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archives |
Monthly Archives: August 2006
Thursday 08.31.06
Etsy Artist: Suuskeramiek.
I stumbled on some beautiful pottery work by an artist named Suuskeramiek from the Netherlands on etsy today and loved some of her pieces. Her colors are really lovely, the shapes and styles quite modern and since they’re made out of stoneware clay, you can put these pottery pieces in the dishwasher and microwave. And her descriptions of each piece are so charming:
“This is a tapas set. To serve all kind of nice little snacks and tapas when you have guests.”
“This is a very happy chocolate fondue set for two persons. To have a romantic & sweet dessert put some of your favorite chocolate and a little bit of creme or milk in the fondue bowl and put a tea light in the holder it will melt slowly if you want it to melt faster just put it in the microwave for a few seconds.”
“This is a collection of little tapas dishes out of my Flow collection. They are made out of stoneware and come in four color sceams (schemes): orange/red, cream/indian yellow, light mint/medium mint, lilac/purple.”
“This is a set of two espresso cups and saucers in stoneware color sceam (scheme): light orange with red. A very colorful set and if you have some other colors you prefer just let me know.”
Suuskeramiek says “There is lots more where this comes from. I love to make functional art to enjoy. By looking and using it. Bring a visit to my website. ” I think we should take her up on that. She seems so happy to make these things, it’s the least we can do to oggle and admire them. Very endearing, indeed.
Wednesday 08.30.06
"Make it work, people. Make it work."
I think everyone needs a Tim Gunn in their life. A little encouragement, a little constructive criticism, all dished out gently, wisely and totally in style.
Now you can ‘make it work’ under the helpful guidance of the official Tim Gunn Bobblehead! Or, you can attach Tim to your dashboard to ward off evil fashionistas. Created by Emmett McCarthy and the EMc2 design team, it’s a must-have for all Project Runway fans. I’ll bet Santino and Andrae have one. Carry on!
Tuesday 08.29.06
Time Out for New Orleans.
I thought in honor and remembrance of those people who suffered and perished in the wake of Katrina, that today would be a good day to reach out to others in need. Actually it’s better to reach out all the time, but life is so busy we rarely get that chance. So, let’s all be really thankful for the roofs over our heads, and all the belongings we covet and just put aside consumerism for the day. Habitat for Humanity New Orleans is a great way to help the victims of Katrina. A year after the worst disaster in American history there are still people homeless and suffering, living in FEMA provided trailers, waiting to get their lives back.
We all put so much emphasis on our homes and how they look (and I am as seriously guilty of this as the next person) that we can’t imagine what it might be like to lose every single one of our dear possessions. So, with that said, I don’t think we should only remember for today, but for always how these people were treated during and after this catastrophe. It is unforgivable, and entirely shameful.
New Orleans Habitat for Humanity brings families and communities in need together with volunteers and resources to build decent, affordable houses. They are mobilizing an unprecedented rebuilding effort. In 2006, NOAHH plans on building hundreds of new homes in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes.
So today, maybe we could all put aside the money for that new pillow, linens or anything other thing you’ve been wishing for and contribute to putting a roof back over these folks’ heads. It will be a much more lasting contribution and will go beyond just today and help these people for years to come. Thanks for considering it.
Monday 08.28.06
Swallowtail: Idol Worship.
Can a store be considered a personal hero? An idol at the alter of design and good taste? Well, if so, Russian Hill’s Swallowtail is definitely what I worship. I have loved this shop from the day I walked in, and have often contemplated how to be Swallowtail when I grow up. It’s quirky, eclectic and full of beautiful objects that I love to dawdle over when I visit.
It’s a bit like an art museum of the odd, classical and collectible. And no matter what your taste, I think everyone could find something special here to take home and make their own – their very own pièce de résistance. A show-stopper and showcase signature piece that everyone will be asking about. The store is jam-packed with an overwhelming amount of great finds, you almost have to watch your every step, lest you run into Omar, the resident ram. Every shop needs a large, friendly ram.
Where else would you find a life-size geisha along side antique anatomy charts, vintage chandeliers, contemporary Noguchi lamps and lucite chairs?
Look at this amazing ‘wine jacket’ handcarved by James Jin. Is that not uniquely fabulous? 
In addition to all the other wonderful, one of a kind collectibles, Swallowtail’s owner, Sheri Sheridan and her partner Nathan Brown of Disfigure Design are recreating old Louis XV-style chairs with a modern twist. Recovering them in fresh, modern fabrics, including an unconventional camouflage print and bright graphic designs like this one, which pretty much screams ‘statement!’
Swallowtail is open Mon-Sun noon-6pm
2217 Polk Street @ Vallejo Street
San Francisco
415.567.1555
Also located in Rockridge @ 5332 College Avenue, 510.595.1240
Monday 08.28.06
Presto-Change – Part Deux
As was discussed with some of you on Apartment Therapy San Francisco, even though I scored these great chairs at a real bargain on craigslist, I was presented with the dilemma of a bit of a chair-overdose. The living room was just too crowded with chairs and not quite working. So with some helpful suggestions from fellow AT commenters and tossing and turning with some late night strategies, I came up with a new arrangement that I’m happy with. Take a look – and comment away. I’m also contemplating paint on the walls above the fireplace, and behind the chairs – the color is still a quandary. I’m considering a charcoal blue/gray or a dark gray/green with a lighter contrasting green on the opposite gallery and dining room walls…we’ll soon see. I’ve added a few paint chips I’m thinking about. As the room turns…
