This is California’s new license plate redesigned, actually it’s just one artist’s conception of it.
The artist is Stefan Bucher, who was commissioned by Fast Company to redesign California’s license plate. Originally an idea from GOOD Design, which asked “How do we solve Los Angeles quintessential problems including: “Tacos, Traffic, Ugliness, Water, Pollution, Isolation, and Acts of God, respectively.”
When I saw this new license plate design, I just thought it was too funny. The far right corner mentions, “QR contains vehicle license and registration information, as well as your credit score.” Come to think of it, maybe this won’t be far from how the future of California will look. I sure hope not. Image from Stefan Bucher.
Back in December of 2009, GOOD Design had an idea to bring artist together to solve LA’s situation. Here is what GOOD Design wrote, “The collection of people and ideas was wonderfully diverse, and offered some fun, serious, and occasionally totally outlandish things to think about as how to make LA an even better place.”
Read the rest of this entry »
I came across these interesting and useful designs from Finland. They are made by the designers at Tonfisk.
The philosophy behind their design company is to create not just a product with a different shape, but a whole new idea. As stated, “Form follows function doesn’t mean all objects have to look the same” is built on Louis Sullivan’s functionalist dictum. However in spite of its cliché-status it describes best our design philosophy.”
Photo from Garden Design.
The “KIIKKU” is this stepped garden or potted plant display. It lets you bring some color into your living room in a stylish and innovative way. Kiikku consists of a walnut wood ladder from which hang four easily removable flower pots.
The term Kiikku means “swing” in Finnish. It swings upward to display your flowers in a pretty arrangement. The pots could also be used to hold a herb garden or even the easy to care for succulents.
It looks like a simple idea that serves a good purpose for people who like to collect many potted plants. The idea is to create a stepped garden which could also be placed either indoor or outdoor. A great idea for those with limited space. Available at Unison. Photo from Unison.
Read the rest of this entry »
I love the artwork by George Barbier. Here is two I’ve managed to scan from my note cards.
George Barbier was born in Nantes, France in 1882. He was a popular fashion illustrator and costume designer during the 1920’s Art Deco period. His illustrations were usually found in French fashion magazines and now can be found in art museums (as well as stationary).
“Voice me ailes!” - Look at my wings! This artwork was first printed in 1922 in French fashion magazine.
The drawing really brings you back to a different era. From the fashion to the sailboats in the background. I also like the simple yet elegant black dress, but can’t imagine looking like this all the time.
Read the rest of this entry »
The latest edition to my botanical soap collection is made with coconut milk and hibiscus flower petals. It is made with all vegetable oil, even with a touch of sesame oil too!
Since I’ve learn so much about the benefits of coconut for our skin, I’ve been wanting to add this to my soap. The coconut milk are usually used for cooking and baking.
I let all my soaps cure for about three to four weeks before using it. I have been using this for about a week and really love it. It’s a very luxurious and creamy soap.
Instead of water, I replaced it with coconut milk. Both the addition of coconut oil and coconut milk is very moisturizing. Coconut is full of antioxidant, and the oil protects and nourishes the skin.
I also added ground hibiscus. This hibiscus flower is normally used in making tea. Hibiscus flower is full of Vitamin C and would also be great for your skin.
I thought the bright color of the petals would seep into the soap, but it didn’t. The best part is the ground hibiscus petals added a nice exfoliation of the skin too.
Ingredients: Coconut milk, Safflower oil, Canola oil, Palm oil, Coconut oil, Sesame oil, and Hibiscus petals.
Read the rest of this entry »
The Winds of Fate
One ship drives east and another drives west
With the selfsame winds that blow.
‘Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales
Which tells us the way to go.
Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
As we voyage along through life:
‘Tis the set of the soul
That decides its goal,
And not the calm or the strife.
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Artwork by Ira Barkoff. Image source.
I’ve always loved this poem. I came across it at a time when I really needed to read it to myself. So I wrote it down somewhere and now I found it again. I thought I would share it here.
Read the rest of this entry »
I always thought Google Maps was pretty cool. And now it’s even cooler when I heard about what artist Bill Guffey was able to do with them.
Some of Bill Guffey’s artwork is inspired by by screengrab of Google Maps street view. He is a self-taught artist from Kentucky. He has done some traveling, but have now found Google street view to be less expensive way to be inspired. And with only the click of a mouse he could be just about anywhere in the world.
Some of my favorite paintings by Bill are shown here.
This painting was done with a screen grab from Google Streetview Italy. I’ve always loved looking at photos of Italian balconies, especially ones filled with blooming geraniums.
“Currently, Guffey’s portfolio includes 100 images inspired by Google Maps street view. In April, he finished painting images from each of the 50 states, subbing in Washington DC for Hawaii, which is not yet available on Google Maps. Last week, Guffey painted a few scenes from Eastport, Maine. This week, his blog displays paintings of Angwin Vineyards in Angwin, Calif., and the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colo.” - CS Monitor.
Read the rest of this entry »
Dave Leiker is the owner of Kansas Photos. He has a nice collection of photos from landscapes to critters. I have to admit I never thought about Kansas very much. But after looking over the photos of Dave’s collection, I’ve come to see that this place is full of beauty and charm.
Here are some of my favorite from Kansas Photos. The overgrown meadow with the abandoned shed seems sad, but is full of history. And the endless field of crop sunflowers is always a welcoming sight. To order prints, please contact Dave Lieker here.
I also like the description too. A little humor goes a long way, especially of “Grandpa Grasshopper”. For more detail images, please visit Kansas Photos.
Read the rest of this entry »
I found some cute vintage cards at the local charity shop. They were sold for 25 cents each.
When I was younger I used to enjoy drawing flowers and animals. And these days, reading children’s book just for the illustrations is a good way to relax. Just brings you back to being a kid again.
I like how this cartoon is very colorful and somewhat simple too. You really don’t see cartoons like this anymore. Everything looks much more modern now.
Read the rest of this entry »
I’ve seen buildings covered in ivy’s before, but never have I seen anything like what Patrick Blanc did with these buildings. Patrick Blanc is a French artist that does vertical garden art.
The neat thing is that the plants don’t need soil to grow. Just give it sunlight, minerals and water. Patrick has also devised an automated system to water the plants from top to bottom. He said it’s very much like how it’s done in nature. Just like when the water runs down the rocks and cliffs. Maintenance is also very easy, you just have to check on it a couple of times a year.
The natural benefits of the Vertical Garden include improved air quality, lower energy consumption, providing a natural shield between weather and inhabitants.
Patrick Blanc considers himself more than just an artist. Blanc is also a botanist and the Vertical Garden is derived from the many observations he’s made in natural places. Mostly in tropical areas for more than 30 years now.
His artwork is considered to be a living painting. In French, he refers to it as “le mur vegetal” meaning vegetal wall. His latest spring 2009 project is in Paris at the Rue d’Alsace.
Image source:
PingMag - You can also read the whole interview with Patrick Blanc here.
I found these at the local thrift shop for only 50 cents. The marigolds seed were collected in 1992. These are 17 year old seeds! I had to get them since I love the artwork. Such cute little girls with their cats, hanging out in the garden.
I heard that old seeds may not grow, but I want to give these a try anyway. I am trying to start the seedlings in biodegradable egg cartoons. If they start out, then I can transfer them into separate pots.
Marigold seeds are “French Dwarf Double Mixed Colors” and “Red Spanish Brocade”.
Update: The seeds did not grow. We had strong winds recently and they just blew my egg cartoons all over the yard. Not a good idea!
Updated 7/23/09:
