The desert is on my mind today.

Thought I would revisit some photos I took at the end of the year in Amboy, California. We stopped through this almost-ghost town on our way to Joshua Tree. These are the digital version. I like looking at them and then the polaroids.

I still love that forlorn and abandoned yellow chair. And the lonely curtains.

Once upon a time, I lived in Paris.

Upon seeing these images, I was reminded how I loved the quiet streets far from the tourists, coupled with the little neighborhood shops that spilled onto sidewalks, filled with both people and produce.

The images are from a beautiful blog that is new to me, a view to... I could spend hours and hours looking. Consider yourself warned.

I could really use this simple coat hanger by nendo. All based around 60 degree angles.

I've blogged about nendo before.... and I'm sure I will again. I just love the simplicity, the wit and how clean the lines and shapes are.
Another favorite project is kuuki for kenzoki. "An installation that captures and expresses the concepts behind Kenzoki, a skincare line that pleases all five senses by taking full advantage of the natural elements found in plants." The image above is just the beginning. You must take a look at all of of the images and read about how each flower/plant actually functions... it's quite amazing. So delicate.

One of the things we really wanted for our studio was a good materials library. Since the 5 of us work between architecture, graphics, exhibitions, and general 'undefined making' of things, our potential library is huge. That said, the materials library is not quite set up, it's evolving... and for now our conference table plays host to many materials.

These days the studio is growing into it's own rhythm finally... the space changes with our projects.

William is a little bit of a grump. Actually he's a big grump.

But under all that yarn, he is quite a lovable fellow.

I swear.

Wow. I love this... by Simon Evans.

Could you imagine? I would pride myself in being able to fit everything on one actual sheet of paper (I know I could make that paper whatever size I wanted, but you get my drift).

Hmm... something to work towards: reduce and simplify....

{via Black Eiffel}

This is Odette. She was born forever ago. And has been so patient with me, waiting to be blogged about and listed on Etsy.

Thanks Odette, you're a real pal.

I am working on a new design for a Paleontology Museum. Tomorrow is our big presentation.

Hence my sporadic blogging.

Then we're off to the high desert for some relaxation among the Joshua Trees. Much needed rest.

{image via Davina Zagury}

I love love love this. The concrete with the tie holes and the door. And the grey. Maybe I am being influenced by wonderful stormy and grey Los Angeles weather... but no matter. It's lovely.

I found the website Domestic Architecture via these drinking glasses and vases. I think I like this guy, Roy McMakin and his design office.. Furniture, architecture, housewares...

I think he's living my fantasy life.

Roy, if you're reading this, call me. We need to talk.

Back in LA. Jet-lagged and back to work.

A bright spot from this weekend of trying to stay wake long enough was a trip down to a great little antique store in South Pasadena where I found some amazing buttons. I'm always on the look out for vintage and antique buttons for the beasts.

But the real find? This beautiful card of Catalin buttons.

I learned a lot from the shop keeper. Apparently Catalin and Bakelite are the same material, except one is cast (catalin) and one is molded (bakelite). I never knew this. I did a little bit of researching and the story gets better. Fascinating little read here, if you're interested.

I love this clock. A lot.... maybe a little too much?

Also love getting lost in Cedric Ragot's website.

{via Better Living Through Design}

I wear very little jewelry. I can't stand things on my wrists; watches never, bracelets rarely.
Rings sometimes, but never continually.

I just don't like things on me. I'm not an accessorizer.

I have two exceptions:

earrings: they have to be very simple, any size, but extremely simple. R recently bought me a pair of these.... I can't imagine anything more perfect for my ear.

necklaces: oddly, they have be different and bold. A simple chain or little pendant won't suffice. If I'm going to wear a necklace it's going to be big; it's all or nothing.

That said, I wish I had the balls to wear the one I saw on Etsy today. It's so awesome you don't even have to be wearing clothes.

Unless you need to go outside... and it's winter. But it's sort of like a scarf anyway.

[by kjoo, someome I've been lusting over for a while]

Hamilton Island Haiku:

With dry feet, wet feet
The measuring of my days
The rain continues.

