Therese Senneholt Design

I ran across the work of Swedish designer Therese Senneholt while perusing one of my favorite tumblr blogs, From Scandinavia with love.  While I enjoy these graphic prints in and of themselves, I especially love the styling of the framed prints (and all those gorgeous chairs, oh my).  

images: Therese Senneholt Design

Guest Post: Where the Lovely Things Are

If you love indie products and all things handmade then Where the Lovely Things Are is definitely a must read.  Mallory has an eye for the best in independent design, art, and all things related and was recently an Etsy guest curator. Mallory will be posting twice here this week and I know you're going to enjoy all of her amazing finds.

Hello!  I'm Mallory from Where the Lovely Things Are and I'm ever-so-pleased to be guest posting while Christina is off celebrating her marriage.  As love is in the air over here in Down and Out Chic land, I thought I'd put together a few fitting finds for that mood.  I hope you like them!

At the top of this post a tote from Every Little Counts, and then we have a pair of prints from Gemma Correll and Hillary Bird.

Next, a print from Caitlin Shearer, card from Fugu Fugu Press, print from Sarah Ryan, card from Sass & Peril, and a card from Bowerbox Press.

Finally, a print from Bonbi Forest and another from Art School Girl.

Where the Lovely Things Are Links:  Blog / Twitter / Tumblr

Be Present

I just bought this print (which you've probably seen floating around blogland) as a reminder to myself to simply be present.  Every year that I get older I remind myself that each day, each year, each birthday is an incredible gift.  Even when the mundane aspects of life threaten to bog me down or when I find myself annoyed and angry at silly things, or when something tragic and terrible happens and I have to endure some sort of suffering, I realize that this is it.  This day is what we have, it's what we've been given and we should choose to be present (through the good, the bad, and the ugly).  It's going  to hang in my bathroom so that I can see it every morning when I get ready to face a new day.

image via Groundwork by danny ray

Wishlist 6.14.10

Two prints from one of my favorite Etsy artists, ashleyg , on my wishlist today...
I'd Rather Be Thrifting $20

Trust Your Instincts $20

I think both are completely appropriate for my office at work :)

6 Things

Six new favorite things, in no particular order, for your perusing pleasure...

1) My Heart to Your Heart Limited Ed. Print $18 by Leah Duncan
2) Jersey Shirt with Leaf Applique $70 by Minx Shop
3) Letterpress Address Card File with Box $49 by 1canoe2
4) Little bird house pendant dark oak $38 by M
5) Bow Blouse $80 by Lemonstory
6) Don't Hold Back Typographic Print $16 by Nan Lawson

I don't know about you, but this week has been BUSY!  I hope you're hanging in there. Friday is right around the corner friends.

Not a Hipster

This print by Nan Lawson makes me chuckle...

{print available here}

Artist: Michele Maule + Chair Series

I recently saved Michele Maule's shop to my favorites after finding her work on Paper n' Stitch.  I'm particularly interested in the chair series of paintings and prints. In these works, the chairs take on a sort of energy as they're forced to interact each other, tied by string.

You can purchase the prints at $20 or an original painting for around $200 in the shop. I think the pieces work best as a series, perhaps framed together and hung in a cluster. The second piece is my favorite as it seems to be the most "finished" but I think they're all really interesting.  *Now I'm having flash backs of art school critiques so I'm just going to leave it at this...visit Michele Maule, you won't be disappointed.

Man Made Rain

I'll give you one guess as to what type of weather we've been having.  Rain might not do much for my mood but doesn't it make fantastic imagery?  

Enjoying the Rain Plate via Ninainvorm $50

My Umbrella via lauraamiss $75

Good Day for Listening to Jazz via Helene Smith $25 (8x12)

Mobile Thomas  via The Butter Flying $33

One of Those Days via Ashley G and Drew $20

Rainy Day Letterpress card via  Letterpress Delicacies $4

Caught in a Rain via Nan Lawson $10 (5x7)

Raccoon with Umbrella via Mis Napoles Art $17

From plates to mobiles to prints and letterpress cards, rain is definitely a motif that makes me smile.
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and trying desperately to catch up with the online world and your lovely blogs.  You might notice that posting is a bit sporadic but that's because I'm trying to fit it in whenever I can, even if it's right before bed time.  Hang in there with me, the storms always pass.

