Etsy Wilderness x 3

I found this watercolor on Etsy and I like it:

Pile of wood by Geninne

Then Porcelain found this print, also on Etsy (also likes it):

wooden stones white print by smallstump

We thought it would be cute to put together a little Etsy homage to the wilderness. But things are often better in threes...

I Love You My Deer by kjsdesign

PERFECT!

Our Imaginary Wilderness Triptych

Weekend Flings

"Blue Bikini"

• Gold Digger's $10 Booty of Stripper Polaroids (seen above)
• Local Art Classes
• Commitment is...a Laser-Cut Wedding Dress
• "It's like you're breast feeding Jesus" & Other Things Overheard in Chicago
• Trevor O'Neil's Salvaged Design
• Clover Comes Home

Boycott: 'ter-"kwä

On TV, I just heard Kimora Lee Simmons pronounce turquoise ('ter-"koiz or -"kwoiz) as turquoi ('ter-"kwä). Not that I look to Kimora for all my pronunciation needs but...

Are we saying it like this?

Noooo! Now my imaginary cross-dressing big band, The Turquoise Noise Boys, will never get a gig!

photo credit: culturekitchen

Dooce on Design

"The little things"

Dooce, the blogger who is so good at what she does that she makes enough money to support her 3-person/1-dog family, is going to start talking about design. She writes:

...I’ve been dying to add a section where I can collect my thoughts on design and beautiful, everyday things (like clothes, home decor, office supplies, packaging, etc.). So I’m just going to go ahead and get going on this...

Today, she gave us a preview with some well-designed handsoap (and her ridiculously photogenic dog, Chuck).

I admit that I look forward to her choices. I'll check back to see the strong and vibrant macro-lensed photos. I'll nod and occasionally be jealous of her poignant, hilarious, manic, always true-to-dooce writing. But this does not bode well for the rest of us design bloggers.

We should probably just throw the crisply folded, color-coded towel in now.

Bonus Bone: Soothing white bedroom

Foster house bedroom

For the past couple weeks, I've been pretty stressed out from work and condo-related drama. What I need is a relaxing place to rest and recharge my frazzled nerves.

I think this white bedroom is just the room I need. Even just looking it at on a computer screen, my lungs fill with air and I exhale a loud AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! The bed looks so cozy and inviting. I would love to stay there all day reading books, drinking coffee, and staring out the windows at the beautiful views.

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

Open Book: Further Persons Imperfect

I have such exciting news! My short story, "Learning to Walk," was recently published in the newly released anthology, Further Persons Imperfect. Dan, the nephew of our editor says it best when he states that each of the 17 stories in this book is "exciting, happy, sad, scary, funny or weird." How can you NOT want to read it?!

But - WAIT - it gets better! William F. Nolan (yes, the real-live author of Logan's Run) has this to say about my own piece:

(I couldn't resist scanning Nolan's manually typed letter. The charm of it is just too much. Thanks for the support, Bill!)

And that's not all! I may have written a story but Porcelain landed the cover! Yep, scroll back up there and notice the dynamic formed by her legs and forearms in what is surely a Tyra-inspired posture. Who knew that one day our shared love of photo booths would lead to this?

Further Persons Imperfect costs a mere $12.95 and is available through iUniverse. I'd be ever so grateful if all you bloggy buddies picked up a copy and supported my drive into fiction.

But, if to entice you, I must turn it all back toward design, the cover is bright yellow and would look fantastic in room painted gray, plum, or turquoise so...

CLICK HERE to order!

6 & 7

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

Sweet Sofa Love

Hall Sofa, at Unica Home

Please excuse my momentary vulgarity, but if I could make love to any sofa, it'd be this one. Tufted in all the right places, the Hall Sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni is the epitome of not-necessarily-practical beauty. Can I help it if I'm a sucker for white leather?

I'm posting this fine specimen to show Porcelain since she's wrapped up in her own couch love affair. The price tag puts it a little (okay, a lot) outside the range of affordability (for either of us) but it's certainly worth a few moments of JPEG fantasy.

It's probably best that this sofa is financially unattainable. If Porcelain were to buy it, my breathless fever might make for some fairly awkward dinner parties.

Weekend Flings

"Oh My God, I Am Never Drinking Tequila Again" (left) & "The Menstrual Cramp" (right)

• Threadbared (the blog) Calls it Quits (seen above)
• People Have Lots to Say About Cat Litter
• Glass-Based Lamp HOW TO at Armas Design
• New Bathroom Tile
• Leah Demystifies the Tablescape
• Creative Lighting at Jerry's Sandwiches
• Tyra Banks "Wall of Motion" at FourFour (via My Aim is True)
• Amanda & Dan Give a House Tour
• Julia Pott's "My First Crush"

Bonus Bone: Row Houses

"Row Housing, San Francisco," by Dizzy Atmosphere

It's Full House Day so...

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

Full House Day #3

We had no idea that the holiday we created was so close to Talk Like a Pirate Day but that seems to make it all the more special. Get out your interchangeable twin babies, folks, because today marks the 3rd annual FULL HOUSE DAY!

