[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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Nov
24
handmade
2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: the bookworm

I decided to do something a little different this year. I’m breaking up the normal holiday gift guide into blog posts rather than a mini site. First up a few ideas for the person on your list that just can’t seem to put a good book down.

Clockwise from top left: Bookrest Lamp $69, Romeo & Julienne Cutting Board $10, Nerdy Eyeglass necklace from Munieca $25, Conceal Bookshelf $11, Pictorial Websters $23, Good Read Flip book by Green Chair Press $5, Half Glass bookends $58

Clockwise from top left: Custom Bookshelf painting by Jane Mount $100, Dishes I’d Rather be Doing Tea towel by Dear Colleene $15, Personal Library Kit $18, Bookplates by Mary Kate McDevitt $20, Book necklace from Black Spot Books $40, Kindle (i really do read more with this) $139, Ceramic Mug from Aedrial Originals $18

May
19
handmade
KNICK KNACKS just got awesome

I’ve never really been a big fan of decorations just for decorations. I think things you have in your home should have meaning and a story behind them. With that being said, I ran into these little stoneware creations from iktomi yesterday. Some of course do have deeper meaning, like this raccoon spirit guide, which pretty much sums me up. Are you a sharp, crafty individual who makes the best of every opportunity that comes your way? Then let the Raccoon be your guide. These little hedgehogs are just plain awesome! amazing glazing colors and I love the detail of the patterns on their backs. I could definitely see some of her work on my bookshelf in the very near future. I can’t wait to see more of her work very soon.

spirit

Feb
09
handmade
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

Dec
08
handmade
BEWARE of the sasquatch

I was doing some last minute shopping online last night and came across these pillows from Brokesy. Although I have plenty of pillows in the apartment, I am sort of craving these as well. I’m a big believer that a pillow can change the feeling of any space. Not that I want my living room being a winterous land where at any minute a sasquatch might leap from behind the christmas tree and attack. But they would definitely liven up the place. 

Dec
05
handmade
ADD SOME COLOR to your walls

I’ve always dreamed of having one big wall and filling it with small prints and paintings. It would be like being the curator of your own personal gallery. Well if this ever does come true, I have to have a piece from Eggman Studios. Michelle Knowlen, the artist behind eggman, has very unique illustrations that fuse bright colors and antique ideals with a modern twist. My favorite piece has to be the bird on the typewriter, there is no way you could have a bad day with that painting to brighten things up. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Dec
04
handmade
HOW OLD was this tree

I really like small things. Things that are adorable and stylish but don’t take up too much room. These hand stitched samplers fit the bill, and get an extra gold star due to their woodland themes. I love all the work from Miniature Rhino, there is something a bit quirky about all the creations but they all have sentimental roots. I can’t wait to see what they have in the new year.

Dec
03
handmade
CHRISTMAS TREE oh christmas tree

The clock radio went off this morning and Mariah Carey started singing that lovely christmas song of hers ( a  guilty pleasure ) and it put me in the Christmas Mood! These little trees from Cary at little love blue are dying to be added to your holiday celebration this year. Not only does she make some amazing little pieces but she is also amazingly sweet, throughout December she is donating 20% of all my shop proceeds to the March of Dimes.

Dec
01
handmade
I’D BE GLAD to do that for you

I remember one year for mothers day we had to make “coupons” to take home to our moms as a gift. These coupons could be used for “one free hug”, “washing the dishes”, “walking the dog” and other easy chores. Last night I ran into these great chore cards from Heidi Burton. I absolutely love her humorous illustration style and think these guys would make great gifts all year long. 

Nov
26
handmade
SPEND SOME TIME with me

I am really loving these adorable pillows from Shanna Murray. They have such a warm calm energy to them and such a simple minimalist design. Although they have a bit of a country feel I think they would look quite nice in my big city apartment as well. These pillows have such wonderful illustrations that you don’t have to hang on a wall and forget about. Very fresh. 

Nov
20
handmade
ON THE ROAD again

So this holiday I have been toying with the idea of doing a few mini presents instead of one large present for my sisters. They are 2 of the most athletic girls I have ever met and I am proud that they are my sisters. A few times a year they find themselves in a new state or new country competing with their field hockey road team against some of the best teams out there. I think these super creative travel journals from cracked designs would be the perfect way to keep track of their trips. I have always been fascinated with maps and pins and the cover of this little journal has it all. Perfect for a 2 week trip, or a few mini trips. I wish I thought of this one myself.

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