Knitting Narwhals!

Knitting Narwhals!

SadlyHarmless at Etsy

paper frames

for an el cheapo like me, these are awesome!

today

i've been swamped. here's a colorful design sponge post that i love and can't beat.

mustache by font

I'll admit, I got a little carried away when the whole mustache craze really took off, and why not? They're funny and if properly used, hysterical with irony. However, it's gotten a bit out of proportion with fingerstaches and the high number of handlebars now being sported by men under the age of 60, but this handy guide to mustaches by font is still pretty funny and clever.

You can also download different sizes here from wit + delight.

Andrew Holder

What is it with this guy? I swear, I hadn't heard of this local artist until about a month ago, and now I see him EVERYWHERE. I even saw his work on a local retailer American Express door sticker for stores in San Diego! Obviously his work is super hot right now, in San Diego and beyond. His simple use of shapes and more complex use of color palletes represent his ideas in unique, fun, fresh, and contemporary ways. These are all pretty generic terms, but his work is anything but. Today he's the featured artist on Tiny Showcase, and the charity he has selected is WiLDCOAST, which "works to protect and preserve coastal ecosystems and wildlife in the Californias and Latin America by building grassroots support, conducting media campaigns and establishing protected areas. $250 dollars from the sale of his artwork will be donated to the organization." (tinyshowcase.com) The print pictured above is available for $20, and is a series of 200.

His website is phenomenal, and I'm hoping that I'll have the opportunity to see more of his work for many years to come. Here's a few of my favorites below. Enjoy!

The illustration for American Express


Memories of the Desert, 12.5" x 6", mixed media on vintage paper


Jelly Fish, 11" x 30", 6 color screen print on hand painted paper artists edition of 10



Owls, An ongoing series of owls on vintage slides


Trophy Deer Heads, personal project

Adam Juresko + Catcher in the Rye = Making Richmond proud

First the Penguin clothbound classics by Coralie Bickford Smith, and now this. Newly vamped book covers are a hot design trend, and I am super stoked to see a Richmond not-so underground art powerhouse making his mark in the literary world as well.



Adam Juresko has long been a figure in the Richmond art scene, and I have to say I am extremely pleased with his newer works and the direction in which he's headed. I've always been a fan of his collages and paintings, and to see his work take a more tightly-knit focused approach to layering paper and assemblage techniques is way exciting, to say the least. Even from across the country it's apparent that he's headed for big things, and I'm sure this won't be the last we hear of him.

Not to mention Catcher in the Rye is a badass book. Nice first choice!

Fingerprint rings

I'm guessing getting engaged, going to a wedding, and picking out wedding rings keeps that particular item of jewelry on the mind, so today I would like to share one of my recent finds that I think would be a totally awesome wedding ring option.

Fingerprint rings by Etsy seller fabuluster are a great way to say I do while keeping a unique momento to commemorate the union. Apparently, via Kaboom this is the latest Etsy trend, but I'm sure by next week Etsy will have come out with some other totally awesome and unique rings for me to pine over.

Haoshi Design Studio

I'm not much of a jewelry wearer. What I do wear generally dangles from my ears and sometimes neck; I already went through the adolescent-subculture-pseudo-hippie phase wearing plastic and wooden rings from every finger with a bent spoon on my thumb, but for years until Ashton gave me a sparkly rock to put on my left hand I've avoided all hand accessories. However, the other day I was perusing Design*Sponge's recap of ICFF's trends of nature, and fell absolutely head over heels with Haoshi Design Studio jewelry, based out of Taiwan, most notably the Animal Series rings.

There's an entire zoo available, and when I realized these were only $75 I about flipped. These absolutely exquisite, classic, clean, and gorgeous pieces are a steal, and I would have predicted a price tag in the hundreds at least. Obviously, the rabbit is my personal favorite, and I'm hoping to add it to my right hand soon! I'm actually having difficulty restraining myself from ordering this immediately, but reason unfortunately prevails.

For the Birds: Luke Bartels & Jeff Canham

"Adorable" doesn't even come close to an accurate description of these handmade wooden birdhouses by San Francisco duo Luke Bartels & Jeff Canham. Admittedly, a bit pricey at $675 each at the Curiosity Shoppe, but if you don't mind shelling out the bucks, these little spaces have got to be the cutest avian nooks of the century. Unique design oozes from every clever quip painstakingly painted upon the collection; clean lines meet with tchotchke humor, and I can't imagine a more wonderful place to fly into and shake the dust of my wings every night!