To celebrate, I sought out some classic FH goofs. Here's one that's actually design-related:

On the first floor of the house, there are two staircases leading up to the second floor - from the kitchen and the living room. But on the second floor, there is only one staircase leading down. And it doesn't matter which one they use, they still end up coming upstairs in the same place.

Fah-reaky!

photo credit: kartooner

Little Field of Flowers

Little Field of Flowers rug, at Plushpod

Porcelain & I have been discussing rugs recently. She's looking for something for both her bedroom and living room. I'm looking to switch up the rug in my living room for something a little softer.

If I had about $4500 to spare, I might order up one of these Little Field of Flowers rugs by Studio Tord Boontje. So Midsummer's Night Dream, right?! Hand loomed from 100% wool felt, it looks completely cushy and I can only imagine how that leafy texture must feel under bare feet. It's available in two sizes and three colors (a deep rich red and a gauzy soft purple).

Sadly enough, it's probably a nightmare to keep clean and the cats would probably think it was an extra special litter box. And there's always the issue of that crazy-nasty price tag. But, alas, one can dream...

Ahoy, etc.

Milky Pirate Mousepad, at CafePress

Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

First figure out your pirate name and then git to mindin' yer booty. Smartly now, lass! Arrrrrr!

6 & 7

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

"Into the Recesses," by Devon

• Reflective Self-Portraits at The Mirror Project (seen above)
• Chicago Mosaic School
• Cayetano Ferrer: Eight Corners in Three Walls
• An Imagined Life: Teenage Teacups
• Donut & Coffee Cupcakes at the Cupcake Bakeshop
• Why You Should Read the Sept. Issue of Cottage Living
• MWTWT Finds a Book I MUST Own
• Smencils!
• The Onion Shows Broficiency with "Bro, You're a God Among Bros"

Bonus Bone: Victoriana vases

Victoriana vases, available at Rosanna

Globe vase, available at Rosanna

I generally gravitate towards modern and minimal style. Every so often I need to break up the streamlined lines and modern materials with something really girly! What's more girly and frilly than a vase inspired from the Victorian era?! Rosanna's Victoriana line has three different vessels available that will satisfy any proper lady. My heart gets all twittery when I see the globe vase filled with gorgeous pink roses. Now I ask you, is there anything more girly and perfect? (The answer is, ahem, no!) This collection is being discontinued, so snap one up while they are still available.

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

Renegade Reminder!

qylaar (another craft duo we love), at the RCF 2006 Holiday Sale

Here is your official reminder about Chicago's 5th annual Renegade Craft Fair. It's this weekend and it promises good times and great shopping.

Info:
Sat 9/15 - Sun 9/16, Noon to 10pm
Working with Do-Division Street Fest on Division St, btwn Damen & Wood


Porcelain & Formica will be making an appearance on Sunday and Bamboo & I will be representin' our favorite vendor, Alison Rose, by working at their booth all weekend long. Stop by and say HELLO!

Lusting for velvet

Hutton sofa, available at Room & Board

Loring sofa, available at Room & Board

Once Hardwood and I finally move into a condo, our first big purchase will be a new sofa. We've been crushing on the Loring sofa from Room & Board for quite awhile. I love the slopey arms and the metal detail on the legs. But then Jordan and Abbey made my head spin when I saw the Hutton sofa in a gorgeous blue velvet. You already know all about my love of velvet! Plus this sofa is LOOOOOOOOONG!! 98 inches long!!! I think I'm going to have to start saving my pennies.

Forever Postal

About a month ago, I came clean about my love of stamps. By doing so, I embraced my inner lameosity. To now prove that I am Queen of Dorkdom, I have to tell you that I penciled into my calendar a reminder to show you the Jury Duty stamp as soon as it was released.

Without further ado:

Jury Duty, $.41 stamp

Hilariously wonderful, wouldn't you agree?

Death of Design on 9/11

Photograph by Tom Spencer of Soul of the Garden

I had an eye-opening experience the other day. I was waiting for the bus to take me home. There was one other woman waiting there with me. I noticed that she was wearing a polo shirt with a business logo on the lapel. She had her arms full of watering cans and her nails were crusted with dirt. We exchanged a few grumbles about the bus always taking forever and then she broke open my heart a little bit.

We got to talking about work - maybe because it was mid-afternoon on a weekday, which is a time when most "normal" people were at work. I asked her about all the gardening gear and inquired if she was in the landscaping business.

She was. Well, she still is but ever since September 11th, 2001, things have drastically changed for my fellow commuter. She told me that she used to have a great job with a successful horticultural firm whose clients were mostly large companies. She enjoyed planning, planting, and caring for all the lobby arrangements. She found joy in her job and she got benefits.

And then there was 9/11.

She claimed that within a matter of days, nearly all of her employer's big accounts pulled out and wanted nothing more to do with indoor plants. I stared at her for a few seconds because I wasn't making the connection. She raised her eyebrows and asked, "What can you hide in a big planter...? A bomb."

