Month: January 2009

Year of the Ox

Monday, January 26th is the Lunar New Year and for those, like myself, who relish joining in the celebration, finding your party supplies or other such items can be tough if you like a “less is more” modern style.  Being a bit crafty, I do like simple things that can be made to my taste such as the plum blossoms that I found on Kaboose this year, but with my own modifications. I used real branches instead of chenille stems.   Group 2 or 3 of these in a nice vessel with some moss around the bases will look festive yet minimal. Gong Hei Fat Choi!

Avian Obsession

So, those who know me know I got thing for birds – at a distance – I’m not a crazy bird lady who keeps flocks in cages, but I love watching them outdoors and having them as a motif in my home.  Birds are not just for the holidays, but all year round!  For example: The felt birds would be great in a grouping over a crib!  Here is small sampling of some cool birds out there…some new, some have been around awhile, but IMHO I deem to be classic – and affordable.

http://jansdotter.com

http://velocityartanddesign.com/

http://www.rompstore.com

http://www.branchhome.com

http://www.designpublic.com

http://www.plumparty.com

http://www.whatisblik.com/

Best of Hope and Change

Given that it is January 20, 2009, I will simply post my favorite Obama Posters from the campaign. I’ve got history to go watch, so enjoy. Another blog,  the Obama Art Report  http://www.obamaartreport.com/ , Artists for Obama and Lekker’s Cafe Press site provided the images used here.

Hold On

Renovating a stairwell? Looking to replace an old, dated railing, but custom metal fabricating isn’t an option?  How about copper plumbing pipe?  This whole rail and support materials are found at big box home stores like Lowes or Home Depot. We used 1″ diameter pipe and In these photos, the copper was “aged” with 2 shades of a faux patina found in art stores.  Seal with buffed beeswax and then you’re done.  Make sure you mount at least 2 of your supports to a stud for stability. All parts cost about $60.

Brackets Secured to Stud
Brackets Secured to Stud
Endcap
Endcap
Full Rail in Stairwell
Full Rail in Stairwell

Nelson’s Turbine Clock

If you love the series of clocks by the late, great George Nelson, you’ll also know that the cheapest one hovers at just under $400.00.  White on White in NYC have several of what I consider to be pretty good knock-offs at half the price.   You’ll see White on White mentioned here more than once as I’m a big fan.  If you’re not trying to curate an authentic mid-century showcase, just the look you can actually afford – these guys are a great resource. They carry furniture as well as accessories.  www.whiteonwhite.com

My Favorite Outdoor Table

I needed an outdoor table that was lightweight and didn’t need repainting every 2 years like all my others. Modern Outdoor, DWR, even West Elm didn’t have quite what I was looking for. I’m in Home Depot and as I turn the corner in the plumbing section, there it is…gleaming galvanized metal.

Home Depot's Water Heater Stand
Home Depot's Water Heater Stand

It’s a stand for a water heater tank, but it was my new outdoor table…for $19.99.  I’ve had it 4 years and it looks as good as new – takes the weather like a champ, is easy to move around and has a nice amount of table top space to use as either a coffee table or a side table.  Loft livers might like this indoors as well and the smooth table top surface is good for kids arts and crafts too – just hose off the paints!  Get a couple more and you can group 3 together as a long coffee table for appetizers on the deck.