design boner

So Long, Lovers

2010-04-04T17:22:00.006-05:00

Last week, I read a quote from some young scene-stealer who declared Mariah Carey was plaaaaayed out. The newbie said she was past her prime and stated that she should give it up. How someone could spit this blasphemy about such a classic and understated talent was shocking and sad! Naturally, it got me thinking about Design Boner (as the similarities are obvious) and that got me thinking about metamorphosis.

Normally, I would get sappy and long-winded with you. I would tell you that my aimless fingers keep trying to blog upon an invisible keyboard, when they're not busy picking up the pieces of my broken heart...

But this post isn't so much a goodbye as it is a herald - an overstuffed, glittery butterfly announcement - for change and I would like to be brief.

Design Boner has had nearly four years of ad-free, snarky fun and I'm proud of this. The blog, as it is, will remain up because we like it and hope you do too. But there's more out there besides bathroom accessories, wallpaper, and trips to IKEA and it's time we turn our focus.

So, Lambs, remember us for what we were: smart, funny, and not entirely about sparkle and boners (but mostly).

Farewell Design Boner

2010-04-04T16:00:00.002-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Design Boner.

I've had such an amazing experience working on this blog whose name makes the occasional person blush. We've been interviewed twice for two different magazines, had our photos taken, had a gallery show, gone on vacation together but best of all, I was able to work with one of my best friends. I'm very proud of what Cardboard and I accomplished and I couldn't have and wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else.

I have wanted for some time now to try and make a more serious go at my passion and figure out a way of making some sort of living off of my art. It will be a difficult challenge and I don't expect to be quitting my day job any time soon but I want and need to make a concerted effort at realizing my dreams. The hardest part of all of this is giving up something that has been such a big part of my life for so long and I will miss it dearly.

Thank you for reading, leaving comments and being so supportive. All my love to Cardboard for being such an incredible partner-in-crime!

Au revoir!

Weekend Flings

2010-04-03T13:49:00.013-05:00

• Acrylic on Flesh (seen above)
• Photoshop Love
• Fried Pickles!
• Aspic Anyone?
• CraZy StairZ
• Free Ear Books
• Potatoes Redux
• Ask the Shaq
• Pocket Art
• Cardboard's Next Project
• Cardboard's Next Job
• Dope Book
• Abs R EZ
• Most Important Art of the Day
• Everything Reads
• Feelin' Good

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Chris Jordan's Intolerable Beauty

2010-04-02T10:45:00.022-05:00

Boxcar, Seattle 2003

Chris Jordan's photography focuses upon the Intolerable Beauty of our mass-consuming ways. By visiting American shipping centers and industrial dumps, Jordan has seen the vast stacks of by-product and waste and he's both drawn in and repelled.

Circuit boards, Atlanta 2004

These images are staggering, mostly due to the sheer volume of all this garbage! We can't not buy things, we can't not waste, and it would take a miracle for everyone, everywhere to start carrying around re-usable produce bags. A lot of us are still trying to get our neighbors (eh em) to recycle - period. But each of us can become more aware of how we use what we buy versus how we waste it.

Crushed cars #2, Tacoma 2004

So we'd simply like to ask you to pay attention. Maybe this means you'll choose the yogurt in the container that can be recycled over the one that can't. Or perhaps you'll turn over a whole new green leaf and become a composting freak (way to go, Mama C!). Hopefully, you're already on board - recycling, shopping farmers' markets, using the heck out of your cell phone before getting a new one - and this post will merely inspire you to push your dedication further.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare these images - this motive - a Design Boner.

Worth the Week: Mille

2010-03-31T09:58:00.002-05:00

Mille

I'm happy with this photo for three reasons:

1. I'm learning to use my new camera better and it's starting to show.

2. It's a lovely - and still! - portrait of my Mille (who is typically captured as a blur of nose and fur).

3. ORANGE! This bright, crazy orange wall is the very wall that inspired the tag line for this blog. The time has come to paint it over now but it'll always be orange underneath.

Take one photograph,

trade thought for order and words,

call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Diptych

2010-03-29T20:09:00.004-05:00

March 27-28, 2010

Visit flickr to see the Weekend Diptych collection.

Weekend Flings

2010-03-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

• A Hill Story (seen above)
• Cake vs. Pie
• Ryan Ain't Chicken
• Hipster CEO
• Organic & Local

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Round paintings by Sophia Brueckner

2010-03-26T18:26:00.008-05:00

Round paintings by Sophia Brueckner

I love everything about these paintings by Sophia Brueckner. The size, the shape, the repetition of pattern. I can lose myself staring at the waves and undulations. I find them soothing. It's like sitting at the beach and watching wave after wave come in. Lucky for us, Sophia is thinking about opening an Etsy store to sell her beautiful work.

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Worth the Week: My Own Personal Sunset

2010-03-25T17:40:00.011-05:00

My Own Personal Sunset

My commute home from work involves almost one hour, split between two trains. It also often entails gum smacking, brassy cellular blah-blah, and the litter of afternoon teenagers. Sometimes I am like LOL but usually I say, "FML" and wish I was anywhere else.

