LotusHaus

Kumi Yamashita } Amazing Shadowplay

Simply outstanding shadow work by Kumi Yamashita, a New York based Japanese artist! Via Design Bureau, an amazing trade magazine and blog.

 

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Above is a photo from our recent vacation in Sedona, Arizona. There is a place called Buddha Beach where you can witness in awe thousands of stacked rock sculptures near a Vortex site at the Red Rock Crossing in Sedona. It was amazing! I love Sedona!

Chinoiserie Style Paintings by Kathe Fraga

I really like these vintage looking, Chinoiserie style paintings by Kathe Fraga. You can check out her artist statment here and purchase art prints here!

Rex Ray Art at World Market

I spotted this Rex Ray printed art canvas and another cool one (couldn't find photo of it online) at World Market today for only $139. Very tempting! I love the organic shapes, vibrant colors and patterns within patterns.

Schtickers } Turn your laptop into a mini billboard for your small business!

My Schtickers laptop skin design for Bamboo Beats, our DJ business, was chosen as the Design of the Week in September at the Schtickers blog! Schtickers is a local Seattle business and this little laptop skin has been a really great part of our advertising. Since the laptop and turntables are center stage at every event we do, it's a non-obtrusive way to let people know who's spinning the cuts... It's our own little mini-billboard. If you're a blogger or have an online presence, I suggest creating your own Schticker so when you are out and about with your laptop, your brand can get noticed quickly!

Floral Wall Decor using recycled cardboard tubes

 
Isn't this lovely? I finally know what to do with the loads of toilet paper tubes that I've been saving for a rainy day project! Via Apartment Therapy.

Sushibird Tiles

 
  
These Sushibird Tiles from The Red Thread are simply gorgeous!!! Vibrant graphic birds cut from Japanese papers nest on simple illustrations inspired by nature. The white line work illustrations are hand painted on solid natural timber finished in a semi-gloss varnish.

Modern Safari Baby Shower Invitation

Here is a baby shower invitation that I was commissioned to do (the details have been changed for privacy). The theme was a modern take on the Safari animal theme and the mother-to-be recently purchased this cute elephant mobile for her nursery. If you want this invitation for your baby shower email me and I can customize it for you for a small fee and you can print it at your own convenience!

Global Modern Wall Decals!

Etsy has some amazing options for wall stickers and decals... look for designs that are modern and globally inspired! Check out my favorites from Elly Nelly!
 

 

And the following are from Single Stone Studios:
 

 

Asian Cotton Fabrics at Harts Fabrics

While doing some online research for Chinese inspired cotton prints for my baby shower, I came across a wonderful selection of fabrics at Hart's Fabrics. You could create a plethora of different color stories and themes inspired by any of these fabrics! I love the top left purple and brown patchwork print with Japanese Temari balls, the koi fish and the whimsical leaves and kanji character.

Photographic Decor from Teo Jasmin

Check out these amazing photographic prints and home decor options at Teo Jasmin from France! Teo Jasmin is an interior design company based in Paris and they specialize in digital printings on canvas, cushions and furniture.

Shunyata Series by Junko Yamamoto

It's a wonderful miracle when you discover that someone you know has been honing their creative and artistic talent right under your nose! I have known Junko Yamamoto for a few years now in the Seattle event industry, but I had no idea that she was an artist! Junko will be having a solo show featuring the "Shunyata Series" at Gallery IMA during the month of June. Shunyata means "emptiness" in Sanskrit. To learn more about the inspiration for this body of work, make sure to read her artist statement... it's very inspiring! I'm definitely loving the one with the talk bubble as artwork for our nursery... the empty talk bubble is asking me "Will it be a boy or will it be a girl?" hee hee!

Artist } Annie Kammerer Butrus

Today, via Style Court, I discovered the beautiful artwork of artist Annie Kammerer Butrus...check it out!

