creative challenge

OK, it's almost fall...time for new thinking, fresh ideas, cool weather. Time to changes things up, turn a new leaf, etc, etc. My goal this fall was to do something more creative, or pick up a creative hobby. So I signed up for a ceramics class at SVA with my friend TK. We had our first class on Monday night. Stay tuned for pics of my creations. In the meantime, here is something creative you could do. Submit something for the bandana art show. If it's not bandanas, try something else. I dare you.

banksy

His stuff really makes me laugh. Always so insightful, and his commentary on consumerism is so interesting. Check it out at his website here.

so pretty

How delicious are these? I love the bright colors and detail. You can get lost in the design. Found via Beautiful/Decay, these mixed media collages are by Gean Moreno. Available at the Derek Eller Gallery.

posterama

I couldn't resist sharing this poster. It captures one of my favorite sayings in such a lovely way. You can purchase it from The Poster List for $9.99.

graff inspired lighting

I stumbled upon this designer months ago, but couldn't remember her name. It's Donna Brady of Re-Surface in Brooklyn. She's taken pics in Brooklyn and created these amazing light fixtures out of them. I've always found the texture and layering aspect of graffiti so interesting; she's really turned those qualities in to something beautiful. You can find stores where her products are sold on her website by clicking here. Or you can buy directly from her on Etsy.

around your neck

I found these while searching for 'bike' items the other day on Etsy. So cute. You can find them here.

bikes in BK

Bicycles have been on my mind lately. We recently acquired two new bikes which brings our household total to four bikes. Two each. Check out these great bike-inspired items. T-shirt and jacket by Vital, click here to purchase. Bicycle paintings by a local Brooklyn artist. And of course we all need a wallet with a bike-emblem on it.

brooklyn shots

I was browsing through brownstoner.com yesterday and found a shot of the same location where P took the picture of 'Graffiti Squares' which has been posted on my site for a while. I clicked through to the owner of the pic and found these other great shots. Thanks digitalfront! Enjoy.

my sunday in brooklyn

On Sunday we decided to do a test run of a bike ride from our house to my work on the upper east side. We came in over the Willy-b bridge, up along FDR then over the Queensboro 59thSt Bridge to return through Queens to Greenpoint to home. All in all about 10 miles. I don't think I'll be riding in to work, but we still had fun. The first graff pic was taken in Queens on Jackson Ave near PS1. The sky shot was from a neighbors backyard around 8 p.m. Gorgeous.

wallpaper

I've been considering some decorative changes here at home. Perhaps some wallpaper... nothing aligns better with my little urban observations POV than Flavor Paper's new 'Flower Pedal' and 'City Park' designs. I have to start saving now so I can afford a roll.

time for toys

I'm not very familiar with the collectible toy market. But I can tell you this one is pretty cute. Except I wish it had a face. Ohwell. I love the description of Insa Dunny, available at Kid Robot.

paper goods

I consider this little card a send-off to summer. Send it to someone before it's over! You can find it here at imogene.org. 'Beachball' by Etui for $3

vintage bling

I found Fragile Design in a UK mag. It stocks 20th century design items for you and your home. Very cool stuff. This topaz and rhinestone bracelet is gorg.

rad plates

I love searching through the SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) store for great little finds. The listing for these suggests they'd be great for sandwhiches and chips. I agree, and why does a plate have to be round anyways? Roots and Shoots Tableware, set of 4, $48 here at shopscadonline.com.

fancy footwork

If anyone is thinking of getting me a present, please get me these. I'm obsessed with them. It's pretty much like wearing art on your feet. String Republic works with various artists to create these espadrilles.

embroidery as art

I stumbled across Jenny Hart in the June issue of Juxtapoz magazine. I was fascinated by her work. Such and old school skill done in a new and refreshing way. You can see more of Jenny's work here. She also sells stitching kits and designs through her company Sublime Stitching.

fabulous fabric

I haven't done a craft project in a while, especially one involving a sewing machine. But this fabric might just force me to get crafty! It's gorgeous. I could see it as a long bolster pillow on my bed, or maybe a window treatment... what do you think? And you can't beat the price. 'Etsuko Flower' is $17.95/yard at reprodepot.com

brownstone reno

If you're like me, your curious about your neighbors renovations. My neighbor down the block is renovating a brownstone and he let me take a peak inside. It's a full gut job; two duplexes will be created. The pictures here are of the parlor floor, which is completely open from back to front. Typically there are pocket doors that separate the space, but apparently there weren't any, or they weren't salvageable. The light is fantastic, and I'm sure with windows open in the back and front - the breeze in the fall will be delightful. One of the kitchens was installed this week so I'll post more pictures after I've seen it. Another great website to check out if you are interested in Brooklyn brownstones is brownstoner.com.

barcelona sites

Part of my lapse in updating the blog is because I was traveling for work in Barcelona last week. We were decorating a large house in the city. I wasn't sure what to expect from the city, but I was blown away. There was such a lovely contrast of old and new architecture. My favorite 'old' being the buildings designed by Gaudi. Check out the Casa Batllo. It blows my mind that someone dreamed up this building in 1905. The pictures do not do it justice. If you want to learn more about this particular building, Wikipedia has some great info.

at the beach

Just wanted to let everyone know I'll be at the beach in Florida with the fam this week. I'd hoped to do some posting here, but I have my Dad's work computer which is on some sort of crazy company lock down (I'm surprised they even allow me on this site), and we can't seem to get my sister's 'puter to connect. Happy summer to all!

make it bright

Bright and bold seems to be a major trend in decorating these days. I love the statement these make. Couldn't you picture them in a room with an amazing graphic wallpaper too?

Blue spider web chairs (sold) from Downtown, available on 1stdibs.com.

Yellow nightstands from Pieces, available on 1stdibs.com.

bird pin

Check out this lovely pin, for $12. By Sarah Anderson at oogaboogastore.com. Thanks to TK for the reco!

cuter than cute

Who could resist a plush donut with sprinkles?! Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane makes all sorts of plush items, from burnt toast to low-fat milks and much more. The adorable donut featured here is $15 and available at My Paper Crane.

another t-shirt

I'm a sucker for t-shirts. So comfy, so expressive. So not expensive :) Check out this lovely T by SPRFKR. You can purchase it for $29.95 at www.indiemerchstore.com.

owl graf

I collect owls, so I was pleasantly surprised to see this little guy waiting for me near the entrance to the Williamsburg bridge. We were on our way to pick up one of my best friends who just returned from a year of traveling. Welcome back ADP! Check out her adventures at The Lost Girls.