I thought I'd offer a sneak-peak at a project I've been working on. These prints (which are part of a greater collection) are inspired by young American women who embrace adventure. They love life, reach for the moon, and chart their own stars. I've always dreamt of pattern & textile design, so this project is an absolute treat. I can't wait to see where it goes! I created each piece using acrylic paint & gauche on heavyweight paper. Which is your favorite?
Several weeks back, I talked about an Edelkoort trend report that I attended. The 12 trends have impacted & inspired my thinking about design ever since. Though these ideas won't fully mature for at least another year, I'm seeing the trends begin to evolve even now. One of the trend categories, entitled "Bare," involves elements of design that are reminiscent of flesh. This includes color, texture, and volume. I'm always drawn to living spaces that feature the warm, soft, and inviting characteristics of flesh. I love these new lounge chairs upholstered in flesh tones. I can't wait for the opportunity to test this trend on a new project....
via Jeannette Lunde
chairs: Artifort Rocking Chair, Erik Jørgensen Eyes Lounge, Sancal Nido, Olsson & Gerthel Rama Chair
I've been crazy about Heath Ceramics ever since moving to San Francisco two years ago. I love specifying their tile products on Interiors projects, and I love their innovations in ceramic accessories even more. I actually just bought last season's ombré bud vase for my mom's 50th birthday last week - and she loved it, of course! Their products are identifiable, always unique, and withstand the test of time. Heath officially launched their new Summer Seasonal Collection today -- and I am smitten! The collection was inspired by the Icelandic landscape, and it includes 3 matte colors reminiscent of the plant life and dark earth of the region. Personally, I'm wild about the lavender selection. It is so feminine and fresh! I can't wait to get over to the Heath showroom in the Mission to check these new products out!
all images courtesy of Heath Ceramics
On rainy days, my attraction to bright, fresh flowers probably doubles. Today, my floral fix is the work of Lukasz Wierzbowski. His photography collection, entitled Neon Tambourine, is breathtaking. The consistent subject matter and aesthetic quality of his work is creative and mesmerizing. I picked my favorite photographs featuring ladies in nature. Go outside and be awesome this weekend.
all images courtesy of Lukasz Wierzbowski
At this point, I have many "favorite things" about San Francisco. It's really hard not to love everything about this place. One of the greatest advantages, of living in the City by the Bay, is that there is incredible beauty and opportunity for spontaneous adventure in every direction. I visited Corona Heights with Sean, for the first time, this morning. I cannot believe this gorgeous overlook is situated right in the middle of the city, in the thick of it all -- furthermore, I can't believe that I hadn't been before! We snapped some fun pictures and enjoyed watching San Francisco being oh-so-very typical -- as foggy as possible. Hope you had a beautiful weekend!
photos edited using the VSCO for iPhone app, by Sean Metcalf & Savannah Roberts
“Art is what we call...the thing an artist does.
It's not the medium or the oil or the price or whether it hangs on a wall or you eat it. What matters, what makes it art, is that the person who made it overcame the resistance, ignored the voice of doubt and made something worth making. Something risky. Something human.
Art is not in the ...eye of the beholder. It's in the soul of the artist.”
-Seth Godin
The design for the Grace-Made site has been a slow, thoughtful, & rewarding process so far. I think I underestimated the time, resources, and dedication that it takes to write blog articles that are inspiring and worth reading. I believe that design tells a story, and I'm thrilled to share the chapters that inspire me. I can't wait until the site is "done" - although, I'm not sure it will ever be 100% complete. I truly hope that Grace-Made will evolve and grow over time. I thought I'd share these illustrations that I recently created. Someday, soon, these drawings will be incorporated into the site. The site-build and launch is a lot of work, but it's a dream project & overwhelmingly exciting!
I thought I'd share my latest and greatest listening. This playlist was composed over the last couple of weeks - mostly during a series of cold & rainy days working inside. I meant to share this list sooner, but this short month is flying by so quickly! I'm so excited about these tunes & artists - some gems, for sure. Enjoy! Spotify users, listen here.
image found here
If you've got the nostalgic munchies, this Etsy store is the place for you! How many of you spent time daydreaming of adventures in space when you were a kid? Surely I'm not the only one having Space Camp back-flashes, right now! These well-designed, hand-embroidered badges speak to the kid in every adult. Whether you spend your time hiking and camping, shooting behind a camera, traveling the world, or daydreaming about space - there's a badge for every style.
As for me, I'm snagging that Space Explorer gem. Enjoy.
If I could have it my way, my closet would always look as through Spring were right around the corner. I'm drawn to bold, unique prints - specifically abstract floral patterns. These are my current cravings in floral/fauna fashion. Have a great Wednesday!
