Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Beach Shack Project: featured artist

I think I have made no secret of my love of all things coastal. As such, I absolutely flipped when I saw this necklace posted in my Google reader this morning:






{image from The Beach Shack Project, taken from Cafe Cartolina}


I can't tell you how many hours my family and I spent collecting sea glass and Willow wear along the coast... As a young child, it was like finding treasure. I still have a glass jar filled with sea glass and pottery in my home, and it is one of my most-prized possessions.

Just reading the artist's mission statement is pure bliss: "My work stems around a central idea of taking objectionable elements and altering them so they then become objects of desire." That speaks directly to what draws me most to coastal and rustic decor styles. Of course, I wouldn't call the objects that fill such rooms "objectionable" - but awkward, battered antiques are often what many people would call "trash," not "treasure." To see this premise executed so perfectly in jewelry design just amazed me! Something I would never have thought of, myself, and covet in just about every way possible!! (I mean, effectively, this artist just took my favorite thing in the world and turned it into something unbelievably beautiful - that you could wear!)

All I can say is run - don't walk - to check out this artist's amazing work! I'm really beside myself with awe!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Lady of Shalott

I capital-L Love this image from May's Anthropologie catalog. It strikes such a summery, relaxed chord - but also an almost magical one. I can't help but think of Waterhouse's "Lady of Shalott" (or Tennyson's poem by the same name, for that matter).




{image from Anthropologie}


Even the candles look like fireflies.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Suzani

I just can't seem to get away from Suzani prints. Not that I want to! It just seems that whenever something new catches my eye, lo and behold, once again it's a Suzani!




{from World Market}



My newest love is this cabinet from World Market, which I spotted this morning on Cafe Cartolina. I didn't even recognize it as a Suzani pattern until I clicked the link! Clearly, I am not the only one drawn to Suzanis...




{My cat, lounging beside one of my new pillows, which my aunt made for me with fabric from Lewis & Sheron. (And, wow! It looks like they've sold out of this fabric!)}


Since the overall impression of my pillows is so pink, I'm not sure I'd put a table like this in my living room. However, I'm in desperate need of some bedside tables... Hmmm! Better start saving my pennies!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Cute storage that won't break the bank!

I just discovered Way Basics, a company that offers simple modular storage designs. To be completely honest, I clicked on their link expecting to see the usual cast of overpriced characters. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, not only do the storage pieces come in a variety of exciting colors, but they're actually reasonably priced! (At least compared to any competitors that I've seen!)








{images from Way Basics}


Apparently, each cube is peel-and-stick assembled, no tools required! (This puts them at an advantage compared to equally well-priced Ikea, in my opinion. I love Ikea, don't get me wrong, but after nearly a full month of assembling new furniture this past January - thankfully with the help of friends - I think my wrists and forearms are only now beginning to cease their aches!!!)

Check them out!