Archive for January, 2008
Craft Beauty: DIY Accessories
by evie s. on January 16th, 2008
Something about the approach of spring motivates me to create. I’m definitely going to be trying out this tutorial by Minding Prismera for making Lace Earrings. Also on my list is the Chain and Paper Collage Necklace from Crafty Chica and the Fabric Headband from Altered Cloth.
Here’s to creating beautiful things!
Vending Machine Art from Art-o-mat
by evie s. on January 15th, 2008
Some time ago, a friend of mine introduced me to Art-o-mat, an organization that is “Kerplunking Culture” into ordinary places. Think vending machines for miniature works of art.
Artists in Cellophane, the sponsoring organization of Art-o-mat is based on the concept of taking art and “repackaging” it to make it part of our daily lives. Their mission is to encourage art consumption by combining the worlds of art and commerce in an innovative form. They believe art should be progressive, yet personal and approachable.
These art-dispensing appliances can be found in museums, theaters, and universities. If you want to see one in person, they make it easy to find one close to home.
If you can’t get to one of their machines, they will send the art to you. Introducing Art-O-Carton from Art-o-mat. The folks at Art-o-mat will hand pick 10 works of art based on the answers you give in a questionnaire. What a great idea!
Dutch Design: Cardboard Rugs
by evie s. on January 14th, 2008
These artful cardboard “rugs” from Dutch designer Wendy Plomp are so inspiring. I don’t know how practical they are, but it’s a great example of refashioning something that’s normally thrown away into something beautiful. Who would have thought dull brown cardboard could look so good?
[ Via Ambatalia Fabric Society ]
A Completed DIY Project: Reupholstering a Vintage Chair
by evie s. on January 11th, 2008
When I was around 16 or so and developing my own sense of interior style, I found this gold vintage chair in a rundown antique store for $30. I had big dreams of reupholstering it, and now almost 10 years later, I finally did it.
It was pretty simple to do, but very time consuming. The chair was expertly constructed (not sure who the manufacturer is) and the fabric was stapled about a thousand times to the frame. I started with the bottom and worked my way up, saving each piece that I removed to use as a template for later.
The only part I sewed was the tufted back, which wasn’t too difficult. I did use fabric glue on some parts where I didn’t want an upholstery staple showing. Everything considered, I’m pleased with the results. My expectations were pretty low with this being my first big reupholster.
Chocolate brown fabric $18 + vintage chair $30 + sense of pride for completing a 10-year old goal = priceless.
Lovey Dovey Coasters from Tribe
by evie s. on January 10th, 2008
Coasters are something I could easily collect simply because there are so many out there that I like. These Lovey Dovey coasters from Tribe are so original and beautiful with the simple silhouette of a bird on one side. Here is more about the company:
Established in 2006, TRIBE is a creative studio born in Singapore, created out of the necessity to inject colour and life into everyday products. TRIBE strives not to be confined to a specific genre of design or material, instead placing emphasis on art and passion.
Top 10 Fashion Colors for Spring 2008
by evie s. on January 9th, 2008
Pantone is a recognized authority on predicting which colors will prevail with each season, and they’ve just published 10 fresh colors for Spring 2008. This year’s colors consist of “stabilizing neutrals combined with pops” of brighter colors to generate excitement.
I thought it would be fun to find objects for home and fashion that matched the Spring palette, so here it goes:
Golden Olive [Grass & Sky Shower Curtain] // Spring Crocus [Sari Border Curtain] // Rococo Red [3-D Toile Half Apron] // Pink Mist [Seschat Wallpaper] // Croissant [Martha Stewart Trellis Rug]
Freesia [Monk Vase] // Cantaloupe [Mariette Sham] // Daiquiri Green [Lettuce Tea Towel] // Snorkel Blue [Senecca Woven Shirt] and Silver Gray [Tile Tattoos]
Spring is always an inspiring time to inject color in our home and our wardrobe. So let these colors spark a color fever for you as the winter season finally melts away.
A Beautiful Gift: I Must Have Been Quite Good Last Year
by evie s. on January 8th, 2008
I’m finally getting around to posting about one of the most beautiful gifts I received at Christmas: a beautiful 14K white gold vintage Bulova deco watch, circa 1930’s. The details on this piece are incredible. A blue sapphire jeweled crown that glows in the light, a silver engraved dial, and cobalt blue hands. Thank goodness I have small wrists, because the band is tiny! I’m saving this special beauty to wear on equally special occasions because I tend to be pretty hard on my watches. This watch will certainly be something I’ll treasure. It’s also very nostalgic…no batteries, just good old-fashioned winding.
All I can say is my husband did very well this year, the watch is perfect. You can see a larger photo here.
Continuing the Giving Theme for the Kids of Thailand
by evie s. on January 7th, 2008
As I’ve stated before, I long to create beautiful things that can also benefit a global cause. I’m making all profits for the Doilies evie s. card go to Maeap Children’s Home in Chiangrai, Thailand that helps prevent child prostitution and rescues children at risk.
Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 - 1882)
Winter Warmth from Handmade Cashmere
by evie s. on January 3rd, 2008
These cozy cashmere goods from Jessica Rose Cashmere look enticing for the remaining bleak winter days. The aquamarine and strawberry blond colors in the Cashmere Handwoven Scarf are just gorgeous. I can imagine how soft and luxurious this would feel around my neck.
The Kit for Cashmere Crochet Handwarmers would be a fun project for those cold nights by the living room fire. I love these colors too. The soft gray and yellow together is a favorite combination of mine right now.
Stay warm!
[ Found via Modish ]
Medallions: Things I Love From Ballard Designs
by evie s. on January 2nd, 2008
One graphic pattern that I love is medallions. Some experts believe that the origin of the beautiful medallion design stems from the very religious nature of Turkish weavers, and that their inspiration probably came from the artwork and patterns of domes on their mosques.
Browsing through Ballard Designs catalog today, a couple graphic items caught my eye.
This item is a fun one for the upcoming spring showers. Rain boots in a black and white medallion pattern with a punch of green would liven up any rainy day.
These patchwork prints by designer Grace Feyock that feature decorative medallions in neutral colors are perfect.
These would be easy to duplicate on your own if you have some scrap fabric you want to make a good use of. Add about nine small square frames, and you would be set. Real Simple has a “simple” tutorial for a similar type of project, Frame Fabric for Quick, Inexpensive Art.
Some great fabric in the medallion style can be found in Amy Butler’s Lotus line, available from Purl Soho.