Baby, It's Cold Outside

I'm pretty sure this is the most amazing scarf I've ever seen. 

An original drawing by British designer Karen Mabon digitally printed on silk, this Blackbird and Earthworm scarf will keep your neck warm this chilly winter season for a mere $70 American, courtesy of Red Brick North. 

- Cathleen 

George Lois - Do What You Love

If there is one medium I think is underappreciated in the arts it's graphic design. In our modern culture we are so used to ads and images everywhere we take for granted the brilliant minds that design the ads we see and remember. 

I am currently reading Damn Good Advice (for people with talent!) How to Unleash Your Creative Potential by America's Master Communicator by George Lois - the original Don Draper. 

George Lois 1964

Photo courtesy of George Lois.com 

This book gives its reader straightforward advice that intimidates in its put up or shut up manner. 

Here's one of my favorite lessons from the book:

#31. Work is Worship. Working hard and doing great work is as imperative as breathing. Creating great works warms the heart and enriches the soul. Those of us lucky enough to spend our days doing something we love, somethings we're good at, are rich. If you do not work passionately (even furiously) at being the best in the world at what you do, you fail your talent, your destiny, and your god. 

This lesson has resonated with me. I often ponder if I could go back in a time machine and begin my career over, starting from ninth grade in high school, what would I have done different. Would I have studied art history and devoted my life to the appreciation of beautiful things or would I have been more sensible and pursued something that paid the bills better? Truly the jury is still out. However I do know that I cannot imagine my life without art history. 

- Grace

The Best Nude Nailpolish

I'm calling it! The best nude nailpolish on the market right now is OPI's Tickle Me France-y. I bought it last night and ran home and painted my fingers and toes. I know, it was a super ambitious feat. 

Here's a professional picture of Tickle My France-y and then here's my photo of Tickle My France-y: 

I think a hand modeling contract is imminent. 

- Grace

Artwork of the Week: Milk

Milk. There really is nothing better. 

This wholesome illustration by Thomas Slater really speaks to me with its straightforward simplicity, and has inspired me to make a couple New Year's resolutions of my own: more milk drinking! But really, more healthy living in general. If pregnancy has taught me anything, it's that it isn't that hard to make the right choices. Having to do it for the little person growing inside me has certainly made it more compelling, but I should be doing this stuff for ME too. And I will!

Also! In the same vein, clearing away the clutter from my life. Yes, we need to make way for baby, but I once read somewhere that clutter causes stress and stress causes cancer (ah! found it!)—an overly simplistic and rather alarmist view of things, I know, but it makes sense. These things I keep "just in case" are only weighing me down and it's time to GET RID! 

And more drawing this year! Slater's confident hand makes it look so easy. Why do I let myself get intimidated by a blank page when I could certainly turn out something as effortless and direct as this? Yes! Yes to all of these things! 

What are you resolving to do this year? 

- Cathleen 

We're Going To Party Like It's 3012 Tonight!

Happy New Year! 

Do you or do you not make a New Year's resolution? 

I used to not but then last year I decided to resolve to do something I could actually do. I challenged myself to learn how to correctly spell bureau, convenience, and unfortunately. The good news? I can now spell them all correctly. Yipee!!

This year I'm resolving to renew my passport, get the kids' passports, and begin taking Graphic Design classes. This time next year let's see if I did all these things. 

- Grace

New Year's Countdown

5!

Hand-blown Frosted Dot Coupes

$68 for a set of 2 from BHLDN

{Featuring sweet tiny bubbles, with or without champagne inside.}

4!

Firecracker Stemless Flutes

$60 for a set of 6 from BHLDN

{Stemless glasses are certainly easier to wield at parties, but if you don't drink fast enough, 

your sweaty hands will heat your toddies to an unpalatable degree.}

3!

Edge Flute 

$12.95 each from Crate & Barrel

{A classic but modern twist for those who like to drink on the edge.}

2!

Etched Night Sky Toasting Glasses 

$48 for a set of 2 from BHLDN

{Yes, you're seeing stars. And no, it's not because of the alcohol.}

1!

Govino Stemless Plastic Flutes

$12.95 for a set of 4 from CB2

{In case the celebration gets a little bit cray-zay.}

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone! 

- Cathleen 

Artist of the Week: Aimee Baldwin

Scarlet Ibis -- Eudocimus ruber 2011

Aimee Baldwin is the wonder woman responsible for these fine feathered friends. Sculpted from white pellet foam, paper clay, crepe paper, paint, wire, resin, and glass taxidermy eyes, every bird is individually hand-crafted and unique. She creates lovely framed botany specimens as well. You can read more about her construction technique and see photos of all of her work on her website vegantaxidermy.com, where no plants or animals are harmed in the making of her beautiful art. Brava!

Belted Kingfisher -- Megaceryle alcyon 2011

Detail of Acorn Woodpecker -- Melanerpes formicivorus 2010

Detail of Cedar Waxwing -- Bombycilla cedrorum 2010

- Cathleen


[All photos courtesy of the artist's website & Etsy shop]