Lizzie Buckmaster Dove

Birds and insects like butterflies and dragonflies were a major trend at the High Point Market this year. Many believe these soaring animals and insects are popular right now because they represent good fortune and change during these turbulent economic times. One such example is paper artist Lizzie Buckmaster Dove, who brings a fresh perspective to bird inspired art with creative and artistic displays.

I also love her hand cut paper cubes & blown glass domes cleverly titled "Cluster of Ideas." I wish I could display my thoughts and ideas so beautifully!

Link - Lizzie Buckmaster Dove featured at NG Art Gallery

Window Whimsies

Add a little happiness to your home with these beautiful Window Whimsies by artist Ingrid Lavoie. This heirloom-to-be paper-cutting, is hand cut, in the traditional German Scherenschnitte style. They would make beautiful accents to any window or wall throughout the seasons. The hardest part is picking out your favorite!

Here's to a wonderful weekend ahead...

Link - Ingrid Lavoie Creative Shop

Humunuku

Ok, I must admit it...I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day. I have no patience for long lines at restaurants and overly abundant forms of PDA. There I said it. BUT, before you shoot cupid arrows at me I've come to re-imagine the holiday with these lovely gift bags, tags and cards by Humunuku. I would much rather give/get one of these beautiful cards along with a small box of candy over any dining wait list. The vintage inspired motifs are adorable and timeless. What are your thoughts/ideas for Valentine's Day?

Link - Humunuku

Alma Larroca

Color, pattern and retro pieces make up the wonderful graphics and assemblages by Alma Larroca. I love the shapes and objects that come together to create each unique work. Don't you feel the need to collage now?

{found via Moloko+Magazine}

Duets

Take time to sense the world around you. I get this impression when looking at the delicate and nature-inspired pieces by Leslie Walker Noell. These works are created using a variety of materials including archival ink-jet, wax, graphite, gouache on paper, oils, thread and pins. I love the mixture of textures and translucent layers. Also, each work is named Duet with a number like Duet 1, Duet 4. A clever and perfect way to title these lovely paired pieces.

On a side note...I'm feeling better and thank you for all the kind comments. TV and soup can only last so long...back to the swing of things!

Fireflies

I'm going a little off topic today, but I have to say that National Geographic is awesome. My friend gave me a subscription for my birthday and I was eager to dive into the current issue. The magazine appeals to my geeky side, my love for travel and my curiosity for wildlife. I know National Geographic has been around for a long time, but wow...I didn't realize how amazing and inspiring it was!

One particular article stood out to me about the dramatic decline in fireflies. I started thinking about it and yeah, where are all the fireflies? As I child I remember seeing them everywhere and now I just see a glimmer here and there. The article said, "No one has yet confirmed what's causing the population drops, but experts suspect habitat loss and light pollution." First the bees and now the fireflies. I can't imagine a world without either of them.

It's nice to see these hand painted Western Fireflies available at Right Hemisphere. They are perfect for shadow boxes, framing or just pinned on a cork board as a friendly firefly reminder. Also, check out Firefly Watch to track fireflies in your neighborhood. Have you seen a decline in fireflies in your area?

Dewdrop Handmade

The nature inspired, handmade journals by Dewdrop Handmade are stunning. The over-sized journals are perfect for sketches, photographs or as a guest book. Plus, the designer is from my part of the world - North Carolina! I was lucky enough to win one of these beauties from one of my favorite blogs - {this is glamorous}. This week she is also holding another giveaway for nantaka joy stationary - check it out here!

Be sure to also visit Dewdrop Handmade and her great, design packed blog - Ticklish From A Distance.

The Best Weather Forecasts

Happy Monday - did you have a good weekend? The weather in North Carolina was fantastic, but then today we got rain, rain and more rain! Speaking of weather - if you're a weather channel lover check out a new way to view local forecasts around the world with the weather website by Kurtli Riedi. Even if you aren't a weather fanatic, the simple collages are pure fun and provide a little glimpse into your favorite cities. Check out more cities and collages here.

I think I'll take the sunny weather in Prague today!

{found via always fabulous Lolita}

Gretchen Mist

Let's start the weekend off with these wonderful prints and collages by Belinda from Gretchen Mist. They are calming, yet so full of life. Their simplicity is appealing because you could stare and think about them for a long time and not tire your eyes or mind. These prints would be a soothing detail for an active room like an office or bedroom. Check out more work on Etsy and her blog.

On a side note, thanks for your amazing support for the vintage locker set and Parasol Magazine debut. I LOVE your comments - you guys are so funny! Also, I'm heading to a big fleamarket in Charlotte this weekend (yay!). Hopefully I will bring back vintage goodies to share...happy hunting!

Guerilla Love Kit

Become a sneaky cupid and spread a little love with the guerilla love kit by Cori Kindred. For your undercover love operation this kit comes complete with:

- 6 pieces of chalk for impromptu artwork or messages of encouragement.
- 10 love fortunes typed on a vintage typewriter to hide where they’ll be found by someone who needs to hear them like in a payphone change dispenser, bike basket or tip jar.
- 6 gorgeous heart stickers.
- 3 “you are loved” cards to stick in a library book, drop in someone’s bag or leave in a mailbox.
- 1 heart punch for surprise hearts in uncommon places like on a leaf during a morning walk.

All these goodies also come wrapped in a handmade pouch. So clever...isn't this kit adorable?!

Purchase this kit and more inspiring items at Cori Kindred's online shop!

Vintage Notions

I love all the little goodies available at Papier Valise, an online store with unique and vintage art provisions. Their lovely novelty items are perfect for packaging, collage art or memory scrapbooks. I mean really, can you ever have enough vintage fold over tickets, ink labels, German paper trim, Keep in Refrigerator labels, number ribbon or red octagon labels?

I think we should stock our wooden card catalog full of these items! Sound good?

{found via Once Wed}

Present & Correct

Present & Correct is an online shop that sells handmade goods, vintage items and graphic work by designers from all over the world. I spent the majority of my morning browsing through their shop and I still can't get enough. I would love to fill my desk with vintage and quirky finds like old dials, crayon bags and rubber book belts. These colorful pieces are functional and add a touch of fun to any space.

Add these items, more vintage office supplies, an old steel desk and you've got yourself a perfect office space!

{found via It's Nice That}

Sweet Supplies

I rarely do food related posts because quite frankly I don't really cook. I think living alone has something to do with it...I have no desire to cook just for myself. For me, the dinner bowl of cereal, strawberry jam Uncrustable or takeout does just fine. I keep thinking it is something I will eventually grow out of...maybe?

But, I do get the occasional urge to bake and it's pretty hard to resist after seeing all the sweet supplies at Bake It Pretty. They carry a range of baking supplies perfect for dressing up cupcakes and adding a special touch for any holiday occasion. And candy buttons?! Ok...that is too darn cute.

Check out more sweet supplies at Bake It Pretty and visit Amanda's blog for baking tips and ideas.

Happy Friday!