Design^Sprout | Your Guide to Green Design

An illustrated life

     First, I want to give a warm welcome to two new Design^Sprout writers Claire and Kristen.  I fell in love with their blog So Sweet & So Cold awhile ago and pestered them to share their green and handmade finds with us! They are both creative and crafty on their own so I'm sure we're in for some inspiring finds. Welcome guys - so glad that you're here!

Below is Kristen's first post ....

     I get the feeling that the folks behind these fantastic & unusual illustration pieces are the sort who doodled on their desks and book covers in elementary school. I guess I'm in good company, then.
      Gorgeous illustrated tea set by Esther Coombs (above) depicts buildings from New York City & Amsterdam.

     Unusual illustrated pendant. I love the detail, and also the weird combination of the Victorian-style face and the television. From Tilly Bloom whose entire shop is just delightful.

 
   Original paper & acrylic artwork. The strange, fluid shapes, from Rochelle's Little Ones, contrast so well with the text behind them. I love how this appears so casual & doodle-esque, but has an amazing attention to detail as well.

Start your week with a smile!

   Oh, I love to discover new magazines! The Sweedish magazine Sköna Hem (found via Emma's Design Blog) is an absolute wealth of inspirational photos and products. Of course, I don't understand a word of it but we all speak "design" right? The Blog Roll on their site is an inspiring read as well!

D^S Contest! Win a GIRARD rug by FLOR!!!!

  Oooooh yeah, it's that time again! Spring is in full bloom and what better way to remind yourself of all the new possibilities and cheerfulness in the air than to look down at this sunny rug made of graphics from legendary textile designer Alexander Girard.

WIN THIS RUG!!!!

   The lovely people at Flor have generously donated one 3x5 La Fonda Del Sol area rug to give away to a Design^Sprout reader. Flor has long been a favorite of Design^Sprout (and the design world for that matter!) for their eco-friendly, modular approach to flooring. Your kids spill soda on the carpet - hey, just replace a piece - no need to scrap the whole kit n' caboodle!

   You know the drill by now - leave me a comment for your chance to win. Any 'ol comment will do, of course it's always great to know why this rug would complete your life and that type of thing!! :)

   I will run this contest through next week and announce a winner on Monday June 9th. GOOD LUCK!

A new use for old tea cups!

   What can I say about Madeline Boulesteix's whimsical recycled, tea-cup chandeliers except, "Is it too much if I hang one in every room?"  As seen on Apartment Therapy, the fixture's simple beauty combines the charm of little girl tea parties with the eccentricity of Miss Haversham. Tea anyone?

D^S Contest! ORGANIC towels WINNER IS.....

     After receiving waaaay more entries than I expected (450 to be exact!) I realized navigating through page after page of comments might not be the best way to spend your Monday ;)

So here it is...

^^^^^^^^^THE   WINNER   OF   THE   ORGANIC    TOWELS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

IS......

Bunny - congratulations.  She wrote: "Ooo! Sweet :) I would love to win this! They sound like lovely pieces of luxury must-haves! :) Thank you so much for the chance."

Thanks to everyone who entered. I'll be posting another contest this week!

One man's trash...(is another man's insanely well-priced Argentine treasure!)

     Market day in Buenos Aires! Few things make me happier than digging through other people's junk but today was especially l-u-c-k-y! Woke up early this morning, which is no easy feat in BA - even the flea markets don't get into full swing until at least noon, had breakfast at a lovely outdoor cafe, then attempted to navigate my way through the hundreds and hundreds of vendors. Selling everything from peanuts to priceless antiques, it's a challenge keeping that wallet in my bag!
     

   The pencils above took my breath away. Made from fallen tree branches, local crafters hollow out the center and replace with colored lead.  The result couldn't be more stylish and organic. I think I'll take a bundle home for everyone I know!

   This waterfall of sparkle made the little girl in me go nuts! - costume and precious jewelry from every historical period...and so shiny! I secretly took this picture while the owner was yelling at someone else. :)

     My finds! This scarf was handmade from slub yarn by a local artisan, the bag was crafted from recycled leather and grommets and this antique broach is positively charming. I think (if I ever get around to it!) it would make a really funky ring. 

     This 2'x3' painting was bought from a local artist and will always remind me of this street fair, Argentina and of course the sexy (and insanely difficult) tango!

    End of the day lesson:  Always leave money in the budget for cool Virgin Mary painting...damn!