greenpepperpressblog

Tag: cool stuff

another double post

SHE is always five steps ahead of me. While I’m bobbling around in the wake behind her she’s lobbing out movie and book recommendations, among many other things. I have a notebook next to my computer (and phone) just to take notes as she rattles off all the things I have been apparently clueless about. For instance, remember all the fuss about The DaVinci Code? SHE is the one who told me to go get it. WAY before anyone ever said a thing about it, SHE had already read it. Like that. So when she said "I just saw this film, don’t even rent it, just go buy it", I did. Because, she GETS me. My new nickname for her is PulseGirl. She’s always got a finger on it.

THIS dvd is amazing! I admit I didn’t know the first thing about the typeface Helvetica, and rarely, if ever use it. I have a much greater respect for it now. MUCH GREATER. The people interviewed are fascinating. The whole thing is simply riveting. It was a real thrill to see one of my favorite graphic designers, David Carson, on the list of participants, and to see him talk about some of his design process. I also scribbled down names of people I didn’t know so I can look them up and see what other books or cool things I’ve been missing out on. I know many of you are font-junkies like me so you will Love this!

See what a difference a typeface can make? One of the questions asked of type designers was "what’s your favorite letter?" Imagine having to pick one? This was interesting too…..

Happy 50th Anniversary Helvetica.

January 6, 2008
i’m in trouble

Yes, two posts in one day. Do you think it depends on what part of the country you’re from if you call it a Purse or a Handbag? Like Soda or Pop? Wikipedia makes it sound like they are equally used, along with Pocketbook. So my post below ruffled the feathers of my dear friend Edie who is a HotShot at this place. And apparently I’m not only using the wrong term, but she thinks I may possibly influence you NOT to get the latest "it" purse (or handbag). And since I’m hardly "in the know" of what’s cool in the purse category (proof below), I will make a plug for her company, to get you all stoked up about their newest and their classics just to show I wasn’t dissing purses, or the buying of purses. (And if you read the Wikipedia entry on purses you’ll learn women buy an average of one purse every three months, so I think Edie’s company is safe, but I’ll still plug away in the spirit of friendship.)

I finally found two great purses this year – one for concerts, and one for my regular day job as a mom – backpack style. And yep, that Coach bag was a gift, from you-know-who. I use it sparingly as I don’t often have something of this caliber in my closet.

My totes are many….can’t find them all at the moment for their photoshoot but here’s what I found on the surface in my studio. I have 10 times more totes than purses.

Hmmmm. I guess we buy what we like, label or not…..logo or not. (The tote I point out is cleverly made from a HIM tshirt by Vamptropolis @ Etsy.) My favorite band will probably never make the Washington Post "in" list…..fine with me, I’ll continue to get good concert tickets. NOBODY can tell me they aren’t all that, because to me, they are.

Are pointy shoes still in? Bleh! Who cares. I’ll NEVER buy those things. I KNOW that Edie KNOWS my post below wasn’t really about not buying the "it" purse. And I know that you GET that it’s not about what’s Trendy or what’s Over. We know what our "look" is when it comes to clothes or jewelry (or purses) or home decor. We don’t let the List determine how we will make our selections because we like what we like, regardless of who approves it. Why not figure out what your look is when it comes to your art?

Hey, do you think this post might lure Edie from her lurking position and get her comment? *wink*

January 4, 2008
i’m in trouble

Yes, two posts in one day. Do you think it depends on what part of the country you’re from if you call it a Purse or a Handbag? Like Soda or Pop? Wikipedia makes it sound like they are equally used, along with Pocketbook. So my post below ruffled the feathers of my dear friend Edie who is a HotShot at this place. And apparently I’m not only using the wrong term, but she thinks I may possibly influence you NOT to get the latest "it" purse (or handbag). And since I’m hardly "in the know" of what’s cool in the purse category (proof below), I will make a plug for her company, to get you all stoked up about their newest and their classics just to show I wasn’t dissing purses, or the buying of purses. (And if you read the Wikipedia entry on purses you’ll learn women buy an average of one purse every three months, so I think Edie’s company is safe, but I’ll still plug away in the spirit of friendship.)

