Mmmm…Cake and Milk

Free shipping at Cake and Milk Paperie when you spend over $75! Better hurry though…summer’s almost over. Not sure what to get? Here are some of my picks:

Left to right. Bride and Groom Custom Stationery, Chair and Snail Custom Stationery, and Front Porch Custom Stationery

Reasons why I miss California

Whenever I go back to California to visit family, I begin to miss living there again. As an artist myself, one of the huge draws of Cali is all the opportunity there and the culture and art scene in some of the larger cities. That brings me to Tinlark gallery, located in Hollywood, California. I received an email about an upcoming show at Tinlark that is being curated by one of the most talented artist I have ever come across, Kelly Lynn Jones. I have been dreaming of owning one of Kelly’s paintings for at least a year now, and I hope to soon make that a reality. I love collecting artwork.

My Blue Friend who has a Plant Head and She Bloomed

But I digress. The show at Tinlark will open on September 13th and will feature the work of artists from Kelly’s shop, Little Paper Planes (an excellent online shop for artist prints and accessories). One of the artists in this show is Ramis Kim, whose works (above and below) have a definite dream-like quality. Quite nice.

Planting and Celebration

Look out for more posts on artists from Tinlark in the coming weeks.

Lila Ruby King

Black Petals by Lila Ruby King

You may remember this post I did about artist Anna Ruby King last week. I eluded to her other work in that post and loved it so much, I just had to do another post. Today, I am focusing on Anna’s jewelry line that is called Lila Ruby King. As we all know, there are a TON of jewelry sellers on Etsy, and it can often times be difficult to sift through them all. Well, sift no more! The Lila Ruby King line is here and it is absolutely gorgeous. The shop opened in June of this year and has received a great response thus far,

1. Coral Branch Earrings 2. Petals Earrings 3. Embossed Leaf Studs

The simple shapes inspired by nature have a quirky sophistication and the unexpected texture in some of her pieces added a little something extra (as seen in #2 and #3). For more jewelry from Lila Ruby King, click here. To visit the Anna Ruby King shop, click here.

Tone-ality

Tone Chairs

These chairs are beautiful (my favs are the first and second ones from the left). They were created using skills established in Japanese culture. I want two in every color. Here’s another shot:

Tone Chairs

I really enjoy the clean, modern lines of these chairs juxtaposed against the very natural element of the wood and grain of the various woods.

Love One World Zero

1. The Wise Owl Stuffie 2. Guess the Organism- Tote Bag Purse 3. Mod Heart Pillows 4. Black and White Graphic Folded Clutch 5. Detail of Kokeshi Spoll Dolls

As you can see, Love One World Zero makes adorable goods that range from pillows (you know I love pillows) and bags to hand-painted knitting needles and mini wooden dolls. I love the fabric Renee chooses for the bags and clutches she makes. And what about those Kokeshi Spool Dolls? Such a cute toy or decorative item. Don’t you think? My favorite product is #4 in the round-up. The simplicity of this clutch makes it so versatile. 

6. Doll Face Hand Crafted Knitting Needles 7. Folded Patchwork Clutch

Renee has a blog in addition to her shop that you should visit to keep up to date with what is happening in the Love One World Zero shop and other Etsy shop and indie designers. To visit the Love One World Zero, click here.

Shop Tour…Nest Living

I am so excited to be able to have Paper N Stitch’s very first shop tour on my very favorite shop, Nest Living. If you have seen my house you know that this is true. Nest Living is an organic modern furniture, lighting, and home decor shop/ studio located in historic 5 Points in Jacksonville, Florida (just minutes from my house-lucky me). Since it’s opening early this year, the shop has boasted lines from Offi, Modernica, MASH Studios, MAKU Furnishings, Perch, Heath Ceramics, and more. 

Shaan Baaten, owner, had a simple goal in mind when he created Nest Living: to create a shop that he would want to shop in himself. What I love most about the shop is the variety of things you can find in every price range. Its a great place for high quality furniture but you can also find sweet little gifts for friends. Each piece that Shaan carries is superbly made and reeks of style.

So why should you care about the Nest Living shop if you don’t live locally? Because silly, Nest Living has an excellent online store where you can purchase almost anything that is carried in the shop. See, I just saved you a trip to Florida.

 

For more about Nest Living and to shop the online store, click here.

Ladies and Gentlemen…Michael Dotson

1. Double Diving Holes by Michael Dotson 2. Bunk Stadium by Michael Dotson

It is now officially clear to me that I have an obsession with pattern and repetition when it comes to artwork (and otherwise).  My next artist feature, Michael Dotson is another prime example of this obsession. Michael contacted me about a week ago to introduce his work and I immediately fell for for his graphic imagery (that of course had hints of pattern hidden away in every piece). My favorite piece is #1, but honestly I did not come across any work on his website that I didn’t like. If you don’t believe me, visit his website and see for yourself.

