Matt Shlian refers to his creations as kinetic sculptures and his title as paper engineer. Each piece he creates conveys a transfer of energy and light in the purest form. Matt says he begins with a system of folding and at some point the material takes over for itself. Now that’s truly being one with your art.
A show-stopping line of handblown glass pendants make up Lasvit’s Neverending Glory Collection. You might recognize the silhouettes of iconic chandeliers from five of the world’s most eminent concert halls and theaters – La Scala in Milan, Palais Garnier in Paris, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, and the Czech Republic’s Estates Theater in Prague.
Each and every step of creation for Cotton & Flax is completed by founder Erin Dollar in her Los Angeles studio. Everything from the pattern design (with brush and ink) to the selection of heirloom quality fabrics to the hand printing and sewing. Is your mind blown? Talk about quality control! I love the palette and natural materials Erin has chosen for Cotton & Flax’s spring line – you can check out the lookbook (photographed by Laure Joliet) right here.
I love buying gifts for my mom. She’s fun to shop for and always acts like I’ve just given her the most brilliant thing in the world (as all moms are apt to do I suppose). But her birthday and Mother’s Day fall about a week apart on the calendar every year which involves some thinking ahead on my part. When Uncommon Goods asked me to share some of my favorite gifts for Mother’s Day I was excited to delve into their shop, where half of the goods are made by hand, most are made in the USA, and one-third incorporate recycled and/or upcycled materials. They also have a great selection of personalized gifts.
Of course I had my mom in mind while window shopping. Pool season shows up early here in Oklahoma, and a set of silicone wine glasses would get lots of use. She’s also been on a bit of a health kick, but water gets boring and would be much more interesting served in a flavor infuser water bottle. A wine pairing towel set would not only make a good reference, but also be a great conversation starter. My mama loves a good mojito and could muddle up her own with this molecular mixology kit! A trio of solar tealights would be perfect for early weekend mornings spent sipping coffee and reading the newspaper on the patio or late nights spent outside chatting with friends. So basically I can’t wrong. And also, I hope she isn’t reading this!
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New York photographer Bing Wright’s Broken Mirror/Evening Skies is a series of sunsets captured in shatter mirrors. Intoxicating is the first word that comes to mind, followed by riveting because I can’t top staring at them. The finished photos measure 4 x 6′, the viewing of which I’m sure is both of those things times a thousand.
Is Easter a big deal in your house? Growing up ours always involved a hidden basket (one year behind the Christmas tree that had yet to be taken down), plastic eggs hidden outside, and a big family dinner at my grandparents’ house. Now it mainly involves dinner at my moms and yes, baskets are still hidden! Check out these 17 projects and ideas to make your Easter Sunday extra special.
Florence-based artist Sara Falli is doing some seriously crazy stuff with watercolor. Every piece has the ability to make you feel like you’re being sucked into her imaginary world that’s filled with questionable characters, situations, and landscapes.
You already know of my love for quotes. But wise words are made only better when hand-lettered, in this case by artist Lisa Congdon in the book Whatever You Are, Be a Good One: 100 Inspirational Quotations. Insights, calls to action, and encouragements illuminate every page making this a bright spot on any bookshelf. It would also make a thoughtful gift for anyone going through tough times or reaching an important milestone.