LOOK! GERANIUM

New York City from my perspective.

"In a world made of steel, made of stone"... thanks Irene Cara.  She gets me through a lot, definitely my favorite song of all time ("What a Feeling" from Flashdance, for the newbs).  I hope to do more of these style-ish posts... hard to do without looking like a total goon (you must tell me if it starts to swing that way!).

Shoes from Anthopologie, Nail Color "Geranium" by Essie, Vintage Lanvin Skirt, and my favorite version of "What a Feeling"

FLY DIVE

Artist Jazmin Berakha has caught my eye in a major way, she is showing in a Gallery here in Chelsea.  Look closely, its embroidery! Don't you love the color and pattern play? I wish I could have the girl with pet birds in my living room, or I just wish I could have pet birds on leashes to fly me away.  Perfection.

Welcome back to this week! In the next few weeks I will be implementing a posting schedule to try and be more consistent with my content.  Apparently it works for lots of people so I thought I would try it out! We shall see... this whole blog thing has been such an experiment. It's so hard to distinguish your style... such is life, a constant search for style.  I like it!

(Works by Jazmin Berakha, Cole and Son's wallpaper sample with digital manipulation by ALC)

ART ROCKS

Inspired by these gems I picked up in Eureka Springs, AR at this quirky spot, here's a smattering of awesome artful products.  Travel photos to come... if you haven't been to Eureka Springs, AR, a.k.a. "Little Switzerland" you are missing out! Such a strange and beautiful place full of strange and beautiful people. 

Matter Matters Smolten Mirror, Ruth Gurvich's Light Scape (Painted)

...and for your general knowledge... Gypsum Rose, Pyrite, and Mica.

Cheers!  Thanks for all the recent support... I think O.H. is gaining a little traction/ rhythm, couldn't do it with out y'all!

MORE RWB

America's Birthday is gettin' close! 

Plastica = Awesomeness.  I love their products, and I gave this to my boyfriend.

And, how bout those lips? RED!

(First, Second)

HOME OF THE BRAVE

Who's excited! Fourth of July is this week, one of my very favorite holidays.  Lakes, BBQ, Fireworks, and flags.  This week is all about the patriotism.

A-mer-ca.

How delish do these tarts look? Try the recipe below...

(1. Elle Decor's Look Book.  2. Such cute shoes! Need Supply.  3. James Nares.  4. Cherry and Ricotta Tarts. )

Fresh Ricotta, Cherry, and Lemon Zest Crostini

Serves 4

Ingredients:

6 Ounces (1 1/4) Pitted, Chopped, Sweet Cherries

1 Tablespoon Light Brown Sugar

4 Slices Rustic Bread

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 Cup Ricotta

Grated Zest of 1 Lemon

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Combine cherries and sugar; let macerate 10 minutes.

2. Brush bread with olive oil and toast until golden, 5-7 minutes. Mix ricotta with lemon zest. Spread bread with ricotta and top with cherries.  Garnish with more zest.

3. Serve and Enjoy!

AHOY!

Gorgeous. I think I'll wear both these things this weekend... wishing I was in Maine, eating lobster, and being nautical.

You can do the Nautical thing either way you want, don't forget the ice cream!  Can you tell Maine is influencing many of the posts? Its such an amazing place for inspiration...

Have a great weekend!

Top photo, Bette Davis photo source.

BLAME IT ON BIO

Just trying to keep balanced.  You know what I mean?

Photo Hilda Grahnat, vintage medical poster, "Shrooms" by Ornamental Habit.

REIGNING MCQUEEN

The Alexander McQueen show at the Met was INSANE! McQueen was such a freak genius... His attention to detail, his method of constructing clothes, his innovative use of materials, and groundbreaking, cross the line, almost disturbing concepts have made him one of the most respected, and awed designers of all time.  If you can, GO. You will not be disappointed.

Here are some of my faves from the show... absolutely stunning.

See the rest of the show here.

I feel so inspired!

LEAD LEAD

This guy carves letters and objects into pencil lead... ummm totally cool? Intricate, detailed, delicate, and unexpected.  Carpenter, Dalton Ghetti, has been making these tiny treasures for over 25 years.  The one with interlinking rings took him 2 1/2 years to complete, now that is dedication!

Images found on Odd Stuff Magazine, read the rest of the article here!

Quotes, and Fabric, and Deadlines.. Oh My! Hope your monday was a little slower than mine was...

PUPPY LOVE

My dog, Ranger. Hope this puppy love can last you through the weekend!

KATE FURMAN FEVER

Kate Furman: jeweler, metal-smith, kayaker, and world traveler.

Born and raised in Columbia, SC, this up and coming artist is taking the world by storm, and giving the South one more thing to be proud of.   Kate creates drool worthy, one of a kind pieces of jewelry, in series, using a range of materials from driftwood and Swarovski Crystals, to gold leaf and pearls.  She confidently mixes media and allows found objects to sing with sophistication.  Ornamental Habit got with Kate to chat about her new work, her road to success, and what keeps her inspired.

Kate and I  bonded over our love for the outdoors (we are both NOLS grads).  As you can see, that love for the natural has presented itself most fantastically in her perfectly balanced and beautiful pieces.  Enjoy!

"Hey Kate! Would you answer a few questions?"

OH: How did you become interested in Jewelry Design?

KF: During High School in Greenville, SC, I attended the Fine Arts Center for my first jewelry and metal smithing class.  Loving the idea that I could make wearable art, I continued studying jewelry in college (Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia).


OH: How would you describe your aesthetic?

KF: Material study interests me, and currently I am working with wood.  My work is often minimal and simple with an overall quiet tone.  Usually, I work in series allowing pieces to develop through my intuition and processes.


