Handmade Friday

Yes yes I know I already featured this great garland here but It's so cool I thought it deserved another mention.

These great Halloween faces are handmade from paper and measure in at 6 feet long. They are wonderfully spooky and not friendly which I detest in Halloween decorations.

Jessica of Paper Acorn makes these and other fantastic paper items check them out in her etsy shop.

Have a Happy Halloween!!

Canceled?

Rumours are swirling that the Alameda Flea Market is closing. No one seems to know if it's just this Sunday (My Birthday) or for good.

At first it was thought to be because of the trouble with the Bay Bridge. There are other ways to get to Alameda, other bridges and most conveniently a ferry that docks right at the point where the flea market is.

Now it seems like the on again, off again talk is due to feuding partners. Apartment Therapy, Anh-Minh and Sfgirlbybay have all posted on this and no one seems to know what's truly going on. The website for the flea market has zero information.

As a resident of Alameda I can tell you that over the years there's been a lot of tug o' war on the old Navy base. Many people want to level it and put up mcmansions (it's an incredible view of San Francisco), some want to put parks and some don't want to put any money at all into it.

I think it would benefit most from an stadium to draw bands to play the Bay Area, plenty of parking and no neighbors to disturb...but nobody asked me.

We'll see what happens. Last month the flea market was so packed with vendors it was almost impossible to see the whole thing. I'd hate to see such an amazing flea market close.

UPDATE:

Looks like it will be open this Sunday! Check out this article.

photo courtesy of Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire

Things We Love

It's hard to limit ourselves to one thing, but we've chosen a picture

of two of our retro Staffordshire coffee mugs.

When we first met, we both had a fascination of retro-design, and in

those days (about 7 years ago) we were frequent guest at local

fleamarkets, but had little cash to spend.

The Staffordshire mugs wasn't hard to find and attracted us with their

strong colors and retro-patterns, and they were affordable – about 5

kr (that's a dollar per mug).

So it didn't take long to build a nice little collection, and we still

use a selection of the best as...coffee mugs! - see the collection at

http://www.topkop.dk (if anyone is in for a trade we've got doubles of

most of the mugs!)

Hanne and Tobias, WhatWeDo.dk

Check out Hanne and Tobias' House Tour here.


Got something you love? Have a look around your house, is there a little trinket or piece of art that makes you smile? Send me an email or add it to the flickr group and tell me why you love it!

Sharing

I just wanted to share some pics of my new/old canister.

If you remember I told you about an identical one that got away from me at Urban Ore.
I miraculously was able to find it on etsy and it has arrived and I'm in love.

The canister has all my favorite colors in it and they're used so well. I'd like to someday do an art piece or maybe even a mural to look like this canister. I'm not sure if you can see in this photos the gold hilights in the flowers, they're so pretty!

One thing leads to another...

I know I can't be the only person this happens to, first you look at one great item, maybe you saw it in a magazine, maybe a blog then you go to it's site, then you find something else just as cute and then another. Then the next thing you know you're researching the company looking at every single item they make!

Well this happened to me with Ideaco & Associates. I can't remember how I found this item:

It's possible one of my daily read blogs featured it, I fell in love instantly and hopped over to Rare Device to purchase it (hurry only one left!) from there I googled it and that took Amazon where they had this awesome trash can for use with plastic bags (perfect for bathrooms)

 and then I went to the company's website which was chock full of so much neat stuff like the "Tap Box" which turns on four plugs at once.

A shopping domino effect!

Photos courtesy of Rare Device, Amazon.com and Ideaco & Associates

Rearranged Design indeed

Last week there was a disaster here at the Rearranged Design Headquarters (my apartment). In the span of two minutes my whole apartment changed.

I foolishly, I know this and I knew it at the time and still did it, left my iron on the bed (it was on for seconds I swear) while taking pictures of items for my shop.

Predictably the iron burned the curtain I was using for a backdrop and the bedspread underneath. I was enraged! Mostly at myself and in that rage my pulling back of the curtain managed to bring the whole apparatus down laughably (not at the time) on my head.

Shown here in happier times:

Since we're moving soon (less than two months now) it would be pointless to patch the whole and put in new anchors and screw the thing back up, not to mention it's a total pain in the ass, I decided it was time for a change anyway.

So I rearranged. I moved the couch and rug, put the nightstand on the other side of the bed, replaced the smaller aqua lamp with it's larger brother and got the white saarinen knock off table out of retirement.

It's very open now and the apartment feels very long. I liked having the curtains up because the served a few purposes: a cozy feeling when we slept and my photo background for my shop.

Without that division I feel like you walk in and it's just "Hi, I live in a studio!". Which I suppose I just have to build a bridge and get over that.

As for my pictures I just had to suck it up and build a light box.

