Wicked & Weird

Still blog

2012-01-30T21:25:00.000-04:00

I couldn't have happened upon this soothing blog on a better day. My weekend was a whirlwind: Interior Design Show Gala, Goodnight speakeasy, illness, anxiety attack, husband's 40th, Canadian Design Bloggers Meetup, dinner night with the girlfriends. It was an intense few days packed with ups and downs. So when I arrived on this blog courtesy of Bookhou's Facebook page, I lost myself in the images.

Photographer Mary Jo Hoffman is posting a photo a day for the duration of 2012. The subjects will be still lifes of gathered and found objects, similar to Lisa Congdon's 2010 A Collection a Day project, although Mary Jo's subjects are focused on the natural world. The soothing site design, light-soaked photography, and artfully-arranged organic materials create a true oasis in the action-packed blogosphere. It is like a moment of, yes, stillness for your visually-overstimulated eyes and mind. These are some of my favourite images, but for the full effect (the site design is amazing) I urge you to go visit, and take a deep breath.

All photographs copyright Mary Jo Hoffman.

The incredible blog design is the work of Josh Clancy.

The Wire Sculpture of Gavin Worth

2012-01-29T21:02:00.000-04:00

I am enthralled with these wire sculptures created by artist Gavin Worth. Worth is a self-taught artist born in Zimbabwe, raised in New Mexico, and currently teaching in Cairo at the American International School. He has a degree in acting and spent several years in the theatre before taking up art full time.

His wire sculptures seem disarmingly simple, almost like sketches. I love how they are there but not there, fully-realized forms that have no substance, and seem to occupy no space. They are more like the memory of movement or of a moment than weighty art pieces. He describes his process as follows:

By bending black wire into something of freestanding line drawings, I create sculptures that engage the viewer by involving them in their subtle changes. When the light in the room shifts, so does the mood of the piece. A breeze might softly move an arm. My wire sculptures tell stories of simple human moments: a woman adjusting her hair, a face gazing from behind tightly wrapped arms, a mother gently cradling her baby. The honest, unguarded moments are the ones that I find to be the most beautiful.

He has also does illustration, web design, painting, and has recently started exploring paper cutting, including this arresting portrait of his grandmother.

Amazing!

Souvenir Foto School

2012-01-25T15:16:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to be partaking again in Miss B's Souvenir Foto School! I had so much fun last year and learned so much about my camera and especially photoshop. The other students are super-creative and talented people who help to critique your work and make it that much better. I am not sure how many spaces there are, but you can sign up here (cost is a mere $30!). Let me know if you will be joining too! I will leave you with a few amazing photos created by Miss B of Besotted Brand Blog (she is so good!):

Salvage Interiors

2012-01-25T14:51:00.000-04:00

Check out this amazing before-and-after Renee posted by Salvage Interiors. It blew my mind. They are old elevator doors, and the result is just so one-of-a-kind cool!

IDS12 - Cherish Auction & Exhibit

2012-01-23T15:18:00.000-04:00

I am really excited to attend the Interior Design Show (IDS) this year. I went last year and although my feet hurt for days afterwards, I was just amazed and inspired by all the creativity on display. It was like all my favourite blogs come to life in one big, huge room (and indeed I did chat with lots of Canadian design bloggers while there!). There are many reasons I am extra excited this year - one big one being BlogPodium, which happens on the Friday, and another being the Opening Night Gala party, which I have never been to. This year, the DJ is designer-extraordinaire Karim Rashid... I KNOW, RIGHT?!

During the Gala, there will be available for auction designer re-imagined Julian chairs by Magis (pictured above). I love the idea of starting with such an iconic and cool children's chair and having well-known designers try to make it their own. All the proceeds from this auction go to benefit the ONEXONE Foundation.

The chairs above are the creations of (L to R) Joe Mimran for Joe Fresh, Alfred Sung, and AKB (Atelier Kastelic Buffey). Other designers taking part include Arthur Mendonca, Bruce Mau Design, David + Glenn Dixon, Debbie Travis, Donna Karan, Arren Williams for HBC, Giannone Petricone, Philip Sparks and Piero Lissoni, among others.

