Perfect Purple

Gorgeous delicious color by Tom Mc Nemar.

Happy Weekend

Just shipped a pile of remnant bundles to Contemporary Cloth.  Nothing like a pile of fabric to make me happy.  Wishing you a great weekend.

Color Photography 100 Years Ago

These amazing color photos were taken 100 years ago by a Russian aristrocrat using three different color plates that were then overlaid.  The process gives new meaning to the concept of 'holding a pose'.  The advent of digital photography has made it possible to create large scale color prints of his work.   These photos are owned by the Library of Congress and are featured along with more info on BBC. 

In The Shop

I spent the past couple of days rearranging and spring cleaning in the shop and am loving the result.

Seen and Liked

Diner photo by the talented Jennifer Causey;
Fun and fabulous urban art in the form of The Red Ball Project by Kurt Perschke;
Beautiful blossoms by Kristina Klarin.

Lots Of Dots

Fabulous dot tiles by Claesson Koivisto Rune via the Style Files

Design Indaba

While I was in Cape Town, I attended Design Indaba, South Africa's premier design show.  The show was a wonderful blend of home accessories, fashion, furniture and jewelry.  I took my time ambling around and just enjoying myself.  For the first time this year, the show which is open to everyone had a buyers only afternoon the day before the official opening which I was great as there were no lines and plenty of room to see things.   The downside was that I missed out on the fashion shows and kids art classes that are part of the expo.

I often forget to even take photos when I am focused on talking to people, scribbling in my notebook,  and trying not to miss anything so all of the pictures below of some of the things I liked, are from the Design Indaba site and facebook page.  The Most Creative Stand video here gives a good feel of the show.

Haas

I fell in love with Haas!   In Bo-Kaap the multi-colored Malay Quarter of Cape Town, Haas is an eclectic, tasty cafe and wonderfully curated shop on a corner.   I can't think of anything that would make me happier than stopping there for coffee every day.  The place is a creative haven and the people are friendly and welcoming.  Pity about the issue of geography and a few miles and an ocean.

Seen and Liked on Monday: Nicci Swanepoel

I have been back from Cape Town for a couple of weeks already.  Before I forget all the wonderful things I saw and experienced, I decided to dedicate all the posts this week to that trip as a journal of the sights, memories and inspiration.

I spotted a fabulous ceramic cattle head by Nicci Swanepoel in a shop in Cape Town.  These images come from her website.

A Girl And Her Room

Photographer Rania Matar has put together a book of teenage girls and their rooms in US and Middle East.   A  beautiful look at that in between time of life.   The book is set for May publication.  Article and photos via CNN.

Peter Gentenaar

Phenomenal paper sculptures by Peter Gentenaar.    There is an interesting description of his work and the process of making the paper here.

Smoke

Yummy smokey interior shots from Livingetc.

Seen and Liked On A Monday

Fun Royal Mail stamp rug;
Assemblage piece by George Herms;
Print by Basso and Brooke:
Beautiful Protea in The Garden Room in Sydney.

Paris Metro

Nothing like clever editing and lovely music not to mention the notion of everything 'Paris' to turn the metro into a wonderful romantic experience.   As useful as the metro is for getting around, can't say I every felt that I was in the midst of a romantic fling while commuting back and forth to work:)  Take a look at Sub City by Sarah Klein and Tom Mason

Happy Weekend

Wishing you a glorious laughter-filled weekend from a warm, Jasmine-scented Los Angeles.   I took this picture across the valley from Mulholland Drive this morning.

New Cottage Style

I finally got my hands on a copy of "New Cottage Style" by Alison Serrell and the editors of Sunset Magazine.  While I tend to shy away from style labels, I am happy to be on the design panel for the book offering advice and tips alongside other panelists.   The end result is a book full of great images and lots of helpful advice for creating a casual home and retreat.   You can buy the book here.

Postcard From Cape Town III

Muizenberg Beach, glorious Protea, a braai (bbq), a fabulous water feature, endless sky.