Return of Saturn

That's right next Sunday I'll be turning 30.


I needed to let that sentence sit for a minute, I'm having a mini crisis about it. My husband being the sweet, patient and kind man that he is is taking me away to mourn my youth.,

Ideally Paris in the fall would've been both of our first choices but since we're moving soon and spent a lot of unexpected money this year European travel is out. Instead he's taking me to mecca.

The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs.

My husband is a very understanding man and he totally understands my Jonathan Adler obsession. He's even got his mother to shop there for me.

We will be spending 3 days there. I plan to relax and take advantage of the spa. I do also want to make a point to see the Angel View Thrift Store  and eat at Copley's (which is a restaurant that used to be Cary Grant's house).

For those of you in the know is there anything I shouldn't miss? any 'must sees' while I'm in Palm Springs?

Photo courtesy The Parker Hotel.

October House Tour Recap

Liz Owen 10/05/09

Amanda Johnson and her brother Matt Graber 10/12/09

Polly Jones 10/19/09

All photos courtesy of homeowners

Handmade Friday

Did you know there's a proper way to hang lucky horseshoes? Hang the shoe open ended side up to catch the luck like a cup, if the ends point down all your  luck will run out.

You'll be sure to catch lots of luck with this awesome coat rack from Rio Grand Iron Works. The shop is full of wonderful upcycled iron items.

I love this coat rack, it would be great in an entry way and always bring you lots of luck, who couldn't use that?

Have a great weekend!

Things We Love

I am so very excited about this new blog feature. There's already been a ton of people who are stepping forward and offering up items and their stories for this.

I am thrilled! I know I have so many little things I see in my home everyday that make me smile and yes they are just things but they're my things. I am so looking forward for little peeks into other people's lives and what they love. The House Tours that I do here are a big glimpse into people's homes but rarely do they focus on one item and it's story.

So look around your house do you see a little trinket or piece of art that makes you smile? Send me an email or add it to the flickr group and tell me why you love it!


Without further ado, our first edition of "Things We Love"...

Over a year ago my husband and I stopped at a "Sanitetsforening Loppemarked" in our small hometown.  I didn't think I would find anything I'd like because many of the items they tend to have at these flea markets are old (I love old!) but have a tendency to be in poor condition.  To my surprise I found this gorgeous secretary desk for only kr 100!  (Under $20 US)  It was in perfect condition and was just the right size.  My husband tends to occupy most of our home office so I really needed my own space and this just fit perfectly.  It functions so well for my needs and it hides all the mess that I wouldn't want to have visible.  It's my favourite piece of furniture in our home and the money we spent went to a very good cause.  It also brings together and displays many of my favourite artworks and decorative pieces picked up from various places.


Candace Danylewich
"The girl with the original corrosive heart."

http://www.corrosiveheart.org
http://www.flickr.com/photos/corrosiveheart

Halloween!

I can't believe it's almost here, it's my favorite holiday (mostly because its the day before my birthday).

Since we've lived here I haven't decorated for it, Christmas either. I think it would just take so much work and the place is so small there's not much room for anything that isn't essential. Sad huh? In a sense I'm always ready for Halloween thanks to my little black cat but I suppose that doesn't count.

Well when we move things will change and the decorations will get dusted off and reappear!

In the meantime I've been surprised by Pottery Barn of all places on their Halloween decorations. I don't care for the smiling witches and friendly pumpkin stuff. I like the dark, haunted, macabre stuff and Pottery Barn has nailed it. Check it out:

Skull Plates ($5), Bone Candleholders ($12.99)

Spider Tealight ($18)

Pottery Barn's Direct competition Crate and Barrel didn't have much to offer but they did have one gem:

Spider Web Runner ($29.95)

Of course Etsy didn't disappoint:

Scorpion Art ($35), Ribcage Ornament ($18)

Halloween Faces Garland ($14)

and lastly this awesome door knocker from Whitechapel Ltd.:

Iron Bat Door Knocker ($33.96)

I would keep that up year round!

Happy early Halloween!!

Items for Fall

Can you believe it's the end of October already?! It seems like the summer just started, time is flying by lately.

Over the weekend I stopped into some stores and there were some great fall items that caught my eye and defiantly made my wish list. I love this time of year when all the linens become comfy and cozy and the colors go into deep jewel tones.

Here's what I found:

Washed Herringbone Quilt ($159), Snow Globes ($29), Cast Metal Animals ($29)

Puff Pillow ($29.95), Alina Bedspread ($69.99)

Esker Vase ($24.95), Abigail Frames ($19-$24)

Apple Bookends ($59), Oval Door Knocker ($35)

Peacock Obsession Continued

   Yes, I know it's an obsession, but I just can't help myself! They are so beautiful! My latest use of the peacock feather is now in my shop! I love these and can't decide how many I need to keep for myself, is a whole tree filled with them too much?

