Happy Monday! I’d like to begin this week with some beautiful inspiration from Up in the Air Somewhere, a shop filled with gorgeous ceramic pieces and paper items hand made by Chicago-based artist and designer Susan Dwyer.
Susan graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago with a focus on sculpture, and soon after was inspired by the clean and minimalist aesthetics of industrial architecture to create a line of ceramic and papier- mâché vessels. From silos to warehouses and water towers mirroring the Chicago landscape, Susan hand builds stunning and elegant vases, votives and planters into one-of-a-kind pieces. With a soft and natural color scheme, the ceramic and papier-mâché products maintain a very organic and delicate aesthetic, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes from round bowls, to oval tubes, square bases and long cylinders.
The hand made quality in Susan’s work is a huge part of the result of course, creating a personal and familiar touch to the work, making them come alive with love and personality. The form of each product is unique, and the texture also makes these ceramics so appealing to display in your home, don’t you think? The Scandinavian style of the white and gray pitchers, and yellow and gray cups make them perfect for the kitchen, with clean lines and utilitarian design they are durable and easy to use. And where can you find a pitcher this gorgeous? You can find the list of retailers across the US that carry Up in the Air Somewhere’s stunning line here on their website.
Do you have a favorite piece? The thin papier-mâché bowls, designed to perfection with a white base and a touch of yellow or gold color on the inside, are my favorites from Up in the Air Somewhere. They could be stand alone art themselves, but they are also functional to hold dry food or other small items like rings or beads.
(images: up in the air somewhere)
Happy Weekend! Before we part until Monday, how would you like to journey with me to a quaint little street in Beirut to visit a lovely shop filled with gorgeous, colorful, and patterned unconventional pouffes? The shop is called Barjis, and the talented designer is Hala Habib.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit Barjis during my short stay in Beirut, and take you on a little shop tour with me because this gorgeous work deserves to be noticed! An old friend of my parents, designer Hala was so accommodating and happily allowed me to snap some photos while she told me all about her art, which began as a hobby – she just opened her shop at the beginning of this year! The name Barjis comes from an old Farsi game played on a velvet cloth with brass pegs and 5 shells.
Hala has so much drive and a great way of seeing things that translates into her work. All the pretty pouffes and pillows are handmade by the designer herself; she chooses the colors, patterns and designs, and puts them together to create different shapes and sizes. Hala speaks so passionately about her work, and oozes with positive energy, so I asked her a few questions about her work so I could share that element with you.
Please describe your process. Where do you find inspiration?
This is a little difficult to explain as it really just “happens”. But in the root of it all, it’s my love for fabrics, textures and colors that drive me. Plus my eternal interest in people’s psyche and needs, it drives me to create work accordingly. I imagine certain types of people and what would appeal to them and that inspires me to do certain designs. I hope this does not sound commercial, because it’s not at all. It’s just like a need to make people happy. And of course the comfort factor plays a big role. How can I make a set up look comfy and cozy. I used to worry that I could lose myself in that “psyche” bit and not find my own signature because of it, but I was very surprised to see that my signature is there, mainly because at the end of the day, they all truly express “me” in all my moods and tastes. And then of course, my trip to India left a big impact on me. The mix of colors so effortlessly and naturally blended together by the natives, it was amazing!
I love that the shop is decorated with the pouffes and accessories themselves, creating different focal points in the space and directing the viewer directly to the pieces. The shop itself is so inviting and full of energy and reflects the art so well, with a colorful, vibrant palette full of pattern and shapes.
What is the advantage of having a shared work studio and shop space?
First, it creates a very interactive atmosphere with the customers. My personal experience taught me that when I like something and get the chance to meet and converse with the artist/designer of that thing, and get a chance to watch how she/he work, the thing itself would have a more personal meaning and value. It’s good to touch the spirit of the artist of the designs you buy or fancy. Second, it’s of course very practical for me as I’m running a one man show, by choice, this way I can be working and designing instead of just sitting there waiting in anticipation for customers to come in. This way, I don’t wait, I just be. And it’s a great feeling really. When a customer walks into the shop while I’m indulged in my work it gives me a boost to do more, like a good omen. So, it’s both practical and interactive to have the atelier and shop in the same place.
