heysusy

From Me to You { free printable holiday gift cards }

2009-12-24T09:09:09-05:00

Hello Jingle Bells! I am so sorry that I haven't been posting more often this holiday season-- but you know the deal. It's just been a super busy time for me. So, I'll be picking up somewhere near where I left off come 2010!

In the meantime, I wanted to give a little gift of my own...and since I'm always doing things last-minute I thought some cute ways to top some holiday gifts would be an excellent choice (I know I still have a couple to buy and wrap, even today!)

So...I hope you enjoy these little freebies. Of course, the usual caveats apply...they're just for you, not for reprint/selling/profiting la la la, etc etc. A quick note...to tie them on, just punch a little hole in the left hand corner when they're all cut and folded.

Download Free Bows Printable Gift Tags Here
Download Free Printable Joy Gift Tags Here

Enjoy and happy holidays to all of you! xx s

CITY SLIPPER { newbark }

2009-12-14T08:25:15-05:00

Goooooood Morning. The usual apologies for being away without notice...I've just been really, really busy.

I've just been really, really busy (whoops! did I just already tell you that?) Basically, there are lots of xmas orders to fill, and that is what I've been doing. As they say, Elfing ain't easy.

Perhaps my insane pace lately is what makes this simple idea in shoes so attractive to me. This is a new line of footwear designed to offer some relief to those of us forever tromping hither and thither.

And, since this is a simple, smart new business idea, it also caught my eye. There's something nice about a small, tight, line, of useful and fun product (how delicious are the little bags you can put your shoesies in?)

The only thing I think is ridiculous about them is the price point. It should be...around $90. Not in the 300's. To me, that price tag just says they're trying to market them as luxury...and that kind of stings...Like when you see pre-ripped jeans that cost more than plain old jeans. Still, anything that will put Uggs into Permanent Retirement is OK by this little worker bee.

Anyway, that is it from here. Check them out (they also come in metallics and patents, quite cute)

Times Two { baggu, string republic }

2009-12-09T09:26:35-05:00

Oh, it''s so much fun to see pretty colors and fun shapes...but it's especially thrilling when they come from the minds of independent entrepreneurs, and they're at a smart price point.

I love the new cotton duck carry-alls at Baggu. These vertically-oriented handle or strap totes are great. I take the subway a lot, and a vertical bag is easier to deal with when it is crowded, especially when you've got a lot to schlep. Eighteen Bucks! Wow.

I also like the standard Baggu, but I especially like the Baby Baggu. Perfect for lunch or treats..or gym shoes. Six Bucks! Nice!

I also love the re-interpreted espadrilles at String Republic. What a great idea. Thirty Five Bucks! Wow. Also kind of cool is their Home Collection (especially the workboot design)...what a great gift these slipper inspired shoes would make for an ironically inclined gentleman.

THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT { tucker resort/holiday }

2009-12-04T09:14:34-05:00

Like, whoa. I can't believe the weekend is already almost here. This week has just flown by...

A while ago back in Feb 2009, I posted about Tucker, and it has been quite a while since I've been back to Gaby Basora's excellent collection. Which makes looking at the newest available items even more exciting.

Things I want to note about her line- I love that her collection offers not only playful and chic patterns, but also more basic palettes. There are such a broad array of ideas to choose from, even though the actual structure of the clothing is really simplified. I love the focus, and the total commitment to a great fit. (There are a few core pieces, like the blouse, the dress, the cami that are cornerstones). I really enjoy the confidence that implies.

The second thing is, I like the art direction on the Tucker site. I like seeing a variety of model types, and a variety of ideas of beauty. Usually, that feels really contrived-- especially when a brand is veering towards a more comfort-inspired design direction--it can feel token, and catalog-y, especially if the makeup is overpronounced. But here, you get the sense that a diverse approach is honestly integral to what this designer is trying to do. What she is trying to bring to her audience-- and who she would like her audience to be.

Anyway, I really enjoyed taking another look.

