art and nature

It was not planned, but this post follows my last post, about artist Anne Siems, kind of perfectly!  Local Grand Rapids arts group SiTE: LAB put together another show at Blandford Nature Center, and because Andy and I have to check out anything SiTE: LAB related, we went on Friday evening.  (We went last year, too.)  Just like last year, it was sultry, but beers from Brewery Vivant kept us cool and our thirst slaked.

Blandford has beautiful wooded trails, and the artists make great use of the setting.  I love this macrame tree cozy.  

Blandford also does great work, taking in injured wild animals for rescue and rehabilitation.  Andy once brought a turtle in who had a cracked shell after it was hit by a car.  We stopped by and visited the large outdoor cages of rescued owls, hawks, turkey vultures, and even a merlin!  You can see some of  the rescued residents on Blandford's website, but be forewarned: if you're like me, you'll end up spending hours listening to the linked audio files of various owl and hawk calls.

Hee hee!

These sea creatures were mounted in the small stream that runs through Blandford.

Aw!

xo

K

anne siems

These paintings by Anne Siems are enchanting.  I would love to see them in person; I get the feeling I could stare them for hours.  Well, a very long time, anyway.  I love the dark, rich colors, the animal and nature imagery, and the Regency fashions on the human figures.  You can see more of her work here.

Suddenly While Reading, 2011

Owl, 2010

Insect Lover III

Plant Wisdom, 2012

Lynx Cap, on paper with embroidery, 2012.

Rose Crown, 2012

xo

K

pilgrims...

...are what May flowers bring.  Ha.  May inspiration brings a black-and-white versus color showdown!  Which do you prefer?  I kinda love both.

1. London at Night, a Sketch Book by Frederick Carter, 1914 / The Victorianist

2. branches and buds from a 1925 book on the trees of Ontario / sandmarg

3. ca 1920s photo of singing group The Boswell Sisters / Back to the Five & Dime

4. According to the Tumblr I first saw this photo on, this is a "Nina Leen, 1952" photo.  A Google image search didn't provided much more info, but this blog claims the model is wearing replicas of ancient Sumerian jewelry offered for sale by New York's "Metropolitan Museum" (of Art?).  Seems plausible.  I'd love to know more about this photo/photo shoot.  And send me the jewelry, too.

5. 1938 photo of English actress Gertrude Lawrence powdering her pup's nose, by Peter Stackpole / dovima_is_devine_II

6. Bill Brandt, The Adelphi, September 1939 / Facie Populi

1. vintage floral wallpaper in Elisabeth Dunker's Swedish home / Design Sponge

2. Russian Fairy Tales, illustrated by Henry R. Martin / skinny laminx

3. great look from Rabia Lockwood's Ginny & Jude collection / Honey Kennedy

4. Camera Obscura--obsessed with their songs and style / Under the Radar

5. detail of an embroidered linen tablecloth by Ann Macbeth, ca 1900 / V&A

6. Elsa Schiaparelli brooch, ca 1938 / 1stdibs

xo

K

summer means color

...or so they tell me.  I usually still wear a lot of black, gray, and navy blue in summer.  But I do like to try and break out some lighter and brighter colors when the weather warms up.  This shop preview has all kinds of color, in the form of icy blue, citrusy orange, lemony yellow, bright ruby red, and turquoise blue.  There are also some fabulous vertical stripes, and the coolest NYC-theme novelty print blouse.  Here's what's coming soon!

1950s tangelo linen dress, by David Crystal.

1950s ice blue polka dot raincoat, by Birnbaum.

Mod linen modern art shift dress, by Norman Wiatt.

1950s white lace-trimmed threaded cotton blouse.

Bohemian folklore print cotton dress.

1950s brown gingham full skirt.

1960s crepe lavender floral dress with ruffled collar, by Rawson Square.

1960s red cotton polka dot jacket, by Junior House.

1950s gray and yellow vertical stripes cotton dress with belt.

Fabulous 1970s I Left My Heart in NYC novelty print blouse, by John Meyer.

1960s sunny floral printed chiffon dress.

Raspberry red tankini swimsuit, by DeWeese Design.

1940s turquoise blue linen suit, by Lauri Joan Fashion.

1960s striped velour beach jacket.

xo

K

white walls, a bird band, and books

Last month, on a day when I liked the light, I took some photos around the bedroom.  It's the one room in the house where we painted the (wood panel) walls white, as well as the floors, and it makes the room so light and airy.  My marble-top dresser and washstand look so good in there now.  And we've finally hung some things on the walls.

Clearly, I need more hooks for hanging jewelry, purses, etc.  That accordion hanger is conveniently placed next to the closet, so I can also hang the occasional dress from it.

Antique bird band!  Passed down from my grandmother.  They used to come out only for the holidays, but I think they deserve year-round display.

A lot of book reading goes on here.

This sweet knitted sachet is from VintageAimee on Etsy (unfortunately, I think she only makes them during the holidays).  It's filled with lavender and clove and smells so good!

xo

K

shop accessories preview

A few pairs of shoes, some BIG bags, lots of belt buckles...and a pair of horses!  Here's what's coming to the shop, accessory-wise, soon...

1940s white peeptoe slingback perforated leather shoes, by British Walkers.

1970s two tone t-strap pumps, by Naturalizer.

1970s red canvas sandals, by Hush Puppies.

1960s oversize tapestry bag.

1960s faux crocodile purse, by Caprice.

Large tooled leather purse.

1940s cordé purse.

1960s oversize tapestry carpet bag, by Julius Resnick/JR Miami.

Tooled leather wallet with outer coin purse.

Rainbow unicorn belt buckle.

Brass VOTE buckle.

1979 silvertone eagle buckle.

1982 brass Teamsters buckle.

1980s brass Keep on Truckin buckle.

1977 3-D deer buckle.

Mid century green Bitossi style sgraffito ceramic horse.

1950s ceramic horse.

xo

K