worth a look: a curtain at the front door

yes, it looks grand & dramatic, 

but it's also a very green & easy way to insulate your home.

source:  via radish medley via apartment therapy on pinterest

read about this european tradition on apartment therapy.

f+f: the reality of beauty & the beauty of reality

form + function introduction: part one


form & fashion are often pitted against each other, 

but is that really all we have?  is it one or the other?  

must my feet choose only to be incased in either sky high, red soled, costlier than my rent, gorgeousness or sinking into the soft, antimicrobial rubber utopia of crocs?  if i care for design, must i only rest on a bertoia weaving of wires, wincing as much at the idea of a cushion interrupting the clean, minimal lines as i am at the waffle pattern being pressed into my skin?  

my question, argument, & the topic of my new series:  

do we actually need to choose?

kaleidoscope?  no, these are the cells of a banana leaf.

growing up as an artist, science & math have always been great inspirations to me because they very clearly answer the form vs function debate.  do the beauty of these cells detract from their function?  no.  so, then, why is it that we feel the need to put art & fashion into a box & sharpie scribble "impractical vanity"?

fall barn wedding

forget me not wedding gown by sarah seven

dried wheat bridal bouquet by LeRoys via etsy

for the bridesmaids micha barton in plaid D&G dress

custom wooden wedding signs by DesignsByRobynLove via etsy

rustic farm wedding invitations by TwoCardinalDay via etsy

vintage gravy boat from havenvintage via etsy

sugar leaves topping sweets make a warmer alternative to the tradtional white tower by andiespecialtysweets via etsy

after the harvest fine art photography by YannPendaries via etsy

mason jar chandelier by BootsNGus via etsy

farm fresh soap wedding favors by oldgatesfarm via etsy

smores brownies by reeaadd via etsy

barn greeting card by lilypadprints via etsy

lamb fine art photograph by YesandAmen via etsy

vacation

my etsy shop will be going into vacation mode till december.

if you'd like to have jars shipped before december, 

please make your order before monday.

my mason jar reproductions

currently in stock:

wabi-sabi white

canary yellow

emerald green

aqua blue

picnic

inspired by

the end of summer

my aqua mason jar reproductions via etsy

D & G spring 2011 collection

fruit squares fine art print by DovieMoon via etsy

gingham napkins from PeppermintPinwheels via etsy

vegetarian hero via martha stewart

organic watermelon seeds from ctjdesign via etsy

handmade quilt picnic blanket by southerncharmquilts via etsy

make your own bottle wrap via martha stewart

picnic basket via amazon

vintage umbrella ... just in case from HartsCloset via etsy

hanging garden how-to

i'm very pleased to share this post with steve asbell 

of one of my very favourite blogs, the rainforest garden.

first up, i'll walk you through making living curtain 

& then steve will explain how to make his gorgeous rainforest drops

living curtain

since my recent move to thailand, i've fallen in love with the hanging gardens that seem to be spilling from over every surface.  this hanging garden will allow air to flow through my windows while providing some privacy & shade once it fills in.

materials:

• a plant - i'm using a parasitic orchid, but you can use air plants or even use this same method to wrap a regular pot for any plant.
• wood - i'm using coconut husks
• string - i'm using twine, but you can use wire as well
• a place to hang your curtain - since i live in the tropics, i'm attaching mine to the outside of my window, but you can use a curtain rod indoors if you like

notes:

• i found it was best to use plants with falling foliage near the top & rising near the bottom
• for a more layered affect, in addition to orchids, i've also added philodendron, african violets, & a blue morning glory vine.  this means that in a few months, the window will be covered in blooms.

rainforest drops

via the rainforest garden

I think that I've finally perfected the recipe and I couldn't wait to share. The old way works just fine, but I think that you'll find these instructions a bit easier to swallow. To sum it up: I root the cuttings first, stuff the grapevine ball with long grain sphagnum moss, and tuck in the cuttings! 

This version is loads easier.

1. Pre-root the Rhipsalis Cuttings

Giving the rhipsalis cuttings a head start makes it much easier to establish your Rainforest Drop. Simply line a used and washed Chinese food takeout tray with moistened short grain sphagnum moss or potting soil, lay the cuttings down lengthwise and cover. A few weeks will do the trick. 

Don't have a Chinese takeout tray? Try these instructions instead.

2. Stuff Ball With Sphagnum Moss

The long grain sphagnum moss is not only a dream to work with, but it's also very moisture retentive. This means less watering! The orchid bark from my original directions is attractive enough but has the unfortunate habit of falling through the openings in the ball and making things difficult for you.

3. Insert Rooted Cuttings

Tuck in the rooted ends of the rhipsalis cuttings and tightly pack in some more of the moistened long grain sphagnum moss around the stems. Thoroughly water your horticultural masterpiece once or twice a week, periodically mist with a spray bottle, and fertilize when the stems lose their deep green coloration.

For more information on caring for and displaying your little hanging garden, or if you want to skip the fuss and buy one from me instead, check out the Frequently Asked Questions or the original instructions ... or just drop me a line at steve_asbell@yahoo.com!

tropic

decor & fashion inspired by 

my recent move to the tropics

typified by lush color & the clean geometric lines of local plants
& traditional patterns

spectrum caftan dress via anthropologie

vintage teak bowls from thailand from FunVintageLiving via etsy

vintage batik wood block from garishvibe via etsy

adriatic bangle via free people

brass turkish tea set from gumbygirl via etsy

handmade from recycled saris, kantha quilted throw via west elm

moroccan tea glasses from Moroccanpoufs via etsy

vintage thai fans from modernlogic via etsy

vintage lapis multan tribal ring from ChezVous via etsy

vintage cotton boho elephant tee from agnestheowl via etsy

chinese laundry carbo sandel for sale at dsw

2011 swimwear anthropologie lookbook