I Like-ah the lichen!

Pam Conrad is one of those rare artists who seems to change styles and mediums often and with great gusto and flair.
Since first seeing Pam's studies I can hardly pass by a lichen colored boulder without wondering what her interpretation would look like.
To be inspired by your geographic location in such an intimate, creative and passionate way is incredibly moving to me.

I bought one of her 3 dimentional contour pieces several years ago at Skol gallery and have treasured it since. I actually bought it for my husband...I am admitting for the first time- in writing, no less, that the piece was really for me-is that bad?
It did remind me of the road we traveled to find our new life in southwest Colorado. So it's for us, ya, that's it.

Mirror Mirror on the web

Remember my post about Erie Basin? Well Russell, the creative genius behind it all was recently a guest blogger on Design Sponge. He had this to say:

I’ve always liked old mirrors. Over time the silvered surface on the backside of
the glass begins to fade, bubble, crumble, and blacken leaving the mirror
functionless, but beautiful. The pictures here are of a recent acquisition: a
large, ornate framed mirror from the 1840s. The mirror itself has the most
incredible surface I’ve ever seen. There’s barely any clarity in the reflection,
but I can’t think of anything I’d rather have mounted in a frame.

I find these shots to be really haunting and mysterious. The second photo reminds me of a finger print...or an embedded code that looks like a finger print...hmmm

I have a fondness for silvered mirrors but I think these close-ups will remind me to take a closer look into their unique and ghostly patterns.

I also love what Russell has to say about "antiquing in the modern world. " What's better than smart juxtoposition between the old and the new I say.

Breck or Bust Baby

Had a little Family VaCa this weekend in Beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado. This town has an unbelievable treasure trove of miner's cabins and historic buildings. It's a ski town that doesn't feel completely corporate. It has a nice little vibe. The flowers and the shops are especially delightsome.

My favorite shop is, hands down, mtn modern . I had been there once before in the winter and was captivated by the name, the building- with it's great loft space, and the mad mix of "artful decor." This time I met Brian and Sierra Brooks the owners and inspiration behind the store. Brian also happens to have an etsy shop, mtnmodern.etsy.com, that highlight just some of his many creations.
I bought a plexi lamp of his making, also another great lamp which has two storage drawers within it's wooden base- so love that! I also couldn't help but purchase a "skinny strip' for all my magnetic posting needs. Lastly, I found a great design sketch pad by working class studio which was designed by their "emerging artists."
This last pic was the railing inside Mtn Modern-what can I say- whimsy and safety married, had a baby, and it was born right here in Breckenridge.

Sticks and Stones Soothe My Bones

LIVING STONES are my new obsession! I want both indoor (100% wool ) and the outdoor (waterproof polyurethane)

I first saw the on cup of coco.
which I found via Housemartin

Unfortunately they can only be found at a few retailers in this country...the search is on!

U.S.A - JOHNS CREEK, GA - OLOZOO Kids Home Store - 11035 Bell Road Suite 30U.S.A - SAN DIEGO - Mixture - 2210 Kettner Blvd.U.S.A - SAN FRANCISCO - Rose and Radish - 460 Gough StreetU.S.A - SAN JUAN - Living - 1750 Loiza St. - PMB 110

I have the same black stained oak floors in my bedroom. I love them!

Saw this rug post yesterday on Housemartin. She finds some of the most delicious things. Someone commented that it was "rustic chic" - some might even call it " campy" it could go either way, for sure!

These are her words:

OK stop the presses - I MUST have this rug. OK, well can I just drool over
it for a while at least?
designed by German company called 0900
design (link via Jen at cup
of coco

2 Artists

It's not these pieces in particular but we have a large scale piece by David Richey Johnsen (bottom)

and another by Thomas Elmo Williams, (top) both of whom are really making a name for themselves. I recently saw a Williams piece at a Ouray antique gallery for a handsome price. I'm glad I invested when I did. They came through Ridgway several years ago and most of their work was snatched up right away. You couldn't help notice several of the 46x46 from quite far away.

Such evocative works, moody, western without cliche'.

Showing in Hanson Gallery Carmel. These paintings are available through Box Car Gallery.

Stop it!

