Recently I’ve come across a lot of cute doll projects. It’s been such an inspiration that I decided to try and make a birdcage all by myself. I still don’t know how to use a sewing machine – so all these are made imperfectly by hand….which was a labor of love. I’ve also used some vintage fabrics and floral wire to give the cage structure. Hope you like my pics -would love to hear your thoughts! 
The other day I landed upon Chicago-based Fashion Design team, Agnes & Hoss, thanks to Orange Beautiful’s blog. I was partically inspired by their beauitful patterns – vibrant colors and graphic shapes. They even put their gorgeous patterns on scarves, pillows, and handbags. Here are some of my favorite patterns.
I am continually awed by what artists can do with their hands- from constructing amazing paper sculptures to creating imaginary worlds with clay (adult play-doh!). Meredith Dittmar is making some very imaginative characters and art with polymer clay. Take a look at her intricate handiwork on her site. Her etsy shop also sells some cute figurines- I’m going to have to snatch one of her guys when she restocks. Here are few from her collection.
Admist all the chaos of the recession and all, I find that baking & sewing is great outlet for stress. I definitely recommend it for everyone who is trying to stay sane. Today I fell upn a great fellow sewer and doll creater, Tamar Mogendorff. Her dolls are beautifully crafted from vintage fabric & buttons. I am particualry in love with her acorn & polar bears. Take a look here for some great pics…a lot more found on her site. You can also purchase her dolls here, and here, and here. I only hope this inspires you, as much as it inspired me to get my sew on!
For Valentine’s Day this year I decided to make some cute, inexpensive sugar cookies. This specific recipe calls for a bit of lemon zest which I felt added a nice touch. Decorated with royal icing & heart-shaped sprinkles. Check out Emeril’s Recipe here.
Twinkle by Wenlan is one of my favorite designers. I love their dresses and beautiful necklaces. Back in 2007, they expanded into a home/living sector.
Check out a few of my favorites below. Their shop can link here.
Some say Valentine’s Day has been overtaken by the commercial world. I mean, $30 for a dozen roses, which typically cost $10 IS a bit ridiculous. Ideally, everyday should be Valentine’s Day…everyday we should be displaying our affections to those we love. BUT, I also think indulging in some pretty little things can’t be so bad…who doesn’t like to be showered with presents! Here are some of my favorites.
Left to right: 1. Purple Jade & Pearl Earrings /Viv & Ingrid 2. Valentine’s Motif Box/Recchiuti 3. Heart Butcher Block/Perpetual Kid 4. Arabella Venus in Furs Necklace/Manic Trout
5. I Love You Candles/Quincy Shop 6. Cupcake Keepsake/Viv & Ingrid 7. Lover’s Bundle/Knock Knock 8. Pigeon Pink Light/Unica Home 9. Honey Peach Sugar Scrub/Sabon 10. Heart Cutting Board/Red Envelope
American Pop Artist, Robert Indiana, originally created this iconic LOVE design for MOMA’s 1964 Christmas card. In 1973, the design was featured on an 8 cent stamp for the USPS. The design has since made a huge impact on the world- you can find in the form of sculpture in New York, Israel, Spain, Thailand, and Singapore. Shops have also picked up on it’s popularity and made some pretty interesting items- such as a mirror & ring. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, spread some Love…after all, ‘All You Need is Love’.
The artist recently created a HOPE version of this design to support President Obama’s campaign. Take a look here.
LOVE Mirror • LOVE Ring • LOVE Necklace Pendant • Love Paperweight in Red
Organic Cotton, cork, bamboo, felt, wood….all great ingredients that contribute to some fun eco-friendly products. Take a look at some of my favorite items available at some unique shops. Let’s all do our part – and give Mother Nature a little help.
Left to right: 1. Space Invader Wooden Cutting Board /ThinkGeek 2. Felt Six-Pack Wine Rack/Branch Home 3. Organic Pure & Natural Animals/Branch Home 4. Bamboo Chopstick Bowl/Elsewares 5. Matchstick Gardens/Design Museum UK 6. EnviroSax Reusable Tote/EnviroSax 7. Kitty Mini Pod/Velocity Art & Design 8. Reusable Plastic Bag Dryer/Reusable Bags 9. Simple Hemp Sneaks/The Green Loop 10. Organic Cotton Vuori Stone Scarf/The Green Loop
Fun online shop, Delight, is having a great sale on the EnviroSax bags! Check it out here.
“If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads.”
- Anatole France
