dana robson collage works

i am buzzy doing blog maintenance, working on my special creative project and caring for my big doggie who is having trouble walking post-seizure, so i cannot write much today but i wanted to show you the beautiful works of san francisco artist dana robson. i love the gorgeous handwork here; the stitching onto vintage papers and maps, the goccoing, the nature motifs and while we are at it let’s not ignore the frame crafting either. the pieces give off a flowing, soothing energy which my whole house could use right now.

purchase these pieces at the beholder and see dana’s website for more.

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blythe church fabric artist - new work

did i mention i like textiles an awful lot? the wonderful felt empress blythe church (who has graced this space before) has created some new pieces for the pitch of the stitch show at argyle fine art.

someday i will own one of these pieces. someday.

see these pieces in person from april 11th - 27th, 2008 at the show if you’re in halifax. if not, see what else blythe is up to on her blog and view her fantastic collection on her website!

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rebecca cornish handbags: miniview

i enjoy looking at vintage goodness especially when it is upcycled into something different so i am pleased to show you the lovely handmade purses and bags by local artist becca cornish, aka etsy seller rebeccabags. becca uses all kinds of different fabrics, and lots of vintage fabric to create her collection, which has thoughtful details like embroidery and contrasty linings. i also appreciate the fact that her change purses are roomy enough to substitute as a bag if circumstances call for something cute and little. ever curious to know just a little bit more about the brains behind the operation, i asked three quick questions…

q: where do you create your collection?
a: i create my collection in a smoke free, pet free home, in a dining room/workroom nestled in the fabulous logan square neighborhood in chicago. (ed.note: with a fabulous fabric wall!)

q: how did you get into designing handbags?
a: i have always enjoyed sewing and crafting. i started making bags about six years ago. i was embroidering a skirt pocket and realized what a cool bag it would make. i created my first tote and the rest is history. friends and family wanted bags for themselves which led to their friends and family and so on. it has now evolved from hobby to business and love. even my four year old gets into it by “helping” mommy sew. although not very helpful, it’s really cute.

q: what is your inspiration?
a: i am a textile junkie. i can’t go anywhere without looking for fabric options. i have to touch and visualize what i can do with it. i have even smelled fabric… you heard me. my inspiration for my creations comes from the world around me — flora and fauna, my kid, food, fabric patterns, colors, word associations, the need for certain containers, and of course special requests. there isn’t a day that goes by without me sketching something out. the world is a beautiful place, might as well have accessories to match.

see becca’s current collection at her etsy shop. you can also see more samplings on her website. contact her in either place to collaborate on custom work too - her specialty!

thank you becca!

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measuring tape lamps by chrissy angliker

swiss-born multidisciplinary designer and artist chrissy angliker is a recent pratt grad who has created (among many other clever things) these boldly graphic measuring tape pendant lamps.

i can imagine the soft glow emitted from their tightly handcoiled shades, and love the idea of these in a craft room (duh) or a little vestibule or foyer. what a cool thing to come home to!

the lamps can be seen at the los angeles branch of the permanently cool reform school. but you can also order them from her directly: $100 for the black and white light, $120 for the yellow and $130 for the multicolored. be sure to check out her great portfolio too while you are over there!

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twins and doubles art round up

so i’m minding my own business driving in the car and then a song comes on the radio that rattles around in my head for hours. does this ever happen to you?

today’s song was a tasty treat by beloved 70’s rock band foreigner. and it stuck around in my dome and that’s when i got this idea (perhaps a way to exorcise that demon song out of my brain?)

fill my eyes with that double vision…

the double-sided vivienne print from matte stephens

hand hammered sterling double bubble earrings from brooke medlin

double lolly tote bag from charlie and sarah

handprinted double bunny card (with carrot heart) from floating palace

double mint lip balm from cavendish soap works

the unappreciated gift print from sunny buick

two peas in a pod crocheted plushie from the yummy pancake

vintage lovely ladies figurines from racheltrouble

twin chairs pincushion from rabbits moon

twin pop print from anna tillett designs

ahhhh… it’s out of my head now. thanks for the help, etsy!

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aze designs

do you think the dinner table ever feels lonely in this age of fast moving lifestyles, only used for holidays and special occasions? sprucing it up with this clever messy tablecloth from poland’s aze designs might make it feel like a more important part of the family. the folks at aze strive to create modern home designs that embrace and incorporate old world traditional techniques, like embroidery and weaving.

and just in case your bed feels lonely, here are some rem bed linens along the same premise:

oh! and i like their funky cotton rugs too!

select pieces from aze are available at zoom zoom, but i don’t have a clue if they ship overseas or not (sorry no polish language!). best move? aze’s website.

via betterlivingthroughdesign

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holiday ornament swap - #4, #5

look at the loveliness that arrived in the mail today - two more swap ornaments!

can you see the glitter on this super sweet painted snowman? thanks karen!

see the teeny little holly in miss birdie’s hair - so beautifully sewn? thanks danielle!

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desk toys for the office

need to blow off some steam at the office and don’t feel like stealing an industrial copier as a prank? check out these fun desk toys:

office sign language sticker set, at the perpetual kid

handmade mean bags to chuck at people, at maybeyoushoulddie’s etsy shop, via cribcandy (oop sold out!)

squeezy faces on the moon stress balls by makiko yoshida, at moss

okay, so i had a rough day… sorry i could not resist!

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woven tape measure bag

i like this woven tape measure bag from the chinese company goods of desire, even if i can’t find it on their website.

purchase it at the mca chicago shop.

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plush cat pillows

do you have a cherished childhood (or adulthood) pet that is no longer with us? my beloved cat toonces was 17 when she passed away 2 years ago. the whole family still misses her, especially mr. lucky, her loyal tabby brother/friend. i think i’m going to write to electric luna of ploesiepoesie in the netherlands to see if she can make me a lookalike plush cat! she does custom work in addition to her large inventory of kitties that are available for “adoption.” for her custom work she reviews the photos that you send and then creates a soft kitty clone. check out these examples:

she has a nice gallery of her custom work. i think i like the finished pieces as much as the feline photos that people have sent to her!

see for yourself and smile some.

via one floor up

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cool quilted collage art by mandy gerth

philadelphia artist mandy gerth sews lovely quilted collage pieces. her work is inspired by the details of daily life.

mandy believes that in a world of mass production, it’s important to surround oneself with handmade objects. the inspiration for these compositions came from the tradition of sewing quilt blocks.

she wanted to craft something that wouldn’t fade, like the antique quilts sewn by her grandmother and great grandmother. the paper is standard 8 x 10, and the collages look terrific in frames with glass fronts.

i love her vintage fabrics and geometric patterns.

for more about mandy, click here.
to purchase collages and other cuteness, click here.

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