Modern Animal Prints for your Kids Room or Baby Nursery

Wouldn't these animal prints be inspiring for you and your baby! I love Paul Johnson's style with his rough abstraction, colorful ink pen style and attention to patterns in relation to the animal skins and as a nod to geometry and decor. You could definitely build a whole theme for a kids room or nursery around these awesome prints!

Yoshika EuphorianChic } Digital Artwork

I'm loving this collection of intricate and Japanese inspired digital artwork by Yoshika EuphorianChic! You can buy any of these wonderful prints framed, on canvas or as a greeting card! Hmmm, these would look nice for my bedroom redo!

Kuga Designs } Wearable Floral Design!

I don't know how she did it, but Bree from Kuga Designs created this absolutely stunning "Retro Glam" wearable floral dress (including shoes!) and other fabulous couture with her design partners for the Bouquets to Art event in San Francisco! I want one!!!! Girl, you rock!

RE: GENERATIONS } Nat King Cole & Friends!

Head to the store right now and buy the RE:GENERATIONS Cd by Nat King Cole TODAY!

This is a unique project that can't really be categorized. Musicians such as Nas, Bebel Gilberto, TV on the Radio, Cut Chemist, Brazilian Girls, Bitter:Sweet, and more lend their talents to join forces with Nat and take some of his songs to new galaxies. 
 
Along with bringing various musicians together, the project also brought visual artists together to create some original art pieces inspired by the new tracks. Visual artists include, Man One (who created a special mural on the Capitol Records property that is also included in the package design) Overton Loyd, Gustavo Alberto Garcia Vaca, Sage Zailm Cole, and Ritzy Periwinkle.

The cover artwork consists of a photo from Sage Zailm Cole (Nat's grandson), tag by Man One and layout and type treatment by Ritzy Periwinkle.

The title is printed on the plastic wrap in white and metallic silver ink and when it's unwrapped the artwork becomes a 6 panel fold out with a 16 page booklet. *Don't miss out on this rare opportunity for a music collectible!

Here are a few links to find out more about the project:
Video Announcing the project
Video with the Musicians talking about the project
Video of Man One created the mural

Kudos to my girl Ritzy Periwinkle who is a formidable graphic designer, visual artist and Latina extraordinaire!!!

Inspirational Wall Art as seen at Starbucks

While poking around my desktop I found this photo taken last year...I can't remember the artist's name (so if you know please comment!)...but I just love this artwork that I saw in a local Starbucks...I wish this was available as wallpaper! wouldn't that be cool?

Beautiful Wedding Invitation by Studio Mik Mik

With its sweet autumn berries theme and custom diecut sprig, this invitation by Studio Mik Mik is simply darling and unexpected! I found this via the amazing design and craft blog Thig and Thistle.

Garden and Cosmos } Royal Paintings of Jodphur at the Seattle Asian Art Museum

I will definitely get inspired by Garden and Cosmos: The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur, an upcoming exhibit at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Showing from January 29-April 26, 2009, this exhibit features Indian paintings that flourished in the royal courts of Rajasthan from the 17th to the 19th century. Produced for the Rajasthan nobles, these paintings have never been published; most have been seen by just a few scholars since their creation. This is the first time these paintings will be exhibited in the United States.

Come and check out the exhibit and these related events with me!

Free First Saturday
Cosmic Adventures
February 7, 2009
11am–2pm
Seattle Asian Art Museum
*Make your own garden world, experience traditional Indian dancing, do yoga and get your own henna tattoos.

Indian Music Concert
VadyaVrinda - Indian Instrumental Ensemble" from Seattle (YouTube)
February 7, 2009
2:30-3:30pm
Seattle Asian Art Museum - Fuller Garden Court

Remix with a Twist
Age 21 and Over
March 6, 2009
8pm–midnight
Seattle Asian Art Museum - Fuller Garden Court
*I Heart Shiva spinning popular Indian dance music. Enjoy performances at this special late-night event at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. This event is open to guests age 21 and over only. ID required for entry.

