The Red Jet

Miryam Prodanovic

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

While out and about with Keyse, getting all hopped up on vintage, we spotted these two stunning abstract watercolor paintings at a local coffee shop - the work of Miryam Prodanovic.

Things like this make wish I had any kind of budget for original artwork! I tend not to be drawn to abstracts, but these have so much movement without being loud........want, want, want.

Images from tree love never dies

For more about Miryam (and her many very interesting tumblrs) start here: 123Miryam

I'm in the Boston Globe Magazine!

2012-01-22T09:51:00.000-05:00

I'm over the moon to share that I'm in today's Style Watch section of Boston Globe Magazine! The writer, Marni Elyse Katz found my shop online and emailed about adding the arrows to a project she was working on. She asked to see what images of the arrows I had, and some of the ones I sent had views of my apartment - one thing lead to another and I'm in the paper! SUPER exciting stuff!

Thank you so much to Marni and Assistant Editor Veronica Chao!

I was asked to take new shots of the apartment for the article, but only a few were used, so I thought I'd share some of rest of them. They are also on my flickr.

Eames Chair Bases

2012-01-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

So I've been very busy trying to get arrows done and in the shop prior to this Sunday's secret awesome thing that I think is happening, and I have not really had time to think about the blog!

I have however been wasting time here and there on Pinterest, and I stumbled on this sumptuous leather version of an Eames shell chair.....

Source: Pinterest and bookofjoe

...which reminded me of this post over on Rearranged Design about Modern Conscience, a Seattle based company that makes a variety of reproduction bases for shell chairs! Their bases are made to fit both wide and narrow mounts, and they are committed to sustainable practices and American made materials. The prices are also very reasonable!

Images from Modern Conscience

..Which in turn made me think that maybe my two shell chairs could use some freshening up! They both have the zinc H-bases, which are nice - but kind of boring. New bases might also encourage me to move them from their hiding spots around the apartment. Right now they're in those random places that you stick furniture you don't know what to do with - banishment corners.

My two chairs before banishment

New Arrows: Embroidered

2012-01-13T13:35:00.002-05:00

Oh! I also added two more of the spiral hitched/embroidered arrows to the shop. I'm really digging this technique and my next batch will combine paint and string!

Happy Weekend!!

Finds Fa La La

2012-01-13T13:30:00.001-05:00

Nothing too blog-worthy has been happening this month, so far I'm busy with Quivver and getting some 2012 planning in order. I have, of course continued to thrift (because I can't not) and picked up this beautiful Vefa enamel bowl. I have to admit that the only enamel I was familiar with was Catherine Holm, but there are others! Woo! Don't know what I'm going to do with it, but I think some kind of non-food use is in order.

I also got this new in the box Work Rack 4 made by Syrocco in 1981! It's bright red and plastick-y and reminds me of a second rate Uten.Silo container - which I thoroughly covet. Not sure where this is going either... but I couldn't pass it up!

Handmade Gifts 2011

2011-12-27T16:56:00.002-05:00

Every Chirstmas I always try to come up with some handmade items to give, and I thought I'd share what I made this year!

Infused Tequilas: I made both Jalapeno & Thyme and Lemongrass & Ginger. The Jalapeno & Thyme came out powerful - knock your socks off spicy! Next time less seeds and only 1 day. The Lemongrass & Ginger came out very subtle, but tasty. I used the SLOM bottles from Ikea and typed the message on some old air mail labels I had saved. Infusing liquor is super easy - I have so many ideas I'd like to try! Cucumber, Sage, Coconut.......

The eat make read blog and this about.com article were helpful for recipes.

Embroidered Handkerchiefs: I thought I might try to use more hankies and less tissues this winter, and also thought they'd make nice gifts. Embroidery is bother harder and easier than I thought - making the stitches is fun and easy, but hiding your knots is not. I think I'll stick with it though.

Mary Corbet's Needle 'N Thread site was enormously helpful - awesome video tutorials.

Coconut Milk Caramels: My first foray into candy making! These came out great in the end, but the first batch was a disaster. Definitely test your thermometer first, because mine was way off and resulted in a horrible oily/leathery goo mess. Second round came out great though! - If you use the Food52 recipe, the only comment I have is on step #4 - add the creamy mixture SLOWLY, like a few tablespoons/quarter cup at a time and STIR like crazy. I learned that any radical change in temp will cause the mix to separate.

Find the recipe here: Food52.com

Off for the Holiday!

2011-12-22T08:56:00.001-05:00

Our tiny fake gold tree! (which I adore!)

I'm headed over to Albany today for Christmas, and will be back to blogging next week! I hope that everyone has a lovely holiday and here's looking to an awesome 2012!

Score+Solder

2011-12-14T13:29:00.001-05:00

So I've done nearly all of my xmas shopping online this year, which is great - but has me a bit internet fatigued. I have however, stumbled onto many amazing new places to spend my smackers.

Score+ Solder is Matthew Cleland's shop where he hand makes glass terrariums and planters. I know terrariums blew up last year, and yes, maybe we'e seen them everywhere, but these are SO beautiful!

Russian Dolls: Hole in My Pocket

2011-12-09T13:31:00.001-05:00

December always feels so busy and hectic that I have to work hard not to be crankypants 24/7. These amazing Russian Dolls sets by Hole in My Pocket are making me smile.

Visit the Etsy Shop or the Hole in My Pocket blog.

"Ship's Crew"

"Adam and Eve"

"Brass Band"

New Arrows

2011-12-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

I've just added seven new hardwood arrows to the shop, and have three more on the way. The next three will be the white/spiral hitched version with colorful stitching.

I'm also thrilled to be part of the December Poppytalk Handmade Market, a curated online market showcasing the most amazing handmade goods! A great place for holiday shopping!!!!!

Thinking About Mobiles Again

2011-11-30T13:47:00.001-05:00

I've never hung a mobile in my house before, but these beauties make me think twice!

fellow fellow

frazier + wing

himmeli by AM radio

Room & Board Slim Collection

2011-11-29T14:49:00.001-05:00

Currently trying to find a piece of furniture for the studio - some kind of bench/storage combo thing.....I don't know. Anyway, I'm very much obsessing over this entire Slim Collection at Room & Board. The prices are sort of manageable too!

New Address! Same Blog!

2011-11-29T10:10:00.001-05:00

I've done it! Red Jet Whistle is now officially The Red Jet.

Please update all your bookmarks, readers, or whathaveyou to the new URL - www.theredjet.net!

Cha-Cha-Cha Changes

2011-11-23T08:50:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all, Last night I decided to overhaul my blog a bit, freshen things up and simplify, simplify. I'm still tweaking some things so bear with me.

I also changed the name! It's sort of been evolving for a while and "The Red Jet" just feels right for me now. Plus - I'm the new owner of www.theredjet.net - so I'll be changing my url once I figure that out!

Have a terrific Thanksgiving!

L.A. Salt Chair Project: Done!

2011-11-22T09:20:00.001-05:00

In September I posted about reader LA. Salt working on a chair refinishing project of her own, and she's finished! I think it came out great - the white is leather crisp but soft and comfy looking.

She's posted progress shots and information about each step - including how to sew leather by hand using a sewing awl! (which I now need to find and learn how to use)

Awesome job!

image from http://lasaltblog.blogspot.com/

Instagram/Teux Deux

2011-11-18T09:06:00.001-05:00

So I am very late to the iphone bandwagon, and everyone already knows everything about their iphones, and all the awesome apps - but how fun is instagram! super-good!

instagram by me

I am also a constant list maker, and I love this app/website Teux Deux designed by blogger swissmiss - it's so super design-y and simple. I love that it moves what you done't get done to the next day, and that there's also a "Someday" list.

screenshot taken from teuxdeux.com

Marimekko Kaivo Throw/Quilt Finished!