It should be quite a night. I have bought what promise to be ridiculously painful (but obviously otherwise fabulous) shoes to wear with an LBD. If you are going, please let me know what you are wearing! Tickets are still available here, I think, in case you haven't got yours yet. See you there!

What $25 Million will get you...

2012-01-21T18:27:00.000-04:00

I love perusing the real estate section on 1stDibs.com - the homes are so outrageously ostentatious that I am simultaneously shocked and amused at the things People With Money will do. However, there was recently a home in East Hampton, NY that made me wish I had a spare $25 million dollars. The historic home is a lovely mix of traditional and a more easy-going casual style - not something you see a lot of in million dollar homes!

From the listing: HISTORIC CHARLES H. ADAMS ESTATE A piece of Hamptons heritage and a stunning example of Queen Anne architecture, this 11+ bedroom (seven en-suite) home blends the best of modern luxury with the culture and romance of times gone by. Designed at the turn of the century by Carnegie Hall architect William B. Tuthill, its definitive tower, statement terraces, sweeping bay windows and huge wrap-around porch are finished in quintessential Hamptons shingle. Lovingly restored to their former glory, all the original features - lead-glass windows, parquet flooring, wood paneling and decorative moldings - are pristine. In perfect harmony with the home's 14,000 SF+/- foot open-plan layout and the galleries of windows that flood the house with light, it's these touches that give this spacious property such warmth and character. It's rare to find a renovation that manages to preserve the poetry of its period and so successfully meet the ideals of modern living. But throughout the property and beyond to the gunite pool, three-car garage and 2.2 acres - from each hand-cut shingle to original door handle - this is where quality meets history, at its elegant best.

Gosh, that woodwork, that ceiling, floor, pocket doors...sigh...

This photo above is what made me click over to the real estate site - that ceiling, with that bay window, is the stuff dreams are made of.

What do you think, you ready to call your banker? Just think: 11 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, 2.2 acres of land, a pool, a 3-car garage, an exercise room... They have a handy mortgage calculator on the site... :) I could house-sit for you!!

All photos from Corcoran Group Real Estate, via 1st Dibs.

Found: One Wooden Stool

2012-01-20T15:44:00.002-04:00

My brother was cleaning out his storage locker last weekend, bringing some stuff to our house (hello sandwich maker!), some to goodwill, and some to the garbage bins. This wooden stool was standing next to the garbage bins, and he knew I would love it. SCORE! It needed a LOT of oil, and has a pretty big crack in it, but it is so handy and so pretty! Makes me want to hang out by more condo garbage bins...

Patterns From Above

2012-01-18T14:46:00.000-04:00

Although I can't remember how I got there, the other day I stumbled across Brent Yaggi and Sarah Hicks's photography site. They have flown over much of North America in their little Cessna to find patterns in the landscapes below, creating doubly-interesting images that are both representational and graphically constructed. They are very eye-catching, as well as affordable.

A Mix of Styles near Madrid

2012-01-17T14:11:00.000-04:00

Mixing antiques in with modern surroundings and pieces is one of my favourite decorating techniques. It is not always easy to do, but for me it has more personality (or maybe personalities?) than an all-modern or all-traditional home. I love mixing the clean lines of newer pieces with the depth and texture of antiques. This home outside Madrid does it nicely, in my opinion, and that grey wall grounds both styles of furniture.

Oh it is nice to look through a house with this much light on a dreary day like today...

All photos from Mi Casa.

Delicious Bread

2012-01-16T21:07:00.000-04:00

I received this book for Christmas and have been religiously perfecting my bread with this recipe. I am still on the basic boule, but have discovered that my super-fancy (& overpriced) oven is 25 degrees under temperature, that parchment paper works better than cornmeal for me, and that muffin tins make great water trays. I also re-discovered how amazing bread in the oven makes the house smell!

It is a good thing I am running, because I have been eating a LOT of bread. Damn good bread, if I do say so myself! I look forward into branching out into some of their adaptations, like olive bread. Yummmm.

Wanna be on HGTV?

