The Art of Papercuts

I am so taken with the work of Cuban-born artist, Elsa Mora, who works in the delicate medium of paper. Her intricate papercut creations evoke such whimsy and magic, that one can't help being drawn into her fantastical world. To see more of Elsa's beautiful work and learn about the art of papercutting, check out her blog and Etsy site.

In a Perfect Light

Good lighting can set the mood, affect your mood and define a space. Here are a few of my favorite pendants and chandeliers.

Arctic Pear Chandelier from Ochre in New York

Light from Moon River Chattel in Brooklyn, NY

Solitaire Pendant designed by Jeremy Pyles at Niche Modern

Roost Halo Chandelier from Velocity Art & Design

Handmade Holiday

With Christmas quickly approaching and funds quickly diminishing, now is the perfect time to go DIY for the holidays. After scouring the internet for the perfect homemade gift (and by perfect I mean easy), I found these charming antique Teacup Lights via Martha Stewart. Package in a pretty little box and voila, you've got a lovely little gift that could even pass for Anthropologie.

Shrouded in Mystery

These incredibly gorgeous prints by Valerie Hammond are on display at the Garson Baker Fine Art Gallery in New York City through October 11th. I adore the way Valerie fuses the delicate beauty of plants with the expressive human form. Her works are full of mystery and exotic beauty, which is perhaps why I am so drawn to them. Learn more about Valerie Hammond's "Twilight...contes de fées" exhibit here.

A Voyeur's View

I highly recommend losing yourself in the world of Brooklyn-based artist Thomas Doyle. Thomas creates miniature, dream-like environments sculpted in 1:43 scale and smaller from model railroading and architectural supplies. His work depicts the "remnants of things past," giving the viewer an intimate look at fragile moments in time. Check out Thomas Doyle's website to see more of his incredible work.

"Little optimum" from his Reclamations Series

"Acceptable losses" from the Distillation Series

Mid-Century Eye Candy

What is it about mid-century homes that are so appealing? Is it their clean, angular design and expanses of glass and warm wood? Or is it the history that they evoke? For me, it's all of the above. In my thriving neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a massive construction boom is taking place. As more and more characterless, mass-market steel towers go up, I can't help but wonder, "Doesn't anyone care about aesthetics, history, or culture anymore?" Perhaps that's why I love mid-century architecture so much. Function was as important as form, and homes were livable works of art that supplemented and celebrated the environment. For a great collection of mid-century architecture photos, check out the MidCentArc flickr photostream and blog.

Swiss Design for Mankind

I'm feeling inspired this gorgeous Saturday afternoon by a new design discovery. POSTFOSSIL, a collective of ten emerging Swiss designers, wants to change the way we view our living environment. Their wonderfully innovative (and quirky) products for the home encourage us to think about our daily energy use, as well as the role we play in preserving the planet's natural resources. My favorite in their collection is the Branch series. Talk about taking "green" living to a new level.

Flower Power

English textile artist Michael Brennand-Wood weaves fabric into fine art. His gorgeous creations are a visual feast of brilliant color and multi-layered material. Anyone else inspired to learn embroidery?

Water as Art

As if it wasn't exciting enough to live in New York City (Madonna doesn't know what she's talking about), Danish artist Olafur Eliason is giving New Yorker's something else to brag about. From June to mid-October 2008, locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to witness his newest creation, four man-made waterfalls along the East River. This innovative public art project will forever change the way the world sees the NYC waterfront. For more information, check out NY Falls.

Osborne & Little

I'm a big fan of Osborne & Little's wallpaper collection. Any one of these beauties adorning my walls would make me a homebody for awhile.

Brooklyn Flea

It's all about Brooklyn this weekend! Today is the first day of the Brooklyn Flea, a community fleamarket organized by the Brownstowner. This massive collective features 200 vintage furniture, clothing, and antique vendors alongside local jewelry, textile, and stationery designers. Located in Brooklyn's Fort Greene section, Brooklyn Flea takes place every Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Click here for more details.

Brooklyn Modern

Have you gotten your copy yet? The much anticipated Brooklyn Modern is now available at the Rizzoli bookstore in New York. Happy reading!

Screech Owl Design

I can't say enough about the incredibly talented husband and wife design team of Jacqueline and George Schmidt, the founders of Screech Owl Design. This Brooklyn-based duo create the most beautiful note cards and postcards inspired by their mutual love of nature. I love the delicate shades of light blues and browns in each design, as well as the playful animals perched atop vintage objects. Each card is printed on high quality recycled paper so you can feel good about the art of letter writing again. I can hardly wait for their living collection...coming soon! To purchase these little beauties and more, go to the Screech Owl Design website.

Inky Livie

I recently came across a wonderful stationery designer on Etsy named Asa Montenejo from the San Francisco Bay area. Asa, who designs under the name Inky Livie, came to my rescue recently when I had to have a friend's baby shower invitations designed in a week. Her incredibly adorable range of cards are inspired by her background in design and architecture. Asa, now a stay-at-home mom to two little children, came to the U.S. from the Philippines 6 years ago where she was an architect. To check out Asa's line on Etsy, visit http://inkylivie.etsy.com.