I finally found two great purses this year – one for concerts, and one for my regular day job as a mom – backpack style. And yep, that Coach bag was a gift, from you-know-who. I use it sparingly as I don’t often have something of this caliber in my closet.

My totes are many….can’t find them all at the moment for their photoshoot but here’s what I found on the surface in my studio. I have 10 times more totes than purses.

Hmmmm. I guess we buy what we like, label or not…..logo or not. (The tote I point out is cleverly made from a HIM tshirt by Vamptropolis @ Etsy.) My favorite band will probably never make the Washington Post "in" list…..fine with me, I’ll continue to get good concert tickets. NOBODY can tell me they aren’t all that, because to me, they are.

Are pointy shoes still in? Bleh! Who cares. I’ll NEVER buy those things. I KNOW that Edie KNOWS my post below wasn’t really about not buying the "it" purse. And I know that you GET that it’s not about what’s Trendy or what’s Over. We know what our "look" is when it comes to clothes or jewelry (or purses) or home decor. We don’t let the List determine how we will make our selections because we like what we like, regardless of who approves it. Why not figure out what your look is when it comes to your art?

Hey, do you think this post might lure Edie from her lurking position and get her comment? *wink*

January 4, 2008
it’s all good

Wishing you all the best for 2008! This year marks the 100th anniversary of the countdown at Times Square with a brand new Waterford Ball. I’ve been there for a few – tonight will be perfect weather for those who witness it (even better for those of us at home watching). Stay safe, and behave!

Found some artists I want to share with you. The first is a photographer – I recently purchased a print of her Pierrot. Isn’t it fabulous? You can visit Lara Jade at her site HERE, or at DeviantArt.

I first saw Suzanna’s work on Etsy. Then I checked out her website and scored a full wall piece. She also sells on Ebay. Isn’t she a clever one? The one I got says "How wonderful life is while you’re in the world". You know you want one of these!

This pendant is even more amazing around my neck 🙂 Simone is a genius, not sure how she does it but had to have one!

And how about these earrings? Lisa has several "eyes" to choose from. My fellow HIM fans will know why I had to have the Poe Eyes.

And while many of us found ourselves in this headspace recently, a cousin of mine has been taking treatments of radiation for cancer in her brain. Thankfully it’s over, and we’re praying it’s gone. How would you handle illness like this? Maybe you have, or know someone who has. If I had to shave my head the first thing I would do is collect some cool hats. So that’s what I did over my xmas vacation…made Kathy some hats. I’m not so swift at it….but it made me feel good. When you are long distance and you can’t stop over with a meal…..you pray, and make hats.

I’ve seen alot this year. Some wonderful experiences with my family. Some new friends, and visits with old friends. Sadly, a few funerals. Happily, a few births. Some discoveries, and rediscoveries. I scroll back through this last year of posts, and I know that it’s only part of the life I have, but it’s all good. I am blessed. And so it goes, into the time capsule for 2007.

So here’s wishing you good health, good times, and good friends to share it with. xoxo, Michelle

December 31, 2007
it’s all good

Wishing you all the best for 2008! This year marks the 100th anniversary of the countdown at Times Square with a brand new Waterford Ball. I’ve been there for a few – tonight will be perfect weather for those who witness it (even better for those of us at home watching). Stay safe, and behave!

Found some artists I want to share with you. The first is a photographer – I recently purchased a print of her Pierrot. Isn’t it fabulous? You can visit Lara Jade at her site HERE, or at DeviantArt.

I first saw Suzanna’s work on Etsy. Then I checked out her website and scored a full wall piece. She also sells on Ebay. Isn’t she a clever one? The one I got says "How wonderful life is while you’re in the world". You know you want one of these!

