[uhp-steyt fan-see] - adjective

1. not exorbitant or extravagent by city standards, however in a rural setting (like upstate new york) it is in fact, quite fancy.

2. a wonderful blog dedicated to art, design and other things that are indeed upstate fancy.

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Feb
13
design
BASELINE, X-HEIGHT, AND KERNING oh my

Phew it’s been a busy week around the office, complete with freelancers, computer problems, and a quick trip to the New York Times. With that being said I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about inherent knowledge that I take for granted. 

I’m teaching a introduction to Adobe illustrator class in March and have been trying to unlearn things and break down the program into simple basics. One of the things I use illustrator for  is manipulating fonts, so I’ve been looking for some font basics so that the class will know what I’m talking bout with words like counter, kerning, descender and baseline. Well, thanks to the lovely people over at typeworkshop.com I have a great place to send everyone. Their blueprint-style drawings of  typographic characters explain basic terminology, letter spacing (kerning is correct word), and almost anything else you want to know about typography in a simple visual format. Check them out and learn something new today, you could be on your way to designing your own typeface. 

typebasics-02

Feb
11
design
GREENER gadgets

Core77 has once again partnered with Greener Gadgets to produce a design competition aimed at generating outstanding design innovations for greener electronics. they engaged Designers to develop gadgets that would minimize the environmental impact of consumer electronic devices. They have narrowed it down to a handful and are asking the public to cast their vote for  top 10 that will be judged at the Greener Gadget Conference In NYC on February 27th. The design below is the bug plug, designed by Kamil Jerzykowski (Poland), which saves energy and prevents unnecessary (and often accidental) energy consumption. The device has a built-in motion sensor, turning off all connected devices (through powerstrips) when it detects no motion or body heat. So that 15 minute you took with your dog and left the tv and the lights on, don’t worry the bug plug will take care of that. Cast your vote for your favorite Greener Gadget at Core77.

bug

Feb
10
art
FLOWERS FLOWERS FLOWERS i made you out of clay

I know what you are thinking.. These flowers are pretty but so what? These beautiful flowers by DK Designs will last forever because they are made out of clay. Oh thats right, these amazing creations are made out of CLAYCRAFT by DECO Soft Clay. Can you imagine filling your home with one of her bright Hawaiian arrangements, they are sure to brighten up even the cloudiest day. And best of all you don’t have to worry about having a neighbor water them when you go out of town, just grab your swiffer duster and a quick swish they are perfect again. DK Designs also makes some of her clay flowers into hair clips, perfect for everyday or that special occasion. So in these tough economic times, you can still have beautiful arrangements year round, without having to go the silk flower route. Add some color to your space and don’t worry about being bad with plants. 

flowers

Feb
09
Uncategorized
ARTIST INSPIRATION with wook woodworking

Please welcome Alexandra Snook and Edward Way from Wook Woodworking sharing what inspires them 

Ed and I are husband and wife, and we run our own small furniture design company.  I would have to say our primary inspiration is always the natural world.  Repetition of form and natural textures as in the beauty of old weathered wood, the spiral in a shell, or the smooth undulations in the grain pattern of Cherry are all inspiring.  Wood itself is really our greatest inspiration.  The variety of species and their corresponding colors, textures and grain patterns never cease to amaze us.  Motivation, however, can come from an entirely different place.  Reflecting on the works of great designers, architects and sculptors is usually what gets us really fired up about creating.  And once we have a  concept, it’s into the studio we go, working days, nights and weekends and often skipping meals and not getting enough sleep. Great design incorporates function and form in a seamless fusion, and amazing designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry and Ray and Charles Eames (looking very cool on their motorcycle in the picture above, might I add) all exemplify this.  In terms of our personal style, we probably most relate to an Asian aesthetic.  Clean lines, impeccable joinery and appreciation for the original material all greatly influence our work.  We also love to use sustainable materials and try to do so whenever possible.  We are always on the lookout for new products and materials that satisfy our want to produce eco-conscious pieces.  

Thanks so much for letting us share our inspirations with you- Alexandra and Edward 

wook

Feb
06
design
EMPTY VESSELS transformed

Simply beautiful and beautifully simplistic. Designed by Ron Gilad the Vase Maker is a functional work of art that transforms any containment vessel into a avant garde vase. The beauty of the vase maker is that the look feel and design is changed each time it’s place on a new vessel. From the modern and hip to the elegent and classical, this functional art object is open to your own style and interpretation. The vase maker is available at designfenzider.com

vase

Feb
05
art
LOTS OF LOVE in tiny envelopes

Who ever said its the small things in life that matter most, might have been talking about the World’s smallest postal service. Run by the wondrous Lea Redmond out of San Francisco, the Worlds Smallest Postal Service (WSPS) is a teeny tiny transcription service. She sets up her miniature desk all over the Bay Area, and is also now offering online orders. You can write a letter to whoever you want, and Lea transcribes them onto tiny paper, with tiny stamps, and seals them with an itsy bitsy wax seal with the senders initial pressed into it. And no need to worry if the recipients eye sight isn’t the best, each mini letter comes packaged with a magnifying glass. It’s a good day to send a letter with a little bit of love. 

letters

Feb
04
Uncategorized
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK on wood

Ed Way and Alexandra Snook are the people behind Wook Woodworking, they have been creating amazing wood furniture and home goods that are to die for. I just got an email from Ed letting me know they have opened a new shop  for their line of one-of-a-kind jewelry, welcom Adorn Natural.  Just like their furniture everything is made by hand with unparalleled care and attention to detail. These unique pendants are made from salvaged wood and are absolutely stunning. While your over there be sure to check out their belt buckles as well, a great addition to your favorite jeans. If you love their works as much as I do be sure to check back next monday when they open up their inspiration file to the world. 

wood

Feb
03
fashion
AFFORDABLE couture

I really love dresses that  have the ability to turn heads, not necessarily because the woman wearing them looks stunning in them, but for sheer artistic value and craftsmanship. The line from Chrissy Wai Ching is exactly that. A mix of bright colors, jewel tones, and delicate simplicity makes these dresses different from anything I have ever seen. She offers so many different styles there is sure to be one that flatters you. Her bridal line is simply stunning for those who want something beautiful and eclectic for their special day. Wai Ching affordable couture. 

dresses

Feb
02
inspiration
ARTIST INSPIRATION with wabisabibrooklyn

Please welcome MaryAnne from Wabisabibrooklyn sharing what inspires her to be creative.

I generally need to physically move to start the engine of inspiration. My number one choice of locomotion is to take long city walks where I pass by so many people it’s slightly dizzying. The unexpected juxtapositions, seeing a bit of the old hanging on amid the new; shopwindows, and eavesdropping all give me just the right motivation to get to work creating.

When I travel farther than just a walk away from my house, I end up paying attention to the little details that remind me I’m far from home, like ancient tiles, prehistoric looking insects, or toys made out of trash.

And no matter where I am, I am always inspired by frugality. I was at the jewelry supply store one day about to pay nine cents each for some small copper circles, when I realized I knew where to get cuter ones for one cent each. Whenever anyone asks how I came up with the idea for the decoupaged penny earring, I always reply, “thrift.” 

The sense of time-travel that comes from sifting through a second-hand shop (or a garage if your family is comprised of pack rats, as mine is),  seeing an old movie (right now I’m particularly enamored of the finery of certain choice 1970s flicks), or hearing a song that transports me to another era that is what I need to keep myself filled with creative energy. – MarryAnne Wabisabi Brooklyn

inspiration_brooklyn

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