It was one of these latter moments, one in which I was on the edge of hurling my unobtrusive and COMPLETELY SILENT book at these obnoxious folk, when I noticed this sunset. Everyone else - busy smacking and yakking - did not.

This was mine - all mine - and it was the quietest, most lovely sunset I ever did see.

Take one photograph,

trade thought for order and words,

call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Diptych

2010-03-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

March 20-21, 2010

Weekend of glutenous homemade gluten.
Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Weekend Flings

2010-03-20T19:12:00.000-05:00

• A New Idea for Easter (seen above)
• Free Moos!
• Love Handles Beware
• Update Resume; Read this List
• Wonder Wise Ass
• Holy Heels!

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Abacus

2010-03-19T20:42:00.004-05:00

Abacus Wall Decor, at CB2

I would love this in a child's bedroom or maybe in an entryway. Everywhere else, I'd use a calculator.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Worth the Week: Trump Tower

2010-03-18T16:59:00.002-05:00

Trump Tower

Darth Trump.

Take one photograph,

trade thought for order and words,

call it Worth the Week.

Weekend diptych

2010-03-15T22:54:00.003-05:00

March 13-14, 2010

Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Weekend Flings

2010-03-14T19:17:00.001-05:00

• Russian Art Watch (seen above)
• Way to Go, Skinny CO!
• The French Woman's Secret
• Dulce de Hell Yeah
• The Final Show

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Monstrito pillow

2010-03-12T17:12:00.003-06:00

Monstrito pillow, at giulia sagramola

This little guy is just plain cute! I'd snuggle up with him any day for a cat nap.

For this reason, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Weekend Diptych

2010-03-09T21:31:00.003-06:00

March 6-7, 2010

My weekends as of late have been a combination of domestic chores and screen printing.
Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Worth the Week: Ice Jellyfish

2010-03-08T12:33:00.020-06:00

Ice Jellyfish

The back porch/fenced-in area of my condo building does some crazy (cool) things in the winter. Our ice situation, for example, is an absolute menace. To empty out the trash bins, one must risk paralysis either by icy steps, icy jellyfish, or icy stares from neighbors because our gate is broken again.

Take one photograph,
trade thought for order and words,
call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Flings

2010-03-06T09:31:00.062-06:00

• Shopping Cart Chic (seen above)

• How to Do It for the Little Gold Man
• How WE Do It for the Little Gold Man
• Sexy Star Wars
• Business Days Means Business Days
• Cardboard's Nightmare

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Picnic Plates

2010-03-05T00:29:00.001-06:00

The weather was so totally nice in Chicago yesterday...

So this time, when I found myself waiting for my ride, instead of shivering and swearing, I was squinting and smiling. As my face soaked up the warmth of the sun, I actually started to think of spring. And then, since I was hungry, I started to think of food.

Picnic Palette Dish Set, at ModCloth

The sun, the snacks, the several minutes of trainspotting - it all got me in the mood for a picnic and these plates are so totally cute.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Weekend Diptych

2010-03-02T22:44:00.003-06:00

February 27-28, 2010

Lovely shades of brown and a gorgeous set of green eyes. Chloe is back!
Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Worth the Week: French Fries IN the Sandwich

2010-03-02T16:15:00.014-06:00

French Fries IN the Sandwich

Heat and I are a couple of hams. We ended up at Lucky's Sandwich Company only because we saw it on TV. Well...that and who wouldn't want to try out a sandwich that has the french fries already in it?!

Last Wednesday at Lucky's was nearly empty, perfectly cozy for a slow, snowy night. The sandwich though...? It plates up more slices of legend and bravado than it does bacon or steak. The fries, we understand now, are ideal filler, which may allow the eatery to skimp out on the meat.

But it was still a feat to eat this beast and, when I'm not clutching at my chest, I hold my cholesterol trophy high [ack!] and proud.

Take one photograph,
trade thought for order and words,
call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Flings

2010-02-28T14:17:00.006-06:00

• New Uses x 50 (seen above)
• Boner Mourns Boner
• A Big Ol' Slap in the Forehead
• Darth Wants YOU!
• Ice Dancing is Silly
• Worth Going Organic
• "I Got LIGHTS and HEAT."

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Mushroom lamp

2010-02-26T18:16:00.004-06:00

Mushroom lamp, at Hindsvik

My lamp lust is still going strong. The holes in the mushroom cap would make some nice shadows on the wall. I'm all for some nice shadowing.

For this reason, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Worth the Week: Bus Stop

2010-02-24T12:50:00.006-06:00

Bus Stop

Waiting for the bus sucks. It especially sucks when the city slashes service, when it's Chicago-Style cold out, and when the good ol' gams are threatening collapse after an hour and a half of vinyasa yoga. Vin-yow-sa, rather.

But waiting does provide the chance to see things from a different angle - a gloomy and don't-put-your-tongue-on-that angle, maybe - but something new nonetheless.