View more HERE

T'IS A GIFT TO BE SIMPLE { palomas nest }

2009-12-02T10:36:54-05:00

Perhaps it's the Holiday Gridlock--which, contrary to popular opinion is not a type of crunchy gingerbread waffle, but a New York City traffic phenomenon-- or maybe it's the Egg Nog talking, but, Kurt and I were just sitting around chatting about how hectic the holidays can be, and how we feel a little overwhelmed. This year seems like it's almost on overdrive, doesn't it? It's been such a challenging year...and a disorienting year in certain ways...and at least around here in Manhattan, you can feel the air crackling with anxiety and the crunch of December...

So, while I enjoy the Holidays, I really prefer to celebrate them quietly, and look forward to a New Year. So, I was really refreshed by the Paloma's Nest Holiday Collection...she just seems to have a knack for clearing away the extra, and getting right down to the point with her simplified-yet-resonant, poetic wares. This egg up at the top says it all for me. Now let's get cracking! haha.

Take a Moment...See the 09 Holiday collection (love the wooden ring-style ornaments!) HERE

Good Eggs viewable HERE

HOW IT'S MADE { stand up comedy }

2009-12-01T09:31:50-05:00

There's something I really like about these items up here, all found at Stand Up Comedy...

I guess I like the idea that these simple pieces are really stylish- yet also so organic that when worn, they would sort of assimilate with a body's true nature...curly hair vs. straight hair... imperfections. assymetry.

Am I making sense? Can you see it too?

More explorations HERE

USED, LIKE NEW { sally and mark bailey }

2009-11-30T10:00:00-05:00

Hey Ducks. Yes, yes... apologies for being absent from my blog for a few days. Things are just very busy, and as I often say, when nothing has popped out at me that seems to be of note, I usually choose not to post. I know you are picky. And, ducks, THAT is what I love about you! You would have none of it if I just posted pabulum here for the sake of looking prolific. Right? Ehhh...

Anyway. THIS is postworthy. Promise. Something I've been thinking about lots lately as a business owner is branding. Not just the look of a company-- but the actual energy of a brand. Branding is much more than a logo, and it doesn't have to be as icky and slicky as it sounds. It's actually your entire outward facing side...and hopefully a good deal of the inward workings, too. Everything from customer service, to invoice formatting, to your hold music, to how you treat your staff and collaborators. It is finding out what can work FOR you, and then, making it work for you, in a thoughtful way.

So, I wanted to post about a design duo I just found out about...Mark and Sally Bailey. Not only do I love their asthetic, but it is exciting to see how they have developed it into a store/home concept, and a design and lifestyle attitude, which is present in a delightful variety through many elements of their brand. (See the map of their store below, in which each building has become a part of their store).

Anyway, the idea here is for you to go and check this out yourselves-- so I will stop posting and start linking in a moment. But not before I tell you that they also have a book, and a place to buy CHOCOLATE AND BISCUITS.

Baileys Home and Garden Site Here
Baileys Recycled Home Book Here
Curious Chocolate Here
Quote above from The Independent

Sister, Master { Sister Corita Kent }

2009-11-24T10:07:00-05:00

Hello My Sweet Darlings! Many apologies for being away...I've been so busy that I decided to put my blog aside for a few days to make sure all of my retailers and web customers get their orders on time! And, In related news...to take some time out. This weekend I managed to steal a day off on Saturday...as those of you who follow my (often absurd) twitter feed, may know...on Saturday, I went to a bunch of gallery shows that Should Not Be Missed.

For any of you who are in New York City...or who will be, in the next couple of weeks, I highly recommend heading to the Zach Feuer gallery to see the Sister Corita Kent exhibition; which I was lucky enough to do this weekend.

I was new to Sister Corita's work...but fell instantly under it's spell. This artist (who was a nun for a time, an activist, and a teacher) used pop art vernacular to convey uniquely joyous, meditative, social and spiritual sentiment...with works titled " Come Alive" and "Power Up"...you can just feel the energy, the life, and the humanity in her mindset. I found this work refreshing, positive, and so energized...what a way to zap myself back into the present.

Anyway, I wanted to share some of Sister Corita's screenprints and work here, and to introduce you, if you haven't heard of her yet. These pieces brought me such joy...and the phrases she uses, often funny, meaningful, and always full of life...made me feel like a whole human being!

