SCAD: Cards from Marissa Drake

These Square Roots Notecards from SCAD alum, Marissa Drake (B.F.A., photography, 2003), really take me back to my southern upbringing in coastal South Carolina. When you see these images, where do they take you?

These 4" x 4" cards (perfect for framing!) are neatly packaged with rubberbands or ribbon and make the perfect gift. Each image was photographed by Marissa during her travels throughout Europe and the eastern United States. She takes these images and has them printed on blank note cards. You can find Marissa's work at the National Museum of Women in the Arts and at the Baltimore Museum of Art. You can also purchase them at the SCAD Shop online for only $14 USD.


(images from shop scad)

Laura Ashley UK Beauties

I spent a summer, when I was 18, as an au-pair for a family on Marlborough Street in Boston. This was no ordinary family. Their brownstone, a million dollar townhouse with a view of the John Hancock tower, was absolutely splendid. They had a home on the coast of Maine with another in London. The wife, the Charles Edward Wilson Professor at the Harvard Business School and book author and the husband, the then CEO of Laura Ashley.
Their little girl had an amazing bedroom, decked out in more Laura Ashley than one could ever imagine. Her closet, filled with tag-on clothes, most of which were Laura Ashley. Everyday was a treat, I was handed cash to take their daughter "lunching" on Newbury Street. She was only 3 years old, but she had her favorite stops - like Rebecca's cafe for chicken salad sandwiches with plump grapes and almonds. We'd play in the park all afternoon with the other children who had no clue what being born into a life of such status would someday mean for them. It was a life that I'd never live, but for that summer, I had a chance to experience it and, quite frankly, I loved my very special summer with Jim (Dr. James Maxmim - whom I'd only met once, he was in London almost the entire summer), Shoshana Zuboff and their daughter, Chloe. By now, Chloe must be well into her teens... I often think about them and wonder what became of the little girl with everything, which brought me to the Laura Ashley website today.

Lace-like patterns are a real trend lately, and this delicious two-tier Mallow Lace Pendant with fluttering butterflies looks so delicate and feminine. I love this commanding Sabrina Ceiling Shade, too. Perhaps it clips onto a lightbulb, or? So elegant! I find the Renfrew Striped Shade quite pretty as well. You could purchase a plain drum shade from Target and, using muted pastel fabric paints, create your own (the Pavilion is pretty, too.) I'm really big on floral prints, but they need to be simple and bold, and this Erin Tapered Drum Shade in duck egg is just perfect. If you love this print, but aren't looking for shades, try a few Erin Eau De Nil pillows. (They have coordinating Erin wallpaper to match.)


Speaking of wallpaper, Laura Ashley is known for their fabulous selection of that, too. The Fenton pattern in blue, the duck egg Kimono (with coordinating pleated panels - drool!) and Oriental Garden in charcoal are three of my favorites.


Looking for romantic accessories? This Etched Mirror Jewelry Box is as enchanting as it is stunning. Looking for something less glam, but big on country charm? You may like the sweet Rosie Dot 1/2 Liter Jug for milk or fresh flowers. Other pretty vessels include the Mallow ceramic or glass vase with butterflies in pink, blue and green.



Of course, don't forget what Laura Ashley does best: Fabric!

Link here for Laura Ashley in the USA, Japan, Middle East, and Spain. It's so interesting to see how they present themselves in different parts of the globe. I love thier clothing on the Japan site, I'm sure you'll agree...

(images from laura ashley)

coffee + cre8tive {may 31 '06}

I can't resist, these things are just so cute.... I just love the colors and patterns!

Lovable dolls have reached the shores of the UK from Japan, and these little Unazukin couldn't be sweeter. Unazukin is a small fairy, one that can be spotted dishing the dirt with other Unazukin girls beneath mushrooms in the forest. If you are fortunate enough to come across them on your next hike, pick one up (they don't bite!) and ask little una a question. This petite colorful fairy will offer you her pearls of wisdom. Can she talk? No, for her voice is much to faint to be heard by humans. You have to watch for her shakes and nods, which will lead you on the right path. "Will my boyfriend propose to me next month?", "Will my boss give me a raise?", "Should I spend $300 on a pair of shoes?". Although little girls love Unazukins, as you can see, even big girls like us can benefit from them. Unazukins love to listen (unlike most of your human companions) and they build self-esteem, too. How? They can stare lovingly at you for hours, watching your every move, appreciating everything about you. Find one of your human friends that will appreciate you that much!

Available in 12 different colors and patterns at Bandai. Spotted via Daily Candy London.

(images from bandai)

Book of the Week: Creating Vintage Style: Stylish Ideas & Step-by-step Projects

While at Barnes + Noble this weekend, I found a new book I hadn't seen before with a cover that captivated me immediately since Vintage Modern is my favorite design style.

Lucinda Ganderton studied Fine Art Textiles at Goldsmiths College in London, and her work has appeared in numerous publications and leading craft magazines. In her latest book, Creating Vintage Style, Lucinda shows us how we can merge antiques and flea market finds into contemporary spaces creating an eclectic style that mirrors our personality, calling the style, "contemporary vintage" (known in America as "Vintage Modern"). I love books that not only show beautiful spaces, but that include fun projects, and this book offers 12 of them. The book walks you through all the spaces in your home, including my favorite, workrooms. The pages are loaded with drool-worthy photos that are so interesting and packed with things to look at, that you're bound to feel inspired. I'm sure you'll spot something that you'll want to try in your own home. It's like one big Domino magazine. If you'd like to purchase it for only $11.02, click here.

A few photos from my copy that I scanned in for you, a sneak peek...

Page 13 (below). The cool tones of the walls, sofa, mirrors, and ottoman in this textile designer's living room are balanced with an array of bright cushions and throws that reveals her understanding of pattern and color. Love all of these mirrors!

Page 20 (below). One of many projects in this book, this ethereal throw is one of my favorites since it's the perfect blend of vintage modern, combining black leather with romantic white netting. Sooo pretty. This would look even more stunning on rods draped over your bed as a canopy.

Page 80 (below). In this section, the book examines the workrooms of designer's showing that mundane tasks need not be performed in dreary spaces; you can have inviting and appealing places to file and pay bills and patch worn jeans. Also discusses the key elements needed to create your perfect work area.

Purchase this book on amazon for only $11.02, click here.

(images from creating vintage style)