Showing posts with label friday find. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friday find. Show all posts

Friday, March 26, 2010

Friday Find: Stamps by Abstract Expressionists

Sometimes email just doesn't cut it and you need to send a good ol' fashion handwritten letter. Pretty stationary is a must, but what about the stamp? A colorful, fun stamp is also a nice touch.

So when I saw these beauties, I knew I needed to share them with you. Earlier this month, the USPS released a 44–cent, Abstract Expressionists commemorative stamp in ten beautiful designs. In the 1940s and 1950s abstract expressionists, based in NYC for the most part, pushed the US front and center of the international art scene.

In celebration of the abstract expressionist artists of the 20th Century, Art Director Ethel Kessler and noted Art Historian Jonathan Fineberg (Gutgsell Professor Art History, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign) selected the ten paintings featured. I thought it was so clever that the arrangement of the stamps suggests paintings hanging on a gallery wall.

The following artwork and artists are showcased:

•The Golden Wall (1961) — Hans Hofmann (1880–1966)
•Romanesque Façade (1949) — Adolph Gottlieb (1903–1974)
•Orange and Yellow (1956) — Mark Rothko (1903–1970)
•The Liver Is the Cock’s Comb (1944) — Arshile Gorky (1904–1948)
•1948–C (1948) — Clyfford Still (1904–1980)
•Asheville (1948) — Willem de Kooning (1904–1997)
•Achilles (1952) — Barnett Newman (1905–1970)
•Convergence (1952) — Jackson Pollock (1912–1956)
•Elegy to the Spanish Republic No. 34 (1953–1954) — Robert Motherwell (1915–1991)
•La Grande Vallée 0 (1983) — Joan Mitchell (1925–1992)

I picked up a sheet of these colorful stamps today. Do you like them too?

*images courtesy of art.com, Hans Hofmann and USPS

If you'd like to use or publish any photos or material from this site, please contact me, credit Simplified Bee™ and kindly link back to this blog.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Friday Find: Gump's Spring Sale

Gump's of San Francisco is having a Spring sale and look what I found!

Hello sunshine! This illuminated sunburst sconce in matte gold finish would add light as well as visual interest to any room. The light bulb is mounted behind the fixture, creating an intriguing play of shadows and light on the wall. Was $395 - now $299.99.

Glossy luahnus shells make lovely decorative accents in vases, bowls or planters. Two pound bag now $9.99 {from $19}.

This elegant antiqued rosette mirror would make a beautiful focal point above a fireplace mantel. It is truly a work of art - each etched with flowers - surround the beveled central glass while burnished golden metal frames the rosette's handset pieces. Was $295 - now $154.99.

The Macao Settee is part of Gump's white ash collection and features handcrafted details that reflect the influence of the Chinese Chippendale style. The settee has lovely geometric fretwork backs and handwoven solehia seats. Was $995 - now $599.99.

Happy Friday and decorating to you!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Friday Find: Chic White Decor

Light and airy, decorating with white can open up even the smallest of spaces. Here are some of my favorite finds at Pieces in this peaceful, neutral hue.

Isn't this fiberglass arm chair a beauty?

Made of soft goat's fur, this cream hide stool would make a wonderful accent in an all white room. It can be used for seating, side table or foot stool. Love that!

Loving this pair of vintage, white leather tufted chairs.

This handmade driftwood side table with glass top would make a stunning side table.

These white glazed ceramic cylinders with clover leaf pierced detail would make a beautiful table centerpiece. Simply add candles to enhance the mood.
I am digging the driftwood side table. What about you?
If you like white decor, you may also like this post, Clean and Simple: White Kitchens. Also, check back in next week for a fabulous jewelry giveaway here at Simplified Bee you won't want to miss!

*this is not a paid advertisement

Friday, March 5, 2010

Friday Find: Pretty Smitten Personalized Paper Goods & Giveaway

Love this Friday Find! Pretty Smitten specializes in personalized paper goods. Their signature mini Swarovski crystals adorn invitations, note cards and party items. Love the little bling!

Each item is custom as you get to pick the motif, border, color scheme and font.
Love these geometric prints! Maze, polka dots or Greek key - which one do you like best?

My favorite {at the moment} are the chic Thank You notes in the maze pattern. It also looks great in the fresh poppy & pool color palette as featured above.

The elephant bookplates are darling too.

Pretty Smitten also has a great selection of announcements and party invitations. This darling birthday invite with pirate motif caught my eye.

They also make personalized cupcake toppers to coordinate with your invitation, gift tags and thank you notes!

A big thank you to Project Nursery for sharing this find.

Also, today is the last day to enter to win a chic office-on-the-go Tote - go here to enter the giveaway.

Many thanks for reading and wishing you a wonderful weekend!

*this is not a paid advertisement

Friday, February 26, 2010

Friday Find: Lady Jayne Office-To-Go Totes and Giveaway

As a busy mom, school volunteer and design/organization consultant my schedule changes daily. To keep organized while on the go, I love these chic Busy Totes by Lady Jayne. The compact tote comes in stylish prints to suit your personality. It includes three coordinating file folders and a note pad to keep you beautifully organized.



One lucky Simplified Bee reader will win a Busy Tote courtesy of Lady Jayne. I would pick pink & preppy white houndstooth - Lilyanne pattern. What about you?