More about Sister Corita Kent (art and activism) HERE
Zach Feuer Exhibition, Chelsea, HERE
The Bruce Davidson show at Bryce Wolkowitz was GREAT
This Olaf Breuning show at Metro Pictures was GREAT
and...this Drawing Center show was GREAT..funny and thoughtful. (Ree Morton)

Thanks for your patience, all. I hope you enjoyed a little peek into these gallery shows! I certainly did...

LIKE IT { erica weiner jewelry }

2009-11-19T09:05:48-05:00

Hey all! Running off to Brooklyn as soon as I eat my Nutella-slathered-Multigrain-Muffin-Thing but wanted to be sure and post this excellent jewelry first.

I did glimpse some of Erica Weiner's jewelry at the Renegade Craft Fair this past summer, but her tent was so crowded that I felt a panic attack coming on just looking from a distance.

While some of Erica's items are decidedly delicate (feathers, hummingbirds etc) I personally love these chunky meets clunky 80's inspired pieces. I normally don't wear logos (my theory is they make people look poor) But really, how cool are these Vintage YSL Zipper Pull Earrings?? ...In an ironically, fashionably, referential way, of course...

And just so you know...they also come in brown.

These pieces available in Erica's Etsy Shop
She also has her own website Here
and...blog Here
and...if you're in NYC, you can even arrange to shop her LES studio over the holidays, how fun!

And of course I can't resist this, but for some totally nerdy proto-pop art fun, I also like this Balantine Ale bottle opener. Jasper Johns would also probably like it. Ballantine. The Original Drink of the 1950's New York City Expressionist Movement.

iklee { where are they now ? }

2009-11-18T11:07:47-05:00

Hello Kiddos! Took some time to get organized yesterday. So busy...but in good ways. Thank you for being patient with me. I really appreciate it.

So, here's (finally) a second installment of Where Are They Now, a relatively new feature of my blog where we revisit new work by a favorite artist or designer who has previously exploded all over the blogosphere with one or more of their beautifully contagious projects.

My first Where are They featured Knittalatte, whose gorgeous crochet-covered sea stones were the darling of many a design blog..and today, I'm happy to feature another artist, Imke Klee, whose color cards (see below!) made quite an impression on so many of us.

Anyway, I took a spin by her blog and found she has recently moved to Paris..and I can't wait to see what work emerges from that new geography! I also found these recent, gorgeous photos of honeycomb and bee-keeping tools. I love the way these photos use Imke's signautre style of a strict set-up shot, taken from overhead, but bring in some "Tools of the Trade"...they celebrate work, and object, but also create a sacred space around related, purposeful things. I have always liked the implied narrative meeting objectivity in Imke's color composition collections, and it is great to see some what happens to new ideas and items when they are translated by Imke's hands, eye, and lens.

Anyway, I'm going to keep watching, I can't wait to see where she is going!

A View To blog here
Come back iklee! Etsy Shop... i wait patiently... Here
Website here

4 U { cool free drop caps from Jessica Hische }

2009-11-16T10:07:08-05:00

alling all font lovers, calling all font lovers! It seems we have an urgent situation. Typography designer and illustrator Jessica Hische is boldly attempting to beautify the entire blogosphere one capital letter at a time! Anyway, I was thrilled to discover (through Amy of AMH Design) this new blog, Daily Drop Cap. For those of you who aren't familliar with drop caps, it's the name for a capital letter which nests in the beginning of a paragraph (usually beginning of a chapter) like this one up here. Think illuminated manuscript, or fairy tale. And, you can head on over to Daily Drop Cap to find your own favorites to add to your blog posts! While you are there, take a look at the rest of Jessica Hische's work it's quite inspiring. Actually, she has completed many projects in collaboration with Louise Fili, Ltd. who I blogged about here a while ago. Small World isn't it? Good thing there are Big Lettters to keep things in balance.

Daily Drop Cap Here
(don't forget to read the creative commons usage limitations!)
Jessica's Site Here
Jessica's other blog Here

SMILE WITH ME { illos by jamie shelman }

2009-11-13T10:11:19-05:00

Drawings like this help me forget that I need a haircut, my Amex bill is due, and Facebook is probably selling personal detail about me to Coca Cola or National Defense.

I was introduced to these illustrations after tweeting something about houseplants, which hit a note with Jamie, who then emailed me. What a treat to discover this work.

These oranges are the essense. And the cat illustrations...not to be missed!
Enjoy. Smile.