I'm on Hamilton Island with my sister. We are unfortunately stuck inside because of extremely heavy wind and rain. Believe me, I would not be on the computer otherwise.

On the bright side, I can finish my tag from What Possessed Me: upload the fourth picture from the forth folder of images on my computer, and describe it. Before I even started, I wondered what kind of random photo would come up and if I'd have anything to even say about it. Lo and behold, the image actually means quite a lot to me.

It is an image taken standing outside of the textile studio/workshop at the Design Academy Eindhoven.

Last February I went to Holland to visit the school. I had applied to the Masters Programme and was asked to come for an interview. I went, toured the school, had my interview, and was accepted all in one jet-lagged day.

The feeling of being accepted was incredible and I never would have thought that I'd even hesitate at the change to go. But the more I thought about it and my career and my interests, going back to school started to make less and less sense.

I decided to defer my acceptance for one year, and this past January the question of "to go or not to go," came up again. After some very long and not-so-easy talks with myself I decided, once and for all, not to accept.

So... this image haunts me a little. In my rational mind, I know I made the right choice. Though there is still a little part of me that asks, what if?

I haven't looked through this 'Fourth Folder' for a while now. I think I've been trying avoid it. And so, actually, this is quite cathartic.

I pass this tag onto:
girl.ferment
marie over at ici

Heading to Australia tonight to visit my sister. See you all in a bit.

Newly tagged by P.... and looking forward to it. Looking forward to a lot of things.

Oh yeah, and I hope this happens to my computer while I'm gone.

{image via i heart it}

A little collection of things found on some recent walks. One of the walks was to one of my parents' burned down neighbors' houses. Charred scissors, and melted aluminum and glass formed little puddles in the ground and hardened into the most beautiful shapes. There is always beauty to be found in the ruins.

..... . . .. . .. . . . . . .. .

On a side note, my parents' house which survived the Tea Fire in Nov'08 has been featured on radio, TV and in the newspapers for being fire resistant. While a lot of good luck and the favorable direction of the wind had a major hand in the house surviving, my parents also made some really good design decisions in constructing their new home that contributed to the house's ability to withstand the fire. See them here.

And now the fire is long gone and regrowth is underway. Homes are being rebuilt in every direction and people are moving on. But I think about it all the time. Perhaps if you had lost everything, that would be the only thing to do: move on. No questions remain; things are just gone. But with a house still standing amongst all these ruins, the idea of loss lingers. And haunts. It's hard to comprehend complete loss adjacent to something completely unscathed. There is not a lot of sense in this, but eerily, a lot of beauty.

The idea of architectural loss is certainly an interest of mine. In graduate school my architectural thesis project was based on the idea of loss; the idea that buildings have lifespans and that they are also subject to dying. I think I am continually fascinated by buildings dying... intentionally or just haphazardly. Neglect turns out to be beautiful and misuse results in surprising afterlives.

Found this amazing artist, Jody Wong, via bencke corner.

I love how the drawings on the pages before and after resonate on the pages that are open. I know that sentence doesn't really make that much sense... you'll just have to look at Jody's blog to see what I mean.

Go now.... here.

.... . ... . . ... . ... . . . . .... . .

oh, right, almost forgot. Does anyone have a good recommendation for a hotel in Brisbane, Australia? I will be there for one day only. I know it's impossible to see any city in one day, but perhaps there is a interesting little place in a interesting neighborhood that I should stay at?
Many thanks!

Beasts now live on the walls of the studio.

Another little sneak peak of the house I'm decorating... the light is perfect right now.

The bottles and jars I found Italy, as well as the rusty candelabra. The glass fishing floats I found on Ebay and the terrarium I planted this morning. I'm so happy this all coming together after two years of imagining what it was all going to look like.

In between knitting, my museum work, and architecting, I am also a decorator/buyer. Two years ago I went to Europe to buy furniture for the house I was also helping to design. And now finally things are out of storage and the house is starting to look lived in. We've still got a ways to go, but I like this stage... things remain uncluttered and simple.

I am particularly proud of the orange iron chandelier I found in Italy. This is one of my favorite little rooms.