How can I pick a favorite?! Whatever you do, please don't make me choose!!

Fuji Instax Mini Instant Camera

I'm at the point in my life where I can remember a time when only rich people and photojunkies had digital cameras, and the rest of us normal folk used those crazy little boxes with film that had to be taken and developed. Stacks and stacks of negative sheets still haunt my mother and fill her basement with blurry photos with a horrible-to-acceptable photo ratio of roughly 1,000,000 to 1. Ah, the days before a preview screen!

When Polariod announced the discontinuation of its extremely popular vintage instant photo camera, there was a major backlash from the artist community and nostalgia lovers. People across the world stockpiled the hard-to-find film packs whose numbers are only dwindling as the days go by. Still, there's a few options that have sprung up to fill the analog need in a digital world, one of whom is the Fuji Instax Mini Instant Camera by Photojojo!


Photo from Photojojo store

This lil' box of adorable packs a different wallop than the square photos we all know and love- the pictures that print have the immediate satisfaction like the digital cameras of today, but portray a dated look of yesteryears. Described as "Polariod's little brother", these little puppies are only about the size of a credit card and have a few upgrades from their outdated brother, such as four exposure settings for indoor/outdoor shooting, a built-in flash, and a sweeping wide angle so you can still have a bit of control while maintaining the 'surprise' aspect of instantaneous shooting! With film that costs just over a dollar per print, it's not the bargain of the century, but for the magical moment when it pops hot and fresh into your hand, it might just be worth it.

Domo!

IT'S HARD FOR ME TO SPEAK OR THINK COHERENTLY WHEN I AM FACED WITH DOMO. Inexplicably, as some people stroke out when faced with puppies or babies, when I am faced with most toys from Japan, I become a drooling, blabbering idiot without rational capability to think or exist beyond an excited vegetable. I have lots of hobbies, but none can rival my toy collection. It's an absurd habit for an almost-25 year old to have, but I DON'T WANNA GROW UP. Domo is a rebel, a rapscallion, a lover, a fighter, a biter, a dogsitter, an astronaut, Domo may be the almighty Jah. Now you too can collect his multiple personalities via blind box collection from Think Geek!

"Domo, amongst his other talents, is an artist and master of disguise. Normally, he's the brown we all know and love. But sometimes he just has to turn green to blend in with some grass or plaid to blend in with a . . . uh . . . kilt! And sometimes he enters stealth mode and becomes as clear as clearish plastic. And even if Domo really doesn't do all that, these 2" Domo Qee Collectible Figures do.

2" Domo Qee Collectible Figures are adorable. Each Domo Qee (pronounced "key") is full of mystery. There are over 15 different versions in this series, ranging from regular to plaid to silver to camouflage - and you never know which Domo you're going to get. Ah, the exceitment! As a bonus, each package contains one extra Domo part (arm, leg, body, etc). Collect all 6 and you can assemble your own clear Domo. 2" Domo Qee Collectible Figures - a dash of mystery, a tablespoon of fun, and a whole heaping helping of adorable. Awww."





I don't consider my toy collection complete without at least half of these. To all you procrastinators out there, my birthday is in 2 days. Don't be afraid to extend the festivities by sending a few of these my way!

Jason LaFerrera

Two big reasons why he's the artist of the day: 1) I've already gotten 2 emails about him, and to get even 1 in a day is a big deal. 2) He's from Richmond, which automatically bumps him up a notch in my book. Other reasons include his use of maps (which I am a HUGE fan of and use many maps in my work as well), along with his complex use of collage and paper to create creatures that jump off the page with simplicity of shape, yet intricacy of detail. Jason LaFerrera's work effortlessly achieves everything that I wish my work would embody; subtle pallete tones tie each image together with ongoing detail in each animal that keeps the eye on a continuous train around their forms. It's a delight to consider the travel and geography of the earth shaping these beautiful beasts, and his Etsy shop is open and available for you to bring one of these great pieces home today!

Here's some of my favorites from his Bird Series, followed by some work from his Fauna series- I didn't alter the size on some of them so you can click on each one to fully appreciate the scope of detail present in each individual work.

