the-purple-artichoke

Join the Movement!

2010-01-08T19:50:00.004-05:00

I am in LOVE! I know that I pretty much say that often when it comes to all these wonderful handmade works of art, and when it comes to pillows especially. {A bed itself is not complete unless it has at least 10 or 12! Friends are starting to worry!} But... I can't stop admiring my new favorite thing. I tore open the box as soon as it arrived and was blown away! 3 handmade crewel pillows made from stunning vintage fabrics were comfortably packaged and wrapped in soft tissue in a presentation so sweet, I felt guilty tearing through it... But, thats what I did! I couldn't wait! They were more beautiful than I could have ever imagined! The top right pillow pictured here now has it's place in my living room on a couch of cream colored cushions {along with a few other pillows!}, burnt orange curtains hang from the windows behind and a brown and multi-colored paisley rug rests on the floor. A perfect fit!

What makes these pillows most special is Zahida, the awesome woman behind these beautiful designs ~ A chance meeting via an etsy treasury and a couple of conversations later has confirmed that you never know where you will make a new friend!

"I spent 10 years of my career working in the airline industry and was fortunate enough to travel all over the world…in first class ;) This, I’m sure, is where I developed my taste for the good life! As a new mother and member of the corporate management team, I decided to trade-in my fast paced career to enjoy motherhood and what some folks term, “the simple life”. It has been an amazing journey filled with lessons of love and creativity. Homemaker Movement is my creative outlet. It provides me the opportunity to share some of my work with you, to indulge in luxurious fabrics, fine vintage linens and pure, natural herbs. It also quenches my thirst to run a world-class business while being completely available to my family." ~ Zahida

:: 2010 ::

2010-01-02T18:05:00.008-05:00

Happy New Year! I know it has been too long since I posted AND that the posts for November and December were few and far between! The holidays were filled with jewelry show preps and house parties, custom order craziness, shipping rushes and the need to still find time to play host to family and friends {not to mention the last minute x-mas shopping sprees}! Not sure where time went and how I got here SO quickly! But here we all are ~ January 2010! And I sit here with my feet up, mimosa in hand, while I start a new list of to-dos! Wishing you all the best!

I have ordered a few new fun calendars for 2010 to give as gifts :: ImmortalLonging's "Shakespeare Calendar" for my mother {hope she is not reading since she has been away traveling and has not gotten her gifts yet!} and a "Twiggy Paper Doll Calendar" from MoxiePhotoDesign, that I was sure a good friend would love! Here are a few others if you have not picked one for your home or office yet! Hope you enjoy ~ Cheers!

1 :: Donnageissler ~ 2010 Calendar, Easel, Gift Box and Ribbon

2 :: BomoBob ~ A Year of Birds - 2010 Fine Art Calendar

3 :: StephanieFizer ~ Brilliant Blossoms 2010 Twelve Month Calendar

4 :: Alidesign ~ 2010 CALENDAR - Mini French Series

5 :: Urbandesign ~ 2010 Mod Meadow Calendar

6 :: ALittleHut ~ 2010 calendar - print and assemble

Tickled Pink!

2009-12-04T23:50:00.000-05:00

I will admit to a scarf obsession. An easy accessory to brighten up any outfit from your cold winter wardrobe. Elena from Tickled Pink has a gorgeous collection of original designs, featuring fabulous colors, innovative touches, and made using fine and luxurious materials. I am in love with the Lightweight, airy, chic, design of these ultra-feminine scarves. Her photographs are stunning, clear, crisp and full of detail makes her designs a popular favorite. I even love the bust she uses to model her designs, maybe I could use a similar one for some of my jewelry shots!

Elena’s "collection of luxurious & lovely handmade knitwear and knit accessories is here to tickle your fancy and delight you. I design and make all of items you see in the Tickled Pink Knits collection in my New York-based studio. As I hope is evident in the things I create, I am head over heels in love with knitting and take great care with every stitch. I adore working with natural yarns like wools and cottons, with variegated colorways, and creating my own patterns."

December Birthstone Designs

2009-12-04T23:48:00.000-05:00

Here is a collection inspired by December's birthstones ~ Turquoise and London Blue Topaz.

"If cold December gave you birth :: The month of snow and ice and mirth :: Place on your hand a turquoise blue :: Success will bless whate'er you do." {Gregorian Birthstone Poem} Visit Kate & Company Jewelry Designs for more in the collection.

A blue-frosted serene night...

2009-12-04T19:39:00.009-05:00

There is a definite chill in the air now... with chances of flurries tomorrow, I guess that makes it official that winter is finally here. No need to have the winter blues with this soft and cozy collection! Enjoy a few fun finds inspired by the gorgeous dusty blue of these "Jean Blue" earrings and a snow covered "Serene Night."