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Remember this piece of Marimekko fabric I found for, like a dollar?

Well, I finally got around to making it into a throw blanket! I picked up some dark grey mottled cotton for the back, cotton batting, some double-fold black bias tape and got to work. It came out pretty well - honestly I kind of rushed through it, I'm not sure blanket-making is my thing. Plus, the Marimekko picks up lint like crazy, but it's warm!

Special thanks to Red Pepper Quilts for having lots of nice tutorials!

Poppytalk Holiday Gift Guide: Quivver

2011-11-16T09:53:00.001-05:00

Super happy to have a Quivver arrow included in a "Home Sweet Home" Holiday Gift Guide over on the Poppytalk blog. Jan has been sharing some super awesome gifts, and has amazing taste!

I'm very excited to be participating in next month's Poppytalk handmade market. I'm planning a new addition to my shop, but need to test it out first........

Check out the gallery/shop where those sweet white dipped spoons are from - Ashes & Milk!

My Dollhouse: Rescued!

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

While I was at my Dad's last weekend I rescued my childhood dollhouse! Inspired by the "I'm a Giant Challenge" going on (a group of bloggers are decorating dollhouses together) and also by my guilt of leaving this in a garage for years - I dragged it back to Boston. Boy was it dirty, and there's some damage to repair, but considering where it was stored – not too bad. It's much bigger than I remember - 3 feet wide!

My grandfather was a carpenter, and my grandmother was crazy handy as well. He built the frame, and my grandmother finished it. The floors are tongue depressors that were stained and sealed, with the ends used for roof shingles! The patterned floors are wallpaper, and some of the light fixtures are jewelry. The fireplace is made from stones from her yard, mortared in plac , and it’s exactly like the real fireplaces in her house.

I plan on repairing and renovating a little bit, but I’ve decided to stay with her 50s/60s style, but maybe get a little kitschy/campy. She made a lot of the furniture and accessories with thread spools, toothpaste caps and things - it's totally cute, but I'm missing a lot of pieces - which I am super psyched to try to make! I plan on documenting the renovation.

Look at the phone and paper towel holder!

Look at that hardwood gleam!

Attic under the roof with furniture!

Weekend at the Lake

2011-11-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I headed home to visit my dad who has a small house on Sacandaga Lake - I hadn't seen my dad in a while and it was nice to get out of Boston. Plus my dad cooks amazing mega-calorie breakfasts!

We took a small hike to Tennant Falls outside of Northville, NY. It was a perfect hike day - not too cold and only one other group on the trail!

Bigger in person! I swear!

It was almost a full moon Saturday night, and the moonlight was so beautiful on the lake - this pic doesn't quite capture it, but I tried. So many stars......

We also had dinner at this amazing little restaurant "Dick & Peg's Northward Inn" outside of Gloversville, NY - every square inch is covered with antiques, memorabilia, junk, lights, photos, etc. My dark iphone photos don't do it any justice - it's truly amazing. It's like having dinner in the middle of a cozy flea market. (Not in that fake/cheesy TGI Friday's kind of way - this place has been there for 40+ years, so it's authentically covered in crap)

They also had a pianist come in to play during dinner! Our meal was great too, so it's our new favorite place for dinner. I highly recommend it if you're ever in the area:

Dick & Peg's Northward Inn
(518) 725-6440
2260 State Hwy 29A
Gloversville, NY 12078

William Wurster

2011-11-04T15:41:00.000-04:00

One of the perks/distractions of working in an architecture office is the many, many books about architecture lying about. I usually casually flip through them for a few minutes and move on, but this 1939 house by William Wurster caught my eye.

In particular the deck, because it's carved out of, rather than added on to the house. This is exactly the kind of porch/deck I want on my future imaginary house - all the pleasures of being outdoors, but with the added privacy of being tucked in! I also like how the living room is on the third floor with the deck and solarium - above the bedrooms, which is unusual but very cool. I like how inward looking and private the house is.

Designtex Outlet: Cheap Upholstery Fabric

2011-11-03T10:35:00.000-04:00

I just had a recent comment about my Selig chair - the commenter mentioned that they didn't want to use leather for their re-do projects. I replied that there are now a lot of very nice, durable, and "green" vinyls out there, and that I purchased mine from Designtex through my job. I also looked up Designtex on the web, and discovered they have an online outlet store! including some vinyl for only $6 a yard (I paid way more than that).

The site is a bit tough to navigate, but worth it to score professional grade upholstery fabric for cheap!

Some Press: Quivver

2011-11-01T11:41:00.001-04:00

I've been lucky enough to get a little press for Quivver:

I'm included in a shopping section of Hemstilat Magazine, a new Swedish interior design magazine. I really wish there was a simple way to get my hands on some of these amazing new foreign magazines! (with some kind of magical translation service included, haha)

You can preview the issue on Qiozk - use the slider.

I was also fortunate to have some arrows included in a "peter pantastic" themed nursery round up over on lay baby lay. Joni puts together some AMAZING round-ups for the wee ones. Oh - and she also makes custom wedding signs over at Chocolate Butterbean!

Homespun Parties + Events Studio

2011-10-25T08:57:00.003-04:00

You can now buy Quivver arrows in a brick and mortar shop! I'm super happy to announce my arrows can be purchased at the Homespun Parties + Events Studio. Whoo-Hoo!

They have an amazing looking space that's "an inspiring place to come read our books, drink tea, use our FREE wifi, learn a new crafty something, rent our photobooth or our space, and shop local + handmade for that special gift." Oh, I wish I could drop in and check it out in person. I really love that it's not just a store, but multi-purpose creative space!

Homespun Studio
1110 Market Street, Suite 121
Chattanooga, TN 37402

(Images courtesy of Homespun)

Old World Primitives

2011-10-19T09:50:00.000-04:00

Are you ever completely bewildered when you find yourself liking something so completely out of your normally accepted style range?

I can't even remember what I was looking for on Etsy when I discovered these ornaments by Old World Primitives. I find them so compelling for reasons I can't explain! They make me giggle!

Let's buy some!

society6

2011-10-12T09:35:00.000-04:00

Erin from operation paper cut and Houzz just pointed me in the direction of society6, another great place to buy art inexpensively!

I particularly like "Voyage Home" by Joe Carr

and "Wild Dog" by Corinne Reid

papernstitch: shop of the day

2011-10-11T10:23:00.001-04:00

My shop, Quivver is part of this month's papernstich gallery, and today I'm "shop of the day" - woo!

New Finds: Marimekko Kaivo & More

2011-10-03T10:36:00.002-04:00

I love going to garage sales outside of metropolitan areas, prices are more reasonable and people aren't aware of the trends so it's still possible to get a good score! When I was home a few weeks ago in upstate NY, my mom and I hit up a few sales and here's what I scored for $5, yes - $5 for all of it!

String/twine tin with the hole on the top - been wanting one of these for a while, plus tiny metal tool drawers which are perfect for sewing supplies!

I also got what I think is a big piece of Marimekko Kaivo fabric - as far as I can tell, it's the real deal, except there's no markings on the selvage edge (?) but is definitely screen printed and good quality cotton, so I can't imagine it's a knock-off. (Are there fabric knock-offs? does that even happen?) Anyway, I plan on making a small throw blanket out of it!