Take one photograph,
trade thought for order and words,
call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Diptych

2010-02-23T19:31:00.003-06:00

February 20-21, 2010

Hardwood and I had a fantastic trip to Portland, Oregon this weekend. Ocean and Mountains. We fell in love with the scenery!
Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Weekend Flings

2010-02-21T17:48:00.001-06:00

• Don't Be Afraid of the Semicolon (seen above)
• Tray
• Prey?
• Oh, Kanye!

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Gimme Cupcakes Tea Towel

2010-02-19T16:24:00.002-06:00

The cupcake - such an iconic, innocent, and one might even say, American image. Now mix it with the curved tongue and pointed claws of a flying (swimming?) dragon and you've got a playful new exotic feel.

And the tea towel is made from the softest (I've actually felt it) flour sack cotton so the literal feel won't have your hands breathing fire...Cupcake.

Gimme Cupcakes Tea Towel, by lovelane on etsy

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Worth the Week: Lazy Valentine

2010-02-18T22:46:00.004-06:00

Lazy Valentine

This past Valentine's Day was glorious...gloriously lazy. I had plans for laundry, for a walk or some shopping, but I ended up spending much of day in bed. I couldn't choose one photograph to show my snuggle so I opted for these three: my Bird, my bed, and my Mille Bean.

Since it was the day of hearts and of chocolates, I would have loved to include the blurrily charming portrait of my true valentine, Heat. I found his glimmer of chest hair to be cozy and true but he decided it gauche.

Take one photograph,
trade thought for order and words,
call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Diptych

2010-02-15T09:00:00.001-06:00

February 13-14, 2010

A candy colored weekend.
Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Weekend Flings

2010-02-14T12:45:00.004-06:00

• Paper Hearts (seen above)
• A Good Sign(s)
• Love + Ink = Stinks
• From the "Professa" With Love
• A Tribute Fit for McQueen
• Best Way to a Blogger's Stomach...

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Ecomposter

2010-02-12T16:12:00.013-06:00

ECOmposter, at ECOmposter

On the "What Is It?" segment of Ask This Old House last weekend, Roger Cook presented the above item to all the fellas. Richard Trethewey had the funniest guess, with it being a bowling teaching device for children. In actuality, it turned out to be a composter.

I rarely want to go out and get any of the gadgets they show on that segment, but I was pretty impressed with how this composting ball made composting so much easier and faster. Compost needs to be regularly mixed and, in conventional composting bins, that requires raking, a task which isn't easy and can be messy and smelly.

The ECOmposter allows you to simply spin the ball on its base and you're done. You can also roll it to where you need to add your compost. And because the the ECOmposter is well sealed, you don't have the smell. Compost creation time is increased. To top it all off, the Ecomposter is made from reclaimed/recycled nylon plastic.

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Worth the Week: First Decent Photo with My New Camera

2010-02-11T21:44:00.006-06:00

First Decent Photo with My New Camera

The lovely and creatively supportive Heat just bought me a new camera. Thank you, Heat! Even with a dirty lens (oops to all those smudges up there), my new-to-me Nikon D100 is a million steps up from my former Kodak POS.

I've been wanting to work with an SLR for awhile now. I know that I've improved my photo skills with the (not-all-that-terrible) Kodak but the features are undoubtedly limiting. I was becoming lazy and getting auto-focused into a rut.

After finally picking up, or might I say bench-pressing, my Nikon, I rediscovered that photography is hard! Not only am I dealing with a lot more weight but I'm also struggling with actually having to work. The image above - the old timey fridge - is just barely out of focus. I'm flashing right back to high school and Intro to Photography, when Mr. Bloomfield glared at me over every print I turned in and said, "You sure you don't need glasses?" He was right; I did.

Now I wear contacts (Thank you, Mr. Bloomfield!) but appear to still be a bit shaky-handed (Thank you, Mr. Coffee!). The photo above is aiiiight - interesting composition, decent color - but I know I can do better. So I will continue to play and learn because, like all things worth the work, reward will come from practice and the ability to focus.

Take one photograph,
trade thought for order and words,
call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Diptych

2010-02-08T09:00:00.001-06:00

February 6-7, 2010

Weekend of light.
Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Weekend Flings

2010-02-07T18:40:00.003-06:00

• Haiti: Three Weeks Later (seen above)
• For Your Netflix Queue
• Dealbreaker?
• Free Downloads from Chicago Public!
• How NOT to Email

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Volumes Fabric

2010-02-05T12:05:00.002-06:00

Stacks of books are a big theme at my house but I wouldn't necessarily say they are a decorating choice. I just love the books, ergo, I gots them everywheres.

Well, wait. I don't have them in my window sills (curtains)...or completely covering my bed (sheets)...and I certainly don't wrap them around me when I cook (apron).

Why hello, Volumes fabric! Thank you for coloring my obsession in Rose, in Gold, in Teal.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Worth the Week: Warehouse Worktown

2010-02-03T10:11:00.004-06:00

Warehouse Worktown

The fam was in town this past weekend. We all piled in the car (yes! CAR!) to attend a small and delightful wedding expo thinger. The chic and indie wedding show gave us a taste of bite-sized brisket, vintage pin-ups, and such a lovely script. Yet I couldn't help but notice the space - a very cool industrial-turned-entrepreneurial warehouse.

