shimmery window display

at Miu Miu on 57th Street.

Fall in New England

Here are pics from a sunny afternoon in my hometown of Marblehead, MA.

Halloween!

Brilliant inventions from marthastewart.com. Inspires creativity. 

wicked witch cupcakes

"bat wings" chicken wings with soy sauce and black food coloring

"ladies fingers"

spider cupcakes

"mashed boo ta toes"

sheet metal decor

In Brooklyn especially, tin ceilings are absolutely everywhere. I get it. Drama and vintage appeal for little labor and little money. A quick fix for a restauranteur wanting to tap into the vintage, cool category. This style is distinctly American and was extremely popular in the 1890s. The tin is very durable which is why they still remain in these newly discovered old spaces that people are converting into stylish restaurants and stores.  Sheet metal is cheap and can be hammered and pressed into really interesting patterns and shapes. Here are a few products that caught my eye.

tin ceiling pattern chart from North Georgia Metals and Stone

hand hammered tin boxes from Indonesia - at Serena & Lily

Mexican mirror from website Southwest and Beyond

zulu baskets

My Senegalese landlord, Salif, gave me a small zulu basket a few years back. I love it. It is made from recycled plastic prayer mats and straw.

The baskets are traditionally made by women in South Africa and the tradition of weaving is passed down through the generations from grandmother to granddaughter. The pattens are amazing. There are also some more modern interpretation these days. I've posted some below. To me, the original African versions are far and away the best in color and pattern.

it's amazing how if you want a warm wooded vibe you can draw from items from a variety of cultures and sources and it really works. makes it more individualized too. based on styles that you are personally drawn to. they are sooo beautiful and also very affordable. adds great color, pattern and texture to the interior. 


They are so beautiful and affordable too:
http://www.basketsfromafrica.com/items/zulu-ilala-palm-baskets/list.htm?1=1

from Patriot Imports

from Gems of Africa

from Magellan Traders

Modern interpretations...

made by zulu women -  at Unica Home

neoprene basket - at Michele Varian

bowl from straw and plastic - at Scholten & Baijings