1 :: Naokosstoop ~ Serene Night Story No.4

2 :: Underabluesky ~ adorned, a 5x5 print

3 :: PrettyinPosies ~ Wool Slip Covered Snap Clip in Dusty Winter Blue

4 :: JillianMackowiak ~ Jean Bleu - Vintage Acrylic and Sterling Silver Earrings

5 :: Monkeypuzzle ~ Florishy Holidays

6 :: Lori411~ Lovely Baby's Breath - 5x7 Fine Art Print

It does exist!

2009-11-19T20:42:00.009-05:00

I knew there had to be a recipe out there ~ turns out there are quite a few! I stumbled upon one from the kitchen sink with delicious looking photos and thought I would share.

Pumpkin-Swirl Brownies

Adapted from Martha Stewart This recipe, when cooled and cut, yields a pretty cakey brownie. If you, like me, prefer a more fudgy brownie texture, store these in the fridge, where they’ll firm up and become just perfect. Yield: 16 brownies

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, more for pan

6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped

2 c all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper & 1/2 tsp salt

1 3/4 cups sugar & 4 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups solid-pack pumpkin

1/4 cup grapeseed oil

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan or dish. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper; butter lining. Melt chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.Whisk together flour, baking powder, cayenne, and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Put sugar, eggs, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until fluffy and well combined, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in flour mixture. Divide batter between two medium bowls (about 2 cups per bowl). Stir chocolate mixture into one bowl. In other bowl, stir in pumpkin, oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Transfer half of chocolate batter to prepared pan smoothing top with a rubber spatula. Top with half of pumpkin batter. Repeat to make one more chocolate layer and one more pumpkin layer. Work quickly so batters don’t set.With a small spatula or a table knife, gently swirl the two batters to create a marbled effect. Bake until set, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 16 squares.

YUM!

2009-11-19T20:21:00.003-05:00

I have been terrible... So crazed preparing for the holiday house parties and shows that I have been neglecting my weekly blogging. Not sure where the time goes these days ~ I can't believe that November is almost gone and I am now preparing the Thanksgiving Dinner Menu! I have yet to come across a pumpkin brownie recipe, but one must exist since this sounds like a great combination to me... a little pumpkin swirl added into the warm melted chocolate. I will have to do some googling!

1 :: Eleanors ~ Love - Fine Art Flower Photograph

2 :: Patspottery ~ Espresso Sunrise Tableware

3 :: Urbanheirlooms ~ Genteel Leather Wallet

4 :: Kande ~ Roxanne Earrings - vintage lucite

5 :: TomBjornDesigns ~ Pumpkin brooch

6 :: Knight27 ~ Sepia Weather Vane

Friday's Treasured Finds ~ Sugar Plums

2009-11-08T10:41:00.003-05:00

I was fortunate enough to catch a treasury at the last minute on Friday. Inspired by these beautiful Duchessa earrings by Besty3, I found a few favorites to compliment them!

1 :: AmeliaKayPhotography ~ Purple Dreams

2 :: Deepindigo ~ Lavander Rose - Knitted pin

3 :: morelle ~ Truffle in Lilac

4 :: Cardinalhouse ~ Floral bobby pin set.

5 :: Sumikoshop ~ The Key of heart - Dusty Amethyst

6 :: Betsy3 ~ Duchessa Earrings

Kate & Company featured on ETSY gift Guides!

2009-11-04T17:33:00.004-05:00

This is an exciting first for me so I just had to share! My pair of Turquoise Hammered drop earrings has made it into the current ETSY Jewelry Gift Guides feature. I guess it proves all the hard work I have been doing preparing for the Holiday Season is starting to pay off! {Check it out!} along with some other beautiful pieces!

Fall Fairy tale Wedding

2009-10-31T08:38:00.004-04:00

I found this gorgeous cake awhile back and cannot remember where I found it {if you know, please feel free to share so I can pay appropriate tribute!}. I just love its simple elegance, warm soft colors and attention to all the life-like details in the ferns and mushrooms ~ stunning! I am sure I would never be able to eat it! Accompanying it with a beautiful set of invitations, cute acorns and leaf stamped name cards for the tables, and a sweet necklace as a gift for your bridesmaids would make a beautiful collection for a Fall wedding day. And I just love the style and elegance of this clutch!