Laura Normandin

There's something so charming about the work of Brooklyn artist Laura Normandin, a talented artist who sells her handmade dolls, animals, cards and tags, crocheted bracelets, and artwork through Wren Handmade. My favorite are these beautiful hand painted vintage glass bottles. I want to line one of each on every windowsill in my apartment. Her collection of bottles is currently for sale at Rose and Radish.

It's been too long

I finally feel like myself again after what was a hectic but wonderful year. I am now a "Mrs." and am ready to get back to the things that make me happy, one of which is blogging. The whole wedding process is a beast! For anyone who has planned their own wedding, I salute you. I feel hardened now that I have gone through it. One of the best decisions I made (in addition to marrying my husband of course) was to take on several handmade craft projects for the big day like my cake topper, table squares, votive holders, card box, and seating cards. I spent many long nights with scissors and glue in hand practically in tears, but in the end, it was well worth the effort because my wedding was so personal and so "me." Here are a few of the things I made for my wedding. Thanks for allowing me to share!

Handmade wedding cake topper - I purchased a round foam form from an art supply store and covered it with vintage black ribbon and vintage sheet music.
Man and wife from zipper gifts
Photo by Angelica Glass

I decorated 200 votive holders with Stella Bugbee's black lace tape.

Photo by Angelica Glass

I made damask table squares for each table - fabric from tonic living.
Photo by Angelica Glass


I made the seating cards using a vintage rubber stamp I purchased on Ebay.

Black Spot Books

The Renegade Craft Fair in Williamsburg, Brooklyn this past weekend was quite a treat. Rows and rows of crafty ladies and gentleman were selling their finest hand-made wares, including Black Spot Books, a newly discovered favorite of mine. Margaux creates beautiful one-of-a-kind, hand-bound books that have been constructed from "abandoned treasures" she gathered while traveling around the world. The Victorian leather softbound books with Victorian animal cutouts on the covers were all the rage at the Fair! Check out the Black Spot Books website to see more of these incredibly beautiful specimens.

Sofia Barao

Don't you love it when you uncover something beautiful when you weren't even looking for it? While searching for vintage sheet music for a collage project I'm working on, I discovered the work of French artist and designer, Sofia Barao. Sofia is a mixed media artist and accessories designer who lives in a small town just outside of Paris. Her soft prints on vintage sheet music mix old and new, creating strikingly beautiful works of art. Sofia's Etsy shop has many lovely and affordable pieces of her artwork that are available for purchase.

Paul Isabella

With pieces called "Burly Man" and "Modfather," Paul Isabella just might be my new favorite artist. A furniture design student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Paul creates environmentally friendly furniture that is also innovative and fun. Take for instance, "El Credenza," - Paul says, "I wished to create a side credenza that was not only beautiful and well thought out but also playful. The user has specific holes in which to place the lamp in the ‘on’ position." Very cool! Check out more of Paul's exciting work on his website. (via designsponge)

Some Time Away...

Friends, I apologize for the lack of posts lately. With my wedding getting closer, the demands of my job and my freelance writing assignments, I'm afraid that my blogging has suffered. For awhile, my postings will be less frequent. Thanks so much for reading! I'll be back in full force soon...

Treille

My goodness the Bouroullec Brothers are brilliant! Their new Treille design, "a system of cylindrical vases horizontally aligned and connected by gray-green nylon belts and adjustable lacquered metal braces," is a visual wonder. Outdoor greenery is brought indoors in an architecturally stunning fashion. Check out Greener Grass Design for more information on the Treille design.

Tivoli Home - Spring Cocktail Party!

One of my favorite Scandinavian design stores, Tivoli Home in DUMBO Brooklyn, is having a spring cocktail party on Thursday, April 5th from 6 - 9 p.m. What better way to celebrate spring than sipping on Danish vodka cocktails, while browsing the shelves for wonderful Scandinavian gems for the home. Tivoli Home is located in the DUMBO General Store Cafe & Bar, 111 Front Street, Brooklyn, NY. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by!

Lost in the Woods

These incredibly beautiful brooches are the work of Melbourne artist Simon Macewan, also known by fellow Aussies as Little Nemo in Slumberland. His collection, entitled "Lost in the Woods," is made out of plexiglas (also known as lucite/acrylic sheet) and is cut using an electric scroll saw. These whimsical little beauties are only sold right now at one shop in Australia called Alice Euphemia. But be sure to check out Simon's expansive collection of "jewels" on his flickr site. (via Vic)

Jen Stark

Using nothing but ordinary multi-colored construction paper, artist Jen Stark creates incredible three-dimensional paper sculptures. I will never look at construction paper the same way again. Just amazing!

Sew Cute!

I couldn't resist posting about these adorable pin cushions by Strawberries and Cream. These handmade little animals would make a great gift for the seamstress in your life. They can fly right to you from the United Kingdom for between $9-$14.

