I'm Loving: Penguin Cloth Cover Books

I've always said that it's fine to judge a book by its cover, as long as you take time to discover what's inside too.* Now (finally!) Penguin USA has released it's gorgeous cloth-covered editions of some fantastic books, many of my favorites, actually. And they are so pretty (plus, only $13.60 each)!

What do you think, would you buy a book because it looked nice?


In case you were wondering, and because I can't help myself, here is a list of the titles that I want (did I mention PRETTY????)

Available Now

• Sense and Sensibility
• Wuthering Heights
• Great Expectations
• Jane Eyre
• The Picture of Dorian Gray
• Pride and Prejudice

Not Yet Available in the US

• Crime and Punishment
  
• The Hound of the Baskervilles
• Emma
• The Sonnets and A Lover's Complaint
• Little Women
• Oliver Twist

*I'm talking books, here, not people!

Shelterrific

While we're on the subject of websites, here's another one that I just came across. Shelterrific lives up to its name, providing great ideas for crafts and purchases for the home. I'm totally addicted, especially to all the great earth-friendly suggestions.

Zipper Jewelry

I love these zipper jewelry items from Kate Cusack found via Make. With suggested retail prices starting around $85, though, I'm wondering if I could make something similar myself.

More Painting

So I'm in love...with acrylic painting.  I really just can't stop.  Here's the latest (the slight color variation on the sides is cuz the paint was still wet when I took it) (Oh, and the design came from a picture I saw online--not my own):

You guys don't mind if this blog becomes all about my adventures with paint, right?  Haha, no...I promise there will be other crafts coming soon.  If nothing else, I really need to make myself a paint smock soon! 

I'm Loving...Barbara Fleck's Plastic Bag Art

Okay, guys, you are welcome in advance for sharing with you these amazing mandalas from artist Barbara Fleck, which I found via craftzine.  You will love me for this.  And I love these so much I'm ready to make one myself.

It's just so cool how she uses familiar logos to remind us of the prevalence of consumerism while she reuses everyday objects to make art. 

  

I'm Loving...Maori Designs

If you knew how long it took me to find these few Maori designs online.... Polynesian dance/hula (Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Maori) was a hobby of mine for several years, and I've long admired the patterns that the Maoris use on their textiles, so I thought I'd share. Unfortunately, there's a major dearth of Maori-related stuff online. Most of what is out there is about Maori tattoos (more specifically, most of it is about Americans trying to copy Maori Moka tattoos and failing).

Anyhow, I wish there were more Maori designs available. I'd love to incorporate some into my new apartment decor.

I'm Loving...the Art of Nate Wragg

As a kid, I loved to draw (still do, actually). Luckily for me, I learned early on that there will always be someone around with more talent, skill, and commitment. I mainly learned this from my friend Nate--who was 3 years younger but always a much better artist than I was (even when he was 5 and I was 8). His artistic talent is no joke: Nate now works at Pixar, and he exhibits art in his free time. Enjoy a few examples of his creativity:

You can see more of Nate's work on his blog, or buy his stuff through Gallery Nucleus. He also does commissions; if you're interested, contact Gallery Nucleus.

I'm Loving....Alexander Henry Fabric

I just adore the bright colors, pretty florals, and fun graphics on Alexander Henry fabric. Time for a fabric shopping spree! If I haven't bought out the whole stock, you can get Alexander Henry on purlsoho.com, Z & S Fabrics, or buyfabricsonline.com (which sells only Alexander Henry fabrics). Or check the Alexander Henry website for bricks and mortar retailers near you.

Have a great weekend!

Favorite Things: Koi Fish Designs

Maybe it's cuz I'm a Pisces, or maybe it's just their inherent awesomeness, but I love fish. No, not to eat...I love fish that are swimming around. Someday, I'd like to have a koi pond or at least an aquarium. But until that day arrives, I have to settle for pictures of them.

I'm planning on doing some crafty koi painting, drawing, or something for my new place. So I've been glancing at what others have done. Here are a few:


This koi stencil is from Henny Donovan Motif (a UK designer). The website actually shows a beautiful shower curtain using this stencil.

Koi fish switch plate from LuckyBird on etsy. I actually happen to have some of the same paper used to make this cover...hmm, there may be a project in my future.

Sadly, this adorable wall graphic from oneupdesigns is sold out. But maybe they'll restock?

Happy Weekend!

I'm Loving...My New Bathroom

Okay, so this is a little silly. But I just need to share: I've just gotten my first chance to look around the new apartment, and I really like it. But the part I like the best is the bathroom. Don't get me wrong; it's tiny, but it has this old circa-1930 style tiling. Not sure if it's original or not, but I like it.

So, thought I'd share a couple of pics of the bathroom. I'm feeling really inspired by the black and white together--it's so classic! I may do a post soon gathering together black/white decor.

I'm Loving...Graca Paz

Graca Paz is yet another truly amazing artist. I adore her use of color and floral motifs. Her work ends up both fun and romantic. I particularly love her frames and mirrors, so that's what I've shown you, but she also paints pictures, makes furniture, and creates handmade accessories. For more pictures of her work, visit her website, atelierxt. Or take a look at her flickr page.

Loving It....Rob Ryan's Paper Cuts and Prints

Top: "Blue Heart Bell," Middle: "House" Bottom: "The Stars"

I am in love with Rob Ryan's artwork. I just think the details are amazing, especially in "The Stars," which is my favorite.

He has an Etsy store, where he sells some of his work. If anyone feels like giving me a very nice present, now you know where to go.... Definitely check him out!