Posted in giving, tagged donate, event, gift, holiday, home, non-profit, sharing on November 26.2009 | Leave a Comment »
Once again this year we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the contributions made to local food banks during our can do food drive.
Because of your generosity, the Alameda County Community Food Bank, City Harvest, Lakeview Pantry, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and the TNDC can continue feeding the hungry.
We sincerely Thank You and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted in behind the scenes, tagged art, artist, craft, gift, sustainable on November 18.2009 | Leave a Comment »
A modern interpretation of an ancient craft passed down mother to daughter, these one of a finds were handwoven by village women just outside Kampala, Uganda.
The stepped ribs of coiled raffia over banana fiber recall the region’s mountainside farming known as “mountain terraces”.
The craftsmanship of these women provides both an outlet for their creative expression and much-needed income to educate their children. By using one of the few resources available in their remote area, they are weaving their rich cultural past with a future of hope.
Posted in scoop, tagged antique, flea market, gift, hint, holiday, mix, recycle, repurpose, reuse, sharing, vintage on November 17.2009 | Leave a Comment »
We love a good flea market find–and sharing a good secret–so check out the Brooklyn Flea Market…in Manhattan!
Starting on Black Friday, November 27th, thru December 24th, the pop-up venue will feature 50 vendors–just in time since the market goes on winter hiatus November 22nd.
For more information, including directions and hours, visit brooklynflea.com.
Posted in how to, tagged comfort, gift, guests, hint, holiday, home, sharing, visitors on November 11.2009 | 1 Comment »
In the next seven weeks family and friends will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa–and New Year’s!
You’ve made the most gracious offer to share your home with holiday visitors for a few days–what greater gift is there? As a guest, most often we’re concerned we’re an inconvenience to our host’s routine and space. Reassure them by saying “Welcome!” with these thoughtful gestures.
1. A simple cora carafe on the nightstand shows you care about their well-being. Adding a slice of fresh cucumber or citrus makes the gesture even sweeter.
2. To give guests some personal space in the bath, tie a ribbon around a new bar of soap and their own stainless soap dish. Placed on top of folded towels at the foot of their bed, its a luxurious amenity comparable to a 4-star hotel.
3. Make guests most physically comfortable by providing a bed, or a flex convertible sofa, in a spare room. Maybe you’ve been thinking about it and this is just the motivation you need to seal the deal?
4. If your budget for the season will be spent on gifts and an air mattress instead, consider a new set of percale sheets and keep them dedicated to future guests.
5. A cable throw across the foot of the bed can warm feet at night or at the very least, guests won’t have to ask for an extra blanket if they’re feeling chilled.
6. Offer some reading material that expresses how happy you are they’re spending time with you. “Here’s to You!” is a compendium of inspiring quotes to celebrate the special people in your life.
7. Print some of the photos you’ve been sharing via email and post them around the house using magnetic photo frames. When guests are packing for home, be sure to wrap them safely as a momento of their visit.
Some are small, special touches while others require time, effort and a budget. Those are the long-term investments–gifts for yourself perhaps? In the end, guests will feel welcome, less stressed feeling less of an inconvenience, and more able to fully enjoy holiday festivities.
Posted in behind the scenes, tagged art, artist, craft, gift, limited edition, painting on September 30.2009 | Leave a Comment »
The naive art form of Madhubani painting has been passed down from mother to daughter, generation to generation, exclusively by the Hindu women in the remote Mithila region of northern India. For centuries, the paintings were created on the walls and floors of village homes to designate auspicious spaces for festivals and rituals. After this agricultural region suffered a severe drought in the 1960s, the women began selling their paintings on paper to help provide food, clothing and education for their children.
This one of a find is a limited edition of 440 original paintings by artist Lalita Devi. Lalita grew up painting at her mother’s side but has been paralyzed for the past 19 years. With the help of family members who steady her hand, she continues to work her craft and share her vision.
In this piece it’s of a jungle where prey and predator live together in harmony. The brilliant colors are made from natural spices, leaves, flowers and soot, and are applied with a cotton-wrapped stick.
It wasn’t easy choosing just one from so many wonderful pieces, but each time we view the painting we’re awestruck knowing there’s so much more to the story depicted, and we’re thrilled to share it with you.
Posted in behind the scenes, tagged art, artist, craft, gift, recycle, repurpose on August 12.2009 | 1 Comment »
This original canvas is hand-painted by an almost extinct community of Bollywood artists known for their kitschy, glam movie posters and sets. With the Mumbai film industry’s move to digital vinyl billboards, the talent of these fine artists is no longer in demand. In an effort to keep this art form alive, this limited edition of 228 paintings has been commissioned from the hands of the original masters.
Once required to produce up to 20 posters a day during their movie days, this special initiative provides the artists not only a new source of income, but the opportunity for a slower pace focused on their skills and passion for painting. This portrait of a regal couple painted in black and white with theatrical color highlighting only jewelry and costume details, harkens back to the romance of a lost age…and an iconic art form.
