Since moving into the new house and discovering what it is like to have a yard, I have really enjoyed having flowers and a garden. My favorite flowers I have planted so far are my zinnias. They are so colorful and leafy and pretty modern looking flowers to me. Here are some awesome zinnias from etsy.

Zinnia 8x8 Recycled Collage Print by artandphilanthropy

Zinnia Necklace by brightonmoon

Smell the Flowers Ring ... Raspberry by puffluna

Zinnia Flower - Original Ink Drawing Trapezoid Shaped Card by TrapezoidArt

I really love these prints by johnclark on etsy. Each print has a small caption in the text that encompasses the emotion. The women really speak to me and I like to imagine that these images were taken from some boyfriend's private collection. My favorite is below "Something is going to happen".

Let The Words Flow by teaforbini

Paper airplane sterling silver necklace by finchmetal

Paper Plane Wall Graphics by michellechristina

Par Avion Gocco Art Card by twoguitars

Charles and Ray Eames are my absolute favorite designers. This husband and wife team together created beautiful designs and affordable furniture for the masses. Their designs were modern for the time and have become modern classics since. They built this home in 1949 as part of a case study program. This house and their architecture incorporated materials that were traditionally used in commercial buildings which was unique for the time. This process cut down on price and allowed for larger expansion and open spaces. Check out the eames office which is now based in this house for their work and more information.

Everytime I go to Urban Outfitters I think about mix-matching these dishes to create a cool multi place setting of fun colors. They are so reasonable priced and you usually get a price cut on purchasing multiples.

Sputnik Chandelier wall graphic by oneupdesignsMid-Century Birds - Limited Edition Series Number 15 by fourcrowsartWhite Sputnik Earrings by gavinandlilySputnik Thank You Cards - Set of 6 by kootiesclosetOribtal Space Satellite Classic 50s Type Wood Pendant Ornament Window Dangle by buildersstudio

I love this stair made from perforated steel via exclusively blog.  The transparency and structure are so fragile and delicate.  I love the openness and light that is available in this space because of the stair's material.  Beautiful!The staircase for the aviary house was designed in one straight run along one side of its length in order to maximize room space since the property was long in depth. In order to bring light to the lower stair level, the upper flight had to be somewhat transparent to the natural daylight allowed in by a skylight up top.
An added design task was created: the stair had tp seemingly float in the space of its bounding walls. The solution was found in perforated steel sheets, cut to width and folded to the dimensions of treads and risers for the provision of structural integrity.
The folded stair was suspended between the stair walls by mild steel pins located at the junctions where each tread met the top of their associated risers.

I have to go to the dentist this afternoon and am a little scared. My sweet tooth may have finally gotten the best of me. This lunch series is dedicated to the etsy artists that love that cute little tooth! Oh, I wish my sweet tooth still loved me.

sweet silver tooth by chainchainchained

Anatomica Tooth Necklace by paraphernalia

Sweet Tooth Love Note by maydaystudio

The Dream of the Tooth by rocamora

Gold Teeth VEGAN Vinyl Keyring by Majestyinc

Here's a modern twist on something that has been traditionally....well....traditional. I love all of these modern embroidery finds! It is so fun to see thread used on so many materials!

EMBROIDERED perfect CIRCLE by nectarjewelry

barnacle t-shirt kids by coralandtusk

embroidered polaroid pocket journal by nowvember

Embroidered Windmill Zipper Pouch by elevenonine

Ebony Embroidered Key Holder by systematic

Step 1: You will need Good Help/Step 2: Make a template

Step 3: Build the Mold
Step 4: Prepare the Mold for Pour
Step 5: Pour the Concrete/Step 6: Cure and Finish
Step 7: Installation and Final Finish

Sherwin Williams released their 2009 color forecasting. Here are the blues and purples they have released.


(aqua-sphere, celestial, dignity blue, quench blue)

(plummy, plum dandy, ruby shade, insightful rose)

Swingset by feaverish

SQUIRREL BANJO giclee print by Susie Ghahremani, signed edition, 5x7 tree music animal nature artwork art painting by boygirlparty

Swing set earrings and necklace by finchmetal

jump tshirt - new design by circlesandsquares

(via apartmenttherapy)

I'll stick with the swimming theme from this morning's post and leave you with an awesome collection of swimming-themed etsy finds!

3 Cards - Summer at the Beach - Original Vintage Children's Illustrations by StoriesDivinations

Swim Love Tee - XLarge by supastarr

Vintage Swimming Instruction Book Digital Download For Decoupage and Collage by shavingkit

Pool Necklace by esdesigns

Recently I have seen a few lighting lines come out with wall sconces that reflect a pattern on the wall and am in love with the idea. I am trying to use one on a restaurant I recently designed so the client does not have to purchase anything for a long expansive wall. You install a few of these sconces and you have an amazing visual display. The Sha-do light is by far the most beautiful and elaborate that I have seen. Have a look for yourself here.
(via apartmenttherapy)

Sorry I have been so negligent lately with the lunch hour series. I have had deadlines and rep lunches galore! All is back to normal as of today though. There's nothing like a beautiful sunny day to help lift your spirits and these are some of my favorite sunshiney finds!

