Art Therapy

I don't know about you folks, but it's bleak times around here. The only consolation is that it's been raining somewhat daily, I can't begin to describe to you how much the rain means to me. Looking at beautiful images helps as well -- I suppose that explains the ever-so-slightly increase in postings on here. I've been very lucky with coming across things that are both a sight for sore eyes and the bruised mind.

These three images brought instant smiles.

Kaleidoscope-inspired collage by Rachel Lois Caunt.

"The Times They Are A-Changin" by Liat Yaniv.

"Floral Ocean" by Betsy Walton.

// This peek into an Art-Deco apartment in Shanghai is satisfying my voyeuristic thirst. It is so charmingly decorated, plus I'm a big sucker for those steel-and-glass french doors.

// Also, even though I've never been a fan of the kitschy decor (feels a little claustrophobic for me), I am totes amoureux with the home of Albert and Gillian Maysles (shot here by Todd Selby). Doesn't it shout "life well lived"?

// Lastly, has anyone out there tried Bookmooch? Just wondering if it works.

After many moons of unrelenting sun and heat, the rain is finally upon us. I find it really invigorating to hear raindrops tip-tapping on the roof. Hope you find these gems I turned up on my recent forage in the vast forest that is the Internet just as invigorating.

Check out Eben Goff's amazing body of work, I especially *heart* his monotypes. Shown above is one of his many beautiful prints. Totally swoon-worthy.

Also having some major hots for this eclectic collection of animal parts and object by Bob de Graaf (below), though it's probably not everybody's cup of tea.

A beautifully animated Japanese haiku entitled 化粧する花 by Izuru Aminaka. I don't read a lick of Japanese, but luckily for me, beauty transcends all earthly boundaries :-) Still, if anyone's up for translating, I'd be mightily grateful!

I dig show-and-tells detailing the process of how something is made or done. Here's an insight into how gorgeous washi paper is made. I found the link via Upon a Fold, a fantastic store of paper goods with an equally fantastic blog.

And lastly, making the rounds in the ol' blogsphere today, an illustrated guide to a Ph.D. Interesting food-for-thought?

PeekaBoo!

I'm tired of looking at my blog with all that blue text and no pretty images so I thought I'll share with you the image that's captured my heart recently, Zimmerlinde by Wolfgang Tillmans. I love the juxtaposition (look at me using fancy art terms) of the flowers with the frosted glass, feels like I can get lost in daydream staring at that scene. Insert obligatory wistful sigh here :-)

Before I leave you, allow me to share a few links I came across today:

–-> This demonstration of the proper Japanese way to bow made me chuckle endlessly, heh heh.

–-> And while the Dog Poo Project is for a noble cause, there's still room for some humor. (Hard not to, given the subject matter I suppose)

–-> Lastly, I haven't tried any of the recipes, but I'm dying to. One of the things I find most frustrating about baking is having to assemble ingredients that I don't normally stock at home. This annoyance is followed closely by the near-impossibility of following instructions to recipes I found online that aren't accompanied by pictorial guidance. (I'm all thumbs and a total novice when it comes to all things baking). So while the mom in "mom it down" doesn't apply to me, her non-fuss style speaks VOLUMES to my inner baker. Itching to try her Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Mini Cheesecake. Wish me luck!

Happy Friday!

Do you ever think that your empty milk cartons could be more than just trash? Here's proof.

Mr. Fix-It turns Macgyver. Ok, Macgyver-ish, to be fair :-)

Dish rack for the adventurous lot.

Those throw-away plastic knives? They could be your next art project.

Use leather bags with a less guilty conscience.

Scrapbooking from trash can be a good class project.

And lastly -- behold the little eco-friendlier cabinet that stole my heart!