Esther Derkx

What was old is new again. Designer Esther Derkx from Amsterdam gives new life to vintage crockery by screenprinting modern designs such as dancers and athletes on the surface, making lovely one of a kind pieces. Esther's dinnerware and glassware collection can be purchased at Rose and Radish.

Absoluut Designs

What better way to spend a snowy Friday evening in New York City than to scan Etsy for new designers. One of the jewels I discovered last night was Absoluut Designs from Amsterdam. Absoluut's Etsy shop has the most beautiful throw pillow-covers made from original vintage fabrics. If you're a fan of 50's, 60's and 70's textiles, you should definitely take a look at the shop for pillows galore as well as cute accessories and bags.

Carola Zee

Graphic designer Carola Zee from the Netherlands fuses her talent for design and illustration with her passion for ceramics in her collection of incredibly beautiful vases. Her website is chock full of equally stunning photography and painting projects. (via Bloesem)

Art and Ghosts

I've not seen anything quite like the digital collage images by art and ghosts. Inspired by fairy tales, dolls and dreams, this UK artist's prints are incredibly haunting and beautiful. For a mere $25, you can own one of these unique dreamscapes of your own. Check out Etsy for more.

Lace Dinnerware

I may have had a past life in the Victorian era. I love anything with lace on it. That's why I'm so smitten with Magenta's beautiful line of lace dinnerware. Their "Lingerie Collection" is very sophisticated and eye-catching. Just lovely!

Little Field of Flowers

The brilliant Dutch designer Tord Boontje recently joined forces with the Spanish rug company Nanimarquina, to create the whimsical "Little Field of Flowers" rug. The wool floral tendrils remind me of a beautiful field of poppies or a luscious forest floor. Amazing! You might be wondering, how do you go about cleaning this divine beauty? The answer...I have no idea! I couldn't find any information about it on-line. I guess you'll just have to let the little forest fairies handle that!

Angel Lamp

Many thanks to Design*Sponge for introducing me to Toronto's Vest Collective, a consortium of extremely talented artists creating everything from furniture to lighting to pottery. My favorite piece comes from artist Jonathan Sabine who designed the "Angel Lamp," a contemporary adaptation of Victorian wrought iron. I am completely in awe of Jonathan's ability to perfectly marry the past with the present. Don't miss out on the work of the nine other incredible artists featured on Vest's website as well.

Fill in the Cat

I love when designers take negative space and turn it into an intriguing and functional design concept. Take, for instance, the Mexican design collective NEL who has created a really interesting collection of furniture called Fill in the Cat. The shapes of playful cats and birds are interwoven inside the solid block forms, making each piece not only visually exciting, but a functional storage space as well. Check out NEL's website for the many other innovative projects they're working on.

Mozi Australia

I don't think I'd mind washing dishes with these beautiful tea towels from Mozi on my arm. Talented sisters Camilla and Olivia Tipler from Australia have a wonderful new collection of screen-printed linen tea towels that I just adore. Check out their website if you want to get happy - they also have some of the cheeriest vases, artwork, and lighting you'll ever see. Enjoy!

Ara Chest

What I wouldn't give for this beautiful Ara Chest by IQMatics. It's not surprising that this unique design won first prize at the Elle Decoration competition. One can dream... (via Design Milk)

Ella Doran

UK designer Ella Doran brings the outdoors indoors with these fantastic digitally printed blinds. Her plant and flower line is just stunning!

New from Dwell

Is it strange to want a duvet for Valentine's Day? Call me crazy, but I'm dreaming about Dwell's new line of bedding. Once again, the designers of this fabulous modern home textile company have outdone themselves with their 2007 "chinoiserie" bedding collection. I love this year's clean, minimal design and the wonderful color schemes they've used including deep golds, browns, and yellows. Dwell bedding can be purchased on Design Public.

Steven Harrington

Thank you decor8 for introducing me to favorite new artist, Steven Harrington. I am smitten with each and every one of Steven's 60's inspired, whimsical prints. The peacock below would look just fantastic in my bedroom. To learn about Steven's latest projects or to see more of his work, take a look at his website.

Blue Milk Glass

When I look at these beautiful translucent blue vases from Mothology, I can't help but daydream about another life...one in which I am a sculptor working by the soft glow of candlelight from my farmhouse in Tuscany. Each of these delicate beauties are handblown from recycled glass.

Tina Ratzer

There's nothing in the world like the feel of biodynamic, merino wool from sheep bred under biodynamic control. Soft...ahhhh... This past week I had the pleasure of meeting the good people of Berin Design who introduced me to the work of Danish textile artist, Tina Ratzer. Tina's blankets are very different - they're made from 100% Australian, biodynamic, merino wool. In order to ensure that no harm is done to the environment, no moth repellents are used; the soaps and spinning oils are bio-degradable; the dyes contain no heavy metals; the textile is woven, then milled in cold water only without the use of any chemical soaps; and even the thread is made of organic cotton. Tina's designs are not patterns, but images. Depending on the way the blanket is folded, their expression changes. Each side of the blanket is different and is woven in one piece for a softer, felted look. Tina's commitment to her craft, as well as to the environment, is simply amazing!

