playing elegant

Chilly yet Charming

2010-01-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with the rubblestone home of Janet Smith, an engineer and landscape designer living in Ridgway, Colorado. What makes this incredible character filled home even more amazing, is that she lives completely without heat. Piper turned me onto this article from the New York Times, titled Chilled by Choice, about people around the country who choose to live without central heat. There stories are pretty incredible. Ms. Smith, who lives at an altitude of 7,000 feet endures 5 months of solid winter, and typically leaves her doors and windows open all year round.

Its funny, I thought we were living rugged, leaving the thermostat set to somewhere between 55-60 degrees, but these folks are truly inspiring. I must say I do enjoy a $60 gas bill. Plus, it lets me save that extra money on nice wooly sweaters!

Read the story here.

long winter

2010-01-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

its been a while... a cold while since i've posted anything. the melting snow and sunny days have got me excited for spring. a late afternoon's journey to spatulachia was productive preparation for the sugaring season.

An Illustrated Life

2009-11-30T07:02:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to come across this book at a bookstore in Pittsburgh. Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life" is the collaborative effort of designer Todd Oldham and the late Charley Harper. The book features over 400 pages of Harper's charming illustrations, and now in its second printing, has a more affordable price tag of only $32. (The 2007 edition retailed at around $200)

Harper is known for his bold, colorful illustrations, a style he called "minimal realism". One of his better known and more sought after books The Golden Book of Biology has fetched upwards of $400 on ebay.

Enjoy!

Happy Friday!

2009-11-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Here's to trying to capture the last bit of fall... Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

Green With Envy

2009-11-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

Love these calming shades of greens and teals. On the hunt for a vintage style fridge... and off to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving!

Beet Martinis, my new weakness

2009-11-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

Ever since visiting the Yakuza Lounge in Portland a few weeks ago I have been craving the incredible Beet Martinis we indulged in. I knew we could recreate this incredible drink, and we decided to make them for the progressive Thanksgiving dinner our friends organized last night.

The first stop of the night was our house for appetizers and cocktails, where we debuted our own version. We infused Svedka for three days with three medium fresh greated beets, combined with homemade simple syrup and a splash of lemon juice, garnished with a lemon slice, these are just as beautiful as they are delicious.

Also on the menu for the hour were Spicy Rosemary Peanuts, Aged Goat Gouda and Smoked Chevre from Integration Acres, Bacon Wrapped Beets and Wasabi and Soy Roasted Pumpkin and Squash Seeds.

The rest of the evening included sweet and savory salads at the House of Rage, a tasty lentil soup at Mary and Laura's, a delectable array of autumnal entrees at the Savage Pony and incredible mini vegan pies at Sarah's for dessert. I'm loving living in a neighborhood where we're fortunate to be so close to close friends. The first progressive dinner was so fun and successful, I'm sure it won't be the last. Below are a few photos of the night.

Kitchen Styles, Pick Your Flavor

2009-11-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

Putting the aggravation of drawing up the perfect house plans on the back burner to dream up the perfect kitchen. Between the two of us, we put out some delicious and amazing looking dishes, so the same care and thought needs to go into the design of the room. Which of these is your favorite style? I think i'm drawn to the rustic charm of the third set. Antique whites, galvanized steel and reclaimed barn wood and glass would make me a happy chef!

Elegant Spook

2009-10-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Oh Martha, how I heart your elegant take on Halloween, getting inspiration for my Halloween Party that I've spontaneously decided to throw this Friday

color by numbers

2009-10-19T12:10:00.001-07:00

hat box, florals and shades of blue

Well, Polaroid, it's about time..

2009-10-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

If you've not heard of the Impossible Project, be sure to check out there website, I've been following this project since the beginning. Heard this BIG news tonight:

"Already holding the first working hand-coated samples in our trembling hands, we are pleased to herewith announce an epoch making cooperation between Polaroid (who can no longer resist the stir we are making) and The Impossible Project:

The new licensee of the Polaroid Brand – The Summit Global Group – will re-launch the legendary Polaroid One Step Camera and is therefore commissioning The Impossible Project to develop and produce a limited edition of Polaroid branded Instant Films in the middle of 2010."

I'm still hording a pack of Polaroid Time Zero and Spectra film... and eagerly awaiting the purchase of my first pack of new instant film!!

Market Day

2009-10-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

mmmm Asian long beans and concord grapes... beautiful fall day for the market.. apple cider, chicken of the woods, smoked chevre, and butternut squash... i think athens has the best farmers market ever.

On the Farm

2009-10-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

This lovely collection of images was shot by own of my co workers, Susi Rankis at her home down in Vinton Co. They made me smile and I wanted to share them with others.