1 :: FairyFolk ~ Eight Felted Acorns

2 :: NewFashionedWhispers ~ Taylor. A golden light capturing locket

3 :: Greenquince ~ Lily wedding invitation suite

4 :: ExQuisiteInVitation ~ 50 Green Leaf Embossed Fill-in Placecards

5 :: BagatellesAndCo ~ Golden arabesque - luxury silk/cashmere clutch

Dreamy!

2009-10-30T21:12:00.004-04:00

Somehow I lost a "friday feature" last week ~ Between having company for the weekend and more unsolvable issues with the internet, it just never happened. I have to admit that it was nice to focus on other things and have an excuse to not answer e-mails or follow facebook updates.

But I'm back and loving my choice for this week!

I had a really hard time choosing only five photos to feature! The hydrangea was a given of course! I just love hydrangeas, and think that this piece would go very well with the dusty blue and yellow-ochre colors I have in my guest room. The sweet softness that KristyBee has captured and expressed with these images is stunning, the contrast between the colors and delicate detail in the foreground space and the soft, seemingly distant background create such a soothing feel. For more gorgeous images take a peek at her blog.

"I've had a deep love of photography for many years. I love the everyday ordinary beauty in life and I have an incredible love of natural light. I try to show that in my photography. My photos have a dreamy quality to them so some may have slight grain or blur, which lends to the dreamy feeling I try to achieve."

Enriching life...

2009-10-16T08:53:00.008-04:00

A perfect feature to accompany this new fall day. The sun is peeking from behind the surrounding trees carrying rich shades from the browns and greens of summer’s past to the bright orange’s with pops of yellow, a sure sign that fall is here! The depth and texture of Marlene Barnes’ collection of inspiring contemporary paintings would make a great feature in any living space. Her original artwork is currently featured in art galleries, smaller affordable prints can also be found on her online gallery.

“I live and work in Arizona which is also where I grew up and where I find most of my inspiration. I paint out of my home studio with my Boston Terrier right by my feet. My style is contemporary. I am always exploring current trends in areas such as decorating, architecture, photography and advertising. I'm an observer; everything I take in gets filed away into a corner of my mind and eventually comes out in my artwork. Art is a huge part of who I am, and every piece I create represents that in some way. Creating art enriches my life and it's a pleasure to share it with you!”

The warmth of Fall

2009-10-16T08:33:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to and hoping for a beautiful fall weekend and that the forecasters get it wrong about the rain predicted to head our way! I am in the middle of several new jewelry designs and have been inspired by the warmth of new colors and textures that fall brings.

1 :: Irenesuchocki ~ Tell the Sky

2 :: AuraleeDallas ~ Lean On Me

3 :: SherriConley ~ She Remembers a Time

4 :: TroyKujala ~ Fall Sunflower

5 :: BucksCountyframes ~ Autumn Travels

6 :: CalliahPhotography ~ Pumpkins

Granny Chic!

2009-10-11T08:40:00.001-04:00

I apologize for the tardiness of this week’s “friday feature” ~ combination of a terrible cold and the pesky internet fairies kept me delayed.

Pot holders, pillows, seat cushions, gift cards and more ~ what an eclectic collection by Emma Lamb! I just love this crochet floor throw - and think I could use one of these for my office to go with my dune green, cranberry and beige color scheme!

“Everything I make evolves from my love of 'granny chic', which for me is about quality hand crafted and vintage pieces teamed with bold but beautiful colour combinations; it is about mixing old and new ideas, patterns, colours and textures to create something that is both fresh and modern, yet traditional at the same time.”

Visit Emma’s blog to find more about her and her “crafty pursuits.”

Snuggle up!

2009-10-11T08:40:00.000-04:00

I took the dog out this morning ~ wow! Is the winter chill is settling in already? And I was just getting used to the fact that summer was over and flip flop season is long gone. Time to trade them in for something a little warmer and a pair of hand-knit felted mocs by Lavendar Hill knits that look like your feet might melt right into them should definitely do the trick! These along with a few other handmade finds will help make the transition a little more bearable!

1 :: Peekaboomonkey ~ Plaid Baby Booties

2 :: Strikk ~ Handknit cushion with tulip cables

3 :: KoboH ~ Felted Bowls, Set of Two - Grey with Blanket Stitch

4 :: Sweetknitting ~ Ivory Mohair Cashmere Warm Triangle Shawl

5 :: Justhats ~ Pom - Pom hat

6 :: Lavenderhillknits ~ Two-Button Womens Mocs

From the Patch

2009-10-06T21:22:00.006-04:00

Not your traditional pumpkins! A collection to admire, wear and bathe in! I love the soft creams and whites of this collection inspired by the Cinderella's vintage lucite pumpkin earrings ~ They are my favorite!