Warming Trends by laurageorge

Sunshine Dots Vintage Button Earrings by momomatic

Let The Sun Shine - Chalcedony and Sterling Earrings by lilikoidesign

kathrine enamel pendant by andescruz

Wedge of Sunshine - Summer by buttercupbloom

One of my co-workers (the other designer in the office) and I are good friends. She recently moved into a new apartment and has no good place to put her Eames LCM that she won at a Herman Miller auction from the HM dealer in town. It's black and beautiful and I am so jealous that she got one of my dream chairs for free! Well, she came over to my desk the other day and asked if I would foster her LCM for her for a while since she didn't have a good home for it and couldn't bring herself to put it in storage. Of course I said yes and cannot wait for the new temporary addition to our home. This is going to look great with my sofa! I'm so excited! You can buy a new LCM here if you'd like one for yourself!

Star-gazing (limited edition print)
I found charmfoundry on etsy and fell in love with her work. It is so delicate and simply beautiful. I love the collages or what she calls "waxy drawings" and the addition of hand stitching. The star gazing is my absolute favorite though!

If you aren't feeling lucky, maybe one of these crazy awesome etsy finds will help! Luckily, I found them for you!


for good fortune bracelet by t8designs

Golden Fortune Cookie by EmilyEJewelry

Lucky Trio Pop-Up Card by tracychong

Lucky Hoops - Steel and Fine Silver by gemmafactrix

Lucky Four Leaf Clovers Polaroid Print 5x7 by futurowoman

I found this article on Apartment Therapy via the SF Chronicle. The California wildfires have been out of control and many have lost their homes. This article highlighted what architects have done to help battle the wildfires with fire-resistant materials. Read the article here. Below are a few photos of my favorite highlighted homes.

Berkeley architect David Stark Wilson designed this 2007 house, which Metropolitan Home magazine featured in a large spread in June, naming it one of the top 100 houses of the year. Photo by David S. Wilson

Berkeley architect Regan Bice designed the house for this property, but his client, a famous actor, didn't build it. The property changed hands repeatedly until Jean-Dou van der Werf bought it and built Bice's design fairly faithfully in 2006. With stucco walls, aluminum fasciae and windows, prominent bolts in the fasciae and an absence of vegetation, the house comes across as harsh, industrial and even heavy. But when you stand directly in front of it, you can see right through to the three-bridge view. This transparency simultaneously makes the house seem fragile, creating an intriguing paradox. Chronicle photo by Eric Luse

Berkeley architect David Stark Wilson designed this 2007 house, which Metropolitan Home magazine featured in a large spread in June, naming it one of the top 100 houses of the year. Photo by David S. Wilson

I really love the look of these modern wood accessories for the neck, ears and fingers! I'm wearing my wood teardrop necklace today, hence my inspiration!

little Wings by locallibrary

sage tree ring by saltandpaper

oh so faux gemstone ring - white diamond by treasurefield

Segment Earrings by lilarubyking

wood.. by noformdesign

I am stealing this post straight up from my girl Monica at of paper and things. I so loved this interior from Inspace's MC Motors location that I thought I would share if anyone missed it!

I love the unfinished look to the walls, peeling paint, exposed plaster in the brick...oh, and the skylight is fantastic. It makes me think of the loft I used to live in. When my father in law came by to see it he looked around, nodded and said it would be really nice when it was finished. My husband and I just smiled and said "it is finished". We still giggle about that. So sweet!

a swing? yes!


another swing?! I really love the storage below as well!

inspace is a london-based photography location firm with a vast array of exclusive, unique spaces. i absolutely love the mc motors site.

(via inhabitat)
Don’t you just love it when aesthetics demand an ecological solution? Such is the case with the Ova Luminaire from UK design firm, Item. Inspired by the remains of sea life found on the beach, these lovely lighting fixtures use bone china and LED lights to create a serene, ethereal effect.
The designer marveled at how beach relics had “been softened by the sea and had little resemblance to their original form, but became unique, delicate shapes that had a mystery to them.” With the Ova, she attempted to marry this with the quality of light one sees when looking at the sky through water.

