It’s been a tough week, and I’m so sorry for my slight absence. To leave you dreamy and inspired this weekend, here are some beautiful decorations that will make you want to just lay down and look up!
Sew strips of colored vellum together to make these lovely mobiles. By Oh Happy Day!
Today I had the great pleasure of working with the uber-talented stylist/crafter/foodie Paul Lowe, the genius creative behind the blog Sweet Paul (and in case you are wondering, the adjective is very accurate).
Paul is originally from Norway and brings that very specific Scandinavian sensibility to his work: clean, romantic, delicate. Here are a few crafty highlights from his blog…
If you haven’t bookmarked his blog, do it now. And also stay tuned for his new online magazine, due out this spring.
Sorry for the radio silence on Friday…I was en route to Palm Springs for the most amazing crafting weekend put on by Kimmel Kids. More on that later.
I grew up with a crayon-obsessed mother. She would always buy anniversary “collector” sets in triplicate; one for me, one for my sister, and one for herself. Apparently, these collectibles would make us rich one day…I should really look into cashing those Crayolas in! Now for some impressive crayon finds…
Steve Von Worley created this chart which shows the evolution of Crayola’s crayon box colors over time. We definitely now live in the generation of options. Found via Black Eiffel.
Deciding which images to show from Chrisian Faur‘s amazing oeuvre was really tough. These are incredible. No need to say more.
These crayons were carved into the symbols of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Found via The Bored Ninja.
A new “column” for The Violet Hours. Occasionally I will feature one artist/maker/crafter/inventor…someone whose creations are comprehensively worth inspecting.
This is the work of Christien Meindertsma, from Utrecht, Netherlands. Her work mainly involves wool that she felts to make chunky, gorgeous, pillow-like yarn. She works the origin of the material into her pieces, which is very much a part of her concept. Unlike most “fine art” she wants her pieces used; it is a larger compliment to her when her work is purchased and put to work in a space. You can hear her thoughts on this here.
Her website doesn’t offer much explanation, but it’s quite jaw-dropping. Here are a few highlights…
Project: Idaho. A project for the Nature Conservancy made with wool from an organic flock of Panama sheep from Lava lake Ranch, Idaho.
Project: One Sheep Cardigan. These sweaters were made from one animal, and were designed based on the size of the sheep.
Project: Aran Rug. This piece is made from the wool of 18 merino sheep.
Project: Texel Ottoman. These stools are essentially over-sized yarn skeins.
There is nothing wrong with a framed photo on the wall…nothing at all! But check out these creative ways to display your family portrait.
With the K Studios family series pillow, you choose your pillow size, color, family members and pets, and the design is embroidered on. Love!
Cozy Blue will make your family tree, with the parents on the inside and the kids on the leaves around. Such a cool, graphic idea! Found via Wise Craft.
I’m a huge lover of silhouettes…make a silhouette family equation (mom plus dad equals kids). Via Lil Sugar.
When you hear porcelain, you may imagine a high-gloss statuette of a girl walking a dog, glazed in pastels and perched on a pedestal with a tiny brass placard. And it would obviously be living in your grandmother’s curio cabinet. A new porcelain craze has been born…
Chopsticks are not just for Kung Pao Chicken anymore…(okay, except for a few.)
Wouldn’t it be great if these chopsticks actually did write? Sadly, it’s just design. Via LMNOP, available for purchase at Pearl River.
Chopchucks are the brainchild of my very clever, and mostly irreverent, brother-in-law. As the site says: Never again will you be left vulnerable to random violence while eating Asian food.
I love Danny Seo’s attempt to make his own scent diffuser with chopsticks. Check out his (humorous) instructions at Daily Danny.
This dude made a canoe out of 7,382 chopsticks. For reals. Check it out on Geekologie.
Set a cup of these in the middle of your table for a Japanese dinner party. Lovely! Found via Aesthetics of Joy.
As my husband and I were moving to our new apartment, we sort of admitted to each other that we were on the verge of being hoarders. (Have you seen that show? Heartbreaking.) We just have so much stuff; when we see interesting things at flea markets, thrift stores, and the like, it pains us to leave them behind. Just like these 2 sets of interesting cake toppers…
I found these amazing Celebration Toast Glasses at an antique market near Blairsville, Georgia. The box says “add charm and distinction to any occasion”. Love it. And I found the tiny wire candle holders at Tinsel Trading. Okay, not a flea market, but they are a vintage trinket nonetheless. Here they are in action…
So many ideas for the toast glasses! Dessert wine, champagne, a little flower…I’m obsessed!
It’s a perfect sized candle for a cupcake!
How about a little toothpick with fruit as a topper? Seriously, the crafty options are endless. Have you made a great topper? Tell me!