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade Lolabags.etsy.com

House Tour

Name: Polly Jones
Location: Abilene, Texas
Square Footage: I think around 2000
Years Lived in: 4 years
Rent or own: own
Describe your style: eclectic
Blog/Website: pollyjones.blogspot.com/
PollyPainting.etsy.com/
TheModShop.etsy.com/

What's your favorite free/found item? 
We were given a life size anatomical model of a torso with removable heart, lungs, brain etc. The friend who gave it to us was trying to get rid of it. She couldn't think of anyone else who would want it!




What's your favorite purchased item? 
I guess that would be our old Pottery Barn pine dining table. Lot's of good meals and family time there. It 's pretty bunged up by now.

What has been your biggest obstacle in decorating/design? 
Money and laziness. If I was better organized and energetic I would be implementing a lot of the ideas I have to improve things. If I had more money I would either buy it ready made or hire it done. (slipcovering etc.)


Is your design style organic or planned? 
Very organic. I make plans based on my vintage finds, not very predictable.

What is your favorite spot in the house? 
Our studio. I love the windows. We even eat breakfast there because we like to look out and watch the hummingbirds.




How has your style changed in the past 5 years? 
I have used more black in our color scheme in order to work with my husbands black and white ink paintings, a series he began a couple of years ago. I have also incorporated more mid century modern into our home.

What is your favorite resource or store? 
Thrift stores, Ikea (too far away to go very often) My thrift store habit has gotten a bit out of hand now that I have the excuse of stocking up my etsy store with vintage.




What is your biggest decorating/design pet peeve? 
Decoration that is extremely matched and doesn't seem to reflect the people who live there.

What has been your favorite design trend?
I keep seeing the crisp white, white backgrounds with shots of brilliant color.




What is the biggest influence on your design/decorating style?
I really enjoy design blogs and still look through my old Domino magazines.

What in your home dictates how you design/decorate? 
Our art work is a major factor in determining where furniture goes and color on the wall. Also, we are very interested in comfort.




What is the simplest thing you have done that has made the biggest impact? 
My husband replaced screens with windows on our back enclosed porch. This gave us a studio usable at all times of the year!

all photos courtesy of Polly Jones

Call for Submissions/ New Feature

I'm going to be starting a new feature on the blog and I need your help! I am going to be featuring favorite objects and the stories behind them.

Do you have lamp, vase, chair, bench, piece of art, etc. that you love and would care to share on it's story?

Then submit it!

I know you all have something you'd like to share! Email me a picture of your beloved item, how it came into your life and why you love it.

Looking forward to seeing some great treasures!

Handmade Friday

If you know me, than you know I have a thing for sharks. My greatest fear is to be eaten alive by one but I an wholly fascinated by them. My favorite week is shark week, I'd love to go cage diving. They are one of my favorite animals (it's owls, octopus and sharks for those keeping track at home).

If somehow the planets could align and for one instant Lola, my cat, would permit me to dress her up this is what I would do. Unfortunately she is not the dress-me-up kind of kitty, but one can wish.

These great cat sweater is made by Melisande of Youth Diaspora. I love that her description tells you that her etsy shop is like her sketchbook, just full of things she creates.

This is perfect for Halloween. There are so few cat items this time of year but tons of dog. It's discrimination!

More L.A. Adventures...

On our (my husband and myself) way to Jonathan Adler's store on Melrose we went down a side street and passed this amazing house with an amazing roof. I don't even know what to call it, is it a style that I haven't heard of?

It's an older home, but I've never seen an undulating roof like that, very cool!

When we got to the store I indulged and got a Hot Pink Barbie tray and box. The clerk (who was so friendly and nice and from the East Bay) told me that all the Barbie pieces are very limited and running out, so if you're thinking of getting one do it now.

I also eyed the new color, which is not limited, in the lacquer items, turquoise. It's gorgeous and a much deeper teal/blue then on the website. I may end up getting some items from this soon (although my birthday is coming up and he does have a store in SF so just an FYI I could always use another box and tray).

Regretfully I didn't think to bring my camera into the store, I wish I had, they used this wonderful color on the wall with a C. Jere sculpture, I got the name of the color "Surf Blue" by Benjamin more.

Picture via Apartment Therapy

Picture via Yelp

I am so in love with this color! I plan to use it and soon. Luckily they sell sample sizes so I'm sure I can come up with some craft in which to use it.

From shopping on Melrose we met up with some friends and took a quick stroll down to Grauman's Chinese Theater and checked out the hand and foot prints and the Walk of Fame.

Doing this was always a dream of mine. I hadn't been to Los Angeles since I was 13 so it was fun to do and see all this stuff as an adult. I had a great time and look forward to going back and seeing the stuff we missed.