Japanese Woodblock Prints

I saw the most amazing exhibit of Japanese woodblock prints at the Legion of Honor yesterday.  As a printmaker, I was amazed by the intricacy, color saturation and creativity in subject matter of these 18th and 19th century prints which greatly influenced the Impressionism movement in Europe.


One of my favorite woodblock prints was on display at the exhibit: the lacey, stylized "Great Wave off Kanagawa" from the series  "36 Views of Mt. Fuji" by Hokusai.  Until yesterday, I never noticed that there are boats being tossed around in the waves nor the presence of Mt. Fuji in the background.  I found this great diorama of the woodblock print from Upon a Fold.

Instead of buying an exhibition catalog to keep as a souvenir, I purchased "Hiroshige: One Hundred Famous Views of Edo."  

It contains beautiful reproductions of his famous woodblock prints, the majority of which were on display at the Legion. The publisher, Taschen, always does an amazing job with color reproductions.  The entire book is printed on high quality paper and bound with Japanese stab binding enclosed in a protective slipcase!  You can flip through the entire book here or purchase here at a very reasonable price.


-Lana

Statement Pieces

I love to accessorize my clothes.  It really doesn't matter if you are wearing jeans, a white T, and sandals you can make your outfit pop!  It's all about statement pieces - big earrings, big necklaces, big bracelets, big rings.  The only warning here is don't go overboard.  If you wear a big necklace do not wear earrings, if you are donning a big bracelet wear the statement ring on the opposite hand.  Gaudy is never in.  Here are a few pieces from Alexis Bittar, my new favorite jewelry maker.  Her Lucite collection is awesome.

- Tina

High Fashion Home

Eureka!  Forget Crate and Barrel, forget Pottery Barn, forget CB2.  Check this sight out for the most amazing, eclectic pieces of furniture and home decor.  So many choices of great pieces for about the same price as Pottery Barn.  Here are a few things I am in love with.

- Tina

Western Chic

Just a little something I threw together.  Wish I had each piece in my own closet!

1. Dress 2. Boot 3. Jacket 4. Earrings
- Tina

Apple & Bee

Apple & Bee is a cosmetic bag and purse company.  Their purses are too cute for words and their website intro is even cuter - little bee buzzing around as night turns to day.  What I love, each bag is made from sustainable materials.  Love. Love. Love.

Check out these puppies.  I want one of each!

- Tina

Absinthe spoons

Absinthe is a strong spirit made of anise and fennel that was once banned due to it's exaggerated phychoactive drug properties (this has actually not been proven).  The idea of Absinthe is so intriguing but the fact of the matter is, I do not like anise so alas, it's not for me.  What I do love about Absinthe are the beautiful spoons used in preparation.

Absinthe is prepared by placing a sugar cube on top of a beautiful slotted spoon, placing the spoon on the glass which has been filled with a shot of absinthe then ice-cold water is poured over the sugar cube so that the water is evenly displaced into the absinthe.

Look at these amazing spoons, they are works of art.

 - Tina

Be still my heart textiles

I have always loved rich fabrics and colorful pillows.  I am of the mind furniture should be a neutral color and throw pillows and blankets can be that punch of color needed to spice up the room.  This way, you can change them out on a whim and have a whole new look anytime you feel like it.  I just adore these patterns and colors from Jayson Home and Garden. 

- Tina