Ólafur Arnalds
It is hard to describe in words the music of Ólafur Arnalds. It has the ability to transport you somewhere magical. The video above was my first introduction to his music. There is so much depth to his work, including crowd improvisation, intimate gathering, as well as monthly releases of new works. It is well worth taking some time to explore it. (all images from Ólafur Arnalds website)
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Signs of the Zodiac / Canada Post
Every once in a while Canada Post comes out with a series of stamps that rival the UK postage. This zodiac series succeeds fabulously in my books from a design stand point. And because they are postage-paid (immune to increases in postage rates) I’m loading up to use on every piece of snail mail I need send for the next 2 years! (design by Paprika; images by Paprika and Canada Post)
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Hopea / Guy Vidal
Goodbye 2011.Welcome 2012!
I’m beginning the new year with a look into the past. These pieces by Guy Vidal are substantial yet detailed in a way that keeps them light and airy. Born in Quebec, Canada in 1938, Vidal concocted his own pewter formula which allowed him to create intricate pieces that held their strength. Cosima Friesen curates the shop which curates his work is called Hopea. Hopea itself is a substantial selection of vintage modern jewelry focusing on Canadian and Scandinavian pieces from the 1960s and 70s. A great find (which also reminds me of my friend Kristin, of Mette!) (all images from Hopea)
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Kate MccGwire / Artist
Kate MccGwire collects molted bird feathers to create intricate sculptures. She sometimes collect as many as 10,000 feathers to make one piece. These images are just a few examples of her work. The total scale of her work can be seen on her website. (all images by Tessa Angus; via Trendland)
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Holiday Wrapping
Wrapping ideas for gifts large or small. Each of these has a little extra effort added: colourful snowflakes and origami to gifts; a strip of washi tape around tiny treats; hand-stamped tags; gift box covered with items found at home – like cocktail napkins! (images Studio of Mae, You are my Fave, Wiksten Made, and Decor8)
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Sandra Juto / Wrist Worms
I could resist no longer and ordered a set of Sandra Juto’s Wrist Worms to keep my fingers toasty in front of the computer this winter. They arrived in lovely packaging and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the overall meticulousness and care taken in their crafting. There are plenty of colours and styles to suit every taste in her little online shop. *Notebooks in background are by Sparrow& Co. (all photos are by Sandra Juto except the first and last – those are the ones I ordered)
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Aurelie Tu / Crafted Systems
Aurelie Tu partners with the Portland, Oregon YWCA women’s shelter to assembled by hand her 100% natural wool felt vessels, table pieces, lights, floor and wall hangings. With her work, she helps support women in transition, economically enabling and empowering them, giving them collective purpose and creative outlet. (all photos Aurelie Tu / Crafted Systems)
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Lovely Palettes
Finding that delicate balance between white and greys for inspiration for my walls, I’ve stumble over many lovely ways that blue-grey works with warm golds and browns. (images from Flora Grubb, Uxua Hotel in Brasil, BHLDN, Anthropologie, Marion House Book)
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I am in love with these waterproof, articulated, flexible storage bags from Sparrow (Varpunen)! Think of the uses! In the kitchen, the bathroom, the living rooms, the kids’ room. The bags are about approximately 20 x 20 cm, and they are made of a coated polyester. Looking forward to some smaller and larger sizes too! That would be nice. (via Weekday Carnival; all images Riikka Kant Rapids)
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Eske Rex
Remember back when you were a child, there was a toy that allowed you to rhythmically draw spiral after spiral to create lovely, textured, soothing mandalas? This is that game all grown up. The Drawing Machine by artist Eske Rex is a moving sculpture which records and explores the passing of time, force and motion. See video link at the top of the page. Watch it in action here.I so want one of these! (all images Eske Rex)
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