Simone Shubuck is an inspiring artist and former floral designer that I admire.  Her recent solo exhibit, "Do You Like Old Things or New Things That Look Old?"showcases her detailed mixed media pieces.

Simone utilizes pencil, crayon, paint, old drawings, antique 

photographs, and lithographs to create these memorable 

works.

She also has an amazing Chelsea garden apartment that was

featured in an article, Coveting Thy Friend's House, in the 

NYT late last year.

 

And as if that wasn't enough to elicit envy, Simone is also married to the editor in chief of Bon Appetit, Adam Rapaport.  

I occasionally read an online kid's magazine called LMNOP (www.lmnop.com.au) and they listed a company that sells equipment and supplies for schools and offices (www.worthingtondirect.com). These are furnishings that would be indestructible and perfect for the little ones at home! 

How awesome would it be to have your own library cart?! This one comes in many different bright colours.

If you are setting up a craft room these units for paper storage would keep supplies and artwork super organized. 

Funky, heavy duty chairs for the little ones in many different colours

Worthington Direct also sells metal lab stools that would be great for a desk area.

Mother's Day is fast approaching!

The perfect Mother's Day card is all pink and letterpressed and gold (from smockpaper.com). Add a bouquet of pink roses and you have the perfect gift.

A great DIY for the wall involves nothing more than branches and thin masking tape....how thrilled would you be to wake up to this on May the 12th?

An original piece of art (lisahochstein.com) or a framed print would also be a fab gift.

Cooking your mother dinner and serving it on these gorgeous plates from Anthropologie would be much appreciated.

Mother's Day usually evokes images of teacups and aprons....how about this cheeky teacup made by Yvonne Ellen (www.etsy.com/shop/yvonneellen) and a bottle of Grey Goose?

I personally want a leather morroccan pouf for the living room and thought I'd throw it into the mix :)

Also in my fantasy is a gorgeous new wool rug!

If I am stuck for a gift to give, I turn to soap.  Soap, soap, glorious, soap.  Everyone needs it.  It smells good.  Enough said.

And just as a reminder to myself to stop at two, this card would also be appropriate!

Happy Mother's Day to all you fabulous, amazing mothers!

An artist I have always loved is Jennifer Murphy (www.jmurphybears.com).  She makes handmade bears and animals that look well loved and perfectly worn.  She also makes little pom pom animals and cake toppers for weddings.  Adorable!   

If you are looking for some design eye candy check out the portfolio of photographer Seth Smoot (http://www.patbates.com/seth_smoot/).  There are several different books you can browse through on the website and I think book #2 is my fave.  Such gorgeous photos!  

(The images are much clearer if you go to the actual site).

www.minted.com is a website that offers personalized printed stationery....invitations, announcements and photo cards.  Minted also has prints available in many different sizes.  It would be easy to curate a collection for a gallery wall by choosing five or so in various sizes.  Some of my favourites are below....

I recently discovered the most amazing paper artist, Denise Sharp, and just had to share.  There are tons of inspiring projects and images on her website http://www.studiodsharp.com/.  In her shop you will find letterpress treats and handmade goodies galore.

This large paper flower would definitely make a statement for a wedding or special event!

 This ombre chocolate box for valentine's day is so lovely.  I imagine collecting paint chips in my favourite shades of blue and reproducing this on a box of my own...

 Postage stamp garlands!!  Brilliant idea.

Also the smaller stamp garland adds the perfect amount of colour to a birthday (or bon voyage?) cake.  I have a small postage stamp collection and would love to try and reproduce this!

There are also extremely special boxes in the shape of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower.  How cool would it be to hide a plane ticket to Italy in here for a loved one? 

Studio D Sharp is such a great source for keepsakes and decorations for very special occasions.  Bellisima!