I would love to work in a space like this. The quiet, open hallways - with brick and vents and NEON - opened onto gently marked doorways. There was even an indoor bike rack! And, most importantly, this building is about a...um...seven minute bus ride from my house.

So far my shiniest employment option is Ballroom Dance Chicago but I don't think I have the technical expertise...yet. I'll have to see what else is in the space because I think Mr. Sketch (that blurry finger up there) would kill me if I contacted The Dark Angel of T-Shirts...

See more of the neon sign fun HERE and HERE.

Take one photograph,
trade thought for order and words,
call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Diptych

2010-02-02T21:00:00.004-06:00

January 30-31, 2010

Machine-made vs. Man-made.
Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Weekend Flings

2010-01-31T18:36:00.002-06:00

• It's For Your Friggin' FACE! (seen above)

• Crafty Weather
• All Burritos, All the Time
• Happy Birthday, Bubbles!
• The Oooops! in Art
• Ack

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Gettin' things framed!

2010-01-29T09:30:00.004-06:00

Gallery Frame, at CB2

Nothing feels better than finally getting a photo or piece of art framed (either professionally or DIY) that has been sitting around for months or possibly years. I had a CB2 coupon burning a hole in my pocket and it was going to expire soon. So Hardwood and I popped down to CB2 last night to pick up the ginormous gallery frame and use it for a semi-recent purchase.

A spritz of glass cleaner, some linen tape and BOOM! Instant improvement!!!

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Worth the Week: Harmony

2010-01-27T17:44:00.008-06:00

Harmony

Part of me has always wanted to be a back-up singer. Standing up in front, ripping through the high notes, and actually hearing yourself, just isn't my thing. (Not that it could be my thing, the three-pronged American Idol panel would insist.) But if I could, and decided I should, I would wear all black, bounce my weight from leg to leg, and sing strong on that back beat.

This secret preference was made positively clear last Friday night when I sang karaoke - alone! - for the first time ever. Sure, I felt a little cool (even though most of the credit belongs to Mr. Fishbowl Margarita III). Mostly though, I just felt silly.

But these fellers - these two guys with their two parts balanced on their one-mind track - they were not silly at all.

Take one photograph,
trade thought for order and words,
call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Diptych

2010-01-25T21:04:00.003-06:00

January 23-24, 2010

Ballz and bacon flights (not mine) help you get over a weekend cold. Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Weekend Flings

2010-01-24T21:05:00.002-06:00

• Attn: Fruit Eaters or Anyone Who Loves the Delicious! (seen above)
• Scary Skinnies
• Fish Cake? Really?!
• What David Bowie Listens to When He's Waiting for the Bus
• Wi-Fi Complaint Box

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Boudreaux's Butt Paste

2010-01-22T16:53:00.002-06:00

Boudreaux's Butt Paste, at drugstore.com

I think I first encountered this product, this beloved Butt Paste, as a gag gift. It sat unused in my bathroom closet until, in gushing desperation, I grabbed for its happy baby tube.

I can't remember what that original ailment was that made me decide to finally use this hilarious joke medicine. But since then, I've caked it on scrapes, burns, rashes, super dry skin, and, during this recent terrible cold, a tissue-abused nose. It smells a bit of cocoa and shares consistency with sculpting clay but, most importantly, it works.

Oh and hey, I've heard it actually works miracles for diaper-raw baby butts!

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Pink Pig, Flying

2010-01-21T18:08:00.004-06:00

A criticism I never thought I would utter...?

La Vie en Rose Sun Jar, at Delight

...Not improved by pink.

ORIGINAL Sun Jar, at Cool Stuff Cheap

Worth the Week: Congestion

2010-01-20T10:06:00.042-06:00

Congestion

I was really sick this past weekend. So instead of running around playing shutterbug, I was stuck home on the couch with Photoshop and a big ol' box of lubed-up kleenex in my lap.

This week's photo is a mash-up of two photos, the only two things I actually accomplished this weekend: sneezing and Artichoke Pie. The layered image is inspired by the poisonous tickle of an angry sinus and the ability to view Masters of Horror often, instantly.

Take one photograph,
trade thought for order and words,
call it Worth the Week.

Weekend Diptych

2010-01-18T09:00:00.003-06:00

January 16-17, 2010

The sky was absolutely beautiful - inspiring - this weekend. Visit flickr to see the ever-growing Weekend Diptych collection.

Weekend Flings

2010-01-17T14:20:00.012-06:00

• Donate: Haiti (seen above)

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Schwinn 2010 Jenny

2010-01-15T17:31:00.005-06:00

2010 Jenny, at Schwinn

One of my goals for 2010 is to ride my bike to work at least once, but hopefully it will become a habit. I do have a bike but it is old and weighs a ton. So I've had my eyes out for something vintage looking, but without the vintage heft.

Schwinn to the rescue! The adorably named Jenny is styled in yellow with tan leather accents. Throw a basket on the front and I'm set!

