Few of My Favorite Things

Glass Confetti Knob

I was home relaxing yesterday evening (still trying to take it easy from the last few sleepless nights), when soon enough I found myself happily sucked into an Urban Outfitters' rabbit hole.  It all started with that Glass Confetti Knob above. I saw it and immediately started picturing it on a little dresser rehab or bathroom towel hook project. Basically, from there it was history. I have to say, Urban Outfitters really does have some good, affordable finds, especially in the sale section.  Anyway, I came across so many things that I want, but can't have. I felt the only way to satisfy my consumerist desires was to share these little gems with you. You'll probably notice a color trend. I'm really into the breezy summer hues these days. Aren't you?!

Hanging Egg Planter

Casa Tissue Box Cover

Metal Accordion Side Table

Branch Curtain Tie Back

Caged Pendant Lamp

Hanging Nest Planter

Jewel Knob

Branch Curtain Tie Back

Woodland Twilights LED Nightlights

Zigazag Rug

Got your eye on any finds these days?

Record Debut, and That's a Wrap!

Getting make-up ready for my last night filming, The Clean-Up.

I'm completely exhausted today as I've been spending my nights for the past few days making a short film called, The Clean-Up, with a great cast and crew. We've been working 6:30pm-6:30am every night; a bit tough on the constitution! Nevertheless, it has been a blast and I'm really proud of all the work everyone has done to put this awesome project together.  

We wrapped this morning at 7am. Success!  I'd love to elaborate more on the subject, but I am seriously tuckered out.  The reverse schedule has my body all kinds of confused. In fact, I joked with my mom that it was as though we had all flown to Hong Kong to make this film, only without the 12 hour plane ride. Yeah, yeah. I'm a riot. Haha.

Before I sign off, there is one more huge piece of news: Today I've made my debut as a credited-singer-songwriter on the soundtrack album, Postales. The record officially dropped on the label, Colemine Records today! While I've been doing session recording for years now, from artists like Charles Bradley to Alicia Keys, this is the first time I am receiving songwriting credits, in addition to credit as a featured vocalist. So excited!!!  

This project has been years in the making, but I truly think it was worth the wait. The trailer for  Postales is above and you can hear our songs in the background. The trailer/film versions don't include my vocals, but if you buy the LP, you'll have all my songs plus all the other great tunes written by my Del-Reys bandmate, Mike Deller.

Okay, I'm off to re-gather my wits. However, if you want any more info on either The Clean-Up, or Postales, check out my Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook page. I've been putting up stills and links to songs whenever possible. Hope you enjoy them!

Crew setting up the next shot while filming the dark comedy, The Clean-Up.

Museum Thursday: El Anatsui at the Brooklyn Museum

My boyfriend and I have started doing this thing we call Museum Thursdays.  It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like; on Thursdays we take a little break and hit up one of New York's many, wonderful museums.  We started this practice recently after realizing that despite having scores of beautiful art institutions at our fingertips, exhibits were coming and going right before our eyes and we were never making it to any of them. The conversation always went something like, 

Him: Oh, let's go see that Kandinsky exhibit at the Guggenheim before it disappears.
Me: Definitely. Just tell me when.
Him:  Maybe sometime next week. This one is kind of crazy.
Me: Good idea. Let's remember to do that.

...and, well, you know how this story ends.

We've seen so many awesome exhibits this month alone. I highly recommend Inventing Abstraction at the MoMa. It was absolutely outstanding.  We loved it so much that we actually went twice.  Unfortunately, they didn't allow photos so I don't have any images available from that trip. However, it's up for a few more days, so if you can catch it this weekend, go before you kick yourself for missing yet another fantastic art experience!

But about yesterday.  

Yesterday we went to the Brooklyn Museum to see Gravity and Grace: Works by El Anatsui.  If you are new to El Anatsui's work as I was until a few months ago, this radio interview from the Leonard Lopate show is a great introduction. Of course, nothing compares to seeing his installations in the flesh. As I walked through the exhibit, I found myself marveling at the extraordinary textures, colors, and vision involved in his creations. With bottle caps and bits of discarded cans and metal he creates impressively large-scale works. I can't call them sculptures because to me they felt like experiences. My boyfriend can attest to the fact that by the time we left the exhibit, my frame of mind had changed and suddenly I was seeing my own life in a different way. Just take a look at the few photos I took.  

