Talk about your paper cutouts…WOW! This is the Zodiac Project that Bovey hand-cut on rice paper with silk backing.  Sure beats my snowflake chain…

Somehow I’m pulled toward African/Safari things for our little boy’s nursery. For instance, I found this cool vintage, pull down map on craigslist.  And then while browsing Wisteria, found this beautiful set of prints.  While traveling in Thailand, I got a painting of a mother elephant with a baby elephant that I would someday use in my child’s nursery…never thinking that day would be four years later.  I’m trying to stay away from a themey nursery since 1. I’m not really into that sort of thing and 2. it will be our guest room as well.  I’m trying to go for a colorful, eclectic look that he can grow into.  I’m starting to get to the panicky stage (only 24 weeks), and feel like the only preparation I’ve done for this child is read books. No crib, no changing table, no stroller.  Is it normal to feel like I need to do so much so early?

I’d never buy these prints due to their price tag, but aren’t they pretty?

I love artist Annie Harwell. Particularly her chair prints.  But this saying just does something for me.  If Mick would let me hang pinky-salmony things, I’d have this over our desk.

Oh Lady Gaga, such an interesting character. In honor of the Met’s production of Hansel and Gretel, Vogue did a beautiful spread to which includes designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, and Nicolas Ghesquière. It’s absolutely beautiful. Notice Lady Gaga’s debut as the witch in the fire.

Beautiful, circus-themed, re-used porcelain made by the talented artists at Studio Violet.  Camilla Engman and Elisabeth Dunker do some fabulous work.

Lovely State Bird Prints designed by Amy Ruppel on sale right now.

California Valley Quail

hmmmm…not sure I’m a big fan of the botanical wall tiles. Especially if they cost so much.

Cute new letterpress note cards by Linda and Harriett.  I like the story behind their inspiration:

For this card, Liz was inspired by a drawn curtain feature in the opening credits of the movie, Coraline.  What I ended up putting on paper looked more like crystal chandeliers in a fancy ballet theatre – but it still has that draping, theatrical, regal look I was first drawn to in the movie.

Lovely, inspiring illustrations by artist Freya.  The colors are bold, and I love how she mixes patterns.  Freya, you are one talented girl!

Adorable animal alphabet poster by artisit Recca Galera.  It’s a fun way for your kids to to learn French too!

While in Paris I was hoping to go to the world famous Les Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market; but was disappointed when it was only open on the days we WEREN’T there.  I’ve been in search for a bust statue.  The antelers are on their way out, and the antique busts are moving in. And perhaps its because, like their deer head predecessors, sculptural busts in the average contemporary home will always be a little out of place, and therefore just the right kind of unexpected.  This is a perfect way to “mix the old with the new.” What do you think about the new bust trend?

Speaking of rocks, who’s of thought rocks could be so beautiful?  Or expensive for that matter.

I know there’s a lot of love for Edward, but isn’t this decor kind of creepy?

I think these glicees are appropriate as nice little reminders of the places we visited. By the talented Lori Portka.

Dance with me in Italy

Dance with me in Madird

Hold so dear.

Fun sayings found at this blog.

Feeling European.  Thought I’d post about these beautiful cookies. Do you eat these? They look too perfect. By Sweet Ambs shop.

We saw this painting by Jean-Francois Millet while in Paris.  I thought is was this was a fun modern twist to it.  Painted for the New York art show pre-2001.

I love these two. And their dances. One day when I’m a retired interior designer, and Mick’s a retired techie, and we somehow wake up being great dancers/choreographers…we’re going to be like these two. Choreographic great dances on SYTYCD.

Birdcage wall?  Any takers?  I think it’s pretty fun…

L’Affiche has great finds. There’s nothing like modern children’s French art.

From their website: “Spanish illustrator Bukubuku presents a cute and colourful art print in French. Here, all is full of life and joy, and it’s absolutely natural that raindrops, tomatoes, slices of quiche and hamsters are all merrily giving us broad smiles!”