1 & 2 :: Martha Stewart

3 :: Leapinggazelle ~ Season's bounty... squash fine art photo

4 :: ChocolateLeaves ~ Cinderella's Pumpkin Earrings - Vintage lucite

5 :: SeaPinks ~ Autumn Green Plaid Decorative Pumpkin or Gourd

6 :: Swanmountainsoaps ~ Winter in the Garden

:: ChocolateLeaves shop has been so kind to offer visitors of The Purple Artichoke 20 percent off any single item and free shipping when you add a second item to your purchase ~ just mention The Purple Artichoke! ::

Time to Button Up!

2009-10-04T18:38:00.004-04:00

Inspired by this cozy looking neck warmer ~ I thought it would be fun to pull together a few more fun button finds!

1 :: Peaseblossomstudio ~ Leather Bound Button Up Journal

2 :: Classicbead ~ Indigo Rust Pair

3 :: Beautifulbridget ~ Neck Warmer in Espresso Chocolate Brown with Buttons

4 :: Iragranteco ~ Petit Cressier Clutch

5 :: Popcorntree ~ 2 Big Oak oval spalted buttons

6 :: Edithandlulu ~ Mocha brown button earrings

Alternative Journals

2009-10-02T08:12:00.004-04:00

I purchased a mini, 3" x 3" x 400 pgs. deep journal from Alternative Journals a couple of months ago ~ it looked so cute I just had to have it! It is a great size, a perfect little book to carry around! I have yet to decide if I want to use it for a mini guest book, or to take special notes on! It is beautifully decorated with a delicate victorian flower embossed paper and finished with a mustard yellow book cloth and blue grey end pages. Celine also has several larger styles for albums and wedding guest books, as well as a D.I.Y mini book that you can decorate as you wish. I also love that she packaged a special tiny saddle-stitched paper journal as a special gift with her purchase ~ what a memorable presentation!

Silver Leaf

2009-09-26T08:25:00.001-04:00

I have been searching for fun and unique display cabinets to house my jewelry at upcoming shows this holiday season. I came upon this idea on Martha Stewart's web site to silver leaf the back of a cabinet. She makes it look pretty easy to do, and says that the silver leaf paper is pretty easy to find. I was inspired to come up with a few other pieces that one might consider silver leafing ~ somewhat simple ones to start with! I stayed away from entire walls and ceilings - I think I will try my hand at a tiny cabinet to begin with. Now I just need to find the paper!

1 :: www.marthastewart.com

2 :: www.horchow.com

3 :: www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

4 :: www.furniturequotesdirect.com

5 :: www.rhfashions.com

Feeding the Birds

2009-09-25T07:32:00.000-04:00

I am in love with these prints by Hadley Hutton, such soft and delicate washes of color mixed with fine lines and detail. With this grouping I created a little story of a girl feeding the birds, and just like my childhood ~ the little brother tags along! I am thinking that one of her pieces would be a great match for my vintage inspired botanical shower curtain ~ I just can't decide which one! Visit her web site to check out more of her original art and prints.

Hadley’s work is a blend of traditional painting and modern design. She draws inspiration from Asian patterns and motifs, Victorian die cuts, and geometric designs. Her work explores nature’s beauty, people’s influence on their surroundings, and the environment's influence on people.

"The paintings typically are created with a monoprint printed on an etching press using ink and/or watercolor pencils. A monoprint is a print made from a plate that can only be printed once.(unlike other printing processes where you can create multiples with a plate). And finally the print is mounted on wood and painted with wax and oil pastels or varnished with an acrylic medium."

From Golden Sunrises to Autumn Nights...

2009-09-24T19:25:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Maria's "All secrets are Witnessed" photograph, touches of golden sunrise; luxurious silk, knits and lace; and autumn nights help compliment this gorgeous piece of art.

1 :: Cultivar ~ Crisp Autumn Night, 3 Bobby Set

2 :: TickledPinkKnits ~ Buttercup Luxurious Knit Scarf

3 :: Mariahgale ~ All Secrets Are Witnessed

4 :: TheHomeCentric ~ Golden Sunrise - 16 Inches SquarePillow Cover in Burnout Velvet On A Silk Slub

5 :: Adornyou ~ Lace and Elegance - amethyst quartz and raw brass earrings

6 :: DesignduJour ~ Gold Silk Purse - The Mikado

Botanical Jewelry

2009-09-18T16:24:00.004-04:00

The honeycomb ring was the first piece from Elizabeth Scott’s collection that caught my attention. Photographed beautifully to bring out the simple and clean lines of the piece. Though it is hard sterling silver I imagine it to be a soft comfortable wear. and I just love the simple, clean natural textures and style presented in the rest of her pieces. I also love that she is a fellow "New Yorker."

