Inspiration: self containment

The newest addition to our vastly growing collection of treasures is this antique ship-in-a-bottle previously owned by my Bf's grandmother. With her unfortunate passing last year went the history behind this vintage little relic. I love looking at this precious little self contained ship and have been dreaming up a story of it's creation and inauguration into the Ellsworth family.
Staring at this ship now nestled in my office, has reengaged my love for glass containers and self contained objects. Encasing something is a surefire way of making it romantic and precious.

Below is a gorgeous selection of fancy apothecary jars, plant terrariums and bell jars.

One of my favorites:
Paxton Gate Wizard Mouse encased in a wood based glass dome.


Perfect housewarming gift:
EcoSphere self sustaining contained no fuss eco-system.

Always a crowdpleaser: Succulent Terrariums
(I'd love a house full of plant terrariums but I am a little crushed after my first attempt died within 3 months)

And lastly, the ultimate in self containment: a pet fish.
I've been eager to post something about industrial designer Roger Arquer's brilliant fish bowl project for a while now. The project explores a variety of social issues expressed in a series of 15 custom fish bowls.
Russian Dolls
XS or XL
Do Not Piss Me Off

delicate

When things are hectic I tend to gravitate towards subtly.
These amazingly intricate paper cutouts by Cuban artist Elsita (Elsa Mora) are awe inspiring and peaceful. I cant say enough positive things about her work. I'll let these images speak for themselves.
the wound
good-bye bird
secret anatomy of a young girl
bird mask
Resources: elsita's papercutting blog; Etsy shop
More white, subtle and organic:
Below are a couple of images of hand carved eggshells by craftsman Gary LeMaster:
I can't even begin to fathom how difficult something like this is to accomplish.

Good Design

question:
answer:
Maarten De Ceulaer "Pile of Suitcases"
Design Academy Eindhoven graduate

This stunningly simple yet beautiful wardrobe has it all; vintage appeal, functionality, clean lines and shades of green. I feel like this designer crawled into my subconscious and made my dream furniture.
via Dezeen

Great find: The PinPals

I just picked up these little paper dolls by The Pin Pals at a sweet little shop in Davis square.
I absolutely love how nasty and feisty these guys are.
The Pin Pals blog is amazing and it's great to see how many different projects they explore. This darling duo Burnaby and Alicia are available on their Etsy site:
Along with prints, t-shirts and paper dolls they also make adorable little one of a kind buttons. How sweet are these tiny cross stitched pins?
These tiny pins undoubtedly remind me of my dear friend Tiffany's handmade needlepoint charms available on her heist jewelry blog and Etsy:I really do love handmade pieces!

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Covet: Wood Eyewear

I NEED these vintage wooden wayfarers.  

Andy Beach from Reference Library didn't win them on Ebay so it made my day when I spotted them on his amazingly disappointing blog. 

Boutique buzz: Boston

I just got back from visiting my lovely home away from home Boston. I was inspired and impressed with some of the delicious little boutiques I came across on this visit.
A new favorite of mine is ACQUIRE, a tiny little gem of a shop nestled in the North End.
I picked up a ridiculously affordable handmade wooden wreath and was tempted to buy a few more things. The reclaimed boudoir chairs, vintage medical apothecary cabinets and the teenie live shrimp eco-system were among my favorites.
Shop curator and owner Nikki Dalrymple's shop blog.

Here are a few other great design boutiques around Mass:
Good-always a delight. This Beacon Hill shop is a constant go-to for amazing treasures and jewelry.
Magpie-cute and local artist supporting kitsch shop in Davis Square.
Map-interesting mix of men's clothing and hand crafted pieces and art in Province Town.
E.R. Butler & Co.-a stunning mix of architectural hardware and slightly macabre lux accessories.
Louisboston- high priced couture fashion and lust worthy home accessories on Newbury Street.

mini obsession: tiny things

If it's 1/12th the size, it's safe to say I'll be into it. Below is a selection of tiny things that make me happy:


Fun photos of deliciously modern interiors from dollhouse blog Minimodern

Two photographs by local Miami artist Nestor Arenas

I love his dead animals series and one day plan on picking up the kitty photo. 

Above is a selection of various photographs by amazing artist Lori Nix

Inspiration: leaving home

I like getting lost, I like old maps, I like party dresses and I like crisp men's shirts. I love Elizabeth LeCourt's work: Cephalopod; Trust Fund Girl
Reglisses roulees; Chelsea girl

looking forward to: Tara Donovan

I'm heading to Boston next week and I am so anxious to see good friends, eat rich food, wear layers, and visit the ICA to see the Tara Donovan show that is opening on Friday.
Tara Donovan, "Untitled (Styrofoam Cups)" (detail), 2003.
Tara Donovan, "Untitled (Paper Plates)," 2003.
Tara Donovan, "Untitled (Toothpicks)," 2004.

In the artist's hands, common, mass-produced items—toothpicks, buttons, drinking straws—become captivating sculptures.For over a decade, American sculptor Tara Donovan has transformed huge volumes of everyday items into stunning works of phenomenal impact. Layered, piled, or clustered with an almost viral repetition, these products assume forms that both evoke natural systems and seem to defy the laws of nature.

Inspiration: cleverness

via ffffound!

White Objects

Designer: Dominic Wilcox; "The War Bowl" by Areaware;High-quality plastic toy soldiers have been melted together to create the War Bowl. Dimensions: Approx. 18" dia. $400

Saenger Porcelain Design II Set “Captain Picard’s Tea Set”(porcelain, white glaze); seven-piece set: pot 10"x9"x8" - $240



TomVac Chair
Vitra
$337
via Hive




















Wallflower Decor
25 polypropylene flowers $40
Urban Outfitters