A couple of days ago, it occured to me that I didn't know what Pantone's color of the year was for 2011 (maybe because of these cookies...mmmm...cookies...I digress). Last year, when I found out that it was turquoise, I wasn't surprised. But, this year...it's a pink...honeysuckle in fact...and I am surprised.
It's a pretty bold color and I feel like I haven't seen much of it around, but now that I know about it, you know I'll see it everywhere!
The Poppytalk blog hasn't dissapointed lately with some great inspiration. First, a rad modular bookcase:
And it's held together with everyday objects: binder clips - yes!
Second, wallpaper perfection (well, for a gal such as myself who likes modern mixed with grandma fussiness):
Sigh...love.
First off, Happy Mother's Day to all the mommy readers!
I have some links to share with you from the week!
1. I went to a play yesterday. A friend of mine happened upon free tickets...what a gift!
Pride and Prejudice. You may already know I adore Jane Austen and this play had a comedic twist to the book. Imagine the triplet in the picture bouncing up and down as if they were in a carriage whilst conversing. edit: After thinking about what I wrote, I feel it necessary to note that if you are not familiar with Jane Austen's work (or if you are and thought that I was nuts for not noticing Austin's humor), her books are full of wit...but for me, this play boredered a bit too much on a comedy which overshadowed the romantic qualities.
2. I've always wanted a collection of scented geraniums. A collection of different varieties of mint as well.
3. A fantastic new-to-me blog and shop via (if you love Scandinavian and Japanese design, you'll love it).
4. Perennial veggies! I've really enjoyed the return of strawberry plants and chives on their own...now here's a list of perennial veggies.
All for now!
I love the combination of two things that seem to be so different, but really are made for each other.
Like these, I found spotted them on Oh Joy! recently and I love things that are typically disposable made with something that is not...and really these are heirlooms....
They can be found here.
Next. I saw these chairs awhile back, but was reminded of them by Design For Mankind (via)....
I'm in love with these chairs. They are by Johan Lindsten (yes, they are embroidered). I'm sure they are SUPER spendy (if for sale at all), but wouldn't it be nice to make them inexpensively as kits? How wonderful would it be to have a hand in making something by an incredible designer? Please, please, please, if you know of such a designer, let me know!
If you haven't already read about this blog (I keep seeing posts about it), head on over to Unhappy Hipsters. It's so clever and great for a chuckle (I still love you Dwell):
"Not on the grass, Sweetie. Never. On. The. Grass. See how much fun Daddy is having?
(Photo: Jack Thompson, Dwell, October 2009)"
"With the shelves finally ordered by size,
function, and smell, he got to work separating the pine needles from
the sawdust on the terrace.
(Photo: Misha Gravenor, Dwell, May 2007)"
I spotted a few things today that just hit me like a ton of bricks.
1. All About the Whipped Cream - Film Photo Card (spotted on the front page of Etsy), by Helene Smith.
2/3. Amazing photography captured with an iphone by Deb McLean (found via decor8).
4. Stunning new work by my Etsy friend Jessica of Miniature Rhino (pssst...these will be in her shop update today). Long live snail mail!
What hit you today? Erm, I mean that figuratively.
Sometimes I find so many great ideas in such a short amount of time on other blogs that it blows my mind. I've found some great stuff the last couple of days and I just had to share.
First, a new book, Copenhagen Apartments. Stunning:
(found via poppytalk)
It's in Japanese, but if you don't read in Japanese, who cares? It's utter eye candy!
Next is this incredible coffee table/rug combo:
(found via swissmiss)
"A Coffee table that interacts with its Rug, the coffee table is in the shape of a traditional child’s sled and sits neatly into a thick pile rug with two deep groves cut into it, giving the impression of compressed snow under the weight of the skis."
Well, I don't have the money for it and it feels very seasonal for where I am, but it's SO incredible! (Did I say that already?)
How about some DIY wallpaper that is easily removed? Pretty rad, I say! Check this out:
(found via Design*Sponge)
You can find the instructions here and more info on the maker's blog here.
Not only do I love the impermanence, but it's an inexpensive (yet time-consuming project, but I have more time than money) way to do wallpaper (I guess I have expensive taste when it comes to wallpaper). Ooh, and I love that it looks handmade...perfectly imperfect!
Lastly, fantastic cake stands. These would work for other uses as well, check out these stands made from powdercoated (I wish I had the ability to powdercoat at home) upcycled brass candlesticks, the tops are Corian.
(found via Apartment Therapy Re-Nest)
Check out these pieces, here from Iacoli and McAllister.
I've been thinking about simplicity and simplifying a lot lately and it's possibly because my church's rummage sale is coming up. It's a great opportunity to purge. But, I think I've been thinking about it also because in order to get anything done around here, boxes need to be moved from one place to the next and it's getting ridiculous! It would be much easier to get stuff done if there weren't all that stuff in the way!
I also think about visual simplicity often. I've been hanging out in the garage with Jeff here and there and I've realized that the visual simplicity of auto part boxes is truly appealing:
Simplicity in the home has also got me thinking about consumerism. Most of the stuff in our home isn't due to a consumerist attitude...I just have to sift through all my old stuff and keep things that either have a story or are functional. However, thinking about every purchase is, I feel, important and something that most of us can work on. Anabela has been struggling through thoughts on consumerism too, it's very thought provoking. See here, here and here.
I'd like to know your thoughts on simplicity.
One of the prints that I put in my printmaking exhibit on Etsy Stalker was An Apple A Day letterpress poster by VikDesign; it's one of my new favorite things. Here's part of the item description:
"Here's a quick and easy way to keep in tip top shape. Just peel the little variety sticker from every apple you eat and affix it to a square. Keep it interesting. Try a Belle De Boskoop, a Newtown Pippin, how about a Peasgood Nonsuch, or maybe a Turley Winesap. There's no shortage of combinations and imagine how good you'll feel, when, after a years time, you've filled each square with a colorful little sticker."
I've come across a couple of pieces of art/design the last couple of days that I feel are noteworthy. First, is Ink Calender by Oscar Diaz.
(found via Craftzine.com)
"Spanish designer Oscar Diaz has designed a calendar that uses the capillary action of ink spreading across paper to display the date. Each month, a bottle of coloured ink spreads across a sheet of paper embossed with numbers, colouring them in as it goes."
I think it's stunning! (Printmakers have a think for ink and paper.)
Next, is wallpaper by Cassandra C. Jones. I love conceptual art, and this is rad:
(found via Apartment Therapy)
It's called Good Cheer, why?
Here's what Jones has to say about the piece
"Good Cheer is an installation of wallpaper that is composed of found snapshot photographs of cheerleaders performing routine stunts that flaunt their briefs. This type of photograph, a young girl in uniform with one leg up in the air, has a duel connotation of family values and pornography all in one image. Good Cheer surrounds the viewer in this paradox of ethical ambiguity."