Love Where You Work

For me a happy & oragnized work space in directly connected to ability to be productive. I have been lucky to have space for an office in most of the places I have lived and I can safely say that this new office is my favorite so far. Ironically, a mishap during my move with the table I planned to use as my desk changed my plan completly. First I had to find a new desk, I looked at many vintage options before deciding to go with this new but very affordable option by CB2 and from there it just all came together.

This past week, I updated my desktop computer setup with a Mac Mini, which replaced my older Mac Book Pro previously attached to my 30" monitor. (It's now available on eBay!) A very affordable option I was excited to discover. I also added the orange file cabinet for much needed storage part of the same line as my desk. 

 

I found the cabinet on the left at Urban Outfitters who has a handsome line of mid-century repros at decent prices. I recovered the front, which was just a bland burlap, with a groovy fabric by Laura Gunn. Then I added some length to my desk with a vintage children's desk I picked up at one of my new favorite shops, The Sniveling Sibling in Eagle Rock. 

Many of you are familiar with the green medical cabinet, one of the few office pieces I brought with me from Georgia. I had not really expected to find an affordable two bedroom, so I over downsized a tad. So I got to do a little shopping to complete the space. I found some pieces online, like this wonderful typewriting table (etsy) and the chair (ebay) which I would love to get recovered one day. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

The Skinny on Skinny Laminx

If you are searching for some amazing textiles to add a unique edge to your interiors let me point you in the direction of Skinny Laminx. One of my favorite Etsy shops ever and featuring all original designs by South African based textile artist, Heather Moore.

I fell in love with her cushions while searching for something fresh and colorful for my new space. The patterns almost look like letter press and also have a wonderful organic quality.

Her cushion covers (you buy the insert separately) are beautifully made and printed on a lovely, washable cotton/linen. The colors are vibrant and best of all unexpected. For example a deep, delicious orange or a chartreusey, lemon yellow. They are also very well priced, a true steal at just $38 each, I found inserts for under $10 at Joanns.

 How groovy is this tea towel covered with vintage tea cups, whimsical and practical all at the same time.

I am also enamored with her new line of paper goods, which includes wall decals, gift tags, ornaments and these fabulous postcards. Tea? Yes, please.

all photos (except 2nd tea towel and postcards) & content © Lara Rossignol

Extra! Extra!

I am beyond excited to have my new home featured in the Fall/Winter issue of Flea Market Style magazine. As most of you know, I moved from Atlanta to So Cal last year (whew! has really been 10+ months since I hit the road?) and landed in a groovy little mid-century apartment near Pasadena. Shortly after the eidtors at FMS contacted me and asked me to shoot it all for their next issue. Only published twice year, it is jammed packed with stories and photos that will make any junkin junky smile. I am honored to have my little apartment included.

Look for this pretty farmhouse dinning room photographed by John Granen featured on the cover. You should not have to look too hard, it is carried by some Barnes & Nobles, Ralphs/Kroegers and even Lowes. Or you can order one online here she even ships internationally.

Here is a reminder of what I started with when I first moved in.

Smaller than my old place but full of light and interesting mid century details, my living room makes me happy every time I'm in it. My article is ten pages so this is just a glimpse and I have to say the entire magazine is beautifully art directed by Stacy Wiley. I love these pillows by Skinny Laminx they play off the curtains (made by my fabulous sister-in-law) using a Lotta Jansdotter fabric.

I just love this corner, from my vintage medical cabinet, to the typewriter & table to the fabulous Melody Miller pillows and of course the amazing photo.

I found it on Etsy, circa 1960s, it is hand colored and it came all the way from Spain. So very Pedro Almodóvar! My ideal was to re-photograph it and then retouch it (the seller said it was not in great shape) and have it blown up to a large canvas. I had this done by Easy Canvas and they did a fantastic job. You just upload it to their site and choose your size, style etc... You can do this with any photos you want to display and it is very affordable. 

Now run out and get your copy!

 

all photos (except cover) & content by Lara Rossignol  © Flea Market Style Magazine

Mission Organization

Some of you will recognize this kawaii cart from last weeks "Want" post. I was able to make it to iKea and bought two. Along with a lot of other stuff I discovered I needed, that store is a little like crack for me. It is a bit more blue than it looks here and you do have to put it together. On my own iKea experience scale of difficulty, I rate it a 4... 2 if you have another set of hands. 

Best of all, its usefulness has exceeded my expectations, it has become a little office on wheels. Not only does my 17" Mac Book Pro fit perfectly, the well like design of the shelves means I do not have to worry about it being knocked off. It is easy to pull it up next to my bed and get to all the gadgets I use regularly... and slide them away easily when I am done. I love it, love it, love it!

Another good find for easy and attractive storage are cast iron wall hooks. I was able to utlilize the space behind my front door with this fun, vintage looking hook that I searched out on Etsy. They come in a variety of styles and finishes. I was not crazy about the color of this one when it arrived so I just sprayed it orange.

A place to hang my many shopping bags, keys & jackets. I also love this rolly ikea shopping cart, which comes in handy for flea or farmer's markets.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Sweet Inspiration

You know the old saying: When God hands you blueberries... make pie! Spying these below on a recent trip to my local farmer's market gave me the ideal to make some rustic mini pies. 