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Porcelain's Weekend Diptych

2010-01-14T21:56:00.007-06:00

January 9 - 10, 2010

My photo uploading was delayed due to a fun-filled, yet very busy week. Here is my weekend diptych. Visit flickr to see the ever-growing diptych collection.

Happy Birthday Cardboard!

2010-01-11T10:00:00.002-06:00

Porcelain & Cardboard

Happy Birthday my dear friend! Hope you bowl a perfect game this year!!!

XOXO
Love, Porcelain

Worth the Week: Pear Art

2010-01-10T18:13:00.004-06:00

I am very pleased that Porcelain is continuing on with our weekend tradition by discovering and refining her own Weekend Diptychs. For me, the 6 & 7 Project had started to feel like a chore: do two loads of laundry, buy kitty litter, take a %&@! photo... I realize what I was missing with the 6/7's was the reason.

To give my photos more purpose, I'm going to focus (or unfocus, if the image begs for artful blur) on one. Each week, I will take AND write about one photograph that means something to me. Even the images that require little language will still mean seven days of observation and thought. Let's see if all of them can't be Worth the Week.

Pear Art

I took this photo on Friday at Chicago Art Department. This small piece, by Susan Murtaugh, was part of the international gallery show called iPhone Therefore iArt.

Pear-depicting art always charms me. It may not always be good (although I do rather like this one) but I never fail to linger and examine. It's not the voluptuous shape of the fruit that pulls me in but rather the simple fact that it's pears up there - right there - look!

You see, with the IRL last name of Bartlett, pear art has a familial place in my heart and on my walls. In fact, each member of my family has at least one piece of pear art, usually gifted by another in the family. Whether it's one solid pear or a tilted and jumbled pile of 'em, seeing this fruit in art makes me remember the tree I came from, to whose shade I can always return.

Weekend Flings

2010-01-10T09:42:00.001-06:00

• Leg Warmers Not Included (seen above)

• A Decade for Bibliophiles
• What Bloggers Wear
• One Part Design; Two Parts Wife Swap
• Bookmark for NEXT Christmas!

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Big Ol' Bright Color at Crate & Barrel

2010-01-08T17:34:00.003-06:00

Crate & Barrel is often noted for their clean whites and sophisticated wood palette but they're showing up with some in-your-face color with their latest catalog.

Check out some of the yum proving to be a welcome candy-coating to this dull Chicago winter:

Multicolored Cocktail Napkins, $19.95 for 12

Hogan Rug in Teal, $19.95-$199

Tote Bags, $26.95 each

Henley Floor Pillows, $36.95 each

Newport Dishtowels, $4.95 each

Abagail Throws, $49.95 each

Mini Bowls, $8.95 for 4

For this reason, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Porcelain's Weekend Diptych

2010-01-05T19:31:00.009-06:00

January 2 -3, 2010

While Cardboard and I are figuring out where we want to take Design Boner next, I will be continuing to take weekend photos. It's a good challenge and reason to make me take my camera out on a weekly basis. Plus I got a new lens for my birthday and I need to test it out a lot more.

I'm sure Cardboard will be back in the game and sharing some of her amazing shots, like this one, or this one, or this one!

New Year's Renovations

2010-01-03T17:31:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year to all of you! We hope all of you find success, love, fulfillment, and comfortable socks in this new and sci-fizzle sounding decade. 2010 may sound like the future but the future is now.

Speaking of now, Porcelain and I are going to take a little blogging break. We've been Painting Walls Orange... for nearly four years and we are now - finally!- a little burnt out. We wish there was some kind of device that could put it all into perfect order but we think it's time for some major renovations.

But please don't worry that Design Boner will never get (it) up again. We're not worried! We will continue to post just not as often. This next month will find us powering brunching and, over Bloody Mary flights and rose petal butter, we will scale back, seek out the creative, and focus on what sets Design Boner apart.

If you have any thoughts on what direction this blog should take - what do you love? what do you love (not so much) - we're completely open to the feedback. We hope to have more figured out by the end of January. Until then, please feed yourself on our RSS so you don't starve yourself of wit and...

!...STAY TUNED...!

6 & 7

2010-01-01T15:54:00.014-06:00

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Holiday Supplies!

2009-12-21T23:27:00.002-06:00

You wanna know what's better than sugarplums, tinsel, and Christmas cookies combined? Spending the holiday with a brand new kitten!

Flannel

Meeting Flannel, the new addition to the Alison Rose/Mr. Sketch/Grace family, is my happy surprise present. I didn't ask Santa for kitten snorgles this year but this little fuzz bundle might just end up being my perfect Christmas wish.

Yet, on the opposite end of the surprise spectrum, a friend's mom was trimming the tree this past weekend and fell off a ladder and broke her leg! Yeouch! [Update: She is doing alright although confined to the couch].

So have you been hit with any holiday surprises - good or bad - yet? Or maybe you have a memorable anecdote from the past to share with us. Other than playful kitten kisses and Coquito, laughter is the best salve for holiday anguish.