“Living in a rural area makes it very easy to pick up a leaf or flower and think, “I have to make something out of this.” It’s always an object I have a personal connection to and one that I hope others will find meaning in. I make design choices that won’t get in the way of everyday wear because I think that the way something looks and how it feels are both equally important. I like the clean look of a single material, sterling silver, and I like to create simple pieces that focus on one design element.”

“Plants & water are my favorite subjects. To represent water, I use various methods of producing texture in metal. Patterns are hammered, enameled, matte finished, heat textured. My botanical pieces are created from the plant itself, either from a mold or an impression of the leaf, or a casting of the whole organic object. I make one original piece, then multiple castings are made by a professional caster in 100% recycled silver or gold.”

For updates on new work, you can visit her blog.

Lovely Clusters

2009-09-16T20:05:00.007-04:00

Rachel Follett of Design Lovely and her friend Vicki have done an incredible job designing and compiling a gallery site that showcases artists and designers that carry items (including a few of my own!) that are "beautiful and dreamy!" The website has a gallery of featured sellers as well as a product area that allows you to shop by types of items or color clusters.

Here is a cluster I made of... purple! Visit lovely clusters and make your own!

Luxury Aromatherapy

2009-09-11T08:20:00.001-04:00

I am so inspired by the gorgeous packaging that Sweet Petula has designed for all her different products ~ soaps, bath salts, aromatherapy mists.... Each scent has a different style to it yet as a group the soft colors and friendly fonts blend well to make a stunning presentation, both from the shelves of the retail store front in Seattle to her online shop. Check out Sweet Petula's blog for sale previews, new products and what inspires her!

"At Sweet Petula, our company mantra is "simple luxuries for bath & body" - and for us that means creating products that are simple and effective, but also inspired and indulgent. Little luxuries no one should do without. Each product is uniquely formulated based on nature's pharmacy combining vegetable oils, herbal ingredients, pure Aromatherapy essential oils and botanical extracts. Turning your everyday bathing and skincare rituals into a spa-like experience that nurture the body, mind & spirit."

Vintage, Recycle and Up-cycle!

2009-09-11T08:02:00.006-04:00

Inspired by the "recycled" pallet post from last night, and my trip to the flea market last Sunday I decided to post a few vintage, recycled and up-cycled items from favorite sellers of mine. Even if you can't make it to the flea market, or if tag sale season is over there are plenty of fun finds looking to be loved again that can be found online! If I get a chance I will try to post some photos of some of my flea market finds from this past summer.

1 :: EveryEskimo ~ Wood you like a soda - Coca Cola crate no.2

Beautifully aged and sunny yellow. this sturdy crate is wood with reinforced metal edges. it's divided into three large sections, perfect for keeping things organized

2 :: TheVintageholicFrog ~ Vintage canister set.

3 :: PostRoadVintage ~ Ladderback Chair with Burlap Potato Sack Cushion

An old chair was "white-washed" off-white paint and the caning was replaced with a sturdy padded wood seat. The burlap potato sack cushion reads, "California Potatoes" - all in our beloved RED, WHITE and BLUE!! Adds instant charm and vintage, country delight to any corner of your home!!

4 :: Yesstreen ~ Old crackled glass hanging lamp

5 :: RedcombVintage ~ Set of four Vintage VERA Bold Floral Napkins

6 :: HighStreetMarket ~ Large vintage wooden carved round bowl

This bowl is so beautiful and would make a striking statement on a countertop filled with fresh fruit, or left empty.

Pallet plate display

2009-09-10T20:54:00.010-04:00

I took new look at an old book that I pulled from my bookshelf, Restoration Home by Mark & Sally Baily. It has some great ideas for up-cycling old items that show of love and wear into new and interesting uses for the home. This is a project that I have always wanted to do if I had the wall space in my kitchen. Old pallets are easy to come by, a quick clean up and a layer or two of stain may be all it will need. It could be hung as a display in the kitchen or entry way to feature mis-matched plates lost from the rest of their set or unique pieces found at the local flea market.

Hand-made handbags!

2009-09-04T08:46:00.021-04:00

I love the simple and clean designs Pesky Cat has mixed with seasonal colors and textures to create this fun collection of hand-made handbags. I had a hard time choosing a favorite, but I think I agree with the cat on this one and would like to add the cream colored linen bag, leather buttons and single strap to my *christmas* list!

Pesky Cat is a New York City-based artist and designer who create handbags and accessories that are inspired by nature, color and texture. Her creations are all original designs from patterns she drafts herself and are sewn with care to be durable and beautiful.