While trying to look u p more info about the fabric, I stumbled on this interesting book about sewing/crafting with their fabrics - with patterns!!!

Marimekko Surrur Book: Make Your Own Marimekko: "Named for the humming sound of the brain or a sewing machine busy at work, the Marimekko Surrur Book is filled cover to cover with clever ideas, instructions and patterns to create clothes, toys and accessories from the larger than life color and imagination of Marimekko."

Prismma Magazine: Blogger Style

2011-09-30T11:38:00.001-04:00

I was lucky enough to be contacted by Prismma Magazine to be profiled in their "Blogger Style" section. I like when I get asked to participate in the kinds of profiles - I'm always asked questions that make me think about what I'm doing and why, plus I get to take a stab at offering decorating advice!

Prismma is a recently launched "online digital magazine and website dedicated to interior design, décor, home living, travel and lifestyle" based in India. There are some beautiful house tours posted from all over the world!

Ikea Hack: FROSTA Stool

2011-09-27T13:34:00.004-04:00

I found this abused little Ikea FROSTA stool at the thrift store for $3, apparently it'd been used in a paint studio or kids craft room because it was covered in paint, but otherwise solid. It's such a shame these were discontinued in the US, because they are super sturdy and versatile.

Anyway, I remembered that Door Sixteen had done an awesome job giving her FROSTA's an upgrade, and so I let it sit for a few weeks trying to decide what seat color I should paint it, but nothing seemed right, so I just sanded it down and refinished the seat, which was great, but it still needed a little....something. So, still over the moon about my new favorite spray paint color (watermelon!) I painted the bottom of the legs glossy pink!

4 legs, splatter-city

Images: Door Sixteen and Apartment Therapy

3 legs, fresh and pink!

Before & After: New Gooseneck Lamp

2011-09-26T12:39:00.000-04:00

I can honestly say this is the first time in my entire life that I have ever spray painted anything PINK. ever.

Remember this brown found-in-the-trash lamp? Whenever I looked at it I though "beige and pink", which is a huge departure from my usual - paint it all gray routine. Thanks to Krylon's "Ivory and "Watermelon" glossy spray paint - I got exactly what I pictured. Isn't it the yummiest shade of pink??

I'm not going to post a how-to since you only need about 20 feet of painters tape and plastic bags to mask off the different sections, and then spray in light even coats - unlike me who hates waiting and just paints it all at once in one heavy layer and immediately takes the tape off and makes a mess and dings the fresh paint, forcing me to do it again anyway.......

boring, rusty, flaky brown - dullsville

brass, ivory and watermelon perfection

yummy!

Reader Chair Projects: L.A. Salt

2011-09-23T10:26:00.002-04:00

I'm always so glad when I hear that folks are using my Selig Chair project as a guide for their own restoration projects - I love helping!

Blogger L.A. Salt has found this very unique rocking chair to restore, and is blogging her progress - Part 1 and Part 2 are already up. I'm super psyched to see this baby when it's done!

(oh, and her blog is new - but gonna be a good one to follow, me thinks!)

Image: L.A. Salt

Steelcase Desks: Care and Maintenance Booklet

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

As I've blogged about before - I love Steelcase Tanker Desks. Best. Desk. Ever. Solidly built, functional, industrial-chic, replaceable parts and they disassemble for moving. What more could you want?

Anyway - I found this pamphlet somewhere, always meaning to scan and blog it - here's "Your Guide to the Care and maintenance of Steelcase Desks" - and as typical of Steelcase, it's nicely designed. Who know there were so many "accessories"!

Missoni Crazy Time Jamboree

2011-09-14T09:37:00.000-04:00

So it's a bit embarrsing to admit, but I am sometimes a sucker for "limited edition" designer hype. I got up early and went to Target yesterday for the Missoni collection. It was STUPID INSANE - I got there at 8:10 (they open at 8) and nearly all of it was gone in a frenzy - women had their carts overflowing with huge piles!! They seemed to fall into two camps, ebay re-seller a-holes, and wealthy older women dropping $1,000 or more on this stuff - seemingly indiscriminately. I was lucyk enough to get what I came for, the umbrella and tote, and also picked up a tray and tights that I will be returning. Honestly, most of it was poor quality, the dishware was scratched and uneven with shoddy glaze.

I was also shocked at how fast it was all up on ebay - within an hour! - for 2x, 3x the price. I know it's legal and all, but it's still blatant assholery. I hope people don't buy it from ebay, I really do.

All in all, I feel stupid for going, but damn - that umbrella is awesome!

Pinwheel Tutorial

2011-09-05T17:19:00.000-04:00

Back in July, I posted about the baby shower invitations I designed, and promised a tutorial. Well, I finally got my act together and documented the process! Without further ado - here's my Paper Pinwheel Tutorial! I custom designed and made these colorful paper pinwheels for my friend's Baby Shower. (I also made about 50 feet of paper bunting!)

I started by looking online for a template/tutorial, but none of them were exactly what I wanted. Either they were too complicated and required many pieces and glue plus a LOT of cutting (I was making 12!) or they weren't the look that I wanted. So based on what I understood the basic shape to be, I drew multiple templates in Illustrator, until I came up with one that I liked - lots of "points", one piece with a unique geometric look!

Here's the link to my template - It's a .pdf and is intended to be printed on 11x17, you'll need 2 copies.

My Paper Pinwheels!

I put them in weighted and covered soda bottles as centerpieces.

RJW PINWHEEL TUTORIAL

Supplies: 12"x12" inch heavyweight scrapbook paper or other cardstock, xacto knife, awl, glue, tie peg and wood bead (bead must fit loosely over peg), hole punch, 1.75" circle punch (optional), 3/8 dowel, drill, drill bits. I got both the tie pegs and beads at Michael's.

1. Print out two copies of the template, cut template along cut line and tape together, making one 8-point star.

2. Tape template over 12"x12" paper. Using an awl (or thumbtack) mark each intersection on the template, pushing through both papers.

3. Using holes as cutting guides, cut out star.

4. Punch holes in the end of each star point.

5. Fold points in at the bend.

6. Fold points in again, matching holes.

7. Optional - Punch out circle and center punch a hole.

8. Get dowel ready by cutting to desired length - roughly 12" to 15". Drill a hole through the dowel just large enough for the tie peg.

9. Begin by threading the circle, then each successive point.

10. Place bead on back of tie peg, and a drop of glue in the dowel hole. - The bead acts as a separator so the pinwheel doesn't hit the dowel.

11. Place dowel over peg and let dry. All Done!

Other Helpful Pinwheel Tutorials:
Style Me Pretty
Cheeky Magpie
Hello My Name is Heather


(Some of the many versions I tried out! - none were quite right)

Kitty Feet Friday

2011-08-26T10:40:00.002-04:00

Just Because.

Got My Star Princess

2011-08-26T10:38:00.000-04:00

So last year, I blogged about an image by photographer Jeremy Kohn and how much I wanted a print. Lo and behold - a year later - I serendipitously found it for sale on 20x200!! Funny how things work like that. spooky? maybe. Anyway, I received my lovely print and it's waiting for me to go to ikea for a frame.

20x200 offers art by awesome artist at reasonable prices. (it's a little addictive) They also kindly include a .pdf with the custom mat sizing for each of their prints, which makes it easier when going to the frame shop for a mat!

20x200 has also just launched a collaboration with West Elm - offering prints as well as custom sized frames!