Here's how to enter Simplified Bee's Lady Jayne Busy Tote giveaway:



• Leave a comment & let me know which tote you'd prefer (include email and pattern subject to availability).

• Extra Entry - become a new Follower of Simplified Bee™ Blog (by adding yourself to the follower group on the sidebar) or follow Simplified Bee on Twitter.

• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a post or tweet and leave a comment letting me know you've done so.

• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.

• Entry period closes at midnight PST, Friday, March 5, 2010 and the winner will be announced Monday, March 8, 2010.




*Note: The winner will be drawn randomly using Random.org, notified directly via email and listed back at this post using first name only.


Lady Jayne paper goods and gifts are available online at Traylor Papers.



Good luck and happy organizing!



Friday, February 19, 2010

Friday Find: Tribal Chic Kilim Storage Cubes

These tribal chic "Kilim" cubes not only look great, but provide extra storage and seating. A matching pair would make a great addition to your living area and could serve as a coffee table, sidetable or tucked under a console. Printed in a red or brown Southwestern jute fabric, these cubes are available in 18" square or 16" square. The larger cube has brass nailhead trim and a hinged opening for storage. Available at Horchow.

Do you like this look?

Friday, February 12, 2010

Friday Find: Galbraith & Paul 2010 Spring Collection

It's no secret, I love Galbraith and Paul textiles {see a former post here}. Each pattern is hand block printed in their studio on a variety of ground cloths including Shantung Silk, Cotton/Rayon Velvet, and five different linens. They print to order, so color substitutions and custom colors are possible.

Recently Galbraith and Paul released their new 2010 Spring Collection. It includes Seville Medallion, Seville Tile and Small Star textile patterns rich in texture and color. The color palettes are earthy and range from shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, red and gray.

My favorite color combination is their Seville Tile in China Blue/Midnight, Seville Medallion in China Blue and Small Star in Midnight {shown above left to right}. Wouldn't this look amazing in a bedroom or living room?

Friday, February 5, 2010

Friday Find: Whimsical Elephant Bookends

Today's Friday Find are these adorable and whimsical elephant bookends by Zid Zid {launched by husband and wife design team from Morocco}. Weighted with sand and polyfill, these sturdy elephants can help keep up to 50 books in place. Not only functional, the bookends would add an exotic touch to any nursery, child's room or home office. $82 for the pair and available at Arte Bebe.

Happy Friday!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Friday Find: The Bella Acrylic Chair

This week's Friday Find is the Bella Acrylic Chair by Spectrum. Influenced by the Art Nouveau period, this beautifully formed chair has an exquisite scrolled back. This versatile chair would be delightful in almost any home setting.

For over 25 years, Spectrum has manufactured high quality, yet reasonably priced, acrylic furniture. Their quality craftsmanship makes them an industry leader. Each piece of furniture is completely crafted by hand, made to order and available through the trade. I love this romantic chair with a tufted velvet cushion.

Do you have a favorite acrylic chair?

Friday, January 15, 2010

Friday Find: Annette Tatum Bedding Collection and Book Giveaway

Based in Santa Monica, California, Annette Tatum is an accomplished textile, interior designer and book author. Her gorgeous nursery designs for Hollywood's Minnie Driver and Marcia Cross {above} have been showcased on many blogs including her own.

Recently, Tatum released her latest bedding collection for home, child and nursery. The collection is exquisite. Here's a peek into her catalogs...

Project Nursery also released exciting news that Tatum will be a regular contributor starting in February 2010. To celebrate, Project Nursery is giving away Tatum's book, The Well Dressed Home. To enter, go here and good luck!

Have a fabulous Friday and wonderful weekend!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Friday Find: New Serena & Lily Bedding and Home Decor

Serena & Lily have done it again. Their new bedding collections and home furnishings are exquisite. And there is a little something for everyone - adults, children and babies too. Take a look. You're going to like what you see.

Clean and crisp! Serena & Lily's Catalina Duvet and Euro Shams feature a bold medallion scarf print in blue and white - a timeless look. The bedding is beautifully paired with simple Navy Color Band Shams.

The vibrant Pimento French Ring Sheet Set provides a wonderful contrast against the calming blue and white Catalina bedding.

The new Freida Collection for girls is full of color and life. The white duvet with green, pink and orange floral design has a modern feel that balances the room's ethnic touches. This delightful bedding looks stunning paired with the red headboard and pink painted flooring.

The Chai Nesting Tables at $369 are my favorite. These vibrant hand-painted tables look great in the little girl's room above, but would add a bit of whimsy to any room.

The new Marlo Nursery bedding is part of Serena & Lily's exquisite Heirloom Collection. Inspired by traditional Mexican folk art, the silky embroidery and nature motif would be delightful for a baby girl or boy. The flat-style bumper is embroidered on both sides with white ties and a zippered slipcover that removes easily for washing. Simply gorgeous!


The Mini Haitian Drum Lamp is handmade from recycled materials by artisans in Haiti and sells for $329. This beautifully tactile papier-mâché lamp has a hollow core {keeping it nice and light}, a white linen shade and rustic blown-glass finial. I could see this versatile lamp in almost every room of the house!

Be sure to check out what else is new at Serena & Lily. Do you have a favorite?