3. Dreamhouse #1 by Michael Dotson 4. Rainbow Track by Michael Dotson 5. Race Track by Michael Dotson

Dotson, who currently lives in Washington DC, has said that one of the main influences of his work is fashion (the other being architecture). And I have to say if Dotson’s paintings were a Project Runway character, they would definitely be Blayne (who is one of my favs from the show- he is so crazy) because of his bold color choices and his clear ability to do anything but bore audiences. But Michael’s work is more than just colorful eye candy; its also a powerful mix of the imagination and a distorted reality, in a land where rainbows abound amongst architectural details.

6 and 7. Untitled from BFA Show by Michael Dotson

These last two are shots of an installation that Dotson created. I really enjoy the playful side of this piece and appreciate the visual link between his 3-D work and his 2-D imagery. For more from Michael Dotson, click here to visit his website.

Live Decor…Esque’s Terrariums

Esque’s Hand-Blown Glass Terrariums

Small terrariums like these are all the rage right now and its not hard to see why. They are beautiful, natural, and a great excuse to bring the outdoors in.

I am all about gifts and I think these would make great gifts for ladies and men. They are like masculine flower arrangements. In fact, I would much prefer one of these over a traditional flower arrangement if I was so lucky to receive one. It would also be a great alternative to wedding centerpieces don’t you think?

Sneak Peek

I wanted to leave you today with a sneak peek of a post I have coming up tomorrow….a shop tour of my favorite store, Nest Living. Time to get excited!

Amy Casey

Left to right. An Abundance of Caution by Amy Casey and Dangling by Amy Casey

I was reminded of the work of the talented Amy Casey after seeing this post on FFFFound! late last night. Amy’s work is stunning. She manages to capture chaos in the most beautiful of ways; examining the various crumblings of our day to day world.

The artist chooses to work with houses as her main subject matter, but there is much more than meets the eye with these pieces. I believe that her work is quite figurative, assuming that the houses she depicts represent society and individual people in some way: each one hanging by a thread or in a tangled web.

For more from Amy Casey, visit her website here.

Wayne Pate

Left to right. Tulips Tote from Wayne Pate and Tribal Polka Dots Tote from Wayne Pate

I have always liked the Wayne Pate website, Good Shape Design and so I thought I would showcase a couple of lovelies from the shop. What I like about all the items in this round up is the fact that repetition was used in every piece. Somehow these repeated shapes are effective, without having to rely on scale and proportion to create variety. Very nice.

Left to right. Love Saves the Day Blue print from Wayne Pate, Urns print from Wayne Pate, and Love Saves the Day Red print from Wayne Pate

Purple Passion

Chie Mihara “Serena” shoes from Shop A Mano

These shoes inspired my purple post today. I have to have these and I don’t even care that I have absolutely nothing to wear these with. Nothing will stop me.

1. Provence Sundress from Built by Wendy 2. Tejer Cards from Essimar 3. Organic Purple Striped Jersey Scarf/ Shawl from Oak

In another couple of months, this cute Built by Wendy sundress won’t keep you warm without a coat, but it is perfect for the end of summer! This is the perfect color purple and the hand-tied asymmetrical shoulder makes this dress even better.

4. Mischen Accordion Dress from La Garconne 5. Madras Camp Dress from Built by Wendy

And here are a couple more dresses: one very casual and one quite fancy.

6. Purple Bumble Bee Brooch from Art School Dropout 7. Stussy Plaid Duffle Bag from 80s Purple

I find the hand-drawn pattern look of this duffle bag interesting. And the bee broach from Art School Dropout will surely cheer up any plain t-shirt or bag.

Ashley Goldberg

1. Hopes and Dreams detail from Ashley G 2. The Neighborhood from Ashley G 3. A Look only you Would Understand from Ashley G 4. Let’s Stay Home from Ashley G 5. HELLO September from Ashley G

I have been a long time admirer of Ashley Goldberg’s work (also known as Ashley G of Etsy fame) and its not hard to figure out why. Her artwork brings always brings a smile to my face, with its bright colors and interesting characters. The thing that most interests me in regards to her work are her intricate patterns that are used in the most unexpected of places (like the shingles of a rooftop). Lovely!

For more from Ashley G, visit her website, shop, and blog.

Tickled Pink for Tickled Pink Knits

1. Rococo Shawl II from Tickled Pink Knits 2. Alabaster Collier II from Tickled Pink Knits 3. Victoriana Scarflette from Tickled Pink Knits

Oh my! I cannot get over how stunning the work of Elena from Tickled Pink Knits is. I have never been more ready to leave the extreme heat of the Florida sun and find my way to cooler pastures. The unmistakable attention to detail that Elena pours into her work spills out in the finished product. For more from Tickled Pink Knits, click here.

Cookies for You and Me

Left to right. Thank You Card from English Cookie’s and Be Adorable, Buy Local Print from English Cookie’s

The English Cookie’s shop is SO cute and carries wonderful paper goodies. My favorite is the print above. I really like the placement of that comma. For more from English Cookie’s, visit the shop here.

