The Nest

At this year’s Burning Man, I happened to visit “Flight” by Robert Bengtson, an artist, photographer and materials designer. This interactive display featured angels praying around a birdcage and a birdhouse in which Burners could sit down on comfortable pillows, and write messages onto white paper feathers while piped-in bird songs played around them. This was one of the most beautiful pieces of art I saw on the Playa. Mr. Bengtson creates consistently beautiful designs, including last year’s Memortrees. Even his business card design is as light and airy as a feather.

I ran into this wonderful design site for bloggers who like the shabby/chic look and I couldn’t stop looking at all the fun and free buttons, backgrounds, borders and blinkies. How wonderful that blog design can be as tactile as visiting a craft show or antique shop.

Maybe because of our extraordinarily long, wet and cold Spring or because I just got back from Europe, I am once again salivating over the thigh high stockings, garters, arm warmers and leggings offered by Sock Dreams in Portland, Oregon. I came across this site thanks to The Black Apple and love revisiting it to secretly gaze over the lovely patterns of wool, cashmere, lace and ribbons. The pin-up photos show cute legs in all shapes and sizes and various positions…very sexy. Additionally, they offer FREE shipping…even SEXIER!

While ready the latest issue of Mary Jane’s Farm, I saw an article on vet tech, farmer, beekeeper and artist Zan Asha. You might think she lives in the wilds of Vermont, but she does all these things in Brooklyn, of all places. Her art is created under the name Vagabond Creations and she sells several items on Etsy. I was completely charmed by her mama catfish and kittenfish. That mama does not seem to know what to do with her lively little kittenfish.

While doing a search for scrapbooking designs for a website I’m working on, I ran into this wonderful design studio in Iowa. Avalon Rose Design, run by Catherine Haugland, has some of the most interesting vintage and layered designs I have seen in a while. Of course, I fell in love with her steampunk template above and would like to see more of those. Also, how cool is it that she also designed the logo and t-shirts for the Cornelia Marie (my favorite boat) on the Dealiest Catch?

From Flickr Group: Motel & Hotel Signs

The Nada Dada Motel exhibit is in town again this year. I am especially looking forward to the works of Patty Melton. She will be celebrating the retro design of old hotels and hotel signs in the Reno area.

I have always loved the style of old motel signs. In Reno, several of the hotels have been closing up. I would love for there to be a certain part of the city or a street where these old signs can be refurbished and displayed. We could call it Motel Alley.

I am itchin’ to get a few t-shirts and tank tops from this small company who makes these sassy designs. Perfect for this western gal.

I really adore the items that Uncommon Goods sells. They are fun, unique and unusual. I especially like their design oriented recycled and reclaimed items like their recycled windshield glasses, their reclaimed wine barrel lazy susan and their reused chopstick soapdish and basket. Happy Earth Day!

I used to be able to knit, but I don’t seem to have the patience anymore. However, I do love looking at the Lion Brand catalogs of yarn and patterns. This is not your Grandmother’s way of knitting. Their patterns, colors and styles are fun and hip. They even offer free patterns.

From Josh Mauldin (*via Twitter from CMD+Shift) I found this blog post for Photoshop users on creating your own random music album cover. Above is the debut of the band Rajshahi Collegiate School.