Jamie's limited edition prints here
Jamie's Cats here
Jamie's Blog here
AND more wonderful work. here

DARKEST GREEN { standout hue }

2009-11-12T09:12:30-05:00

I just had to stop when I saw this gorgeous pant-suit...what a color! Really, one just doesn't see that much compellingly sophisticated dark green around these days. Perhaps it's an expensive color to really make happen...or, maybe it's just not popular.

Which is why I'm celebrating it today. Whenever I see something that makes me stop, I always like to make a note of it. I love the presence of this lustrous, jewel-tone green. It's understated, quiet, yet makes such a memorable and confident statement. I'm not talking about plain old dark green, or moss green, or bright green, kelly, or malachite. I'm talking about this green...that green.

Here are some links!
Suit: Apiece Apart Spring 2010 (love this whole line)
Jewelry: Elva Fields
Bag (not green, but I thought it was relevant to the suit!): Marni
Photo: Tom Fowlks

DARING FEETS { osborn design studio shoes }

2009-11-11T09:18:49-05:00

Whimper, whimper...Insanely busy for the next couple of weeks...trying to get orders packed, things accomplished and organized...and projects out the door! Would rather be under desk, rocking back and forth and twirling hair.

Taking a moment to gaze upon these fabulous shoes at Osborn Design Studio...Would look quite groovy with a mini-dress...don't you think?

Also, below...a painting by same, below.
View their website here...MAKE HASTE!

I AM CONVINCED { day and a mysterious visitor }

2009-11-09T08:28:55-05:00

So...I ended up not posting a weekender "jewelry to go with your gray sweatshirts" post because I got so absorbed in this website and their compelling asthetic that I completely forgot. I'm sorry! It happens.

I make it up to you, hopefully, with this link. Seriously, click on everything available and get lost in Day Birger et Mikkelsen's excellent wild meets urban meets quiet style sense. Wonderful!

In other tangentially related news this weekend, I'd like to share what happened outside our window on Saturday Night....K. spotted a HUGE bird quietly perched across the way on the opposite fire escape. When I say huge, I mean...like...about as tall and wide as a skateboard, maybe taller and wider. It was tucked just out of sight, with it's face in the shadows. It stayed there all night, sleeping, I imagine. When I woke up at 4 AM, it was still there...but it was still too dark to see many details. I saw it take in a big breath, and the shape expanded. The feathers on it's breast blew in the wind, just slightly...it perched completely still...and stayed.

When I woke up and it was light out, it was gone.

This was truly magical for me-- I often feel something magical has happened when I see a large animal in the "wild"...like when I saw that huge fish swim up to the dock at Lake George... It was a moment when I forgot about myself, completely. What it's like to be completely, surprisingly, selflessly, absorbed into something else...something beyond your own world.

Wherever you are, mysterious bird, I hope you are well.

DOWN, BUT NOT OUT! { the gray sweatshirt gets some love }

2009-11-06T09:42:15-05:00

Hoodie zip sweatshirts will always be popular for their versatility (if you're too hot, you can open up and air out). But there is something so great about the basic, gray pullover sweatshirt. I love it because you can't escape from it! ...and it's tempered with that sort of awkward 1950's high-school sports team try-out thing (think Danny when he's trying out for track to impress Sandy in Grease...pompadour and all!).

It may look like a weakling....but it is scrappy!

So...I thought today I'd present some classic varieties, and a few updates on this look. Nice for a Friday, right? Of course, I opt for the classic at the top left as my first choice. But-- the one at the bottom right has the benefit of two big hip pockets. Perfect, perfect.

Links...clockwise from top left:
Classic Pullover $11! - here
Ruffle Dress, I pretty much like anything by Preen - here
Long Sweater- normally can't stand anything Juicy has been even part of but this isn't bad - here
Pocketed Dress $39! - here
Classic Pullover (pricey, but I bet it's worth it!) - here
Elongated Classic Pullover - here

I'll be back later today with a weekender... some accssories that are sweatshirt-approved!

GOOD GIFTS FOR GOOD BOYS {nice gifts for guys!}

2009-11-05T09:39:44-05:00

Hi Kids! Sorry to be out of the loop for a couple of days. I was busy before, but after Daily Candy, I'm swamped! Which is great for me...but not so great for my blog! Anyway, I wanted to take a sec post about something I just found out about, I thought you might like to know about too.

