Lovely

{well this is quite lovely}

Found here

Holiday Gifts

House Beautiful featured some really fun holiday gifts for under $25 in their latest magazine. These cookies, from The Flour Pot, are definitely my favorite item under $25. I think I will use this project as inspiration though, as its far more fun to bake and decorate holiday cookies with friends.


PS - While looking for my own light bulb cookie cutter I found Fancy Flours' website. Be sure to take a look at all their fun baking supplies and decor for all your holiday sweets!

Your weekend plans...

Just in case you're looking for something to do this weekend... take a look at this handmade paper chandelier. Holy Moley! Where does this level of patience come from? Each piece was cut out by hand. Please, someone make this! I would make it, but where in the world would I hang it??? Actually, that's an awful excuse for not making the chandelier, I have plenty of ceiling space... just no patience to cut out so many pieces.

PS - WedVert has a DIY tutorial for making a simply chic and easy version of the paper chandelier.

Glam Lighting

Loving these light fixtures. They are oh so L.Alden. I can see each really making your room sparkle and giving your space a warm feeling; perfect for cozy evenings reading by the fire, entertaining in the dining room, or dimly lit console tables.

Artist: Tracy Glover

Today I opened the mailbox to find Hospitality Design magazine waiting there for me. Before I even got back inside, I was already flipping through the newest issue. Trade magazines are usually pretty interesting because they highlight artists, designers, materials, vendors, etc and provide more technical information that you wouldn't normally read {articles on hardware, fixtures, etc} about in Domino, Southern Living, etc. Note: I'm not suggesting that you go subscribe to a bunch of trade magazines... they're not always that interesting {and frankly many decorating/design magazines have way better photos}.

At some point during my lunch break, the magazine fell right open to a page featuring artist Tracy Glover. Tracy, a RISD graduate, uses Venetian techniques to create contemporary glass home accessories. Her work is incredible! I don't know too much about glass blowing, but from what I understand, its not easy {and if you breath while you're supposed to be blowing the glass, can't you die from the heat???... this might be an urban legend, but I think this thought will pretty much permanantly keep me away from ever picking glass blowing up as a hobby}. To think that someone could make glass that is so intricately designed just amazes me.

After looking through her website, I have determined that it would be nearly impossible for me to decide on a favorite piece. Tracy's ceiling mount light fixture is high up on my list though. I would love to have one of her lamps on my bedside table. I imagine it would cast a warm glow with small hints of color running through the light. And a pair of sconces flanking my bathroom mirror? Lovely lovely lovely! In conclusion, I could design many a room around her lighting and accessory pieces.