SECONDS PLEASE!

 I stumbled across this Flatware Collection, "Seconds", by Jason Miller at Areaware. I love the  juxtaposition between the formal china patterns and the contemporary birds! I would love to see these dinner plates, dessert plates and teacups in action; I think they would fit well in a formal dining room, a modern loft or in a casual kitchen. Love, love, love them!

Check out some of these gorgeous rooms below that are saying "come home Seconds Flatware, come home!"

photo credit

photo credit

photo credit

photo credit

AHOY THERE!

Nautical inspired fashion and home goods have been popping up a lot lately- just in time for Resort Wear. I have a soft spot in my heart for all things preppy and nautical, and I especially love it when designers bring the theme into modern times. Check out some accessories you could add to your life this Spring to get into the Maritime spirit!

1. Sailboat Model by Bobo Intriguing Objects 

2. All Aboard Stud Earrings by Kate Spade for $48.00

3. Yves Saint Laurent Resort Collection 2012 found on The Fashion Bomb Daily

4. Stripe Favorite Throw by West Elm for $29.00

5. Thomas Paul Ship Accent Pillow at Burke Decor for $60.00

6. Thomas Paul Wheel Cocktail Napkins at Burke Decor for $24.00

7. You Anchor Me Prink found on Pintrest.com

You've got to love these big fat boating knots to make a statement!

1. Salor's Knot Statement Necklace from Etsy for $20.00

2. Rope Wall Clock by Two's Company for $92.50 

3. "Let's Sail Away" Earrings found on Fab.com 

4. Do-it-youreslf Braided Doormat on Marthastewart.com

5. Not Knots Pillow found on The Designer Pad

6. Pier Lamp by Continental Home, found on elledecor.com

CUSTOM TECHY ART

A while ago I looked into DNA art for my husband and I. There are a few companies that do it but the one I liked the most (and had the fairest prices) was DNA11. The way it works is: you create a DNA sample with their kit by swabbing the inside of your cheek and mailing it in. They capture your one-of-a-kind DNA strand in some sciencey gel, enhance the image and print the pattern. You can choose your color palette and size. They also do couples portraits, like the black and white one below. I hadn't been on the site in a while and I was excited to see all the new products they have now, like the thumb print collection.

They've also got a lot of great ideas for future products, branching out of hanging artwork and in to home products. Sadly, these are not on the market yet, especially the rug below. It would be really sweet in a nursery or kids room. The second image shows an option to sign the bottom corner. 

Above is a DNA wallpaper, a little too big of a personal statement for me but hey- to each their own! I can however, get behind the thumbprint bowl below. It's very subtle and abstract but it would make such a thoughtful and personalized gift.

Another company that is using technology to make abstract art is Vapor Sky. As you can see below, these canvases can get pretty big but I'm happy to say the price range is from $199-$800! The first collection is Resonant Decor, based on a memorable sounds. They they take a sound clip you pick and turn it into a waveform and print it in the color palette you choose.

The second collection, Stellar Decor, is really interesting. This one captures the sky above you during an important memory. You send in the location, date and time and they can determine the exact position of the stars you were looking at using fancy astronomy software. Once they create the image, you can add a personal touch with the color palette.

I found the last company on my friends blog, Living Chic Studio. It's called Love Is Art, and it's a little less "high-tech" and a little more sexy then the products above. You order the Love Is Art Kit and they send you black or blue paint, a large plastic protective sheet, a white canvas, two pairs of slippers and a body scrubber. Scoot the furniture aside, roll out the protective plastic and the canvas, pour some paint and make some love! When your masterpiece is dry bring it to a local framer to have it stretched. I love these samples below, they look great and make for a fun dirty little secret. I don't think I have the guts to hang one over my sofa though..

MONDAY PRESENT- FOR THE HOSTESS

Tis the season to be giving. I love gift shopping for the holidays, so even though it's a little cliche to blog a holiday shopping guide, I gots to do it! Holiday parties are starting to pile up and they wont stop tell the New Year so I'm starting my list with some gifts for the person who loves to entertain. 

1. Peacock Lollipop Holder- Jonathan Adler for $98.00

This would look so cute out on a table during a Holiday Party, bring it to the party full of Tootsie Pops or even better, cake-pops!

2. Modern House Wine- Swanson Vineyard for around $25.00

Ok, I know I just wrote about all the cool products at Swanson Vineyard but I have to say it again, what a great gift to bring to a party!

3. Monthly Tasting Box- Foozie.com 3 months for $89.00

I've gifted this before and heard back that the box was amazing, full of a great variety of gourmet snacks. Each box comes with 5 unique products like sauces, candy, scones and tea. You can choose a 3, 6 or 9 month package. OR sign up yourself for as long as you'd like at a monthy rate of $29.95.

4. Set of 6 Coasters- Kate Spade for $20.00

"Spike the Punch", "Dance tell Dawn", "Stare at a Strangers" sooo cute, and a perfect price point for a Hostess Gift that will bring some smiles.

5. L Press Juicer- Metrokane at Fab. for $60.00

Hand-juicers can be a pricey thing to buy for yourself but they make a really attractive counter accessory and of couse the given- fresh juice!

6. Sexy Polka Dot Apron- Etsy for $30.00

For the lady who is always slaving away to entertain you, let her feel pretty! 

GET YOUR INDIE ON

Heading to the Indie Craft Experience this weekend! Hopefully I will find some fun things to share with you guys and knock some Christmas shopping off my list. It's a great place to support local art and find unique handmade gifts. Check it out if you have time, and enjoy your weekend!

ice-atlanta.com

THANKSGIVING AT WEST ELM

I stumbled across this adorable Thanksgiving collection at West Elm over the weekend and I had to share. I know we just entered November and it's a little early to be filling your heads with Thanksgiving but I just can't help myself. I love the graphic quality and simple gold and white color palette.

David Stark for West Elm

You can find all of these products on West Elm's site.