2012-01-16T13:45:00.000-04:00

Hi guys, I recently got an email from the folks at HGTV who let me know about an open casting call for a new show they are working on. It is called May The Best House Win and looks like it could be really fun. I think these are the same guys who produced the Canadian version of the British show Come Dine with Me, as it seems a similar concept. Have you ever seen that one? I love it! Anyway, here are all the deets - let me know if you are thinking of applying!

Sun Room Re-Arrange

2012-01-14T12:52:00.000-04:00

While everyone was out the other day I re-arranged the sun room. Although it isn't the ideal arrangement for the space, I wanted to move the sofa from in front of the radiator so it could warm the room better. Plus it is always fun to have a fresh perspective without buying new stuff! I like how the photos turned out with the clean winter light, although I could have styled better by taking out the phone and the wedding photo... Ah well, it's all practice. (For what I have no idea...)

Although it is cooler than the rest of the house (it is over the cold room in the basement and has all those windows), it is my go-to spot for coffee and blogging - it is so bright and cozy. :)

My Happy Palette

2012-01-12T15:32:00.000-04:00

I think one of the things that attracted me most to the Fjäll House in Austria was the gorgeous palette they used throughout. I love beige and white together, and throw in a nice warm grey (or greige I guess) and I am a happy camper. This palette is the perfect foil for blond wood accents, soft table linens, and wooly warm textures in blankets and pillows. It is at once cozy and calming, like a warm mug of milk tea. Do you agree or do you miss colour in these photos I put together?

All images are from my Pinterest, please check for sources.

Beauty by Adobė

2012-01-10T18:38:00.001-04:00

Have you seen this fabulous product by Adobė? Honestly, the differences it can make to your face and body are almost ENDLESS! Thanks so much to Jesse Rosten for producing this great infomercial, it is wonderfully eye-opening. :)

Fjäll Mountain Lodge

2012-01-10T10:29:00.001-04:00

I posted several of these photos on my Pinterest after seeing them on Remodelista, but I can't get these images out of my head. This is how winter should be enjoyed! This amazing building in the mountains of Austria (Fjäll means mountain in Swedish) has 6 separate 3-bedroom apartments, each perfectly turned-out with stunning views and sleek contemporary decor. What amazes me is how "sleek and contemporary" translate here to "clean and cozy." The decor includes lots of natural elements, especially those beautiful oak-panelled walls which gives a warmth to this cool space. I also love how traditional "mountain chalet" decor is updated and polished here - the balsa stag bust is a fun, modern reference to a real stuffed animal, and the requisite wood panelling, antler fixtures, and fireplace are anything but clichė. I am ready for a visit, wanna join me?

Architect: Salter | Interior Design: Hecker Phelan & Guthrie | Photography: Mark Roper

Carbon Neutral Website: www.fjall.com.au

Maslo Jewellery

2012-01-05T22:33:00.000-04:00

I love this Mixed Metals jewellery line from Nicole Malsowski of Maslo Jewelry - it is full of big pieces that manage to still feel dainty and feminine. And I am so drawn to gold jewellery now, even though I have always considered myself a silver girl. Goes to show how susceptible I am to trends! What do you think, is this stuff trendy or timeless?

More rings to covet

2012-01-02T23:48:00.000-04:00

I saw these rings on Love & Victory and mentally started jumping up and down like my two-year-old waving my hand in the air and saying, yeah! yeah! I want it! me! (Physically I was cool as a cucumber.) I also thought about having a third just because three stacking rings are so much prettier than two... yes, this is how I make decisions. Can you blame me? Don't you love that the fonts are all different...?

Seen on Say Yes to Hoboken

Christmas in Sweden

2012-01-01T22:40:00.000-04:00

I have been neglecting my poor little blog, but hopefully you will be happy to know it is because I have been having a wonderful Christmas holiday with my family (at home here in Toronto, but a holiday none-the-less!). Our parents don't live close, and when they visit we take full advantage - we have had TWO date nights, done some sale shopping, and enjoyed lots of sleep-ins. HEAVEN.

While indulging in this new gloriously lazy and gluttonous lifestyle, I have't had lots of time to pour over the interwebs, but I did manage to squirrel away a few lovely things, including this relaxed home in Sweden, all decorated for the holidays. It looks bright and inviting, and not overdone, don't you think?