Harry Diaz

2011-08-23T13:01:00.000-04:00

I love it when awesome things land in my inbox unsolicited - check out Harry Diaz's amazing work - he's a very talented artist based out of LA. Keep up with Harry's blog for more news and process images.

Recent Aquisitions

2011-08-19T09:13:00.000-04:00

I think I'm addicted to thrifting, for real. I go every weekend to at least one thrift shop. I think it's the thrill of finding an awesome score that keeps me going, plus I try to get as many useful everyday items secondhand - makes me feel a little bit better about my consumption habits. BUT - who can blame me when I find amazing things like these two Thonet-style chairs for $5 each, or this awesome goose neck floor lamp for $3!!

OOh - Lamp Fight!

I have an awesome shape, but need to be repainted!

Black Gold Hanging Air Plant Pod from Mudpuppy

2011-08-18T08:54:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share the beautiful black gold hanging air plant pod and air plant that I ordered from Michael McDowell, owner of mudpuppy. It arrived so very nicely packaged and I love it! The black finish on the pod is very deep and rich, with a twinge of metallic. I haven't found the ideal place to hang it, so for now is sitting on my bathroom shelf.

Mike is also someone you should follow if you're on Pinterest!

Shop Update: Eleven new Arrows

2011-08-17T09:07:00.004-04:00

Eleven New Arrows in the Shop! I tried out some new, funkier designs this round, check 'em out!

Palomino Blackwing 602 Pencils

2011-08-16T20:22:00.002-04:00

In the past year or so I've really gotten into pencils, using regular No. 2's and a Muji erasable pen exclusively at work, and Dixon Ticonderoga Black pencils at home. I was running low on the Dixon's and was doing some Google-ing (Googling?) when I stumbled upon the "the best pencil ever made" - Blackwing 602's. Sadly, they are no longer made, but are available as Palomino Blackwing 602's. A total sucker for the supposed best anything, I ordered a box, and damn if they aren't freaking awesome - smooth smooth smooth dark lead, and totally cool design - won't roll off the table! thumbs up.

Sold at pencils.com

Pinning Artists

2011-08-16T13:53:00.001-04:00

I'm really loving Pinterest, too much, I think - but hey. One of my three boards is "artists", and I wanted to share two recent discoveries.

Louis Reith: Louis Reith is an Amsterdam based artist and designer. (Images below from Louis' Flickr page)

Sandrine Estrade Boulet: Sandrine alters her photos to make delightful, creative pieces. "To create a sensitive work that is fun, positive and totally disinhibited, imagine spontaneous images than can make people feel good, putting a smile on their face : this is what really motivates me and amuses me." (All images from Sandrine's website)

I got the Ace of Bases!

2011-08-15T12:57:00.003-04:00

Anyone remember this gorgeous $10 marble table top I picked up? (and then spent months looking for a base) Well - I got one! Check out this vintage-y $35 chrome X-style base. I love it - shiny, modern, and the most fabulous part is that it separates into two pieces, so all together the table is 3" flat to store - perfect because I actually don't have any use for it. Sometimes patience really pays off!

(A table in the living room? - I take most blog photos here because it gets the best light)

Genius!

I got it at my new secret source store that shall remain unnamed - where I also scored this dresser for a friend's baby's room!

Photo: The great and powerful Momo Shinzawa.

More Morgan Vol. 2

2011-08-04T13:39:00.000-04:00

I love type, and finding vintage type specimen books at the thrift store always makes my day - even though I don't really know what to do with them besides oogle them! This one, 1968's "More Morgan Vol. 2 by The Headliners" has the most awesome sample layouts interspersed with type samples - I had to share.

From the inside cover "Lettering people are in on all the moves. Beginning with the interpretation of layout, trained artists do the composing, assembling and hand-crafting. Their skill with the quaint, eye-catching fonts of Number Two will make your headlines Number One."

Mad Props to Mad Props!

2011-08-03T13:29:00.001-04:00

I finally made it to check out Mad Props! Funny enough, it was through work, as we sometimes need to add a little extra staging to some of our shoots. A full service prop house catering to the photography, film and event industries, they’re located across from the Design Center at 12 Channel Street (in the very same building where I once worked as an electronics buyer for a Chinese electronics company – one of my many, many weirdo jobs) in a large open space with terrific views on the 8th floor. We had a great experience choosing our various items; the staff was lovely, helpful and knowledgeable.

You choose your items and the staff carefully inventories and packs everything in clear bins, making it easy to carry. We filled 2 large bins with vases, tchotchkes, and books, which cost $250 for a seven day rental. The selection seems to lean toward modern and quirky, so we may still need other options for some of our more traditional homes, but overall it was a great experience, and we’ll be using their services in the future.

Now as a blogger – this place was amazing! So many things I wanted to take home, not to mention that this is my dream job – an honest to goodness reason to buy awesome junk! How can I get paid to use my thrift store mojo??? How???

"Wood" Grouping

LOTS of dishware in many colors

Cameras, Electronics, Unusual Objects, Etc. - Some furniture on the right.

Western and Asian Items

Sewing Props!

Breaking News! Marimekko

2011-07-21T14:00:00.000-04:00

Marimekko finally opened a US online store!!! Oh! Oh! My Brain!

The Internet Just Keeps On Being Interesting

2011-07-20T12:30:00.002-04:00

Two new site that friends and fellow bloggers have pointed me towards:

Goodsie: An Etsy, Big Cartel, and the like competitor - online shop hosting. I am very happy with Big Cartel for my Quivver shop, but I like some of the features on Goodsie - larger images and more customization without having to learn css. It's a bit more per month, but I may have gone with Goodsie if it was available at the time. Definitely a site to keep an eye on.

Stitch & Hem: Independently designed and sewn clothing and shoes - custom made to fit your measurements! Prices vary, but are less than I expected. There's so much potential here - especially for those of us on the high or low ends of the size range!

food52: I'm not a whiz in the kitchen, and don't always "cook" anymore than mixing things together, but I can follow a recipe, and get excited for new things to try - and boy howdy, there are about a million recipes on this food blog I want to try! and tips! and shopping!

RJW on Pinterest

2011-07-19T09:16:00.001-04:00

I'm back! Been back for a week, but I was very busy getting ready for M's Baby Shower on Sunday, which despite the heat went off very well. I will share some details once I get back into my normal rhythm.

So I'm sure most of you know about Pinterest, I've known about it for a while, but I tend to be suspicious of the next new thing until it proves itself to be worthwhile. "Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests." It's a much nicer way for me to keep track of things than hundreds of bookmarks, and I love being able to see what else is hip and happenin' with the hip folks out there.

Well, I've only been "pinning" a week or two and it's a lot of fun, plus a good way to keep track of inspiration as well as lovely things to spend money on! You can check out my Pins Here!

Vacation

2011-07-01T09:03:00.002-04:00

It's Friday, I've hit 100 Followers (awesome beyond words!!!) and I'm leaving work early for a week's vacation at my family's lake house - life is good.

Be back soon!

Have to Have this Herringbone

2011-06-30T08:14:00.003-04:00

This is going into my future-unlimited budget-imaginary-home inspiration file!

So amazing, so many possibilities!

Read more about the installation HERE.

- Found via the lovely Kurbits blog - Who I discovered because she kindly posted about Quivver - thanks Frida!

Baby Shower Invitation

2011-06-29T12:48:00.000-04:00

Two of my close friends will be welcoming their firstborn into the world this fall, and I'm happy to be organizing their baby party - they're throwing a co-ed lunch in the backyard. I've been busy with other craft projects for the event, but I don't want to ruin the surprise, so I promise plenty of pics and a tutorial (Ooo!) afterwards.