Giveaway: Hot Digital Dog pet portraits

This weekend's giveaway comes from a local (to me) artist who specializes in animal portriature. I had a friend get two custom dog portraits for her husband's Christmas gifts and I immediately fell in love with Hot Digital Dog's quirky, unique, cheeky, vintage style. These portraits are meant to make you laugh; I can just picture Kya and Bella's silly mugs in these get-ups. Cindy has asked me to pick 3 portraits to giveaway to one lucky reader! Three (that's a $45 value)!

Here's what you can win:
Miss Dewdrop Mouse


Dog Say What


Ballard

{all images via Hot Digital Dog}
If you've been looking for additions to your art wall or you need unique gifts for friends, this is the giveaway for you. Winner gets all three of these sweet beauties! If you'd like to get your own custom pet portrait, you can receive 10% off, just tell Hot Digit Dog you're a D&OC reader upon checkout.
How To Enter (3 entries).
1. Visit Hot Digital Dog and tell me what you think. Does one particular portrait make you smile?
2. Are you a reader/follower of D&OC? Awesome! You get a 2nd SEPARATE entry. Just say, "I'm a follower."
3. Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about this giveaway and let me know you did. (3rd entry).

Have a very happy weekend and good luck! Winner will be announced next Wednesday morning.
xo,
Christina

Objects on Paper

I'd love to have an art wall filled with simple illustrations of objects like those found in Nan Lawson's shop.

Mimi's Glasses- Pen and Ink Illustration- 8x10 Print $14

A Dry Head Pen and Ink Illustration of Retro Fan 5x7 print $10


Royal Typewriter- Pen and Ink Illustration- 8x10 print $16


My Diana Camera-Pen and Ink Illustration- 8x10 print $16

via Nan Lawson Illustration
Charming, aren't they?

A tale of Christmas' past

Complaining about not finding the right gifts for my family is a favorite past time of mine. I have much difficulty, especially with my parents. Well, recently I was blabbering about not knowing what to give my folks and my friend and neighbor suggested I buy a print off of Shorpy, a website that offers "vintage, high resolution photographs" that are archivally printed and ready to frame. After take a peek at this website, not only am I convinced this would make a perfect gift for my parents, I'm enthralled with all of the lovely images of real people, in real moments, living a long and rich history.

I found some images of Christmas and thought they'd be a nice reflection of where we've come from...
Christmas with Wilbur and Orville: 1900

here

Just What I Always Wanted: 1901

here

A Lodging House Christmas : 1914

here

Church of the Nativity: 1940

here

And a Bone for Fido: 1923

here
New images are posted regularly here. Images are ready to purchase here.
I have to admit, that last image is making my heart melt...

Foodie Calendar and a winner

So, as you know, calendars have been blogged about everywhere this season and for good reason. There are so many wonderful options, I've been paralyzed with indecision. I decided that a wall calendar for my office would be my most essential calendar need and I think I finally found the ONE. Yup, the ONE I can commit to for a whole year (which, if you know me, is not an easy venture).

I found this beauty by Claudia Pearson on Poppytalk Handmade and it was love at first site.

B and I have made it a point recently to buy more local food and support our local farmers so this calendar would be a good reminder to myself and anyone who comes into my office that buying local is important!
2010 Poster Calendar $20

Now I just need to decide if I want the poster or the set.
2010 Illustrated Calendar $24


I also adore the other food prints available in the shop.
Food for Thought $15


Buy Local $20

{all images via Claudia Pearson}
How do you support your local economy?
~
The lucky winner of the Beth Cyr giveaway is...

...#78! That would be Crystal Ball! Congrats! I'll be contacting you shortly. Thank you Beth for such a lovely giveaway! Be sure to check out Beth's shop when you're considering your holiday gifts this year!

Saturday Inspiration

I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying having this beautiful Saturday. Today the weather is the perfect combination of sunshine and cool air. Of course my mood is heightened by the fact that I don't have to work and I can catch up on all the creative "work" I've been putting off. In order to celebrate this gorgeous day, I thought I'd share some weekend inspiration from Freya Art & Design.

{all images via Freya, thanks to design is mine for the introduction}
Prints of these lovely pieces can be bought here.
Remember, there's beauty all around, sometimes it takes longer to find, but it's there. I have to remind myself, in the hardest of times that it's often my attitude that blocks the goodness being offered to me.
Happy Weekend.

Fanciful prints by John W. Golden

I meant to do this last night, but got waaaaay to busy- the winner of the Rustic Roses giveaway is...#130! That would be umama from umama (ooh mama)! Congrats and I'll be in touch with you soon. Don't forget to drop by Rustic Roses if you haven't already. Thank you Rustic Roses for an amazingly generous giveaway!
~
These vintage inspired pieces by John W. Golden strike a fanciful chord with me...