I absolutely love the eclectic mix of fabric, patterns and colors Hala combines in her pouffes, creating unique, creative and fun designs. I actually ordered a custom pouffe and a pillow for my home and can’t wait to see the designs and how they will liven up my space! The mix and match look of this shop is divine, and creates a fearless and exotic style.
How do you find your fabrics and materials?
I get my fabrics from different sources. Some from the local market, others I order from catalogues, some I just find by accident. So far I use mostly European high end fabrics, by makers such as Rubelli, Sahco hesslein, Dedar, Designer Guild…etc. I care a lot for quality and feel. My aim is to travel to places like Turkey, Nepal, Iran, Latin America…etc in search for ethnic fabrics and blends.
What do you hope to achieve from your designs?
I don’t know really, I just do it because I like it and enjoy it. Maybe the first thing I hope to achieve, and it’s working, is self expression and definition, plus a state of joy that I derive from the act of creativity. It’s really mostly for the sake of creativity itself. I really did not have any target in mind when I started off this business (I don’t even like to think of it as a business), but seeing the positive favorable response from Barjis admirers, I would like very much to take this project further. I just hope I will always be inspired, driven and motivated. I would like Barjis to be in every home, mostly because each piece is made with love and a certain level of spontaneity that I wish for the whole world to have. I hope this doesn’t sound too lame, but it’s really how I feel. That is why I give my pouffes names. To me they have life and I like to share that life with others.
Thank you so much Hala for your time and for sharing your beautiful work with us!
(images: samia kallidis for burrs & berries)
Happy Thursday everyone! It’s almost the weekend, and finally time for a new week of Etsy Love showcasing some beautiful shops of jewelry, art, fabrics and even cake!
Ayofemi jewelry is the shop of designer and student Ayo, in Phoenix. Ayo makes jewelry in her spare time, mainly consisting of pretty, charming necklaces, bracelets and earrings from a mix of gold and gorgeous soft colors like coral, lavender, and turquoise. Oh I plan to pay this shop another visit very soon!
Esther Ramirez is a talented crafter, designer and illustrator from Chicago, and sells her beautiful creations at Essimar. The abundance of color and pattern in her shop emphasizes the whimsical element in her screen prints and paper crafts, which are gently made one at a time in small collections.
For fun and quirky fabric design, handmade bags, and quilts, just head on over to Aunt June. Lauren Hunt designs and prints many colorful fabrics that could become totes, pillows, anything really as far as your imagination takes you! I love all her fabrics from the feathers, to boats, and bird prints too.
You can find absolutely anything on Etsy! Even the most precious cake bunting shop, Kiki La Ru for all things pretty, striped and flowered is available here! Homemaker and artist in Austria uses primarily vintage and upcycled fabrics and supplies thats she purchases on Etsy to create her sweet homemade cakes!
(images: sources listed above)
I am ready to delve in and get inspired by the work, dedication, passion, and talent of a crochet artists today. After a few weeks off, I am craving some creative energy! And you?
The work of Vera João Espinha is original, distinct, and fun to say the least. With a background in graphic design and painting, she currently works as a graphic designer in a publishing house, and dedicates her spare time to her love for crochet. Her beautiful pieces can be found at several retailers in Portugal.
Vera João Espinha learned to crochet with her grandmother at a very young age as a way to entertain herself after school, and as her skill evolved, she began making clothes for dolls. A painter and an artist as well until her daughter was born, she began to commit to crochet instead, and created accessories. This won her an honorable mention in 2005, in a Portuguese contest for contemporary jewelry, and encouraged her to further this talent.
Vera João Espinha’s stunning colorful, textured work is based on the manual production of contemporary accessories. Her unique jewelry is all handmade, mostly in crochet, but some collections may also include other materials. I am so in love with the little crochet balls, also their composition in the bowls and their photography. It feels like it’s all a part of Vera’s work.
Vera finds inspiration in nature, colors from photography, previous work, or her grandmother’s doilies. The color combinations in her work are divine, and the scarf looks so warm and cozy, and could be worn flexibly – I can see it with jeans and a T-shirt, highlighting the artistry of the scarf itself. What I love most about this talented artist’s work is that she first creates a piece and is true to herself and art, and then thinks about their commercial viability, because after all an artist also has bills to pay.