These striking tapestry-like piece is made of flattened bottle caps. Can you believe the texture, color, and movement? My mediocre photography doesn't do it justice.

This snake-like piece I believe is called Pipe. It's made from condensed milk bottle caps. In my mind the caps took on the form of gold coins strung together, and that really got me thinking about the idea of illusion, reality, trade, market price, value, and culture.

There's so much more I'd love to get into discussing about El Anatsui and his artistic point of view which is rife with African cultural references, politics, ancestry, nature, movement, change, and humanity. However, I think it's best to let you experience El Anatsui for yourself so that you can draw your own personal inspirations. I certainly did.

Have you seen any great museum exhibits lately?

CraftTails: Coming Soon!

Since the start of the new year, I've been workshopping an idea I came up with to unite two of my favorite past times: crafts and cocktails. My sister and friends have been my guinea pigs in trying out this concept I'm calling, CraftTails- a monthly craft and cocktail night. So far we've tackled dip-dyeing, paper flowers, and DIY Artwork to great success. And thanks to these fine ladies, I have finally decided to take a big step: take CraftTails to the public!

Open-invitation Craft-Tails!
Date:  Thursday, May 9 from 7-10pm
Location:  Greenpoint, BK*
Theme:  TBD
Materials Fee**: TBD
Max Occupancy: 10
RSVP:  thecollectionaire at gmail dot com

*  Exact address will be emailed with RSVP confirmation
**  A small materials fee will be required covering all supplies for your project. The exact amount will depend on the project selected. However, that will be posted here shortly, along with all other remaining details, including the theme for the May CraftTails project!

Okay, so not a lot of details to go on quite yet, but that will soon change! Like our logo (above) which is still very-much in progress, the specifics of May CraftTails still need fine tuning. However, I wanted to be able to announce this since many folks like to get their monthly calendar's set with ample lead time. 

I've got a few ideas for a good May project. I'm researching a few suppliers at the moment to see if we can get the materials affordably and have them available in time for the event. I promise to have answers on all the TBDs within the week.

Oh, and don't you worry.  Whatever crafting theme we go with, we will definitely have a tasty cocktail to match it.

Hope to see you at the first CraftTails!!

Stina Persson...

is f*ing rad.

Can't get enough of that vibe of hot, 70s, cool-chick badassery in her artwork.  Power to the ladies!!

All photos from StinaPersson.com

My Artful Weekend Trip to Rochester, NY

George Eastman House grounds

Last weekend I spend a few days with my boyfriend and his family up in Rochester, NY.  It was such a nice trip, I wanted to share a few photos.  Now, I know it's December and with winter nipping at your nose, heading north is probably the last thing you want to do right now. However, if you staying cozy and warm is your goal, then maybe a weekend in Rochester is exactly what you need.  Between all the beautiful art museums, homey restaurants, and warm folks to meet, you might find yourself snug as a bug in a rug.

George Eastman House

You cannot miss The George Eastman House!  This mansion turned museum was once home to the Kodak entrepreneur.  Between the beautiful revolving exhibits, permanent collections, impeccable grounds, decadent architectural details, and rich history the Eastman House is a sight to behold.  The current special exhibit, 60 From the 60s is mesmerizing.  Easily one of my favorite special exhibits of late.  If you're worried that kids won't be that interested in yet another museum, never fear.  They'll love the fantastical, Jumanji-esque aura of the home.  And if you go right now, the impressive Gingerbread House Display will have them oohing and aahing.  I mean, check out these masterpieces!

60 From the 60s Exhibit

San Marcos, Texas, 1964 by Garry Winogrand
60 From the 60s Exhibit

George Eastman House "Living Room"

Memorial Art Gallery

The Memorial Art Gallery is another home run. They've just installed a fantastic Centennial Sculpture Park on the gallery grounds complete with Tom Otterness works, and soon a Jackie Ferrara piece, among others.  I was on a time crunch and didn't have time to go in the gallery this time around.  However, last time I was in Rochester, the Extreme Materials exhibit was as inventive as it was exciting.  I wish I could have gotten at least of the Framing Edo exhibit that's currently up, but maybe I'll be back in spring and catch the upcoming, Art Reflected.