New Ikebana Creations by Baiko of Zen Images

Aren't these images wonderfully pleasing! Capture the essence of these works of art by purchasing a glicee print from Zen Images and learn more about the artist Baiko, a Sogestu Ikebana master from the South of France.

Artwork by Luke Feldman } aka Skaffs

I'm lovin' the voluptuous characters by Melbourne artist Luke Feldman better known in the art world as Skaffs...

Lotus Zone of Zero } Installation by Kim Sooja

If I can ever get to Seoul, Korea, I would love to attend the Lotus Festival of Lanterns, which happens every year in honor of Buddha's birth on the 8th day of the 4th month of the Lunar calendar. This magnificent installation of lotus shaped lanterns shown above carries the same spirit as the Lotus Festival...

The "Lotus Zone of Zero" was created by Kim Sooja, a Korean born New York based artist, and is on view at Galerie Ravenstein in Brussels. It consists of a steel structure and cables and 2000 lotus shaped lanterns suspended in a circular pattern. "The installation is accompanied by sounds of Gregorian, Tibetan and Islamic chants. Utilizing space and time, Sooja's installation is a call for peace, love and understanding amongst human beings."

My Design Work } George Organic Cotton Baby - Back on the Block for $5

I was at Walmart the other day and was so giddy to see that the George Baby organic cotton sets I worked on were back after being gone for awhile. Now they're on the shelves again and selling for the perfect holiday price of $5 (Instead of $9.99)! Choose from either a bib/burp cloth set, a sleeper/bib set or a pack of 3 kimono style onesies. I have another baby shower this weekend for my mom's friend so these will be perfecto!

Ceci Kimono Stationary Collection

I adore these kimono-inspired card collections by stationary design company Ceci New York! Via Style Me Pretty.

Ornamental Art by Karen Kimmel

Karen Kimmel is an awe-inspiring artist that I've gushed about before! This holiday season, Karen has created a collection of beautiful ornaments available at A+R. Each ornament is die cut from colored acrylic or veneer and packaged in it's own muslin bag with ultrasuede tie. They are so modern and organic looking displayed on a Manzanita branch...you can display these all year round! See more of her work here. Via Kim Vallee.

My Design Work } Tasche Logo & Pallet Concept for Sam's Club

It's always fun to see one's own design work come to life! Most of my clients are private label and B2B so many times it's a touchy subject to post about my new work (boohoo)...but here is one I can show you! I designed this logo for Tasche, a private label collection of genuine leather handbags with matching wallets available right now at many Sam's Clubs. Reminiscent of Hobo and Matt & Nat, two of my favorite brands, the Tasche set is available in so many gorgeous colors and at the great price of only $69.32 for the set! My client took this picture in the store and said that ladies were buying more than one so they could have multiple colors! The logo and brand identity were inspired by a hint of Tuscany with stylized vines. The "T" represents a pergola with a single sprig or vine. The vibe I was going for was upscale, classic and sophisticated...new luxury with a modern twist. If you have a Sam's Club near you go check it out!

Abahna } The Ceremony of Bathing

"A daily bathing ceremony is one of life's simplest luxuries. It is a chance to prepare yourself for the day ahead or reflect on the day just gone."

Experience the beauty and calm of Abahna, a most splendid bath, body and fragrance line from the UK. Abahna borrows its name from "nahana," Urdu for "to take a bath," as well as the Russion "banya," and Portuguese, "banho." If only we could smell through the internet! The packaging and gift sets are simply gorgeous!

Xue Lei } Soda Can meets Ming Vase

Amazing ceramic art by Xue Lei via 2Modern! OMG, I love these works of art!

Related Post: Li Xiaofeng } Reclaiming Porcelain

Li Xiaofeng } Reclaiming Porcelain

Wow! At the Asian Contemporary Art Fair in New York, Chinese artist Li Xiaofeng showcased wearable art made from porcelain pieces! Amazing! Via Le Zèbre Bleu.

Free Asian Pop Graphics at Vecteezy!

