A lesson In Light and Sound

Swan Song

I came across new assemblage pieces by the artist Katie Runnels this morning and thought I should share.

Her work is amazingly detailed. I adore the enormous toadstool mushrooms, patterned leaves and graceful swans. For more of Katie's "art and found" work stop by her Etsy shop,
the Constant Gatherer, or her delightful blog.

Sign, sign everywhere a sign...

These fabulous posters were designed by Jim Datz for Three Potato Four. If he made one for San Francisco and Berkley I would be the first in line.

as summer goes quietly into fall

Twin Barrels Burning

I just found this beauty on Design Sponge.

It is the most awesome, awe inspiring soapbox derby vehicle we have ever seen. Proudly it won the trophy for best engineering in the Portland Soapbox Derby. I already wanted to visit Portland and I am now officially sold on the idea. Designer Charley Wheelock made a functioning soapbox "motorcycle" out of wine barrels and bicycle tires. Complete with disc brakes and a '57 Ford F100 drop axle for a frame. Check out Charley's blog for more photos and hilarious tales of ol' number 33.

Candy is dandy but, liquor is quicker.

How about a self propelled skating coaster, complete with a festive flag proclaiming "CHEERS!" Guaranteed not to spill your libation as it caddies your glass.

In the market for a happy-fun-time traveling bar? Well, look no further than Miss Molly's. This portable bar is ready for two bottles of your favorite spirit so you can feel like you are part of Mad Men no matter what office you work in.

Ah, yes then there is the shot, I mean shot glass, from Of Mine Design. Belly yourself up to the bar old west style and die another day.

Last, and certainly not least there are the re purposed decanter necklaces from Dust Design Co.

If you are a party girl, they can help inform those flirty fellas at the bar as to which route to take when ordering you a drink. He will ponder, "Ah, yes I can see she is a bourbon girl, well aged and smoldering with a hint of sophistication. But, then again there is the vodka girl. She is always ready for a good time. I must admit I like them shaken and not stirred!"

I truly have no idea what shaken not stirred is supposed to be a euphemism for but, I will trust Bond.

Indian Summer

Lauren Gregg

I know, toe-wiggling kind of good right?! This is the work of the bass playing, animal loving, nerd-sheik aficionado Lauren Gregg. She has a pretty impressive list of clients- everything from MTV to Visa. When she is not playing bass for The Buddy System, Lauren also makes up one half of the animation duo Kangaroo Alliance. I wouldn't be surprised if she could even leap over skyscrapers in a single bound. I highly suggest stopping by her Etsy shop and website for more marvels in illustration.

Lard Bucket!

Gasp! Ewwwww!
That's right, I said it, lard bucket!

They're better to look at on the counter than on your thighs.
It never ceases to amaze me how everything had style back in the day. Not my day, but in ol' Gramp's day. Attention to design was paid to every product, no matter how mundane. Not to mention advertising gems like, "With a flavor you'll favor!"

Functional and Green

A few of my favorite finds today.

Good Night, and Good Luck!

Who doesn't need a little more luck in their life?

Polli

I adore the delicate jewelry designs of Polli.
Joe surprised me with two pairs of Polli earrings for Valentine's a couple of years ago and I think I am ready for more- hint hint. Many of their beautiful designs come in both gold and stainless steel and are light as feather... so you don't have to worry about getting saggy old lady ears.

Polli was founded by Australian designers Maja Rose and Tess Lloyd. They credit influence from both Danish and Japanese paper designs. Their pieces appear modern yet classic. Recently they have started adding home wares to the collection. I can't wait to see what they do next.