Domino Mag -- RIP

So sorry to hear that Domino is ceasing publication after the March 09 issue.

But I've said it before and I'll say it again, I never liked the sans serif type. I loved House & Garden and continue to miss Dominique Browning's essays. It just another magazine down the drain. Very sad.

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Inexpensive Makeover for Lighting -- The Candle Sleeve

Found this unusual product today called a kaarsKoker. I can't decide which I want.

kaarsKoker, the Dutch translation of “candle sleeve,” are decorative replacement candle sleeves for light fixtures. The idea is simple, but I hadn't seen anything like this. It's obviously a slight change. But, if it's all in the details, this a significant detail to my eye. They cost around $14.00 a pair. Compare that to at least $600 for a pair of sconces and there is no contest. kaarsKoker was launched in September 2008 by April Pride Allison, principal of the Seattle-based interior design firm, aPa Company. The sleeves are meant to replace the standard, white plastic tubes typically found on chandeliers and sconces. I don't love all of them (skull & bones comes to mind) but that's not important. To put it politley, there is a sleeve for everyone. I like quite a few and in this economy that's enough.

No, this isn't my taste, but it's a worthy example.

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Galbraith & Paul Fabric

I've been visiting the site of Galbriath & Paul for a year or two, particularly when they were making wallpaper.


A creative collaboration of Liz Galbraith and Ephraim Paul based in Philadelphia. Ivy Paisley above. Below, Persimmon Tulip on Pewter Velvet is smashing. Can you see it as not just gorgeous fabric, but an amazing wallpaper? It was the wallpaper that introduces me to G&P. I can also envision it as a aged panel in an armoire.


The large patters of Marigold Spring Garden on Oyster Linen would be wonderful for curtains. I certainly miss curtains during this cold part of winter. May have to do something about it. There are a few ready-made pillows and some of G&B lighting at Room and Board. There are also a few pieces on sale.
Photo credits: Galbriath & Paul

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I Can Always Dream . . .

What I would not do to go to the RBG Scottish Snowdrop Conference in Edinburgh.

Imagine hanging out with a bunch of galanthophiles. Talking and walking with experts and fans of this blessed species. February 20. I can always dream. . . .

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Currency Commentary -- the Art of Mark Wagner

I stumbled upon the work of Brooklyn based artist Mark Wagner this afternoon. He makes these wonderful Currency Collages.

Wagner takes the everyday -- in this case the dollar bill -- and makes art. The pieces are really quite beautiful. He is represented by the Pavel Zoubok Gallery in Brooklyn. I found his artist statement on their website:

The one dollar bill is the most ubiquitous piece of paper in America. Collage asks the question: what might be done to make it something else? It is a ripe material: intaglio printed on sturdy linen stock, covered in decorative filigree, and steeped in symbolism and concept. Blade and glue transform it-reproducing the effects of tapestries, paints, engravings, mosaics, and computers-striving for something bizarre, beautiful, or unbelievable... the foreign in the familiar.

On his website, Smoke in My Dreams click on the thumbnail and you find larger images 'd suspect. His work both fun and decent commentary on the world we live in.

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The O8 Ball's behind US -- Shake it UP

Outdoors it is spitting icy rain. Not a pretty day. So, I'm playing quietly on Twitter and chatting with my friends J +V on Facebook. Then I found this. . .

The O8 Ball is behind us. Now it's time for the Magic O9 ball. Brought to by Louisville-based Mindsalt Design + PR. They are a brand invention (and re-invention) agency for imaginative companies who wish to change minds, improve culture, and rise above the familiar. Follow the link and shake it up. Below you can see my prediction, unfortunately the photograph is not great (from my Iphone). Look closely! They are a talented bunch. Check out the website. If you can possibly stop playing with the future.

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Socket (deer) to You!

Short post. I'm surrounded by deer. But this takes the cake.

They eat everything in the garden. So why not start the year with a minimalist post in a post-consumptive world on these very cool deer electrical outlet covers. The idea is that you put your mobile phone on the wall for charging. Antlers for all three types of deer are the perfect shape to hold things, so it is simplicity itself. Made of durable urethane rubber they are unbreakable. You could also use them on light switch covers for keys. The company, nendo, is based in Tokyo and Milano. Sweet.

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