ORANGE-AID

Where are you spring? As Portland gets ready for yet another snow storm (seriously?) I find my self craving orange, coral, grapefruit, watermelon and everything in between.  So, bring on the HAPPY!

I've been really into art recently that provides large swaths of color. I figure there is no better way to easily change the mood of a room.  Just pop some art on the wall and voila! A perfect starting point for decorating a room.  This photograph by Steve Back (who is new to me, although I'm sure some of you are familiar with his work) achieves just that.  Can you imagine this photograph paired with these murano glass lamps? Devine.

Of course don't discount the impact of a good nail color (I'm sporting this Essie color now), the right necklace (by Floti), or a fabulously saturated sweater.

Background image by Tracy French.

ONE, OF A KIND

Have you seen this shop? Of A Kind features limited edition, up and coming designer goods. Promoting small shops, innovative design, and limited production capability. Sure it's not cheap, but you support an independent designer, and you have some exclusivity here, thats got to count for something right? Not to mention the goods are goood. Take a peek below at some of my favorite things that are available now, and coincidentally look awesome together. NYC, Dallas, San Fran, Portland Maine, it works.

1. Downing Overnight Bag by Ernest Alexander 2. Pyrite Facet Cuff by Kelly Wearstler 3. Garde Jacket by Veda 4. One Four Three Cowl by Jimmy and Maeve 5. Black Diamond Circle Earrings by Mociun

KAPOWW!

Thats what my mind hears when I see these.  The color takes a fist to your face and I like it.  Get'em here!...and its thursday.  Christmas is so close, and there is so much shopping to do! I wish I was in New York, seeing the city all festive... it always was my favorite time of year.  Union Square Holiday Market served me well last year.  Ahhhh, well Portland is pretty magical too! (but no snow yet, whats up with that?)

COVET

It is that time of year again! Time to buy presents (and maybe something for yourself too).  Here are a few things on my wish list...

Earrings, Ring, Brooch, Necklace

*Unfortunately I gathered these items up a while ago and I think they are all sold! Shoot! Anyway, the sources are correct, however you may not be able to find the exact items.  I figured I would show you anyway as they are all absolutely drool worthy.

RUBIES

It is still July.  The month for Rubies, my birthday, Independence, and hot hot weather (at least in NYC!)  SO in celebration of my favorite stone (at least this month.. I'm pretty jealous of May, emeralds, yum), I've put together a few things I've been drooling over recently.  Hope you enjoy!

Have a fantastic weekend, I'll be beaching.

(Ruby Eyed Foxes, Ruby Rock, Ruby Ring)

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!

SHELL PINK, CURSIVE, AND COFFEE

Happy, happy, joy, joy. I'm feeling the weather turn!

Thanks to the gals at Cursive Design for bringing something new to the table, this handmade jewelry strikes my fancy!  Enjoy these spring parings for all things lovely and delicious.  Trend: Notice my obsession with shell pink, gold, camel, and grey... amazing.

From top to bottom, left to right: Cursive Design (Thank you to Oh Joy! for the initial introduction to Cursive Design), Martha Stewart Weddings, Etsy's Dear June Shop, Cursive Design, Whimsy and Spice sweet shop (they've got a booth at the Brooklyn Flea!), "I Love You Blogs and Coffee" poster found on Made By Girl, Cursive Design, Cursive Design, Random Image I found long ago (if anyone knows where this photo came from please let me know!), the best coffee within a four block radius of my apartment Irving Farm Coffee, Cursive Design.

I hope you all have a kick ass weekend! I'll be gettin down with the fam here in NYC, always fun to have visitors. I can't wait... The Waverly Inn, Bergdorf's, The Lion King, and Guava Grove (thanks Tim!).

Cheers.

FANCY FEATHERS

Is there anything more precious?

These boutonniere's from the Pomp and Plumage Etsy shop are fabulous!  They would be perfect for a country wedding (Carey Beth of Grace and Daisy Chains, hint hint!), or even to just tack up on the wall. So creative, beautiful, full of fantasy, and gorgeous styling too...

Maybe I can have some of these fashioned out of duck feathers for an upcoming Arkansas wedding I'll be attending... hmmm.

Don't worry brides, there are gorgeous things for you too!  See more at Pomp and Plumage.  

Til some time soon...

SERPENTINE

Dark and delicate... I am loving these jewels! We need more of this in our lives, artful, unique, creative and gorgeous pieces.  Thank you St. Kilda!

Find more bling at St. Kilda Jewelry's website.

HAIR FIX

          

Photos found on Ban.do

TURKISH TRINKETS

I've been wearing to death the coolest Turkish necklace given to me by my mom, it's the perfect length and pops any outfit.  The earrings are from  Antiques and Jewels in Athens, GA.