Oh, how I wish I were one of the specially tapped business partners of Hälssen & Lyon who received one of these incredible Tea Calendars! Each day’s “page” is made from finely flavored, wafer-thin pressed tea leaves. The tea wafer can be detached, brewed, and enjoyed. The only thing that could possibly top this in my world would be The Coffee Calendar! (via Laughing Squid)
There’s no way I can start today without taking a moment to talk about yesterday’s destruction.
The biggest thank you to everyone who checked in to make sure I was okay. The monster twister hit about 20 miles southeast of my home, following nearly the same path as what was previously the most powerful tornado on record May 3, 1999. That one happened to be the first tornado I ever experienced after moving to OKC, it was finals week my freshmen year of college and I can remember how terrified I was as we hunkered down pre-cell phone era in the basement of my dorm. I’m not ashamed to admit I was clutching my favorite stuffed animal for comfort.
As bad as that was, this is at least three times worse. The F5 was over two miles wide at one point with winds up to 200 mph. Two elementary schools were leveled, one with luckier students than the other where they’re still recovering tiny bodies. It was on the ground for twenty miles and some people are comparing the destruction to atomic bombs and warfare in the Middle East. I can’t even begin to wrap my mind around the loss. Landmarks are gone, houses look like piles of matchsticks, there are at least 51 confirmed dead with I can’t even guess how many to come.
I’ve lived in Oklahoma on and off since 1998, and while it’s not where I’m from it is my home. Oklahomans are some of the most resilient people I know. They rebuilt the community after the bombing in ’95 and they rebuilt again after the May 3rd tornado. And we’ll do it again.
If you want to make a donation to help in that effort, text REDCROSS to 90999 and specify OK tornadoes.
Posted In do good, my life
I’m sort of beside myself with this collaboration between two of my favorites – POKETO and Lisa Congdon! Lisa’s bright, geometric style lends itself perfectly to these linen tea towels that will only get softer with use. Choose from a pyramids or herringbone pattern in two color palettes. (I can’t help but think how fantastic one of these would be wrapped around a summer hostess gift!)
01/ This large-scale geometric projection in Paris is stunning.
02/ A chandelier that projects tree shadows!
03/ Epcot’s Spaceship Earth turned into an animated Mike Wazowski to promote new film.
04/ Vertigo-inducing POV footage of the spire being raised at One World Trade Center.
05/ The prettiest ad for funeral home services ever.
06/ A beautiful shimmering chain-link fence installation.
07/ Photographer Jaime Moore took photos of her daughter dresses as five historical women.
08/ Who knew cross-sections of food could be so interesting??
09/ Here is Today puts time in perspective.
10/ When a real dog is too much, Invisible Dogs in Poland is juuust right.
This week on Design Crush…
Mix #24: Holding Out to Settle
Bathing Beauties
Patio Perfect
Jane Farnham
Adobe MAX 2013: An Insider’s View
18 With a Bullet
May DIYs
KAARLO I and II
Ten Spring Salads
Definitely not easy on the checking account, but what a pair of lookers! I love these two oversized contemporary rocking chairs from KAYIWA, KAARLO I and KAARLO II.
My apologies to Country Living, the original source of the Vintage Tennis Racket Mirrors.
Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
As I was hurrying down the concourse to my gate at LAX last Wednesday, I scurried past a series of Shizu Saldamando‘s framed art. At first glance it looked to be pen on an old bed sheet and much to my delight it was just that! I snapped a few photos (quickly) including one of the artist’s name and looked her up as soon as I got home. 18 With a Bullet isn’t the exact installation I spied, but the same style and feel. So lovely.
I’ve been having a major love affair with surface pattern, and the latest target of my affections is designer Jane Farnham. Jane uses a combination of doodles and computer illustration to create her lively works. Her inspiration comes from nature, old china and fabrics as well as trips to charity shops, antique markets and the local park. Jane’s available for freelance projects or you can pick up a piece in her Society6 shop!
PHOTO: Hans Mauli
Listen on Spotify.
Posted In mixtape, music
01/ The Dancing Plague of 1518 illustrates famous moves from TV and film.
02/ Historical figures get a 21st century makeover.
03/ One thousand bioluminescent leaves set afloat in Puerto Rico.
04/ Love this kicky (no pun intended!) installation of colorful shoes and legs!
05/ A beautiful lunar eclipse over Hungary.
06/ Kitchen Portraits, the opposite of clean photo-styling.
07/ You know, just a Chesterfield Park Bench.
08/ A functional wooden record.
09/ Know what these concrete arrows in the middle of the desert are for?
10/ Spied this nautical rope installation in Madison Square Park a few weeks back.
Miss anything this week?
Mother’s Day Picnic
The Designer Says
Not Your Grandma’s Florals
Dewey Howard
David Adey
Heartwork
canvas