Porcelain Tiles

I absolutely love these porcelain tiles by artist Katie Parker of Columbus, Ohio. With silkscreened enamels and china paint, Katie delicately crafts each of these little beauties by-hand, creating visually stunning works of art. Check out Katie's website to see what else she's working on, including a fantastic collection of handcut paper and porcelain wallpaper.

So Long...for a bit

Goodbye computer, hello Mai-Tai! Friends, I'm signing off for about 10 days because tomorrow morning I fly to heavenly Maui. I'll miss you all. So until then, stay warm and happy blogging!

Etsy Labs

Big announcement... Etsy leased its first ever commercial space in Brooklyn, NY! The "Etsy Labs," as they're calling it, will serve as their headquarters, as well as a communal creative space where they'll offer resources, support, and classes to serve users and the DIY community at large. The space will be home to parties, trunk shows, seminars, workshops, and a lending library. Also located there will be a silkscreen press, a letterpress, film, music, and video production facilities, jewelry making stations, sewing machines, sergers, etc. The gang at Etsy need your help in their new endeavor - Got extra fabric sitting around? Just upgraded your sewing machine? Have too many cans of paint cluttering up your workspace? Why not send them to Etsy Labs and let others put them to good use?! Go to their website for information on where to mail or drop off your goods.

Alice in Wonderland

Riian at Stuff-ing had a great find today- a new line of really charming Alice in Wonderland plates, mugs, trays, platters and glasses from Fishs Eddy. I can't wait to stop by the store and see these lovely gems in person.

Emery & Cie

I could spend hours on Emery & Cie's website fantasizing about how I would decorate my future Paris flat (wishful thinking!) with their exotic and exquisite furniture, fabrics, wallpaper and carpets. Founded by Brussels-born artist, Agnes Emery, here is just a sampling of this brilliant designer's collection. (via Crust Station)

Lace Coasters

I love these rubber lace coasters from Rockett St. George in the UK. They're stylish, fun and will definitely dress up your table. Won't grandma be surprised when she realizes that these little numbers aren't the lace doilies she remembers from her youth!

Rooms I *heart*

[1-30-07 Update: For those of you trying to access the Rooms I *heart* Flickr group, sadly, Holly of decor8 had to remove the photo group due to individuals not following Flickr group guidelines. But have no fear, you can still see rooms that inspire every Saturday, when Holly posts "Inspiration Saturdays"on decor8.]


God bless Holly Becker of decor8 who started the Rooms I *heart* Flickr group, an amazing photo gallery with more than 1,000 photos of the most brilliant and awe-inspiring spaces in the world. Over 650 members have contributed images that will inspire and delight. If you haven't visited the photo gallery yet, be prepared to spend a few hours perusing some of the most beautifully decorated rooms you've ever seen. It's addicting! A few of my favorites from the gallery are:

Georgia Boyd Russell

I was absolutely mesmerized by Georgia Boyd Russell's visually stunning tree sculpture that I came across while reading DesignDNA this morning. With her scalpel, Georgia gives new life to books, music scores and old maps, resurrecting them into masterpieces with new meaning. I was inspired to learn that Georgia chooses books and maps as her medium because they speak of their own history - they represent the many hands which have held them and the minds they have passed through. At this time, Georgia does not have her own website, but you can read more about her here.

Porcelain magic

"Look but don't touch!" That's the sign you'd see in my home if I owned any of the Lladro pieces below. Unfortunately, I've accepted the fact that these porcelain beauties are simply too extravagant in price for my modest lifestyle, and for now, I will admire them longingly from afar. A special thanks to my friend Joey for telling me about Lladro's guest designer, Bodo Sperlein, who created the stunning Re-Cyclos collection. Nature and animals are the main characters in this magical collection of recycled Lladro pieces. Take for instance the chandeliers of floating porcelain butterflies and the unicorn wine bottle stoppers. One can dream...

In Stitches

This weekend, I dusted off the old sewing machine (actually it's quite new, but in recent months I've neglected the poor gal) and started to sew again. I was quite rusty at first, but the sewing fever quickly took hold, and I'm now hooked. In honor of my re-discovered hobby, I'd like to share a wonderful fabric designer from Ohio, Amy Butler, who continues to amaze me. Amy is an incredibly successful fabric and sewing pattern designer whose fabrics are inspired by flowers, animals, and a love of all things vintage. Her use of color is amazing - just take a look at some of the patterns below. To purchase Amy's fabrics, check out Reprodepot.

Ceramics for the Soul

Friends, please allow me to use this post as an opportunity to vent a bit, as well as share how I came across my latest ceramics find- all of which I promise are related. This September I'm getting married, and I'm currently in the throes of wedding planning. For those of you who have planned a wedding, I salute you. I went into this thing whole deal saying, I'm an "indie" bride and none of that cookie-cutter wedding industry nonsense for me thank you. And then, like a flood, the questions started. What kind of china patterns do you like? You're going to get a good silver flatware set aren't you? Register for china? Silver? Me? I don't even cook! So after months of these types of questions, I found myself starting to break. My indie spirit weakened and registering for china seemed more acceptable. That's the power of the wedding industry.

