inspiration is hiding in here…

 

 

Somethings-hiding-in-here-wrapping
Somethings-hiding-in-here-wrapping2

 

This amazing holiday gift wrap idea is making the blog rounds, which doesn't surprise me because it is SO COOL. Shauna & Stephen of Something's Hiding in Here never cease to inspire me with their endless creativity. This project was featured in the Martha Stewart gift wrapping challenge, where you can vote for them and see other fun ideas as well. I intend to give this a try very soon…it won't make it under our tree this year, but it will be on my mind until I am able to give it a shot!

images courtesy of something's hiding in here

 

la mer de pianos…

 

 

La-mer-de-pianos

 

I discovered this video via my friends at Three Potato Four the other day, and feel compelled to share it! My grandfather started playing piano in his seventies, because he just decided he wanted to, which I thought was adorable. I learned a bit from him, and can play one or two simple songs. My Mom had always encouraged me to play, as I had "piano fingers", but I never really took a huge interest. However, I love the art of the instrument, and the beautiful music it can produce. This shop in Paris is about keeping the traditions alive, and giving life to older instruments. See the video here…I think it's fascinating!

 

eames love…

 

 

Eames-film

 

I have admired the collaborations and talents of Charles and Ray Eames since my early twenties, and am very excited about the film that was recently released. The husband and wife team are responsible for so many groundbreaking designs of the 20th century, and they have all found a new home in the 21st. In my early twenties I was studying design and working for Maharam when they obtained the rights to produce fabrics and products using their iconic designs, and I was hooked. My obsession grew when I journeyed to NYC to see an exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt and saw the famous chair designs of the duo in person. Ever since, I have coveted the Eames lounge chair…someday, maybe. In the meantime, I will look forward to seeing the film.The cool factor is so high, Ice Cube is into them…check it out.

image source

 

holiday gift guide…#phillycreatives edition!

 

 

Terrain-holiday

This holiday gift guide is focused on supporting small business…in this case, in my city…Philadelphia! With so much local talent it was hard to pick and choose, but these are some of my favorite shops, and people. I am so thankful to know these amazing artists and creatives…happy shopping!


for the old soul…a vintage find from three potato four

for the romantic…a custom arrangement by sullivan owen 

for the artistic…illustrated housewares by girls can tell

for the hostess…tabletop decor from aphro chic

for the BYOB-er…the philly wine tote, found at the little apple

for the nostalgic…a custom calligraphy print by lindsey bee

for the dapper…hand crafted bowties from forage bowties

for the trendy…unique creations by made by hank

for the bibliophile…a book from (or trip to) baldwin's book barn

for the decorator…a unique find from high street market

for the foodie…organic libations from art in the age

for the writer…unique letterpress creations by cleanwash letterpress

for the uber chic…vintage decor & treasures at vintage now

for the artist…rustic desk caddy made by peg and awl

for the rugged…clothing & gear from trove general store

for the party girl…a starlette sparkler by giant dwarf

for the poet…the poet journal by roughdrAftbooks

for the music lover…music box by something's hiding in here (via BHLDN)

for the mom to be…a nesting gift certificate!! (shameless self-promotion)

for anyone & everyone…save a life, buy a bar of hand in hand soap!


musée d’Orsay…

 

 

Musee-d'orsay

Somehow I have neglected to write about one of my favorite Paris musuems, the Musée d'Orsay. It recently reopened after over a year and a half of renovations, and I find it interesting how it has been changed. Apparently a white background is not always best for showcasing artwork, especially in the case of impressionistic or academic pieces. The radiant white can create an aura around a painting which distracts from the subtleties and nuances of the artwork. Modern artwork, usually having more abstract and larger subjects, fares better with a white background. The new Impressionist gallery in the museum has charcoal gray walls, making the pieces the center of attention, rather than the light. If you are interested, check out this video. I am looking forward to seeing the new & improved space!