Munny PLUSH!

As I delve deeper and deeper into the wild and awesome world of vinyl toys, I am constantly reminded that the artist not only has complete liberty over aesthetic on a given template, but material as well. Dunnies exist as a blank platform for which an artist or designer can approach the problem of a bare pallete with a signature style, genre, or idea, and re-create the mold into a completely unique icon available to the world. Taking the idea one step further is Holly Stanway, a UK artist based in London whose plush & model work is magnifique! Check out her site here: A Little Stranger
Pictures from KRonikle:

Jason Jagel at FIFTY24SF Gallery

Image from FIFTY24SF
A Massachusetts native, this extremely talented, unique, and contemporary artist has been shown around the world in cities including New York, Barcelona, Tokyo, Seattle, Los Angeles, and more. Certainly not his first show, Jason Jägel opens yet another solo exhibition at FIFTY24SF in collaboration with Upper Playground. I'll Fly (Into Your Heart) opened April 1st and runs through May 26, 2010 in the gritty heart of San Fran. His work is heavily influenced by the music of today and the past decade, referencing not only the movement of today's underground music scene but his childhood loves of records and comic books.

His bold, vibrant colors and slashing edges juxtapose across his canvases in a flurry of controlled desperation and haunting facial expression. His multi-layered universe speaks volumes about the trials of today and nostalgia for years past. Don't underestimate the street artist of today; what strength they have in numbers doesn't directly correspond with the level of merit seen, but Jägel rises above his counterparts to truly shine an exquisite light on what artists are capable of today.

I'm partial to his paintings and drawings, but don't miss his album artwork as well. You're sure to recognize big names there, and perhaps even find some gems in your own collection. His installation work reminds me of the Mexican artist installations from the designers in the Azteca Series with a splash of watercolor palette sensibility, but that's just me!

Artificial Ink

We've all been there- drawing little flowers on your ankle, pretending to have hand tattoos with puppet faces, summertime application of the Looney Tunes stick ons, and maybe even in a moment of drunken weakness succumbed to the beach hippies giving henna. However, once you get past the age of 12 it's mildly unacceptable to continue on the trend of fake body modification. Tattoo culture is an extremely bizarre and cultish lifestyle with many subgroups who all equally snub the others. For those not quite ready to take the 18-and-over plunge into permanent body modification, piercing is a good way to get your feet wet. It's rebellion that can be hidden at opportune times, such as Christmas at Aunt Mildred's or your first day of work as an elementary school teacher.

Fake tattoos seem to be gaining in popularity, and not just with the under 16 crowd. There have even been been talks of developing tattoo ink that will last for anywhere from a month to a year, or erasable with 1 laser treatment rather than several. I personally find this to be a complete sham. If you're going to do it, do it. Don't pop a Valium, grit your teeth, take the pain, and basically man up. If you want to be in the club, earn it with the commitment and the dedication to do it the RIGHT way.

To those of you who find this mindset snobby or elitist, my guess is that you don't have a tattoo, and you might be interested in these artificial ink stick ons specially designed, it seems, with hipster photo shoots in mind. I suppose these fill a completely separate niche than actual tattoos, but it's such a fine line these days as tattoo culture becomes more mainstream with every passing day. While there are some definite benefits to this culture trend, it does tend to dim the romantic side of body art. Despite my initial hesitation to embrace mainstream (as mainstream as Etsy can get!) tattoo-inspired art, it IS damn cute. Check out some more ink-inspired work on Etsy here.

Adorable necklaces

After getting chewed out by multiple sources, I have finally willed myself to sit down and knock out a long-overdue blog! Things that have happened in the last few weeks that have distracted me and taken up a whirlwind of my time: 2 different sets of visitors from Virginia, a boyfriend birthday, and an engagement! That's right, Ashton popped the question and of course I said Si si si! It's been a few weeks to wrap my head around this development, but most of my time is now taken up by browsing All Things Wedding via the Internet and magazines. Who knew this was such a big deal?!?!? I'm sure many of my future posts will be dedicated to cute little invitations or centerpieces, but as I'm only beginning my long research journey I haven't quite narrowed things down.