A lovely night for a stroll

2009-10-01T16:44:00.001-07:00

I guess Fall's here. Looks like he snuck in the back door and made himself comfortable while no one was looking. Took a walk with Piper tonight over to the lot where we will build our first home. We ran along the wooded hill, counting pawpaw trees, and trying to see of the squirrels had left us any chestnuts. But they were good squirrels and not a one could be found. We met a turtle and imagined where we will plant the fruit trees. A truly lovely evening. Here's a few photos I took tonight.

Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch...

2009-10-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Crafting had yet again kept me captive for the month of September. My parents came down a few weekends ago to keep me company at the Pawpaw Festival. My mom and I sold crafts together for the first time and it was wonderful. I wish we had longer together but the visit was nice and a lot of people came through our booth. I sold all of my elephants. Auguste, Eduard, Marie, Jolie and Sabine have new happy homes and I must get on top of making more. My Pawpaw Plushies didn't sell as well as I'd hoped they would- I sold out in a few hours last year!! Oh well, save making them again next year I suppose. Check out www.playingelegant.com for custom orders.

Charming Ruffles

2009-08-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

Came across this etsy shop today. Holly Stadler does custom orders on beautiful lace and ruffled caplets, shrugs, and apparel. Her work is stunning.

Kitty Come Home

2009-08-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

My favorite friend in the whole world is missing. Billie Holiday is my four year old black cat and she disappeared Friday night. She likes licking my ice cream bowl clean, decapitating small rodents and leaving them on the bathroom floor, playing with sycamore seeds until they explode, walking under my feet, perching on the wood pile, sitting on my laptop when I'm trying to type and going on walks in the woods. I really miss her so much. I keep waiting to hear her scramble up her kitty ramp into our bedroom window. Kitty come home -- we miss you!

Pale Pals

2009-08-04T14:39:00.001-07:00

Sultana San Francisco

2009-08-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Jeff just sent me a link to Sultana, San Francisco, a vintage shop some friends of his own. They have quite a selection. I particulary love the Hefty Vintage Table Fan. Sales via 1stdibs. Check them out!

The Benevolent Postcard Society

2009-08-02T14:36:00.001-07:00

What a lovely August afternoon (I can't believe it's August by the way) I've just joined the Benevolent Postcard Society, a postcard exchange project that lori from automatism has organized. "The Benevolent Postcard Society aims to bring a smile to its members through a one year random exchange of postcards." What a beautiful idea!! She plans to show the postcard in a gallery show and possibly publish the project. Now I have an excuse to by a new mailbox. Don't want my postcards getting wet. (silly worthless mailbox) Check it out and join!! Looks like she has 100 folks signed up so far. Something lovely to look forward to all year long.

I won't grow up...

2009-07-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

So today I joined the League of Quarter-centurions. Thinking fondly of childhood birthday memories, wishing my grandparents Doris and Lloyd were still here to blow out the candles with me. My grandmother and I share the same birthday and my grandpa on the 18th. Here's to remembering youth and never growing up. Looking forward to an evening of picking blackberries with Piper and friends.

chat noir chat blanc

2009-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for something fabulous to add to your netflix queue- this is it. Saw this about a year ago, but its one of those films I think about often, and is hands down top of the list of movies to recommend. Black Cat, White Cat is directed by Emir Kusturica and in addition to being wildly funny, has the most incredible soundtrack, a gypsy orchestra that's reason enough to watch. Rent it, you won't be sorry.

postman brought me love

2009-07-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

I received a lovely little package from Nantaka Joy about a week ago. But with all the chaos surrounding my move, i just got around to getting a picture taken. I was given these charming little note cards and a mini notebook for being a contest finalist on Oh Joy's blog & Dwell Studio. Aren't they precious! Be sure to check out her shop for more adorable paper goods

lovely yellows

2009-07-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

these charming florals are bringing a little sunshine to this gloomy and chilly {shocking!} day. Makes me want to go pick up the butter yellow kitchen chair i saw in that thrift store last week...hmmmmm

color by numbers

2009-06-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

lavender and olive love

Holy Holga- I'm Seeing Double!

2009-06-12T10:31:00.001-07:00

I nearly jumped out of my seat when perusing the pages of urbanouttfiters.com i saw- A Stereo Holga!!! I can't believe it. At $120, I think I'll be holding off until my bank account recovers from my trip to Vegas but Egads!! I can hardly contain myself!! I want one so bad it hurts.

post man brought me love...