Kiss Prudence

Left to right. Various Cats from Kiss Prudence and Various Elephants from Kiss Prudence

These handmade stuffed animals from Kiss Prudence are great for kids and adults alike. I love the shots of all these little guys together. Helen makes the products in her shop from vintage fabric and other notions. Each one is completely unique, with no patterns being used and no one animal ever being repeated. For more from Kiss Prudence, click here to visit Helen’s shop.

Artist you Should Know…Robin Clare

Left to right. Radiator on Lime Pattern and Washer on Orange Pattern 

I am blown away by the work of this artist, Robin Clare, who lives in United Kingdom. Clare contacted me a couple of weeks ago to let me know about her artwork and while perusing her site, I became more and more impressed. 

Left to right. Trash and Fridge on Yellow Pattern

I find the artist’s choice to focus much of her work on basic household items and appliances of particular interest to me. These mundane objects often appear alone and are shown outside of the environment that you might normally see them. The imagery created by these discarded items against the bold, graphic-patterned backgrounds leads the viewer to ponder the world of excess in which we live.

Left to right. Mitterrand and Reagan

In addition to her Patterns series and Found series, Clare explores portraits in a body of work entitled Super Villains. I love the painterly qualities of these portraits. The stark backgrounds bring focus to the beautiful strokes of color that distort the faces of these political figures. 

For more from Robin Clare, visit her website, blog, Etsy shop, or Dawanda shop.

Dudua

Whale Necklace by Sirena con Jersey from Dudua, Brownie by Malota from Dudua, and Rainbow Tote Bag by Lala Ladcani from Dudua

Dudua has some really cool stuff in their shop right now. These are a few of my favorites. I especially like Brownie, the plushie. So cute!

Numbers Game

Left to right. Flickr photo from M.O.M.O. and Flickr photo from O!Rachew!

I have been waiting for the right time to post about the numerous (hehe) numbers goodies I have been bookmarking lately. And I think I have rounded-up enough now. So, here we go…

1. I Can Count to Eight Print from Yumi Yumi 2. The Magic Number from Walking Distance 3. Millimeter/ Milligram Calendar from Doe 4. Number 8 Sail Tote from Supermarket HQ

I love the print from Yumi Yumi and the one from Walking Distance. They are so different but interestingly enough, both emphasize the number 3 (one of my favorite numbers). That’s probably why I am so drawn to the photo from O!Rachew! as well. Funny, I didn’t even realize that until now.

5. Number Scarf White from Little Factory 6. Number Scarf Black from Little Factory

These scarfs are an absolute favorite of mine. I first stumbled upon these scarves after a post by Swiss MIss a while back. After contemplating my need for such a scarf for a day or two I decided that I NEEDED a scarf for myself and one for the boy as well for the “cold” Florida weather. Unfortunately, I was too late. They were sold out! But I have high hopes that they will make more. Here’s to hoping. 

7. Carpenter Wood Letters and Numbers from Three Potato Four  8. Lucky Numbers Pins from Day Lab

Easy DIY Faux Bois Photo Board

Tropical Storm Faye made her way through Florida late last week, which meant I was off from work for a few days with little to do. Since it was difficult to leave the house much because of the rain, I thought I would be resourceful and come up with something I could make to occupy my time using things I already had around the house. I found a piece of cardboard and a roll of woodgrain contact paper and I was ready to go.

I decided to make a quick and easy bulletin board, so I could display some of my old family photographs until I am able to get them framed. And I was pretty happy with the results. The whole thing took about 30 minutes from start to finish and cost all of $9 in materials (but I already had everything I needed- so really I wasn’t out any cash at all). Here’s how to make your own:

Materials: 1. Cardboard (any size) $0.00   2. Faux Bois Contact Paper (about 2 feet depending on the size) about $2.00   3. White Simple Picture Frame $7.00 (variable- if you get a frame from the thrift store it would be even cheaper obviously)   4. Scissors   5. Xacto Knife (optional)

How To:

Step One- Cut cardboard to desired size. Then remove one corner of the contact paper backing and start at a corresponding corner of the cardboard. While smoothing the contact paper to adhere to the cardboard and get rid of any bubbles, continue pulling the backing away from the contact paper and smooth as you go. You can use whatever method you prefer here, but I thought this was the easiest way to do it.

Step Two- Once I finished applying the first layer of contact paper, I realized I wanted it to have a little added interest. So, I cut strip several strips of leftover contact paper into various widths and applied them in the opposite direction. I was surprised at how well it all blended together.

Step Three- Cut off any excess and then pop it into your frame. Simple!

UPDATE: Here are the links to other sites that have referenced this tutorial. Go check them out.

Craft ZIne

Poppytalk Handmade

Craft Stylish

Whip Up

Somewhere in Middle America

Roska

Logorrhea