6 & 7

2009-12-21T09:03:00.001-06:00

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

2009-12-20T21:44:00.002-06:00

• Surrealist Bento Magic (seen above)
• It's Called a Dickie
• Porcelain's New Favorite
• No GAP in Annoyance

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Pine Tree Stand

2009-12-18T19:35:00.004-06:00

Pine Tree Stand by Maria Håård, at Design House Stockholm

Place a star on top AND the bottom of the tree this year. Minimal, Swedish, and available in red, green or white. So much nicer than the clunky ones from Home Depot.

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

I Am Cracker

2009-12-17T16:24:00.017-06:00

Ever since watching this video...

...I haven't been able to open an egg to save my life. Every omelet is preceded by this Humpty Dumpty fumble of a dramatic eggactment.

Want your very own EZ Cracker? They do exist.

Warm for Porcelain

2009-12-16T12:14:00.001-06:00

USB Heating Gloves, at USB Geek

Happy birthday, Porcelain!

I regret I did not buy the shown-above BEST BLOGGER GIFT EVER for your special day. I suggest you sit on your hands, for the time being, and just wait and hope for Christmas...or next year...or (best yet) a warmer, mo' better work environment.

I love you, my blogger buddy, and I hope 2010 brings you success and warm fingers!

Scandinavian wreath

2009-12-15T17:17:00.004-06:00

Kotte wreath, at Ikea

Hardwood and I picked up this simple wreath made of wheat at a recent trip to Ikea. A nice, but still natural, change of pace from the usual boxwood wreaths we buy.

If you want a more fragrant option, watch this Jane Cumberbatch video and learn to make a savory rosemary wreath.

6 & 7

2009-12-14T08:30:00.001-06:00

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

2009-12-13T12:40:00.003-06:00

• Flags From Food, or, SmART (seen above)
• "Hello...Wine & Cheese...Ding Dong."
• Neck Butterflies Can Only Breed Violence
• America's Next Top Cheeseburger

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Towels, Artistic

2009-12-12T17:21:00.002-06:00

Salsa Stripe Dishtowels, at Crate and Barrel

Since we're on the subject of dish towels, I've had my eye on these feisty numbers for awhile. Stripes and bold color often wins over my heart. These particular towels make me think of warm nights and spicy music...of squeezing limes to pulp and soapy water floating bits of avocado...

Frida Kahlo

They are the kitchen accessory equivalent to Frida Kahlo's ballsy desire to want it all - the color, the juice, the grime - now give it.

Bonus Bone: Hand Towels by PataPri

2009-12-11T21:14:00.019-06:00

Iroiro Hand Towel, $15 at Etsy

Yuko Uemura, the creative force behind PataPri, is getting this screenprinting thing just about right. A graphic designer who spends her time in both Tokyo and Chicago, she loved her screenprinting class at Lillstreet Art Center so much that she decided to start her own handmade business.

Set of 3 Hand Towels, $27 at Etsy

What I love about her hand towels is the girlish simplicity. First of all, everyone can use a towel - in the kitchen, in the bathroom - so the product is necessary, basic. But then Uemura makes each towel special with a smart, sweet, but never saccharine design.

Paper Towel Hand Towel, $15 at Etsy

Besides hand/dish towels, she also prints on aprons and tote bags. Her Etsy shop also lists bedding, tablecloths, and paper products, although these categories are empty now. I'm so sad; I'm so curious. Perhaps, if we buy enough towels, we can fund her new year printing spree and satisfy our textile habit!

For this reason, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Art Farm

2009-12-09T17:00:00.003-06:00

Dan Martensen and Shannan Click's country home, all photographs by The Selby

When Hardwood was laid off this summer, we started to reexamine our lives. We questioned what we wanted to do, where we wanted to live and what kind of lives we wanted to lead. We met a young ceramic artist earlier in the year who bought a farm in Western Michigan and used all the out buildings for making art. We loved this idea and seriously considered the idea of moving from Chicago and starting our own Art Farm.

We want to be able to make a living off our art. We also love the idea of having a self-sustaining life. Growing everything we eat, bartering with other members of the community for services/products, etc. We even went so far as check out a farm for sale in Michigan. In the end we decided that we still had a bit of the city left in us. Plus we weren't financially able to up and move right away. This might be a five year plan sort of situation.

When I saw the Selby's photographs of Dan Martensen and Shannan Click's country home, all my country living/Art Farm dreams came flooding back. The simplified life, fresh veggies, pickling, ping pong tournaments and space to make noise and get messy. There's one more thing I'd like to add to our dream list: a pool!

6 & 7

2009-12-07T22:37:00.003-06:00

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Take a Pill

2009-12-07T14:17:00.004-06:00

Sleeping Pill Body Pillow, by Galactic Boutique on Etsy

Full of sugar (thanks to yesterday's delicious cookie fest) and completely exhausted, I could use one of these pillows right now. I probably don't need the hard stuff; a Tylenol PM pillow will do just fine.

First Found (Hilariously Doctored) on Regretsy

Weekend Flings

2009-12-06T20:18:00.014-06:00

• Press Play For Heart Explosion (seen above)
• Cardboard Made One of These Today
• And Porcelain Made a Bunch of These...And These

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: This Is Not A Pipe tea light

2009-12-04T10:41:00.007-06:00

This Is Not A Pipe tea light, at Jonathan Adler

My Art History major heart just went thumpity thump thumpity thump.

