artist spotlight // jake weidmann, master penman

I've always been fascinated with handwriting. I was one of those that passed girly notes in elementary and middle school. I loved writing my friends' names in bubble letters or large cursive at the top and adding cutesy drawings around it. Gosh, I remember keeping binders of notes. They'd be hilarious to read now.

This video of Jake Weidmann popped up somewhere and I'm so glad I clicked play. It's not only about his beautiful artwork and how he mixes his drawings with calligraphy, but the amount of time and energy he's put into his craft. It's his passion and something he hopes to highlight for future generations. Hopefully it helps to make us all appreciate the art of pen to paper a little bit more.

a little lace number

In watercolor...

If I could find the real life version of this lace set I'd buy it. Of course, a watercolor print isn't bad either. A beautiful piece by UK-based illustrator, Abigail Mckenzie.

artist spotlight // first landing woodworks

With Summer in full swing, that means tasty beers. The same goes for Fall, Winter and Spring too. I was lucky enough to meet Adam, one of the guys behind First Landing Woodworks, at a photoshoot a few months back. With my semi-new woodworking interest, I was immediately draw to this brand, and was excited to hear more about what he and his woodworking partner, Philip, were up to.

First Landing Woodwork’s mission is to provide high–quality products that are made with pride in the United States of America. We feel there needs to be attention paid to the products we use and those products should not be disposable, yet a quality heirloom piece that will last generations.

In addition to their signature walnut handles, they also use Maple, Bocote, Padauk and other hardwood...even the occasional antler! I love seeing the different wood grain shine through. It's awesome to have this kind of talent locally. 

Get your own bottle opener in their shop, or find them around Hampton Roads at a show or festival.

artist spotlight // mathilde aubier

I took some time today to organize my home studio, which was long overdue. Somehow, new vintage items had made their way in there. Magic, I tell ya. Among the vintage shoes, antique display pieces and glass bottles, there's lots of collected paper. Vintage maps, postcards, wallpaper, journals and photos. I've always planned to do collage work, but it just hasn't taken priority. When I came across Mathilde's work, I become a bit more motivated.

source: Mathilde Aubier's portfolio

::artist spotlight // carly waito::

Can you believe these are paintings? I love the colors and the way she makes them shine. These would make such a statement piece, blown up on a large living room wall. 

Artist Carly Waito

::artist spotlight // caro-ma::

While I should be finishing up our save the dates, I got a bit lost on Caro Ma's tumblr. I'm a sucker for funky collages.

More about this Parisian artist:

“It’s the nostalgia of childhood, a questioning of the present and the uncertain future.” Inspirations for Caro come from the unexpected encounter with fragments of images that, cut and deformed, allow her to transcribe her emotions and to create new territories.

::artist spotlight // threepenny bikes::

I came across Threepenny Bikes very randomly, but now I'm dreaming of my own custom bamboo bike. Look at those beauties! Hand crafted from high quality materials and truly one of a kind.

"Each piece of bamboo is unique and must be individually selected and shaped for the frame. This process of selection and hand working is a key reason bamboo bikes are a craft and not an industry." -Threepenny Bikes

::artist spotlight // holly farrell::

At first, I thought I was looking at photographs...

Blown away by these still life paintings from Holly Farrell. The detail is incredible with the shadows, textures, and spot on colors. My favorite...those apothecary bottles down there. Too good.

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::artist spotlight // wood&faulk::

I've got a weak spot for leather goods (case in point). My experience working with leather on my own is limited to a pair of leather strip earrings. Just a few snips with scissors. I'd really love to make a nice bag for my camera. Lately, I've been lugging it around in an old cosmetic bag-- shameful!

When I came across Matt's work over at Wood&Faulk my jaw dropped a little. He creates top-notch pieces using mostly wood and rich leather. There's so much craftsmanship and quality that you can see in each item he produces.

Plus, there's great gift ideas for the guys in the Wood&Faulk shop. My little brother would love that ax shield and I'd love those canvas and leather bags.

::collage love::

I'm a big fan of collages.

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::artist spotlight // rebecca rebouché::

Feeling wonderfully inspired by this short video of artist Rebecca Rebouché. I love how her studio is filled with beautiful art, rustic decorative pieces and so much natural light. I mean, check out that floor to ceiling window! The best part though? That pet bunny hopping around.

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::ballerina on a string::

The work of Banksy always makes me smile. I love his creativity and certain defiance for authority-- pushing the limit to make art speak louder than words. I hadn't seen this one before, but what a beautiful idea.

::artist spotlight // herriott grace::

I remember when I stumbled upon the Herriott Grace shop-- it was one of those jaw-dropping moments. The quality and craftsmanship of the products is stunning. Not only are the items beautiful, so is the product photography. Nikole creates picture perfect settings with her father's woodwork (they also carry handmade linen towels, cookie cutters, and porcelain kitchen ware). I just love these teak spoons.

Take a second to read their story, it's a good one. They shot a short film documenting her father's work, and just released the teaser. It's such a sweet little clip. Makes me miss my amazing dad...



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::artist spotlight // schoolhouse electric & supply co.::

I have a deep appreciation for companies that focus on keeping a certain aesthetic and nostalgia. Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. really shines through with their attention to history and quality. Inspiring...

 

::the perfect little seat::

I love the work of artist Ingrid Jansen for her company Wood & Wool Stool. I'd like a stool for each room, please. She makes them out of recycled wood and crochets the covers. Her space is pretty rad too. I'd love to visit her shop in The Netherlands one day. 
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::really?::

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::artistic::

I love the vintage vibe of these collage illustrations by Cliff Alejandro.  I'm a sucker for old photos, rustic backgrounds + a mix of type and natural elements.

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::illustrations // amy borrell::

Admiring the work of Amy Borrell– beautiful colors + perfectly delicate illustrations. She has a couple eye-catching blogs too (all the mountains and cake with giants). 

Ever since I got a Wacom tablet I've been playing around with handwritten type and using hand-drawn elements in some of my design work. As I continue working on my new blog and website, I'll definitely be incorporating some personal touches (maybe a drawing or two).

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::a loft to dream about::

Can't get over how incredible this space is. Shauna & Stephen's loft in Philadelphia was featured in the current issue (No. 6) of Anthology Magazine. It's filled with vintage treasures, books, open spaces and rad collections. I'm green with envy.

The creative duo is behind Something's Hiding in Here and Forage-- so darn talented. Check 'em out.

photographs by Seth Smoot / Styling by Kendra Smoot

::photography // mariell amelie::

A beautiful series of shots by photographer Mariell Amelie for Lucy In Disguise, a London based vintage store. I'm not certain, but the middle model looks a lot like Nadia of FrouFrouu.


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