Category Archives: Wishing_True

Spring Garlands (and a bird or two)

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I didn’t spend too much time decorating the twins’ nursery since we moved into our house three weeks before they were born. And aside from being titanically (is that a word? it should be) huge, I was also busy running around after Oliver who was only 18 months old.

BUT I did manage to find a couple of items on Etsy that were easy enough to toss up on the wall later in between feedings.

Middleburg Folk Art Studio, has wonderful paper mache and fabric pieces that add a touch of whimsy to any room. Not sure how I stumbled across them, but here is what I bought:


Aren’t they adorable? I didn’t want to go too girly on George, but I thought I could get away with blue birds for a baby boy. Here are some of the other garlands:


Of course they have far more than just garlands. I’m partial to their little birds. If you are looking for nursery decorations, they would be perfect for one or two baby dresser objets:



I think the little blue pair would look sweet on a sunny kitchen windowsill.

Have a lovely weekend!

For Art Patrons on a Budget

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I happened upon this a while ago and keep coming back to the images.

Workbook at Flashpoint


Workbook is the video project for a gallery in Washington, DC (holla! my home town!). It documents a 10-day exhibit installation, specifically a wall drawing, called “Workbook.”


Production of the video is financed by the sale of prints hand-marked by the artists.


This happened a couple of months ago, but you can still buy prints (which are only $50!)

I want one.


When I read, “by purchasing unique prints, buyers have an opportunity to become art patrons who foster the careers of emerging artists,” I thought, “okay – I can do that.”I can totally be an art patron for $50.

Greeting Card Art

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Do you ever get a card so beautiful that you want to frame it? Have you ever actually done it?

I often save cards. Not the Hallmark kind though.


No – I mean those lovely hand made or hand made-looking ones that rarely cost less than $5.

I’d like to think that I will eventually frame all of them to create a display of “minis.” I may even buy some specifically for this purpose -I stumble across at least one per day as I browse through my favorite eye candy sites.

Here are some printed cards from a couple of my favorite artists that would definitely make the cut:


1 & 2 from Anne Harwell – she also has a wonderful blog, Annechovie.
3 & 4 from Janet Hill – she features all of her paintings on her blog, The Evening Picture. I had the honor of interviewing her last fall.Even if you don’t think you have “an eye” for this kind of thing, you could just pick a few images from the same artist creating instant cohesion. How about these three (Chris Chun via Little French Nest):


Okay – so my taste runs a tad bit girly… But you get the idea. Really anything works as long as it suits you and your own aesthetic. Even if that includes Ziggy (although I’d mix that one up with some other images to avoid looking a little too Ziggy-obsessed…maybe some Snoopy…a little Garfield even?)

By the Sea, By the Sea

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We’re taking the kids to Rehoboth Beach, DE for a week at the end of July and I think I want a new beach bag.

Canvas is a definite – but where to buy…?

There’s always the traditional L.L. Bean bag.

This would look perfect with my Lacoste polo shirt and chinos.
And I could be a total 80s prep and get it monogrammed! I’ve always had a thing for monograms…

Or I could get something with a more creative design/color/pattern. And if that’s what I’m going for – then a multitude of options are available at Hable Construction.

Initially, I loved this one with the leather handles.

But that’s far too slim for a family beach bag.

Yeah – it would be fine for my own towel, book, magazines and contraband junk food – but how many arm floaties can you fit in that thing?

A better choice would be this roomy one.

But it has that funky handle. I like it, but I need the option to slip the straps over my shoulder… NEXT!

Okay – this is more like it.

But what’s with the weird handle thing on the side?


The website says it’s “a side handle to grasp for sideways bag dumping.” My toddlers don’t need special aides for dumping out bags – so I think we can skip that one.

FINALLY – the solution:

The “picnic tote” also comes in some of my preferred prints above (specifically the green/blue and the fuchsia). So I think we have a winner!

The fuchsia rope picnic tote. Roomy, sturdy, pretty and unique (that is unless I sit next to another Hable lover on the beach). Now I just have to come up with $165.

Sigh. Well this is a blog about wishing…maybe Target will come up with a knock off.

Charming Designs

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I recently happened upon Bonbon Oiseau, a “jewelry and hair adornment” company based in Brooklyn. The designs all have a chain link and charm theme – an interesting spin on the traditional charm bracelet.


But what I’ve really fallen in love with is their line of necklaces. The little charms and pendants are so delicate and unique. Here are some of my favorites:



They also have a lovely little blog, Your Destiny is Stone Golden. I’m adding it to my reader right now. Can’t wait to see what the creatives behind the Bonbon Oiseau label have to say…*Click on photos to link directly to product page.

En français, s’il vous plait.

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I recently found an artist on Etsy who paints lovely scenes from Paris. I love her bold colors and whimsical composition.Here are some of my favorites:

Not sure if I’d get any work done, but what a view!

Mon Dieu! Is it already noon? Let’s stop in pour le déjeuner.“My colors are blush and bashful.” “Her colors are pink and pink!” (sorry – not French – but it’s the first thing I thought when I saw this)
My favorite spying perch: “Hey you…On le pont! Will you pick up after your dog? Some of us like to stroll around here…”

“The Real Housewives of Provence”

Reminiscent of Matisse – non?

Oh my! Moving on…*

What is it with women and always having to go to les toilettes together?

 

For the love of god – will someone find the damn corkscrew!?

For more scenes from Gay Paris – visit Fifi Flowers!

*I totally stole this line from the Travelocity Roaming Gnome commercial (when he he’s clicking through his slideshow of touring European museums and lands on Michelangelo’s David – with his cap covering the “naughty bits” – soooooo British). It’s my all time favorite.