Hey everyone! If you use Illustrator, grab these fun Asian Pop graphic elements from Vecteezy, a free vector artwork gallery! Change the colors and layouts and enjoy them for your use on personal projects like notecards, gift wrap, party invites, origami, placemats... (non-commercial use please, thanks!)

Eco-Origami Elephant Print + Eames Plywood Elephant! Too cute!

I am giddy over these super cute origami elephant prints by Etsy seller Mingus in Melbourne, Australia!  The card set is printed on recycled paper and includes matching recycled envelopes. The mini zippered pouch is hand printed and made with either eco-friendly hemp or a blend of hemp and organic cotton. *Also design related: Check out "The Gathering of Elephants" a sweet little motion video of retro plywood elephant toys from the famed Eames design duo...

Hmmm, I see a baby shower theme here for the global modern, design oriented mama ...don't you?!!!

Inspiration from Vera Wang } New Jewelry Packaging

I'm taken by the modern simplicity of the all black packaging of Vera Wang's new ready to wear jewelry packaging designed by Monahan & Rhee. The colors of the silver, gold and bold gemstones really stand out against the black backdrop. Via The Dieline.

Anahata Katkin and PaPaYa!

I am such a huge fan of artist Anahata Katkin and her "heart centered" company PaPaYa! I could spend the whole day looking at her amazing digital and hand painted artwork! One day I would like to attend her creative retreat in Bali and learn to make my own mandala at one of her workshops...

Passing Notes } Inspiring Wedding Invitation Design

I was looking through my bookmarks and remembered Passing Notes, an intimate and innovative invitation design service by a talented and thoughtful designer named Abbie. Above is a beautiful example of her work. I love the Chinese folk design graphic, the chocolate, ivory and pink motif, the rhinestone accents, and the amazing mirror souvenir for the Save The Date!!! I mean, whoa, how stunning and memorable would it be to receive an invitation like this! See more of Abbie's work here.

Modern Goods by Yuki Murata } at Kobo Seattle

I'm loving this collection of beautiful global style tableware from Modern Goods by Yuki Murata! My favorite is the Asian cloud design! These would be enchanting for the upcoming holiday dinners! See the collection and meet the artist at Kobo, one of my favorite Seattle shops!

Yuki Murata will be at KOBO Gallery alongside her handpainted bone china tableware designs on Thursday evening, September 18th, 6-8pm.
 
Her experience spans multiple cultures and disciplines from her identity as a half-Japanese woman to her product design company working with artisans in Tangshan, China.  From fine arts to architecture to tableware to textiles, Yuki has been exploring the significance and intersection of globalism and modernity.

The origins of her designs are grounded in her Asian heritage, her love for the natural world and her passion for authentic joyful living. 

Please join us at KOBO to meet the artist and see her new work.  Samples of her latest fall collection will be on view and to launch her new designs we are running a KOBO special promotion through the end of September 2008 on all Modern Goods tableware*.   Pre-order any of Yuki's designs and enjoy 20% off if you buy 3 or more pieces of any style or design.  Delivery in November. 
 
Buy early for the holidays or for that special occasion gift.
 
*Purchases must be made through KOBO to receive the special promotional pricing.  You can place orders by email at [email protected] or by calling us at (206) 381-3000. 

 

Warholizer } Easy Graphics!

Get your own Warhol style poster! Check out the Warholizer that I discovered from visiting the lovely and talented blogger Maritess B! Wedding couples, use this for your thank you card or save the date...Baby shower planners, use this with an image of a bottle or diaper...Sweet sixteeners, use your face to make posters and flags for your party...too much fun!

As a Boy Thinketh } Isaiah at 6 months!

Here's my little godson Isaiah! Isn't he just so adorable at 6 months! To commemorate this little milestone, Isaiah's creative mama came up with a wonderful way to capture growing hands and feet by using fingerpaint.

Grab some non-toxic, baby safe paint, tickle some little feet and fingers with a paintbrush and make footprints and handprints onto poster board. I guarantee this will be a fun project! Isaiah giggled and wiggled the whole time. Frame the best prints and use the leftover prints to make little cards for your loved ones! I love how the prints look in the nursery!

