spring dreams of colorful festivities

Come the end of February, tiny hints of spring make me dream of fresh flowers, pretty dresses, and gorgeous tabletops set out in a garden setting. Seattle's own events and styling duo Tes de Luna and Sarah Furstenberg have fueled these visions with their ideal (to me) kind of parties. They formed their company in 2011, and aptly named it Crinoline and Tweed. Sounds like perfection, right? 

I invite you to continue along with me and daydream as we wander through some more delightful scenes. 

flowers by marigold & mint

Be sure to look at Crinoline and Tweed's photo gallery for more enticing shots, and read their blog  for further examples of their memorable parties. With their attentive eye to styling, they often utilize natural abundance as the backdrop (via location, flowers, favors), they go the full mile of individualizing each event by sourcing wardrobe items, creating artistic touches like custom invitations, banners or name plates, sourcing the best florists and bakers (etc). It all comes together like the perfect setting in a movie; yet all along the way, they make it look effortless!

mini pies!

I'm planning on attending the March 31, 2012 NW Vintage Wedding Fair to visit with my friends at Crinoline & Tweed, both to see their table, and also to catch what the other fabulous vendors have on display. While I only know of one current 'future bride' amongst my friends, I'd like to continue to delight my own party loving sensibilities! You're all invited...

Photos courtesy and copyright of the ladies over at Crinoline and Tweed.

The Palm Room's Aesthetic

Laid back, cool cat Brandon Peterson opened up his plant-centric wonderland The Palm Room a number of years ago now. Nestled in the center of the historical blocks of Ballard Avenue, his shop has been a welcome delight. Step on in...

Weather permitting, the front of the shop opens out to the street, and come Sunday, the constant flow of people visiting the Ballard Weekend Farmers Market streams by (and of course, frequently inside the shop). Who wouldn't be drawn towards these fantastical plants for their home? 

Above, Marimo plants are artfully displayed. Here's what The Palm Room says about these darlings:

Marimo is spherical algae with a 200 yr growth span~ we sell babies that will eventually grow to the size of a volkswagon beetle, and large mama marimos that have a few years already on them. Cultivated from ponds in Iceland and Japan, these little friends grow faster with wave stimulation and the company of other marimo.

Isn't that something? Below are a two of mine that I've brought home; the first photo is an up-close shot of them in their crystal palace, and the second one shows them hanging out beside my latest Tillandsia (air plant) that I found in my stocking over the holidays. What a lucky one I am!

Now, back to the shop and to the images Brandon sent me! 

Ooh, Aah, right? Recently, the shop has taken part in the (monthly) second Saturday Art Walk. From Staghorn Ferns to the latest exhibition based on a George Orwell book called 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying'. Whoa, giant plant based sculpture based in part upon literature?! That's right up my alley. What about you? If likewise intrigued, be sure to look into their terrarium classes and you can create your own tiny plant world and hence name it whatever you please- and if you base it on a book, be sure to let me know! 

All things considered, it's no wonder that Brandon was recently named a style maker by Luxe Magazine . Here's their photo of Brandon and his dog Jack surrounded by the natural glory of the shop (find the magazine and read what they have to say about all this talent at hand)! 

Snapshot of the Luxe Magazine photo.

In addition to al this goodness, be sure to note that The Palm Room also provides custom garden and home design services. Look out your frosty window and give them a ring-- my guess is that you'll want some indoor advice now, and a whole lot of snow damage replacement for your garden come spring!

Other than my two Marimo photos, the remainder are courtesy and copyright of Brandon Peterson and The Palm Room. Thanks!

Gothic attire in the woods.

Welcome Winter; with your branches bare, and cold, crisp air. On Christmas Day, this photo opportunity took place in the woods beside my aunt and uncle's house. Drama and intrigue abound at every turn...   

What comes next? I do not know-- yet I picture a small, black bear coming out from the brush. How about you? It could be anything, really. A flock of birds taking flight, or maybe even a person fleeing (gasp, I hope not!)...

As for the clothing, it is all handmade (aside from the new Dr. Martens boots). It certainly stems from the Japanese Gothic Lolita look which is a blend of Japanese street style based on Old European Fashion. This young lady's one-of-a-kind personal style is infused with a modern Seattle vibe though!

Here's wishing you your own cozy winter filled with warmth, cheer, and a touch of mystery!!!

xoxo

Photos of Maggie taken on a iphone 3gs using the Instagram app

Nordic Fashion Biennale 2011

If you're in Seattle and love fashion, art films, & the general juxtaposition of modernity and history, then run to see Looking Back to Find Our Future at the Nordic Fashion Biennale which is ending November 13, 2011 at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard. Put on in conjunction with the Nordic House, Reykjavik, Iceland, this fabulous experience was curated by Hrafnhildur Arnardottir. I loved every minute of it-- from the easily wearable to the Avant-garde. Spot the clothing throughout the museum; some of which are arranged so secretly as to surprise and amuse you!

Still from a gorgeous art film.

Thank you to all of the designers for sending your remarkable garments all of the way to Seattle! It's a beautiful and highly varied show that features a multitude of talent. The Norwegian and Swedish parts of me are thrilled to be Nordic, too!

For the sake of getting the news out for people to see it during these last few days, I rushed this post -- including pictures and links to the main sites only. If anyone wants information on certain pieces, please let me know!   I look forward to the next show in 2 years... How about you?!  Enjoy!

Ghostly Ship-Wrecked Carnival Life

The hauntingly historic leanings of two skilled artists in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood has blended seamlessly into their home life, too. Submerge yourself into the carnival atmosphere of Yvette Endrijautzki and Jethaniel (Spyder) Peterka's 
art studio/gallery/home The Nautilus Studio, and see the pure, dark beauty of their refinished, aged ship. Welcome aboard...

I am in love with this well curated, ever changing space. The two of them spent an intense year remodeling this location into a work of art. By utilizing unique, salvaged materials they have created a one of a kind environment that is infused with otherworldly richness and mystery.

From classical oil paintings, assemblage art, "foraged" jewelry, and beyond, the art they make themselves (and showcase by other artists), form stories that seem to be created with an industrial eye of rebirth (the word steampunk might come to mind-- yet in it's own unique way). There are references to fairy tales, myths, magic, rituals, tarot, history, etc. You might find aged metal pieces-- or skulls and vertebrae made new; fragments of past medical tools-- along with references to the cycle of birth and death. The fragility and precariousness of life is repeatedly seen. With that notion in mind, I believe that this post is just in time for The Day of the Dead, Halloween, & All Souls Day.

Do you want to be entertained? Then get on over and see a show! Lucky for me, I have seen many an evening event at Nautilus. This is where the carnival feel really comes to life. Be sure to stop by sometime to be charmed while watching the Magician Acep Hale-- or maybe even The Dandelion Junk Queens  performing in their own magnetic ways.

Nautilus is an art studio, gallery, home, event space...

Find it tucked behind Jules Mae's Saloon and situated right beside The Stables and across from the charming, vintage loving Georgetown Trailer Park. It's certainly a place to visit on Art Walk. In addition, you can now find The Nautilus Studio on Etsy.

I feel so lucky to have had both artists teach my daughter at The Gage Academy over the past few years-- something which will continue. Their studio has given me the chance to get to know them, and I must say that Yvette and Jethaniel are some of the most welcoming and encouraging people that I know! Be sure to check out their art-- Yvette specializes in intense, intricate assemblage art, and Jethaniel uses his classic atelier training to paint stunning, modern oil paintings (amongst other things for both).

Photos courtesy and copyright of The Nautilus Studio 

(excepting the typewriter one that I took a few summers ago). 

Thank you!