Here's the design I made for the invitation in Illustrator:

And here's the Gocco printed version:

I love my Gocco, but this was a tough project! I had plenty of supplies except for bulbs. Based on info gathered from searching the internet, it was suggested that using #5 or #5B flashbulbs would work as well as Gooco brand bulbs. I ordered some of both from ebay, and I'm not convinced they work as well. I used the blue filter, and properly prepared my masters, but the screen came out pretty clogged - resulting in a more, shall we say... "textured" print. Overall they came out pretty cute, but I need to get the proper bulbs next time.

Reader Email!

2011-06-24T15:40:00.001-04:00

Image: Apartment Therapy

Thought I'd share a reader email exchange about re-doing Eames-style chairs on the cheap:

Hello Amanda,

I am a recent college graduate, and I live in Washington DC. I am a big fan of your awesome blog. I am emailing you because I recently found a lovely Eames style chair for $80! However, the leather on the seat is quite damaged, some buttons are missing, and the wood is slightly scratched.

I saw on your blog that you have done some projects doing the upholstery of a similar chair. I was hoping I could get some advice from you. As a recent college graduate my budget is super tight right now, but I love to start fixing this chair somehow. Do you have any tips/links of places where I can purchase the buttons, the leather, and any other materials I need use?--hopefully on the cheaper side. I don't have any experience nor have any materials (i.e. sander, sawing machine, stapler, etc), but also don't have the moeny to get someone to do thing kind of job.

I will appreciate any help/advice. Thank you for your time!
D

And my response:

Buttons - you can get self coverable buttons at JoAnn's or Michaels's craft stores for a few dollars, but since there's a lot of stress on the them, I'd use epoxy or another strong glue when you put them together. I didn't want to risk them popping off, so I had an upholstery shop make them for $40 through a connection at work. You could ask around local upholstery shops to see if they will make your buttons - you might get lucky with a nice shop owner.

Materials - this can really range depending on what you're doing, if you're interested in "restoring" the chair, you'll have to find leather - I don't have a secret source for leather unfortunately, but I do know people sometimes get lucky on ebay. If you are okay with making the chair to your own liking, there's a lot of option for fabrics or vinyls at all different costs. Heck, you could use a heavy canvas drop cloth from Home Depot for $20, or discounted upholstery from online retailers like Modern Fabrics - keep in mind that you could always use cheaper fabric now, and re-do it again in the future with leather. If you want to stick to the original look on the cheap - I'd suggest using vinyl which you can find or at local sewing/hobby shops. (JoAnn's has a decent selection of vinyl and if you sign up for their online newsletter, they send you 40% off coupons)

Wood - stain/poly are fairly reasonably priced, you should be okay there, and as far as tools - you can use a heavy duty hand stapler (they're about $20 I think) and also sand by hand, it will just be more sweat and labor on your part! You could also probably skip the sewing machine if you glued your cording instead of sewing, since it's all stapled in anyway.

It's been a while so I thought I'd also link to my post that summarized my costs - Eames Lounge Upholstery Project DONE!

I also wanted to re-post the link to buy replacement Plycraft swivel/tiliter parts: Swivel Chair parts.com, and a great forum post on these projects from Design Addict.

Quivver: All Racked Up!

2011-06-23T08:37:00.000-04:00

So remember this project pile?

The previous owners of this house were hoarders, and one of the remaining hoards was a huge collection of lumber and assorted wood scraps hidden under the front porch. One morning on my way to work, my landlord had it all out and on a trailer to get rid of it, and offered me whatever I wanted. Of course I froze up and couldn't think of a single thing to take, even though I wanted it all! I did manage to grab these two lengths with pre-drilled holes, though, because they seemed useful in some unknown way.

Cut to..mmmm three months later and it finally hit me! An arrow rack! I picked up the right size dowel, cut 1" pieces, a coat of paint, and bingo - awesome arrow storage.

Quivver: Shop Update

2011-06-22T08:29:00.002-04:00

I've recently updated my Quivver shop in anticipation of joining this month's Poppytalk Handmade Market. I'm particularly proud of a new collection - Spiral Hitched Arrows! These are stained white, and then woven/knotted/embroidered with brightly colored crochet thread. I'm in love with hem and plan on adding some more to the shop in a variety of colors.

** I just noticed these got posted over on Craft Magazine! wicked!

Brass Monkey

2011-06-21T13:28:00.001-04:00

Okay I could not resist, so this is what you do when you find a vintage set of brass stencils - you make a Brass Monkey!!! ha ha ha.

Brass Monkey - that funky Monkey

Brass Monkey - junkie

That funky Monkey

Cause I drink it anytime - and anyplace

When it's time to get ill - I pour it on my face

Monkey tastes Def when you pour it on ice

Come on y'all it's time to get nice

-Beastie Boys

I love these stencils, but have no idea what to do with them, except this silliness.

Base Crazy

2011-06-13T08:44:00.001-04:00

So I was flipping throughRenovation Style at work and got stuck on this image of a desk/vanity made from corbels and a piece of glass. Even though I don't like the fabric on the bench, the color on the walls, or the stupid orchid, I still think it's kind of a genius solution.

Photo: Werner Straube, Summer 2011 Renovation Style

I think I paused on this because for weeks now I have been obsessed with table tops and bases ever since I picked up this beautiful 36" round marble table top for 10 smackers. Now I'm trying to find some kind of interesting base for it. (Never mind that I have no need for another coffee table, much less a 3' one) When I was at Brimfield, I picked up these hair pin legs because they were cheap and are always useful. Now, I know that I can cut a round piece of plywood, screw on the hairpins and be done, but it's a bit BORING.

My "Project Pile"

I want some kind of thing, a big sturdy, interesting but cheap thing to hold up this slab!!!!!! Something shiny and brass, please. Or some sort of normal height base. I really try not to do this anymore, buying 1/2 of a project thinking the other 1/2 will just appear magically. (I cracked up when I read the woman in the article had moved those corbels from house to house with her for 20 years, because that's me!)

Thonet on Houzz

2011-06-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

Nice to see my kitchen feautered on a Houzz Featured Ideabook about Thonet chairs! It's one of my favorite projects that I've ever done. Classic.

BG Galleries

2011-06-02T13:15:00.002-04:00

Let's see, two weeks ago I think, a friend and I headed out to Hingham to check out BG Galleries "BG Galleries is a lively 6500 square foot showroom featuring a curated collection of fine 20th century design with an emphasis on mid-century modern Italian, French and American designed furniture and lighting from the 1940's, 1950's 1960's and 1970's."

and how! While the prices were way too rich for my blood, if you go, and as my friend said, "think of it as a museum", you'll have an awesome time oohing and aahing all over everything. The owner, Peter Levis, was kind enough to let us take some pictures!

blue rocker! yellow lamp! joy!

I really wanted both of these fixtures!!!

Bedroom Details

2011-05-31T13:40:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share a few details of my bedroom makeover. I found this adorable little light at Ikea - it's the MINUT and is only $19.99. I didn't really dig the brushed chrome finish though, so with a litle bit of black spray paint, it now matches perfectly. It also throws beautiful light with a low wattage bulb.

I also wanted new white cafe curtains, but plain white cotton would be wicked boring so I found this white cotton pintuck fabric at JoAnn's for I think about $8 a yard. The texture pairs well with the diamond pattern on my rug, and adds a subtle texture. I like sewing cafe curtains, because they let plenty of light in, while still maintaining privacy - not to mention being super fast to sew.