(images: vera joão espinha)
Happy Friday! The weekend is finally upon us, so let’s look at some exciting design inspiration together. Formed in 2004, The Loyal Loot Collective is based out of Edmonton in Canada, and is the individual and collaborative work of Doha Chebib, Carmen Douville, Dara Mumniski, and Anna Thomas.
These artists all maintain varying perspectives and knowledge, sharing a common dedication to creating an eclectic mix of beautiful and functional objects which posses an inherent value that will endure and remain loved.
I found the Log Bowls by artist Doha Chebib most interesting and captivating, mostly through their high contrast between the rough, natural logs and modern, glossy finish in the colorful bowls. Even more impressive is that each bowl is handmade using only locally reclaimed trees of all varieties that have fallen or were cut down due to infrastructure, re-landscaping, droughts, or stormy weather. The trees are all hand selected, gathered, turned and finished. Tell me, are you completely drawn to these stunning bowls, that also make great display accessories?
(images: loyal loot collective)
It’s time for Etsy Love today, are you ready? But first I must know, how are you doing? I hope that you are well and that you’re enjoying the week. It has been nice and hot here in Toronto, although I think I may be the only one in the city who is enjoying the heat and humidity! What can I say, I grew up in heat; and I’ll be back in Dubai in a week, and I’m so excited! I can’t believe I’ve been away for seven months!
I am so smitten by Noble Town Vintage and everything that they carry in their shop in Salt Lake City. Here you will find rescued vintage shoes and bags, revived and altered vintage clothing and original hand crafted jewelry made up of vintage and modern pieces. All their products are divine, but my favorite has to be their jewelry, so much that I already ordered a necklace!
Blacklist studio is a creative design, illustration and art direction studio in Sydney, run by Nathan Johnson. Blacklist’s limited edition prints carry beautiful, positive messages, with fun and creative typography, interesting compositions and bright colors. We often underestimate the power of a kind word or positive message, and having a print with a sweet reminder hanging on the wall will keep a smile on your face and can turn your day around.
Revived Vintage is a sweet little shop that carries gorgeous vintage chalkboards and home decor items from Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. Often embellished with Cedar Rose Pine cones, most items are painted white to reflect the designer’s own personal “Cottage, Shabby Chic” design style. These pretty, decorative would be so great for a wedding, any other event or even for the kitchen – and they are very affordable too!
If you love books, and appreciate handmade and hand sewn books even more, then you will love Rough draft books. Made with spontaneous and found objects collected over time, with many drawings on the covers, the shop located in Philadelphia. These books can be found in select Anthropologie stores across the U.S, but if you don’t find them there then of course you can get them from their Etsy shop.
(images: sources listed above)
It’s time to get together and look at some lovely shops over at Etsy this week! I put together a nice little selection of pretty handmade things, art inspiration and some beautiful jewelry that I’m so dedicated to get my hands on!
Canadian woodcarver, designer, and artist Amie Cunningham is the name behind the gorgeous jewelry shop Thief & Bandit. Currently based in Virginia, Thief & Bandit jewelry is all handmade, and the fabrics are handprinted in Amie’s studio. She likes to draw from book of patterns, nature and magazines with ink pens and manipulate them, burn screens and print fabric. The result is gorgeous, if you’d like to see for yourself, visit Amie’s shop.
Yangyang Pan is an abstract artist living in Toronto, inspired by plants, textures and the natural world’s plethora of color. Yangyan believes that “Through the relationship of colors, forms, and marks, through rhythm and balance, and the physical and psychological work of painting, each picture develops into a unique metaphor.”
Iviemade is a lovely shop where you will find hand sewn pillows of different colors, patterns and textures. From stripes, to printed patterns, bold colors to neutrals, bows and ruffles, crafter Elizabeth starts every project with love and kindness. Then the process turns into a love-hate one between the artist and the piece, and that’s how you know you are getting something that is made with care and effort.
Are you looking for some darling papercutting artwork and ornaments to decorate your nook? Tamara designs must b a perfectionist to be able to create these intricate and delicate handmade papercuts. I can appreciate the amount of concentration, precision this craft requires to create such great results, and a simple slip can ruin hours of work. These are gorgeous, I would love to have one of these framed letters for a child’s bedroom – what a cute addition that would be!
