Hostess Gift

I put together a hostess gift for a friend. I made the tag but didn't sign it so that she could reuse it. It was created with pink toile paper and daisy carsstock on the bottom. I used a scalloped punch for the battenburg lace paper and the glitter cardstock. On top I put a green rhinestone and then some polka dot ribbon tied at the top. In a chartreuse cellophane bag (purchased at Cost Plus,) I put some shred (purchased at Target, also in chartreuse colour), a Mor soap, a mini picture album, and a Caldrea dish soap sample. Sorry for the blur!

Kelly Wearstler

I enjoy the work of Kelly Wearstler, and the designs she implemented in the Viceroy Hotel, Santa Monica. The style is called Regency. I took these pictures when we stayed there. I'd like to add a little "rock and roll" to it, to make it a little more whimsical.

The Next Big Thing

Little pies are the new cupcakes!

A Tale of Two Worlds, Part II

I mentally live in a different world. My thoughts shift when I am being creative. I think in terms of a Betsey Johnson-Tarina Tarantino-Regency-Former Punk Rocker-Mod/Ska-April Cornell-Anthropologie-Old British Ladies Drinking Cups of Tea-Ben Sherman-Fred Perry-Bettie Paige-Rachel Ashwell-Take me to Paris-kind of life. Both worlds can coexist because of the basic principles of design. When great colours, shapes, and ideas collide, it can all meld together beautifully. I was playing with displaying some vintage jewelry. I used props from my laundry room that has a "French Laundry" theme. My studio and my laundry room are the 2 main spaces void of the danish modern look.

A Tale of Two Worlds-Part I

I physically live in a modern world with clean lines and careful editing. Spending hours in MOMA, NYC is a must. I decorate my house with major influences from Danish Modern design and I love the late 1950'-early 1960's. I feel that it works for our family and that it is timeless.

The pictures are from my downstairs hallway and formal dining room. The drapes are silk, the wood is cherry, the rug is Kashmir and signed by the family. The serigraph is a Barbara Hepworth. I painted all my hallways a museum grey, and the dining room a stormy blue in the same mid tone. Most people do not perceive the colour shift, but they always notice the walls and comment. I loosely call my style "Modern Masculine." I carefully planned the house for one year, and shopped for 4 months while it was being built.

Glitterfest 2009

I had the pleasure of attending the first "Glitterfest" on May 16 in Old Town Tustin, CA. I enjoyed seeing and meeting many artists that I was familiar with, from magazines and blogs. Everyone was very friendly, and the location was well chosen. The space was large enough, and easy to navigate. Rather than experiencing sensory overload, the organizers clearly put much thought into the placement of the vendor/artists. I appreciated the transition from genres, so that I could enjoy a visual rest.

Featured were jewelry artists, paper crafters, ephemera merchants, illustrators, and painters, to name a few. I purchased a vintage hymnal from 1875 that I will use to make paper crafts with. I introduced myself to Jenny Doh and she was lovely. The whole environment was welcoming and I look forward to purchasing items from the artists via their websites.

Birthday Gift

I put together this ensemble for my friend, Ruth. I purchased the 2 bars of soap, and the crown tag, at "Paris to the Moon" in Costa Mesa, CA. Its definitely in my top 10 favourite stores. The soap is from England and the packaging is beautiful. I also got a heart shaped
jewelry box from Japan, with Lily of the Valley on the lid. I made the tag myself, and included her name on it.

Paper Art

Check out Yulia Brodskaya, a paper/graphic artist from Russia.

Got Glitter?

Can't wait until Saturday! www.Glitterfest.com
Mixed Media Handmade Art & Vintage Jewelry! This is the "First Annual" show.

My Roses

Another from my garden. The first variety is called "Double Delight" and the second, "Perfume"

Before and After

Oh how I love spring! Every January when the rose bushes are pruned in my garden it is so sad. But when the roses come back in such profusion it makes my heart sing. Each year they get a little heartier and larger. These are 6 years old and they are the size of lunch plates. Every morning I go out to smell them. They are a true soft lavender colour and smell light and heavenly. These were taken early morning. This variety is called "Blue Angel"

Anything can blossom and thrive given enough time.