The House In My Head

Do you know the book- The House In My Head?  I've written about it before, here. 

There is something about the title that just appeals to me.  Doesn't everyone have a dream house in their head?   I know I do!  Even though owning a home has never really been important to me, the idea of having your own space to decorate with an endless budget however you wish is intoxicating.

So I am starting a new feature on this blog- things I would have in my dream home-
The House In My Head.  Today we are talking dishes.  Everyday dinner plate patterns.  I have two that I am obsessed with:

 

1. Mikasa Nature's Song
This pattern consists of several designs- the two I love are below- plates with a bright orange & brown circle and the speckled bowls.  There are also gravy bowls, cups & saucers, S & P shakers, and sugar & cream sets.  Available on Ebay here.
 

2. Heath Ceramics Spring Collection
I have long coveted anything from Heath Ceramics, and this classic set would fit into any decorating scheme and hold it's own.  I have heard many an urban legend where someone finds an entire set of vintage Heath dishes at a thrift store but I have not been this lucky.  Sigh... maybe someday.

 

Well, there you have it.  Your first peek inside The House In My Head.

Winter Wonderland

 

Look at how cute that tiny little fox head is.  I just love it.

I was trying to create an ornament last year that incorporated a fox, and I just couldn't make it work so no one got any ornaments last year.  Sad face.  A few weeks ago I was messing around with some designs and it hit me- why not just stitch the head and put a cute wreath around it?  So I did and here it is- this year's ornament! 

It is available for sale in my Etsy shop and don't forget- everything (including my necklaces) is 10% off through Monday!  Use the code STITCHY at checkout. 

 

 

Internet Magic



 

Remember how things were before the Internet?  Boring and factless and you had no idea if anyone out there liked the same things you did?  I know people talk a lot of crap about how everyone should "unplug" and take time away from things but personally, I love being connected to others in such a creative way. 

Recently, one of my instagram friends emailed me and asked if she could do a feature on the cross stitch necklaces I make and sell.  Uh, yes!  Could she ever!  So go check it out Annika's blog, All The Live Long Day.  She lives in London and offers a unique perspective on life there, as well as interesting travel destinations, crafts, chummy food, and music. 

Thanks Annika!

NEW

Hey guys!  I listed some new necklaces in the 'ol Etsy shop this weekend.  I'm especially excited about the new glitter polka dot design- polka dots are so cute!  Please take a look and spread the word! 

Pr/instagram

Have you guys checked out Printstagram?  This company takes your Instagram photos and turns them into a variety of different products- photo albums, posters, t-shirts, stickers, etc. 
After my fun trip to the Madonna Inn a couple of months ago I decided to get some unique mementos made (surprise ruined for my tripmates!) and put in an order for some adorable tiny-ish picture books featuring all my Instagram photos from our fun weekend. 
They turned out great, I totally recommend them and plan on getting more made in the future- next up, Strudel picture books! 

P.S.- In other news, I had the best "Friendiversary" last weekend with my friend Lauren, we went shopping, stalked celebrities, ate way too much and had a beach picnic!  Check out the details on her blog- This is La La Land!

Modern Macrame

 

After thinking about it for several months, I finally got around to making some macrame plant hangers.  Even though I kept having visions of ugly 70's scratchy brown monstrosities, I soldiered on.  Sticking with a clean color palette and a simple, non-fussy silhouette helped, as did eliminating large wooden beads.  

For the top plant, I used a Josephine knot tutorial from the book "Vintage Craft Workshop" by Cathy Callahan.  For the plant below, I went even easier, just tying simple knots around a glossy black pot and pointy succulent.  I love how they turned out!   

Tabletops of Los Angeles

Lately I have been drawn to taking rather random photos of table tops when going out to eat!

Top photo- Cafe Stella

Middle photo- Wurstkuche

Bottom photo- The Market on Holly

Knitted Hudson Bay Blanket

 

Isn't this blanket amazing?!?!

My  friend Lauren knitted it using this pattern from the Purl Bee website.  She did a great job on it and it turned out beautifully!  It's such a great take on the classic Hudson Bay Four Point Blanket, that it almost almost makes me want to take up knitting.

Chevron Time

I added some new necklace designs to my Etsy shop!

These lovely chevrons are available in a variety of colors and are housed in a bronze and glass frame.

Check them out here!

New Pieces!

 I added some new styles to the Etsy shop today....

you should go check them out!!!

Hedi Slimane/California Song

 

I finally made it to the Hedi Slimane photography exhibit at MOCA at the Pacific Design Center yesterday and it was so good.  The exhibit focuses on images that he took here in California starting in 2007, but I found the photos to be rather timeless, some look like they could have been taken anywhere between 1960 and now.   

The exhibit is pretty small and won't take you much time, I think I spent 30 minutes there tops, but it's worth checking out.  There are 2 floors, the first is prints of his work, and then on the second floor-the best thing ever- they have a giant cube set up and project his photos onto it.  All the while this cozy ambient music is playing and it's really dark.  It's kind of like being in the most creative womb ever and it makes you just want to move in, cozy into a soft bed and live there forever.  It's fantastic.

 

Cover Up

White Cross Stitch case on Amazon

Brass Frame case from EXOvault

Black & White Rilakkuma Cat cases on Ebay

I finally got a new iPhone! I'm not usually up to speed on all the new electronics, it's never been an interest of mine and I just don't care much. But when your old iPhone freezes at every turn and won't let you download any new apps because you "aren't compatible", you know it's time for a change. But I will tell you what I am obsessed with- the iPhone case. Now that is one topic I can get behind. I always judge a book by it's cover dontcha know? These are three styles I fell in love with.