So after an internal struggle, my solution is this - I decided that I can still register for special dinnerware, but I don't have to buy china at a major department store. Instead, I will support an artist who has put their heart and soul into their work. Someone like Cynthia Vardhan, who uses creamy porcelain on her potters wheel to create exquisitely crafted cups and saucers, bowls, and dishes that are then hand decorated with pigmented clay. Her attention to detail is just incredible, and I love that her decoration blends influences from various cultures and time periods. Cynthia's collection is available for purchase on her website and on Etsy.

I feel much better. Thank you for listening.

Kim Family Benefit Starts Today

The Kim Family Benefit, an auction of fine art + craft to benefit the family of James Kim is live today through January 7th on eBay. Organized by sisters Lisa Congdon and Stephanie Barnes and their mother Gerrie Congdon, 100% of the auction proceeds will go to the The James Kim Memorial Fund. Items from over 40 amazing artists including Lena Corwin, Camilla Engman, and Ann Wood are available right now on eBay. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kim Family...

Happy Holidays!

I'm going to be taking a break from posting until January 2nd so that I can enjoy the holiday with my family and friends. Thanks so much to all of you for reading Homestead each day. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and a great New Year!

The Mina Perhonen Chair

Oh how I love the Mina Perhonen Chair, designed by Akira Minagawa. The perfect blend of mid-century and Japanese design, the round back section can be removed, and the fabric can be changed whenever the mood strikes you. The lovely Mina Perhonen Chair is more than a functional piece of furniture, it is a sculptural showpiece for your home.

Reinventing the Apron

I admit it, I don't like to cook. I don't have the patience, energy or desire to wash, chop, measure or stir. I'm more of a, how do you say, "take-out aficionado." But after coming across the incredibly stylish and vintage-inspired aprons designed by the company Busy B Aprons, I've decided that I want to give cooking a try...immediately! Busy B's A-line style aprons, which come in half and full-length hostess styles, are perfect for entertaining or just heating up a meal if you ask me. They're just that beautiful! Each little number is handmade and inspired by a combination of vintage and modern elements. Busy B Aprons can be purchased on Etsy.

Ann Wood Handmade

While at the Gift on Grand craft fair this weekend in Williamsburg, I fell in love with the unbelievably beautiful handmade birds created by Brooklyn-based designer Ann Wood. Made from vintage and antique fabrics, Anne's birds are one-of-a-kind and can even be custom made using your own heirloom fabrics. Anne has masterfully fused Victorian beauty with the purity of nature to create the most stunning little creatures!

Mela-what?

Melamine is everywhere lately! No, it's not the latest trend in the fashion industry, but it is the latest trend in housewares. What exactly is melamine? Basically, melamine is a durable, lightweight and shatterproof plastic material that was popular in the 60's and is making a huge comeback today. My absolute favorite melamine collection right now is the line of plates, platters and servers designed by Jackie Shapiro of French Bull. I'm a sucker for anything with loud, vibrant colors and big floral patterns, and Jackie's line has a whole lot of bold, graphic patterns going on. French Bull is sold on-line at Orange Lola.

Letterpress Love

There is just something about the look of letterpress. Stationery and invitations seem classier and more elegant. Artwork and the printed word is crisper and more vibrant. Perhaps it's the vintage feel that comes with the fact that letterpress is the oldest form of printing. No matter the reason, letterpress is making a comeback in the printed stationery market, and I couldn't be happier. As luck would have it, while searching for wedding invitations recently, I found the most phenomenal letterpress studio right in my own backyard. Sesame Letterpress, located in Brooklyn, NY (right under the Brooklyn Bridge), was founded by husband and wife team, Matt Heindl and Breck Hostetter. Using 19th century presses, Matt and Breck produce gorgeous invitations, cards, coasters, tags, and other printed goods that are incredibly rich in color and exquisitely detailed. I can hardly wait until its time to design my wedding invites!

Inner Beauty

In reading Inhabitat, a fantastic website devoted to sustainable "green" design, I came across the work of Studiobility, a team of Icelandic designers who make exquisitely beautiful furniture that is unlike anything I've ever seen. Each piece is masterfully crafted using laser-cutting technology to carve out decorative floral patterns inside each structure. I especially love their "Visual Inner Structure" chairs, consisting of felted wool and second-hand chairs, and their "Inner Beauty" tables. You know that old saying - "It's what's on the inside that truly matters"- well, Studiobility certainly got that right!

From Eyesore to Eye-Catching

I had so much fun this weekend shopping at the various craft fairs in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Family and friends are all getting indie gifts this year, and I couldn't be more excited about my purchases! While I was at the Bust Craft Fair, I met Brooklyn-based designer Jamie Hardy, whose company Gremalkin caught my eye. Jamie makes decorative switchplate covers to hide those unsightly electrical outlets in your home. If you're a city-dweller like me, then you probably live in an apartment where electrical outlets have been built into random and nonsensical locations - like dead center in your living room wall for instance. Jamie's switchplates turn what was once an ugly eyesore, into a really great accent piece. Each is coated in a glossy plastic resin and costs between $6-$20. You can purchase them on the Gremalkin website or on her Etsy shop (along with the other great products she makes including totes, knitting bags and neckties).