01 / Equipment Tie-Front Blouse 02 / Jules Reid The Parker Top 03 / Secret South Moonstone Top 04 / Vintage 60's Floral Crop Top (sold out - but more vintage treasures at Vaux Vintage) 05 / J. Crew Floral Sweatshirt 06 / Rachel Rose Tangerine Silk Tee
I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that, like me, you're fully aboard the emoji train. I love that these tiny icons, of such few pixels, can convey so much emotion! Designer Liza Nelson has managed to depict a series of the most popular emojis in real-life. Bravo (
), Liza! Your work is incredible and it made my day!
these prints are for sale! 12x12 for $50 and 20x20 for $80 contact: lizahelennelson@gmail.com
via Designboom
I can't believe January 1st has arrived! I'm spending the morning planning, organizing, and preparing for the brand new year ahead. I decided to create a weekly calendar for myself. I'm hoping that it keeps me inspired and focused! I've organized the calendar by separating tasks from new ideas - this should help me stick to my "idea journal" resolution. Click the image below for a PDF download. Happy 2014! *tip* use the simple shapes for inspired weekly doodles - drawing keeps creativity flowing!
photography: sean metcalf
2014 will be the year of all years - I'm 100% positive. I've thought a lot about resolutions, goals & ways to challenge myself...blah, blah, blah. Goals are great - but I really just want to be brave this year. I want to take more chances, walk by faith, and finish the year a better woman than I am now. That's basically it. For some reason, the phrase "2014 is for the Brave" has been bouncing around in my head for a few months. I have no idea why, but I love it. It also perfectly compliments a quote I recently discovered by C.S. Lewis - "Courage, dear heart." For the next 365 days (& beyond), I'll remember that I'm not alone, I'll step away from my comfort zone, I'll love and live with my whole heart, and I'll be courageous in everything that I do. Bring it on, 2014!
I'm stepping into the new year with these tunes and a few picks for fresh & upbeat vibes! What are your plans for 2014?
sweater // headphones // mouse pad // "love courageously" art print // fuel band // desktop swaaag // "do your best" key ring // ceramic numbers
I love taking something ordinary and making it unique. When it comes to fashion, it's so special to add personalization and really own your style. I bought this gorgeous vintage Robert Kauffman floral fabric on Etsy about a month ago. I was only able to purchase 2.5 yards...so I've been careful in deciding how to use it. I teamed up with my mom tonight to sew floral pockets onto striped nightgowns. Every year, my sister and I wear new matching pajamas on Christmas Eve -- I think they're extra special this year! I love the contrast in the contemporary stripes and vintage floral!
The project was easy & fun! Click here for a pocket template.
My friend, Rebecca, told me about the crazy-wild dating phenomenon and oddly-addictive blog called 40 Days of Dating. Basically, two creative friends ended up single at the same time and decided to experimentally date. They enlisted their awesome friends to create type treatments to accompany the blog entries, and the blog caught on --- actually, it really caught on. All 40 of the type treatments are now available from the 40 Days of Dating Shop. These prints will make your house-guests look twice.
Exciting news! Moleskin has announced a new line of notebooks designed in collaboration with Comme des Garçons. I'm a huge fan of all special edition Moleskin collections, and this might be my favorite one to date. Cheers to Moleskin for bringing creativity and couture together! Not surprisingly, though, the collection is primarily being sold in Japan and from highly select retailers worldwide. I'm sad that the notebooks aren't being sold on the West Coast...but I'm recruiting New York friends to scoop one up for me and my hopes are high for online distribution!
{ Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time,
and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time } -O'Keeffe
How often do I consciously notice? I am so often blinded by familiarity, failing to appreciate and recognize the small flowers in my day-to-day. While reading Creative Confidence, I was struck by the subject of observation - keen, pointed observation. Professionally, I'm used to the idea of using behavior observation as a tool in designing a successful interior. I'm challenged, though, in tuning-in during the "everyday" of life. Creative Confidence says that there is power in a conscious effort to observe. Like maintaining a friendship, the capacity to appreciate each detail requires the power of will. If I observe the details of my surroundings - in design, in people, in music, in nature - with the amount of effort that I dedicate to dear friendships...I can hardly fathom the possibilities!
The approaching year-end has sent me tossing through a wave-pool of emotions. I have awesomely good vibes about 2014 and I can't wait for a brand new year to begin. On the other hand, I'm very anxious. I've set my sights on huge things, and preparing to place my foot on the first few stepping stones is thrilling (...& maybe a little bit scary)! I noticed today that my current sketchbook is well over halfway filled. Maybe I'll be ready for a new one by January. I like the handmade constellation sketchbooks from The Twenty Fingers. What a great way to remind myself daily that I'm heading for the stars!