Chatham Girl

There is something so wildly fascinating about the Chatham Girl. I imagine she would be equally comfortable at afternoon tea as she would in a speakeasy, bluffing the winning hand in a game of poker against some barrel of a man. Created by the talented Zara Carpenter in Rochester Kent. Zara often combines vintage and new materials creating the most intriguing fashions.

Yellow

Above clockwise: Bright Sunshiny Day print by Farouche,
Yellow Bird Print by Koelle Art Shop,
Golden Rose Pine cone Candle by Bird and Bee,
Wading Bird Pillow cover by Olive

Above clockwise:
Set of two Miniature Butterfly Paintings Koelle Art Shop,
Set of 3 Organic Lavender Sachets by Jewelweeds,
Isotype card from Dude and Chick,
H is for Hello greeting card by Hijirik,
Ginko Ceramic mugs by Dahlhaus


Summer is turning into fall over at Poppytalk and we are proud that one of our giclees got to join in the fun.

The Bungaloo

Yes, you are not mistaken, the awkward bear in glasses politely inquired if girls would be there. From floating cars to two-headed snakes... what more could you want in a concert poster? Artist John Vogl of St. Louis creates silkscreened concert posters and t-shirts under the label the Bungaloo. A visit to his website is well worth your time. Not only for more eye candy but, for the poster descriptions as well. How often does a site get recommended for interesting descriptions. Yeah, he's that good.

Echo Time Travel Mart

I spied these great posters on the design blog sauce bomb this morning. The series was designed by Amy Martin for the Echo Time Travel Mart at 826 LA. If you are not familiar with 826, it was founded by Dave Eggers and educator Nínive Calegari. Each 826 location is a tutoring center that provides workshops and mentoring for children ages 6-18 to help improve their writing skills and support their creativity. Every center is hidden behind an amazing storefront that carries a unique theme to keep learning fun and help support the program. So next time you run out of mammoth chunks and don't want to pay the high price for gas to run your time machine stop by 826 LA's Echo Time Travel Mart where your purchase can help support a great cause.

gardening is sexy

Who ever said that gardening is only for old ladies with their stockings rolled to the calf and a polka dot moo moo? Or even that gardening is a one season event? I declare, gardening can be sexy... or at least wildly romantic. No, I am not talking about (cue the '70s dirty movie theme music) a roll in the hay or doing anything lowbrow with your fruits or vegetables. There is something extremely gorgeous about gardening. From getting your hands dirty in rich soil, to watching a plant you care for develop into a lush green glorious giant. A garden also can be another outlet for creativity. I personally like to weed while listening to the Pixies- it is oddly fulfilling.

Have I gotten you rilled up yet? I hope so!

For us here in the US September is a good time to start your winter garden. Sunset magazine has several ideas to start you off on the right foot. Now is a great time to buy perennials since garden stores often discount their inventories before winter. Most garden centers also mark down those lovely glazed pots about this time of year- usually 20-30%. Not bad when most of the nice large pots cost over a Benjamin.

Now go garden!

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.