(This is one of the few non-solid fabrics from JoAnn's that actually looks sophisticated - they ususally have such awful quilty/cheesy fabrics!)

Gray Beard in my Bedroom

2011-05-23T13:33:00.005-04:00

I've always hated this blue. Other people have liked it and even asked me for the paint color, but I hated it. Dull country blah blah blue. My landlord painted it before I moved and I lazily left it for 4 years!

No more - it's now painted in a very light gray (Olympic's "Gray Beard") and I love it!!! I also swapped out the art down to a few select pieces, added a simple mirror over the dresser, swapped out the bedside light, picked up a vintage gray desk chair, sewed new white curtains and re-installed my closet doors. (detail posts to come)

My plan was to stick to a limited gray/black/white palette, but now I think I need something with a strong color. Maybe paint the bedside table yellow? Mustard color duvet? Gah, always a work in progress....

(anyone notice the cat bed is the same fabric as my duvet?)

I have a sneaking suspicion that some may prefer the before because it's more colorful, and part of me agrees, but the new gray just feels right - right now. There's enough color and pattern in the rest of the apt, I wanted a neutral respite in my bedroom. Also - these pics were taken during the neverending rain happening right now in Boston making it appear a tad gloomy, but it's super lovely!

Smarts & Crafts: Quivver

2011-05-20T09:14:00.000-04:00

Happy to see a post about Quivver over on Smarts & Crafts! A teriffic blog from Lauren and Derek of The Curiosity Shoppe. Their new baby boy is named Arrow! adorable.

Singer Puzzle Box

2011-05-19T17:54:00.002-04:00

So it has been a crazy weekend and week! Last weekend I want to Brimfield and had my own yard sale, plus work's been a bitch. One of the things I picked up at Brimfield was this little wood box for $3 - I cannot resist wood boxes! The great thing about this one is it's construction - it unfolds.

As it turns out, it's a Singer "Puzzle Box" that came with sewing machine accessories that was patented in 1889, and sold for many years! I was surprised that I hadn't heard of or seen one before. Since it's not complete, or valuable really, I think I may repurpose it for something else.....

Fabric Paintings: Rebecca Roberts

2011-05-16T13:46:00.001-04:00

I stumbled across Rebecca Roberts' fantastic geometric fabric pieces through her blog, dukebecky (specifically a review of Gather Here in Cambridge - which i need to visit!) and I love her work. It's always exciting for me to see fabric used in modern ways, I think that people forget that sewing can be just as contemporary and expressive as any other art medium.

Blinded by the Light

2011-05-11T14:17:00.001-04:00

I need a new hanging fixture for my living room, really I neeeeeeed one. OK, not really, but I would love this, since THIS IS THE MOST GENIUS THING EVER. It would look like it was born in the corner above my TV, it would be perfectly at home there.

Is it terrible that I'm sitting here trying to think of a DIY way to make this? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? yes?

via notcot.org, designed by Peter Bristol

via designheure

via moooi

I would also love either of these two lovelies - but alas, not enough cash.

New Arrows in the Shop!

2011-05-10T16:36:00.000-04:00

I recently added some new arrows to the Quivver Shop - these three are my first experiments with carving into the shafts! Yay!

Houzz Tour!

2011-05-04T09:15:00.000-04:00

I was contacted bu one of the writers for Houzz, Erin Lang Norris (her blog is operation paper cut) who invited me to share images and some of my ideas for a Houzz House Tour! It was a lot of fun to be "interviewed", she asked a lot of questions that forced me to try to articulate the choices I make!

Read it here: Houzz Tour: Comfortably Creative in Boston

Sriracha Beer Bread

2011-05-03T10:18:00.001-04:00

Okay, so RJW is in no way a food blog, but once in a while I like to share my (rare) cooking successes! After spotting this post on the ReadyMade blog about a Sriracha Cookbook with the recipe for Cheddar-Sriracha Swirl Bread - I needed to try it. Spicy bread!

However, I am too lazy and impatient to actually go through the proper bread making process, so much waiting, resting, kneading - too many steps! Enter my trusty Beer Bread recipe, and HELLO - Sriracha Swirl Beer Bread! E.A.S.Y.

Basic Beer Bread:
3 cups flour
1 ts salt
1 TB sugar
1 TB baking powder
12 oz. room temperature beer

Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl, add warm beer and stir until its a sticky dough. Grease a 9" loaf pan and bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

To make the Sriracha/Cheese Swirl - spread/shape the dough out on a floured surface into a rough 9" square. Squirt on enough Sriracha for a light coat, spread with brush or spoon and top with cheese (amounts are according to your taste - I just winged it) and roll into a log before putting into the loaf pan.

This came out really yummy and very spicy! I used a very light beer so it would be closer to a white bread without any noticeable beer taste. Dark beers make much more "beery" bread. I also make an awesome apple cinnamon version in the fall.

Weekend

2011-04-20T13:11:00.000-04:00

This is what I did most of the weekend - we're having a yard sale in a few weeks so I decided to do a big PURGE to get rid of tons of stuff I don't use or need, making a huge mess in the process. I tend to squirrel away bits of junk in drawers and cubbyholes and forget about it, a yard sale each spring seems like a good way to remedy my little hoarding habits. Afterwards the studio was so clean and neat!

I also scored this vintage seventies shell chair knock-off for $3 buckaroos, it needs a scrubbing and then it's my new bedroom desk chair. Love the gray/taupe color! (It's also more comfortable than my real shell chairs!)

Oh and remember this awesome shoe/slipper rack I brought home from Japan? I'm finally putting it to use as a magazine rack!

Painting Palettes

2011-04-14T13:30:00.000-04:00

I have not had much to blog about lately! Between making arrows for Quivver and spending time with friends & family - not too much blog worthy has happened. I do have some interesting thift finds to share, and hopefully a project or two coming up.

Until that happens, here's some amazing artwork! Found on artist Daniel Eatock's website, a collection of paitnings of palettes - "These paintings are the result of a first project given to first year painting students with the goal of activating awareness about the medium’s subjects, materials and techniques."

See them all here: Painting Palettes

Thrift & Riff: Lane Acclaim

2011-04-05T13:32:00.002-04:00

I picked up this awesome Lane end table over the weekend for $8! I wiped it down with some denatured alcohol, lightly sanded and gave it a light coat of Tung oil. It fits perfectly in this corner, and it's closer in height to the other end table, so my lamps are almost at the same height. (symmetery, pfft...whatever) It's from Lane's Acclaim series, with the signature dovetail veneer design.

Early morning photo attempt on a gloomy, rainy day - sorry!

I looked around on the web and found a great write-up by Sandy McLendon of the Acclaim Series on JetSetModern.com, including this nice diagram of how the veneer is assembled.

From JetSetModern.com

There's also a Flickr group for Lane Acclaim!

Got Pinned!

2011-04-01T16:54:00.001-04:00

Reader Alyssa pointed out to me that Quivver got "pinned" - The Shooting Gallery Picks for Him by blogger Dolan Geiman. (another awesome blog to read!)

Very pleased to be in such good company, and that Quivver is getting some action on Pinterest. Thank you Pinterest community for all my other pins, I just figured out how to see them all! I have an account but have yet to start using it! I like the way it's more user/page based than Svpply, which I also use - but which is more product focused.

How do people have the time to keep all this up?! I barely get time to blog properly, much less maintain cataloging/aggregator sites, much less start a twitter, or facebook.........I think I'm doing well, then BAM! I feel like a slacker again.

