Beth Hoeckel

I stumbled upon artist Beth Hoeckel's work today and was completely mesmerized. I want to visit these places that she has created through collage + photography. I have been thinking a lot lately about how to combine flowers and galaxies, plants and planets, gardens and outer space. A bit esoteric I know, but I am so super inspired by Beth's work. Have a look for yourself and get ready to float away. Thank you Beth.

Flower Safari

My cunning friend Natalie knew just how to get me all fired up and swooning and filled with the kind of inspiration that keeps me from getting a solid night's rest: she sent this my way! HOW BRILLIANT is this art exhibit?? Look at those geometric plant holders. The floral chandeliers. The beautiful manner in which that incredibly exotic looking plant is pinned to the wall for all to observe and admire. I am simply in awe. Furthermore, this happened in Capetown, South Africa. 

OK, how about a little back story here: I don't think that I have ever shared with you how much I love South Africa. Elijah and I traveled throughout that wondrous country for nearly three months in a car and fell so deeply, madly in love with the country. I actually long to be there. Really and truly. That being said it makes my heart burst with joy when I see such creative talent coming out and getting recognition. Please take a moment and visit Mariah of Size Too Small and see some of the magic that is happening there. She is the one who styled Flower Safari and made the floral chandeliers. I am a fan of hers and really appreciate everything she shares, especially her experience as an American living in Capetown with her really beautiful little family.

Midsummer Nights Crafts

Midsummer Nights Crafts!

OK so this is what I've been working on extensively these past few weeks! I am so excited to share with you a series of craft workshops that I've curated starting next Thursday at the amazing space of Shelter Half! Yay! What a tremendous opportunity! I feel like it is such a wonderful way to spend a summer's evening: listening to records, sipping on drinks, eating snacks inspired by summer's bounty, and meeting new friends while working on a craft together.

We have some really amazing artists that are going to lead some of the workshops including indigo queen Britt Browne and Krissy Morrison of Colour Plantae (and Thvm)! Yes we are going to get our hands dirty and do some dye-ing! Also a build-your-own Noguchi inspired lamp that you will want to hang in your home and a kokedama workshop so that you can create your own hanging string gardens! Lots of really, really good things to make and build! So are you in? I can't wait!

***A huge thank you to Lauren of Spencer Studio for creating such amazing artwork for our site and her constant stream of support and enthusiasm. I couldn't have done this without her! And another huge thank you to Virginie for her endless source of joy and encouragement of the arts! She is a well of inspiration and magic. This project would not exist without her***

Britt Browne

Britt Browne is an exceptioanlly talented and lovely artist, teacher, printmaker, and human being all around. Look at these stunning cards that she made. I was able to get my hands on these prints; they make me so happy every time I look their way. I feel like you too would feel the same. So check her out! She is the indigo queen.

Kokedama: String Garden

I made some really sweet kokedama's this weekend to sell at Shelter Half. If you have a small apartment or want an easy-to-take-care of lil' plant friend or simply love moss, you need one! Hang one from your window (preferably not full sun all day) and watch your space get a little dose of magic. Go and get yours (or email me about an upcoming workshop to make your own)!

Caitlin Wylde

Caitlin Wylde's work makes me feel, for lack of a better word description, like home. She has such a spirit in her manner with which she not only creates her work but is apparent in all the other things that she does; where she places objects, what she collects and picks up, what she sews and marries, and how she makes them work together. Her art is textured, layered with pieces from nature and earth; intricate, intertwined, sun-washed and warm. She seems to carry this spirit with her--it meanders through her studio, her art, gardens, and spills into her beautiful home (in Echo Park). When I met her I felt like I was meeting a person from a different era: what I would expect say if I met Patti Smith or maybe Joni Mitchell. She is naturally radiant. Truly inspiring.

This Thursday 6/13 from 7-9pm her art is being exhibited in the amazing space of Shelter Half. I'm going to to be there and hope that you too can make it out. 

Black {flower} Magic

My, my, my. I gasped out loud when I saw these. Taylor is a flower magician! Her crowns are absolutely stunning. Oh, and how about the lighting in this photography? And the make-up? And the beautiful model? Heart overload on many levels here! This is incredibly inspiring. Magic.

(via FFF)

Patti Smith

“For life is the best thing we have in this existence. And if we should desire to believe in something, it should be a beacon within. This beacon being the sun, sea, and sky, our children, our work, our companions and, most simply put, the embodiment of love.”                                                                                        -Patti Smith

I agree wholeheartedly with Patti. What more can we add to that? Perfectly spoken. What a cool mom. Have you a really lovely mom? I know that you don't need a Hallmark holiday to simply let her know how cool she is, right? Everyday is mother's day as far as my mom is concerned.

Buy Patti Smith: Dream of Life here. 

                                                                
(Merci Virginie)*

Kusafune

Such sweet little ceramics from KuSaFuNe! I want all three of these! They would also make perfect mother's day gifts. Just sayin'. Hope your week is off to a brilliant start so far*

via allthemountains

Tim Walker: Magical Thinking

DREAM STATE
a photo shoot by: Tim Walker

Of this incredible photo shoot done by none other than our beloved Tim Walker, stylist Jacob K states that "It was based on pure fantasy." It was photographed in two stages, the second ending in a chimney fire that took firefighters 15 hours to get under control! The insanely beautifully tousled cherry blossoms were styled by set designer Shona Heath. I love the proportions between the vase and the branches. And she created the flame spewing dragon out of foil cupcakes liners! It all really is magical creating, right? I would have loved to have been working on that set to see the magical dreamscaping unfolding in front of my very own eyes.