Well, hello!

2009-09-04T08:46:00.020-04:00

I think it was my trip to Anthropologie a couple of months ago that did it. They had owls on everything! I spotted a really cute one made in to a cookie jar (I think) ~ very friendly looking ~ it seemed to say "well, hello!" to me right there from the shelf. Sadly, I passed on that purchase, and since then I have been spotting them everywhere! Tempted by dish towels, pillow covers, door mats ~ they just make me smile!

1 :: Anthropologie ~ Cookie Jar

2 :: Courtneyoquist ~ Owl Print - Daytime

3 :: Anthropologie ~ Dish Towel

4 :: LuckyBluebirdArt ~ Retro Damask Owl

5 :: Carambatack ~ Under my wing - Print

6 :: Oladesign ~ Owl Print

Monogramming... even a cookie!

2009-09-02T20:44:00.001-04:00

Not just for stationery.... Check out this unique collection of monograms ~ beautiful to look at, some yummy enough to eat!

1 :: Laladesignstudio ~ Sterling Silver Wire Initial

2 :: Nhubs ~ Personalized Initial Bookmark

3 :: Odeshop ~ 5X7 Linen Monogram Print

4 :: SweetAmbs ~ Monogrammed Cookies in Lavender

5 :: JackandIzzy ~ Personalized Note Set

6 :: RitzyMisfit ~ Limey Colored Monogrammed Initial Wax Seal Pendant

Inleaf Design

2009-08-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Simple, elegant and delicate! I had bookmarked Lotta Helleberg's designs awhile back and stumbled upon them again the other day while sorting through all my links. Her gorgeous leaf inspired prints can be found on everything from pillows and bags to stationery and wall art, all non-toxic and eco-friendly. An enjoyable read, many of her inspirations and techniques are featured on her blog.

"Luxurious natural fabrics are washed and dyed with eco friendly fiber reactive dyes, non-toxic paints are blended to just that perfect shade, and the leaves are collected and cleaned... the printing - the most exhilarating part of the process - where the leaves, compliant and faithful, help me create magical imagery by serving as ever-changing printing plates. After steaming the fabric, to make the paint colorfast, the construction takes part in my studio, where threads and vintage linings are equally carefully considered."

"The result is a collection of lovely objects that brings the deceivingly simple beauty of nature into everyday life. Each piece is meant to be used, shared, and cherished."

Hoping the grey skies pass for a sunny weekend!

2009-08-28T08:05:00.000-04:00

It is nearing the end of August and summer vacations are coming to an end ~ but the signs of summer are still here! Even though the sky is grey this morning I am hoping for a sunny summer weekend. Patches of wild daisies as well as the maintained garden variety could still be spotted on my walk around the neighborhood last night ~ so I refuse to give up on summer yet.

1 :: Leaca ~ Remember Me, Fine Art Photograph

2 :: Artistscs28 ~ Butterfly and Gerbera in Lemon Zest

3 :: SimonDesigns ~ Tiny Flower Necklace

4 :: Daphnenen ~ Large Pleated Bag in Yellow and White

5 :: MamaPainter ~ Yellow Daisy Flower Art

6 :: Niminami ~ The Smell of Summer

Recycled Glass

2009-08-25T09:13:00.002-04:00

Inspired by this new eye-catching chandelier display from Pottery Barn and the collection of bottles in my wine rack I thought it would be fun to see what other recycled creations can find new uses. With the increasing selection of recycled glass products in modern beautiful designs, there is no reason to buy ‘virgin’ glass anymore. The slight color hues and uniqueness give each piece a bit more character.

1 :: Pottery Barn ~ Wine Bottle Chandelier

Authentic green-glass wine bottles lend artistic impact to our striking Wine Bottle Chandelier. It has a rasped finish that gives each individual chandelier rich texture and one-of-a-kind detail.

2 :: Laurence Brabant ~ Recycled Glass Bottle spoons

3 :: Bedrock Industries ~ Recycled Glass Tiles

There are slight differences in shape and variations in the surface. These features are part of the beauty and special character. This Seattle company, hand makes all of their tiles from 100% recycled glass. Their work comes in a wide range of colors but since they don’t add any additional pigment to their found glass, Heineken Green and Budweiser Brown is the most common palette.

4 :: CDChilds ~ Wine Bottle Cheese Tray

This wine bottle has been recycled into a fabulous cheese board. The hanger is made of twisted copper wire. This makes the "perfect" serving tray or cheese board to serve your guests.

