Paper Art Made of Hearts

I've always loved paper art. Could be that I started my road to graphic design in scrapbooking as a teenager. Or it could be that no matter what, I just love paper and handmade materials. Nonetheless paper art has always been on my list of things to experiment with/learn. Sometimes I doubt that I have the patience to do anything intricate though. I mean I know I could never be a Yulia Brodskaya. But some of these seem simple enough to recreate. And it is perfect timing for Valentines Day. Check out all of Sarah and Bendrix's beautiful creations at their Etsy store.

{via Bliss}

Good Morning: Happiness

gagilas

Pictures of Mars

These pictures taken by NASA's HiRISE camera are like works of art. Its amazing how beautiful the shades of colors and patterns are. Sometimes I forget that so many patterns of art originate from nature.

The HiRISE camera is the most powerful camera ever sent into space. The ability to capture detail is really stunning as they are able to measure topography down to a .25 meter. The camera has been dubbed the "People's Camera" as soon people will be able to request sites for the HiRISE camera to capture. Which in my opinion is very cool that they are including the community in this project.

{via Huff Post}

Good Morning: After the Sun Comes the Rain

[phil h]

The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox

I didn't have very many favorite movies in 2009. Maybe its because I didn't see very many, or maybe I was just underwhelmed by what was out there. Nevertheless one of the few movies that I absolutely loved last year was Fantastic Mr. Fox. I'd go as far as to say it was one of my favorites for 2009. Then again anything that Wes Anderson touches is gold.

I just loved how colorful it was, the amazing soundtrack (which in my opinion can make or break a movie) as well as the whimsical nature of it. And it was just different from everything else out there.

I recently stumbled upon a book that shows behind the scenes how the movie was made. And from the few pages I've seen I think I have to get my hands on this book. If it is half as creative, bright and eclectic as the movie then I know I will enjoy skimming through it. Just the sketches and color swatches look like they'd be good inspiration for when I'm in a design funk. If nothing else at least it will bring me back to the magical world of Mr. Fox and his friends.

{via for me, for you}

Timeless Vixen Dresses

While searching around Etsy for something completely different (isn't that how it always is with Etsy?), I stumbled across the most amazing vintage couture gowns and dresses. Someday when I make enough money to survive, I will dress like Betty Draper every day of my life. I can't even imagine how graceful and timeless these dresses look in person. It would definitely be a unique purchase for a wedding or special event.

1950's Vintage John Mack Dress

1950's Vintage RubyRed Dress

1950's Fiery RubyRed Drape Dress

1950's Vintage Julie Miller

1930's Antique French Flapper

1950's Vintage PolkaDot Dress

1950's Vintage Helena Barbieri

1950's Tulip Dress

Check out Timeless Vixen's Esty Store for more beautiful dresses.

Good Morning: Rushing Through

Baptiste Pons

Photographer Natalie Kucken

Seriously how is this photographer only 15 years old? Her talent is amazing and I'm in love with her colorful young style.

Good Morning: Birds on a Wire

TarikB

Catching up on Weekend in Pictures

Yes, I realize I disappeared again. I just couldn't handle blogging last week while going to a million doctors appointments and having more tests done. All while trying to juggle getting back in the office some. I'll be having surgery in a few weeks so hopefully I'll be on the road to recovery after that.

Ok so enough personal stuff. I know I usually shy away from getting personal on here. Since this is more a place for my inspiration than my problems. But I'm determined to get back to it this week.

So I'm starting with a few pictures of stuff I've been up to over the past few weeks. Basically catching up on two weeks worth of Weekend in Pictures. Even though I'm sick I am pretty awful about slowing down. It may not look like it, but I promise I've been going at a slower pace.

Checked out the Gibson, a speakeasy type bar on U Street, for the first time. I was super sad I couldn't drink as I hear their cocktails are amazing. But their non-alcoholic juice was pretty good. And I loved the dark tavern type atmosphere. It is slightly pretentious you have to make reservations, and that they don't have any sort of sign/markings. But I'll over look that for the cozy bar and delicious drinks.

Tried out Rustico a few times in Alexandria. Again I hear their beer selection is great and once I'm able to drink again I'm definitely going back to check it out. Their pizzas are really good and it has the same warm vibe as their sister restaurants Tallulas and Birch & Barley and Churchkey.

I've spent tons of time at coffee shops catching up on work. Since I was on bed rest I can't handle doing work at home anymore. So the perfect compromise is getting out to a coffee shop. Lately my favorite has definitely been SOVA on H Street, NE.

Accompanied my friends to restaurant week at Poste. I didn't partake in the food, but it all looked delicious and the presentation was pretty amazing.

Played Shuffle Board at a new bar called the Iron Horse in Chinatown.

Tried out the new restaurant Ping Pong Dim Sum also in China Town. The restaurant originates in London and the concept is a 21st century tea house. Basically it is an Asian tapas restaurant. According to my friend their cocktails are killer and I really enjoyed their tropical juices.

Checked off another consignment store on my list. This one was Mint Condition in Old Town Alexandria. It could have been that I wasn't in a huge shopping mood, but I wasn't extremely impressed. A lot of the prices seemed a little expensive for second hand. So far Current Boutique in Arlington is still my favorite and Treasury in the District.

Tried out Lavender Moon Cupcake while in Old Town. Wasn't anything special that I'd go out of my way for, but definitely was a good sugar fix while out and about.

Visited my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, Minh's in Arlington. Now that I live in the city I don't get out to Court House quite as much. But when I do, Minh's is always amazing.

More work at the coffee shop with my friend. We attempted to go to Buzz in Alexandria but it was completely packed. So we ended up at Caboose Cafe and Bakery in Del Ray. Not extremely cozy, but they had a good amount of seating and their sandwiches looked good.