For this reason, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Dining room mock-up

2009-12-02T16:11:00.020-06:00

Clockwise from top center: PH5 pendant lamp, at DWR; Modern drape rod, at Pottery Barn; Wool panel with grommets, at West Elm; Norden dining table, at Ikea; Rona stemware, at CB2; Ikea 365+ dinner plate, at Ikea; Spin napkin, at Crate & Barrel; Strand flatware, at Crate & Barrel; Fiberglass shell chair, at Modernica; Wegner Wishbone chair, at Room & Board

After Thanksgiving, I've really had the desire to make my dining area look more put together. Our dining room shares space with my painting studio and it has worked out, for the most part, but it can get pretty cluttered.

I'm tossing around the idea of switching our dining room and our living room, although if you want to get technical, we'd be moving it into its properly designated room. I'd still share the front room, but this time with the boob tube. Imagine painting and watching some Gossip Girl, my semi-secret guilty pleasure! All of my paintings will start being of Serena and Blair.

Don't fret Cardboard! You will always be my muse!

My one big reluctance is that we'll go through the trouble of moving all of the heavy furniture and end up not liking it - only to be forced to move it back (and having Hardwood not too pleased with this hair-brained scheme of mine).

To get the creative juices flowing, I made a mock-up featuring a few items we already have (table, shell chairs, dishes/tableware) and a few Scandinavian classics that I've always wanted. We have three Eames shell chairs in yellow ochre, so I'd like to round out the set with a few more. (I'm currently scouring eBay.) I feel the black wishbone chairs at either end of the table would balance out all the lighter colors, as would the dark curtains and rod. And I'd give anything to get rid of our '80s chandelier. (Also scouring eBay for a good deal on the PH5 light.)

So how do you think I should propose these suggestions to Hardwood? Anything you'd add or subtract from the mock-up?

Electric Soup

2009-12-01T17:16:00.015-06:00

Le Creuset 8-Quart Stockpot, at Bed Bath & Beyond

Zing! I love the deep, rich cobalt color of this stockpot. I just don't think my kitchen is big enough to contain all that electricity...

...Or this electricity:

6 & 7

2009-11-30T21:21:00.004-06:00

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

2009-11-29T20:31:00.001-06:00

• Best Covers (seen above)
• Drunken MacGyver
• A Long, Awkward Road to the Stars

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Sleep & Eye Pillows

2009-11-27T20:23:00.002-06:00

Sleep Pillows, $24

The past few days might have found you traveling, cleaning, cooking, eatingeatingeating, shopping, and maybe - if you too were lucky enough to spend today in a 69-degree Denver - completing some yard work. My point is: we all deserve a rest.

I just found these cute Sleep Pillows from Jane, Inc. Filled with lavender and flax seed, they promise to open sinuses and usher in a calm sleep. If you want something you can take on the plane with you, Jane also sells Eye Pillows.

Eye Pillows, $20

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T15:48:00.007-06:00

We took a break this week. We hope you did too! Just know that we're always thankful for you, your readin' eyeballs, mouse-clickin' hands, and genuinely smart-ass comments.

6 & 7

2009-11-25T16:15:00.004-06:00

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

2009-11-21T10:00:00.001-06:00

• Thanksgiving is for Memories (seen above)
• Wonder if Zack is Happy About This
• We KNOW Facebook Likes This
• Animated Stretchy
• A Christmas Apple

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Albion gravy boat

2009-11-20T17:38:00.005-06:00

Albion Sauce/Gravy Pitcher, at The Conran Shop

Thanksgiving is less than a week away. Do you have your gravy boat ready? Excuse me, I mean sauce pitcher. Ooo la la! So fancy, those Brits! What they call a sauce pitcher, we call a BOAT.

Anyhoo, I love the simple, elegant lines of this boat designed by Terence Conran. The shape is a simplified, subtle bird. The spout is its beak while the handle and plumage act as tail feathers. This is a bird theme I can get behind.

Pass the gravy, darlin'!

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

It's Big, It's Heavy, It's...Pink?

2009-11-19T14:25:00.002-06:00

Duraflame Colorlog

I don't have a fireplace in my home (sad face) so this log is not for me but Duraflame still earns an honorable mention for not only helping out the boobies (happy face) but also calling this product Colorlog!

When/if you hearth-having people buy a Colorlog, 2% of the sale will go straight to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. And, according to the Oakland Tribune, the log really does burn pink (and purple and orange).

So get out there now and log load for the wintertime. Yet if you're meager and fireless like Porcelain and myself, you may just have to settle for the Duraflame screensaver (sad, sad, crying face).

1 of 3 HOT Screensavers

6 & 7

2009-11-16T08:49:00.003-06:00

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

2009-11-15T21:20:00.002-06:00

• This & 143 Other Bad Tattoos (seen above)
• Nessie...or Boat...or Pineapple?
• Inspiration to Keep on Running, or, Way to Go, Jess!
• DJ Toolbox Gets All the Ladies
• Right On, Apostrophe, Right On

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

ALERT: One Hour Sale!

