dexter chairs and collection by amy lau

I think I have Halloween spirit right now. It is rather unnerving because I am afraid of ghouls and hobgoblins most of the time. This year, though, I seem to be unafraid of the macabre. I watch my spooky television shows with relish and feel bad when they are over, because I want more. Weird but true. Speaking of macabre, have a look at these great chairs from Amy Lau for the special Dexter collection she put together for the Met Home Showtime House event. Select pieces are now available at Spring in Brooklyn. They are made of ultraleather, with hand-embroidered blood stain detailing. A few have even been signed by the television serial killer himself.

Awesome.

I am also wild (wild) about these hand-thrown porcelain fingerprint plates that are from KleinReid for the same collection. Beautifully designed, they definitely do not give off a creepy feel like those chairs do. Even if you don’t watch the show, you still get the point.

Purchase these pieces and much more at Spring, and discover more about Amy Lau on her website.

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rise and sigh embroidered sheets

Waking up in the morning just got a little sexier, thanks to Finnish designer Martina Carpelan. She’s blended art and design in a very suggestive way with her Rise and Sigh bed sheets. Inspired by the different scenarios that play out in hotel rooms, the provocative bed linens have embroidered words which leave various impressions on your body, depending on your sleeping position. Choose from the bachelor, the one night stand or the love affair set to suit your particular lifestyle.

See more soon and contact Martina right here.

via jezebel

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becky howson textiles

yet another reason why i think embroidery will take over the world: the beautiful, masterful textile creations of uk designer becky howson. becky uses several different creative methods to create her collection. she starts with sketches or paintings and photographs of everyday things. then, depending of what type of designs spring forth, the pieces are finished with applique, computer aided design, screenprinting and hand or machine embroidery. the results are filled with feminine detail and imaginative, whimsical energy.

see more loveliness at becky’s website.

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cathy cullis paintings and mixed media

i love these loose and darkly colored watercolor stylings from the prolific uk poet, writer and artist cathy cullis. these beautiful pieces are actually sketches for the a new collection of handmade dolls cathy will make. they are dripping with abundant energy and possibility, that is for sure.

see cathy’s website to see her broad collection of work and to contact her, see her flickr stream for inspiration and visit her two etsy shops to see what fabulosity is for sale (really GREAT work, see for yourself below)!

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new jewelry from otto von quast

two new fun collections from the german design team of otto von quast: 24 karat pets, made from discarded toys on silk cording, and the skinny icon collection, double-sided perforated leather with silver or 24k gold plated “embroidery” chain.

clever!

see more pieces in their playful line and purchase them all on their website.

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vitra bovist floor pillows

oh, dear, more embroidery — i think i have a craft crush! i love the color combinations and imagery (your choice of doves, lacemaker or pottery) printed on these fun hassock pillow ottomans by dutch superdesigner hella jongerius for vitra. it’s made of a vicose/linen blend fabric, and filled with little plastic balls. it claims to be quite supportive because of the way the sides are sewn, so you probably won’t flop down like when you sit in a beanbag. what a great way to add extra seating to your living room and splashes of brightness and pattern too.

that chocolate, khaki and pink combination up there at the top is making me insane. and don’t you love that little handle on the edge, so you can drag it around from room to room with you?

find them at design public, where i could easily spend way too much money.

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fun advent calendars (round up)

when i was a kid (do i sound like an old lady?) i enjoyed the anticipation of christmas as much as the holiday itself. having all those little doors to open on a festively colored advent calendar tacked to the window or wall was a wonderful tradition in my house, and is something i associate with the spirit of the season, good will, and the warmth of moments spent with friends and family; in other words, the essence of the holiday. please enjoy this selection of traditional, contemporary and just plain creative interpretations of this annual holiday item.

traditional german paper with glitter from strictly christmas

embroidered cotton from german artist morningflower’s dawanda shop

vintage sewn fabric from the uk artist rowsewcreative’s etsy shop

wood and mirrored tabletop from target

felt with applique and embroidery from the land of nod

painted wood from stonewall kitchen

embroidered felt from chicago artist bedside banner’s etsy shop

vintage pants and denim from german artist ebiko’s etsy shop

contemporary paper by sarah curedale at boston’s mfa shop

handmade chocolate truffles from portland’s moonstruck chocolates

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lisa solomon - empress of embroidery

lisa solomon is a california artist who comes from a long line of crafters. she creates imaginative drawings from a bevy of mixed media, including thread, wire, charcoal, watercolor, ink, satin, felt, and the wall, as well as paper and canvas.

her fabulous work is frequently inspired by childhood themes, found objects and the differences in masculine and feminine attributes.

lisa enjoys pairing unrelated things, to create unexpected new meaning from their traditional contexts. her themes mirror her results: harmonious, remarkably tactile pieces, borne of delicate, and sometimes nostalgic, material.

she is currently on exhibit in japan.

view more of lisa’s work here or there. purchase drawings, et. al., here.

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