Archive for the 'Artsy' Category


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Personified animals rock my world

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

They really, truly do. Put a cat in clothes and I’m a happy lass. That is why the print set from Berkeley Illustration makes me so incredibly happy (another Renegade Craft Fair inspiration). So many animals, so many outfits. Like lovely Mrs. Skunk, space dog, the dapper giraffe and aviator meerkat. Many more here. Plus they all come with somewhat odd but fascinating stories. Get your animal art today!

Art Attack

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

girl

I truly love the fact that there is good affordable art out there in the world. From talented artists, you can get unique pieces to spruce up any decor. That is why I think the Renegade Craft Fair is the best thing in the world.

Cindy Tomczyk is the perfect example of approachable and easy-on-the-pocketbook designs. It is almost hard NOT to make a purchase when checking out her etsy shop. These two prints just happen to be favorites amidst other favorites.

birds

Renegade Porcelain

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

The Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago made me a very, very happy gal. If you have never been fortunate enough to attend one, I suggest you check out their website and make a point to get to one of their events. Amazing! Such talent, such creativity. A very inspiring lot.

So, I decided to showcase some of my favorites. I don’t know how long it will take me to get through all of them, but these artists definitely deserve recognition for their fine work.

Today I am starting with some porcelain decor and tableware from Raquel Masri. She takes an old theme – lace, ornate leaves and flowers – and uses wonderful modernish colours on simply designed pieces.  Below are some of my favorites from her etsy store.

The elephant in the room

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

I am not ashamed. I love the kitsch. And when kitsch happens to be from the highly collectible designer Jonathan Adler, a better name for it might be ‘playful chic’.

Jonathan Adler has been a huge name in design for years. His classic looks are easily recognizable, and he is ever-evolving and expanding his brand.

For the last holiday season, I decided to get my mother one of his classic pieces. It was beautifully packaged and a HUGE hit. Sculptural, playful and beautiful, much like the Jonathan Adler Darjeeling Teapot that I have been coveting. It is my absolute favorite. I’m not even sure I would use it for tea. It is just nice to look at, and a collector’s item in the years to come.

teapot

“It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine.” – Wayne Campbell, Wayne’s World

Art for All

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

I love art and design of all sorts. I studied art history in college and have been pretty much obsessed with art in all of its varying forms throughout my life. Art is good…most can relate.

One thing that has always been big for me is decorating on a budget. The thing is, it is easy! You don’t have to compromise your taste, it just takes knowing where to look. Fortunately, there are a variety of internet ‘galleries’ that are a goldmine.

Here is one of my favorites, 20 x 200. You may have heard of it, a lot of people have. It is genius!  The idea here is that they post a few new original print designs for sale each week. Of each limited edition print, you can choose to spend $20, $200, or $2000 depending on the quality and size of the print. They also just added the $50 and $500 options.

Check out the website. It is astonishing and wonderful the diversity that they represent. And I love that it appeals to any and all pocket books.  Above you see some of my recent favorites. Scan for yourself and enjoy.

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