Friday Finds

REINVENTED CLASSIC

Map quilts! Heirloom blankets, quilted maps of cities and neighborhoods. One-of-a-kind, handcrafted and organic. Ingenious. Thanks to ApartmentTherapy for telling us about Emily Fischer's work.

  

THE GROWN-UP TREEHOUSE

I couldn't live without trees. There is nothing quite like the pattern of light and leaves when you look up through the boughs of woods, the soft rustling of leaves as the wind passes through, or their fiery autumn hues. My husband and I are very fortunate to have a few large picture windows facing trees and prefer nature-inspired decor. This great idea from the folks at MarthaStewart definitely give rooms the treehouse effect with a graphic, modern aesthetic. Let's just hope it's critter-free and has eco-friendly potential. The pooch better not get any funny ideas!

PIX OF PICKS

What is this prickly tuffet made of? Hint: no porcupines were harmed in the making of this object, although pigs in blankets are running for cover.

Answer: Toothpicks. Yes, clean ones. How does one not get a million tiny stab wounds crafting this cool frog? Thanks to DCDesign for this photo by Infinity Pix.

Tiny, Incredible Paper Sculptures

How? Just how does this artist create such tiny, precise pop-up figures in these unassuming tubes? Talk about patience and surgeon's precision. We love otherwise function-less creations full of wonder.

 

Thanks to Gugazine for telling us about Anastassia Elias' work.

Fun & Random

SONGBIRDS

A musician created a composition inspired by a feathered flock on phone wires when he noticed the birds were arranged like notes on a score. Listen to the lullabye below.

INGENIOUS FUN

Ah, an indoor slide is a joy forever. I want one. Makes you *want* to do laundry. So. Cool.

Thanks to the GoodStuffGuide. "The slide was part of the original build of this house. It took some pleading to get the slide company to see the slide for indoor use."

ANTWERP STATION TAKEOVER BY SONG

I tweeted about this earlier, but just had to post it here for full effect. So much fun!

200 people take over Antwerp Central Station to dance to DoReMi (Sound of Music):

Dogs in the House

We are definitely dog people. Kittens are cute and entertaining, but we have a sweet spot for puppies of all ages. The black pup, Simon, is ours. The golden pup, Dino (a girl, naturally), is Simon's cousin.

belly rub bribes

Please, sir, may I have some more?

"head, shoulders...

...knees and toes, knees and toes"

weeeeeeeeeee

Life is good.

best pal

photos 1-4 & 6-8 mine, 5 ©GaryVattelana

A Roman Holiday

After years of hard work and a little play, my husband and I went on a much-anticipated European holiday this year. The setting for phase II of our adventure was la Bella Italia. Here's a sneak peek at our digital scrapbook:

When I think of Rome, this image comes to mind. The city doesn't win any prizes for hospitality or graciousness, but it is full of fantastic sculpture - mythical, dramatic, inspiring and always surprising. (photos: Vatican)

boutiques with shelves lined with candy-like pasta

History has a presence so thick here, it's like breathing in steam. (Coliseum)

right place, right time (photo: St. Peter's Basilica)

When you step into Italy, accordion music plays. Yes, they're very enterprising.

Gelato shops, where the cone variety rivals the gelato variety, are like Willy Wonka sets.

We loved Florence. Art, ambience, charm, and good eats.

a sense of humor: a niche in the alley-side of a building

life in Florence

Duomo

drool: the masterpiece of a Florence chocolatier

Assisi

photos ©Natalie@CalliopeBoutique