Monday, November 30, 2009

Deborah from Dumbwit Tellher - Gifted Inspiration

We are so lucky to be surrounded by family and friends this holiday season. I hope you are enjoying the start of the Christmas season! A woman after my own heart Deb from Dumbwit Tellher really sums it up in her answers! Please enjoy!

Where do you find inspiration? Sounds typical but it's true when I say, everywhere that draws the eye. I am the girl who notices if you moved your sofa or if you shaved off that mustache. I have always been very visual. I am not as much a nature girl (I have never been camping, how sad right?) as I am one to be thrilled with architecture. Don't get me wrong, I so appreciate the beauty of nature, but it's truly a thrill to set eyes on the great design of a structure; with it's rigid materials of steel, glass, and concrete that are transformed into something that is breathtaking. I love to touch surfaces, paying close attention to materials, textures, trims, utilized on interior finishes. That to me is the equivalent to what 'shoe shopping' may be to many. That combined with history, color, and the interior design, and I am in the zone.






What is your favorite or Dream vacation destination? My husband hails from Scotland and he will not be pleased to know that I will tell you Ireland. My father was the musical director for a high school in Washington State. In 1996 his SHS marching band was invited to perform in Dublin for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. My eldest daughter was a student in dad's band & I decided this was an experience of a lifetime & I volunteered as a chaperon.

There were so many reasons as to why Ireland captured my heart. The SHS band took first-place from over 1000+ entrants from around the world was a huge thrill. Having a trophy made of Irish crystal presented to my father by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, at the Lord Mayors Ball, was another. But as the trip unfolded it was all about the beauty; the beauty of it's kind people, the sea, and all the remarkable scenery. I have never seen green so vivid & have never seen faces that told such a story. It's Ireland's history, it's architecture, it's food, the beer, the hot-toddies and the incredible music. Talented musical artists on every corner of the city center. I was hooked on landing & I will never get enough. Have you ever tried keeping your feet still while listening to Celtic music? Enough said! Not to be considered as second best, Scotland is no doubt is #2.






An item that is on your wish list for your home or yourself. The list is so vast. If I could have 'one' thing it would be to have my 9 ft. 50's sofa that we purchased in a vintage shop in Seattle (only to drag this mega- heavy lovely with us on our move to Houston), custom rebuilt & upholstered with a sumptuous wool velvet. It's long clean lines and the fact you can seat the entire party on one couch, makes it a cherished family item. Oddly enough, we didn't realize until we moved it that it had a custom label on the underside and it was made in Houston. Karma!



Why did you start your blog? You'd think that would be a quick answer. Why I began and where I am now seems to have evolved. I started with one mission. It began through my frustration with my adoration of designer, high-end products. Whether it be for the home or fashion. With one or more kids in college at the same time since 1997 (without a break thus far), my 'appreciation' of haute design is, let's just say, 'cooled off'. It was my intent to bring to light to as many as possible that good taste does not always equate spending massive amounts of money. I wanted to stop the self-discrimination.

Now that 12 mos. of blogging has passed, I have found my niche, found the dearest people I would of never imagined, and have had the thrill of a life-time to connect and have conversations (although online) with people I have only dreamt about exchanging words with. Individuals whose talents constantly amaze me; professional and novices a like. How fabulous would it be to write full-time and make a living at it? But with or without an income, I have been truly blessed to be part of this world called 'blogging'.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Birthday Wishes....






If I close my eyes really tight maybe they will come true??!!

Have a lovely weekend!! I know I will!

images from Anthropologie and J. Crew

Monday, November 23, 2009

Chic Coles- thank you!



So excited to say Thank you to Chic Coles for including a pic of my dining room in there post on Kitchens today!! {thank you, thank you}


Sunday, November 22, 2009

Jessica at The Wife of an Artist - Gifted Inspiration

Inspiration is an amazing thing.. the most amazing thing is that it is different for everyone! I am so excited to have Jessica from The Wife on an Artist as my next guest blogger! I just love the chairs I also wanted a pair for my dining room! One day!! Please enjoy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!