Thank you all for the comments on my last post. Looking now, a day later at the two designs, I can see that I was taking things a little too seriously. But this time yesterday, I was convinced otherwise..... So, long story short, I'm happy everything is cleared up :)

.... . .. . .. ..... . . . . . .. . . .. . . ..... . . . . .. .

And moving on....

I can imagine this on my table very easily... a stunning ceramic piece by Brian R. Jones... find his shop on Etsy.

Today: a weird coincidence...

I was just pursuing the pages of PoppyTalk Handmade and came across a design by Samantha Hahn, which my new I LOVE YOU card resembles immensely.

There was that moment of realization.... Gasp! Since my card appeared the day after hers on the web, do I look like a plagiarist? Did I get sucked into some handmade Valentine's Day sentiment vortex, and spun out on the same tangent as Samantha Hahn?

What to do? Is it ok to still sell the card? Do I graciously remove it? So weird. Am I over reacting?

I feel so deflated... sigh.

Loving Hella Jongerius' Home Props.

There's a new card in my store.... or rather, my stores now. I just opened up a new little shop with big cartel in addition to the one at Etsy. Going to see how it goes, but so far so good. I'll be loading more products soon.

I really like how clean and simple big cartel is. I also like that you don't have to be member to buy. Again, simplicity. Got to love it.

So... if you are interested in the new card, check out either Etsy or big cartel.

I had such a nice coffee today while I was at a meeting. Everything was all black and white, and in amongst all this... a spot of delicious brown.

The flowers in our studio are finally nearing the end of their bloom. Dying, but still so pretty.
My green thumb itches to get more plants into the studio. It makes me happy to look up from my work desk and see green.

Only seven days into the year and I've already created heaps of lists all titled "To Do."
Will it ever end, I ask you?

{image from here, via ffffound!}

4th street bridge Christmas lights

Hello 2009.

I'm back after a wonderful little road trip to Zion and Bryce National Parks, via Joshua Tree.

Walking in the snow :: Zion

Sunset Loop/Navajo Trail at Bryce Canyon

This time I remembered to bring along the old Polaroid, expired film and all. Took the back way home and stumbled upon an old, beautifully neglected road-side motel.... with a forlorn yellow chair.

Roy's Motel and Cafe, Amboy, CA

Happy to be home and back to work, but wanderlust still beckons.... I'll be heading to Australia to visit my sister soon. I think I could stay on the move forever.

Happy New Year everyone!

Heading into the snow.... see you next month!
Hope you all have wonderful and safe holidays :)

Today CG brought her new shoes into the studio. And my heart stopped.
They are by Sigerson Morrison.

Shoes are my weakness.

Cute little geometric shiny gold flats with ballet straps?

Trouble.

It is raining in Los Angeles. And I'm under the weather.
It's all sniffles, sneezes and coughs. And lots of aches.

Yesterday I ate soup. Today I am still eating soup. Tomorrow, I will most likely be eating soup again.

That is my own forecast.

{image via designboom}

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Millie....

Have a great weekend!

The view from our table at Pappy and Harriette's in Pioneer Town, close to Joshua Tree.
The light was incredible... and made for perfectly lovely birthday afternoon.

That, and the delicious chilli, the spicy bloody Mary's and the fantastic game of Yahtzee.

The desert is an incredible place. It's hard to describe. You should just go there if you can.

It has taken me about ten years to fall in love with Los Angeles. I have always loved certain aspects of the city, but to be honest I've been planning my escape for about 9 years. Lately, I've had many days like today, and therefore it's a good example why this place can be so frustrating and refreshing at the same time. Hence the love. Of course I sat in traffic for what seemed like an inhumane amount of time, but I also got to experience the softer, more ironic side of the city.

Bear with me; it's not a long story, but it's a story. Our studio is in some serious need of more storage space. As five designer individuals we certainly have collected some pretty stuff along the way and we need to store/display these things, only to be fair to said collections. However, we also need to be efficient working people, so things like filing cabinets are handy yet not-so-pretty. Our solution? Instead of Ikea (which we tried but felt so empty afterwards) we opted for an educational-furniture-salvage place right the street from the studio.