Buy Indie for the Holidays!

Happy Friday friends! Haven't done your holiday shopping yet? Me neither. Not to worry though because this weekend and next, the area's best local indie craftsters will be selling their one-of-a-kind wares at local holiday fairs throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Why not get all your holiday shopping done while supporting local indie artists and designers?! You won't be disappointed!

When: Saturday, December 9th, 2006, from 11 am to 9pm
Where: The Warsaw, 261 Driggs Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn


When: Saturday, December 9th, 2006, from 12pm-6pm
Where: Union Pool, 484 Union Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn


When: Sunday, December 10th, 2006, from 10 am to 6pm
Where: The Divine Studio, 21 E. 4th St, Ste 605, New York, NY


When: Saturday, December 16th, 2006, from 11am to 8pm
Where: 33 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY


When: Sunday, December 17th, 2006, from 12 pm to 5pm
Where: Micro Museum, 123 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY

Feeling Crafty?

I always love getting my weekly e-mail newsletter from the gals at my favorite indie shop in Williamsburg, Treehouse. This week, Siri and Rebecca featured a great holiday card making stencil set from Stencil 1, which is available in their shop for a limited time only. Each set comes with 3-limited edition stencils - a pine branch, a snowy pine tree, and snowflakes - and they're only $10 per set! They're extremely easy to make, but no one needs to know that. So go ahead and brag about your craftiness. These one-of-a-kind beauties are all you!

Three-Dimensional Textiles

It's not often that one looks at a cushion and ponders its three-dimensional nature. That is, until you've had the Oromono "experience." Oromono is the innovative textile design company founded by British designer extraordinaire, Kirsty Anne Powell. With each piece Kirsty designs, she magically weaves fabric into what can only be considered a sculptural form. Her cushions will make you want to touch, pet and examine each and every one of them. And it's no wonder - they're vibrant, they have depth, and they're beautiful! What's also nice about Kirsty is that she is environmentally conscious as well. Recently, she designed a new eco-friendly home collection called PAPER, which is made from an innovative new fabric constructed with paper. It's a strong washable material derived from sustainable resources that can be recycled. Go Kirsty! If you're so inclined, take a look at the Oromono website for more of Kirsty's home products, as well as her lovely slippers, throws, stockings and bags. There's no doubt in my mind that you'll be seeing lots more of this fabulous designer in the near future.

Mobiles - Why should children have all the fun?

Remember the peace and warmth you felt as a child, staring hypnotically at the playful mobile that fluttered and twirled above your head each morning while you lay sleepily in your bed? Well, friends, I am happy to report that Helene Ige of Ige Design has created a collection of lovely modern mobiles for us "sophisticated" grown-ups. They're still whimsical thank goodness, as well as extremely beautiful and stylish. My favorite of Ms. Ige's mobiles include the "Chandelier," laser cut from museum board, and the "Birds of a Feather," made from Walnut Veneer. Both mobiles can be purchased on-line at Friend.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

You know those boring old vases that come with flower deliveries - the ones that clutter your home, but you feel guilty throwing away? Well, leave it to brilliant Tord Boontje to come up with a beautiful, functional and environmentally-friendly solution to this dilemma. In the spirit of recycle and reuse, Tord's laser-cut metal Vase Covers called "Thinking of You," enable you to mold and shape them around old vases, jars, or bottles. What was once an ordinary plain vase can now be transformed into a visually stunning centerpiece! Each Cover features sparkling flowers, butterflies, and nature-inspired shapes on arching vines that flutter and twist. Tord's Vase Covers can be purchased at Unica Home, Friend, and DWR.

Victorian-Inspired Art

When I was reading the on-line art zine What You Make It recently, I became enamored with the incredibly beautiful drawings of artist Julianna Swaney. Each of Julianna's Victorian-inspired prints have so much complexity to them, you'll find yourself getting lost in the striking details. I can't get enough of Julianna's beautiful work, which is available for purchase on Etsy. For those of you living in the NYC area, a few of Julianna's pieces will be part of an exhibition in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the AG Gallery on N. 3rd Street through December 31st. I can hardly contain my excitement that her work is coming to New York!

Say Goodbye to Ordinary Greeting Cards!

In reading Design Sponge this morning, I was turned on to the husband and wife design team of O Plus D, who have a line of incredibly fun, racy, and very witty greeting cards that will be sure to make that special someone in you life laugh, or maybe even cry. From "Here's Your F***ing X-mas Card, I Hope You're Happy" to "Happy Birthday You Old Bastard," O Plus D has something for every occasion. I love that the cards have a retro look to them and are very colorful. Nothing boring about these little numbers. So the next time a beloved friend gets engaged, why send them a canned greeting card when you can send them a "I'm So Happy For You, I Could Just Pee!" card?

