Arts and Dafts

Etsy Wednesday - Handpainted Glassware

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:10:12 -0500

I'm pretty positive these beautiful, hand painted pieces from Mary Elizabeth Hining speak for themselves, but I'll tell you a little bit about them anyway.

Yes, you read that right, each one is hand painted! The artist uses a non-toxic paint that's been "heat-set for long lasting durability," and although she suggests you hand wash them when possible (they are delicate after all), they are dishwasher safe.

The peacock decanter you see above really took my breath away. I would LOVE to put that in my kitchen, along with a full set of peacock glasses. I think it's safe to say they'd be a conversation piece in anyone's home. And get this, the decanter is only $65! For a totally unique, hand painted piece of functional art...yeah, that's a steal.

The designs don't stop with the photos above so make sure to check out the rest of the shop. She also has art prints & cards, original paintings, napkins and more!

Watch it - 50 Years of the PEN Camera in Stop Motion

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:04:26 -0500

"This is the PEN Story in stop motion. We shot 60.000 pictures, developed 9.600 prints and shot over 1.800 pictures again. No post production! "

Monday Moment - Searching for a silver lining

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:36:11 -0500

I haven't properly bathed since last Thursday.

You see, I had a little drip in the shower and the landlord's buddy came to fix it. Should have been a really simple job. He shut off the cold water (because that was the knob that needed fixing) and proceeded to try and remove the handle.

It wouldn't come off.

After a couple hours of messing with it, we gave up. I said "screw it, I can live with a little drip until we get someone else in here." So he went to go turn the cold water back on...

But it wouldn't come.

So now I have no cold water in my shower or my kitchen sink (thank god the toilet still works).

Another plumber came on Sunday saying he would have to cut a hole in the wall to fix it. Fine, whatever..cut a damn hole in the wall. He said he would have to get all the supplies and would be back today.

He never came.

Tomorrow plumber number three will (maybe?) come.

If you don't hear from me again, it's because the shower was never fixed and I ran screaming naked to the pond in Prospect Park for a bath and got arrested. I'll try not to drop the soap.

All because of a stupid little effin' drip.

Friday's Photographs

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:10:48 -0500

A collection of some of my favorite photos found on Flickr.

1. .... woosh ...., 2. Aladdina Sane, 3. Untitled, 4. Rinaldo, 5. Untitled, 6. Portrait 75882 - 2, 7. cotton balls., 8. Untitled, 9. katasson004

Gotta See It - Underwater fairytale

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:31:29 -0500

How could you not love this amazing project called Underwater Fairytale by Elena Kalis? Go there and check out the rest of her underwater shots. They're stunning!

Gotta See It - Fallen Princesses

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:03:36 -0500

"Rapunzel II"

This incredible series of photographs by Dina Goldstein took my breath away at first glance. In the project, Goldstein takes well known fairy tale characters and places them in modern day settings. Like Cinderella getting soused in a dirty bar or Belle going under a plastic surgeon's knife.

Etsy Wednesday - Big Beautiful Wallets!

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:22:19 -0500

For years now I've carried a tiny wallet that's just big enough to hold my cards and little bit of cash. I love that I can hide it in a small pocket but the big problem is, it's easy to lose. So lately I've been in the market for a large wallet, but always end up empty handed because, well unless I want to splurge, there's just nothing unique and fun...at least where I'm able to shop.

Tada! Etsy to the rescue as usual. These wallets (and pencil holders for us artistes!) from L&B Accessories are perfect. They're big, that's for sure...but so gorgeously handcrafted that I wouldn't mind showing it off.

The embroidered wallets feature a design created by Patty. The big one pictured up top is done on a natural linen/cotton fabric and the leaves wrap around to the back.

Each one measures approximately 8x4 (closed); has 10 card slots; a zippered coin pouch; three pockets for cash, receipts and checkbooks; a vinyl ID window and a magnetic strap closure.

Best part? Everything in the shop ranges from just $15-$55! The wallets you see above are just $38 and the pencil case is $15.

Alive and breathing...

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:15:38 -0500

It's alright! I'm here!

The last few days have been fun, new, interesting, mind numbing, crazy-making and all around quite an experience! No, I didn't go to an amusement park or a trip overseas...I worked on my very first photo shoot/commission!

A good friend of mine is directing a new play here in the city called "Lyric Is Waiting" and he very kindly asked me to shoot production shots and the shot for the postcards and posters. Every part of me wanted to back out and say "No way, I'm not qualified." Now in hindsight I am thrilled I got over the nerves and did it.

The shot you see above is one of the pieces not being used. It's a lovely shot (IMO) but definitely not giving off the right vibe for the play. Once I get the actual postcard, I'll share it with you.

I'll be shooting the production shots sometime at the end of the month. Between here and there I can finally relax and know that I got through my very first photo shoot alive.

I'm also pretty sure I didn't embarrass myself too much. Awesome right?

Friday's Photographs

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:00:46 -0500

A collection of some of my favorite photographs found on Flickr

1. Untitled, 2. Summer's on its way., 3. London, Trafalgar Square, 2009, 4. green party, 5. The Curious Duo, 6. Untitled, 7. Waiting, 8. Untitled, 9. Untitled

Check this out... LucyandBart

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:07:03 -0500

Wow wow wow wow wow! This is an incredible collaboration between Lucy McRae and Bart Hess, two artists that "share a fascination with genetic manipulation and beauty expression."

You really have to head over to the LucyandBart blog where you can see the rest of their work. Also check out their home page, it's just awesome.

via:change the thought

Etsy Wednesday - Summer Sea Glass

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:02:08 -0500

Summer is officially here and naturally that's got most of us dreaming of or heading out to the beach. I don't know about you but I've always wanted to find a piece of genuine sea glass, but in the end I give up the search and head to the local gift shop to grab a handful. However, oddly enough, I've never actually owned a piece of sea glass jewelry.

I know, weird right?

What I love about the beautiful designs in the Sea Find Design's shop is the range from simple to intricate. I have a preference for a piece like the necklace on top, but also "ooh" and "aah" over the detailed, sterling silver casings the designer creates.

And as you can see, it doesn't stop at jewelry. There's also vases like the one pictured above and other gorgeous treats for your home.

With prices ranging from $15-$150, there's definitely something for everyone. So if you can't make it to the beach this summer or just don't feel like seeking out your own piece of sea glass, it looks like you've found the right place!

Monday Moment - Here comes the rain again...

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:48:14 -0500

It has been overcast and raining here in NYC for what feels like forever. I caught this photo on the way to work when it cleared up for about an hour or two before sunset.

Honestly though, I'm not complaining. I mean, sure..it'd be nice to catch some rays but when I think of the heat that will inevitably come along with it....well, I'm not rushing it.

Friday's Photographs

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:31:24 -0500

A collection of some of my favorite photographs found on Flickr.

1. light out, 2. Untitled, 3. byam, 4. just go., 5. IMG_2736, 6. downtown, 7. Gellért Hill - Budapest, 8. Untitled, 9. Chatting With The Girls

Happy Birthday, Ry!

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:59:27 -0500

(midnight hijack ;)

A&D Flickr Group Feature - Peak in a Sketchbook

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:30:52 -0500

I don't know why but there's just something extra special to me when I get to peak inside someone's sketchbook. Thanks to Mifaaa for sharing her extraordinary work in the Arts & Dafts Flickr group! I hope you'll go check out the rest of her stuff!