WOODCUTS

I stumbled upon this beautiful book, Woodcuts, the other day and as I flipped through the preview I started to think that the pages would be perfect for framing in a grid. Unlike the predictable botanical or Audubon book (which I love as well), these woodcuts are unexpected and intriguing - they aren't your typical pressed flower or nest of robin eggs. The Connecticut-based artist Bryan Nash Gill created large-scale relief prints from cross sections of trees. Their rings create the most unique, detailed patterns that have always been a beautiful mystery. Here is how he creates the prints,

"The artist rescues the wood from the property surrounding his studio and neighboring land, extracts and prepares blocks of various species—including ash, maple, oak, spruce, and willow—and then prints them by carefully following and pressing the contours of the rings until the intricate designs transfer from tree to paper."

I know buying a collection of nice prints can be pretty pricy, so a great alternative is finding a gorgeous book and carefully removing the pages to frame yourself. You can arrange them like these to make a dramatic statement and occupy a lot of space without paying an arm and a leg for a piece of large artwork. Here are some snapshots of his beautiful work:

MY LULIE

Look what I found today on Lulie Wallace's blog!

It's my commissioned wedding bouquet painting! I love it and I CAN NOT wait to see it in person! It is the perfect mix of my wedding flowers. Lulie did an amazing job!

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

Happy friday everyone! I can't believe it is all ready February and groundhog's day has come and gone once again. I don't know about you, but I am ready for Spring -- even though Phil did say we will have 6 more weeks of winter. Boo! I believe he could be wrong though considering we are having 60 degree days in mid January. 


Guess what is right around the corner?!? That's right, Valentine's Day. I don't have high expectations of Valentine's Day - I just like to think of it as a pleasant day to have my main man all to myself. He isn't a sappy, lovey-dovey type guy so I don't expect big pieces of jewelry, giant teddy bears holding balloons, or boxes of chocolate ... just a simple meal adorned with some flowers. [He also thinks that buying the flowers and delivering them himself is a much better deal than having them delivered by a stranger, ha!] 


Since our wedding anniversary is so close to V-Day we opted to cook in rather than competing against the rest of Bham to make dinner reservations (apparently you have to make reservations a year in advance!?!) and then we will enjoy a nice dinner out on the town for our one year. I have been thumbing through my pinterest recipes and favorite food sites and I believe I have decided to make a meal adapted from my friend Margot's anniversary dinner that she posted -- roasted rack of lamb, mushroom risotto, and asparagus with basalmic tomatoes! My co-worker made this same lamb recipe and said it was easy and delicious so I am going to try it out. 


And, if we aren't full off all that then I will make us these precious "cupcakes for two" for dessert. This way we can satisfy our sweet tooth and maintain our waistline by not having a dozen leftover! 

Like I said, I don't have high expectations of V-Day gifts, but if my hubby did want to surprise with me with something special and amazing ... I sent him this link to Lulie Wallace's commissioned wedding flower paintings. I found her shop several months ago and have been obsessed with her, but now I have noticed she is appearing everywhere! So, before her prices sky rocket I hope to own one of her fabulous quirky paintings. Here are a few of her recent commissioned paintings based on bride's bouquets:

What do you think? Do you have any V-Day gift or dinner suggestions?

AFFORDABLE ART

I think an easy way to spruce up a room in a house is adding framed art and, the bigger the better. I know several blogs have done similar posts to this, but in case you haven't seen them I wanted to share my favorite prints, artists, and shops.


