates. The plate appeared in Eugenia's find it column in the dec/jan 2008 issue. The plate is a hand-painted piece called "Gmunder Keramik" which is a style of pottery produced in Austria for over a century. I love the color! Available as plates, bowls, platters and cups at gorsuch.com.
Labels: tabletop
I am totally into found objects. We've found some pretty interesting stuff already in our old house. Foundling carries all kinds of found objects from number plates to optical lenses. Such cool stuff and all of the finds are reasonably priced. I would love to make a few collections and frame them in shadow boxes. Check out more: foundlings.etsy.com.
Labels: accessories, vintage finds
All weekend long it snowed here in Marblehead. We awoke Saturday morning to our pipes frozen and about a foot of snow on the ground. Most of the morning we spent shoveling, pushing cars out, and relaxing with cinnamon buns at our local coffee shop. Eventually the ice melted in the pipes and we were able to take warm showers. Most of our neighbors grumbled about the snow while we happily shoveled and took pictures too. Just one door down from us is the local elementary school. The kids enjoyed the snow by sledding down the small little hill while the adults set up a jump over the picnic table!
Labels: house renovation, marblehead
Greg shared this video with me. Time lapse video can be so amazing. This was one of five best time lapse videos of nature according to livefortheoutdoors.com.
p.s. "this looks like a daylight video but is actually shot at night and shows the moon setting. What looks like shooting stars are actually aircraft flying overhead. No music here but the pictures do the talking..."
Labels: video
One of my favorites gifts ideas, terrariums. These sweet creations contain five different mosses and lichens. The glass apple juice jar would fit perfectly along a windowsill.
(via even cleveland)
It's been snowing just a little over an hour. We went from bare streets to a full out winter storm. My advice stay inside or put your snow boots on and go outside! Have fun this weekend maybe decorate the tree, make up a big batch of soup or fill your belly with cookies! If you still have some gifts to buy check out my gift guide links below. No heading to the mall required. Happy snowstorm!
2008 Gift Guide: Baking Books
2008 Gift Guide: Kids Gifts
2008 Gift Guide: Whales, Octopus, and Fish
2008 Gift Guide: Gifts for Sisters and Friends
$1 holiday gifts ideas
and even more gifts ideas here and holiday decorating ideas here
p.s. don't forget to enter the budget gift ideas sweepstakes for a chance to win all the blue and white china featured in my $1 story!
p.p.s. half the lights around my front door blew out and all my candles in the window did too! don't buy battery operated candlesticks. they suck!
We are waiting in anticipation for the big snow storm coming to New England. It's damn cold outside and I'm glad I invested in a down jacket. Even though it seems frigid here I am sure it's much colder in Greenland where these photos were shot by Tettamanti. I guess you just get use to the cold. The bright houses against the white snow seems like a make believe world.
Labels: artist, photography
Lace creations by Laura Anne Marsden make me think of snowflakes. So pretty...I am imagining one above my bed.
(via seen and said)
Labels: artist
A few interiors to inspire you on Friday afternoon. The photos are from Air a London location company that leases homes and restaurants to people in the film and photo industry. I could spend hours looking all the different spaces available.
Labels: interiors
I rarely talk about fashion. Last night, I came across Brora a UK site that features simple pretty knits that will keep cozy on the coldest days. I can never find simple sweaters here in the US. I feel it is impossible to find warm wool sweaters for a women under $100. Seriously, why must it be so hard! Unfortunately, I can't afford anything at Brora anyway...but I can still dream.
Labels: fashion
We are suppose to get a big snow storm this afternoon. Yeah I can't wait! This "Cozy Chimney" photograph by James Spicer reminds of snowy nights in New England.
Labels: affordable artwork, photography
I am totally into photography lately. I really really want a fancy camera for christmas so I can be cool. I was just admiring these new images from Blissful Images. So dreamy.
Labels: affordable artwork, photography
I've had this images from Elina Minn sitting on my desktop for a few days. I really want to update my website over the holiday break. I need to make a new banner. I'm really bad at photoshop so I think I may have to draw something and scan it in. I like Elina's drawing style and layers of collage. We'll see how it goes...