Where do you find inspiration?

I am a very visual person so I'm constantly observing the world around me for inspiration. From walks through the city to my ever expanding blog roll to the galleries I frequent, there are so many inspiring and creative things to take in. Thank god for camera phones, my trusty Canon and the star function on Google Reader. Obviously, we are all drawn to a particular style or time period and I am no exception. I love the mid century modern design aesthetic, art that arose out of or is influenced by the Constructivist movement, and anything and everything having to do with typography.




What is your favorite or Dream vacation destination?


Barcelona has been my favorite city that I've visited thus far. I felt unbelievably at home there and found inspiration in everything. My first night in the city, I stumbled upon a public performance by trapeze artists that were protesting the closure of a building that artists had been squatting in for years and the lack of affordable housing for artists. I immediately fell in love with the energy of the city then and there. I can't wait to go back with my husband....perhaps for an extended stay!






Why did you start your blog?

I had been looking for some sort of daily creative outlet for sometime (I tried knitting, but it just didn't do it for me...no offense to knitters). After I built a website for my husband (the artist), I realized a blog might be the way to go. I originally thought I would create a more engaging online presence for his art, but it really turned into a place for me to share what inspires me with others. And it's forced me to pick up my camera more often which is always a good thing. I'm still surprised that I even have any readers and that it's opened so many doors. I would never be writing for Apartment Therapy now if it weren't for this silly blog.




An item that is on your wish list for your home or yourself.

Currently, I'm seriously lusting after a Cherner Armchair. If I had one, I don't know if I would ever even sit in it. I'd probably just stare at it for hours on end. It's absolute plywood perfection.



Friday, November 20, 2009

In charge of making the Turkey this weekend..

So I am in charge of the Turkey again this weekend.. do you ever put yours on the table like this? Mine is always all cut up before we put it on the table... Yumm {I really just like the sides- stuffing, creamed corn, potatoes... okay now I am starving} have a great weekend!

Image from Martha Stewart

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Missing you Portugal

Feeling a little stressed today and wishing I was back in Portugal if not just for a moment to enjoy all of the beauty!
















My Sparrow - stylish responsibility

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

New Moon crush

Who is as excited as I am to go see the New Moon movie?? Makes me want to read the books again!!

New Pillow- Pomegranate in Grey

Our latest addition... Pomegranate pillow in Grey...


My Sparrow - stylish responsibility

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Thank you- Shoebox decor

Thank you to Typhanie from Shoebox Decor for the mention in her Where to shop post yesterday!!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Stefanie at Brooklyn Limestone - Gifted Inspiration

If you haven't noticed lately I have been focused on Inspiration... I often find myself wondering why am I doing this?? What gets me inspired and keeps me inspired? Well, in my short blogging career I have been encouraged and inspired by seeing great things on blogs everyday- so Thank You ladies and gentlemen for all of your inspiring words and pictures!! I thought it might be fun to see who else is out their inspiring people.. So our first guest blogger in Gifted Inspiration Series is Stefanie from Brooklyn Limestone! I am so excited I am sure if you don't know her already you will be following along with her very very soon! She is an amazing photographer, refinisher, designer, world traveler etc... Love love her stuff! I asked a few questions and got a few answers...




Where do you find inspiration?

I wish I could give you some really coherent and clear answer to this but I don't have one. I don't really have any light bulb moments of inspiration. I generally get a little sprout of an idea in my head and then I'll refine it somewhat in my brain before trying it in real life. Sometimes it works, often times it doesn't.


What is your favorite or Dream vacation destination?

I have a very long list of dream vacation destinations that change on a regular basis. But right now, I think I'd like to try another location in Africa. Our trip to South Africa was so amazing its hard to imagine it could get better but I'd have to try. Kenya? Tanzania? Botswana? Do I really have to pick just one?