Since 9/11, my bus buddy was laid off from her dream job. She tried, in vain, to get another job in a similar setting but it seemed that every company in her field was struggling. She's gotten by with part-time jobs (which she has now) but, in her opinion, her days of stable employment with good pay and benefits are behind her.

Her story simply sunk in. I didn't know anyone who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks. I don't even think I know anyone who knew anyone. When it first happened, I remember reading all the painful first accounts and about the subsequent memorial gatherings. The misery hit me hard then but at such a great distance.

But meeting an everyday woman at the bus stop, with her dirty hands full of what her life used to be...I don't know... it just hurt.

6 & 7

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

• M. Patrizio Debuts Fall Fashion for Glassware (seen above)
• How To...Make Fabric Art
• Jon Huck's Breakfast Project
• My Hands are Bananas (!)
• House Tour: Molly & Raúl's Green Muse
• Miranda July's Best Self-Promotion EVER

IKEA Recall

While scanning IKEA's website the other day, I came across a couple safety issues. Everyone's entitled to mistakes but I thought a recall on marinated herring might be worth an extra announcement.

If you purchased a jar of marinated herring at IKEA recently, you will want to put down the cracker and return it. There have been two cases of customers finding a "large piece of glass" inside the jar. Eeeek! Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries.

And to just so we're all staying safe, here are some other IKEA recalls and important safety updates:

PARODI Glass Vase - RECALLED
Reason: Spontaneously breaks when lifted

Outdoor Candles - RECALLED
Reason: Wax ignites & flares

SNUTTIG Toy - RECALLED
Reason: Plastic bead stuffing comes out and
can be ingested by children, affecting lung function

FÄRGGLAD Children's Chair - RECALLED
Reason: N/A

BERTBY Glass-Door Wall Cabinet (2002) - SAFETY UPDATE
Reason: Wall-mount screws are the wrong size.
Contact IKEA to receive the correct screws.

LYCKSELE Chair/Sofa Bed - SAFETY UPDATE
Reason: Fingers can get pinched in the folding mechanism.
Contact IKEA to receive a free safety cover.

Lead photo credit: kirsche222 on stock.xchng

Bonus Bone: Basswood Noble Stag

I like antlers. And it appears that I'm not the only one. A new antler craze has hit the design world but instead of going old-school and taking out the rifle, we're wising up and offering faux antlers that look just as good (if not mo' stylized and mo' better) than the real thing. I've come across antlers made from wood, plastic, plaster, vinyl, and paint.

In my back porch area, I have a couple of really ugly paneled "windows." The panels were recently replaced and painted a luscious chocolate brown to match the outside doors. Although they looked a hundred times better, they were still boring. So I got out some acrylic paint and made my own semi-trompe l'oeil tribute to the antler phenomenon.

Cardboard's Back Porch

I'm very pleased with the results. It's loose and fun and pretty dang symmetrical for being free-hand. This weekend art project is a Bonus Bone, in and of itself.

However, if I won that ever-elusive lottery, I might have caved in and purchased one of my favorite antler inspirations to hang out back:

Basswood Noble Stag, at the Home Port

Beautiful, methinks. But also $545. Maybe I should take up whittling...

For these reasons (even in spite of the price), I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Chicago Home Shout Out

Show Off!

Porcelain & I were mentioned in the most recent issue of Chicago Home as one of five rockin' design blogs! Our well-deserving company includes:

Apartment Therapy: Chicago
House in Progress
PrairieMod
Urban Green Project

But this is what they have to say about us:

Geared toward hipsters with big dreams and small budgets.

Broke but cool and inventive...? Sounds just like us. We'll take it!
Thanks, Chicago Home!

Sexy black lamps

Nocturne floor lamp, available at Crate & Barrel

Gabriel chandelier, available at Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel always has a great selection of lighting. Styles range from traditional to contemporary. I'm loving the Gabriel chandelier and the Nocturne floor lamp. Both have a rather traditional shape, but are given an extra bit of oomph from from the sexy, glossy black color.

Gimage: Happy Birthday, Girls!

"Happy Birthday, Girls!"

My super-dreamy little sisters turn 28 today. Go out and eat some cake, ladies! This crazy dude would want it that way.

Video Debut: Blendie!

Porcelain & I have been itching to try the new ADD VIDEO feature on blogger. We wanted to find something great for the debut. Found it:

Introducing Blendie, a voice-activated, tremendously
sensitive blender, by artist Kelly Dobson.

Internet, we love you.

6 & 7

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

• Delicious Day's Trip to Greece (photo above taken by Nicky)
• Tile Vault: Dollop Coffee Co.
• Eco/Clean Opinions at The Green Clean Review
• We Love Bentos
• House of Finn Juhl (via hoping for happy accidents)
• An Escape to Steamboat
• Engrish of the Day
• Keaggy's Daily Celebration of National Sandwich Month

6 & 7

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