Sources of Inspiration - Visual Artists

Oh those Oscars. That was the best show I've ever seen - normally I need to constantly pinch my arm to keep from falling asleep. The past two years, I could not make it to the best picture.

Hugh Jackman was really great, as was that Swarvorski curtain. Production design for live television - what a retro idea.

I still have many films to see, but I did enjoy The Visitor, Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, Wall-E, Tropic Thunder, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Doubt. I am looking forward to seeing The Garden, The Wrestler, Frost/Nixon, The Class, The Reader and Frozen River.

On the stage, my favorite dress was Kate Winslet's - it reminded me of a Tracey Reese dress I've been sweating for a few months. I love the gauzy one shoulder. I also loved Anne Hathaway's dress. Penelope Cruz is so much like a best friend, that I had to smile when she told the story of finally getting this vintage gown from the 50s. I am looking forward to the day that one of my best friends is on the stage at the Kodak Theatre and I'm cheering her on.

On the non-moving visuals, I saw this photo on Oh Joy's blog and I just love the feeling:

blues by Tim Walker, Vogue

It is a bit fou and reminds me of 37.2 degrees la matin (or Betty Blue). I finally finished the staggeringly tragic film about the life of the great chanteuse Edith Piaf. Marion Cotillard did a fine job. I will take from that film, the simplicity and honesty of Madame Piaf's newspaper interview and her advice...love, love, love.

Back from a break

I have been a bit incognito. Since starting at Bowne, I have been ensconced in the world of retail and 19th Century letterpress printing.

Then last weekend, I felt that urge to write. Inspiration was all over the place and I remembered my other life - the blog, the website, etsy - my work.

Lovely highlights of recent times
* I performed my third wedding ceremony - this was for my best friends Zetna and Victor. The entire evening was fantastic (in the truest sense of the word). Zetna was the most lovely bride - she looked like she was on the set of a film. They are so funny and full of love. They are one of my favorite couples on this pretty planet. It was a short ceremony as requested and there was plenty of laughter, lots of sangria, bossa nova, a few well known actors, family family family, salsa and these charming Spanish confections. It was a magnificent night. Together, they are a force. I love them dearly.
* At the New York International Gift Fair, we found some really good products. I can't wait to see them on the shelves and in the vitrines at Bowne. My favorites?


Why....SweetBella

The ladies at sweetbella (especially Nina), stole my heart with their carefully curated leather items, I am in love for sure. Look at these vintage leather goods from Barbara Wiggins.





And my favorite Affaires du Jour books from O-check Designs. They look like a library book from the annals of a venerable university. Imagine pulling that out of your Lauren Merkin.



Robert introduced me to John Derian, which was a major highlight for me...They run a tight ship over there...when they enter a booth to purchase goods for their shop, they are no joke. How they manage to stay so upbeat and kind should be a lesson to all business owners.

I was also excited to see the Shinzi Katoh lines, though they have no place at Bowne - they will always occupy square footage in my heart.



We ordered from my beloved find Roost again and bumped into those hardworking loves at 9SpotMonk - that order just came in yesterday.



I am really gearing up for the Stationery Show in May, though. That's where the action will be and I am super excited. I hope to have a few new Babas2nd designs on the shelves at Bowne by that time.

I'm currently working on:
*A baby card
*Correspondence cards
*Personal stationery sets
*An African series

And, no more hours painstakingly sketching each card. I am moving into the 19th Century! All Babas2nd designs will be letterpress printed on a Golding Jobber or a C&P Pilot from the 1800s. Of course, I will rely on the kind tutelage of my friend, Master Printer, Robert to help me on this path. How very exciting!