StyleCarrot

Crafty: Metallic Dipped Concrete Votives

When I happen upon a product, I occasionally learn, to my surprise, that it’s a DIY project. It’s amazing what people have wherewithal (and time!) to concoct. I save the fun, innovative ideas to my “Crafty” Pinterest board, (there’s about 300 so far), but sometimes it needs a wider shout-out. So, I’ve added a new column to the blog, called “Crafty.” I likely won’t be detailing the steps (unless I’ve come up with and/or executed the project; but really, how likely is that?), but I will certainly provide the link so you can visit the blogger who put in the time and effort.

Brass, copper, & silver dipped concrete votive candles
Learn how to do it yourself at Monster’s Circus

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Shop expertly curated artwork at Serena & Lily >

Saturday Say It: Let the Sun Wash Over You

“I really just want to be the warm yellow light that pours all over everyone I love.”
— Conor Oberst, American indie folk singer/songwriter

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Work happy with colorful desk doodads by Poppin >

Site Spotlight: Handmade Jewelry from Uncommon Goods

Around this time last year, I posted a roundup of jewelry handmade by jewelry designers in Boston. Today, I also pulled together a selection of delicate handmade jewelry, all sourced from UncommonGoods. The occasion? The site is hosting its 2014 Jewelry Design Challenge, which will be judged in part by the site’s Assistant Jewelry & Accessories Buyer, Jackie Udden.

The grand prize is $1000, along with the opportunity to work with UncommonGoods. Runners-up will receive a critique of their work, as well as tips for marketing and growing their businesses. Additionally, UncommonGoods’ buyers will review each entrant’s portfolio, and consider offering submitted work for sale on UncommonGoods. You can enter Uncommon Good’s Jewelry Design Challenge here.

They’re looking for intelligent designs that tell a story, show your individuality and be responsibly produced from animal-friendly materials (that means no leather, feathers, or pearls). I chose a dozen pieces from UncommonGoods’ handmade jewelry collection that I really like, including pieces from San Francisco-based artist Vanessa Gade; Emilie Shapiro, who creates entwined vines of recycled rose gold; and Susan Harbourt, who makes necklaces from aged copper wire she removed from the walls of her Edwardian-era house in Illinois.

Study them… perhaps the designs will provide some insight in case you’re interested in entering the contest.

S H O P P I N G

1. Copper Rays Necklace by Susan Harbourt

2. Fan Coral Wedding Band by Catherine Weitzman

3. Golden Path Earrings by Eileen Baumeister McIntyre

4. Rose Stalk Wedding Band by Emilie Shapiro

5. Baby Bird Earrings by Rhonda & Elijah Wyman

6. Aqua Raindrop Pendant by Jess Panza

7. Open Oval Sterling Silver Necklace by Cindy and Avril Joffe

8. Bullet Casing CufflinksBullet Casing Cufflinks by Shannon Astali DeJong

9. Links of Love Bracelet by Beth Lawrence

10. Fern Frond Earrings by Katie Lime

11. Twigs Necklace by Eben Papele & Jude Rand

12. Inner Circle Necklace by Vanessa Gade

Get the Look: 31 Bird Home Accessories

I probably mentioned that I recently started curating product Ideabooks for Houzz. Yesterday I posted my newest Houzz Ideabook “Bye Bye Birdie, Hiya Birdie,” featuring a flock of feathered friend home furnishings. Playing off that, I added to the collection, with 31 bird-themed home furnishings and accessories, because really, spring will come soon. Meanwhile, add a bird pillow, bird figurine, bird bowl, bird rug, bird wallpaper, bird artwork, or even a bird toilet brush holder, to your decor.

S H O P P I N G

1. “Pulcino” by Antonio Da Ros for Cenedese

2. Yellow Birds Mobile by Petit Collage

3. Gold Glazed Ceramic Bird Bowl by Jonathan Adler

4. Bird Pillow by Petit Pehr

5. Conure Rug

6. Peeking Bird Toilet Brush

7. Bird in Wonderland Candle Holder by Artecnica

8. Lily Bird Soy Sauce Container by Alessi

9. Neon Bird Pillow by Nest

10. Lovi & Anne Paso’s Birch Bird Card

11. Birdie Paper Knife by +d & Yohei Oki

12. Golden Birds Decals

13. Ostrich Vase by The King’s Subject

14. Hope Bird by Jaime Hayon & Bosa

15. Bird on Pitcher

16. Hummingbird Dresser by Iannone Design

17. Black Hawk Feet by Swallow

18. Cheese Board by Creature Comfort Foods

19. Bird Alarm Clock

20. Flights of Fancy Wallpaper by House of Hackney

21. Winter Cardinal Latte Mug Set

22. Bird Animal Bowl by Nymphenburg

23. Iron Bird Tea Light Holders

24. “Stacking Birds” By Becky Hui Chan

25. Crow Glass Bird by Toikka for Iittala

26. Bird Leaves Tea Towel by Ferm Living

27. Songbird Sunshine by Kat Bojesen for Rosendahl

28. Dr. Bird Juicer by IMM Living

29. Eames House Bird by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra

30. L’Oiseau by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra

31. British Birds Wallpaper by Timorous Beasties

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Shop contemporary home furnishings at Yoox.com >

Get the Look: 20 Modern Outdoor Water Fountains

Back in December, The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Boston treated me to the luxurious Frankincense Massage Ritual. It was only the second time I had visited the spa, having not been there since the hotel opened several years ago, and it was just as perfect as I remembered. The whirlpool, steam room, and tropical shower are all heavenly, and the treatment itself was superb.

As with all treatments, the Frankincense started with ritual foot cleansing, spices, and the sound of cymbals. Then a relaxing massage for which the therapist used De Stress Mind Body Oil, concocted with a blend of wild chamomile, frankincense and petitgrain oils. The treatment finishes with deep inhalations of the Frankincense essential oils and a soothing scalp massage. The experience, as you might imagine, was heavenly.

It made me think of how I would love the sound of an outdoor water feature on Cape Cod. Since a minimalist creation designed by a landscape architect is not really an option given the cost, I looked into possible alternatives. Perhaps a ready made modern fountain? While many of the widely available outdoor water fountains are not necessarily cutting-edge modern, there are those with a contemporary aesthetic that would nestle into one’s garden or anchor a patio quite nicely.

Then, you could invite a massage therapist over for a treatment outdoors. The gentle trickle of your own fountain beats Enya from a portable speaker any day.