Chris Silas Neal: Man At Sea Print

I may not be able to live without this print.

(via design*sponge)

The Art of Paper Cutting Blog

One of my new favorite blogs: All About Paper Cutting. I bought a print from Elista a few months ago not even realizing that she had a fantastic blog. A great resource full of inspiration, books, blogs, and etsy paper cut artists. Above and below are a few of Elista's creations.

Madita Photography

It's Monday and we all have to go back to work! Stare at these gorgeous photographs and forget about all the e-mails you have to respond too.

(via bliss)

I got my needlepoint art!

Yeah my floral needlepoint that I bought on etsy came today. I totally love it. It looks great in my guest room.

Floral Needlepoint Art

I just like these. Show some love for needlepoint here and here. Maybe I should take up needlepoint. Nah...seems to hard.

James Spicer

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.

New! Blissful Images 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.

A Year of Mornings Photographs

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!

Girl Hula Photos

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)

2009 Calendars

Dolphin Studio, $98, thisisauto.com.

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.

Linda & Harriet, $24, lindaandharriett.com.

Dutch Door Press, $30, littlepaperairplanes.com.

Sarah Parrott, $20, etsy.com.

Egg Press, $12, eggpress.com.

Black Pearl Press, $36, blackpearlpress.com.

Shannon Rankin's Etsy Shop

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.

2008 Gift Guide: Whales, Octopus, and Fish

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.

Shawn Creeden, Handpainted Journals, $40 each, curiosityshoppeonline.com.

Katrina LaPenne "Anchor Necklace" $80, serimony.com

Our Yellow House, Octopus Hat

Bungalow 360, Whale Tote, $26, kitty-pants.com.

Lauren Wolf, Sea Urchin Silver Bangle, $48.50 each, thisisauto.com.

Affectionate Octopus Cotton Handkerchief, $8, tattoojessica's shop.

Great Canadian Toque Hat, $32, rain coast studio.

Jumbo Applique Whale Tote, $30, Charlie and Sarah's Shop.

Biodegradable Paper Cups, $3, kioskkiosk.com.

New! State Bird Prints from Dutch Door Press

Today I am relaxing and recovering from thanksgiving festivities. I just want to stay home today and do nothing but maybe make some cranberry bread. I had to share these cute state bird prints from Dutch Door Press before I forgot. So cute! Would be sweet in a little girl's room. Just $15 for a 5 x 7 letterpress print. Buy now: littlepaperairplanes.com.

Budget Friendly Design on D*S

Looking for more budget friendly design ideas? Check out design*sponge's new Budget Friendly design section. Over 20 different stories jammed packed with gifts and finds ideas under $100. Included in the round-up is my $1 design finds story I did in August for domino. Stay tuned for my $1 holiday guide due out next Thursday. A great resource for those of us watching our wallets! Check it out now: designspongeonline.com/category/budget-friendly.

Nautical Artwork

I am kicking myself for not picking up these two pieces at White Elephant last weekend. I was there with my boyfriend working on my $1 story and he was totally rushing me. I guess I didn't really need them...but they are nice? The above painting was $35 and the print below was $25. I have to go back once I have my den a little more planned out and pick out some pieces.

Silhouettes for Holiday Cards and Gifts

Carter Kustera, Custom Portraits, inquire for pricing, jonathanadler.com

I've been thinking about artwork to hang in our new den. For some reason I really want to have silhouettes done of Greg and I. The do agree they seem kinda silly and over the top but I know I will cherish them forever. A great gift for family and friends for the holidays. I had a few sites bookmarked but when I typed "custom sihouettes" into etsy.com I found hundreds more. Above and below are a few of my favorite designs and creations. Enjoy!

Jenny Lee Fowler, Leaf Silhouette Custom Portrait, $50, etsy.com

Lucky Me Beads, Sweetheart Custom Necklance, $48, etsy.com

Cut Arts by Karl, Original Silhouette Portraits, from $25-$150, cutarts.com

Petite Prints, Silhouette Needlepoint, $128, petiteprints.com

May Luk, Bespoke Silhouette Bowl From Your Photo, $88, etsy.com

Petite Prints, Custom Notecards, from $48, petiteprints.com

Miss Crowland, Custom Family Portraits, $55-$95, etsy.com

Shannon Rankin

Something about these prints struck me. The pieces are maps forming a human heart. Red heart strings are then sewn into the paper. Shannon Rankin "Heartstring Series" $35 each, littlepaperplanes.com.