Labels: artist, inspiration
Super cute christmas trees made of layers of recycled newspaper. Would be pretty on a mantel or table. Martha shows you how!
I feel into an etsy coma this afternoon looking at felt ornaments after being being inspired by small object's tree. I came across all of these...some are a bit wacky and others just pretty. Great ideas for a crafty vintage tree.
I love chain link garland in fabric or in regular old school construction paper. Maybe I want to make some for my tree this afternoon? I came across a step-by-step guide on small object's site. So cute! I love her tree filled with felt decorations.
I buy a lot of baking books. I love to look at the gorgeous photographs, enticing desserts, and sumptuous breads. When I make dinner I tend to never read a cookbook. Cooking to me is much more abstract and spontaneous. Baking is a completely different beast. Recipes have to be followed otherwise you end up with messes. The science behind baking is a skill that takes years to master. I've made recipes dozens of times before I actually found the correct rhythm. If you've run out of ideas for holiday gifts try giving a cookbook. Even if someone is not a real baker the photos alone will inspire. Many of the baking cookbooks on the list I already own. Others I have checked out and added to my own personal list. It's just few more days till the holidays. Luckily amazon will get it there on time!
From top left: Baking $25.20, Baked $19.77, The Sweeter Side of Amy's Bread $23.07, The Bread Bible $23.10, The Sweet Melissa Baking Book $17.01, Baking For All Occasions $28, Martha Stewart's Cookies $16.47, Screen Doors and Sweet Tea $21.45, The Modern Baker $23.10, Bakewise $26.40, Dough $19.77, Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook $26.40.
A little pillow love for a rainy cold morning. I love these colors. These suzani pillows would be beautiful in my new living room. The print is vibrant but has a style that is more on the traditional side. A total steal for $39 each. Buy now: uzbek-craft.com.
I feel so happy right now. I just made peanut butter chocolate bars. So good. Anything with peanut butter and chocolate is instant heaven! For lunch I had leftover spaghetti and turkey balls. Aren't the leftovers sometimes better?
Labels: cooking, photography, sweets, things I love
Grace over at d*s was sweet enough to link to me in her ikat trend round-up. I like everyone else fell under the ikat voodoo. I've bought a few pieces of fabric that I was "going" to make into pillows. I love the trend but I did kinda outgrow it. I use to want to cover every surface in ikat. Check out some of my favorite Ikat resources that are still available online below.
Ikat Fabric
Affordable Ikat Pillows
Ikat Pillow at Conran
Pottery Barn Ikat Pillow, super cheap!
Madeline Weinrib Sample Sale Rug
Simple elegant photographs from the new book "A Year of Mornings" by Maria Alexander Vettese and Stephanie Congdon Barnes. The new book is a collection of 236 images always taken before noon by two women living 3191 miles apart. The collection represents simple quiet moments in everyday life. Each photograph feels like a pause to remark on the sunlight or the patterning of simple shapes. Totally beautiful. To learn more visit: 3191ayearofmornings.com.
p.s. they are are working on a year of evenings right now, check it out!
Labels: affordable artwork, artist, photography
I really want a fancy camera for christmas. I am so inspired by these photographs shot by Girl Hula (available for purchase). Beautiful and colorful.
(via sfgirlbybay)
Labels: affordable artwork, photography
Do you have any clever ideas for super-inexpensive or even free gifts? If you do you could win all the blue and white china featured in my $1 holiday guide story at domino. The gift ideas do not need to be under $1 just relatively inexpensive. Think diy gifts or inventive finds. The winner's idea will be featured on my blog next Monday! Send a photo, brief description, and address (so I can mail you the prize) to me at elliott.katy@gmail.com. Sweepstakes runs till midnight on Sunday December 21, 2008. Good Luck!