5 :: YAVA Glass ~ Recycled Boylan's Soda Bottle Glasses

These unique glasses are made from recycled Boylan's soda bottles. Each bottle is individually flame cut and polished to give you a smooth finished rim.

6 :: How to Turn a Wine Bottle Into a Vase or Votive

Take a look at this do-it-yourself step by step process to create the cylinder vases in this fiddlehead fern scroll, river rock and floating moss centerpiece.

Sea Urchin Collection

2009-08-21T07:49:00.000-04:00

This has to be one of the most unique collections I have seen. Stunning to say the least. Ester and Estella have masterfully combined the color and texture of these naturally designed urchins with decorative metallic elements to make gorgeous pieces of art.

"Living in Turkey has some big advantages, like the beautiful abandoned beaches with just you, the sea and the blue sky. During our long beach walks, we often find all kind of treasures as sea urchins and shells. We clean the sea urchins, fill them with polyurethane foam and cover them with epoxy to make them strong and shiny." Visit their Star of the East Shop to view more from their extensive collection.

If I had a beach house...

2009-08-20T07:42:00.001-04:00

The possibilities are endless, but I would enjoy anything cool, calm and comfy. Textures of whites and creams with pops of color, green and blue tones especially. To roll out of bed for an early morning walk on the beach would be fantastic... I can keep dreaming!

Inspiration provided by Tom Scheerer, Country Living and Coastal Living

Coral Décor

2009-08-17T20:34:00.001-04:00

Just a few fun finds I came across, inspired by the beautiful Coral Mirror that caught my eye. I may have already had my beach vacation, but the summer heat is here and August isn't over yet!

1 :: Laura Kincade ~ Coral Mirror

2 :: Sethi & Sethi Collection ~ Coral Reef Table Runner

3 :: Posh Living ~ Atlantic Coral Stool

4 :: Ballard Designs ~ Venetian Coral Print

5 :: Plantation ~ Coral on Lucite Table Lamp

6 :: Pottery Barn ~ Coral Outdoor Lumbar Pillow

Invitation Design

2009-08-14T08:55:00.001-04:00

What a gorgeous collection! I have been admiring Kristen's work for a long time and couldn't wait to feature her. Just a small sampling of designs presented here are from her pearl, cotton and letterpress collections. My favorites are the floral designs in all different styles, some ornate, others simplistic but they are all clean and sophisticated ~ and beautiful!

Kristen Nichols is a letterpress printer and designer with her company, Milkmaid Press, along with a "luxury for less" Pearl Press line. Kristen is also a photographer with her other company, Jubilee Photography. Half of her work is wonderfully wedding related, the other half is the splendor of everyday life. "I feel lucky to love what I do and work from the comfort of pajamas, most days. I'm never without chocolate in some form, and my sidekick, Gracie, my grey and black tabby kitten."

The beach keeps calling!

2009-08-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Since I continue to be stuck in beach mode this week... I couldn't resist. A calming collection of my own pieces inspired by sandy beaches, white-capped waves of the green seas and clear blue sunny skies! Enjoy!

A weekend at the beach!

2009-08-12T08:41:00.000-04:00

Back from my weekend at the beach on Block Island and missing it already ~ Here is a collection of sandy browns and aqua greens, a relaxing reminder!

1 :: Momiboutique ~ Carolina patchwork dress

2 :: White Twig ~ Perched Brown Linen Pillow

3 :: Smoobage ~ The Seaman’s Second Love

4 :: AliciaBock ~ Sing A Song of Miles

5 :: Surfandsand ~ All Washed up Necklace

6 :: PatinaQueen ~ Teal Patinaed Starfish

Chunky Turquoise on Etsy's Font Page!

2009-08-11T19:33:00.000-04:00

A big "Thank you" to Matilou for featuring my Chunky Turquoise Necklace in her Etsy Treasury Curation. To be a part of such beautiful company! ~ What a wonderful surprise that it ended up on the front page yesterday.

Robert Ferrucci

2009-08-06T23:11:00.000-04:00

I fell in love with Bob’s paintings at a craftsmanship show in Connecticut a few years ago. My jewelry booth was right across from his, so I spent the weekend admiring all his work. The show was hectic and clean-up went so quickly that I didn’t get a chance to pick up a piece. Luckily we both made it back to the show the following year so I am very happy to say that I have one of his prints hanging in the hallway of my new home!

Robert’s paintings translate the feeling and emotions that surround the subject, time and place. Peace, serenity and simplicity are mixed with strong landscapes, old homes, barns and faded images, combining soft quiet areas with a strong central image in a style called minimalist folk art. Influences from The Hudson Valley and New England area are played out by muted colors, diffused images and a primitive simplicity. Visit Robert’s web site and gallery to see more of his work.