I can't tell you how many pairs of Converse I've own over the years (since I was 10 maybe?). Recently, I've forgone wearing them because my feet no longer find them comfortable, but I'll never let go of the nostalgia they bring.
Lowtops Black on Baby Blue $20

How cute would this be for a kid's room? Or your office?
No Monsters Allowed Print $60

Wouldn't we all like to put this up on our respective offices, schools, houses, port-a-potties? Seriously people, it's such an easy thing to do.
Wipe the Seat Print $20


My love for all things hedgehog continues.
The Hirsute Hedgehog Print $20

{all photos via John W. Golden}
I know that hedgehog looks like he's scheming something, but I just think I might have to have him...
{have you entered the D&OC giveaway on The Cottage Cheese for your chance to win hairpins and earrings? Just checking}

Giveaway: Pixel Wild Child

I have been anxiously awaiting this giveaway (and this three day weekend) for some time now.
Allow me to introduce Pixel Wild Child and her fantastic giveaway. Kristie describes herself as a "Spanish girl living in Greece...every product in my shop reflects my personal (and sometimes crazy!) views about beauty, life, human behaviour, humour, love..."
When I look at these pieces, I see a talented artist who is attempting to express so much more than personal emotion. These pieces resonate with me because I am a female of this "X" generation, because as a female I have dealt with and continue to deal with issues of self esteem, sexuality, social and gender expectations, and because when I look at Kristie's pieces I see a little bit of myself.
Here are my faves...
Girls and Curiosity

here
Our Generation


here
My Eyes

here
Gipsy woman

here
Pixel Wild Child is offering to one lucky Down and Out Chic reader, a choice of ANY print in her shop! I had a hard enough time trying to narrow my favorites down to four pieces, good luck choosing one! How to enter? Since it's labor day weekend, I'll make this super easy.

**Leave a RELEVANT comment about Pixel Wild Child's work after visiting her shop. Is there any piece that resonates with you more so than the others? What do you think of her work?
Any comments that aren't thoughtful or relevant will discarded. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to e-mail me.
(Saying, "this is cute" is not what I mean by thoughtful. )
Pixel Wild Child- **Shop
**Blog
**Twitter
Good luck and Happy looooong weekend!
{p.s. the fiona brooch is now back in the shop, some of you had asked about it...}

Giveaway: Flapperdoodle Print

Ok, hang on to your seats people, I know you've seen the Flapperdoodle ladies around but if by some crazy chance you haven't, let me give you a little background.

A while ago, I had a guest feature on Design Lovely's Lovely Looks and at this time I mentioned my growing affinity for Flapperdoodle prints. Well, right after that feature, I received a little comment from the creator of these darling prints, Kate. Always having my reader's best interest in mind, I contacted her and after stumbling all over my words and proclaiming my love for her prints, Kate agreed to a special giveaway for Down and Out Chic readers. (You can thank me later). Kate is offering a special 11"x14" print (this size is not currently offered in her shop) for the winner's choice of illustration. You get to choose ANY print out of the Flapperdoodle shop! When you see the selection, I don't know how you'll choose. Seriously.
Here are a few pieces...there are so many more.
The Flapperdoodle characters are dramatic, feminine, cheeky, and silly. I want to be their friend.
Eloise frets about what to wear to Coney Island
Eloise and Ramona drinking lemonade
Eloise and Ramona, the flapper ballerinas
Eloise as Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch
To learn more about the characters Eloise, Ramona, Emma, and Clarissa, please check out Kate's Flapperdoodle blog.
One more thing- Kate was entered into a voting contest on Etsy for the "3 month old and under shop that shows the most promise." Please go vote for Kate and her fun characters. Seriously, it only takes a second...
So are you wondering how to enter? You can enter up to THREE times!
1) Check out the Flapperdoodle shop and tell me what you think. Do you have a favorite print? (1 entry)
2) Are you a follower of Down and Out Chic? If so, you automatically get a second entry but you have to leave a second comment and simply say, "I'm a follower!" (2nd entry)
3) Post this giveaway to your blog, Facebook, or Twitter and leave another comment telling me so. (3rd entry).

B and I are attending a wedding this weekend and then on Sunday we're going to Atlanta to see my brother and nephew for a few days! I'll be back to my normal routine next Wednesday but you should hear from me before then. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and good luck with the giveaway!
~Christina