Wresting Posters of McCain vs.Obama

I love these prints depicting McCain vs. Obama in a wrestling style poster theme! If I only had $250 to spare I would grab these up! Prints by Kevin Bradley are available for purchase here.

Carved Wood Printing Blocks

I love the idea of making my own wallpaper using old carved wood printing blocks. Maybe I will give it a try? But you can also use the blocks for cards, making wrapping paper, and art. I found this store that sells on etsy.com and ebay.com. On etsy you can buy 10 blocks for $49 or choose individual version at their ebay store.

I used a couple I picked up at Brimfield to make simple artwork for our bathroom in our old apartment (below). Super easy and cheap. I stamped different shades of pink paint onto watercolor paper in a loose grid pattern. After the artwork was dry I placed the paper into a store bought Ikea frame and hung for a simple display. I would love to make some larger versions that cover a long hallway. The possibilities are endless. Stock up on a few now to make inexpensive holiday gifts for friends and family.

Good Shape Design

I'm off to the craft store to buy some supplies to make some leaf wreaths. Before I go I wanted to share a great affordable art link. Good Shape Design has a great selection of colorful and graphic prints. All the images are silkscreen and range in size from 16 x 20 to 18x 24. Right now, I am checking out "Urns" above. I don't know what I love more the pink or the urns. Maybe it's the combo. A great piece for just $30. Check out more: goodshapedesign.com.

Yoran Morvant: Pierres Graphiques

I find these patterned drawn stones so intoxicating and interesting (via design*sponge). Kinda reminds of being a kid and painted rocks. I have to admit Yoran's are much cooler then anything I could have come up with. A decorative rock would be perfect resting in my bookcase. Check out more from the new site that features Yoran's rocks: ashesandmilk.com.

Molly Rauch: Postage Stamp Paintings

I am totally obsessing over Molly Rauch's Postage Stamp Paintings this morning. Each piece begins with an actual postage stamp that Molly then paints around using watercolor and gouache paint. The paintings are pretty tiny—most are around 3 inches. Prices range from $250-$300 per piece. Molly does accept commissions. Just choose a subject or destination and she will mail a few stamps for you to choose. A great gift for a special someone to remember an event or adventure. Check out more: postagestamppaintings.com.

New Finds: Table, Marble Bowl, and Oil Painting

I promised I would share more of my finds that I scored last weekend in Essex, Ma. Above is another oil painting from the White Elephant Outlet Barn. I needed something that would fit above my mantel for the time being. The colors are great find for just $20. Below is my new maple table. I was told the side table was 18th century American. I love the clean lines and simple legs. On top of the table is a marble bowl. Super cool! The color and texture is gorgeous for just $15.

Horse Painting

So I tried to take a few photos of my finds I scored last weekend. Everything was too dark and blurry expect for this horse painting. Awesome right? I love it! I am going to give it to my sister for Christmas. The painting has a date on the back from 1969. I swiped up the painting for just $20 at the White Elephant Outlet Barn in Essex, Ma. I will share more pieces I scored once the sun comes back!

White Elephant Outlet Barn
Main Street
Essex, MA
Open Weekends Only

New: Tugboat Printshop

Jellies, 12.5" x 9.5", $55, tugboatprintshop.com

Check out this great new woodcut print from Tugboat Printshop. I love the mustardy yellows in this piece. A limited edition of 50 prints so act quick before there gone! To purchase: tugboatprintshop.com

Vintage Bathing Suits

I feel like my mind keeps jumping all around. I start working on one room and then I get an idea for another. How about vintage bathing suit framed for my front hall? Since we live by the beach it might be perfect? I don't want it to look to nick-knacky or grandma. I would have to find the perfect one. Here are a few I found on 1st dibs. A bit pricey. I am thinking about searching vintage shops and framing it myself. These sure are cute though! Check out more: 1stdibs.com.

Blissful Images Photography

These images are gorgeous! Mrs. French part blogger,photographer, and mom is inspiring us all! All her photographs are truly stunning. My favorite is the dahlia above. An 8 x 10 signed photograph is just $19. Be sure to check out her newest series of cupcakes too! Check out more: etsy.com.

Handmade Paper Cut Cards and Prints

Wake up it's Thursday! Colorful handmade paper cut cards and prints are sure to spring you into action. Prices range from $4-$46. Check out more: etsy.com.