2009-11-14T23:00:00.002-06:00

Stocking Stuffer ALERT!

Delight is offering a five-pack of Envirosax reusable grocery bags at a 55% discount! The Ultra-Mod Black & White pattern is the only set left but they're the best anyway.

Just enter ENVIROSALE into the coupon box upon check-out but do it before midnight tonight!

Bonus Bone: Anti-Theft Lunch Bags

2009-11-13T21:22:00.001-06:00

Anti-Theft Lunch Bags, at the.

They complete my design trifecta: smart, a little gross, and funnyhaha.

25 Bags for $10

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Swinging from the chandelier

2009-11-12T08:55:00.004-06:00

Hastens ad campaign

Literally!

A Friend for Carlos

2009-11-11T23:16:00.001-06:00

Do you guys remember Carlos?

Carlos Night Light, at ICA

Well, I've still got him around and, yes, he still has that blasted ear infection. Dear Porcelain had his sickly little heart in mind, however, when she sent me a link to his maybe/could-be best friend ever.

Dachshund Lamp, at Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is adopting out the Dachshund Lamp! What a perfect little buddy, no? He's white (or green), he's glowy, he's small, idealized, and dog-shaped...

Yet Carlos is made of precious porcelain and I believe that, despite the omnipresent linen infliction, he might find the Dachshund rather...stunted.

Thrifty Christy

2009-11-10T13:55:00.003-06:00

7.5 Ft Upside Down Christmas Tree, at Sam's Club

My local Salvation Army actually has one of these upside-down Christmas trees for sale!

It's unadorned (you must provide photo ornaments of your own grandkids) and I don't know how much it costs. Yet this is the first time I've seen one of these in-person and, letmetellyou, it is green and it is crazy.

But you must hurry on over if you want to check it out. For in the world of discount stores, the good stuff (talkin' to you, DJ Play Station) is gone in a blink but coordination of color is forever.

Reds and Greys, by Brian C.

Lamp lust

2009-11-10T08:56:00.004-06:00

Cosy table lamp, at DWR

Bubble chandelier by Jean Pelle, at etsy

Porcelain mushroom lamp, at SITE

James glass kerosene lamps, at Pottery Barn

I think if I could design anything, I'd like to design lighting. Here are some of my recent lighting cravings.

6 & 7

2009-11-09T07:42:00.002-06:00

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

2009-11-08T16:41:00.003-06:00

• Awful Reference (seen above)
• Welcome to Autumn, $%@&!$!
• Eat Your Instruments
• BENefit

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: 100 Abandoned Houses

2009-11-06T09:25:00.007-06:00

100 Abandoned Houses by Kevin Bauman

Kevin Bauman has been documenting abandoned and decaying houses around Detroit since the mid '90s. He captures the bleakness and sadness of the once great city crumbling so perfectly.

I have a love/hate relationship with Detroit. I am very proud of coming from a tough, gritty area. But when I return to visit friends and family, I am so sad at what the city has turned into and I'm always happy to flee back to Chicago. I'm still rooting for Detroit. I hope it rises from the ashes like a great phoenix!

Kevin's photos are available for purchase and he plans to give a portion of the proceeds to a charity doing positive work around Detroit.

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

White Velvet & Unwhite Fur

2009-11-05T17:10:00.007-06:00

Velvet Grommet Window Panels, at West Elm

Ooooooh, Velvet Grommet curtains in white (Ivory, really). They're so luxurious and decadent and ON SALE.

But then I remember that I've got a few of these guys at home...

Cardboard's Bird & Mille

...so my wintry white windowscape would end up looking something like this:

Olunda poster

2009-11-03T19:21:00.001-06:00

OLUNDA picture, at IKEA

I haven't wanted a mass-produced poster this bad since the days of my door size Luke Perry 90210 one. Aw yeah!

6 & 7

2009-11-02T19:11:00.005-06:00

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

2009-10-31T23:50:00.004-05:00

• Happy Halloween, Lady Boys! (seen above)
• Turn that Frown...YEEEEOUCH!
• Good Question, Pothead

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Yankee Candle's Sage & Citrus

2009-10-30T12:45:00.010-05:00

I know some of you are going to turn up your noses at the mention of Yankee but I will, here and now, stand proud. Sage & Citrus is one of the best candle scents I've ever sniffed. Ever.

I will admit that Yankee goes a little overboard now and again but this candle smells so good that I wouldn't even mind if the wax binder was baby sweat or animal eyelashes. *

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

* No babies/animals were harmed in the writing of this post (or the making of that candle).

Piled Mile High

2009-10-28T17:41:00.014-05:00

Snow Day Denver! DB field reporter, Mama Cardboard, took a few minutes out of her day to snap some photos of Denver's first true snow. The above is taken from her front door and the pretty pattern below is a garden arch.

Thanks for the pics, Mama C! Enjoy your hot cocoa and any time spent asleep near the ~~heater~~ fireplace. Most importantly though - good luck on your flight tomorrow! Egads.