2birdstone: February 2010

23.2.10

Inspiration: Ron von Dongen

These black and white flower portraits are gorgeous. I adore his sensitivity to subtle texture and his strong compositions.

It doesn't end there! He works in color too!

Love, love, love!

[Photographs by Ron von Dongen, found via Design You Trust]

16.2.10

I want to fill you, my readers, in on what's been going with my move to the UK and the status of re-opening my shop.

The move has gone well, though quite a bit slower than it would in the States. About 80% of our household is unpacked into our new home with the remaining 20% due to arrive any minute. Today we finally got the Internet set up and my work computer is here along with half of my desk. In my oodles of free time waiting for stuff to arrive, I've been working on an identity re-design for 2birdstone as well a comprehensive product and price list and a customer contract.

It may not look like much right now, but there is a lot of action going on behind the scenes and I am very excited to re-launch and can't wait to see what 2010 brings!

On that note, I'll leave you with some "before" photos of our new home.

the living room and fireplace

the kitchen -- this wont change too much

the dining room

my office

master bedroom (it is absolutely HUGE!)

the upstairs bathroom was just renovated before we moved in

11.2.10

Fashion: Violet Flats

Some women love handbags, some women love jewelry but if you can't already tell, I'm a shoe girl and I've found my new obsession for spring.

Magrit $172
So this is a little more French Court than May flowers, but what a fantastic use of color! I'd wear them with cropped, skinny black trousers, a voluminous orange silk top and lots of black chain jewelry.

Kate Spade $95
Who doesn't want gift bows on their toes?!

How do you feel about violet flats? Would you wear any of these shoes? What would you wear them with?

4.2.10

If I had a million dollars ...

You know the tune, feel free to sing.

I love eBay. Have I told you that before?

Since we'll be moving into a new place very soon, I've been reading many home design blogs for inspiration. This always leads to hours of searching on eBay. Without boring you further, here are some of the fantastic finds I've got my eye on.

This gorgeous blue milk glass lamp base with it's Greek details and quirky tilt.
Buy it Now for $350

Four milk glass dental tool trays. If the dentist doesn't scare you and you run them through the dishwasher these would be perfect for the bathroom or kitchen sink. I think the six section one in particular would go on my dresser for earring and ring collection at the end of the day.
Bidding starts at $9.99

How cool is this! A nice scientific spin on the neo-classical porcelain bust.
Buy it Now for $49.99

Yes, it's a little creepy, but it's A LOT cool -- screen printed show poster by Jermaine Rogers.
Starting bid $9.99

Southwestern, possibly Navajo, 44"x33" rug. Neutral tones with a nice graphic pattern.
Bidding starts at $49.99

Ernst Haeckel chromolithograph -- my favorite color pallet and I adore his sea life illustrations.
Bidding currently at $15.50 but will end much higher.

The final item of desire:

1970 Mini Classic - I WANT this with every fiber of my being.
Bidding at $12,000 (reserve not met)