No more excuses. My friend Mandie brought these adorable necklaces by Spinthethread to my attention and I just love them. Color and geometry are two big loves of mine, and as I rapidly approach my quarter-century, I'm trying to make an effort to care more about fashion. I still haven't gotten over my jeans and t shirt phase (much to the chagrin of Momma D), but I'm trying to be more open-minded about perhaps wearing a sundress, or actually looking at accessories! Here's a few of my favorites:






I don't know how to pick a favorite! I love all of them!!!

Drunk At My Own Party

I've known Tim Skirven just shy of a decade, and I'm consistently amazed at his creativity and dedication to art and design. As a young twentysomething residing in various parts of Virginia, he's a photographer, printmaker, designer, webber, blogger, painter, jack-of-all-trades who is an inspiration and challenge to us all. I like to think of myself as an artist, but with a full-time job and a list of excuses a mile long to not sit down and get to work, it's people like Tim that remind me there's a LOT of time that needs to get put in to be a real artist.

Check out his site Drunk At My Own Party and p33p the video below. True to form, he took the time to do a walk through of his latest show so us minions who couldn't make it could still appreciate the work.

What's The Word, Thunderbird? from Tim Skirven on Vimeo.

Mati Rose McDonough

One of our newest artists at work is Mati Rose McDonough (not Matt-ey like a adorable nickname for Matthew, Mate-y like ahoy) and I'm absolutely in love with her work. I moved my desk to a nook by the door and ordered 2 of her pieces to put on my new walls. She has an adorable portfolio and has recently joined the Lilla Rogers stable of artists. We only have a smattering of her work available through Oopsy daisy, but I'm crazy about her necklaces, especially the January Sprout Studio necklace seen below:

She's also a fellow blogger, and has a crisp site that I could definitely take a lesson from. Check it for cool updates, kitschy links, fun videos, and brainstorming sessions that are definitely better than anything I would even dream of creating.

Cordial Lee

Having a sassy apron always seemed like an oxymoron to me. Why would you buy an adorable accessory that you obviously WON'T want to dirty up to wear while protecting yourself from doing just that? However, I feel like this is one of those mysteries that perhaps men will never understand, and women will continue to participate in without fulling knowing why until the end of time. Or spacesuits. Either way.

Until we either come to our senses and start buying ugly aprons, Cordial Lee has a great selection that I am absolutely in love with. Aprons are only a small part of the collection, but I'm already in love with this gem, the Bib Audrey Woven Houndstooth Adult Apron:

Adult apron sounds a little naughty, but we can overlook that. For $31.50, you can even get matching oven mitts! Bring on the food. I'm going to whip up a souffle and look damn good while doing it.

April 30, 1985

Only 4 short months until the celebrations begin harking my quarter-century upon this earth. If anyone wants to get a head start on just the right thing for me, perhaps this will help out!

Midnight Magi by Gary Baseman via Kidrobot Black

Oki-Ni 8" dunny (probably only on Ebay!)

Snorkin' Labbit 10" Silver Edition (or bronze if need be!)

Vasily the Grumpiest Walrus Plush 16" by Frank Kozik

Miao And Mousubi 7-Inch Buff Monster SDCC Edition by Amanda Visell

Miao and Mousubi Set 7-Inch Fat Cat Edition by Amanda Visell

Wee Sticker Incognito by Shawnimals

Raffy MUNNY by Kidrobot

Totem Doppleganger 3 pack by Anton Ginzburg (also available in pink and white!)

And of course this Detolf shelf in white from Ikea to display it all in!

give her your heart and hers is sure to melt.

Valentine's Day is coming up, so men, don't be slacking on getting a token of your love for that special lady in your life! Etsy is obviously a great place to turn for something cute, whimsical, one of a kind, and sure to melt your ladies' heart. Speaking of heart, why not get her her very own soft and cuddly heart to remind her of you?

Check out Shannon Gerard's shop for more!

New Kidrobot jamz

Kidrobot has a ton of fresh new swag and goodies for sale: check out their NEW Section, and buy me everything there! January 28th marks the launch of the latest Dunny line, FATALE. To say I'm stoked is an understatement.

"Artists in this innovative series include Alex Anderson, Catalina Estrada, Klor, CW, Aiko, Kathie Olivas, Wendi Koontz, Koralie, The Baroness, Anna Chambers, Amanda Visell, Amy Ruppel, Julie West, Toofly, Junko Mizuno, Aya Kakeda, Tara McPherson, and Sara Varon."
CHECK IT!