Parting is such sweet sorrow...'till Sept

24 hours.


You would think that would be enough hours in the day to fit everything in? But, sadly - no. Apparently having an hour commute, a full time job that just hit a very busy time, a husband, a 3-year old daughter, a tiny-teeny bit of social life… and blog is a little bit too much to fit into 24 hours. My candle burns at both it’s ends and damn, burnt fingers hurt.

So, Lulu is going to be going on a bit of an extended holiday – just for the summer. I am looking forward to returning in the fall with a fresh take and fab new finds for us all.

Thank you to all the artists and designers that we have featured. Your beautiful and inspired works have made Lulu a hit.

And a HUGE Thank you very much to my readers and followers. Your comments and emails have made this project so much more fun.

Have a great summer – see you when the leaves fall.

 

Etsy Friday Five - 6/3

I love Etsy for a lot of reasons; but by and large , my favorite thing is discovering new (to me) artists. Painters, Illustrators, Photographers – Etsy is a seemingly never-ending treasure trove of innovative talent. My walls (and my wallet) can testify that I can always find a new print, a new canvas to purchase.

This week, I found a few more artists for my must-have list.

Susana Parada of Parada Creations has a store full of whimsically delightful prints.  I really like how she treats the feel-good sayings so often featured in her work.  Her font choices are fresh and unique and really make the prints pop.  She has a lot of variety in her store, so I am sure you will find something you love.

Life is a beautiful ride by Parada Creations  - $19

I just adore J.C. Spock’s take on mixed-media. Her pieces are feminine and heartfelt without being schmaltzy. They are beautifully layered and complicated, much like we all are. Her work crosses over easily into note cards, journals and postcards – all available in the store.

Hopeful Girl by JC Spock  - $17.50

There is something provocative and tantalizing in the woman’s eyes in this piece by Claire Mojher.  Like she is just daring you to be shocked by her.  I love it.  All of  Mojher’s work has this same sense of story and drama.   Her pieces leave you wondering about the subject's back story.  So intriguing. 

Eliminating Rivals by Clair Mojher  - $20

Elle Moss is going to get me in trouble with my husband.  I have already bookmarked several of her pieces and forwarded to him as future purchases.  This particular piece really caught my eye.  I love the fluidity and the almost surreal serenity of it.  It is no wonder her work is used often by fashion magazines – it is so beautiful composed and her lighting is wonderful.  She has fast become one of my favorite photographers.

Dive by Elle Moss - $15

You may have seen the work of Maia Chavez Larkin in a gallery or your favorite magazine before. She is a well-known children’s fashion illustrator and her work has been published all over the globe. Her work is still intimate and personal, though and I was totally drawn in by this piece. All of her work has an incredible level of detail and craftsmanship that really denotes Chavez Larkin as a master of her field.

Anouk on a Cold Day by The Voyagers  - $25

All images courtesy of their respective owners

Classic Hardware - Eclectic Accessories with Vintage Attitude

I was in line at the deli the other day and the woman next to me had the cutest vintage tattoo ring. Of course, I had to ask her where she got it, and that is how I found out about Classic Hardware and their awesomely fun line of accessories and cases.

Designer Karyn Cantor’s quirky and eclectic tastes have come together brilliantly in these pieces that borrow inspiration from such varied sources as 1950’s pulp novels, vintage tattoos, fairytales and dia de los muertos.

Classic Hardware also works in collaboration with such talented Indie artists such as Kelly Haigh and Caia Koopman.

The site offers SO much more then just rings, but they have totally captured my fancy today.  Do yourself a favor and head on over to check out their other products.



Swallow Ring - $18

Chickie Ring - $22



 

Forever Ring - $18

Saint Ring - $22

Left for Dead Ring - $22

Sacred Heart Ring - $20

All images courtesy of Classic Hardware

 

Etsy Friday Five - 5/27

Happy Friday everyone!


Some weeks the Friday Five has a definite theme (beauty, travel, brunettes) and some days the theme is “ohhhhhhh – pretty – I totally want that.” That is what is going on this week.

Like this amazing bracelet by Mad River Designs. How pretty is this? I love the juxtaposition of rugged and delicate, in the leather and natural stones. And the color palette is my new favorite for the summer, the colors of sky and water.