A love for Amy Butler!

2009-07-31T21:05:00.000-04:00

I purchased a bag from GoMonkeyDesign at a craft show last year designed using Amy Butler Fabric, and ever since I've been hooked! I hope you enjoy a quick collection of designs featuring her beautiful fabric patterns!

1 :: Cottonpurr ~ Long Bi-Fold Clutch Wallet

2 :: FreshLemonBlossoms ~ Scallop Edge Floral Amy Butler Greeting Card

3 :: Olivetreetextiles ~ baby wall hanging quilt

4 :: ButterflyBabyPlace ~ Modern Sweet Pink Pillowcase Dress

5 :: Fieldofroses ~ 2 Section Frame Purse Pouch - Coral Star Paisley

6 :: Zany ~ 24 Cardstock Tags

7 :: EdieCastle ~ Lotus Tree Peony Lime Jewelry Travel Tote

First featured artist! Allison Trentelman

2009-07-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

It is my hope to present an inspirational artist every friday, this one being the first!

I was excited to learn that like myself, Allison was a student at the Maine Photographic Workshops, and I am truly inspired by her work!

Allison Trentelman is a nature and landscape photographer based in midcoast Maine. Allison’s photography focuses on the beauty, magic, and mystery of the natural landscape and animals of Maine. The seasons in Maine are severe and ever-changing and it's impossible to go against nature's cycles. Working so closely with the flow of the seasons has changed the pace of her life, and her photos reflect the peace and calm that she has found in the quiet and beautiful state of Maine. Allison is a believer that there’s something magical in this northern state where life is “the way it should be” and she has spent the last 8 years trying to capture that something in photographs.

~ Visit Allison's beautiful shop Rocky Top Studio and online gallery.

Spinach Artichoke Dip!

2009-07-28T23:33:00.000-04:00

A request was made to add a recipe or two, so I thought I would post one of my favorite and most requested dishes! Hope you enjoy!

READY IN: 30-60 minutes

SERVES/MAKES: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 bags (1 pound size) fresh spinach • 1/8 pound butter • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 2 tablespoons minced onions • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1 pint heavy cream

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice • 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce -- to taste • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese • 1/3 cup sour cream • 1/2 cup grated Monterey jack cheese

• artichoke hearts -- coarsely diced

DIRECTIONS:

~ Steam spinach; strain and squeeze through cheesecloth. Must be very dry. Chop finely and set aside.

~ In heavy saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and onions and sauté about 3-5 minutes. Add flour to make a roux. Stir and cook about 1 minute. Slowly add heavy cream, stirring with a whisk to prevent lumping. Mixture will thicken at the boiling point. When it thickens, add lemon juice, Tabasco, salt and Parmesan cheese.

~ Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Fold in dry, chopped spinach, coarse diced artichoke hearts. Sprinkle pepper jack on top and microwave to order. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

Treasury on the front page!

2009-07-25T11:24:00.000-04:00

What a great way to start of the first day of my new blog. My etsy curation made it to the front page this morning. Probably just as I was struggling to figure out how to get these uploads to appear correctly! And yes I know, it was featuring a pomegranate not an artichoke! Maybe next time!

An inspiration to my new blog!

2009-07-25T10:13:00.001-04:00

1 :: Bellaseradesigns ~ Botanical artichoke card

2 :: Bluestitchbooks ~ Artichoke 8 flat notecards

3 :: Pacokeco ~ Rustic Veggies - Set of 8 Prestrung Circle Tags

4 :: HeatherJohnston ~ Artichoke Canvas

5 :: Drenculture ~ Green Artichoke Letterpressed Flat Panel Card Set

6 :: Futurowoman ~ Polaroid Print 5x7 Purple Artichoke

A New Blog!

2009-07-25T09:02:00.000-04:00

I wanted to start a blog.... I wanted to collect, curate and present things that inspire me. But "inspire" was too common. I wanted something more fun and creative, and I wasn't feeling inspired! I thought about this for weeks, months even! I wanted something fun and different but creative. And maybe it is because I was hungry for lunch.... but my brainstorm arrived at the artichoke. "What do I like? ~ No what do I love?" And I thought... "I love artichokes!" "Artichokes?" "That's silly" ".... but is it?" "Why do I love artichokes?" "Besides their yummy taste?" "I love their beautiful design, the depth created by their layers... their gorgeous coloring with shades from deep reds and purples to soft yellowy greens." "A work of art I think?!" " It can be the little things that inspire creativity in design style and everyday life." "So, why not?" "Enjoy the purple artichoke....""