Labels: $1 design finds, diy, holiday
I have two nieces that love my My Little Pony and tacky pink sparkly things. The two year old just wants, "two pieces of gum" while the 5 year is a little more complicated. Being an aunt without kids can make it hard to shop for presents they will actually like. I feel out of the loop. I hate to fall in the trap of buying them junky plastic presents. Above and below are just a few of my favorites I've been checking out. Perfect gifts for the nieces and nephews in your life.
Clockwise from top left: A Farmer's Alphabet $13.57, Rainbow Tunnel Puzzle $74.98, Felt Owl Purse Kit $29, Cowboy Guitar $25, Pick A Pair Memory Game $16, Rabbit Lamp $63, Boiled Wool Slipper Boot $39, Elephant Purse $28, Alex Finger Crayons $18, My First Piano $74, Pirate's Of The Sea $100.99, Organic Cotton Long Johns $18, Five For Tea Wooden Doll Set $60.
It's getting mighty cold outside. We got our first snow storm this week. I'm sure its just the beginning of a long New England winter. This afternoon I made up a quick pot of bean soup with kale to warm us up. We have the Christmas tree set up and I need to finish decorating. Greg helped with the outside decorations this afternoon. I put candlesticks in the front windows, a swag around the front door, and a new Christmas wreath. Now that I see the photo I realize the lights are not even. We were trying to be smart and plug the lights into the light bulb outside rather then running an extension cord under the door. I guess it needs a little more finessing. Have a great weekend!
Labels: cooking, holiday, house renovation
Since I am on a knitting kick I thought I would share these lovely ceramic pieces by Alyssa Ettinger. Now that I am starting to collect nice furniture I need to invest in some coasters. Alyssa's sweet knitware coasters feel perfect and homey. Below are a few more pieces that are equally as sweet. All the pieces are available for purchase on etsy.com.
Labels: accessories, ceramics, tabletop
I just realized I never shared this stop motion video I found on June Taylor's website. She sells jams and sauces. Very cute. I am totally inspired to make a film.
Labels: video
Time magazine just released, "The Top Ten of Everything 2008" list. This fun video was #2 in the viral video category. I love stop motion, so clever. Video by Adam Pesapane, 35, a digital artist in New York City who goes by the nickname PES. See the list: time.com.
Check out more super fun videos from PES here.
Labels: video
These yarns are gorgeous. If I could just master the scarf! I love the mix of all the different colors. The yarn is handspun by ficklefiberdiva using various colonial wools and merinos. Love!
p.s. I just bought the yarn above. I couldn't resist. Here I come knitting needles!
Labels: textiles, things I love
A round up of some of my favorite calenders I've been eyeing. I like feminine flowers and happy colors. Perfect for my office. My picks above and below.
Labels: affordable artwork
We have been working on stripping the paint from our mantel in the den over the last few weeks. The mantel piece was pretty loose so we decided to take it off and reattach it properly. Behind the mantel there was a little space where objects had rolled back into. The area was full of hair pins, real wood matches, the smallest nails we have ever seen, and an old cigar. In the foreground of the top photo check out the strange plastic stick with numerous holes. No idea what it could be? We trying to figure out a date on the objects. I guess if I found out when they made real wood matches maybe I could date the other objects?
Labels: found objects, house renovation
I fell for Shannon's Rankins Heartstring Series about a month ago. I came across her etsy shop last night where she showcases custom pieces. Prices range from $10-$100. A great gift idea.
Labels: affordable artwork
A homey blue and gray interior feels like heaven. Hand crocheted textures make me yearn to knit. The pouf and stool are from Heins Home Design.
(via style files)
Labels: furniture, living room, textiles
I love this bedroom designed by Sara Bengur. The room feels airy and bit exotique. The bed is to die for. Layers of polka dots and flowers make the room feel feminine but not over the top. The bedroom has two large french doors that open up onto a private deck. So perfect. Exactly what we want to do in our bedroom. Check out more photos and a video tour.
New Navaglow tape designed by Stella Bugbee. Stella is our genius design director at domino magazine! Remember her awesome lace tape she designed a few years ago? Both tapes are great products to jazz up your holiday gifts. Navaglow tape, set of three rolls, $20 igloostore.com.
