New at Urban Outfitters

Check out the new arrivals at Urban Outfitters.

Old Spice

Remember when Old Spice used to be a product for old men?

Exciting news!

Photo by Bob O'connor
As readers of my blog know, I have been thinking about putting up blinds in my living room windows for a while now. Well, the nice folks at Blinds.com just sent me a full set of roller blinds for the room! I'm so excited! This will really make the room feel cozy and give it a nice, finished look - along with a bit of extra privacy. I've gone with their new Signature Roller Shades in the Lumen White fabric. The fabric has a stripe pattern that looks really sophisticated, contemporary and clean.

I'll have pictures of the mini-makeover soon, but in the meantime let me mention that Blinds.com customer service folks were superb: they sent me fabric samples super fast (which came with a discount coupon for ordering - a nice touch), and spent a half hour on the phone patiently reassuring my husband that the blinds would fit our non-standard, floor-to-ceiling windows. They also offer free shipping on most orders and their prices are awesome. Do check them out if you're looking for blinds!

Molecule

Someone I know found a vintage one at a yard sale and I immediately wanted one! The Molecule building set from fern living costs $79, but I think I'd try and make this myself before ever buying it, who's with me?



Also on a similar note, I purchased CB2's metal Hexpods recently. I got them on sale but they are even cheaper now. I love them!

New work

Just made two new prints!

West Elm fall preview (totem pattern)

Totem Duvet
Totem Pillow Cover

Way to go West Elm! Finally something I must have!

I recognized the pattern right away: I bought the craft book below, dated 1962, about a year ago on Etsy. I just loved the cover and it's made a great coffee table book. Now that same pattern is available in duvet form. I can die happy!

Floyd had a run in with a skunk last night

Floyd hasn't had anymore adventures with that turkey, but he did get up close and personal with a skunk last night.

When I first smelled that skunky odor coming through the windows my first reaction was "oh no, Mr. Floyd!" We went to the front door and there was our scared little kitty. My husband let him in and he went to his comfort zone, his food bowl. At first I thought he was OK, but nope: He had this foamy drool coming from his mouth from all the sneezing/throwing up, his eyes looked sore and red and he had a big yellow stain under his neck. MMM! I washed him with a hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and soap mixture. He still stinks a little and now my shower smells. Yuck! But he does feel silky soft - just with a skunky musk.

DIY: Make a mod cardboard mobile

Heather from dollarstorecrafts.com took one of my mobile prints and turned it into an actual moving mobile from materials you would have in your craft stash. Click here to see how she made one.

Paavo Tynell 1890-1973

I finally found a good article on Paavo!

In the 20th Century, Finland produced so many design giants — Alvar Aalto and Eero Saarinen are only the tip of the iceberg — that it is not surprising Tynell (pronounced Too-nell) got lost in the shuffle. Early reckonings of international postwar design accomplishments in the 1970s and 1980s overlooked him. Tynell (1890-1973) was absent from such landmark retrospectives as Scandinavian Modern Design 1880-1980 at New York’s Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum.

Design literature of the late 20th century rarely takes note of the designer whose “twinkling eyes and easy chuckle reflect the good humor evident in the whimsy and grace of his refreshing designs,” as the New York Times put it in 1950.

But in the 21st century, finally, Tynell is being “discovered” by collectors. His dramatic large-scale work is the most desirable; the hand-crafted Snowflake, produced in several sizes but small numbers, has become the totemic piece collectors seek.

click here to read the rest of the article.

David Weidman

New pillows at Urban Outfitters by artist David Weidman. He is best known for his Mid-Century works in advertising and animation. Check out more of his gorgeous art below!

Flower and Bugs Pillow
Shadow Bird Pillow

Land Carpet

These are so fabulous! Love them! Modern rugs inspired by nature and farmed landscapes. Click here fore more info.

The Secret Powers of Time

The Lorna House

One of my readers had her home featured in Apartment Therapy last year. Click here to check out more of her lovely home.

Thanks Traci!

Vintage Etsy Finds

Cathrineholm Green Lotus Plate Platter $28

3 vintage vera vinyl placemats. butterfly detail $15

Check out more of my finds on the left hand side.

New slat wall and garden pictures

I hope everyone had a good weekend!

I'm feeling wonderful because this past weekend my husband and I finished a slat screen. I wanted to hide the fire wood and other misc junk on the side of the house and this was a beautiful solution. I was inspired by Morgan's slat screen from www.the-brick-house.com. So simple and modern and really quite easy to make. Also I have my new rusty steal planters I had custom made by artist Joe Papendick. It's finally getting there!

Next on the list is to get the driveway sealed and get some new light posts.

Soji Modern Solar Lantern

Soji Modern Solar Lantern

Yay! Outdoor lanterns that don't look fugly and cheap! These go for around $40-$50 each depending where you look. Available in pure white, pearl motif and mineral Motif.

Equipped with two high powered Amber LED lights, solar panel, AAA rechargeable battery and stainless steel hardware. Constructed from durable formed plastic sheeting. Soji Modern lantern comes fully assembled. They measure 9.5" x 9.5", plenty big without being a bit much. The lantern will turn itself on at dusk to cast a stunning golden glow night after night. There is an on/off switch as well, if you ever feel the need to turn off this beautiful piece at night.