This 1950's leather folding chair is ridiculous! If I had the chump change for this beauty just laying around I would buy it without hesitation. The store is called Modernity, it whispers to me in the middle of the night, "look at me" it says. "Look at my gorgeous mid-century modern masterpieces...come to me...you know you want me..." It's hard to resist.

How long will it take Ikea to reproduce the vase on the top? I think, it's just a hunch mind you -that they might be able to recreate and make it just a tad bit more affordable.

Flip me Over I'm DONE!

This grill just converted me. I have always been a bit of a hillbilly when it comes to camp cooking- two steps away from setting up my own still and selling moonshine- sort of.

The truth is I like the campfire smoke, the half charred ears of corn, the traces of ash in the eggs- it's all part of the experience...until now.

The Conran shop is fantastic! So afforadable... and this little number is portable which is huge for me!

They call it a notebook portable grill- too cute. I'm already thinking grilled trout with fresh dill and lemons. When can we leave?

Ring Ring KB Design Stage calling...

To the right you will notice a beautifully rendered calling card, although not my own, I happen to think it is extremely shnazzy-therefore...
I am proud as peas, pleased as punch, absolutely poppin' with pleasure to get my new business cards!
I ordered them a few weeks ago...and let me just say, I had a pretty tall order too.
I wanted letter press, black and white, had to have thick cotton paper and an original design.- Oh, and they couldn't cost a fortune!
Low and behold The Mandate Press was there to grant me my wish!
I chose the the "artist" style and then gave them the following information:

Kierstin Bridger
970-728-4749
kbdesignstage.com
164-N Society Drive Telluride, Colorado 81435

Well, you dear reader are in for a treat. The Mandate Press is so hip, so good to the people that they've set up a coupon code in their online store for you. Simply enter the code "kbreader" at checkout and you will get $10. off. Very nice, wouldn't you say?

There's a hole in my bucket Dear Liza

I have always been fascinated by this type of wood-working. The artist Bob Willis of Willis Wood Works shares the following info about this esoteric art.

"The art of hollow vessel turning is one of reduction. Each vessel begins as
a
solid piece of wood, usually a burl (which is a growth on the tree very
similar
to a tumor). This burl is then mounted on the faceplate of the
lathe. As the
piece begins to turn various tools are implemented to shape
the outside form of
the piece. After the outside of the vessel has been
shaped, specially designed
tools are used to hollow out the inside. However,
unlike the outside of the
piece, the artist cannot see clearly what he is
cutting. To compensate for this
the artist has developed a keen sense of
feel for the vibration of the piece,
and a sensitivity to the sound the wood
makes to know how thin he can take the
wall of each vessel. Since each piece
of wood is different, so are each vessel
produced."

We are so lucky to have his fine gallery here locally in Ouray, Colorado.

Independence Day

Proud of all those great American hikes!

My friend Steph and I scampered up a little trail called Courthouse Mountain in the Cimarron Range outside of Ridgway, Colorado.

July 1st and still lots of snow and slippery mud but the wildflowers, moss, and aspen were gorgeous.

Designing Women

Domino featured this very talented stylist, Chelsea Fuss. She has her own blog called {frolic!} that is really quite clever. If you enjoy inventive and beautiful photo styling you'll like her portfolio.

I enjoyed her pics of women so much that I decided to include 2 pics of my Grandmother. The first one in her very stylish suit and the other holding the hand of my mother and Uncle "Buzz." It's strange how much the photo of my mom looks like photos of my daughter at this age.

Venetian Vignette

I love staging vignettes for photos. The kitchen sink is copper and I think the Venetian bronze faucets are from Delta. All the accessories except the fresh fruit belonged to the client. I think it's important to pull from the owner's cache. It can reflect the energy and personality of the home with the added benefit appearing organic and genuine.

GerryEfinger was the photographer on this shoot. He's great, fast and furious and full of stories. I have enjoyed working with him on all our portfolio pieces.

Talent In The City

O Interiors is a great interior design company with fabulous ideas and a very accessible website.

This scene combines several elements I really fancy, Asian, natural, and modern.

I really like the dark red pillow- it almost looks like a shadow of the mocha colored one in front.

Stealing my heart

We love this Great mosaic tile company!

