Must Have Martha

Say what you will about her, but I can’t help but love the many varied and beautiful craft ideas that are churned out of her corporation on a daily basis. Today her latest book, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts, is released, and I want one. I want it bad, even if I do no more than flip through it occasionally and gaze wistfully at the pictures of birds covered in glitter or any one of the other 29 projects contained within, and dream of having all the time in the world to sit down and make them myself.

Although… the shells on lampshades thing? Really? I’m not too sure about that one. Kind of reminds me of the whole decorating with shells craze back in the 70’s.
List price is $35, but copies are available at Barnes & Noble for $22.75 online, Amazon for $23.10, and Martha Stewart for $25.99. Shipping prices vary.

image via Barnes & Noble

Designer Chris Koens

While catching up on design*sponge posts today, I spied this adorable dish rack designed by dutch designer Chris Koens in the Sneak Peek for Alissia & Jan.

Dish Bunny Rack
It was just such a clever design that I had to find out what else he does, and discovered a few more cute items designed by him.

Love Birds Salt & Pepper Set
The modern look keeps these from being too precious.


Bird in the Bush Cups in Pink & in Blue
I love that when these are stacked they become their own “mug tree”.

Kitschen Clock (for those with a sense of humor)

top image via design*sponge, cups and salt&pepper set via Dutch by Design, clock via breeze

Friday Photo Finish

Such beautiful flowers everywhere! How could I resist showing you more? These were fresh “pic’d” for you this morning. ;)

images by me

Miro Sinovcic Showing

Remember this post about the wonderful Croatian born, New York artist Miro Sinovcic? Well if you’re fortunate enough to be in New York City in April, Miro is having a show of his work. Here are the details:

New York City Show
Show Opening April 9, 2009
Reception April 16, 2009, 6-8 PM
at 1133 Avenue of the Americas (6th Ave), New York City
(between 43rd and 44th Street)

Here is a sampling of his work that will be at the show. Do be sure to stop by.

Spring in the City

Bicyclist

The Boathouse Central Park

Late Night Rain

images via Miro Sinovcic

So P.O.S.H.

I don’t know from where I was led to this store, but I love it. P.O.S.H. is a flea market style store for home goods located in Chicago just off of Michigan Ave. Their store is an eclectic mix of vintage flea market finds and one of a kind products.

I could spend hours in here...

Chicago is one of my favorite cities, but sadly I’ve only ever been there for work, which means I only had time to race around and explore after business hours. It’s sad to believe that I was so close to stumbling upon this store all those times that I was there, and yet somehow missed it. Oh well, next time. Until then I can drool over their product via their internet shop. Here is just a sampling of what they have to offer.

Chez Germain Bowl
My favorite piece. How can I resist that beautiful shade of heavenly blue? There’s also a plate to match.

Love & Happiness Glasses

Handmade Italian Ceramic Marbles

Lelite Orange Amber Candle

Flowering Vine Pitchers

Pair of Vintage Ivory Books

Vintage Wooden Tops

They are always posting new finds for sale online, so check back often. And if you find something you love, be sure to snap it up… items sell quickly.

images via P.O.S.H.

Birds, Birds, and More Birds

So many pretty little birds flying around the blogosphere these days. As you may recall back in the summer, it was all about bird silhouettes, but now it’s birds in detail. I think I much prefer these.

Trio


Chic Chick


Little Robin (purple)


Tufted Titmouse in Snow


Conduct for Spring

images (top to bottom): Unity Coombes via Creature Comforts; Little Doodles; the yumi yumi shop; Allison Trentelman via Bliss; John&Fish

New Shirt & a Room to Love

I just bought this super comfy and cute shirt on sale at Anthropologie the other day, and today, I came across this room with a sofa of the same color. I couldn’t resist posting them together.

I’m suddenly so in love with this heathered coral sofa… although I generally prefer wider arms for me to sit on. :)

top image via Anthropologie; bottom image from Selina Lake photographed by Andrew Boyd

Friday Photo Finish

I took these photos in a Lowe’s parking lot on my way to Sacramento last weekend. I just had to stop and photograph them.

Versace

Cannot resist posting more fashion photos… this week, Versace’s Spring ‘09 couture dresses. Stunning.

With folds and waves like walking in the ocean.

A strong structured bodice gives way to a flowing, flirty skirt.

Bright violet ending in a pile of purple ribbons.

Shining crimson waves… bring your own red carpet.

images via fashionologie

Hippity Hoppity... Easter’s on its way!

How great is this decorative tape by Allrum? With Easter just three and half weeks away, now would be the perfect time to order this tape for dressing up Easter cards and envelopes or general decorating.

Love this idea of decorating plain plastic cups, especially since I hate most holiday cups and plates sold in stores. This tape is so much more sophisticated than those cartoon chicks and bunnies.

Huset currently has only the green tape available. Both the pink and green versions are available from Scandinavian Design Center, although the green has a two week delivery time.

images via Huset. found via this post on Mighty Haus

Another Day, Another Chair to Love

I apparently have a thing for chairs because yet again I have discovered another cool chair. This time it’s Spruce Home’s Constellation Wingback chair.

I could see this in a room with nice inky blues or some bright pops of pink against a mostly white background.

images via Spruce Home

A Few Lovelies

Just a few lovely images by photographer, Polly Wreford. The London-based photographer’s latest work will be featured in florist Paula Pryke’s newest book, Simply Pink, which is due out in April.

Ugh!

Internet was down all weekend, and with parties (baby shower and 1st birthday) to attend during the day, I wasn't able to go to the library or coffee shop to post. I'll be posting tonight after work. Talk to you soon!

Friday Photo Finish

More photos from the weekend spent with Pete’s parents. Taken at SF MOMA, which for the most part is not my cup of tea. I love their stock of Manet’s, Braques, Picasso’s, Mondrian, etc., and they often have some really great photography exhibits, but there are always a few exhibits (a video of a guy dancing with a Michael Myers mask on...?) that I find a bit disturbing, and not in a good way like when I look at a Frida Kahlo painting.

I don’t recall the name of this exhibit. It’s a circle of black plastic poodles surrounding a bright white baby (which you can kind of make out in the second photo) in the middle of a room in the museum. These aren’t my usual pretty photos, but I really liked how these came out. The first one was taken with a slow shutter speed, hence the blurring. On the second one I used a faster shutter speed, but played with the white balance which caused the photo to have a yellow hue.

Kind of fitting for Friday the 13th, eh?

images by me

Lovely Lovely

Love these fun tea towels from British housewares company, Lovelylovely.