Adorable red and white cotton alphabet ribbons from Italy. Sweet idea for wrapping holiday gifts. Alphabet Brocaded Ribbons, $9 each, angelaliguori's shop.
(via abbey goes design scouting)
Today's gift guide incorporates one of my favorite themes: marine life. I can't get enough of seeing whales, octopus, and fish on t-shirts, pillows, art, and jewelry. Above and below are just a few of my favorites. For more holiday gift ideas click here.
Clockwise from top left: Baby Long Sleeve Tee $24, Magnetic Wood Tongs $40, Spouting Whale Tray $92, Wicked Octopus print $45, Whale Butter Dish $68, Suddenly, it's Real Whale Chalkboard $44, Lobster Pillow $100, Dolphin Studio Calender $98, Herring Factory Mat $12.50, The Whale and the Halibut cards $15.
p.s. I added a few new pieces I found over the weekend.
Bungalow 360, Whale Tote, $26, kitty-pants.com.
Labels: accessories, affordable artwork, fashion, gifts, holiday, pillows
I've been eyeing these empire style harp back dining chairs as a possible style for our dining room. The chairs are from the late 19th century and made of solid mahogany. I love the feminine lines and glowing mahogany wood.
Labels: furniture
As promised photos of Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by lobster boat early Saturday morning in Marblehead. A crowd of children eagerly awaited his arrival while sipping hot cocoa and singing along to holiday classics. The sky was blue and the air was crisp. A perfect day for Santa to arrive.
Labels: holiday, marblehead
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by lobster boat this morning to kick of the holiday season here in Marblehead. So cute. I'll share more photos of Santa's arrival later today. My favorite part of the day was the Gingerbread Festival hosted by the Jeremiah Lee Mansion. Four rooms of the mansion were decorated with homemade gingerbread houses designed by local families and business owners. The mansion smelled of sweet sugar, cinnamon and spices! An event that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The houses are on display through the weekend. Visit marbleheadmuseum.org for information and directions.
Labels: diy, holiday, marblehead, on the streets, sweets
A feather headband would be perfect for holiday parties or as a gift. Assorted headbands, $35 each, FeatherBrain.etsy.com.
(via design*sponge gift guide)
Striped and checked 100% linen tea towels are perfect for the kitchen or transformed into throw pillows. Fog Linen Work, Tea Towels $15 each, shophorne.com.
Labels: textiles
A cute diy project for the little people in my life. Maybe I won't put the tooth? The tooth pocket is for their first tooth...
An update on stripping in the den. Hmm that sounds suggestive! We have gotten most of the room done. Honestly, I had no idea it would take us this long. The stripping is a three part process. First, we removed the paint using a large heater, then we went back using a small hand held heat gun to remove more paint, and then the final step is to apply linseed oil, let it dry and then remove all the remaining residue with the heat gun. The final step takes about 2 hours to do 3 feet. We need to finish up the project in the next couple weeks or I might go mad.
The fabric at the bottom was a gift from my sister at Thanksgiving. I love crewel. This piece is totally gorgeous. I am thinking a long pillow to go across the sofa or two pillows.
Labels: house renovation
Dress up holiday packages with these festive paper garlands. Assorted colors, $2.25 each for 6 yards, onehundredwishes.com.
One last post for the day. The Neue Galerie in New York has some great gift ideas. I had to hold back from sharing more. Check out their online catalog or take a trip to the museum. The tulip print handkerchief ($48) and pillows ($65) inspired by Josef Hoffman are calling my name. So cute! Check out more: neuegalerie.org.
Neue Galerie
1048 5th Ave at 86th Street
New York, NY
(212) 628-6200
Labels: accessories, gifts, new york shops, textiles
I included these nostalgic holiday cards in my $1 holiday gift guide. The cards are from a local printshop in Marblehead, MA. This is our first Christmas in our new town it seemed perfect to send Marblehead themed cards. I just went down to the local printshop and bought a few more to start sending out. From past experience it's better to start early on the holiday card writing. Otherwise, you end up with cards that only say "Happy Holidays" love so and so. Assorted cards, $1 each, Litchman's & Orne Printing (781) 631-0175. Check out more $1 holiday finds here.