I love my boyfriend. He's self-sufficient, intelligent, funny, capable, and still so supportive of me and the insanity I like to call my...ahem... life approach. He also draws cute pictures, and knows how to make a great mac and cheese.

But DAMN! He's hard to shop for.

So, I was thrilled when Kim of Delight.com mentioned in an email the other day that they'd been busy launching a site for BOYS called Gent Supply Co. I took an immediate visit, and found not one, not two...but about 15 things that might work as gifts for Kurt. Useful things-- unique things-- funny things-- and things that hold those little piles of change that every boy seems to accumulate.

Now, I know this is not the usual style/fashion/trend post...but I had a feeling that maybe some of my readers also get flummoxed about what to buy for their guys, and those good guys out there certainly deserve a little something. As always, Delight does a fantastic job staking out part of the internet in their own unique way-- and this new venture is no exception.

Anyway, I highly recommend!

I WANT, I GOT! { DAILY CANDY!}

2009-11-03T09:54:46-05:00

Hi all. I'm going to be a wee bit busy today... The 2010 Wall Cal is a part of Daily Candy's ShopTalk nesting roundup today. Exciting!
Take a peek here (make sure to scroll through and check out the other items-- I LOVE the decorative trophies!)

Candy Wrapper Image via Inchmark
(c'mon, you KNOW I'm busy when I do a "via" image).

Je me souviens {BONBON OISEAU}

2009-11-02T08:46:02-05:00

Ah...November! Time to head out into the fall air, but keep the home fires burning.

One of my favorite chilly autumn memories is of a trip I took to Paris a few years back. I was spending a couple of weeks there, just wandering around...and I ended up passing an inordinate amount of time in the little antique and estate jewelry shops of the Left Bank. The variety of art deco pieces astounded me, and it was so wonderful to see all of the delicate yet pronounced shapes of the deco asthetic put to use in jewelry and adornment. It's such a weird and wonderful look. Hooray for triangles!

That is one of the aspects I love about Bon Bon Oiseau...There is a lovely commitment to a strange asthetic. I think of those rambles into rare places, a fortune teller's trinkets with secret meaning...souvenirs.

Deb, you were missed yesterday!

INCREASING RIDERSHIP { DNTX bike accessories }

2009-10-30T10:00:17-04:00

We all know bikes are the latest hip accessory. I'm torn about that because it *used* to be that you had to know someone to score a fixed gear...or you had to learn to build your own. But now, you can just order one through a pull-down menu at Urban Outfitters.

Anyway, corporate co-opting of indie culture aside (no, I don't plan to ever stop kvetching about that!), I have ridden a fixed gear for years, and highly recommend it. If you're not too attached to your brakes. But if you get a chance, give it a try.

One of the bummers about taking up riding (esp. in the city) is the amount of stuff you end up schlepping even when you're just going to ride down the block. Your lock needs to go somewhere. Your wallet... Your lipstick, of course. Your keys. Your...bag of jellybeans. So you have to carry a bag. Which, if it's hot, prompts your back to sweat through that pretty peasant blouse you're wearing. Not so cute upon arrival.

That's where DNTX comes in. Utilitarian accessories for body and bike that offer a nice alternative to typciall, insect-looking, modern bike gear. Made by a independent lady designer. By hand. Huzzah! For more inspiration, read her profile.

I've got a little cold today, so I'm not going to be back posting a weekender this afternoon....but I thought this would do just fine!
enjoy! xx s

BTW { TINA TARNOFF }

2009-10-29T10:15:00-04:00

Sorry about the lack of post yesterday all, it was a very busy, very rainy day and I was running all around NYC like a crazy, soaked, sea hag. But I'm glad to see people enjoyed the cable knit post!

So, you've probably seen Tina Tarnoff's sweet silhouette-style papercuts featured on some other blogs of note. Birdcages, people kissing, sweet, pretty things happening in a beautiful, delicate world.

But, I hope she does more of these. The bold color on black, the retro-style signature, and the gorgeous color combinations put me in mind of the mid 50's...when prim design was just beginning to explode into the optical joy of the 60's.

