Displaying posts from January, 2008

My name is Jo and I am a thrift store addict. I’m sure I’ve said that before but I now need to form Thrifters’ Anonymous. It’s an addiction. Help! So what did I buy this week?

It started off simply, a sweet pink Murano glass vase for $2 from the thrift shop around the corner from work. My “dealer” here is Colin.

Then it was off to Phillip’s thrift store. He has the “good stuff”. I now have embraced the Victoria Rule (first described by flea market addict Victoria of sfgirlbybay). One piece in one piece out. That’s how I could justify buying this desk, chair and mirror. A coat of fuchsia or orange paint and they’ll be my snail mail desk in the office. I’ll be selling this one if I stick to the rules.

I didn’t buy these. Well I didn’t need a single headboard and yet another bedside table. The Manhattan skyline was tempting but I haven’t even hung my other artwork after painting my apartment. The kitchen print was cute but dirty and way too big for the only small wall space in my kitchen. I’ll draw a smaller and brighter interpretation for beside the window.

I blame this guy for my dilemma. He’s my enabler. He never tells me no but I love him.

WINKS – weekend links. Here we list what has come in during the week, things we’ve found and things we think you’ll want to see. If you’d like to see your blog or website featured email us and if we think it fits with our readers we’ll link you. So what’s in this week?

• Lindsay Brackeen left a comment on a recent post and asked for a “wink”. Glad she did! Lindsay has a wonderful blog Painting my World and her artwork is available in her etsy store. Too cute!!



• Normann Copenhagen wrote to introduce the vase designed for ordinary flowers of the type we often overlook in our daily lives. The striking design of grass brings new life to cut flowers. Grass resembles a roadside tuft of grass and brings nature indoors. Made of clay, in the hands of designer duo Claydies, a.k.a. Karen Kjældgård-Larsen and Tine Broksø, the material is transformed into a new and sexy product. All the vases are handmade, and the variations of each vase emphasises its own unique character. Normann Copenhagen will have the Grass growing in shops worldwide from the end of February 2008.



• There’s a new blog on the block c’est jolie {n’est-ce pas?}. Erin Wilson is an actor and make-up artist living in the nyc who has worked for Victoria Hagan Interiors (lots of details to share with that one) and as a professional organizer and event planner. Good luck Erin. It’s lovely!



• Speaking of new blogs Chris emailed from Italy about her very new blog Interiors. Gorgeous and so full of promise. We can’t wait to see more!
• Jessica from The Shiny Squirrel emailed to introduce her online shop and gallery. Too late for introductions Jessica. Kim and I are already HUGE fans. Love it all!



• Gosia has updated her fabulous etsy store blue bell bazaar with new vintage goodies. Hurry over. The best bits always go fast.
• Jaime from Design Milk and owner of über stylish online store Vitamin D(esign) emailed with the cool new products in store. I’ll have one of each Jaime.



• You won’t find functional kitchen art like this anywhere else. Ken Goodwin has transformed a humble kitchen fixture into a work of art. He currently runs a small woodshop and design studio in Denver, Colorado where he creates these stunning cutting boards. I love the look of natural timber boards and more importantly the feel under my knife as I chop. Thanks for sending us the link Ken.
• Jeni Crawford emailed us. “I have been a big fan of your blog for quite some time. I recently launched a website that I have been working on for the last year and this is the online version of the store that I would like to open in the future. This is my passion and a dream come true for me….It is a work in progress as I will be adding new items daily from some amazing companies and artists.” Her beautiful store is called Rian Rae. Beautiful beautiful beautiful!



• Felicity from All things Bright and Beautiful has just started a great new series of posts for people new to blogging. Where to store photos, how to insert different fonts, code – you name it she wants to share the knowledge. Send tips or questions her way to improve your blog’s look and make your blogging life so much easier. Great idea Felicity. Kim can tell you all about my tears (and cursing) as I learnt how to blog. She is such a great teacher! I’ll be emailing you soon Felicity with my tips.

It seems Denmark is the white wall capital of the world. Is it because everyone rents there so no one is allowed to paint? I am not a huge fan of white walls….until I look at photos such as these from the site Bolig Magasinet, and then I want to strip and paint my hardwood floors and all the walls white.

Eric Piasecki has the most exceptional talent for capturing light and shadow in his photos. He shoots with natural light when he can and uses a photo’s composition to draw the viewer in. With covers for Elle Decor and Martha Stewart his work is of the highest order and his portfolio is overflowing with inspiring shots. Check it out. There are far too many extraordinary photos to feature here.

“I’ve just discovered your blog (and spent far too much time enjoying the
images). We’ve just about finished building our mudbrick home in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, and there are a few bits and pieces that may interest you….” Cecilia.

The Duckpond is Jon & Cecilia Sharpley’s photo journal that follows the progress of the building of their special home. It’s an inspiring visit for anyone with an interest in energy efficient, alternative, or sustainable building. These are just a few photos of their hand forged balustrades, fallen gum branch bed and stick handles. Thanks Cecilia. You have a wonderful and environmentally sensitive home!