Metal Artist

Women and metalworking don’t often go hand-in-hand. That’s why when I met artist Kristina Kozak, the owner of Mine, a home design store in Williamsburg, I was ecstatic to learn that the beautifully designed metalworking pieces in the store were her own creations. Gothic-looking bed frames, hand-wrought table and chairs and decorative window guards, are just some of her custom-made metalworking designs. Who knew that a casual Sunday afternoon stroll along Grand Street in Williamsburg would open up a whole new world to me - one of twisted steel and metal. Next time you’re in Williamsburg, stop by the store and say hello to Kristina. She’s the inspirational artist and entrepreneur leading the way for other women in the field – she’s hard to miss!

The Tree Bed

Thanksgiving is upon us friends, and I thought today's post couldn't be more appropriate. What other holiday can you eat like it's your last meal and then spend the rest of the evening on the sofa drifting in and out of sleep with the rest of your relatives? Blame it on the turkey I say. Yes, Thanksgiving is definitely a time for family and food, but it is also a time for catching up on much needed sleep! So when I was reading Apartment Therapy this morning, I literally let out a sigh of longing when I laid eyes on the "Tree Bed" by Shawn Lovell Metalworks. Just looking at this beauty makes me want to put on my warmest flannel pajamas, curl into bed, and drift into slumber enveloped in the warm embrace of its branches. Ahhh...one can dream.

Playful Pottery - Update

Hi Guys! I have a Jonathan Adler update for you...I made an exciting realization yesterday. For the last year, I've worked a mere two blocks away from the Jonathan Adler store in SoHo. Oh yes, friends. Many a shopping day has been missed there, but that was all about to change. I was giddy just thinking about getting out of work so that I could visit the shop.

At 6 p.m. I casually made my way out of work, quickened my pace up Grand Street, and then went full force into a jog rounding Greene Street until I entered wonderland. Awash in vibrant colors, the shop was a visual delight! On-line photos do not do the collection justice. There is so much to see in the store - from holiday ornaments, to vases, to pillows, to candles - everything is beautifully crafted and extremely unique. You can find me here on lunch breaks from now on.

Playful Pottery

Jonathan Adler's pottery collection is one of my favorites this season. Modern and stylish, I especially love the beautiful Fontana covered box with gold accents, the ceramic snail box, and the Utopia Vase collection. Whimsical and playful - it reminds me of something out of the Alice in Wonderland tea party scene. Yet don't be fooled, his pieces are exquisitely made and add an element of luxury to your home. If only I could afford them all...

The Trend Continues: Wall Graphics & Flats

Boring white walls? Not anymore! Wall graphics have been all the rage this year. And my apartment is no exception. I'm a big fan of Blik Wall Graphics. They're super easy - peel, stick and you're done! I spent hours one Sunday arranging Blik's "Flock" design in just the right pattern. My living room looks absolutely divine now. The only bad thing about having these beautiful designs on my wall is having to admit to friends that, "No, I didn't paint them myself."

Now, the trend continues with Inhabit's Wall Flats. These peel-and-stick adhesive tabs are simple, modern, and best of all, earth-friendly. They're made from 100% bamboo pulp - one of the world's fastest self-replenishing resources - so no need to feel guilty about your spending. Just keep telling yourself that.

[I'm off to Boston for the weekend to visit a friend so posting will continue on Monday. Have a good weekend!]

The Addictive Beauty of Thomas Paul

I have a serious addiction to Thomas Paul. In my eyes, this man can do no wrong. From pillows to dishware, he brings elements of my favorite design periods – Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Fifties Modernism, and Sixties Pop Art – to create gorgeous home accessories. When you join the Thomas Paul cult, you no longer look at plates and trays in the same way. They become Art. You’ll find yourself proudly displaying dishware prominently on walls throughout your home. Your personal living space becomes a gallery and you, the curator. Not only are Thomas Paul home designs beautiful, but they are durable and extremely affordable. You can see an assortment of his line at Velocity Art & Design and Elsewares.

Ghost Clock

I guarantee that if Yee-Ling Wan's "Ghost Clock" was front and center on your mantle, guests would notice. A stunning interpretation of the traditional Baroque style carriage clock, this spectacular piece of design features ornate etching (comes in either black or white etching) and Roman numerals on a glass front, an intricate chrome mechanism and a reflective mirror backing. It is at once modern and traditional for those of you who teeter between worlds. The Ghost Clock was on backorder for some time at MOMA's on-line shop, but fear not, it's back in stock - and just in time for the holidays!

A Work of Art: The Centerpiece

The Australian home design company, Millicent & Frank, has created a beautiful line of table centerpieces that are works of art unto themselves. The first piece below, made of timber, was a finalist in Australia's Home Beautiful Magazine's Product of the Year Awards. The only problem I forsee with one of these gems is that if you don't have a very large dining room table, you may run out of available space for things like...oh, I don't know, wine glasses for example. But who'd want to cover this equisite design with an unsightly gravy boat? I'd be willing to take my chances on space just to have one of these lovelies.

