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.
READIN' NOW
Professional book binder Abby Seymour and Jewelry artist Katherine Wheeler create beautiful pieces for their line Golden Ink. A mix of hand crafted porcelain shapes and fanciful drawings the two creatives are a match made in heaven.
Every wearable inch of their work is created by hand, and fired in their own little kiln, which means each one is a little different and remarkably unique. Their work would make anyone swoon and is sure to gather a few compliments from complete strangers as well!
I decided at the end of last year that it was time to give the blog a facelift. I sketched out a few ideas, made a few revisions and came up with the design that you see here now. But of course this would have never been possible without my amazing fiancé Matt. His web skills always amaze me, and help make my flat designs a reality. So I hope you love the new design as much as I do, and I hope you find it easier to navigate and interact with.
Today I am waiting patiently for the fed ex truck to arrive with the newest addition to my art collection. As soon as I saw the matching prints, inspired by pretty in pink, illustrated by Jessica Deahl I knew I had to have them. I’m not sure where I’m actually going to hang them yet, but isn’t that half the fun of an art collection?
If you haven’t seen the work in this amazing John Hughes tribute show, hop on over to the gallery 1988 site and take a look. Or of course if you are in california, get in your car and see them in person, then feel free to gloat! There really are some amazing originals like the few above by, John Rozum, Israel Sanchez and Kelly Vivanco. I love tribute shows and gallery 1988 always has the best ones, west coasters I hope you take advantage of that!
Maridee studio is making some beautiful modern etchings. The starkness of the black ink on white paper evokes an almost zen like feeling. At first glance i thought for sure this was the work of a swedish artist, but Marta, the designer behind this work is based in Spain. Her work is so easy to look at, I could picture these prints hanging alone or in little bundles in the bedroom, or really anywhere you need a calming atmosphere. Word on the street is she is also creating some home textiles ( I’m hoping for pillows) that will be in her etsy shop very soon. It’s amazing how just one color can evoke create such a lovely image.
I first read “Home from the Vinyl Cafe” a few years ago. It was one of those books that looked iteresting from afar, and once I read the descrption on the back cover I knew it had to come home with me. “Meet Dave, the owner of the world’s smallest record store. Meet his pal, Kenny Wong, who runs Wong’s Scottish Meat Pies. Meet Dave’s wife and their children who, along with everyone else in town, bump and stumble through a hilarious year of mistakes, miscues, misunderstandings, and muddle.” Humor Hilarity, and maybe someone embarrasses themselves in public, count me in. I couldn’t put this book down. I got my hands on a few of his other books as well, they all kept me giggling out loud, and trust me that makes for some strange looks on the subway.
Lately I have been feeling a little down, unsure of myself and where I am headed in my career. I’ve been feeling a little bit in a funk and needed something lighthearted to lift my spirits a bit. Well, it turns out good ol’ Stuart just released a new book this month; “Secrets From The Vinyl Cafe.” A quick press of a button, it is available for the Kindle, and there it was the book that I hoped would cheer me up. Needless to say, it did. The short stories, or rather anecdotes, in this book seem to be a little more heartfelt. Sure there is still hi-jinx and missteps that happen along the way, but there is always an undertone of love, family and friends. It made me laugh, and made me thankful for those that I have around me. I have to say if you are looking for a quick and light read, with a whole lot of fun, pick one of these up. I’m still smiling.
In my career as a graphic designer the most indecisive, difficult to please, hardest to work with client is myself. I find it hard to make a final decision and pull the trigger. After all I can’t charge myself overages, or get mad when I miss my made up deadlines. I have the ability to change my mind dozens of times before making that final decision.
So now that I’ve started to plan my wedding, I feel overwhelmed with design decisions. Should we have a nautical feel, or something more woodsy. Do we want light colors, or something more bold. I’ve been creating wedding inspiration boards for the past 7 months over at love and lobster, so you think I would know exactly what I want.
I’ve been pouring over my files folders for the last month— looking at swatches, dresses and decor, unable to pull the trigger on how I want that special day to feel. Until last night. I figured it all out. It’s not about a theme its about the color, it about making everything around us as happy as we feel. Bright colors with a rustic undertone. This is what we want our day to exude, happiness. Click the photo to view larger if you want to see all the details!
Clockwise from top left: Birch vases (via elizabeth anne designs), food cart, ( charlotte jerks lewis), boutonniere (tec petaja), drink settings (martha stewart weddings), flowers (la partie events), ice tub (pottery barn), table setting (my life my loves), monogram (unknown), ceramic mason jars (alyssa ettinger), birch slices (union photo), jam jars (martha stewart weddings), strawberry shortcake (paula le duc), drink dispensers (justin marantz),
Sweet Harvey has so many cute letter press designs to choose from it’s almost hard to pick a favorite. I’ve had these little fox notecards on my wish list for quite a while, and as soon as I run out of my current notecards I’m grabbing a set of these. But notecards aren’t the only thing they rock at! They have greeting cards, tea towels, cotton scarfs and even a few tote bags to swoon over. I love the illustration style, clean modern and crisp. And of course everything looks better letter pressed! So check out the shop, if you haven’t seen these fellas before you are in for a wonderful surprise.
Be prepared for a whole bunch of cuteness when you head over to Rover Dog’s online storefront. I found this gem of shop while putting together an inspiration board for the coastal New England wedding blog Love and Lobster. These coats, shirts and even neckties would be the prefect addtion if you are set on having your precious pooch join your wedding party. I can guarantee any dog would look dapper in this westerly trench coat! Best of all they are available in sizes XS to XXL perfect for pups big and small.