Why did you start your blog?

I started it mostly to document the renovation. I was never good about written diaries so I thought a public blog would keep me honest about updating regularly. The plan was to take the posts and put them in a bound book on my shelf. I never expected many people to read my blog nor did I expect to have it contain anything but renovation stuff. But its morphed into something different. It keeps me motivated to keep working on my little projects, to keep improving my photography skills, to share a few fun experiences in New York, etc. And guess what? I never did get around to making that renovation book. You know what they say about the best laid plans.





An item that is on your wish list for your home or yourself.

Right now, I'm really loving white ceramic novelty stuff like this monkey vase and this boot umbrella stand - Not very high brow, I just think they are fun yet beautiful.





Images from Stefanie of Brooklyn Limestone, Z. Gallerie and Bellacor


My Sparrow - stylish responsibility

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Inspired by Paper

So I have been thinking about what inspires me lately. Because I am always curious what makes people tick, what makes these wildly creative types come up with such wonderful ideas- How does the creative world get INSPIRED?



Just the other day I was walking in a "craft store" {I know... I needed some ribbon} and I saw the most amazing paper... It was so pretty and since I have long abandoned the scrap book phase in my life {too many photos- not enough time!} I bought it just for inspiration I loved the colors and the feeling- so very bohemian...

Over the next few weeks I will be having a series of guest posts on My Sparrow about how some of the bloggers that inspire me get inspired- I hope you will join us!

Here is what I bought and what I made.. What do you think??




My Sparrow - stylish responsibility

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

I little Inspiration

Everyday I find a little inspiration somewhere. Whether it is with my kids, a little button, a piece of art, a piece of paper, a photo, something in nature... Just about anything on any given day can inspire me. I hope your day is and or was inspirational! Remember there are so many wonderful things out there- take a minute to step away from the computer, turn off your phone and absorb what is inside and out all around you and I promise you will find something to make you smile! Not only that it might even inspire you to do something creative.. and exciting!



Ps. I am playing with this whole new larger photo thing... I will see how it goes.

My Sparrow - stylish responsibility

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Are you ready??








As my holiday calendar is starting to fill up I cannot help but think about all of the wonderful things I could buy to wear.... hum... what will you be wearing and doing???

Images from Anthropologie and J Crew.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Happy almost Tuesday!


Happy Almost Tuesday... I just love these images from Paul Massey! What a comforting way to use reused materials in your home! To see more visit over at our other blog greige (there is a great house I just posted on there photographed by Paul).

My Sparrow - stylish responsibility

Sunday, November 8, 2009

New Emma and Brigit pillows on My Sparrow

We have some new additions here on My Sparrow... just in time to give your home a little special touch for the holidays. We have our original Emma pillow (above) and some new colors as well as one of my new favorites the Brigit pillow. Come by and see them!



Hello my name is Brigit- sassy and sweet!

Handmade flowers on linen like burlap lumbar pillows with zipper closure and down fill.

My Sparrow - stylish responsibility

My Sparrow Jewelry on Etsy...



I am super excited to introduce My Sparrow's Etsy Store to you! Currently we are offering some of our handmade jewelry pieces online but Etsy will be the place to go for a wider selection of handmade and one of a kind pieces. Check it out and let me know what you think!!!






My Sparrow - stylish responsibility

Friday, November 6, 2009

Eric Trine Artist and Designer


I have met so many wonderful people through SEED People's Market and I am excited to share another amazing artist and designer with you, who makes the most creative furnishings and displays! Eric Trine has made a large amount of the pieces at SEED in addition to his many other art installations in the area. Take a peek at some of his work below and check out his blog/site with information on everything he does.

Eric uses Vintage pieces and re works them in many of his furnishings which makes each one unique and eco friendly. He has a few pieces for sale at SEED (the tables shown above) and he takes on private commissions- so he can make something just for you!






Images from Eric Trine and My Sparrow

My Sparrow - stylish responsibility