2009-06-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

So I recently returned from a week in Vegas to find pure love waiting for me at my doorstep: Anthropologie's June 2009 catalog- a collaboration with Hatch Show Print!! I could hardly believe my eyes. The location scout for this issue surely deserves a bonus. Page after page of brilliant eye-candy.... oooh be still my heart

color by numbers

2009-06-10T11:52:00.001-07:00

I have been long romanticizing the days of circus trains and traveling performers, the big top and glamourous costumes. I recently received a letter from my grandmother, telling the story of my great Aunt Dodo, who ran away and joined the circus as a young girl. I only wish I had gotten to meet her.

Photo Credits:
Row 1: Left: Debi Treloar, Right: Circus Museum
Row 2: Left: Circus Museum, Right: The Circus, 1870-1950" by TASCHEN
Row 3: Left: Anna Kern Right: 666 Photography

Oh Joy! & Dwell Studio Contest- UPDATE!!

2009-06-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

I'm a finalist!! I just got word this morning that I am one of 10 finalists in the Oh Joy + Dwell Studio Contest. With the contest bringing in over 500 entries I am most pleased to be considered. The winner will be selected at random on Friday so keep your fingers crossed for me! Oh Joy will be featuring the finalists all week, so check it out! I desperately desire the Draper Stripe Set for the bedroom in our new tiny apartment - I think this might be the universe's way of making it up to me.

Oh Joy! & Dwell Studio Contest

2009-06-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Oh Joy! and teaming up with Dwell Studio for a give away contest. Here is my entry:

I absolutely love the Draper Stripe Duvet Set in ash, the mustard yellow makes me squeal... (really you should hear it, i think i've confused my office mates thoroughly) Paired with the Yellow Oxide Petal Skirt from etsy seller hierapparel

There's No Place Like Home...

2009-05-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

Got an email from my brobot today... really excited to go home over memorial day weekend and visit with my family.

Photo Credits: Top row left: Tom Leighton, right: Petrina Tinslay
Row 2 left: Joanna Vintage right: Alicia Bock
Row 3 right: Flickr
Row 4: Getty Images

lather, rinse, repeat...repeat

2009-05-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

I really love the look of repetition of shape, texture and pattern... collections of objects and how they are displayed. Enjoy this collection of images.

color by numbers

2009-04-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

a place to rest my head

2009-04-28T12:02:00.001-07:00

oh the thought of moving makes my head spin.. maybe we'll just set up camp somewhere...like here perhaps.

photos via by geisslein

happy earth day

2009-04-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

I came across this beautiful collection of vintage inspired lingerie by UK based company,Enamore. They produce their garments from vintage fabrics, organic cottons, bamboo satin and other sustainable materials. Worth a look.

color by numbers

2009-04-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

poppy and turquoise. i absolutely love these colors

bout time for some of my own work

2009-04-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

So the majority of my blog posts have been featuring the work of others, and though talented, i thought it was due time to feature some of my own work, ya know... show off my skills, prove that i went to college... so here a few images that i took yesterday around the house.

These antique chemistry bottles were a jackpot find at the ReUse in Albany. I've been hanging them with wire in windows with plants inside. I love the vintage labels. I've been inspired lately to produce some of my own labels for Playing Elegant... coming soon!

happy spring

2009-04-12T10:15:00.001-07:00

craftiness

2009-03-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

i saw this on craft magazine's blog today, an adorable pattern for the Buttercup Bag, via Made by Rae

My ladies and I will be doing this for a craft night soon, so I will post pictures of the results.

green with envy

2009-03-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

today i'm planting my peas and potatoes, happy st. patricks day!

Photo by Anna Kern

Phot by Adrian Briscoe

elephant parade

2009-03-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

So I've been posting a lot about home decor lately, getting excited about the house we are building, but I've been sadly neglecting my own craftiness. So i thought I would share the latest friends i've made...

color by numbers

2009-03-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

dreary day, dark mood, shade of grey

black like my coffee

2009-03-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

i woke up sick today and in a foul mood because i had to go to work, so i thought i post color schemes similar to how i feel.

color by numbers

2009-03-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite colors of vintage pottery is this 40's green hue. enjoy with tea and citrus.

little boxes...

2009-03-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

So I was at Rinks flea market in Marietta the other day, and as I was admiring a small set of metal drawers filled with junk, when the guy who ran the booth asked, "So you like screws huh?" And I said, "Not really, but I'd like the set of drawers they come in." My favorite storage solutions are old painted drawers from desks and dressers, mail sorters (don't tell the post office!) and suitcases. Until I finally getting around to photographing my studio, here are some other beautiful storage units.

color by numbers

2009-03-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

inspiring workspaces

2009-03-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

I definitely feel more inspired and motivated when working in a creative and beautiful environment. Here are a few spaces I would love to create in.

