Latest Obsession: Art from Minted

I get approached every week by various websites and businesses looking for me to do reviews or help them bring attention to their brands.  If I'm being honest, 9 times out of 10 I decline because, well, who has the time? Also, there are few things I like less than saying something phoney on this website in an attempt to help someone I don't know create buzz for a business I don't care about. I tried it a couple of times and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

But, oh, you guys. This week, I got an email from Minted. Once in a while a brand comes along that makes you stop what you were doing for half an hour while you pore over every inch of their website. Stop the digital presses, you yell to yourself, I have got to tell everyone about this place!

First and foremost, Minted is purveyor of fine stationary, invitations and the like. There are beautiful selections on the front page that would make any event planner or bride giddy.  But, you know, I ain't no event planner and nobody was invited to our wedding so I wasn't sure there was anything there for me.

Until I stumbled on their home decor and art.

Stop. The. Presses.

Minted brings you the best in indie design from a global community of artists and designers.   Yes, there are other ways to connect with artists in online marketplaces (I have lots of original art from Etsy on my walls) but from where I sit, nobody makes it easier than Minted. You like that piece? You can buy it! You want it framed? They'll do that! And then, they send it to your house! I know, I know, but I'm old enough to remember a time before online shopping and frankly, the miracle of it still surprises me sometimes.

Passive, a limited edition print by artist Kelly Ventura was the first piece to catch my eye.  It's available in a variety of sizes and price points with different options for frames, should you choose to have it framed.

I think we all know that this Foil Map of Louisiana by GeekInkDesign belongs in my house.

This photograph, Pining for Pineapples by Joni Tyrrell is so whimsical and fun. Besides, pineapples are so hot right now. (Related: check out my Pinterest board on Pineapples)

Minted boasts a fantastic selection of Typographic Art, pieces for nurseries (can you say shower gift?), custom art including these fabulous family trees and, perhaps my favourite, all these lovely mixed media works.

If you're looking for design inspiration, tips and even some free printables be sure to check out the Minted blog, julep.

Happy Shopping!

Latest Obsession: Dusting off the Vinyl

I'm not proud of myself when I stream music.  Being married to a musician I understand the financial downside the artists face all too well.  That said, it doesn't stop me.  The convenience and the selection are too good to just say no.  Especially when I'm working on my laptop.  I've been really busy these days and Rdio and Songza have been my constant companions.

Can I just take a moment and acknowledge how clever the curators at Songza are?  I'd like to high five whoever came up with the "Tea and Drake" playlist.

Anyway, I'm not fighting the tide on streaming, is what I'm trying to say.  But I'm also trying to bring a little balance to my listening universe by dusting off our vinyl and bringing it into the dining room.  Jim's had a turntable in his studio for years and we've listened on that sound system on occasion over the years, but it just wasn't the same as having your records out in the open, a part of the culture of your home.  I really want Lenny to understand and appreciate the act of picking out a record, putting it on and listening to it.  I want to have dinner parties where we listen to records.  I want to see them to remind myself that they exist and that it's important to take the time to sit and really listen to music.  I want to restore a little of my karma from all of this streaming I've been doing.

I'm really happy with the way this little corner in our dining room has turned out.  It feels right.

And yeah, I know it's just a portable little Crosley so all y'all gear heads can go ahead and calm down now.  It sounds just grand.

I've picked up one of these cute storage crates from Urban Outfitters to avoid the temptation to grab some milk crates at the grocery store and call it a day.  Although it may come to that some day.  I think they'd look pretty sweet spray painted gold.

You can check out my vinyl board on Pinterest for more inspiration!

Latest Obsession: St. Vincent

I'm just nuts about St. Vincent's new album.  Can't get enough of it.  I've had Digital Witness on repeat for about a month.

Latest Obsession: Ezra Jack Keats

I wan't aware of Ezra Jack Keats until this past Winter when I found The Snowy Day at the bookstore and grabbed it for Lenny.  Written in 1962, The Snowy Day was the first children's book of it's kind.  It depicted an African American kid, in an urban setting.  It received the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book for children in 1963. The story follows a very young boy named Peter as he spends a day playing in the snow. He is African-American, although his race is never mentioned. Peter was inspired by a Life magazine clipping from 1940. Keats wrote, “Then began an experience that turned my life around — working on a book with a black kid as hero. None of the manuscripts I'd been illustrating featured any black kids — except for token blacks in the background. My book would have him there simply because he should have been there all along.

There are six more books featuring the character of Peter all featuring Keats' amazing artwork.  That's what first caught my eye about him.  His collages are so captivating.  Don't you feel like you could jump right into them?

Funnily enough, that's something Lenny and I have been having lots of conversations about lately.  How she wishes she could jump into books.  Man, kids are awesome.  I think Mr. Keats thought so too.



Visit the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation.

Check out my Ezra Jack Keats Board on Pinterest

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Latest Obsession: Elvis Costello and The Roots

People, I can't stop listening to this record.  It's just so damn good.  I guess this punk / funk pairing might seem unlikely but the two sounds blend so nicely.  Elvis remains Elvis and The Roots are understated, sonically SO interesting and as funky as ever.  Questlove's drums are so up front there are moments that it feels like a duet between him and Elvis.  

There's so much to hear, each song is layered and complex.  It's hitting me on a gut level, I just can't get enough.

And here's a picture from the recording session taken by the amazing Sacha Lecca (who is the Photo Editor of Rolling Stone) and one of those photographer's whose work makes me a little itchy...a little jealous...in a good way.

Latest Obsession: Picasso Baby

Go ahead and lean on that shit Blue, you own it.



Can't get enough of Jay Z's performance art film for Picasso Baby.  If this doesn't make Sandra Gering a giant superstar there is no justice.

Latest Obsession: All things Copper

Image via Handcrafted Virginia 

It starts simply enough.  You find yourself admiring the copper pots at Williams-Sonoma.  Then you're looking at pictures of Julia Child rocking her copper pots like a boss, then you're pinning images of copper pots on Pinterest at 3 AM.

Totally normal behaviour.

LOVE this! Image via Adriaan Louw Photography

What you realize quickly enough is that there are so many other inventive ways to use copper in your home.  Pots are just a gateway drug!

These amazing pendant lamps remind me of the 70's - in the best way possible.

via David Dersken Design

This copper farmhouse sink is folksy and warm.  Bonus? It probably still looks folksy and warm when it's not super-clean!

via Her Split Ends

I'm filled with a sudden urge to wrap presents and do mindless office work, while I gaze at this well appointed modernist tape dispenser.

Akita Tape Dispenser

If you'd like to follow along while I feed my latest obsession, check out my Pinterst Board, Bring me all the copper things!