The Ode to the White Rose

One of my dear friends Jennifer is marrying her beau of 21 years (that's no type-0 yes 21 years) on September 19, 2009. Together, Jen and I are creating “roses” from clay. The roses will adorn the tables placed perfectly among the food and the drinks and tables that will be strategically placed around the pool patio area. Here are some photos (the whole process) and will post pics of the final “look” on the day of the wedding reception.

White roses represent innocence and purity and are traditionally associated with marriages and new beginnings. The white rose is also a symbol of honor and reverence, and white rose arrangements are often used as an expression of remembrance.

I also included a photo of the “party favors” I made for her Bridal Shower. That’s right, birds with roses and small dishes with birds and roses too. If you haven’t guessed already she’s an avid lover of birds (mainly chickens she has 8) and roses! Oh and anything turquoise.

Random Curiosities (that are inspiring me this week)

Randomness is a concept with somewhat disparate meanings in several fields. It also has common meanings which may have loose connections with some of those more definite meanings. The OED defines "random" thus:

Having no definite aim or purpose; not sent or guided in a particular direction; made, done, occurring, etc., without method or conscious choice; haphazard.

Craig "Skibs" Barker

I went to our friend Craig’s art opening ( I love his work) and thought I would share it with you.

There is something raw and edgy about Craig “Skibs” Barker’s work. His use of color, his use of words, and how he chooses to use the female figure (who happens to be his wife and my dear friend) creates this tension. Creating this soft, sexy subdued lightness while moving me through a darker, deeper realm of his world, a layering of life. A characteristic of his work and mine that I find so lovely.

Here are two of my favorite pieces.

"Laugh And Dream" 48 x 48 "There Is Bluebird In My Heart That Wants To Get Out" 24 x 18

To view more of Craig’s works and find out more about the artist go to http://www.skibsart.com

His work is on view now until September 15, 2009 at Neue Transit Studio (Santiago Street Lofts) 657 Poinsetta Street, Santa Ana, CA.

My Friday's Fave from ETSY

I love vintage metal storage baskets. I love anything "storage" related. I am constantly seeking out "things" to store more "things" in! These three adorable storage solutions are by: High Street Market, Paper and String, and 26 Olive Street all found on Etsy of course!

I love Sara Paloma! Not only is she an amazing artist but she's also one of my dear friends! I've known Sara since high-school and I am still her number 1 fan! I love her work. Each series resonates with me. I am proud to say I have several pieces by her dazzling my home! To see more of Sara Paloma's work click on her name above or go to: http://www.sarapaloma.com






I fell in love with these prints from John W. Golden! These would look great in my kids bathroom. To check out more work by John you can click on his name above or visit him at http://www.jwgdesign.blogspot.com

Exquisite Corpse

Exquisite Corpse (also known as "exquisite cadaver" or "rotating corpse") is a method by which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled, the result being known as the exquisite corpse or cadavre exquis in French. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence, either by following a rule or by being allowed to see the end of what the previous contributed 

Years ago in college there was a group of us that became really close since we had the same classes, same breaks,  and we would sit around, smoke (usually at some dingy diner) and pass paper around writing whatever thoughts came pouring out. The paper would be folded over and you had no idea what the other person just wrote. Sometimes they were hilarious, perverted, even totally lame, but the process was intriguing. 

I have wanted to host a party for some time. Well, maybe more like a small gathering of close friends. Not your usual BBQ, cocktail, or potluck type party either. Something different. When I came across this article today on Design Sponge (one of my fav blogs) "High Brow meets Low Times Party." I knew this was for me, to host a "Exquisite Corpse" theme party.

Food, drinks, friends, and art-what more could a gal ask for! 

The Pear

Pear Lamp by Modernica Jonathan Adler Pear Pillow, Orange Daisy Pear Pin Cushion by Retro Mama,  

Pear and Apple Platter by LunaReece
I have a soft spot for pears. It is, in my view, the pear, wait, the "modern" pear will soon begin to recycle it's compliment to the "bird" we are seeing so much of in decor.  Both of which I am drawn too, continually. I cannot escape its grasp on me. 

"Deer Diary, The Prayer Project, and Be Still" paintings  by Andrea Luna-Reece 2009

R is for photography!

The "Self Portrait"

"Foo Dogs"

"Vintage light with Blue Woman"

more of Ryder's random photos....I love the photo surprises I get when I go to download photos. Ryder is notorious for sneaking the camera and shooting his "masterpieces."