Her custom blends and organiks lines are really fantastic. We have always had really great luck in fast turn around times too.

This stainless steal mosaic would be perfect for an outdoor shower, a powder room floor or vanity, a kitchen backsplash...I am endlessly inspired. I love the idea that it looks like stones but is made of metal. Organic modern for sure.

Industrial Park

During my hike yesterday I stumbled upon this little gem. If anyone has any idea what it used to be, by all means, let me know.
I love it's shape and detail, it's refusal to decay.
It is a reminder that juxtaposition is one of the keys to good design.

Antiquated machine
won't budge
all around
Aspen stand

It's like some sort of portal, a time machine perhaps?

Quite Literally Succulent

Yet another stop by Met Home Magazine to highlight this delicious Vertical Garden.

It is so gorgeous- It reminds me of some indoor vertical pieces I've seen which would be a lot more practical in Colorado.

I also rember seeing succulent pillows done with chicken wire and moss for an outdoor garden. Of course, this was years ago in Seattle. I haven't forgotten how tactile and colorful it was. I think I must have one!!!

I have some beautiful succulents in my garden, however, this article said that this wall piece took almost 3 months to get to the stage where it was solid enough to be hung...which, of course, would require patience. Where is the instant gratification in that?

Brace Yourself

It's wood, it's whimsical, it's straightforward. What's not to love?

I have been to this lovely little shop called Composition in Lakewood, Colorado.

It is very near Lakewood Center for the Performing Arts and a new Whole Foods. It is not the cheapest game in town, but their collection is sure to please the modern palette.

Branching Out

The wall sticker below and to the on the right are from a great company called Dvider- yes, I spelled that correctly. It's a fun sight. When you roll your mouse over the color pallet the image you have chosen changes color.

PHOTO BELOW:

Urban Outfitters- who knew they had such great home decor. The last time I checked it was hippie-chic college dorm paraphernalia.

My friend Craig might say, "What's wrong with that?" and I would respond, "Nothing, now get a haircut." I didn't think I was allowed to shop there after I turned thirty- he actually told me as much....but if I'm 29 in my heart who cares...right?

Back to design-

I have been looking everywhere for wall murals, gigantic stickers and now stencils- all for the new office! The apartment seen in this shot looks a bit drab but in picturing it on my walls...I can't help but get a little giddy.....

Office update:

There was an ugly old oak cabinet in the office. It must have been installed by the former tenant-purely for storage. The aesthetic relevancy was less than zero. Anywhoooo. ..I painted it with a coat of Rust-Oleum Bright Coat Metallic Finish. I must say, it does look good. The effect is like an aged silver mirror. Pics to come when it is complete.

Pondering Periwinkle, Maybe Mango

Last night, while having dinner with friends, my dear friend Michelle showed me a sample of a color she was considering for her office.

OK -I'll admit, I had stolen away to gaze dreamily at her design bulletin board when I noticed some very vibrant paint chip cards sitting on the bench below. I picked them up and immediately began dissecting the shades and planning (in my head) which room should be dressed in each particular shade...I'm obsessed.

Well wouldn't you know....Today I picked up my latest Metropolitan Home- which has been one of my favorite design magazine since I can remember. Low and behold-I spotted this. In the bottom photo, which though I would not classify as modern, is decidedly in the the color family that Michelle has chosen for her office. There is also a mango wall highlighted in the first shot that her husband would enjoy.

It gives me a little thrill to see the colors people pick, the shades they are drawn to...I have a tendency to pick earth tones and vibrant greens, charcoals and pure whites. I love having jolts to enliven my sense of chromatics..it's refreshing.

Inspiration is often not just about what speaks to you, but about listening when others let you in on what speaks to them.

The Road to Morocco
The meditation room was painted
periwinkle (Pratt & Lambert's Autumn
Crocus) and furnished with a Balinese-inspired custom bed
upholstered in Travers & Company's reflective Odessa.
Photographer: Grey
Crawford

A Little Zen

I saw this post in a wonderful blog called sooziebee design. She also has a great etsy shop of the same name. I bought some great embroidery cards- sorry-only one of a kind. You should check out some of her other things.

I think this particular shot shows how creative, and artistic small yard spaces can be...I may not meditate but I could sure space out here awhile...