Artist Sharon Elphick contacted me today about the opening of her new online shop, Elphicks, where you can find a curated selection of art prints from not only Sharon but from some of her favorite artists like Charley Harper, Karin Akesson and Hazel Nicholls.
It’s nice to be nice, what a sweet print — I especially like that it appears to be on a biscuit that resembles a Bahlsen cookie. Cute!
(images: elphicks)
I talked about this lady in ‘07 but I couldn’t resist posting about her again after viewing the coolest project she’d posted on Flickr recently. Adriana Bezerra, or Drika.b as her fans know her, is a handbag designer in San Francisco by way of Brazil with the most delicious handbags with her signature jute trim. Check out the little photos of her bags that she so carefully placed on a linen board as a reminder of all the bags she’s designed since launching her collection back in late ‘06. Don’t you just love this idea? I’m swooning here…
I’m a proud owner of a Drika.b bag and whenever I wear it out I always receive a ton of flattering comments about the size and shape of it — people really seem to love (and want) it where ever I go. I almost want to keep a supply in the trunk of my car and be her east coast rep or something, it’s a riot!
Don’t you really love this display board idea though? And her perfectly neat play space? Inspiring…
(images: Adriana Bezerra)
I love combing the pages of Bella Luce Photography… whether it’s Natasha’s Flickr photos or the lovely work in her etsy shop, I’m forever reminded of the power that nature has to transform and cause dreams to stir within our hearts…
How can one not imagine a perfect setting or the ideal afternoon when gazing upon these divine photos above?
(image: bella luce)
Such a beautiful thought today from artist Dallas Shaw… You And I Both. Simple words that mean so much since we all need one another so much, often in ways we don’t even realize or appreciate fully until something happens that reminds us of our reliance. No man is an island, right?
You And I Both is a print available in several colors for $20 at Dallas Shaw’s pretty little shop. What a special gift this would make for a friend who has cheered you on, dried your tears, and held you up on so many occasions… don’t you agree?
(image from dallas shaw)
Whenever I think of Spring, in additional to marshmallow peeps, daffodils, rabbits, and trees in bloom, I think of wreaths because it seems everyone in my neighborhood hangs one on the front door the moment the snow has melted and the flowers start to bloom (a common custom in New England where I live). Given their history and religious associations dating back before the Persian Empire, then referred to as a diadem, wreaths were typically then worn as a headband. In ancient Rome decorative wreaths were used as a sign of victory and celebration and according to a variety of sources it seems that the custom of hanging a wreath on the front door may stem from this practice. In modern times, wreaths in the home are used in celebration of holidays but many, like myself, enjoy displaying them for non-religious reasons simply as decorative objects year round. Clearly a wreath is no ‘trend’ item — with a history dating back that far I’m sure they will hang around for a long time to come. :)
“Balance” by Royal Buffet.
It’s interesting to note that not all modern day wreaths for the home are created equal — they come in a myriad of shapes and sizes from circular to square and made from or adorned with everything you can imagine. At first you may think of evergreen or holly, but I’m certain the common silk and dried flower variety springs to mind as well. In addition to those commonly found in stores and florists, there are lots of uncommon designs that I’d like to highlight because they deserve a notice. From living greens to feathers, twigs, fresh flowers (my preference when it comes to floral wreaths — I had wreaths on our seats at my wedding), felt, bells, shells, yarn, vintage horse show ribbons, cards (love!), cork, metal, men’s ties, ornaments, eggs, buttons, paper and fabric, pretty much anything is fair game!
Mod white powder coated steel circle by Kenneth Wingard, wild twigs and feathers by Holly Ferencze, spring from SodabyAmy and a living succulents (not plastic!) via Viva Terra.
Paper wreath from The Spotted Sparrow in Germany and a gorgeous ruffled vintage French ivory wreath by Simple Joys Paperie.
The Constant Gatherer in South Carolina is a constant source of inspiration…
Inspiration from craft queen Martha Stewart online. Search her website for wreaths and prepare for projects galore!
Ribbons by Bitter Sweet Design and a simple Spring wreath made by a favorite indie designer of mine, Lobster and Swan.
Love and Happiness by Haru (I own a similar one from this Etsy seller) and a personalized baby fabric wreath (for a boy) from Holland Fabric House.
Cheerful paper flowers from Wool Paper Sugar and a doily twinkle light wreath as shown in the holiday issue of Martha Stewart Living 2008. You can make this doily wreath: DIY here
One of a kind treasure by Beach Cottage Studio and Spring Fling from Dana and Carol, first spotted today on Creature Comforts who I must credit because seeing this single wreath on her blog inspired this very round up! Inspiration is funny like that. Thank goodness for the lovely and talented bloggers out there highlighting so many gorgeous finds!
More Martha Stewart inspiration including a brilliant brown paper bag wreath (top right) via Abby Goes Design Scouting who found this in a back issue of Martha Stewart Living.
Cardboard wreaths from Cardboard Safari.
The modern “Family Ties” wreath DIY over at ReadyMade mag online and a vintage paper wire one from Great Findz.
And last but certainly not least, these intricate paper designs by Helen Musselwhite via LivingEtc.
I personally love paper crafts so seeing paper used in wreath making is one of my favorite crafting projects out there. I was a little hesitant to come forward to admit to liking wreaths because it seems most associate them with either funeral homes, kitschy crafting, nursing home decor or strictly for holidays only. Then I thought that this post may be beneficial because if you do associate wreaths with words like tacky or dated, perhaps after seeing the variety that exists you’ll give them a second glance. It all comes down to personal preference in the end so whether you like them or not, I’ll leave that part up to you. This is by no means an effort to convert you!
So tell me… do you like wreaths? When you think of one what immediately comes to mind? If you have a wreath where is it in your home? Do you display a wreath on your front door?
(images above all linked to their sources)
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