Writing Table

A cup of Jo suggested checking out Minor Details, and boy was she right on the money. They have tons of cute ideas for kids. My favorite is this writing table. Schreibtisch is a mobile writing pad slash piece of furniture by Martin Sammer Design.

Once Upon a Time

Li Xiaofeng

These objects, created by Li Xiaofeng, have been made from porcelain fragments from the Ming and Qing dynasties and are for sale through Virginia Miller Galleries.

Most Amazing Tile

Traditionally, when I walk into a tile store, I get uh, bored. Nothing gets me excited, it seems like it's the land of never ending beige. Ugh. But, today I found luxury tile that truly excites me. Ann Sacks has tile with glaze as beautiful as a piece of pottery, unique shapes and sizes, exciting patterns, and various textures. Need I say more? One thing that I really liked about looking at the Ann Sacks website is that it really opened my mind about using different textures. For instance, the third photo from the bottom used all white tiles, but the difference in textures make the look very unique. When you find tile that is similar to little miniature pieces of artwork, it will not be inexpensive. Prices range from $15 - 135.00 per square foot.

Poladroid

I've been patiently waiting for Polardroid to come up with a PC version of their image maker. Currently, you can download freeware that will turn your photos into polaroid-like photographs. But, this sweet deal is only for Macintosh users.

Creative Forces

How Design has an article on how to make this month more creative. They provide a different exercise for you each week. At the end of the month, hopefully, you'll see how different you are seeing your world around you. Naturally, I jumped ahead to week four. It happens to be my favorite so I will share it with you.

"During the 2006 Winter Olympics, Americans Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick—two of the world’s fastest skaters—were scheduled for the 1500-meter speed skating event. For weeks before the match, they bickered in the media about each other’s behavior and who would win the Gold. As it turned out neither did—the medal was won by Italy’s Enrico Frabris.

Their loss is a good example of what Dr. David Hawkins says is the difference between power and force—what we’re for empowers us; what we’re against weakens us. This week try not to spend time and energy being against anything. Instead, invest that energy in your creative growth and personal best." Sam Harrison

Bunny Mandala

Too many bunnies? Pictoplasma feels there is no such thing as too many bunnies.

They have asked internationally established and upcoming character designers, illustrators and artists to send in their versions of bunnies. The results is 1500 individual rabbits forming the 'Bunny Mandala'. You can't quite make out the smaller images of bunnies from this image but if you click on the image or go to Pictoplasma, you'll be able to get a better view of all of those cute bunnies. There is a naughty bunny. See if you can find the naughty bunny.

Cable Ties

The light fixtures, the enormous French Chandelier and the Sea-Urchin chair are all part of a handmade collection of products made with cable ties. The French Chandelier was created for an exhibition in the library of TU Delft. The University organized an exhibition showing and giving workshops about modern plastics and its uses. See more products on oooms.

Casey Ruble

Casey Ruble's artwork reminds me a little bit of fabric design. It's almost like quilt work in a painted form. Casey creates unique patterns and then incorporates those patterns into her paintings. Casey is represented by Foley Gallery. The press release for Ruble's current exhibition: "Except in Struggle" describes Ruble's patterns as:

"... derive[d] from sources including Islamic architecture, Art Nouveau designs, Chinese lattices, and 1960s op-art geometries. Each painting is meticulously cut out from the paper on which it's painted, lending the pieces subtle dimension while also calling attention to their flatness."

View more of Casey Ruble's artwork.

Joe Sorren

I absolutely love the artwork done by Joe Sorren. I love the colors, I love the playfulness, and I love the imagination. The third image has always reminded me of a Midsummer Night's Dream. It will always amaze me how artists, such as Joe, come up with their ideas and creativity. Joe has an amazing sale right now, two for the price of one. See more of his work at Joe Sorren.

Ross Bleckner

Whenever I look at a painting or image not always, but often the color is what grabs my attention. I enjoy the color combinations in Bleckner's paintings, but I also really enjoy the texture. I have often wanted to paint images of microscopic cells and Bleckner has done it. However, he has added texture, color and beauty that I would have never been able to capture.

In an interview with Helen A. Harrison, Mr. Bleckner explains that he uses his paintings to express "...his consistent themes: the transience of beauty, the fragility of life and the loss of love." His art represents something far deeper and intelligent than I can put into words. You will find many of his intellectual interviews under the press section on his website.
View and read more about Ross Bleckner.