This beautiful studio belongs to Heather Bailey, no wonder she creates such beautiful things!

color by numbers

2009-03-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

I'd like to start creating palette boards as a feature of this blog. I am really inspired by colors, especially those of vintage toys and tableware, fabrics and paintings. So here's my debut:

The inspiration photo by James Merrell. I love the painting "Chinese Girl" by Vladimir Tretchikoff

writing on the wall

2009-03-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

I've seen so many blogs post about chalkboards and chalkboard paint lately that I wanted to get to posting some images i've been collecting.

a healthy dose of competition

2009-02-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

In honor of the Craft Magazine contest to win a wonderful new book about terrariums, i wanted to post a picture of my latest collection. I made these in the past month. And gotta love Piper for spotting that huge bell jar at ReUse for 5 bucks!! i love him... and terrariums

In need of some color

2009-02-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

After a quick tease of spring, the thermometer is back to reading "frigid" and the wind is blowing hard. I am tired of the drab and dreary colorless winter and ready for springtime to blossom bright. So until the buds pop, I'm bringing a little color into my online life.

Joie de vivre

2009-02-18T11:40:00.000-08:00

I found these journals recently at Gabriel Brothers, reproductions of vintage french journals. They are from Laughing Elephant which I checked out today, and also sells some cute vintage reproduction items. I'm thankful I found these at Gabe's for only a dollar, but there is more variety on their website.

I've had France on the brain lately, with the naming my new line of recycled wool elephants, a wonderful little film I watched the other day, Le Ballon Rouge and yesterday I fell in love with recycled burlap upholstery. Unfortunately, the going rate for vintage french grain sacks on ebay is horrendous, but I can still hope some on my many treasure hunts. Anyway, here's what I've been thinking about...

From Flea Market Syle...can you tell this is my new favorite book?

location 424

2009-02-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this incredible lady, Lyn Gardener, owner of Empire Vintage in Melbourne Australia. Her home, a renovated mattress factory is full of inspiration and right in line with my vision of vintage decor.

Vintage Industrial Lighting

2009-02-17T08:57:00.000-08:00

Been flipping through the pages of several books and magazines lately finding several instances of vintage style industrial lighting. I also discovered thanks to Decor8 blog an INCREDIBLE store called American Furnishings which takes pieces found in abandoned warehouses throughout middle america and repurposes them as home furnishings- and they're located in Columbus!!

A few images via Design Crisis

This Industrial Table Lamp is one of many great finds from American Furnishings

A few images from one of my favorite books, Flea Market Style.

presidents day... a day off to blog

2009-02-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

From artist Annie McCLure's Home via Country Living Magazine

day of love

2009-02-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

i met my partner at an anti-valentines day singles potluck four years ago tomorrow (yikes!) and although he is still against corporate greeting card holidays, i can get my valentines day kicks on the web...with my love of red things

sweet and lovely

2009-02-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

i stumbled upon a fabulous site today. One liebemarlene. Stunning vintage fashion with adorable photos and an ebay store to boot. check her out, you won't regret it.

....like rabbits

2009-02-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

This keychain from etsy seller aviewto

Adorable notebook by tangiblepress

necklace by imogeneANDannie

awe inspiring

2009-02-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

so i have just stumbled upon a truly fabulous collection of interior photos. The flickr set of owner of Design is Mine. I literally had to get out the hanky to wipe the drool off my desk. Here are a few of my favorites.

Oh Hello Blog World

2009-02-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

I am a first time blogger, but there is much on the internet that inspires me. I want to be able to share and collect images of pretty things, fabulous design and generally speaking, things that influence my creativity. I kind of have home decor on the brain lately as my partner and I are drawing up plans for a straw bale house. So without any other idea of how to start this off here goes: things I love...

From LivingEtc. Eco Style Gallery, i love a long farm style table with enough random chairs to feed all my friends. We love to entertain

I LOVE this tub, as well as anytime typography is used in home decor. Swedish photographer, Patric Johansson has some fabulous work you should check out.

The image at right was responsible for the redesign of our almost settled upon house plans, i begged for a wider greenhouse room space so that I could recreate this. Photo from my new favorite book Flea Market Style.

My new hobby is creating terrariums, which wonderfully combines my love of hiking (I've been gathering moss and ferns from the 165 acres we live on) and thrifting- searching endlessly for bell jars, cheese covers, glass cake plates and other glass treasures.
God I love stripes... and yellow