Renegade Favorites: Linea Carta

I spent almost all day at the Renegade Craft Fair so I could selflessly report back to you, my dear readers.

Selfless. HA! I had the best day ever. I'm going to write about some of my absolute favorites so you can check them out online if you weren't able to make it in person. If you weren't there actually I feel kind of sorry for you.

I am in love with Linea Carta's hand-blocked linens and pretty stationary. Delicate but not fussy. One of my favorites at Renegade. I made out like a bandit with some exquisite coasters (that I am going to use for a shadowbox) and notebooks. Yay!

Street Confetti

Dirty wet streets. Festive confetti. Wish I knew why! I saw this on a recent walk to the subway and it brightened my day.

Fuchsia Sneak Peak!

More flowers coming Monday. Aren't these just luscious? Includes garden roses, peonies, kangaroo paws and astilbe. Yummy.

Kick-Ass Desktop Wallpapers

The super stylish design blog Kitsune Noir has a special series of desktop wallpapers that different artists contribute to the site.

They come in all sizes and shapes and look amazing on my iphone :)

Check them out here. I change mine almost daily because there are so many good ones!!!

Happy Mobiles and Garlands

Has anyone else noticed there's a bit of a paper obsession in the world today? Especially paper cut-outs, which I adore.

And this leads me to a new obsession: Frazier and Wing handmade mobiles and garlands. They make me happy. And the photography is beautiful and inspiring.

Enjoy! Don't forget to check out their online store. If you are inspired enough to buy something, send me a picture once you get it into place please.

Tiny Flowers

Here's proof that you can use the floral "leftovers" or trimmings from a big arrangement and still make them pretty. In a petite Moroccan tea glass.

I am working on a few exciting flower projects - expect photos next week! I can't wait to share.

P.S. Speaking of Morocco...I'm headed there over the holidays!!! I am so excited and will be hunting the best textiles, carpets, flowers and gardens to share here when I'm back. And of course, food :)

Beautiful, Beautiful Flowers

I picked up some gorgeous flowers this morning for a super exciting project I'm working on. Garden roses in two colors, peonies from Chile, kangaroo paws and huge fluffy white cabbages like I've never seen before. Can't wait to start working!

Of course, Bartleby needed to be involved immediately. He better not touch those over-priced peonies or he's going to get a serious talking-to.

I'm sure I'm not the only girl...

Who stares lustily at the ceramics (and pastries) at the lovely organic patisserie Miette in the Ferry Building.

So I was almost overwhelmed with excitement when I stumbled upon the work of ceramic artist Whitney Smith. Because her tiny cupcake stands and dessert plates with little birds adorn the shelves at Miette, and I finally found who made them!

Here are some of my favorites, but there are tons more over at her site, where you can also shop your little heart out. Delightful cupcake stands here I come! I guess I'll need to get some sweets while I'm at it :)

Meet Mel

I want to introduce you to my friend Mel Barti, who is a fabulous freelance designer and art director based in close-up-ready Sausalito, CA.

She is the talent behind the LPF logo and website and I am so lucky she was able to take me on as a client. I am so particular, it's not often I love something from the get-go, but I absolutely loved my logo the moment I set eyes on it. She just nailed it, and so many people have complimented since we launched a few months ago.

I have been meaning to photograph Mel in her studio and conduct a short overview about her work, but we've been so busy it's challenging to connect. In the meantime, I thought I'd post some of her work for you to enjoy.

Check out her portfolio and give her a shout if you need any design or advertising work.

P.S. That awesome "Bitch" poster, featuring Mel's dog Gracie, is going to be printed on posters and greeting cards - I'll keep you posted when they come out!

A Handmade Holiday

For those of you interested in buying handmade gifts from local artists, or just looking for something a little different and special, there's a holiday Renegade Craft Fair Dec 19 and 20th at Fort Mason. Start the countdown!

Miniature Animal Figurines

Aren't these creatures simply adorable? I saw KG+AB at the Renegade Craft Fair in the summer, and have regretted not purchasing some of their animals (hand made in vintage molds) since then. However I'm so excited now because I've discovered their Etsy site, and plan to put it to good use.

I can imagine using these little guys in a holiday scene or mantle display, or in some petite shadowboxes. Actually my sister makes really cute shadowboxes and I'm trying to get some pictures...she uses little figurines as well.

Do you have other ideas for use? Tell us in the comments!

I have a confession to make.

OK, so I know posting has been light lately. And that's related to my confession. I've been a little busy, due to, well, a pretty serious addiction to the HBO series "The Wire." Better known as the best show ever of all time on this planet.

Talk about an insightful, penetrating and terrifying look at poverty, power and politics. I will be back in this space way more often, now that I've plowed through all five seasons, but I feel like there's a little bit of a hole left in my life. Watch it.

P.S. I wrote "whole" accidentally and it's funny that by removing the "w" you reverse the meaning of the word.