Noguchi Bijoux

Katherine Wheeler

Forma

Elis Kauppi via Miss Moss

I think one of the reasons I am drawn to jewelry is because it is the closest I can get to capturing the ethereal qualities of nature.  Glimmers of light, movement from the breeze, and strong but elegant forms, as epitomized by the pieces above.

Gift Guide 2013, Part II

To set them apart from the rest, letterpress calling cards from Mandate Press. (photo)

For the stocking, matte nail polish. (photo)

For the chic minimalist, bronze necklace from Bario Neal.

For the perpetual hostess, Irish linen cocktail napkins. 

Whiskey  is always a good option to go with those napkins.

For the ever expanding library, books never fail. 

Dream truck

Hello, 1971 celadon Datsun. 

Worth coveting lately

 Horseshoe earrings by the Modernist, from Mille.  I can see myself wearing these non-stop this fall.

Sometimes there are things in life that don't make sense, until they just do.  These Saarinen tulip tables are like that for me -- I never grasped their perfection until now, and I want them desperately. 

 Erie Basin lapis beetle pendant.

I'm jumping on the bootie bandwagon.  I've wanted some Rachel Comeys for years, but can't afford them.  In the mean time, Madewell to the rescue.  (I may or may not have these already sitting in a box in my closet, waiting for cooler temps).

Lastly, how about these heavy duty clippers?  Similar to the vintage ones I already have, these look ready to do some serious work.  I'm not alone, as they're already sold out -- Japanese hand-forged clippers from Kaufman Mercantile.

Paper white presents

It's the last week of work before Christmas.  A few weeks ago I prepared some vintage pots with paper white bulbs and pebbles, and set them aside for later.  Now there are little green shoots emerging, and they are ready to be passed out to my coworkers so they can enjoy the intoxicating white blooms in the New Year.

I am regretting not doing something as simple as the yogurt jars above -- the roots are almost as pretty as the flowers themselves.  I'll be tucking that idea away for next year.

Top photo from Frolic.  
Bottom photo from Ted and Debbie.

One for me, One for you, Part II

Just a few more gifty bits...

Beeswax candles, that smell like warmth, from Ancient Industries UK, £5 per pair.  (Paw Paw not included.)

Vintage Welsh blankets, in an array of lovely but sometimes garish colors.  Prices vary.

Drafting, writing notes, or just twirling your pencil is much better when it's an antique silver one.  Prices vary, but the gem above is $199 obo. 

The ever useful Bkr, in a new line of jewel tones, $28.

My grandmother used to love to give me magazine subscriptions for birthdays or Christmas.  The gift that goes all year!  Landscape Architecture Magazine, 12 issues for $59.

For the chic minimalist in your midst, the Takara Bar necklace, hand dyed silk cord and hammered brass, $100. 

Heath Ceramics Frost Vases look like they emerged from an icy hill on the Labrador coast, $55-110.

In the absence of a lap cat, a hot water bottle with a hand-knit cover is your next best bet for keeping cozy.  Also from Ancient Industries, $45 for cover and $25 for bottle.

For the person who seems to have it all, feel free to make a donation to a cause of your choice. 

2012 Gift Guide

Here are some items I've got on my Christmas list, to give and to receive.  I know so many smart, stylish, heartfelt women who I'd love to give one of everything to.  Until then, here's a round up of some of what I would give to them in my dream world.

A stylish monogrammed clutch from Clare Vivier, $193. 

Insanely useful sheers for the garden, flower arranging, or any quick snip.  Image on left from Organic Gardening, showing some Felco pruners, about $50. Sophie Conran pruners, $32, on right.

Another stylish clutch.  You can never have too many.  I love the cast brass details on these made in LA ones, by Samantha Grisdale. 

Although girlier than she might want to admit, these flowery pjs in a Liberty print will make Sunday mornings brighter.  $198 from Elizabeth Cotton (shown above), or J. Crew.

A charming carry-all trug for garden supplies, hand made in Sussex, $125. 

Soap made for queens' hands.  Soap stones by Pelle, $8-$32.

 Sewing lessons (just a refresher, really) at Sew L.A.  $85

Rodin Olio Lusso, $150, for glowing skin and a soft scent.  Available at Broome St. General Store or Clare Vivier.  Image via Editor.com.

A tin of tea, or sample box, for afternoons in the low winter light.  Bellocq Tea can be found at Broome St. General Store, prices vary.

A handmade bud vase that is reminiscent of her grandmother and Vermont in the 60s.Judy Jackson tiny bottle vases, $29, from Lake or Sumi's.

Dreamin'

I've had cravings lately for very particular things.  Specifically, a truck and a dog.  And a 32 hour work week. 

In this dream, I would drive around LA in my vintage Toyota 22R (1983 and blue, preferably), with my hound sticking its nose out the window.  With my spare day off, I would tool around town planting native gardens at gas stations or lunching on friends' porches while talking about nothing.  Then I'd pick up my husband and we'd go out to dinner, valet parking the truck at a fancy restaurant to the dismayed looks of the other patrons.  I'd stare them down until they backed out of my way because, much like Hush Puppy "I'm the Man!"

Or something like that.

 

Dog snout via MADDIE THE COONHOUND.  

More truck/dog dreams -->

Leonard Edmondson

I first encountered these mid century prints at the Norton Simon Museum in Proof: The Rise of Printmaking in Southern California, part of the Pacific Standard Time series.  They were just to the left of the exit, and I lingered on them longer than any other piece.   What you can't see on your screen is the texture of the ink, which made me want to rub my finger along the rich washes of color -- at the same time exciting and calming, like I could be sucked into the lush backgrounds.

Leonard Edmondson's Botanical Gardens II and Tropical Garden I from The Annex Galleries.

Pot Dreams

 

It amazes me how expensive planting pots can be.  I was lucky this week to find a stash of simple terra cotta pots at the thrift store for small change, but sometimes I dream of taking it up a notch.  These pots with luxurious colors and rich textures would add a nice pop to my collection.  

On the other side, there is nothing nicer than an old terra cotta pot with the patina of weather and dirt.  I bought some from an older lady on Craigslist a few months back, and their subtle white hue over the peachy clay blends in nicely to the surrounding greenery. 

Clockwise above: one, two, three, four.

Putikmade

The LA Times Home blog featured these amazing, small batch, L.A. made pots the other day.  I love the woodsy colors and texture.  Plus, they are seriously local -- the potter lives in my Highland Park hood. 

More here.

Nesting

Lovely new pillows featuring one of my favorite cranes and some other bird friends from West Elm.  I'm not normally one for 'throw pillows', but might make an exception for these!