Labels: $1 design finds, holiday, marblehead, on the streets, paper
I ordered a few Farrow & Ball wallpaper samples as possibilities for our guest room walls. I was thinking I wanted something neutral that felt old-fashioned and English. Maybe one of these? Not sure, they feel too boring now that I see them in real life. I have to keep looking...
Labels: wallpaper
One of my favorites artists I identify with is Takashi Iwasaki. Colorful playful compositions that hint at a secret language and a deep inner imagination. His newest works are embroidery pieces that mimic many of his drawings and paintings. Brilliant! I am already feeling inspired.
Labels: artist
Beautiful photographs for a Wednesday morning. Check out Anne Naumann's photo blog for gorgeous seaside scenes and still-life shots.
(via black pearl press)
Labels: artist, photography
I am dying to make this adorable paper doily wreath via Martha Stewart Living. So freakin' cute! I have the directions pinned up on my bulletin board. Would be so cute on my mantel. Does anyone know if you can buy have christmas lights with a battery? I want to hide the cord. I'm sure they do! I'm off to look....For full directions check out: marthastewart.com.
We have this odd little room we turned into a guest room for our holiday guests. The room is really small and fitting a bed into the space was a challenge. We had a double bed so we decided to just tuck into between the windows and wall. The bed covers the closet which is less then ideal but I don't know another solution. We have tried every other postition and nothing works. I guess I need to accept that it's an old house with odd spaces.
I purchased a Jenny Lind bed which I love and some new sheets from Toast. The room is coming together but it definetly needs a lot more love. I have to be patient and keep buying a little at a time. It sucks sometimes to not have an endless budget. Next on the list is some artwork, rug, table, and lighting. Eventually, I would love to add some wallpaper to the room.
Labels: bedroom, house renovation
I do love silhouettes. Barbara sent over a link to her work showcasing some pretty awesome cut-paper portraits. A great gift idea for a someone special. Commissions start at $190. Contact Brooklyn Merchantile for info (718) 788-1233. Below are a few photos from Barbara's recent book,"Thumbelina: Tiny Runaway Bride". The silhouettes are captivating. A book my nieces will love: amazon.com.
Labels: artist
I am trying to decide what I want to do to decorate the outside of our house for the holidays. I like this simple swag around the door. Simple and budget-friendly.
I've seen images of Zoe Bradley's work on a number of design blogs. I constantly revisit her website. I sit in amazement in how gorgeous simple paper can be. See more: zoebradley.com.
I came across Bazaar Bizarre yesterday and was thinking about checking it out this weekend. Sounds like fun. I do love a good craft fair. Has anyone every been? I'm new to the Boston area so if you know any other holiday craft fairs or art shows coming up please let me know!
Bazaar Bizarre
The Castle at Park Plaza
Arlington St. & Columbus Ave
Boston, MA
Sunday December 7, 2008
Noon-7pm
Labels: boston and metro, diy
I've been dying to make a terrarium but I just haven't found the time. I was inspired last night to start making a few after reading a how to on domino's website. Blogger Amy Elizabeth Merrick shares a step by step guide on how to make terrariums using found objects in your home. I want to make few for me and gifts. So pretty! Check it out now: dominomag.com.
Let's start Monday off with my first in a series of holiday gift guides. This weekend I was eyeing bright colors with a homey twist. I having been craving things that feel more old-fashioned and English lately. Have fun looking!
Clockwise from the top left: Ingrid Cusson checkbook cover $39, David Aubrey "Horticulture" Bangle $48, Monika Slipper about $75, New Scotland Fingerless Mittens $76, Pennsylvania Dutch Letter Sheets & Labels $12, Large Bulb Vase $28.95, Country Tablecloth $45, Going For Baroque Pendant $15.
Terra Cotta Terrarium, $98, farmhousewares.com.
Labels: accessories, fashion, gifts, holiday, textiles