Anyway, you'll see what I mean when you visit her shop...there are lots of pretty papercuts. And you can see what people's preference is if you check out the sold items listing. But, personally... honestly...I'd rather have one of these. When I think of my life, it looks more like this than that.

xx susy

news to me { classic Irish cable knits and family history }

2009-10-27T10:46:15-04:00

As many of you readers know, I write a lot of posts where I try and re-frame classic (often overlooked!) items from the fashion, decor or accessory worlds in ways that I think might be of interest to the modern...style enthusiast.

I've had it on my brain to do a post about classic, off-white cable knits for a while now...because they're a trend that is coming down the pipeline. They have that wonderful versatility, as the most classic pieces of clothing do (think blue jeans, plaid kilts or penny loafers.) You can wear them preppy, you can wear them punk, you can wear them your own special disco-meets-victorian era style if you like. Which makes them a good item for designers to revisit at this time.

So, you can just imagine how ecstatic I was to find out that the classic cable knit sweater has QUITE a history. I'll put it in a nutshell for you here: basically, there are hundreds of style of Irish cable knit-- and each one actually represents a family clan. For example, my last name is Connor. And if you look up at the top left, at the knit there, you can see my family's own design. Wow!

I'm quoting from a website, here: The O’ Connor clan has left a lasting influence on Irish history, going all the way back to the second century. The name is derived from a tenth century King of Connacht, Conchobhair, meaning ‘hero’ or ‘champion’. The last two high kings of Ireland were Turlough O’ Connor and Roderick O’ Connor. Today, O’ Connor is the ninth most numerous surname in Ireland, and is strongest in the southern province of Munster.

The hand knit O’ Connor sweater has a link centre stitch, flanked by cable, moss-filled diamonds and honeycomb panels on either side. The link stitch represents the unbroken chain between the Irish who emigrate and those who remain at home, cable stitch represents a wish for good luck, diamonds are a wish for wealth, and honeycomb is symbolic of work.

Knitting an updated, slightly more body-conscious hand-knit clan Connor sweater may be the ultimate in diy projects for me. But since I have no idea how to knit, t's nice that Clan Ralph Lauren, Clan Orvis, and even Clan American Eagle Outfitters and Clan Barney's have their own versions. Ah, just kidding. Now that I know this fashion detail, only the real thing will do. Clan Connor doesn't do substitutions.

The Historical Details
More info on the variety of surnames and their respective designs here
A wikipedia article about Clans and Clan structure here

OR ELSE { alternate uses for cool vintage items }

2009-10-26T09:18:22-04:00

Good Monday Morning, sweethearts! I hope your weekends were wonderous. Mine was...work-filled. Taxes. Paperwork. Invoicing. Tabulation. Computation. All the little bits and pieces that require more concentration than I typically have during the week. Things are getting BUSY. So, just probably this one post today-- but it's a good one!

These really cool vintage cheerleading megaphones seemed like just the thing to put up here for a Monday. Go Team! You Can Do It!

I like the idea of inspiring myself with objects I love...finding new uses for everyday things, which I'm sure you can tell from my own collection and designs. There's an element of surprise, but also a kind of delightful transportation that occurs when an object appears out of context.

Each of these would work well, and happily, they are all available for sale.

In fact, you can find them right here.

WEEKENDER { four of my favorite fall jewelry picks }

2009-10-23T14:18:06-04:00

This weekend, if you're so inclined, pick up a simple treat to wear to all those upcoming after-work holiday parties...Each of these shops features items that could go from day-to-night looks easily, and I like these sophisticated, simple styles. So noticable in such an understated way...The *overstated* fun can come later, when you've polished off that second hot toddy!

Clockwise from Top Left
Dores
Clementine
Elephantine
Local Library

Enjoy your weekends, all and thanks for stopping by my little corner of blogland! xx s

It's a Set Up! { etaletc }

2009-10-23T10:15:00-04:00

Hello all! Mornings good? Good!

Some of you may already know etaletc and their etsy shop, but for those of you who haven't been over there, go and take a peek. It's a really interesting take on what you can do with the etsy format. Normally, unorthodox crops of items don't work so great on the big E. But here, they do. Plus, the prices are reasonable, and the items are basic, yet well selected. Anyway, well worth checking out.

