July 8, 2010

beautiful batik…

I just came acrosss Canadian House & Home TV’s segment on making a framed batik picture. It’s lovely and they provide a step-by-step demonstration on how to batik (not sure if it’s a verb, but what the heck). The TV segment has the full instructions, but here’s my abridged version:

1. Start by melting a pot of paraffin wax. Use a clean piece of fabric large enough to fit in the picture frame. (make sure to lay down some paper first, to protect the surface you’re working on). Paint the pattern that you would like to remain the color of the canvas. When you’re finished, turn it over and paint wax on the design from the other side.

photo courtesy Canadian House & Home TV

2. Use diluted fabric dye and dip the entire canvas in it. Make sure the canvas is completely saturated with the dye.

photo courtesy Canadian House & Home

3.  Allow the batik to dry and fray the edges by pulling threads off.

photo courtesy Canadian House & Home TV

4.  Mount the fabric in your favorite frame.

photo courtesy Canadian House & Home TV

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June 21, 2010

it’s all about scale…

Just wanted to share this picture with you. I love the scale in this room. It’s obviously quite spacious with very high ceilings, and the designer has done a terrific job making it seem warm. The the large piece of art (as a dog lover, it really appeals to me) and the huge vase with tall branches brings everything into proportion.

photo by Virginia Macdonald via Shelter blog

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dreamy paintings…

Filed under: Art — Tags: , , , — jennifer @ 11:45 am

I just had to blog about an artist that I follow on Twitter, Kathe Fraga. Her imagery is dreamy and the colors are just amazing. I’m drooling…

photo courtesy Kathe Fraga

photo courtesy Kathe Fraga

photo courtesy Kathe Fraga

photo courtesy Kathe Fraga

See what I mean? I need one…or two!

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June 18, 2010

cool collage…

Looking for a great weekend project? I just love these photo/picture collages. Who doesn’t have photos stashed away that need to be framed and hung?

This one is quite unique. I love that it wraps around the corner!

photo by Blount Architectual and Interior Design via Houzz

The collage wall is just so impressive in this setting. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on that table and chair set too!

photo by Coburn Architecture and Interiors via Houzz

photo courtesy blog.designpublic.com via Houzz

photo courtesy Houzz

And just when you thought you had to paint all your walls white…

photo courtesy Domino magazine via Houzz

What I want to know is who climbed up the ladder on this one…

photo by Tracy Murdock Allied ASID via Houzz

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March 17, 2010

makes me smile…

Filed under: Art,Bedroom Design,Things of Beauty — Tags: , , , — jennifer @ 11:15 am

Just thought I’d share some of the things that are making me smile today…

I found this photo on Truffle Girls blog. It’s driving me crazy…just makes me want to take the day off and make art!!!

photo via Truffle Girls

This pretty bedroom by Burnham Design is putting a really big smile on my face. I love everything about it. The blue chaise, the sweet red chandelier (blue and red is such a smokin’ hot combo right now) and the gorgeous horizontal panelled doors leading to the balcony.

photo via Burnham Design

My kids make me smile every day (some days they make me grit my teeth too). Mine are the two blondies.

photo by Jennifer Findlay

My first grown-up purse. I bought it at Macy’s in Seattle last weekend. I’m giddy like a girl with her first Barbie!

photo via Coach

My sweet 3-year-old Labradoodle–Daisy Dog–is definitely making me smile today!

My sweet little Toy Poodle–Stella–makes me smile too. She loves to curl up on my feet when I sit at my desk!

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March 9, 2010

pussy willow chic…

This lovely felted wool pussy willow branch bouquet was featured on Happiness Is. The pussywillow buds were replaced by felted wool beads made from old sweaters (available through Woolyfabulous on Etsy).

photo via Happiness Is

I can see a bowl full of these little felt wool gems sitting on my front hall table. I think they’re exquisite.

photo via Happiness Is

What a gorgeous scarf…and it doesn’t look difficult to make! It’s the Pussy Willow Scarf featured on Cocoknits. The instructions are available on the site as well, and it looks like the trick is to knit with two skeins of different wool at the same time. The site also features some gorgeous sweaters for sale.

photo courtesy Cocoknits

Aren’t these the sweetest little pussy willow cards? They’re actually miniature greeting cards designed by artist, Jessica Doyle.

courtesy of Jessica Doyle's Art & Musings

This darling necklace is available on Bethtastic’s Etsy page. I want, I want, I want!!!

photo courtesy Bethastic on Etsy

Some people are just so creative. This is a collection of felted wool pussy willow pillows by Kthurm on Etsy.

photo courtesy Kthurm on Etsy

This is a stunning example of the intricate artwork on Ukrainian easter eggs that I talked about in an earlier post. Fabulous. It’s by So Jeo.

photo courtesy So Jeo

The pussy willow giclee print by SRG is such a showstopper. I have got to get my paints out again. I’m suffering from a chronic case of procrastinationitis!

photo courtesy SRG Art & Interiors

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February 16, 2010

hooked…

When I was a teenager, I loved to macrame, knit and crochet. Remember the macrame spider plant holders? We had them all over the house–shudder. Keep in mind that those were the days when people wore lace-up tank tops and earth shoes (stretch that memory…waaaaaay back).