An LED light was the solution. Cast bone china varies in thickness, so the piercing light of LEDs was the only option for amply illuminating the translucent portions while remaining compact enough to fit into the orbs. The energy saving benefits are significant. The loom of 21 LEDs is powered by a transformer in the ceiling rose, and uses less energy than a single 25W tungsten bulb.
The Item studio is located in England near the birthplace of bone china – a good thing since casting this challenging material requires a great deal of skill. As studio partner Mark Welsh says, the local makers “expect us to be trouble whenever we call.” But they certainly seem to be rising to the challenge. Each Ova has a unique, unearthly glow that speaks of generations of handcrafting and technique.
To order an Ova Luminaire or to request further information, please contact Mark Welsh: sales@itemhome.co.uk. Prices start at 535 GBP. Trade discounts are available.

(fake NYC / 5x7'' photo by bubbo)

I pieced together a treasury featuring a few pieces from my lunch hour series and some favorites of my own! Check it out here.
(update: this treasury made front page! congrats artists!)

Silver Lotus Necklace by ANORIGINALJEWELRY

LAPTOP SLEEVE in Beatnik Teal - custom made for any size by tillymoss

Simplicity Earrings in morrocan blue / opalescent white by enamored

Teal Fish Leather Cuff with Brown Leather Backing and Adjustable Closure (F008) by madmeringue

Sage and Fig Soap Bar (VEGAN Friendly) by dennisanderson

limpet ring by jaimejo

My husband turned in our keys to the loft yesterday afternoon, so I am officially no longer a downtowner. I will miss walking the dogs down the lonely streets for a small plot of green grass and passing by the people having a drink after work at the local bars. I will also miss being able to ride my bike to work and my fantasic view of the city. But, there are a ton of other reasons to be super excited and a ton of things that I will not miss either. But, today's post is to say goodbye to downtown....I loved living there for 4 years!

My Block Necklace by blockpartypress

The Good Harvest Supermarket by janicej

Exhale 2 by laurageorge

Urbanite Leather Tooled Cuff Bracelet by PersephonesPause

Downtown is Where I Dry My Clothes Pillow by OIive

Shrinky-dinks was one of the most wonderfully entertaining and creative crafts that I liked to do as a child. Here is an adult version recycling plastic no. 6 and some sharpies to create fun jewelry. Love it! (via instructables)

Materials:
Plastic: It needs to be marked #6. Many to-go containers seem to work. Look for the number inside the recycling triangle. I used salad to-go boxes from my local pizza place.
Sharpie Markers in a variety of light colors, plus black.
Scissors
Hole punch
Toaster (or regular) oven, preheated to around 250 degrees F
Polyurethane for sealing (optional)

Step 2: Cut it out!
(Note, the directions below are for a pair of earrings, hence 'cut two pieces'. Obviously, if you only want 1, cut one!)Cut out two pieces of the flat parts of the plastic container in the size/shape you want. Mine was about 3 inches x 2 inches. You could also do circles or other shapes, but you need to round off any corners because corners will get sharp when shrunk. (note: all plastic doesn't melt the same and keep the same proportions, so cut both pieces running the same way. e.g. if you're doing 2 rectangles, cut out one large rectangle and cut it in half to ensure your pieces run the same way. If you're doing circles, be sure to mark the top and put your holes in the same place.)If there is any impressions on the plastic (like the #6 symbol, or words) you can just color over it and it will go away in the shrinking process. But be aware it may be a pain to color or draw lines over.On each one, use a hole punch to make a hole in the top center.

Step 3: Draw your doodle, and color it!
Draw your doodle design on each one with the black sharpie. The designs don't need to be the same, and be creative. Just a series of shapes and doodles. If you're nervous about drawing it, practice on a spare piece. And you can always draw something on paper and trace it on to the plastic. Remember, shrinking hides a multitude of sins!Randomly color in the design using a variety of light colors. Colors get way more intense when shrunk. The black will smear if you touch another color to it, so be careful. Again, shrinking will hide most issues.Alternately, draw your design on the front, and turn over the plastic. Color it on the back! You won't have to worry about smearing your black design. However, make sure you don't leave any gaps between your colors (ie, color over all the black lines!) Otherwise you'll have gaps in the color when shrunk. You could also color the whole back in one color if you want to go simple.

Step 4: Time to Cook!
Place your colored piece on a square of parchment paper, on a tray in your toaster oven (preheated to about 250 degrees). Watch the magic happen! Don't worry... it will curl up. and curl up again. then finally settle down to the smallest size. If your oven is already hot, this will happen almost immediately and take maybe 30 seconds to complete the process. Keep watching!Sometimes, if you have a long skinny piece, it may turn on it's side and curl up. That's fine, just flatten it out when it's done.

Step 5: Remove from oven
Caution! It will be hot!!If it's not quite flat at the end, you can press it down flat immediately. Note, depending on your plastic, it may not be quite the same proportions as you started with.

Step 6: Sealing - optional
The ink will scratch off of the shrinky plastic, so if you want to seal the charms, I've had the best success with dipping in polyurethane and letting dry overnight. However, I have also had some hairline cracks appear by the hole when i've tried this with tear drop shaped charms. So ymmv. Unless you want the colors to lighten considerably, don't seal with any sort of spray acrylic that contains acetone. Although, it may give you an interesting effect!