My picks? Funny you should ask!
This Striped Tee
This Boyfriend Jacket
This Tote

I'll be back later this afternoon with a weekender!

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE { sea botanicals }

2009-10-22T09:02:55-04:00

The student in me loves to see the sheer variety of plants which grow in the sea...each leaf, stem, and tendril created to harvest energy from the sun and ocean in a certain way...

The abstract artist in me loves to see the way the shapes of things evolved in the ocean retain their flow when pressed onto paper.

Some of these are already sold, and some are not, but I thought you might enjoy them. While there are lots of prints of seaweed out there, somehow, having the actual plant pressed on paper creates a different kind of "drawing". There's a process there that feels less scientific and more reverent.

See more here.

THE ADAMS FAMILY { angela adams, that is }

2009-10-21T10:15:58-04:00

I have a rule that I try and follow strictly, which is not to look at other designers' work, or follow what other people in the gift and paper industry are doing too closely. Personally, I find that it cramps my style, so to speak. It can be really hard to get back to doing your own work, and cultivating your OWN style after looking at what other, stylistically strong designers are doing.

Another thing I find interesting to note is that often, the designers who do best pick a style and stay with it through thick and thin. They commit to it. Become known for it. When people ask my advice on starting a line (which they do, often)...it's hard for me to give it. Because my advice is pretty basic, and not as fun as expected, probably. Make good work. Devote yourself to your OWN style. Innovate. Then...Price it for what the market will bear.

Today I'm featuring the work of Angela Adams because it's not only good to look at, it's also a really great example of how a single style can become really diverse, and yet, still feel unified. For me, that spirit of exploration-- yet with a singular voice and outlook, is probably what keeps Angela Adams audience coming on back for more. It's like watching something grow!

For inspiration, visit the AA site
I particularly love this green vanity and decor selection!

ps. only one post today...I've got a really crammed afternoon! xx s

QUOTE TO SELF

2009-10-20T13:30:00-04:00

I've been enjoying putting more quotes into my blog...because when I go through to remind myself of what inspires me, they make a great reminder not just of looks I like...but the attitude I like!

I plucked this quote out from the article I mentioned this morning... This is great advice! Note to self.

ANGLOMANIAC { Vivienne Westwood }

2009-10-20T10:15:00-04:00

Ohhhh...These candy-colored bags are quite fun to look at. But there is a long story behind them. This weekend, T ran a good article (nested in with a bunch of their usual conspicuously-trendified other articles- they have a pretentious tendency to try and over-prove that they know their subject matter) about their designer, Vivienne Westwood. She is someone who has gone her own way both in business, attitude, and style. I say this not because of her punk roots, but in spite of them. While punk is all about doing your own thing, going against the grain, and being the square peg with joy, it gets a bad rep as a "style".

There are pleny of punks out there without all the Hot Topic trimmings...walking around incognito. Maintaining the talent and vision to go their own way-- whether it's through music, through style, through doing what other people tell them doesn't make sense, through trying to stay zen in a world of adherence...or, like Vivienne Westwood through a creatively-driven life. I call these people "Punks for Life".

So, enjoy the article if you care to read. I'll be pasting in my favorite quote from it later on today.
Vivienne Westwood's Website Here
A little web shop is here
Check out her new World's End shop Here
T article Here

A CLOAK OF MANY COLORS { madeline weinrib }

2009-10-19T15:00:00-04:00

You probably all know about this already, but Madeline Weinrib is a very inspiring textile designer. I am only mentioning this because I didn't know about her. Because I live under a rock.

Since I started looking at John Robshaw's work a couple of weeks ago, I just can't get gauzy blockprinted fabrics out of my head. And when I was looking back through some old magazines this past weekend, I came across Madeline's designs, and immediately went to her site to check them out. She's the granddaughter of the founders of ABC Carpet and Home. So, she knows a thing or two about carpets, pillows and upholstery. But, regardless of affiliation, her collections are purely beautiful.

Using time honored textile techniques, such as suzani, ikat, block printing, and more (these blue rugs up here are denim!) There's a lot of contemporary flair to her pieces...contrasted by a grounded traditionalism.

Take a peek on the Madeline Weinrib Atelier site. What a treat.
See last week's post on John Robshaw's block printed textiles here.