Thrift & Riff: String Theories

2011-03-30T13:27:00.000-04:00

I've been happily finding these balls of thread and twine at the thrift store recently, and I love the texture and colors, but I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them yet!

I especially love the Speed-Cro-Sheen label, super design - whoosh! Sadly, Coats & Clark doesn't make this stuff anymore.

Perhaps a giant ball of string?

"Marcia coated a giant ball of string with polyurethane to keep her cats from playing with it."

This image is from Country Living's "How to get the look" about Marcia Nelson's home. She only incorporates items into her home that are white, brown, black, and silver. EVERYTHING. I admire her dedication, but I don't think I have the stamina to stick to such a narrow palette. She has a really interesting collection of stuff - you should check it out!

New Arrows in the Shop: Oak & Leather

2011-03-24T09:11:00.000-04:00

Just added four new arrows to the Quivver shop! These are a bit different than the original batch, I used Oak dowels and recycled leather scraps. The Oak has such amazing grain - these came out with a much more rustic look.

Next batch will be hardwood like the first set - they're on the way!

Betty Crocker's Outdoor Cookbook 1961

2011-03-18T13:35:00.003-04:00

I already have all the cookbooks I need, and with the internet I can always find new recipes. I initially picked up this little Betty Crocker's Outdoor Cookbook at the thrift store for it's size (5" x 8") and the adorable illustrations by Tom Funk, but I discovered some really intriguing and unusual recipes for this summers cookout/camping season! Plus - it's 65 and sunny today and I'm in a summer kind of mood!

Check out these yummy recipes for Acorn Squash with Honey Chili Sauce, Sweet Potato and Pineapple Kabobs, Grilled Peaches n' Berries, Mock Angel Food and Shaggy Dogs - these two in particular sound awesome but also a little weird.

Images scanned directly from book by Red Jet Whistle

Fabric!

2011-03-16T13:20:00.002-04:00

I stumbled upon this awesome new place to get designer upholstery fabric! Modern Fabrics "reclaims and collects new fabrics from the finest luxury furniture companies throughout the United States and offers them to you at 50-75% off list price." They are also "committed to building a larger market for these discarded fabrics while ensuring an ecological textile life-cycle. We want to encourage designers to utilize existing sources of textiles before resorting to consuming more raw materials."

While still not maybe cheap enough to do a large piece for me - the prices would be great for chair seats and other smaller projects.

I also want to share a great post by Annelise of quarterlife lifestyle (go Boston bloggers!) about where to buy fabric in Boston. A few on the list were new to me!

Complexity Graphics

2011-03-15T10:09:00.000-04:00

So I usually try not to re-post other blogger's content, but I really want to share artist Tatiana Plakhova's work. I am amazed. I'm consistently drawn to complex, mathematical, system based artwork - just so beautiful.

Found via We See It All.

Tatiana Plakhova's website: Complexity Graphics

Buy prints of her work at The Bazaar

Poppytalk Handmade Mad March Market Lookbook

2011-03-11T09:17:00.000-05:00

The new Poppytalk Handmade lookbook for the Mad March Market is out! Quivver scored page 2, whoo-hoo! It's a lovely book, and I'm honored to be in such good company. It hasn;t even been a week, and thanks to the Poppytalk Handmade Market, I'm quickly selling out!

Thrift & Riff: Quilted

2011-03-10T13:06:00.000-05:00

My newest thrift store purchase, these two adorable hand sewn quilted.....doilys (doilies?) I think? They probably have some techncial quilting name, but I'm not going to find out.

They got my thinking about quilts, and although I'm not a fan of most of the traditional quilts out there - mostly because of the heinous quilt fabric choices - I do appreciate geometry. I think I could see myself trying to make something like this, the Single Girl pattern from Denyse Schmidt.

Still Using a Single-Purpose Couch?

2011-03-09T11:29:00.002-05:00

Check out this gem from Craigslist! Couch + Pool Table = Genius, no?

Avoid Stunt Riding!

2011-03-08T14:00:00.001-05:00

I was doing a little Hard Drive cleaning and stumbled across these illustrations I scanned ages ago. Can't wait for warmer bike riding weather - I swear that this year I will ride more!

Quivver @ Poppytalk Handmade

2011-03-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

I'm super happy to be participating in this month's Poppytalk Handmade online market. "Poppytalk Handmade is a monthly online street market curated by Poppytalk to showcase, buy and sell handmade goods of emerging design talent from around the world."

I'm in great company, there are so many awesome shops participating!!! Visit the Market or check out my Quivver Table.

Pitch Design Union

2011-03-04T13:40:00.003-05:00

Quivver got a little shout-out from Margot over at Pitch Design Union, which is very awesome. You should take a moment to check out her blog, as well as Mint (one of my daily reads) - where Margot also contributes.

While perusing Margot's blog, I discovered one point oh design studio, and I love this print! “This must be the place, as there is no other place like this, anywhere near here” (isn't that great?)

Art Galleries in JP!

2011-03-03T09:31:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited to see two new art galleries opening in Jamaica Plain. I'll be heading over to Aviary and The Hallway tonight after work!

Aviary Gallery & Art Boutique opens tonight with the Sound on Sight: Photography of Boston Rock show. Accorind the website "[Aviary] was founded in the spring of 2011 by Lindsay Metivier with the purpose of creating a space for established and emerging artists to share their work with the greater Boston community. Aviary is not intended to be a traditional exhibition space. Aside from serving as a gallery, Aviary offers a curated selection of local art, photography, jewelry, books and crafts. Beyond gallery hours, the space will host workshops, lectures, concerts, film screenings and performances."

Uforge Gallery will be opening on April 9, and theior mission "is to foster creativity by facilitating diverse and affordable project assignment based, non-juried (open door) art exhibitions; to provide a venue to exhibit these works; to cultivate both a collaborative and inclusive arts community at large through educational workshops and special events."

The Hallway Gallery has been open for a while now, but they are also having an opening tonight for the Polaroid Show!

House Call on Apartment Therapy!

2011-03-01T11:21:00.000-05:00

I've been super busy then sick these past few days and managed somehow not to notice that my apartment got a House Call on Apartment Therapy!

Hooray!!!!!

What's Happening Here?

2011-02-28T12:16:00.004-05:00

This is my new leather, reclining chair - which if you've been reading this blog or looking at my flickr account - would seem rather incongruous with the kind of style I've been trying to achieve in my apartment. It's not mod, modern, mid cen, or even (yuck) contemporary, it's traditional, and quite possibly THE MOST COMFORTABLE CHAIR I'VE EVER SAT IN, which is why I'm going to make this work. Yes, me, vintage mid-century me is in love with a traditional leather recliner.

In my defense, this is a gift from my mother who received it from a friend of hers with impeccable taste, and this thing is quality, aged red-brown leather with a beautiful patina and solid construction. Someone at one point paid a lot for it, and it's gonna last me forever. I still have my beloved Selig lounge, which is now where my small, cute but uncomfortable wood chair was. Now everyone gets a comfortable seat!

It works, right? right? surprisingly eclectic? classy-weird?

Brellas on the Brain

2011-02-23T10:16:00.001-05:00

So I was still thinking about umbrellas, and did some searching for umbrella prints and came across this beautiful photograph by Abby of abby try again. She sells prints of her work in her shop, and has an awesome blog too!

She's also curating Austin, TX's West Elm/We Heart Handmade Art pop up shop happening this Saturday.

Thrfit & Riff: Umbrella

2011-02-21T16:13:00.011-05:00

I love umbrellas, I really do, especially vintage umbrellas. I have a few rules though, they have to be in 100% working order since I use them, and I have to find them in person - otherwise I'd lose my mind on ebay/etsy.