This pendant is even more amazing around my neck 🙂 Simone is a genius, not sure how she does it but had to have one!

And how about these earrings? Lisa has several "eyes" to choose from. My fellow HIM fans will know why I had to have the Poe Eyes.

And while many of us found ourselves in this headspace recently, a cousin of mine has been taking treatments of radiation for cancer in her brain. Thankfully it’s over, and we’re praying it’s gone. How would you handle illness like this? Maybe you have, or know someone who has. If I had to shave my head the first thing I would do is collect some cool hats. So that’s what I did over my xmas vacation…made Kathy some hats. I’m not so swift at it….but it made me feel good. When you are long distance and you can’t stop over with a meal…..you pray, and make hats.

I’ve seen alot this year. Some wonderful experiences with my family. Some new friends, and visits with old friends. Sadly, a few funerals. Happily, a few births. Some discoveries, and rediscoveries. I scroll back through this last year of posts, and I know that it’s only part of the life I have, but it’s all good. I am blessed. And so it goes, into the time capsule for 2007.

So here’s wishing you good health, good times, and good friends to share it with. xoxo, Michelle

December 31, 2007
Who GETS ya baby?

Remember when I was talking about the {GF}? Wouldn’t you say this one qualifies 100%? She’s a clever one. I was a lucky girl to be given so many wonderful gifts from my husband, and my family and my friends. I had to start by showing you this. Because I know you Get it.

December 28, 2007
Who GETS ya baby?

Remember when I was talking about the {GF}? Wouldn’t you say this one qualifies 100%? She’s a clever one. I was a lucky girl to be given so many wonderful gifts from my husband, and my family and my friends. I had to start by showing you this. Because I know you Get it.

December 28, 2007
all is calm…….

Took a photo of the kids Thursday afternoon. Got my cards made, finally! Half of them went out today – the rest will wait until Monday. I’m starting to feel the "whew!"

I confess to having a wrapping paper crush. I love collecting rolls and rolls of handsome printed paper. But at this time of year paper can get me so cranky. How about when you love the pattern but the quality is dodgey, like too thick, or too thin? I adore when it comes with a printed grid on the back – perfect for those of us who mathmatically wrap boxes. And don’t you start to feel really wasteful when you see the bags of paper that goes in the garbage? (or the fireplace, if we had one) I have cheated a bit this year and got myself some of those holiday printed boxes – and simply taped the bottom to prevent peeking and stuck a sticker label on it. Gone are the days when I would make stashes of tags and delight in finding the perfect ribbon. Maybe it’s because Winston gobbles and gags on curling ribbon. I’m also enjoying the gift bags….had some leftover from last year. I cleverly packed them away with the holiday decorations last year so they were easy to find and re-use this year.

Here’s something I finally figured out: After getting all frustrated that I couldn’t find my scissors, or the tape, or a pen, as I dashed from table to table in a wrapping frenzy, I smacked my head in a duh-moment and got out my studio apron. Pockets are perfect for keeping scissors and tape as you take on the wrapping task. I should really tie the scissors to my apron! (is that what apron strings are??!!)

So here’s a great gift idea for the women in your life (because we KNOW the women do the wrapping). Get an apron, with nice big front pockets. (Maybe you could even spray paint some cool things on it!) Then fill the pockets with a wrap-assistance-kit. Scissors, tape, pen, ribbon, labels and tags. Wouldn’t that be a loving gift? Include a xmas music cd and you have a useful and thoughtful gift. Maybe even insert a little notebook for list making. Think about that as you scarf up all the after-christmas-sale stuff. OH, and send early!

December 22, 2007
all is calm…….

Took a photo of the kids Thursday afternoon. Got my cards made, finally! Half of them went out today – the rest will wait until Monday. I’m starting to feel the "whew!"

