[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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Apr
01
Uncategorized
POPSICLE ILLUSTRATIONS make me smile

I’ve been trying to get back into the habit of drawing. I tend to spend too much time in front of the computer and not enough time with a peice of paper and a pencil. So I have started keeping a little stack of blank notecards next to my keyboard and when something pop’s into my head and I have a few minutes, I’ve been drawing my little ideas. So I wanted to share the first 4 in a series of frozen treats. I’m planning on making these little guys into cards and put them up in my etsy shop very soon. Let me know what you think. 

upstate_pops

Mar
20
Uncategorized
PLANT SOMETHING NEW this spring

We are going to union square tomorrow to pick up some succulents for my new apartment. So to celebrate the first day of spring, I put together a few of my favorite plants from etsy. Enjoy. (A) vintage moss terrarium by madebymavis $84 (B) Mikasa es su kasa by Monkeys always look $17 (C) Butter cream pedestal by Greenware designs $40 (D) Large plant Scape by Thyrza $130.

succulent

Mar
19
Uncategorized
SMALLEST GARDEN ever

I don’t normally talk about manufactured goods, but its spring and these little things are just too cute. Imagine being able to take a mini garden with you where ever you go. Thanks to these little Green Capsules, and these Babytrees from where else – Japan, you can grow a tiny plant and keep it  with you on your keys. I have to say I am a bit skeptical about a plant being tossed around in my bag with my keys or a cell phone, but they would look pretty cute on your desk. I don’t have the greenest thumb in the world but for those who do, maybe you can give one a try and let me know how it goes. 

plants

Mar
11
Uncategorized
EARNING YOUR MERIT badges

I admit it, I was a girl scout. Well technically speaking, I was a daisy, then a brownie, then a Junior (up until 7th grade when there was no other troop to join). Hey what can I say i liked hanging out with nerdy girls and making crafts, I was not in it for the cookie selling. I guess thats why I love the idea of a modern merit badge, and no one does them better then Lee Meszaros. She offers badges for everything from being drunk as a skunk, sharp as a tack, even taking the cake. My personal favorite is the birds of a feather badge, which would be a great twist on those best friend heart necklaces everyone had back in 8th grade. Now you can relive your scouting days, without having to bring the snack. 

buttons

Mar
05
Uncategorized
IT”S ALMOST TIME for outdoor living

Twice a year i get really excited for a shopping trip, one is the fall back to school gooodies at Target, the other is the outdoor living events at ikea. I got a sneak peak at the Ikea summer catalog and this year does not disappoint.  I am currently moving from one apartment with a backyard to another one so at least I know there will be some outdoorness going on this year. These picks are some of my favorites. The battery operated colorful lantern at a whopping $3.99 each!  The lovely and affordable green outdoor love seat, a steal at only $139 ( thats less than $1 a day of outdoor seating enjoyment all season long, less if you share your seat with someone.) If you are a little bit fancier perhaps you will enjoy the modular outdoor seating its a little pricier but still a real bargain if you have ever looked at similar sets from crate and barrel ( trust me this is a really great deal). And last but not least these lovely fabrics from their regular 2009 collection, they really just pop out at me and would make that reupholstered thrift store find look fabulous. 

ikea

Mar
02
Uncategorized
TWEET TWEET TWEET meow?

Mike Dutton is my new favorite obsession. He makes me want to try my hand at watercolors again. He has so many different styles to his illustrations he can gesture an old movie palace, or draw in every detail of a fantasy world. My favorite of course is his bird masquerade series. These wonderful creations are simple and fantastical while being perfect for any age. So often humor in illustrations are aimed at children, but these masked birds are dying to nest in your living room. Check out his website then pick yourself up something nice at his shop. 

dutton

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
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

Jan
29
Uncategorized
FROM COLLEGE DORMS to your bag

I love trompe l’oiel, you know when things are painted to look 3 dimensional and real. When I was little i used to call them magic paintings, and I still think there is a bit of magic in them. I was doing some searching last night for some prizes for an upcoming upstatefancy contest, when I came across this little change purse zip pouch from Quiet Doing. Everyone has seen the little pouches that look like cassette tapes, or bananas, but these guys have turned something that you would never throw into your purse, into a very useable vessel. The milk crate has officially come along way from being the essential bookcase and extra seating from your college years. They also have a lot of really cool wallets, purses, and ipod cases so be sure to check them out.

changepurse

 

Jan
27
Uncategorized
SIT DOWN RELAX and check your email.

I’m moving into a new apartment soon and have been dreaming about some new furniture. Eames, Miller, Saarinen, oh how I wish I could afford you all! But in the meantime at least my ibook can now live in the lap of luxury.  At just a fraction of what a real Eames lounger would cost you, your laptop can be safe and secure in one of the embroidered laptop cases from Byrd and Belle. While your over there be sure to check out her embroidered pillows as well, modernize your living room and still have money to pay your bills. 

chair_laptop

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