Found on the ever-inspiring Style Files.

Thanks for hanging around while I ignored the blog! :) I hope you have an amazing 2012.

Shit Girls Say

2011-12-17T22:49:00.000-04:00

I know this is everywhere, but it cracks me up (esp. "Can you just ... turn it down a little?...)

Also I have not been able to look at Juliette Lewis and not shudder since Cape Fear....

Thrifting Luck

2011-12-15T18:05:00.004-04:00

My amazing neighbour came by this afternoon to watch the boys so I could do some Christmas shopping. I couldn't help but swing by the nearest Value Village - I hadn't been in so long! - and the gods of thrifting were smiling on me today. I got this lovely Turkish vase, which is hand signed on the bottom - it will go with the other pretty ceramics we picked up in Turkey.

I got a pair of interesting brass candlesticks to use in my holiday decorating, as well as this cloche perfect for upcoming entertaining!

These two display cases were I think $1.99 for both. And below is my most exciting score - a beautiful soft grey A.P.C. turtleneck. They are selling a similar one online for 135 Euros plus shipping! Who doesn't need a grey turtleneck in the winter?

I also got a couple of winter videos for the boys, although we only got 10 minutes in to Merry Madagascar before they were bored and went off to find the play dough... oh well, I am sure they will come in handy in the next few months!

Instead of a wreath

2011-12-13T23:06:00.000-04:00

I love this idea from Country Living of hanging a pretty basket of greenery from the door instead of a wreath - in this case the home-owners used an old trapper's basket. You could refresh the boughs all winter long - and add some pretty berries for colour. Genius!

RRL Autumn/Winter Lookbook

2011-12-11T20:54:00.001-04:00

The Autumn/Winter look book from Ralph Lauren brand RRL is sooooo awesome. Some of it kind of reminds me of that very cool (and super creepy) HBO series Carnivale. Sure, you can't always actually make out the clothing... but it sure is evocative. You can practically hear the clicking of the old film reel and the scratchy, tinny piano music...

via Found Free & Flea

Salt Dough Ornaments

2011-12-06T22:56:00.001-04:00

The other day the troops were getting mutinous, so I ran to my friend the internet and before you could say "Screaming Melt-Down" we were up to our elbows in salt and flour making ornaments. I found this great post on Momtastic with a salt dough recipe and the boys loved measuring, mixing, and especially kneading the dough. We played with it for a while like play dough (no rush!) before rolling it out and getting out the cookie cutters.

For some reason he needs to stick out his tongue to concentrate...

Showing Mr. Fireman the ornaments (Mr. Fireman was a big help)...

We then dired them out in the oven for 4 hours - perfect for cleaning up, having lunch, getting to and from school, and of course - naps!

While the ornaments cooled, we set up the painting station and practiced on some canvases.

The finished products - I made sure to put in the holes before they baked, and then added the red string to hang. My favourites are their hand prints!

When Dad got home and the paint was dry, we got to hang them!

It was the perfect all-day project, and I love seeing their ornaments on the tree (all near the bottom of course - our tree is a little bottom-heavy this year!)

Our First Visit with Santa

2011-12-06T22:17:00.001-04:00

I love this photo...

And this one too...

Light, bright duplex in Madrid

2011-12-04T22:32:00.001-04:00

I thought I would share some photos I came across of this beautiful home in Madrid. They are from micasarevista.com, so I had to use google to translate the accompanying text (achieving some pretty sketchy English let me tell you). If I am to trust the gist of what I read, it seems this is a duplex in a renovated former brothel called Le Petit Venice. Cool. Also, the looks seems to have been created without a ton of cash, since the majority of the pieces are from Ikea, Habitat, and Zara Home.

I like this simple kid's bedroom with the beautiful original art. That graphic black and white piece just makes me want to get out my crayons... And I love that pretty blue pillow (that was also seen in the living room).

I love Suzanis. Funny though that they used this one to style the living room as well - hard not to notice the reuse of such a bold piece. I wonder what this place looks like when not styled for the photos?

Photos from Mi Casa Revista. Found via Design Elements.