From the category archives:

Art

Yesterday morning, one of my lovely sponsors, Diana of D. S. Brennan Photography, came over with several crates full of her work to style and photograph in my home. It was an experiment in styling for me, which is something I am enjoying learning more about (lots of trial and error, let me tell you!), and Diana had some wonderful tips for taking interior photographs that I would like to pass along as well. It’s been a while since I have shared any photos of my own home here on the blog, so truth be told I am feeling a bit nervous about this!

Top right is Diana’s Wise Owl and propped against the wall below is July Butterflies. These particular prints were mounted on wood and ready to hang – absolutely beautiful. I love how Mr. or Ms. Owl seems to be watching over the rest of the artwork and room. :) When you are grouping art, it can be nice to work around a theme. Here, each print has an animal or element of nature in it, from the wise owl to the reindeer, fox on a bicycle, tree home, and butterflies. A theme can make pieces “go” together even if the colors and other elements are different.

Photo Tip: Diana stressed the importance of using a tripod whenever taking photographs indoors. After a quick search on Amazon, I see many options around (or under) $20, so this does not need to be a major purchase. And using a remote switch will prevent any wiggling while pushing the button.

Can I just say, wow? Diana brought along two of her brand-new large format canvas prints from her feather series, and they are perfect statement pieces. If you have ever looked for really large art you love (and that doesn’t cost an absolute fortune) you know it’s not easy. These are fresh, modern, and have lots of texture and detail. After Diana left I realized one of the feather canvases would have looked spectacular hung on the pale aqua wall behind Bixby’s crib. D’oh…maybe next time!

Photo Tip: When shooting indoors, Diana said to always choose one type of light source and block or shut off the others. For instance: only florescent lights, only incandescent bulbs, only daylight. Each type of lighting gives a different color cast to the objects in your room, so mixing lighting types will only make for muddled photos. In these photos we used only daylight; the lamps were all shut off.

I loved the Moth Wings print in my kitchen – it reminded me how nice it can be to prop up small pieces of art in slightly unexpected places. In the top photo is Specimen 162, one of Diana’s signature bird photographs.

Final tip: For those of you who are Etsy shop owners, I highly recommend doing your very best to take a few shots of your products actually in use in a home like we have done above. Of course, clear and direct product shots will serve you well, but I know I prefer to feature shots like these on the blog. So shoot your handmade throw pillows on am English roll-arm sofa, show your crocheted coasters with a mug of warm tea and a tray of biscuits, and put your skull-embroidered dog sweater on a cute pooch lounging on a modern chair.

Well, that just about wraps it up. This was a total experiment for me, I loved playing around with styling and I would love to do more. I realize, though, that it would be quite nice to have more vintage treasures and other props on hand to help with really building up the scene. Hm, good enough excuse to go shopping, I think! ;) I really hope you enjoyed this, and please do go visit Diana on her blog and see her Etsy shop to see all of her work.

{photography by D. S. Brennan Photography, styling by me ;) }

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A Happy Little Art Collection

January 20, 2012

in Art

Happy Friday my dears! Deep into this January I am dreaming about summer…are you, too? I decided we need a bit of cheering up, so I pulled together a little collection of art that is making me smile today. I hope you enjoy it!

1. London Tower by Melanie Mikecz | 2. Ice Cream Sign by Magalerie | 3. Bird with Pink Boots by Beerlala | 4. Synergy 6 by Tiel Seivl-Keevers | 5. Flowers for Lollie by Lulie Wallace| 6. Custom Pet Portrait by Yasmine Molavi| 7. Magical Ride by Twiggs Photography

I love that London print so much! I could see all of these in a colorful jumble lining an entryway, couldn’t you? Do you have a favorite? What is warming your heart lately? I’d love to hear from you…and happy weekend, friends! xo Laura

(images: linked to sources above)

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Today I would like to share the dreamy woodland illustrations of Laura Di Francesco. I discovered her shop, Pesce Rosso, in the current issue of Small Magazine, one of my favorites online. Do you read Small? It is meant to be a kids magazine, but I think anyone would enjoy the independent design and art they feature in each issue. It is really creative and original, beautifully designed, and really just a pleasure to read.

Laura Di Francesco is an Italian illustrator and graphic designer currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. She has illustrated children’s books and cards, and currently offers her prints for sale through her Etsy shop, Pesce Rosso. I am in love with so many of these prints, they have really stolen my heart! Let’s look at a few more, shall we?

Personally, I wouldn’t keep these limited to a child’s room – any one of these prints would feel right at home in any room of the house. Don’t you agree?

Gah! Such cuteness, I can hardly stand it! I can’t decide which is my favorite – how about you? Go to Laura’s shop,  Pesce Rosso, to see more of her work, and visit her blog for a peek into her process and inspiration. And if you are more in the mood for a bit of online reading with your coffee or tea, check out Small Magazine – I’m sure you will find something to inspire you within it’s pages. xo Laura

(all images: Laura Di Francesco, Pesce Rosso)

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Happy Weekend + Art Hanging Tips

November 18, 2011

in Art

Happy Friday, my dears! I hope your week has gone well and if not, then let’s have a fresh start for the weekend, shall we? Before I go I would like to share a bit of art that is inspiring me today as well as a great video I found.

First, the art: the prints you see above are from Studio Morran, a new project by artist Camilla Engman. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of woodsy themes in art, it just makes me feel good. : )

Next, if you ever have trouble motivating yourself to hang art in your home, this video from Apartment Therapy is a must-watch. It’s under five minutes long, and by the end you will have all the tools you need to finally tackle that gallery wall – I swear.

Oh, and those prints? They were inspired by Camilla’s sweet little doggins, Morran. That’s Morran above, frolicking in the woods. Thanks to Victoria for sharing!

And p.s., just in case you missed it, I finished my 2011 Gift Guide earlier this week. Have a great weekend, friends! xo Laura

(images & video: linked to sources above)

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Hello lovelies! Happy Friday! I am especially pleased it’s the weekend because tomorrow is my birthday. : ) I have another post coming for later, but I wanted to pop in quickly now to share my new Houzz picks for the month, 20 Lovely Calendars for 2012. I’ve chosen to show my top 5 picks below, but you’ll have to head over to my ideabook to see all twenty…

1. Eeek! So cute, right? It’s really hard to say, but I think this calendar from Anke Weckmann might be my favorite.

2. Love the fashiony illustrations on thie one from Catherine Campbell. So pretty!

3. Leah Duncan’s modern beauty would be perfect near my desk.

4. Blanca Gomez’s calendar couldn’t be more bright + cheerful. Love this one!

5. Bookhou’s linen wall hanging is so lovely!

I’m curious: how many calendars do you typically buy? Are you a one-calendar-in-the-kitchen household, or do you go a little crazy like I do? ;) Okay, I’ll see you back here in a bit with a special birthday wish list of sorts. xo Laura

(images: via my ideabook on Houzz)

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