1. Etsy, of course: This fun and hand-made site has millions of amazing artists and cool shops that sell anything from vintage and modern prints to charcoal sketches and acrylic paintings and more! Here are a few of my favorites -

siilso art by yangyang pan

I love all of her bright colors and abstract heavy strokes

the far side print

4 giclee prints

groundwork

This artist appears to be on vacay right now, but check back in a month to see more of her beautiful artwork! 

constants of motion

amber alexander

I love all of her sweet watercolors. She always chooses a beautiful, subtle color palette and leaves enough white space on the page for the illustration to breath.

bird watercolor - strawberry

feathers no.2

How pretty would a collection be of these birds and feathers? In a white frame and white matte ... note to self.

in the water

kari herer
Her illustrations and photography have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Lonny Magazine, and several awesome blogs. I really love her work and can't wait to get my hands on a few of her pieces.

 magnolia and flower illustration

anter no. 6944

botanical no. 5633

jessica torres

Her photographs are so calming and serene. I especially love her focus on nature and the outdoors. There are so many I wish I could post, but that would be overwhelming so here a few of my favorites.

warm lake mini print

spring aspens

autunno

2. 20x200: This site features graphic prints from various artists in several sizes. They are constantly adding new art work and replacing old or sold out items. It is fun to browse through all the different styles and mediums. Here are some of my current favorites-

fingerprint by ky anderson

vegetables by wendy macnaughton

golden state freeway by michael light

the black and white contrast in this photograph is brilliant. 

praia pinquinia by christian chaize

This artist has a series of these beach photographs. I have seen gorgeous large scale versions of this scene in rooms and it makes such a statement. I actually have one framed on my mantel at Melrose and the colors are captivating. 

3. Poster Cabaret: This site also sells posters and prints produced by several artists. I have not ordered from this site, but they have some amazing art work I would love to introduce to Melrose.

gregarious grosbeaks

This lithograph print is from the talented children's book author, Charley Harper. I love the punch of yellow in this sea of neutral tones. 

city scape by blanca gomez

4. deviantART: This is an online social network for artists where anyone can sell their artwork on paper or products. I just recently discovered this website and have simply browsed a few times. I am sure there is more fabulous art work for sell on it than I am posting. 

original nude watercolor

stylized watercolor of fashion model

Do you have any other favorite shops where you buy art work? If so, please share! I love finding new sites for inspiration. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Hopefully I can share what was in the big box next week!

for more art options, check out my pinterest art board

DRAFTING/PAINTING EASEL

I have had a few people ask me about my painting easel (I really need to update my photos of the den - it sure has changed since this photo!), so when I spotted this one at a local antique shop I wanted to share! I purchased mine at Scott's in Atlanta and since then have seen several other more expensive options at Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware, Etsy, etc. 

Check out this one at Anthropologie right now:

yes, that is right, $1,200 ... believe it

This one I found is at Consigning Interiors in Pelham, Alabama for less that $300. She isn't as battered and abused as mine (or the one above), but still has the vintage charm to add interest to any room! 

once again, please excuse the nasty iphoto resolution. The top working panel swivels back and forth to the angle of your choice for easy viewing.

An easel is perfect for any nook needing some creative juices! Here are two fabulous painting/drafting areas ...

via delight by design

via things that inspire

If you are interested, or know someone who is ... feel free to spread the word! I think it is a great vintage find!

POTTERY FAVS

With wedding stuff occupying most of my time lately, I have started paying a lot of attention to china. I just keep stumbling upon these beautiful pieces of hand-made pottery that I could picture displayed in my dining room or entertaining a house full of guests. I love unique, one of a kind pieces, and like I mentioned before I have developed a slight obsession with tea cups so that may lend to my attraction as well. I wanted to share a few artists that I have found and my favorite pieces. (feel free to ship any to Melrose)

1. LeaWoodCeramics :: I love the simple shapes and elegant thickness to all her pieces, but I especially enjoy the touch of quirkiness the ink strokes convey. The black and gray touches are classic enough to mix and match with any dinner sets. 

2. Sara Paloma Pottery :: With my love for white, you know I would love these dainty pieces with touches of gold. So sweet!

3. Gretel :: Gretel is a company that sells home accessories from around the world. All of the brands are beautiful and share an appreciation for simplicity and creativity. 

Do you have any pottery favorites? I know Etsy has tons more ... I just found these through other bloggers.