I found this lovely little number yesterday, with a red clover print, lion head clasp, wood shaft and lucite (bakelite?) handle.

and...just to show you I'm not the only one obsessed with umbrellas - check out Pete the cat. "He did this all by himself. I pulled him out of there a couple times while he protested, then threw up my hands and got the camera." - from flicker user andrea z

me and pete = simpatico

Ribbons, maybe?

2011-02-18T14:01:00.000-05:00

Spotted this ribbon table skirt in the Horchow catalog and all I could think was it would get so diiiirrrrty shortly followed by but I kinda like it. Wouldn't a DIY version of this be fun for a party? wedding? All black for Halloween? I'm not sure, maybe it's cheesy.

Houzz: Amazing Fireplace

2011-02-17T07:22:00.001-05:00

We use Houzz at work as a second online portfolio in addition to our website. It's a great tool to reach potential clients and show off our work (plus we can get an idea of which projects of ours are most popular!). Since I'm often updating our profile, I also spend some time browsing, and this fireplace and coffered ceiling stopped me cold! Awesome texture and color, and oh yeah - the furnishings are nothing to sneeze at.

modern living room design by new york architect Dufner Heighes Inc

Thrift & Riff: Choose Wisely

2011-02-16T10:19:00.003-05:00

My newest thrift store finds - a homemade, hand painted little wood box, and two small wooden goblets. All of them are now holding various bits of my jewelry. I've decided one can never have too many containers, and that I'm obsessed with wood lately.

So whenever I see goblets, I always think of the "Choose Wisely" scene in Indiana Jones 3 when the Nazi chooses poorly and then basically dehydrates and explodes. Turns out you can actually buy Indiana Jones home decor accoutrements!

You can choose (wisely) to buy your very own Holy Grail paperclip holder.

"Throw me idol, I'll throw you the whip!" Then I'll put my spare change in it.

Quivver: Launch!

2011-02-14T08:00:00.003-05:00

It's Valentine's day, and even though I didn't plan it this way (I swear!) I'm launching my new online shop Quivver selling handmade wooden arrows.

This all started last fall when I was trying to collect vintage arrows to display, but I only found a handful and was reluctant to dish out the crazy prices that they were going for on ebay. Plus, many of them weren't as colorful or as interesting as I wanted them to be, since really - they're made to be used, not displayed. Thus Quivver was born - if I couldn't find what I wanted, I would make them!

I hand cut, sand, color, stain and finish each one, and no two are alike. They can be hung, put in containers, or be artfully placed about your home, or whatever else you can come up with!

I'll be adding more images an shop news on the Quivver page link in my sidebar, and if this all goes well, new products!

Sneak Peek

2011-02-11T11:04:00.004-05:00

I've been working on a small crafty/design venture lately, and after this weekend I will be ready to share - in the mean time - here's a teaser!

Darling New Dresser

2011-02-07T07:57:00.001-05:00

I've been patiently waiting for the thrift gods to send me a small dresser for a while now. I wanted to free up some space in my big dresser by moving my "unmentionables" into something else. I scored this awesome little dresser for $10!

I think it might have originally been half of a larger vanity table, there's a piece of wood on the right side that makes it look like it was once part of something else. Except for the missing veneer, it was in solid shape. Though I have painting everything white lately, I decided to keep this one in it's natural state and just stained the problem spots a bit and waxed the whole thing until I can get back outside and completely sand the veneer off of the drawers.

The insides of the drawers were a little bit icky so those I painted white and added fabric to the bottoms. The knobs are from anthropologie, and are more expensive then the dresser, but worth it I think!

Stereoscope Coincidence

2011-02-01T07:17:00.000-05:00

When I was home for the Holidays, I inherited this fantastic stereoscope and a stack of roughly 50 view cards from the turn of the century. A few days later I sat down and went through all the cards.

I nearly fell off my chair, when mixed in with views of Germany, New York City, Saratoga, Yosemite, and some truly odd interior scenes - THERE WERE 2 FROM NIKKO JAPAN! I go to Japan in November, we randomly pick Nikko as a day trip, then a month later, I find these 2 random cards in the stack! spooooooky!

I'm also very happy to have the stereoscope, I love old school 3D and it fits in with my current industrial/wood obsession.

Tokyo Shopping

2011-01-31T07:13:00.000-05:00

So most of the loot I brought back has been eaten, given away, or just folded into my life. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in stores, so I don't have any images of our shopping adventures. We did so much shopping that I can't even begin to list the shops! There is so much to look at and buy, that I actually got a little sick of it. (gasp!) I did want to share a few places I'd recommend.

Muji - Went like four times, I think? A must go.
Tokyo Hands - blow your mind craft store, find one!

I also loved Allegory Home Tools near Daikanyama Station. A small home goods shop with great prices and lots of unusual items. I bought lots of gifts here.

I got this awesome slipper rack at a.m.a store in Shimokitazawa. Awesome vintage store with lots to look at, fantastic vintage lighting.

And finally.....FABRIC STREET! Located in the Nippori textile district, Fabric street is, you guessed it, and entire street of fabric shops. Tomato is probably the most well known and is hands down the largest fabric/sewing store I could have ever imagined. Spanning multiple buildings, it's just awesome. I spent 3 hours in one building. Nippori is on the JR Yamanote Line, and the "street" is just out side the train station.

This is a great English map of Fabric Street: http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~nippori/map/EnglishMap.pdf

I also found these site helpful when planning shopping trips:
Design*Sponge Tokyo Guide
Cloth and Fodder
Japan Craft Journal

Shelf Swap

2011-01-28T07:42:00.002-05:00

this is just a little Friday tidbit, but how often do you change out your little decorative shelf areas? I read a lot of blogs, and I think some folks out there do it almost weekly! I think I remember to do it about 3x a year. This time I wanted a wood/industrial type thing.

Shuttlecock, shoe form, hem marker, folding measuring tape, wood box, vintage arrows and glass flower frog.

Tokyo Six

2011-01-27T08:14:00.000-05:00

One of the last things we did was take a ride on the Himiko - a water bus designed by a famous Japanese animator Leiji Matsumoto. It was an awesome ride - the boat sits very low in the water and is covered in glass, so the views were great. It's a very touristy thing to do (and most of the other riders were foreigners) but I love boats and it was a lot of fun!

And lastly, two amazing city views from our room!

Literary Leaves: Paper Branches

2011-01-26T07:32:00.001-05:00

I was at West Elm a week or two ago buying a new rug, and I browsed through most of the holiday items on sale. There were some items left from the David Stark Collection, and I particularly liked the stems made from recycled book pages, but I thought it would be a simple enough project to make at home!

I wrapped wire in pages from a cat-chewed book using acrylic varnish for the stems, and ripped out leaf shapes and sandwich a looped wire in between. Looping the wire keeps it from sliding out!

Tokyo Five - Nikko

2011-01-25T08:15:00.000-05:00

For our excursion out of the city, we chose Nikko, about a 2 hour train ride from Tokyo. Nikko is home to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko - a world heritage site. It was a wet, rainy day, making everything foggy and lush. The trees were the tallest I've seen and the shrines and temples were phenomenal - so rich in color and detail, and each unique.

( Hear no evil, Speak no evil, See no evil Monkeys!)

On day 2, we rode a bus to see the Kegon Falls near Lake Chūzenji in Nikko National Park. Even with no green foilage in November, the falls were magnificent.