(images: sources listed above)
Paloma’s Nest is a handcrafted modern heirloom company founded in 2007 by designer Caroline Colóm Vásquez. Paloma’s Nest creates modern heirlooms made from clay, wood, porcelain and cloth; best known for inventing the original Ring Bearer Bowl™, but now offers ornaments, text bowls, stationery, wooden decorative products, tabletop products and other keepsakes.
Paloma’s Nest just recently introduced their latest “Little Bird Collection: For Baby and Family” which includes a variety of pieces for very affordable prices that you can purchase from their website. Some of their new products that you can find include Baby Plaque, Initial Ornaments, Baby’s First Plate, Custom Baby Hanger and Mother Tiny Text Bowl.
Caroline describes the new line as “My newest collection is inspired by today’s modern family, who are looking to establish their own traditions with a modern spin, while still honoring the past. By creating work that commemorates the sweetest occasion – a new child, and the emotion connected to that occasion – I hope that these timeless pieces convey devotion, playfulness and love.”
This is such a great idea isn’t it? And it works really well for those of us who love the meaning behind heirloom items, but still prefer the modern design. The work is so clean, functional and beautiful, Paloma’s Nest is definitely on my must-buy list whenever I will be ready to start a family!
And you? Would you buy something from here for your baby?
(images: paloma’s nest)
Are you ready to explore some of my Etsy picks this week? I’ve got lovely goodies for you to take all in; and on the roster today I’ve got a design shop, a fashion boutique, photography prints, and some woodland themed jewelry and accessories.
If you’re into that whole gorgeous, sweet nostalgic photography thing, then you’ll love what you see from Lola’s Room Photography! Photographer Cassia captures the beauty in simple, everyday objects like shoes, flowers, and thread. Cassia develops harmonious shots with a great balance of negative space, creating calm and understated beautiful photographs.
Woodland Belle carries lovely necklaces, rings, bracelets and hair accessories that are handmade by artist Mai McKemy in North Carolina. Woodland Belle designs are soft and delicate, with a playful charm and a rustic aesthetic, full of intricate details captured from the beauty of nature.
Eva Juliet is a design studio in Montréal, Canada with beautiful prints, and positive messages in typography and illustration. Art director, graphic designer and illustrator Eva is happiest with a sketchbook and pen, and spreads the positivity and brightness through her light hearted and pretty prints.
I find so many things I love at Babooshka Boutique, with fun, eclectic and experimental fashion and accessories. Their summer collection, on which you can get 20% off right now, features soft and edgy designs with over sized shirts I have been lusting over, to feather and studded headbands, and pants that come in all interesting and creative shapes, models and styles.
(images: sources listed above)
I have some wonderful little shops to share with you today that come from all over the world! I found beautiful things while fishing through Etsy, and these include classic jewelry, inspirational paintings, fun garlands and adorable crocheted toys! Sound like fun?
Paola Zakimi is an artist, painter and illustrator from Argentina. I am in love with her sweet illustration style, soft colors and character portraits. Her use of neutral tones and subtle touches of color create such a serene backdrop, and Paola puts so much emotion into her characters through their expression, eyes, and even through their figures.
If you’re looking for simple, elegant and classic jewelry to add the final touch on your wedding day, Bride Blu is certainly the place to go! You will find a variety of beautiful crystal, pearl and vintage jewelry that is feminine, in a mixture of designs and styles.
This Neck of the Woods is a fun and colorful shop run by Australian graphic designer Claire who currently lives in Germany. You will find lovely paper garlands, mobiles, seed packets that are all so carefully handmade using German papers with all original patterns in beautiful detail. I can see these being used for any occasion, and why not even as a regular decorative element in your home?
Sherry is an artist, knitter and crocheter, and owner of the shop y0omii, based right here in Toronto. She creates the most darling little characters, she describes as odd and cute at the same time, by crochet achieving great quality and design. You can also get to know each character a little better through Sherry’s sweet character introduction page on her blog! Cute!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my Etsy picks for this week! If you have some favorites, I’d love to know about them too, so please list them below in the comments section.
(images: sources listed above)