OH: Do you have a favorite piece?

KF: Although I do not have a favorite piece, my most pivotal point as an artist came with my Lines of a City series.  My methods of working and materials changed at that point and still influence my work today.


OH: What Inspires you?

KF: Currently, my inspirations come from my interest in drawing, line, mark-making, and the natural world.


OH: What sets you apart from other designers in your opinion?

KF: Coming from a fine arts background, I think past the conventions of jewelry, and make unique, well crafted pieces.


OH: Who do you admire in your field, past or present?

KF: Manfred Bischoff, Flora Vagi, Beppe Kessler, Terhi Tolvanen, and Iris Bodemer are a few of the many contemporary jewelers that I admire and look to for inspiration.

OH: Thank you Kate!

Having studied with the likes of Tracy Steepy, Lola Brooks, Rob Jackson, and Mary Pearse, and gained international experience in Florence, Italy (at the Alchimia School), Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Galapagos Istalands, and Cuba (with UGA Study Abroad), Kate's experience has been diverse and challenging.  She is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

See more from Kate Furman by visiting her website, www.katefurman.com, or her Facebook page!

Happy Happy Weekend!

SEA MAINE

Good Morning!

Something about looking at water calms my soul.  This photo was sent to me this week from Portland, ME, I hope it brings you some peaceful dreamy thoughts.

BE ROYAL

Ah, to be Queen for a day?

Catch Up:

This past week has been a bit crazy for me... not to mention the rain, ugg!

I've let O.H. go for FAR too long, I've missed it.  See below for some of the cool stuff I've been getting into over the past few days that you should totally check out:

Spent the day with brilliant photographer, Roger Davies and his stellar assistant, Albert.  Such wonderfully smart, creative, and kind people, and what a treat to see that side of the business! (Thank you!)

BYOB Thai Food, yum!

Pizza and Wine with NPR's Science Friday Producer, Katherine Wells.  See her funky videos, stories, and all things linking science and the arts here.  It's so much MORE than Science!

Tasted new brews from Hill Farmstead Brewery at The Blind Tiger.  A new hop variety?

Played with one of these.  It was the size of a small bear, I swear!

Discovered this blog, and loving it: Effortless Style.

And finally, SO excited to see this months Garden and Gun Magazine in my mailbox today. Always such a comfort to get a little taste of home here in NYC.  Great article about BBQ and the Queen of Folk Emmylou Harris.

OH MOTHER

Happy Mother's Day!

Here are my favorites from the wide world of letter press... go give a mom a hug!

(From top to bottom: Ferdinand Home Store in Portland, ME, Poppy Talk Hand Made, Two Paper Dolls formerly Luella Press via The Donut Project, Ferdinand Home Store in Portland, ME, Two Paper Dolls formerly of Luella Press via The Donut Project)

GET WILD

Are they trying to spell something?

hmmm, maybe TGIF.

Have a wild weekend!

If you haven't already seen it, check out my article in Thursday's New York Times!  What an adventure, thank you Amanda Nisbet.  I was so lucky to work with such great people too, thank you Robin Finn and Suzanne DeChillo for painting me in such a lovely light.  

Check it out here!

ITS THE JOURNEY

"Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire.   The reality of your own nature should determine the speed.  If you become restless, speed up.  If you become winded, slow down.  You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion.  Then, when you're no linger thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end but a unique even in itself.  This leaf has jagged edges.  This rock looks loose.  From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer.  These are things you should notice anyway.  To live only for some future goal is shallow.  It's the sides of the mountains which sustain life, not the top..." -Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

JUST FINE

Who wouldn't want this on a wall? Especially here in the big city so you could dream of mountains all the day long.  Such simplicity, and I love the scale. These forms are so playful in a Where the Wild Things Are kind of way, perfect for a kids room...

Find it on Fine Little Day's Website. Along with more beautiful inspiration and other delightful treasure like...

The Life of Mr. Mustache,

Postcards (maybe for Mother's Day),

and art tape! Tweet!

All images, photography, and products from Fine Little Day Shop.

GO DUST YOURSELF

Well, I have this thing with birds.  Anytime I notice them I think its a sign, and today was one of those days.  As I was walking through Central Park on my lunch break I saw dozens of these lovelies brushing up, or more accurately, dusting up.  I couldn't help but think it was meant for me to see. Life is messy and there is nothing you can do about that.  Why not use the mess to make good?  I mean, these birds clean them selves with DIRT, hello...!  Its like so many other sayings, "no pain, no gain", "if your given lemons, make lemonade", etc.  I've heard it before, just need a little reminder. So thank you little sparrow, for inspiring me to dust myself.

So what's with the dust bath anyway? Find out more from Kate St. John here.

Photo of a house sparrow taking a dust bath by Vishnevskiy Vasily via Outside My Window

HELLO!

Hello! Apologies for slacking off these past few weeks, it has been crazy with the Kips Bay Show House in full swing (photos coming soon!), so thanks for your patience...

From serving trays, to fashion items, to fabulous haberdashery, Fog Linen Work has it all and is oh so stylin'!  The simplicity of linen adapted to created useful, affordable, good looking, everyday products. Country chic or crafty sophistication?  It's awesome, whatever it is. 

Scoop up these beauties online, or if your feeling exploratory go visit Brook Farm General Store in Williamsburg, NY.

Image found on Brook Farm General Store's Home Page

...and there is more!

For all you crafters,

diners,

and gift givers,

I hope you love.

All product images found on foglinenwork.com.

Have a great week!  It's 80 degrees in Texas right now and I am soaking up the sun, quite the change from chilly New York!