Vlisco } African Wax Print Fabrics

I'm amazed by this stunning ad campaign by Vlisco a company that produces African wax print fabrics. You can purchase these sumptuous fabrics in 6 yard lots for around $65 US! My mind is racing with ideas! Via 2Modern.

Lucky Koi Wall Mural } Inspiration for your Nursery and Baby Shower!

One of my creative visions for an upcoming baby shower was the use of temporary or removable wall murals and artwork... Here's an awesome example of this idea by Anika, using Blik Wall Decals by Mel Lim and incorporating nursery decor with the baby shower. The amazing cake design was done by A Little Bit of Heaven. Luckily, I discovered all of this joyfulness by subscribing to BACE, the new Business and Creative Exchange blog by Mel Lim and her husband...check it out if you are an entrepreneur and looking for tips to make your creative business more joyful and more prosperous! Speaking of prosperous, I'd better feed my Koi fish! You can help me feed them too (see my Koi Pond in the left sidebar)

Pick Your Design Mood at Stylkist } Naturally Modern Styling

Get emotional with your decor...Pick Your Mood at Stylkist, a naturally modern online decor boutique based in Mumbai, India. I love the calming colors and natural materials found at this easy to use website. Today, I'm seeking inner peace via An India Summer, one of my favorite blogs.

Devout Dolls } Jewel of Bollywood

I recently saw the Bollywood exhibit by the Center on Contemporary Art (COCA) and was amazed by this absolutely gorgeous handmade doll by Sara Lanzilotta of Devout Dolls! I saw this doll in person and every detail was divine including the matching silk covered shelf that it was on!

Japanese Artist } Hayashi Seiichi

I purchased these beautiful tea canisters at Daiso and am so in love with the illustrations of the Japanese artist Hayashi Seiichi. Bold, expressive and dramatic...the works below would be great inspiration for sophisticated Fall and Holiday parties, don't you think? Black, purple, orange, white, gold and red...

Fancy and Frida

Be sure to check out Jubella's beautiful post about the amazing artist, Frida Kahlo...her life is an inspiration to me and this post really made my day! (image via Jubella)

Pangea Organics } Organic Body Care Line for Kids featuring the Lorax

"I am the Lorax and I Speak for the Trees."
Via Sustainable is Good, I learned that one of my favorite organic body care lines, Pangea Organics, will be launching a new kids line featuring Dr. Seuss's eco-friendly character the Lorax! This new line will be available exclusively at Target around May 2009 and will include items such as children’s toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and more! How exciting!

Eco Notes by Fabulous Stationary } Save the Date Invitations

Be modern. Be green. Be quirky! I love these Eco-Notes from Fabulous Stationary! Not only are they made from 100% Recycled and 80% Post Consumer Waste, but these Eco-Notes come in many organic and modern looking designs that are customizable to your party or special event. Create your own modern Save the Date or Thank You Card, or send out a fabulous invitation to your birthday party or shower. Gotta love 'em!

Wooden World of Color } Globalesque Toys at Romp in Brooklyn

Via the delightful blog Oh Joy!, I discovered these wonderful works of art (dare I say toys) at Romp in Brooklyn, NY. I love the giraffe and elephants with origami paper designs and motifs!

Kimono Style Bangles

These gold bangles are on my wishlist! I love that these bangles are inspired by Japanese design icons and graphic elements often seen on kimono textiles and paper. Buy them here.

In My Dreams } Ann Sacks Tile

If I were a rich girl, I would redo my 1969 bathrooms with some globally inspired and geometrically modern tile mosaics from Ann Sacks tiles! Check out Facet, Pacca, Medina and the Angela Adams collection.

Cool Environmental Stamps from Israel

Spotted these really cool graphic stamps over at NOTCOT. Each stamp focuses on a different environmental concern - Air, Water, Noise.