Tulips in a jam jar
"The Fool's Journey: The History and Symbolism of the Tarot," which opened last weekend and runs through May 9, places tarot cards in a cultural and artistic context.
Tarot seems to have tapped into the zeitgeist as we feel our way into this new decade, and make sense of the sea changes that came with the '00s. A flip through a tarot deck seems as good a starting point as any.
"The Fool's Journey: The History and Symbolism of the Tarot," at the Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 937-4230 or www.cafam.org. Open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Ends May 9.
Have you ever tried decorating with radishes or herbs? Minoo Hersinni, creative director, of Au Ciel Design Studio has done a pretty incredible job here! The displays included mint, parsley, radishes, enoki mushrooms, and upland cress. I might have to try this for my next dinner party, but I think it could also work for a wedding!
After six months of hearings, a panel of 32 lawmakers recommended a ban on the face-covering veil in all schools, hospitals, public transport and government offices -- the broadest move yet to restrict Muslim dress in France.
"We formed Laga Designs International to provide income for those who lost their livelihood, but what transpired is much, much more,” say Roy and Louise. “We developed a personal relationship with the people of Aceh...and we left our hearts in their homes."
Sustainable and ethical fashion has been increasing in popularity in recent years, and with good reason. As Mr van Broekhuizen points out - "if you're going to carry a handbag anyway, why not carry one that helps rebuild lives?"
House, cypress tree and distant snow
How can typography lovers not smile at this set of acrylic aluminum cookie cutters, and especially if you’re a Helvetica type fan. A cool creation by designer Bevelry Hsu, who’s looking to producing them for sale in the future.
As much as I covet small trendy purses, I also adore roomy and sturdy totes. This morning, I discovered the utilitarian tote bags by forestbound, and instantly loved them! I love the rugged details and sturdy construction of each unique bag, which is made from found and salvaged materials.
The vista from the Parker Mesa Overlook is stunning. You can see all of the LA basin laid out before you, the snow capped San Gabriel Mountains to the north, Catalina Island to the south, and the crescent shaped coastline of Santa Monica to the east.
12cm x 18cm (4½"x7"), oil on gessoed card
Gerald McCabe, the industrial designer who created furniture for a host of California manufacturers and collaborated on pieces with Case Study house architect Pierre Koenig, died of a heart attack Jan. 17 in Springfield, Ore. He was 82.
Known to generations of musicians as the founder of McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, McCabe is equally revered by midcentury design collectors for his elegant fusion of modern lines, precision joinery and a craftsman's eye for the beauty of wood, glass and steel.
Read more in today's LA Times here.
Above: Fireplace Broom; hand-rolled black straw; 24 inches long; $21.
Above: Shaker Braid Broom; hand-rolled and braided in natural straw (also available in black and natural or multicolored); 52 inches long; $35.
I recently came upon a posting about a blog called Missed Connections. Here's what the artist, Sophie Blackall, says about her work:
In 2006, Seattle couple Damon and Claudia Smith decided it was time to expand their home to match their family, which had grown to include three children and two dogs since they first bought the house in the mid-1990s. Their solution: Adding on what they've dubbed the "South-ender."
The Smiths hired Seattle–based firm Shed Architects and asked them to "keep it simple and design for a modest budget and tight schedule," the architects say. Shed's solution: "a box that contains a new master suite and defines a covered outdoor space below."
The architects also used blown-in-blanket insulation (or "BIBS insulation") to improve thermal retention by filling the wall cavity more completely than batt insulation would.
A view of the addition from the front door.
A view of the the covered dining area after the renovation. The master suite is above.
Vieille Ferme à Villedieu
BALTIMORE - Is this tradition "nevermore?"
Click here for the full recipe.
Ah, nature. It’s so full of whatchamacallits.
For many, no labels are necessary when a flower catches the eye or a bird flits overhead. It could be cuckoo or it could be a sparrow. It’s background.
For others, the problem isn’t lack of interest, but memory. By the time most of us are back home flipping through a bird book, our minds will have played tricks with the plumage. He is sure it was an oriole; she is just as sure it was a woodpecker.
A new iPhone application from Audubon Guides can settle the dispute.
Read more here.
If you're not into putting out the cash for pricey rug pads, try this quick hardware store trick instead. It's sure to keep things in place without a large investment, which is especially great for thrifted or Craigslist finds! It's fast, efficient and best of all — inexpensive!To tackle this simple rug backer-hack, head to your hardware store (or garage) and procure a tube of acrylic-latex caulk. Apply it to the back side of your rug about every 6 inches. We might suggest doing this in a room where doors can be closed to keep pets and small children out until it's cured and dry.
Flip it over and you'll be slip free for years to come!
You can also try out Latex Rug Gripper Tape, or a thin rug pad, though in our experience, they never work as well as we want them to!
(Note: Before you go applying caulking to the back of your family heirloom rug, we have to say upfront that this trick is one to be used with a little common sense. The extra-pricey Persian rug probably shouldn't be handled in this manner, but the $30 Craigslist find is a sure bet!)
(via: Martha Stewart)
(Images: MSLO)
People of Earth:In the last few days, I've been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I've been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I've been absurdly lucky. That said, I've been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.
. . . . .
Read the rest here.
their story
Y @ H receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Korein Foundation and the City of Northampton.
They're coming to LA as part of the UCLA Live series from December 2-5, 2010. Act quickly if you want to go. I guarantee that it will sell out.
