Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Make Your Own Zig Zag Rug

Stylistas are going wild for zig zag rugs this season. There are many designs to inspire a clever and patient frugalista (or frugaliste) to make her/his own bold design underfoot.

Many thanks to Suzannah at Adventures in Dressmaking for sharing her zig zag rug tutorial.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Inspiration: Wedgwood Pattern Book


After experimenting with his innovative ideas and glazes at the pottery firm of Thomas Wheildon, Josiah Wedgwood opened his own pottery company in 17959 and helped transform English ceramics from crude and utilitarian wares into beautiful forms inspired by neo-classical art and architecture. Above is a page from a period pattern book of border designs for elegant tablewares.

Perhaps it's time for another look at these designs?

Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

There Will Always Be An England

Since 1824, Cadbury has been an English chocolate producer and has grown into one of Britain's best-known brands and businesses. Kraft Food's potential takeover of Cadbury has been met with spirited unhappiness.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Recycled Tennis Balls

Go green with recycled tennis balls crafted quite cleverly into a stylish chair, by Hugh Hayden.

Be eco-comfortable court-side or inside.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Log Cabin Envy


Cabins, huts, tiny houses and work spaces in winter sheds offer an appealing place for quiet, focused time. Recently, I've enjoyed catching up on a blog called Shedworking. Each entry brings new inspiration on the endless possibilities this form of architecture may yield. The log house above is a garden house and music studio on wheels in the Netherlands. For more photos, click here.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Twelfth Night

With the twelve days of Christmas concluded, I am finding new excuses to leave the tree decorated and indoors a little while longer. Perhaps it's the cozy scene it evokes in the evening with the lights delicately illuminating the ornaments? Perhaps it's the cheerful view of the home-made red tree skirt, embellished with smiling reindeer and sequined trees? Or perhaps it's the joy of having found our own Charlie Brown tree this year.

The sweet holiday scene above is from an old Johnson Brothers dish I keep on my desk. Most of the year, it's filled with clips and other important fasteners in various colors and sizes. But in December, in anticipation of the holiday decorating, I clear out the dish and enjoy the inspiring view it provides.


Next week, I'll think about trees and mulch, for now, the Christmas season continues at this address.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year


May your 2010 be filled with much happiness, good health, and joy. With all good wishes from this address to yours!