Archive for May, 2011
A couple weeks ago, we took a look at bringing nature into your interior spaces. I’m taking a detour today into the bedroom, with a look at blankets. In the world of the easygoing duvet, blankets have taken a bit of a backseat for a little while, but they are starting to make a comeback. Not necessarily meant to replace the duvet or comforter, but as an extra layer of physical warmth and visual texture. Finely woven wool blankets are taking center stage, with knits running a close second. Even furs (typically faux) are being added in the mix to add some movement to often otherwise flat-looking bedrooms.
Geometric patterns in colors or black and white are also in play here. The postcard image below is fun, yet manages not to overwhelm the entire look. I’m personally fond of seed stitch knits, which are at once plain but have a great visual texture. Felt blankets that allow actual piecing because they don’t fray are another clear winner. Edging varies from non-existent to bound to fringe. It all works. Blankets are a great way to add color, texture and warmth to a bedroom, creating a truly inviting space.
(above) Old-fashioned Wool
White Cruciform + Black Cruciform
Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.
So, I’ve been speaking to Hillery, the owner of Specks & Keepings, for almost a month now. And I am so excited to be sharing her shop with you today. It is SO COOL! Check out the goods…
Eek. I am kind of jumping up and down right now because those Anschtecka Backpacks are insane! I’d honestly go back to school just to have an excuse to buy one (or both).
So what exactly is Specks & Keepings? And why is it so awesome?
Well, Hillery actually gave me the perfect answer to this question. Here’s what she said…
“Specks & Keepings is a small shop filled with handmade and collected objects and design. It is a showcase of thoughtfully made goods that aim to inspire a simple lifestyle that is carefully shaped and chosen… The shop currently features handmade clothing, artwork and items for the home by Anschtecka, Adam Wolpa, Eric Stiner, Hillery Sproatt, Karen Thurman, Kotoa & Rebe.
When browsing, I hope people will be overwhelmed with a sense of wonder at the beauty of a handmade life. I aimed to create a shopping environment that encourages people to think about what it is they are bringing into their homes and into their lives. I believe on some level, our possessions are an extension of ourselves and they should speak to who we are as individuals. Things are always more beautiful when they mean something to us.”
How sweet is that? I just want to give Hillery a big hug, and then go buy everything in her shop.
You can visit Specks & Keepings now and be sure to send Hillery a virtual hug for being so awesome, while you’re there. There’s no place to really do this on the site, but I’d like to think she will know in spirit if you do.
With little more than an Xacto knife, photographer turned paper cutter Jessica Alpern, combines more traditional hand cut paper arts with modern design. For a look that any generation (from Urban Outfitters to Pottery Barn) would be happy to display in their home.
As I was reading through Jessica’s profile, I found an interesting quote from her about her journey to becoming a paper artist…
“When I made the switch from film to digital photography I discovered just how important physically working with materials is to my creative process. I missed the tactile pleasure of gently undulating the tray of developer – coaxing my image forth from a seemingly blank sheet of paper.
That’s when paper cutting became an integral part of my life. It is an art form that allows me to use my hands again and, just like in the darkroom, my image slowly materializes from a single sheet of once empty paper. “
Discount! 10% off your entire online order! Enter in coupon code PAPERNSTITCH10 at checkout. Discount good through June 1st, 2011. Does not apply to shipping.
Visit Jessica Alpern’s paper cuts art shop on Etsy now to browse around and take advantage of your discount.
I’ve missed Workspace Wednesday these last few weeks. So, I am getting back on the horse with these perfectly white workspaces that are currently causing a small puddle of drool to form on my desk…
1. (above) The whitewashed home of lotta agaton with lots of light. (via 79 Ideas)
2. The Stockholm studio of Pia Wallen (via KitKatDesign)
3. A cozy attic office that is full of glamour (from The Decorista via The Censational Girl)
So tell me… Which workspace do you envy most? 1, 2, or 3?
A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by the lovely Meagan Visser to do a guest post on her blog. And because Meagan is a pns reader and is also doing some pretty great things with her biz, I quickly agreed. The topic I was asked to write about was the importance of buying handmade. And I am really, dare I say it, happy with what I wrote.
So I thought I would share it here as well, for those that didn’t catch it on Megan’s blog…
Recently, I was watching an episode of American Pickers and something about it struck me. Mike and Frank (the owners of a small antique shop) are in the business of buying low and selling high. They buy antique oddities, furniture, car parts, and more from people across the country and then resell them at a markup in their shop back in Iowa. And actually, their tagline is “We’ll buy anything we think can make a buck on.”
So anyway, what struck me about the episode was that they went to a man’s house who was big into scuba. He had tons of scuba gear scattered throughout his home. Some antiques, mixed with some actually usable equipment. And the three of them got to talking about how scuba diving was something that he use to really enjoy doing with his son, before his son was in a diving accident and became paralyzed. It was a pretty touching story. And all the money that thet dad made that day, he mentioned, would be going towards his son’s medical bills, and for assistance for his son in the future. So after they heard this story, Frank and Mike immediately bought an antique scuba helmet from the man for $5,000, which the audience finds out later was the actually retail worth of the helmet.
Now remember, Frank and Mike are in the business of “making a buck”, yet they purchased this helmet anyway, knowing there was little (if any) room for profit. So why did they do it? Well, they didn’t really say. Maybe it was a mistake on their part? But I’d like to think that they just wanted to help out another human being, by showing support for him and his son in some way. It didn’t really cost them anything to do it. They didn’t make any money. But they’ll most likely be able to resell the helmet for what they purchased it for. So, all around it was still a win-win scenario.
That’s what buying handmade is like. It’s a win-win!
When you buy something that is handmade by an individual, whether you realize it or not, you are showing your support for another human being. You are saying, I’d rather buy this original oil painting from you and wait for you to ship it to me than head down to Rooms to Go and pick up a piece today that is twice as large and half the cost.
Why? Because of the quality. Because of the time, thought, and effort that went into your original work of art. The blood, sweat, and tears (figuratively speaking) that you went through to ultimately call this work “finished”. And most importantly, because I would rather give the money to you and help support a small business like my own, than to a corporation with mass-produced products that will never even know my name.
This kind of support, from one individual to another, is exactly what we need.
Especially during these (still) tough economic times. We need to support each other. Lift each other up. And help small businesses who are trying to better the community you and your children will live in for years to come.
Now this is really just a one of many more reasons why it is important to buy handmade. But it’s a good start.
So, tell me: why do you buy handmade?
Post your thoughts in the comments.
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image above antique skeleton key collection (via Country Living)
I am such a fan of the circle series from designer, Marco Suarez. The unique format allows the viewer to focus solely on the compositions of these beautiful landscapes (and seascapes).
Thought you might enjoy starting your day with a few of these inspirations. So, I’ll let Marco’s work do the talking…
Visit Marco Suarez on Etsy to browse available works now.
Have you seen the photography of Laura Evans yet? Oh, it’s gorgeous! Laura’s photography is bright and cheerful, and each photo tells its own happy story. You can admire her sun-drenched work in her etsy shop, appropriately entitled Ooh Pretty Shiny.
Laura wants you to experience her adventures in Europe as she sees it. “‘Ooh Pretty Shiny’ says everything you could need to know about me!” she beams. My favorite photo is this ethereal scene in France, The Dreamer. And these are great too…
See more golden views in herEtsy Shop, it will lift your mood!
