I'm all for upcycled products—creating something new out of existing manufactured goods. These light fixtures from Mostaz Seed fit the bill perfectly. They transform vintage teacups and glassware into lovely little lights. The lights ship with hardware hooks and a 15 ft. cord. What's not to love?
Artist Igor Koutsensko
He hails from Evpatoria, on the Crimean Peninsula of the Black Sea. Mr. Koutsenko's talent was recognized at a very early age and he's studied at several art schools and with acclaimed artists.
To see more of his work and a schedule of upcoming events, visit his website.
Ginkgo Designs Wish List
So I love the farmer's market in Campbell, CA because there's a huge section set aside for artists and craftsmen (and craftswomen) to sell their wares.
I'm currently coveting two necklaces made by Anna Yee of Ginkgo-Designs. Beautiful gemstones and vermeil always draw my eye. She also does some pretty cool textile work as well.
Hello Santa -- hint, hint.
Eggshell Art Dioramas
J Brooke Patterson is an Oakland artist whose medium is eggshells. She uses quail, duck, turkey, partridge, guinea and chicken eggs.
She sculpts intricate scenes nestled inside these delicate containers. Originally her creations were made for friend and family and in 2000 she was able to make this a full-time artistic pursuit. You can find a list of galleries and events where you can see her work first hand at her website.
Stylish office accessories by DiVoga
It's that time of year when I'm organizing all my last receipts and files for individual design clients. I stumbled across these gorgeous document envelopes yesterday by DiVoga. It's a line designed exclusively for OfficeMax that's very feminine and stylish. The envelopes are synthetic, but look and feel like leather with printed interiors and a magnetic closure. Love 'em.
Foggy Ridge Hard Cider
You never know who you'll meet on a plane and most of the time it usually turns out to be a fascinating experience. I was lucky enough to meet Diane Flynt on a recent trip who runs Foggy Ridge Cider. We're talking artisan, hard cider made from over 30 American, English and French apple varieties.
They harvest their own apples from their own orchards and make their cider in small, carefully controlled batches. You can find a list of fine restaurants and retailers on their website that serve Foggy Ridge Cider and cook with it. If you're lucky enough to be a Virginia resident you can order by mail.
Two in one apron
From previous posts you've probably gathered that I have a thing for aprons. I even wore one throughout the evening on Saturday night 'cause it was prettier than my outfit.
Here's a handmade beauty from the Sew Hip Company that's reversible. I saw this vendor firsthand at the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival back in the fall and in addition to her merchandise being lovely, the fabrics are high quality and the workmanship very fine. I think aprons make great gifts as well if you know someone who loves to entertain.