by kate on September 26, 2012
I know it’s a bit premature to be thinking of the holidays and winter so soon, but I can’t help it. Working in retail and print media has hammered a certain schedule into my brain, and as soon as fall arrives, I’m already pulling out the blankets and cider, and planning my winter crafts. Silly, I know, but it also means that I get a jump start on feeling the childlike excitement that accompanies the holidays. I promise not to bombard you with these kinds of posts from now until March, but I do have to share just a few bits of winter inspiration that we’ve picked up during our winter editorial brainstorming. Hopefully they will provide just a small spark of anticipation for the cozier days ahead, but whether you continue in the holiday spirit or tuck them away for a later date is entirely up to you. Enjoy!
{Images above: Katie Miller shares a simple tutorial for making rustic snowflake ornaments out of branches and winter greens.}
{Images above: An ornate reclining chair receives a new silvery grey coat and beautiful faux bois upholstery from Barb at Knack Studios.}
{Images above: Mimi Thorisson of Manger shares a recipe for these heavenly chocolate swirl meringues.}
by kate on September 21, 2012
After our team meeting last week, Meg and Anh-Minh paid a visit to the Makeshift Society, a clubhouse in Hayes Valley established by creative wonder women Victoria Smith, Rena Tom, and Suzanne Shade. When we spoke with these ladies at the Curiosity Shoppe/Target party a few weeks ago, they were in the midst of pulling together the space and finalizing the details on this ambitious venture. From these pictures, it looks like they pulled it off marvelously!
The concept is genius: create a space that is equal parts library, clasroom, office, lounge, and studio; invite creative professionals to become members and use the space to suit their needs; offer business workshops and one-on-one consulting sessions for members; and host exhibits and events to grow and support the local creative community. Not only did these ladies fill a huge need in the area for a co-working/communal space, they also managed to make it vibrant, lovely, and awesomely multipurpose.
I can’t wait to see how the clubhouse changes as the community continues to grow. If you live in the Bay Area, check out the membership options here, but do not despair, non-locals: there are day passes available as well.
{All images by Victoria Smith for Makeshift Society}
by kate on September 4, 2012
I’m not much of a green thumb, in fact I’ve been known to struggle with even the most low maintenance of plants (quick tip: despite what their nickname suggests, “air plants” do in fact need to be watered regularly). I will not be deterred by my previous mistakes however; I’m determined to bring greenery into my home in some form or fashion. I discovered a few nifty alternatives to actual plants, and I love that these objects not only provide a bit of delightful trompe l’oeil trickery, but they are also handmade, artisanal pieces that I can enjoy forever.
Whether they are made of paper, clay, or fabric, a small collection of “fauxliage” would be perfect for an interior with less than optimum gardening conditions, but they would also look wonderful in a home brimming with greenery. Not only have I found the solution to my gardening dilemma, but my quest for the perfect hostess gift can end as well. Hooray for indestructible plants!
{Image above: ceramic planters from Waterstone Succulents on Etsy}
{Images above: fabric houseplants by Sian Keegan on Etsy}
{Paper plants by artist Taylor McKimens}
by kate on August 22, 2012
One of the benefits of working at a magazine devoted to interiors is the chance to witness the genesis of popular decorating trends in person. While shooting a home, we will all stop a moment to admire a clever use of chalkboard paint, an artful composition of layered woven rugs, or a unique collection of mixed metals—only to watch later as those decor tricks spread like wildfire across print and online media. This trend here, of mounting flowers on the wall using little bits of tape, is actually a trend I’ve only seen online and not in person, but I love it so much, I’m trying to spread it around even more.
The look is so simple and yet holds a huge visual impact, and I love that as a process, it’s essentially foolproof: pick some flowers, branches, or other botanical specimens; grab some tape; find a wall; and go for it. You can aim for a linear or grid layout, but I imagine even that part is adaptable. I’m sincerely hoping that when we walk into the next home for a shoot, we’ll see a beautiful grid of flowers like this staring back at us, but in the meantime I might have to hop on the trend train myself and install a flower wall in my living room. Anyone with me?
{Image above: A wall of dried flowers from Pia Jane Bijkerk}
{A taste of spring: I love the pale pink tape holding up these flowers! Image via She Lets Her Hair Down}
{This gorgeous flower wall made a splash on the internet a while ago, and may have even kicked off the trend. Images via Design Front}
{As this example illustrates, the look works equally well with a monochromatic color scheme; outdoors as well as in. Image via A Subtle Revelry}
by kate on August 16, 2012
We’ve been quite busy producing features for our next issue, but it’s been a while since we’ve actually spread supplies out on a work table and crafted anything. When life gets hectic, I prefer projects that allow me to be creative, but aren’t overly complicated, expensive, or intricate. This simple display cube tutorial created by Jane of All the Luck in the World is perfect for this purpose. Even during my busiest times, I think I could give myself an hour on a rainy day or a quiet afternoon to relax and work on these cubes. The holidays are on the not-too-distant horizon, and I love the idea of making these as gifts for friends and family.
You can find the full tutorial on All the Luck in the World, but the steps are so simple, you may have already figured them out. The most important (and most fun) step is gathering your supplies. I have a couple of ideas for mine, but I’d love to know—what would you put in your little cubes?
{Images from All the Luck in the World}
