win big

I've never had a giveaway, so I'd say it's about damm time. One of these gorgeous pillows could be on your couch in about a week! Enter by simply leaving a comment. I'll also need an email address to contact you if you win. I'll draw a name next Wednesday, April 8. Winner gets to chose one of the pillows below.

they liked it

Kerin and Reuben show off their gift at the baby shower yesterday. Gorgeous weather, fresh strawberry puree cocktails and onesies galore. Fun was had by all.

fishies!

It's been open for 6 months, and the crowds are still insane. Cristina and I decided to go anyway, and wow, the Academy of Sciences is cool! Maneuvering the double stroller was a challenge, but the girls all enjoyed themselves, and I think we'll go again. Soon.

getting to know you #9

Brigitte Bouquet has amazing talent working with ceramics. Her use of color and texture is incredible.

please tell us who you are, and a bit about your business/art.

My name is Brigitte Bouquet.I was born in Amsterdam and have moved around quite a bit.....over the last 7 years I have lived in Amsterdam, Chicago, Sydney Australia, and now Brooklyn NY. It has been an incredible experience but also exhausting!

I've been working with ceramics for more than 15 years.

Next to my sculptural work http://web.me.com/bbceramics, I started last year with the Wobbly Plates www.atelierbb.etsy.com

describe your creative/creating process.

I have a nice studio in the basement of our building.

Most of my big sculptures take about 3 to 6 months from the beginning to end and I work on several pieces at the same time.

I am fascinated by patterns - in nature- so most of my work finds its origin there.

My studio is very organized and everything I collect has its own particular place.

Those diverse pieces of inspiration could be sitting there for years before they get used.

The last couple of months have been very hectic. I have an exhibition coming up and plan to show 3 new big ceramic wall sculptures from my circles series and some new objects made from driftwood poles. The poles are wrapped in a net of small pieces of ceramics and copper wires. The driftwood had been standing in the studio for more than a year before I finally knew what I wanted to do with them.

Somehow all my work is connected and ideas and techniques that might have found there origins years ago in larger and more abstract works resurface for example in the designs and textures of the Wobbly Plates. I really like that!

what are your favorite places to shop (both on and off etsy)?

am a 'market'-girl.....I am fond of them......farmers markets - book markets - village markets (when I am traveling) -flea markets....I can spend a whole morning in the summer on a market....fantastic.....

how do you describe your personal style?

one big big mix.... old & new, vintage, from all over the world, it’s very personal,

off trend, on trend, behind trend, ahead of trends whatever..

what is your top piece of advice for someone trying to run their own business?

Wellllll, I am not really the best person to ask!

I love to create and I am absolutely not devoted to the other part....

For me it’s all about the work and I am not trying to second guess what people might buy.

name five things that are a constant in your daily routine.

morning coffee & breakfast

yoga/pilates

music & local radio - right now WNYC

working in my studio of course

cooking and having dinner with my partner

what is your ideal day?

a combination of;

in my hammock under the shade of the trees with a superb book and brainstorming with my partner about new ideas of projects.

tell us something about yourself that we might find surprising.

I hate moving!!

etsy finds

We had a party a few weeks ago, and several of the guests asked about our art collection. We've been slowly collecting over the years, but many of my favorites have come from etsy. Over the last year+ that I've been blogging, many of these artists have been featured. But here they are all together, in a big "go buy art" list.

Fade by ErinTyner $32

Tiny Moon by blissfulimages $25


Let's Grow Old Together by groundwork $20


Deux by AliciaBock $35


Tunisian Marketplace by dkim $35


Screenprinted Gigposter by strawberryluna $20


Winter Blues by Lampreia $30


Midnight by sophiassweetspot $20


Koi Pond by arinfish $50


Print Set no. 3 by seasprayblue $20


Modern Plumbing by benben $50

Woodpecker Convention by jdryerart $20


Winter Ocean by Bueller $35

Sit Eat Enjoy by JennSki $41

breakfast

We had such a lovely breakfast yesterday morning after pilates class. I know it seems early for strawberries, but they were delicious.

almost a baby

My friends Kerin and Reuben are having a little one soon, and we're having a baby shower next weekend. I actually finished my gift for them today. Way to not procrastinate! (well, not too much anyhow.)

etsy finds

I guess I'm in the mood for luxury, because this week it's all about cashmere, porcelain and hand crafted wood furniture. I get these itches to re-do the house, a lot. And lately I'm thinking big. Like "let's move so I have a whole new home to decorate" big. I'd need a new career to afford it, and that's not happening, but let's just dream a little shall we?

Linen Hand Hemstitched Napkins by LinenMe $39.99 (set of 4)


Short Sleeve Gray Cashmere Sweater by wearaddiction$52

model one by juniorallenandco $500


Off Circle Latte Bowl 2 by yashabutler $65


Peacock Vase by isabelleabramson $165


Pleated Torero Dress by Lirola $255


Titanium with Sterling Silver Inlays by jewelrybyjohan $89


Porcelain Knitware Bowl by alyssaettinger $65


Walnut Plywood Lounge Chair by michaelarras $399


Cashmere Knee Hi Socks by adventuresofjr $60 (on sale)


Block Table-Solid Cherry by wookwoodworking $425

what timing

I was taking a picture of Grace. She spent about 20 minutes playing with this empty coffee cup of mine which I thought was funny. Right as I snapped the shot, Miguel pounced his little brother.

new projects

I might be famous next week. In preparation for it, I've been sewing several Tandem loveys for Rose and Radish. Here are two that I worked on over the weekend.
PS Love love loving sea glass, the new color from umbrella prints (as seen below.)

a farewell

I'm taking a break from the usual etsy finds list today to say good-bye to some very good friends. It's the last day to shop at Rose and Radish in its current location. The shop has been a trend-setter for over 8 years, and while I am totally biased (I worked there from 2001-2004) it is a shop unlike any other. The shop brings together gorgeous modern goods from around the world in a gallery like setting. While they are closed, they will be launching a registry service, and reworking some things. I excited to see what's next. Until then, I'll be taking advantage of the sale-up to 70% off some items. (Prices given are the sale prices.)

Nama Rococo Wallpaper $63 (50%)


Nicolette Brunhaus Shades $398.50 (50%)


Fantasia and Classico Soaps $5.50 ea (50%)

Atelier Lzc $15.40 (30%)


Inv/ALT Design Snap Cups $67.50 for 6 (70%)

Hering Berlin Platter $202.50 (50%)

Eva Solo Grilling Utensils $18-$50 (60%)

Chilewich Placemat 5.10 ea (70%)