I confess to having a wrapping paper crush. I love collecting rolls and rolls of handsome printed paper. But at this time of year paper can get me so cranky. How about when you love the pattern but the quality is dodgey, like too thick, or too thin? I adore when it comes with a printed grid on the back – perfect for those of us who mathmatically wrap boxes. And don’t you start to feel really wasteful when you see the bags of paper that goes in the garbage? (or the fireplace, if we had one) I have cheated a bit this year and got myself some of those holiday printed boxes – and simply taped the bottom to prevent peeking and stuck a sticker label on it. Gone are the days when I would make stashes of tags and delight in finding the perfect ribbon. Maybe it’s because Winston gobbles and gags on curling ribbon. I’m also enjoying the gift bags….had some leftover from last year. I cleverly packed them away with the holiday decorations last year so they were easy to find and re-use this year.

Here’s something I finally figured out: After getting all frustrated that I couldn’t find my scissors, or the tape, or a pen, as I dashed from table to table in a wrapping frenzy, I smacked my head in a duh-moment and got out my studio apron. Pockets are perfect for keeping scissors and tape as you take on the wrapping task. I should really tie the scissors to my apron! (is that what apron strings are??!!)

So here’s a great gift idea for the women in your life (because we KNOW the women do the wrapping). Get an apron, with nice big front pockets. (Maybe you could even spray paint some cool things on it!) Then fill the pockets with a wrap-assistance-kit. Scissors, tape, pen, ribbon, labels and tags. Wouldn’t that be a loving gift? Include a xmas music cd and you have a useful and thoughtful gift. Maybe even insert a little notebook for list making. Think about that as you scarf up all the after-christmas-sale stuff. OH, and send early!

December 22, 2007
In another life…..

…I would have liked to have been a Window Dresser. Back in my interior design days I got to prop out model condos….it was the closest I got to the fleeting fantasticness. I never got to witness Lisa’s store but I can imagine she had killer windows. Before I show you some of the pictures from the Window Watching last weekend I want to remind you of two cool books on the subject: Dreams Through the Glass by Linda Fargo of Bergdorf Goodman, and Confessions of a Window Dresser by Simon Doonan of Barneys. There are more…but that’s a good start.

It’s really hard to get good pictures of windows when your purpose is to show what’s inside. I’ll just say that it’s worth the trip into the city every Christmas just to see what Bergdorf Goodman will blow us away with. The other department stores have respectable vignettes, but BG is the master. I only have a few shots to show you today, but you get the idea.

Their theme this year was Tony Duquette, famed interior designer who….well, read up on him HERE. The five main windows were set as Air Water Fire Earth and Light, design directed by David Hoey. The side windows are always just as interesting. CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO, showing some behind-the-scenes and commentary about the 2007 windows.

Details of shells along the window frame and back wall taken just for Lisa.

The windows around one side were based on opposites. There was Naughty or Nice, Fact or Fiction, and this: Lady or Tiger.

My most favorite thing was a mini display in one of the niche-type windows at the front of the store where they had jewelry or something showcased. I didn’t even notice because I was too star struck with the other details. The white valance here is cut from PAPER….and as Jenny noted, even the tassles were made from cut and rolled paper. Like these tassles were about 1/2" long. And check out the fringe! Utterly cool. With all this glamour and fuss, the take-away for me was this one little thing.

We know they work all year long getting ready for the unveiling late November, and then Poof! The windows are filled with something else by January. I can imagine how much fun it must be to gather all this cool stuff, have items fabricated, and then install them. Don’t ya wonder where it all goes after?

In case you missed the link above, go see this video clip: HERE I’ve seen a few documentaries on the holiday windows over the years. I think it’s Lord & Taylor that have their displays on a hydraulic lift that drops down to the basement level where they can work on them out-of-view until they are ready to be hoisted back into position. I vote for a t.v. special every year showing us all the windows of all major department stores around the world and the clever artists who make them happen. In fact, the product displays within a store are just as fascinating, regardless of the season, so there could be a whole television series showing us something inventive about retail merchandising every week! Someone call Bravo. (Or did I miss something and they already have a show about that?)

December 12, 2007