Printy

I picked up this simple black and green block print at a craft fair last weekend and I just love it! 

It has clean lines and just enough visual interest, and looks great with all the plants. 

Plus, it reminds me of some of the cross stitch patterns I've been trying out lately. 

Welcome to the house, new print!

DIY Painted Clutch

I've been seeing all these great hand painted clutches here, here, and here on the internet and was very curious to try it myself.  Most people have been using the American Apparel clutches for this, but at $50 I was a little concerned that I would be spending too much money on something I didn't totally love.  I finally managed to find a clutch I liked on sale for under $20 and we were in business.

At the craft store, I purchased:

1. Painter's tape 

2.  A sponge brush 

3.  Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Craft Paint

I used a ruler and pen to measure and mark the area I wanted to paint, roughly the lower third of the bag.  Then I applied the painter's tape around all four sides of the area I wanted to paint.  Make sure to really press down on the tape, you don't want any paint sneaking in under there!

Then I painted and let dry between each coat.  I think I did 8 coats.  It took a lot of paint to cover up the pattern on this bag!  Then I peeled off the tape and viola- this adorable clutch!

 

 

Here it is in action! I love love love it.

Holiday Gift Guide

Hey guys! I felt the need to write a gift guide this year and then after I did, I realized it was pretty girly. I guess it makes sense considering I'm a girl, and I'm assuming most of my readers are girls... so without further ado, here it is- Blend's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide for the Ladies! Enjoy.

Diana Vreeland- The Eye Has To Travel

Can you believe there is a new book about Diana Vreeland out?!? I'm dying! Written by Lisa Immordino Vreeland (who is married to Diana's grandson), this book features more than 350 illustrations, including original magazine spreads and many famous photographs. Heaven!

Marisa Berenson: A Life In Pictures
I've been obsessed with Marisa Berenson ever since I watched Cabaret when I was 19. For me she is the perfect mix of worldly glamour and 70's inspiration.

70's Style & Design
Speaking of the 70's... this book is amazing! A must have for the fashion obsessed.


Midwest Maude Ornaments

Inspired by Enid Collins, these ornaments are so fantastic I felt as if I had found something I was looking for my whole life! They come in tons of color combos and are perfect for any woman in your life.

Dylan's Candy Bar Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
I'm obsessed with sweet & salty combos and this one sounds so good. Wouldn't you love to find this in your stocking Christmas morning? Yum.

Did you know that a Dylan's Candy Bar is opening next year in Los Angeles? Color me excited!
West Elm Hand Blocked Triangle Pillow Cover

If there is one thing in life I stress out about, it's throw pillows. I feel like they say so much about a person, so I don't want them to be too crazy or trendy. When I saw these gold beauties at West Elm, I knew my year-long search had ended. These would fit into just about any decorating scheme- and don't forget to buy some pillow inserts!


Dorothy Thorpe Glassware

I find the best way to find and collect this Mad Men-ish style is to do a simple Ebay search for: you guessed it- Dorothy Thorpe Glassware!

Giant Round Ice Cubes

Extra Large Square Ice Cubes

I'm super into the idea of using just one huge ice cube to keep your drink cold- since there is less surface area, these cubes keep your cocktails chilled without diluting the flavor. Adds that extra special touch to any get together.

Champagne Coupes

I'm partial to this set of six by Schott Zwiesel. The simplicity of the design lets your cocktail take center stage, and the Tritan-infused glass resists scratching and breakage.

Cyber Monday Sale!

Hey friends!  

I'm having a Cyber Monday sale today in my Etsy shop.

Enter coupon code "Blend" for 20% off!

Etsy Friends!

I don't mean to brag (yes I do!), but I have a bunch of really talented friends.  If you are looking for some amazing gifts for people this holiday season, please check out their Etsy shops!

Giant Dwarf

No introduction needed, Sue has been making beautiful goods for years.

Leslie Taylor Jewelry

Leslie had been in the jewelry business for a long time, but just opened an Etsy shop.  Let's welcome her by buying everything!  Lucky for us her pieces are so so pretty.

Pollyanna Cowgirl
Pollyanna Cowgirl Bags

I love wearing Polly's designs, they are super cute and stylish!

Ornaments

I "made" some Christmas ornaments today.  By "made" I mean I bought plain wooden ornaments and drew on them with my favorite thing ever- the Sharpie paint pen!  Have you tried these pens?  SO amazing.  You can use them on just about every material.  Ever since I got one I have been drawing on everything!

I think I will make a bunch of these and use them as a wrapping accessory on Christmas gifts. 

Getty Villa

I visited the Getty Villa last weekend and ended up obsessed with all the marble they used on the floors and walls.  I was amazed at the feeling of coziness and warmth they could get using color and pattern, all from a material that normally seems so cold and formal.



Make Believe

When I was younger, I was bored a LOT.  It's the combination of growing up in a small town and not owning a television.  One of the games I would play to occupy myself was called "If I Lived Here, How Would I Decorate?".  If I found myself in a boring situation, I would mentally redecorate my surroundings.  I still do it to this day, just not as often.  Probably because there is usually a TV around to distract me!

These days if I was playing the game (and if I won the lottery and was able to buy my fantasy mid-century modern home), these Anthropologie A.P.C. quilts would be on all the beds.  They are the perfect combination of traditional home and cutting edge cool.  A.P.C. makes the chic-est clothes out there and they used old clothes and scraps from the line to make these.  SUCH a good idea!