MV Knits Video

I saw this on Etsy for months ago and loved her story.

studio space

This is my studio / design area. We rehabbed the basement when we moved in.

sketches from last weekend

Preliminary sketches of animals. Observations from my recent visit to the zoo.

Loft Life Magazine

If you like to read about sustainability, good design and a modern lifestyle, this magazine is for you. Reclaimed materials are used in many of the featured designs. For the naysayers that think modern is cold and boring, think again! Modern means form follows function in terms of design practicality and aesthetic. Using natural materials like reclaimed wood will add warmth to a space. Modern doesn't mean life devoid of nature. At this very moment, most households across the country are not buying random junk to fill their homes anymore and they are being choosy about what they will buy. Designing with a purpose is now a part of our culture. You can't turn on any lifestyle show on networks like HGTV or DIY without this concept being beaten into you head. If you are looking to re-design and get inspiration this magazine is for you. Sometimes changing your lifestyle means changing your space in order to feel differently.

I had a conversation with someone from Loft Life Magazine yesterday while on Facebook. Loft Life is trying to gain readership and they certainly deserve it. About a month ago I started noticing this magazine at the local bookstore, but like everyone, I'm counting my pennies and passed it up. After viewing their magazine online and seeing what the magazine is about, I will be an avid subscriber. In a week I look forward to receiving a copy in the mail. I will pass up my other design magazines for this one.

Recycled Chairs

After


Before


I was driving down a street near home where I spotted chairs that were the right size and shape for my kitchen being discarded on someones lawn in our neighborhood. I remembered that I had some fabric that I got at a fantastic discount at a local store a year ago and that is when it came to me to reupholster the chairs. I bought some almond colored paint from Lowes. I bought batting for quilting at a local craft store and I already had a staple gun that I use for building canvas stretchers for painting. With all that I was able go from shabby to chic in a week. The chairs took much longer than anticipated to paint. Plan to spend at least 5 hours in total on just painting. The chairs were from the 60's and in poor condition. Comments and questions welcome.

Environmental Studies and resources

On my last visit to Oberlin a few weeks ago, I discovered the environmental studies building on Elm Street at Oberlin College. On the same trip at the local bookstore I saw books by David Orr who teaches environmental studies. The students of Oberlin have the opportunity to work with local farmers and they eat what is locally grown. Sustainablity is the word.

Pictures from the week

Architectural Salvage

Architectural Salvage

Although this has been a trend for years it is now called upcycling.
If you want a piece of Cleveland, and I do mean that in the real sense of the word go to apieceofcleveland.com . They provide lumber taken from old sites to the public; why cut down trees if you don't have to?

from my garden

Pine Nut-White Bean Dip

I found this recipe in the June 2008 Issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.


1/4 cup soft bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. fat-free milk
1 15-oz. can cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup fat-free or light sour cream (light is better)
3 Tbsp. pine nuts, toasted
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt-free garlic and herb seasoning blend
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tsp snipped fresh or oregano or basil
Pine Nuts toasted, (optional)
Assorted vegetable dippers
Fresh oregano leaves (optional)

1. In small bowl combine crumbs and milk; cover. Let stand 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a blender of food processor combine beans, sour cream, pine nuts, lemon juice, seasoning and pepper. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Add crumb mixture. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Stir in herbs. Cover; refrigerate 2 to 24 hours. To serve, sprinkle dip with pine nuts and oregano. Serve with vegetable dippers.

RubyTwilight

I friend of mine makes jewelry and has her line on etsy. To view her beautiful pieces, please go to http://rubytwilight.etsy.com . She has a sophisticated sense of style at affordable prices, who can pass this up!

Fashion Week

I used to think Ohio was flyover country like many people from the coasts. I think Northeast Ohio has much to offer people interested in designing clothes for a living. There have been many successful fashion startups. NEO has first rate resources and capital. Kent State has a well known fashion program. JStyle Magazine is also a terrific resource.

Fashion week is fun so check out the link.

Art of Derek Hess

From Rust Belt to Artist Belt

The Community Partnership for Arts and Culture is a good resource for artists.

Martha Stewart

Etsy will be a featured segment on the Martha Stewart Show today. It is nice to know that I was two years ahead of Martha.

Cedar Lee

Click here to check out
The Cleveland Independent Movie Goers!

Coffee Meetup

Click here to check out
The Cleveland Coffee, Lunch & Brunch Meetup Group!

Market Watch

Marketwatch is website that I often visit. Here's an article on people buying digital art.


http://marketwatch.com/rss/columns/?column=Sophisticated_Investor

Favorites

Spaces Gallery

Opening and Gallery Talk this Friday

Phenomena(l)
January 18–March 7, 2008
Curated by Kate Budd
Opening reception Gallery Talk
Friday, January 18, 2008
5–6pm Members' preview hour
6pm Public Reception
Same night, 6pm
Join SPACES World Artist Christa Donner (Chicago, IL) for an informal discussion on her work and residency at SPACES.
It is the fierce intellectual curiosity of artists and scientists alike that drives the search for truth and reason. The artists in Phenomena(l) are our emissaries into the mystery, spectacle, process and pure fun of science. Through their investigations we reconnect with science and re-imagine its role in our lives.
David Bowen Duluth, MN
Nancy Bowen Brooklyn, NY
EG Crichton San Francisco, CA
Dylan Collins Cape Girardeau, MO
Christa Donner Chicago, IL
Erica Duffy Waterloo, IA
Nene Humphrey Brooklyn, NY
Greg Little Findley, OH
Gary Nickard Buffalo, NY
Reinhard Reitzenstein Buffalo, NY
Steven Thurston Bexley, OH
Laura Splan New York, NY
Laura Vinnedge Akron, OH
Click here for more information. Also on view

SPACES World Artists Program>>
Christa Donner
Chicago, IL

SPACELab presents>>
Chelsea Blackerby
Akron, OH

Don't forget!
Monday, January 21, 11am–11pm Eat at Johnny Mango World Cafe & Bar on January 21 and 20% of your purchase will benefit SPACES. Just click here to download the promotional flyer to present to your server. SPACES— and your tastebuds— will thank you!

The Secret Door Project

I received a beautiful silk screened print this Christmas. Check out this link because this project is comprehensive.