Christmas in July

I was going through my "inspiration images" last night.  I love filtering through the catalog and magazine pages periodically- to prune ("what was I thinking..?") or admire the spaces and objects that continue catch my eye.

When I found an image of these Williams Sonoma appetizer plates in my pile of scraps, it felt like finding ten bucks from last season stashed in a coat pocket!  

I LOVE these plates, painted by Parisian Marc Lacaze.  They marry two of my favorite things, wine and art.  Well, and food, since they are plates.  If anyone reading would like to get me a Christmas gift...ahem.  

Yes, I am aware Christmas is 5.5 months away.

Recession Obsession

Lately, my design budget has gone from minimal to nearly non-existent, but I never stop dreaming of what changes I might make next.  An easy (and inexpensive) addition that I love for the summer are some bright and bold throw pillows.  Like a coat of paint, a few new pillows can transform a room for next to nothing. Today, after Googling and drooling over my favorite pillow (or curtain, or chair, or sofa) fabric ever-

(Colorway: Aquamarine)

Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon pattern, (whose $206/yd cost is the single reason I haven't already re-covered every upholstered item in my house)- I somehow stumbled on my newest obsession:  John Robshaw Textiles.  

Years ago, Robshaw traveled across Asia searching for dyes for his own fabric work. In the process, he found and fell in love with the talented local artisans who produced remarkably beautiful textiles- all through traditional methods.  

                

When I look at the block printed, embroidered, woven, painted, and hand-dipped fabrics I can't help but let my mind wander to the smoky souks, spice markets and vibrant colors of somewhere halfway around the world.

Everything I saw on Robshaw's site was equally simple and stunning.  The bed ensembles are to-die-for and block-printed tablecloths would look equally fabulous at at formal dinner or outdoor picnic.  And don't even get me started on the delicate baby crib linens or adorable dog beds.  But the little jewels that really caught my eye are the throw-pillows.

               

While I might not be able to hop a plane to India this summer, these mini-pieces-of-art will transform my living room into a place thousands of miles away.

Click here to check out John Robshaw Textiles' Fall Preview.




(All images, except for Schumacher Chiang Mai, borrowed from johnrobshaw.com)

Black and White

When traveling, I am always on the lookout for souvenirs. Not t-shirts or shot glasses or those weird silver spoons...but handmade pieces that, years down the road, will still look beautiful in my home and remind me of my journeys.

While cruising down Broadway in Tucson, I found an amazing Mexican import store called Zocalo. The owners were so friendly, and loved telling the stories behind their finds. In many cases, they deal directly with artisans and furniture makers, so prices are pretty reasonable for gorgeous handcrafted items.

The antique furniture, jewelry and tin art were all calling my name, but the Talavera Vasquez painted pottery was absolutely gorgeous. The traditional designs were so graphically simple, bold and crisp that they just popped amid the clutter of the other folk art.

I later discovered that these pots were actually featured in an issue of (may it rest in peace) Domino Magazine, so that made my infatuation seem that much more justified. My large black and white chevron "tibor" is looking a little lonely, so I can't wait to add to my collection on my next visit.

How awesome is this planter? (14"x 5.5" x 5") I'm envisioning it on my kitchen counter, filled with limes! Who's ready for a margarita?

(images from Emilia Ceramics)