The Nest

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.

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.

My poor, poor neglected blog. How I have missed thee. I have been so busy with work and freelance work, my beauty of design blog had to take a summer break. Well, this photo from the Reno Slow Food group was inspiration enough to get me blogging again. Just look at that array of locally produced and cooked food. Beautiful! Fall is the perfect time to hole back up in the kitchen and create edible art. My new interest for the season is the Slow Food movement. I am determined to know more about where my food comes from and eat like a locavore. It’s a challenge, but one I am willing to take on…with knife and fork in hand.

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.

Thanks to the Black Apple and Etsy, I found another lovely artist who reminds me of the drawings I used to create when I was a young bird before I got caught up in the corporate and freelance life. Julianna of Oh My Cavalier creates eerie and splendid little creatures that belong on any wall. They remind me of the bird headed women and drowned ladies I drew as a teenager.

I recently fell head over heels for this graphic design firm in Northern California. They not only do wonderful, creative design, but have come up with the Official Tooth Fairy Kit, which I never knew I needed until it was too late.

Today I went a little ga-ga over the drawings and illustrations of Rima of the Hermitage. Her dark and offbeat style is strangely warm and cozy. Today is one of those days where I want to curl up in one of her drawings and go fetal.

VivaTerra has some wonderful objects for the home made from stone or reclaimed wood. Imagine having a home with all your objets d’art completely natural and from the earth.

I recently become acquainted with the lovely illustrations of Kelly Brownlee. She is also a fellow lover of beautiful things. I love her colors and style and her group of clients are impressive. She was so sweet to order one of my Messy Nests. Happy Holidays to Kelly and all other lovers of beautiful things!