Tom Otterness sculptures from at Memorial Art Gallery

Tom Otterness at the Memorial Art Gallery

Tom Otterness depicts woman creating man at Memorial Art Gallery

Tom Otterness at Memorial Art Gallery

Tom Otterness at Memorial Art Gallery

The Owl House

I'm a mild food snob.  While I'm not the worst of the worst, I do live in Brooklyn, and I think it comes with the territory that you become spoiled living amongst the endless and imaginative choices of fine cuisines from around the world.  That said, my lunch at The Owl House in Rochester left me wondering why in the world my neighborhood doesn't have a place like this!  There was food for all tastes on the menu, but as a vegetarian I was especially pleased that I didn't have to search around for a second-rate option.  Instead, I was overwhelmed with the plethora of hearty, yes hearty, and delicious choices.  Between the scrumptious food and well-selected beer list, I could see myself eating brunch here every weekend.  On second thought, maybe it's best we don't have The Owl House in the city...

The Owl House.  Photo from Easy Vegan.

The Owl House Yumminess.  Photo from Chasin' Cakes.

Beer taps at The Owl House.  Photo from Beer Lens.

I didn't have time to get into too much shopping or searching around for good finds, but I promise next time I'll bring you more of that.  In the meantime, you record collectors should check out the Bop Shop online store.  It's a super spot for digging!  More details on the store itself on the next trip.  ;)

Have you been on any great trips lately?  Got any winter travel recommendations?

Well, Now I've Done It

Apparently, all my stress has finally caught up to me and my body is calling it quits. Today I'm stuck in the house with a bad back. Boo. In celebration of this forced break, I thought I'd share links to my favorite blog posts of late. Nothing like catching up on some reading when you can't do much else!


DIY

Bountiful Arranging Using Vegetables from Design Sponge
I should totally take advantage of this given how many vegetables I am swimming in from my CSA!

Painted Ornaments from Oh Happy Day!
Can't wait to go home for the holidays and try this out with my mom!

Don't Forget the Inside from Little Green Notebook
Painting the insides of cabinets a surprising color.  Simple, yet inspiring.

Fronds and Mirrors from Gardenista
I don't know why it never occurred to me, but as soon as my back is better, I'm getting to work on my plant arrangements. (I have a bunch that are dying now that I brought them indoors for the winter.) Thanks to this post, my plant revamp is definitely some mirrors here and there.

Mayor Bloomberg Pay Phone Design Challenge on Apartment Therapy
How awesome is this?! I can't wait to see how this works out. Maybe the winner will be you!


ARCHITECTURE

Former Farmhouse Turned Chalet in the Alps from Fresh Home
New goal: Save money to buy chalet in the Alps. Learn to ski.

Escala Arquitetura on Desire to Inspire
Or maybe head to Rio instead??


GIFT GUIDES

For the Bonsai Gardener from Gardenista
Who says you can't have a garden in a NY apartment?

Favorites From Fab on Design Sponge
Nicely curated selections from Fab.com.

Books to Gift on Design Sponge
I love too many of these to even begin to say which.

25% Off at Pure Home on Apartment Therapy
Nice coupon for all us holiday shoppers.



DESIGN APPRECIATION

Golly Bard feature on Design Sponge
My introduction to Holly Ward Bimba. I love her prints!


A Little Pink from At Swim-Two-Birds
Something very soothing about this color palette.

Moorish Tiles on Design Sponge
The DIY wheels are turning over here...

Stina Persson Print on SwissMiss
Wish I could give this to my sister! Also, this introduced me to Wonderwall which is going to be a new go-to source for prints.

Interview with Marimekko CEO on Apartment Therapy
Brief words from the man at the helm of the iconic Finnish designs.

Woodcut Notecards on Better Living Through Design
Bryan Nash Gill is awesome, and so are trees!

Photojojo Photo Lens Series on Better Living Through Design
Wondering if anyone has experience with these lenses.  They are awfully intriguing...


Happy Tuesday all!