Triple Wrap Turquoise, Adventurine and Faceted Prehnite on Leather by Mad River Designs  - $66

This is my favorite time of year to have guests over for dinner.  We have a big table in our garden, and we love to eat al fresco.  I can just see this lovely serving bowl by Susan Rodriguez being passed around the table, heaped full of fresh Jersey corn on the cob, or a nice green salad.   Rodriquez’s store is full of wonderful pieces, but for me, the sgraffito floral design makes this a stand out piece.

Made to Order----Large Ceramic Blossom Bowl by CeramicaBontanica - $98

I have had this piece pinned on Pinterest for a while now (btw, how addicting is that site?) and it gets re-pined all the time.  No wonder, it is such a great image.  Claire Cimbora’s illustrations are all widely imaginative and fun, seemly set in a dream world where a little girl can cuddle with Pandas and Elephants can rock a tightrope.  Her work would be perfect for a kids room, but would not be at all out of place on a gallery wall.

Stars in Jars by Schmooks - $29

Love stories and typewriters are two of my absolute favorite things.   No wonder this brooch by Tilly Bloom caught my eye so quickly.   Her jewelry designs are so original and quirky; you really have to take the time to browse her shop.  Each piece is a wearable piece of art and a total conversation starter.

How to write a love story brooch by Tilly Bloom  - $17

Now that my daughter is out of the “I am going to spread hazardous waste on the couch” stage of life, we are looking to purchase a new couch. I like the idea of a neutral couch with piles of funky pillows and this one by Alexandra Ferguson is high on my list. All of her pillows are fun and irreverent, and would give some pop to any living space.

Be Nice or Leave Pillow by Alexandra Ferguson - $89



All images courtesy of their respective owners



Namaste - 9 stylish products for the Yoga Studio.

I will be honest - the closest I have come to doing yoga is watching a very limber 90 year old women bend like a pretzel on public access TV. (At least I think she was 90. I was drunk, it was 4:00 am and I can’t be entirely sure.) . I am much more a hiking, long walk, swimming kind of girl – and those yoga people seem to be doing things with their bodies that would make my un-limber limbs cry.


However, due to the incessant prodding by a yoga loving friend (Hi, Jennifer) and a really great offer from Groupon.com – I am now the proud owner of six yoga sessions.

Since, I figure I am going to die during the first class, I thought - why not go out with some cool new gear.

Wish me luck and if Lulu goes silent after next Monday, try to remember me fondly. 

 
1. Lilypad Lotus Mobility Pant by Be Present - $81; 2. Orchid Mat by Wai Lana Yoga - $29.95; 3. Happiness is Yoga tank by OmGirl at Evolve Fit Wear - $42; 4. The Hot Yoga Collection by Kulae - $68; 5. Quan Yin Goddess Tee by Third Eye Threads - $58; 6. Windy Tree Yoga Pants by Ahpeele - $54; 7. Ultra Big Tote by Hugger Mugger - $54.95; 8. Spring Green Yoga Headband by BresValley - $20; 9. Bliss Yoga Mat Spray by Rebel Green - $7.99
 
 
 

All images courtesy of their respective owners

Sycamore Street Press - Letterpress to fall in love with.

I am a sucker for letterpress, I just adore it. So, I was very excited last week when I got an email from the lovely folks over at Sycamore Street Press letting me know that their Spring ’11 line was available.

Their new designs are fresh, fun and just a little bit cheeky. I am especially in love with the Subliminal Baby series of posters and the Facebook birthday card.

Tell Hallmark to stuff it, and brighten up someone’s mailbox with one of these letterpress winners. You can check out all the new offerings over here. Posters are $35, Cards are $4.50

All images courtesy of Sycamore Street Press

Etsy Friday Five - 5/20

Lately the urge to go is strong in me. To go where, I don’t know – but to be somewhere other. To be on the road, to be traveling, to be exploring new places I will never forget. I am longing for new views, new waters…. Just new. The world is so big, so vast and my cube seems so small right now.

Ahhhh, but the weekend is almost here – and who knows what the next two days can hold.

Have a great weekend. I hope it brings you adventure!

Food Fuel Motel by Robert Cadloff - $30

Calm Waters Remixed Vintage Train Case by Judy the Jazzcat  - $70

Off to see the world by Three Red Apples  - $38.50

Life is a daring adventure print by Happy Deliveries  - $20

Vintage Railroad Car Coasters by Cheltenham Road - $16

All images courtesy of their respective owners.