I think it’s time to resurrect my crochet hook. I’m going to take a pass on knitting, ’cause my victims are old enough to know when they look ridiculously adorable. So it’s blanket-making for me. Who knows, maybe I’ll make myself a crocheted scarf!

I’m going to start with Granny Squares. They’re just so irresistable–colorful and cheery. A blanket would be gorgeous. These squares are from Meet Me At Mike’s. Apparently, you can learn how to make Granny Squares at this blog, so I’ll give it a whirl to refresh my rusty fingers.

photo courtesy of Meet Me At Mikes blogspot

Just look at these fabulous colors in Sarah London Textiles crochet pieces.

Sarah London Textiles

Sarah London Textiles

Okay…check out Buckster’s Pics’ photostream‘s adorable crochet skirt. It’s so cute…hmmm…maybe my neice will wear it (those innoncent-sounding words have been the downfall of millions of well-meaning aunts and grandmothers)!

Buckster's Pics' Photostream

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February 14, 2010

paint & canvas…

Painting is dear to my heart and I love seeing work by talented artists. One of my favorite Westcoast artists is Krista Eaton. She creates vibrant lush florals that just about jump off the wall. These photos can’t do justice to the actual paintings, which are peppered throughout Ocean Park village cafes and retail stores. One of these days I’m going to splurge on one of Krista’s beautiful creations!

courtesy of www.kristaeaton.com

courtesy of www.kristaeaton.com

courtesy of www.kristaeaton.com

I’m also a big fan of Bobbie Burgers, a Vancouver artist who creates stunning florals on huge canvases. The photo below is one of her gallery installations. Her artwork is on display at art galleries throughout Canada and the U.S.A. She’s a regular at Bau-Xi Gallery in Vancouver.

courtesy of www.bobbieburgers.com

courtesy of www.bobbyburgers.com

courtesy of www.bobbyburgers.com

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February 13, 2010

happy Saturday…

Filed under: Art,Things of Beauty — Tags: — jennifer @ 4:18 pm

Hope everyone’s having a lovely Saturday full of “me” time!

source: Facebook

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February 11, 2010

barefoot fantasy…

Oooooh la la. I’m having a great time this morning researching rugs. Last night, I came across a blog (sorry…for the life of me, I can’t remember which one) that featured a picture of a gorgeous Amy Butler rug, and then I was off like Alice down the rabbit hole into the world of rugs. Most of the ones that really caught my eye were modern interpretations of vintage designs.

What I want to know is, where on earth are all these amazing homes? You’ll see what I mean.

Love Heart by Vivienne Westwood for The Rug Company

I thought this first image of Vivienne Westwood‘s Love Heart rug for The Rug Company was appropriate considering our Valentine’s Day Necklace Giveaway is coming up rapidly! Don’t forget to leave comments

Candy Flower by Marni for The Rug Company

The Rug Company, from Britain, has a huge collection of the most amazing rugs by top designers. Take a look at their website and you won’t believe how much time you can spend just sifting through the pictures. I really like Marni‘s rug designs. Notice the white pouf (the marshmallow-like floor cushion…please correct me if I’m using the wrong term for it)? They’re hot right now. I’m seeing them everywhere, upholstered in a kaleidescope of fabrics.

Liberty by Marni for The Rug Company

I love the rug, I love the bed, and I LOVE the crocheted coverlet.

Coventry by Amy Butler

Amy Butler’s Coventry rug inspired me to write this post. Her designs incorporate wonderful colors and such bold graphics. They’re like works of art.

Mums and Asters by Kim Parker for The Rug Company

Must have entire room….STAT!!!! I love you, Kim Parker. Her rug, Mums and Asters, was voted one of “The 50 Most Desireable Objects in British Design”. Awesome.

Tea Roses by Kim Parker for The Rug Company

Did I mention I love Kim Parker?

Amelie by Kim Parker for The Rug Company

That’s it! Sandra Bullock’s out…Kim Parker’s my new BFF

Tribe by Matthew Williamson for The Rug Company

On its own, I don’t think I would have taken a second look at this geometric rug by Matthew Williamson, but combined with everything else, it just sings!

photo courtesy of Designer Rugs

Designer Rugs, an Australian company, has some beautiful rugs. I love this linked pattern (I really have a thing for pink, don’t I?).

Temple Garland by Amy Butler

Just thought I’d finish off with another gorgeous Amy Butler rug. It really works with the mid-century style teak chair

Something tells me I’m going to have to save A LOT of pop cans and get a paper route to afford any one of these little lovelies in my home.

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