Down Home Painting

I've recently become a very big fan of the painter Dolan Geiman. Mix a hearty blend of pop art and folk art with a rich sense of Americana, and you've got Dolan Geiman. Dolan was raised in Virginia on his family's Christmas tree farm and was heavily influenced by the rural South. He currently lives and works in Chicago as a painter and "rescued" clothing designer, but his Southern roots are still very much alive in his work. Check out some of his very affordable panel paintings on Trunkt.

Forest Life

The nature trend is in full-swing right now. Wood-carved antlers welcome guests into our 400-square-foot windowless apartments and owl figurines clutter our bookshelves. Yes, I admit, I'm guilty of this trend too. In this crazy bustling city of ours, forest life brings an element of serenity, peace and harmony that so many of us crave. Fortunately, for people like me, the nature trend doesn't seem to be dying out just yet. The Roost Shop at Velocity Art and Design just came out with their new "Log Collection," made up of beautiful porcelain log vases and votives. Check out the adorable little mushrooms running up and down the sides of the vase. I'm predicting these little beauties will end up in my apartment by the end of the week.

Living In Color

Maija Louekari, the multi-talented 24-year-old Finnish designer and illustrator, never ceases to amaze me. Maija's incredibly vivid use of color in her textile patterns makes me feel like I'm in a kaleidoscope world where the sky is a vibrant mix of reds, purples, blues and pinks. I'm in love with the new fabrics she's created for Marimekko called "Kassiopeia." I've been wandering from room to room in my apartment for the last two days trying to find something I can reupholster.

Fit for a Queen

Eighteenth century France comes to life in Rosanna Bowles new tableware collection. Her Rococo Noir line and Dauphine Candlesticks speak to the modern woman who yearns for old world European style. Her exquisitely beautiful dinnerware turns every meal into a royal occasion. When guests are calling for dessert, the only logical response for a queen - "Let them eat cake" of course!

Rococo Noir Collection

Dauphine Candlesticks

It's a Christmas Miracle!

Yes, friends, one of my favorite designers is finally within reach...

of my budget that is. The amazing Dutch designer Tord Boontje is collaborating with Target for Christmas 2006 to bring his magical tableware, candelabras, and all-around fantastical home design products to us all. Tord's designs make you feel like you're in a fairy tale world - floating through an enchanted forest speaking to the animals along the way.

For those of you in New York City, you'll get to experience Tord's enchanted forest first-hand, when he brings his iconic designs to life in the heart of Union Square. Starting December 4th, in celebration of his collaboration with Target, Tord has created an interactive lighting installation called "Bright Nights," filled with his signature animals and magical designs. "Bright Nights" is free and open to the public from Monday, Dec. 4th thru Tuesday, Dec. 26th. Open every day from 4-11 p.m.

I couldn't possibly end this post without sharing some of my favorite Tord Boontje pieces with you:

garland lights

petite jardin armchair

Prints Gone Wild

Fortune shined on me Saturday, November 10th, when Cannonball Press presented "Prints Gone Wild," just a hop, skip and a jump away from my front doorstep in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Some of the country's best graphic artists and letterpress print studios arrived at the Supreme Trading Gallery on N. 8th Street to showcase their finest work. Oh, and it was fine my friend.

As my sister and I strolled through the gallery of Supreme Trading, I was dazzled by the black and white letterpress music posters, woodcuts, silkscreened prints, and hand-illustrated journals, calendars, and note cards. It took everything in my power not to break out my credit card and start buying early Christmas presents for every friend, family member and co-worker.

One of my favorites from the show included the work Yee Haw Industrial Letterpress and Design Co. in Knoxville, TN. Their one-of-a-kind journals would get anyone's creative juices flowing. And their letterpress note card sets, especially their "Flowering Trees of Appalachia," are so incredibly beautiful.

My other favorite at the show was another Tennessee native - Bryce McCloud from Isle of Printing. Bryce's Nashville roots definitely came through in his work. He had some of the coolest old-timey looking prints I've ever seen.

Welcome

Welcome to Homestead! Homestead is a website dedicated to independent artists and the visionary work they're creating in the home design and product design field. Each week I'll share my favorite textiles, furniture, prints, fabrics and ceramics, as well as discuss exciting new trends occurring in the industry. I'll also provide links to my favorite home design stores and pass on information about design fairs, trade shows and other special events taking place in the New York City area. This blog will serve as a daily journal about my design finds, as well as an ode to independent artists and their vision. Thank you for visiting! Enjoy!

About Me

I grew up in Tarrytown, New York and moved to Brooklyn six years ago. By day, I'm a writer for magazines and non-profit organizations. By night, I'm an amateur knitter, sewer, furniture remodeler, and all-around home decor junkie.

Living in Williamsburg for many years, I can't help but be inspired by the incredibly exciting design work being done there. There's a heartbeat in Brooklyn that can be heard throughout the world, and I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to listen to its beat each day.