Step 7: Enjoy your cool stuff!
String on a chain, add earring hooks, stick on a key chain whatever!

Fine Silver Band Aid Ring by NBDesigns

guy or girl shirt...many colors...zombie first aid by variousandsundry

first aid pillow by pillowhappy

First Aid Fun Magnet Set--(4) 1.25 inches by catlover1

I have had this Leonardo Glass Cube marked in my favorites for some time now. Not only is the architecture fantasitc, but the landscape design is remarkable. I love how the house looks like a glass cube that has been trapped by a spider web.




(via coolboom)
3deluxe created this distinctive corporate architecture for the brand Leonardo. The integrative design concept combines architecture, interior design and landscape design into a complex aesthetic entity.
The glass facade allows the Leonardo Glass Cube to interplay with the surrounding landscape. Inside, a view of a generous open space with an undulating white wall opens up to visitors. Between the curved wall and the glass facade a hallway provides space for informal meetings and events.
The building is a multi-layered composition: the silhouette-like genetics overlay with the graphic design of the glass facade and elements on the inside.

Last night I unpacked the entire kitchen. The kitchen is such an essential room in the house and it was driving me absolutely bonkers not knowing where to find a knife or a plate. I feel so much better now! Here's a collection of modern kitchen items by some fantastic etsy artists.

Designer Chairs Cocktail Napkins - Sets 1 and 2 by avrilloreti

Tennessee Pink Utensil Holder by twobeans

choose your own fabric...recycled vintage fabric quilt coasters - set of 4 by rikrak

holga camera diagram placemats - green on white by girlscantell

Shhh Series Birds Sleeping on Powerline Tea Cup by baileydoesntbark

The golf & country club at Sempachersee has got to be the coolest country club I have ever seen. The interiors of this project are so fantastic and modern and lovely. I wish I lived in Switzerland so I could go visit.




(via thecoolhunter)

terracotta tote bag by mehran

SIX PACK Paper or Plastic No Thank You by zJayne

Earth Friendly Grocery or Market Canvas Tote Bag by quiltyindulgence

LOF Shopping/Grocery Bag (Pink/Black) - NEW 2ND VERSION by littleoddforest

Environmentally Friendly Eye Chart Tote Bag by melissavest

I have always loved the look of these bullet planters. You can find them a few places online, but I find that Hip Haven has the most extensive color and size selection. There's really not a color I don't like!
(update: check out this article from apartment therapy they just listed with hip haven's sale information...AT and I must be on the same wavelength today!)

I have long had a fascination with owls. Last night while sitting in the front yard of my new house I look up and see a huge screech owl sitting on the powerlines on the corner of our lot. I am so excited to be so close to a nature preserve and am looking forward to seeing all sorts of interesting wildlife. (especially the owls!) So, today's lunch hour series is an ode to the beautiful owl and the wonderful etsy artists that share my love.

owl small print by matteart

Mr Owl on a Twig Necklace by ragtrader

YELLOW OWL TO DO LIST notepad by boygirlparty, list organization memo office cute strange yellow pencil bird by boygirlparty

owl earrings by automaton

Kirigami Owl Pop-up Card, Make Yourself by popupcardmaking

Owl Rival Womens Destoyed Tshirt by Deadworry

I saw this post on apartment therapy and fell in love. I love this conversion of a railway carriage in Norfolk. The arched ceiling and thick knotty hardwood plank flooring are so charming.

I really love band posters and was inspired by this Jeff Tweedy poster at the Alabama Theatre, which just happens to be 1 block from my apartment. (at least for one more week until i move!) I found so many great posters on etsy and wanted to share just a few with you.


Wilco Jeff Tweedy Alabama Poster by limescreen

Keep Calm and Carry On Screen Print Poster in Classic Red by BluLima

Poster collection of contemporary drawing from Mexico City by rosiemusic

Recycling is Reusing - a screenprint poster by joeseppi

Yonder Mountain String Band - Tour Poster by cricketpress

While searching for cool interiors I found this extraordinary barn rehab project that included fantastic architecture as well. So, I have combined this into an architecture and interior post. Read part of the article from wallpaper* below:





Project architect Huys co-heads (with Hendrik Vermoortel) Belgian architecture and interior design practice Buro2, who a few years ago received the commission to re-design an old farm barn in the rolling hills of Central West Flanders.
Since the beginning it was clear for Huys what the main concept would be. 'The farm was the main place where people lived alongside nature, seeing it both as force and as threat,' says the architect, who took into account the weather conditions and the surrounding nature, when working on the Barn House's design.
Seeing the barn re-interpretation as a way of developing and managing the landscape, the architect added a new, residential dimension to a structure once only connected to working the land.