Blue Sofas

decor8

Jean Smith

eatmorechips

Axelandra

MidModSTL

thevintagelaundress

Stacy Anne Longenecker

Spin Ceramics

OMG have you seen the new seven fortunes vases from CB2? They have me drooling! I want the set. CB2 worked with a Chinese design collective called Spin for these vases. They are based on ancient Chinese traditions with a decidedly modern twist. Each vase represents one of the seven fortunes. That is: prosperity, joy, health, longevity, happiness, inner peace and contentment. I was so intrigued I did a little internet research on Spin. Here are some images I found, hope you enjoy!

The Design Dynasty. I want this totally fab tea set. Love the simple, organic, but thoroughly modern shape. Would work great in mid-century or industrial design.

Shanghai Unlike

Japan Visitor.

Travel Diairies. I love their simple, serene forms.

new paintings

Here are a few paintings I've been working on lately.

I started this one last full moon (see previous post), but I keep layering paint on. I think this is done.

I'm pretty happy with this one. I've been trying to master rain for a long time.

Still working on rain. Not sure if I like this one. I'll probably add more paint. Each piece is 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas and as yet untitled. One thing is for sure, nothing makes me happier than putting paint on canvas.

Paintings by my nephew

A few weeks ago my 10 year old nephew came to stay with me. We had a blast! We love making art together. You know how kids are, they say the most profound things. Once he said to me, "Aunt Peggy, I think you should quit your job and become an art teacher." Looking at his paintings I think he might be right. These are his work, but they are also my work. It was very much a collaborative process. And I think they turned out great!

Dual Records, 2010, 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas.

Krazy Kenny, 2010, 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas. He took these paintings home with him, but I wish I had kept that second one! I love the graphic punch of this work. He and I fantasized about having a studio together where we could get paint everywhere and not have to worry about mess.

Pottery Jones

I love the Tang vase from Z Gallerie. A fab update on a traditional form. I think I need one of these.

Gifts

From my sister-in-law:

A lucky cat (also known as Maneki Neko) from Japan! To my sister-in-law for her 40th birthday:

Vintage Japanese salt and pepper shakers by Knobler.

Art in unexpected places

As you know, my sister-in-law recently took a trip to Japan. Of course she brought me back many fine gifts. She's generous like that. The presentation of each gift was an artform unto itself. I was as fascinated with the wrappings as I was with the gifts. Have a look.

These are prints from the dollar store in Tokyo! Fab!

And these are flyers from the hotel. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with all of these yet. I want to frame some of them, or make a collage. I know my next apartment will definitely have some Asian influence.

If I had a million dollars...

If money were no object I'd buy gifts for my sister-in-law constantly. Everywhere I go, I see things I want to show her. You already know that I am always decorating imaginary homes in my mind. But I also fantasize about decorating real homes too. For example, I am always rearranging and decorating SNL and Baby Bro's house in my mind. I've been wanting to add some Asian pieces to their formal seating area, and I'm very inspired by her photos from her trip to Japan (see post below.) The first thing I'd like to do is rasterize a couple photos of her trip and hang them.

Next, I'd love to buy her two of the totally funky Pagoda lamps from Tonic Home. She likes symmetry.

And a couple of Robert Kuo's amazing Peking vases. Technically, these are inspired by an ancient Chinese tradition, but they would look great in their room.

Here's something that won't the break the bank. Lovely pillow from Old Time Pottery. Only $6.99! Love how it incorporates the turquoise and salmon pink, two colors I think look great in their formal seating area.

A trip to Japan

Hello dear readers! I am behind in blogging and have so many exciting things to share with you, I barely know where to start. So let's just jump in, shall we? As you know my sister-in-law and I are best friends. One of the many things we have in common is a love of photography. She recently went on a trip to Japan, and I wanted to share a couple of her photos that I really love. It was difficult to narrow it down to just a few. Hope you enjoy as much as I did!

This one might be my favorite. I love rain shots.





Love how the old clashes with the new.

The signs and the writing look like art to me.

She took this one with me in mind! She knows I am fascinated by street art.

I love all the mysterious food shots. These are rice cakes. Love the color.

Another of my favorites. So serene.

I hope I can accompany her on her next trip to Japan! SNL, thanks for sharing! Now I just need to decide which of these to enlarge.

Pink can be green

My big brother is a cool dude. He's the kind who rides a Harley. So when I showed him this bike from Target I'd like to have, he was horrified. He's awesome, but he and I are totally different people. He said, "You wouldn't actually ride that thing, would you?" I most certainly would. This is my definition of cool. I had a Schwinn bike when I was a kid, but it wasn't pink.

What girl doesn't want a pink Schwinn? I would zip around town on this thing in a heart beat.
Of course I would have to have the lovely Carrie bicycle basket designed by Marie-Louis Gustafsson.

And I already have the perfect hat. I'd be lookin' good being green.