Tomorrow we are having some lovely wooden cubbies delivered which will be perfect for various paper and material samples. Also, some extremely utilitarian but perfectly lovely old filing cabinets will be delivered. Storage problem solved. If we could have afforded the lockers we bought them.


But what was so perfect about the walk up the street to this strange little warehouse perched on the side of the highway, was the fact that it was a salvage yard/store as well as an oasis/farm.

Los Angeles is full of these dichotomies. I took the photo of the stacked plastic chairs, and literally turned around and took a picture of the chickens and urban garden. I'm sure all other cities are this two-faced; I say that in the nicest way possible, because cities can't just be one thing to all people. Los Angeles has many faces, not just two: underneath all of this is a fascinating place full of social and architectural strangeness, diversity and surprises that have nothing to do with that face it puts on to the rest of the world. This is the LA I love. The one that you have to sit if traffic for.

And, no joke, 45 minutes later, I was sitting mind-numbing traffic for an hour to go a mere 15 miles. An utter waste of time. This is how it goes. At least I got to see real live chickens living in downtown LA. That's a first for me.

... .. .. . .. ..... . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . .... . . . . .. .

On an entirely different note, I'm happy to report that my knitting is back up to speed. And this is Octavio. He likes lamb chops, as do I.


Have a great weekend everyone! I'm celebrating my birthday this weekend with two other fabulous Sagittarians whose birthdays are days apart from mine, so the party usually lasts a little longer :)

It's still rather sparse, but the wall behind my desk is slowly starting to be what I want it to be.

Another perfect chair.... this one by Angelo Mangiarotti.

Last weekend we went to Death Valley. And on our last night we found a cabin. Not exactly like last year's cabin, this one had electricity and water fed from a near by spring. It was incredible. I could have up there for days.

{forgive the poor quality of the images: unfortunately some setting on my camera changed without me realizing until we got home. I suppose that's a good reason to go back and and take betters one, right?}

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it! Having grown up outside of America, Thanksgiving is not really part of my family's vocabulary. Usually we all do our own thing, go to our friends' houses, but we never really do anything as a family since... it's always just been an ordinary day for us. But this year is different because this year I actually have something to very thankful for and only want to be around my family. The fact their house survived the recent fire is something I'm still not really over yet. It'll take a while to settle in, and in the meantime a little pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce will help I'm sure.

I recently got this tile sample by Stone Impressions, and while it's not right for the project on which I'm working, I was quite taken by it. The detail is incredible! I wish I knew more about pattern design and tile fabrication. It's definitely not hand painted, but how do they get such fine detail?

My thing is that I just like the one tile.... as a field it's a little too much; you miss out on the tiny dots.

Or maybe not... see 4 tiles here.

Once again, fire has humbled us.

A terrible wild fire broke out in Santa Barbara on Thursday night. My parents house was spared, but only barely. Their next door neighbors were not so lucky and have lost everything. It's been incredibly sad watching the fire and reading about all the homes that have been lost. I cannot fathom losing everything by fire; it is such a helpless feeling one has watching things burn.

I am even more grateful for the things that I do have.

And also, in Los Angeles... I think there are three separate fires, over 1000 homes lost. Luckily R and I are not very close to these fires this time, a far cry from what we experienced this past April. But the air is so thick with smoke. It's the worst I have ever seen it. Air quality is poor and even in the heat, we're hesitant to open the windows. Visibilty is ridiculous. It feels like the whole city is fogged in.

So please excuse my (projected) absence this coming week, I think I'll be back and forth between LA and Santa Barbara and may not get back to blogging just yet... but then again, we'll see. I might welcome the distraction.

{image via ffffound}

My 2009 Calendar is done... finally and listed in my store.

This week has been a big one for me... not so much sleep and lots of work.

Except for the election, I pretty much tuned out of the world for last 2 weeks trying to meet this big deadline.

But I am back, ready to make stuff like there's no tomorrow.

I couldn't be happier. And I can't wait to see how we progress after this; can't wait to see what future elections will be like and can't wait to see what other barriers we can break. This is really big and so great.

What a relief! Glad we now just get on with it...

{image via ffffound}