After washing them and removing any stems, I tossed them in some lemon curd and added a 1/2 cup of sugar. I used a store bought crust and a large round lid to cut out circles of dough and then pressed them into a lightly greased muffin tin. Then I just pricked the bottom of each with a fork before spooning in the filling.

I baked them in a pre-heated, 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes, until the crust was golden brown. Let cool before trying to remove them from the pan. It is ok if they crumble up a bit, it just adds to the "rustic" charm.

Tea Towel via the wondrous Skinny Laminx!

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

House Proud!

A few weeks ago I met with the editor of the very fun "Flea Market Style" magazine and they have booked me to shoot my own home for their fall/winter issue. Very excited but this means I can't really show off my new digs until it hits the stands at the end of July. I have been working like mad to get it camera ready and just in the past two weeks I have acquired; 4 patio chairs, a Paul McCobb coffee table, danish modern arm chair, an area rug, a cabinet, a vintage stool, metal trashcan, 2 glass owls, a chrome fan, a potting table, fabric, a tray, a deck box (who knew?), vintage croquet balls, a metal shelve, decorative bowl (above: 12.99 at Home Goods), 2 vintage magazines, plant stand, potted flowers, vintage garden tools and a pouf!

Whew!

This first fabric I used didn't have the pop I was looking for.

 I re-recovered these very cool mid century repros I scored a few months back (at a much better price than what they are listed for now), using a bright orange print by Laura Gunn. I also have a few painting projects planned and some more accesories to gather but all the major stuff is taken care of. I'm madly in love with my new place and can't wait to share it with y'all and having it featured in such an amazing magazine is quite honestly a dream come true. 

Only published twice a year, the newest issue is just hitting the stands now and sells out fast, so grab one if you see it. It may seem a little pricey at 9.95 but each issue is jammed pack and beautifully art directed. Back issues can go for as much as $50 a pop on eBay!

top photo & content © Lara Rossignol

Note: some of the links above are just for visual reference such as the arm chair, which I paid much less for on Craig's List!

Shelf Life

Shelves are a great way to add both function and style to a space and can often be made by repurposing another item. At the top is a funky metal tray I found at an antiques fair and by simply mounting the back to the wall it is transformed. Below it is a great little industrial piece I bought at a yard sale and painted green. 

This cute little vintage example I've had for so long, I've forgotten where I got it. Originally black, I gave it a little make over with a can of orange spray paint. 

I found this charmer at Agora in Athens, Ga. It was actually being used by the seller for display and was not for sale. I got the owner to call her with my offer of $20 and it was mine. I love how it goes with the tile in my new bathroom. 

I have spent a lot time perusing Etsy looking for other possible storage solutions. Searching with key words such as mid century and industrial have yielded the best results. I created this treasury with some of my favorite finds. 

top three photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Wish List

Lumix Point & Shoot

Ultra compact, this little camera is very similar to the Leica D-Lux 5 I sampled this time last year. Right down to the lens, but over $300 cheaper.

Industrial Beauty

This vintage flat file storage is my kind of diamond in the rough. The size, the color the knobs, I love it all and it is this eye for unusual finds that makes Twenty Times I one of my favorite etsy sellers.

Vivian Maier Book

Some of you will remember this post I did on one of the most interesting stories in the world of photography ever... the discovery of an unknown talent through a storage auction.  

Vintage Office Stamp Set

I love the Cavallini stamp sets and this one has a lot of practical uses.

Little Red Car Purse

I have long been a fan of this unique little etsy shop, Ivan and Lucy, each item is like a little piece of art.

 

content © Lara Rossignol

New Kawaii World

Little Hudson was just over three weeks old when I did this shoot almost two months ago. Newborns may be one of the toughest subjects to photograph. Babies this tiny just don't do much, except sleep, eat and poop. 

But they are remarkable little beings and capturing this time of utter newness, is worth the challenge. I like to keep clothing clean and simple but one fun accessory can have a lot of impact. Sweet knitted owl hat by etsy seller The Stitchery Boutique.

Beautiful light, simple but fun scenrios can add a little extra magic to the moment. The unexpected always makes for an interesting photo. 

Don't forget to move in close, no matter how in love with your main composition, shoot variations.

This one will go a long way in proving the cabbage patch myth, when Hudson wants to know where he came from. This image is actually a composite of the two photos below. Not too difficult, since the step the watering can sits on provided a fairly clean line to join the two.

After resizing the images to match and cloning out part of the handle on the basket, it was just a matter of cut and past. I also added a little lens flare coming through the trees for some extra bling... do not be afraid to experiment.

 For more creative ideals on compositing images check out this book on innovative photoshop artist Maggie Taylor.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

a Life 4 Sale

I am starting to separate my life into piles. Not actual physical piles but mental ones in my head. If you have ever watched a professional organizer work, then you may have seen them do this. A "To Keep" pile, a "To Sell" pile and so on. My "To Sell" breaks down to the sub categories of; eBay, etsy and a future yet to be determined yard sale. Much of this is in anticipation of a possible major move in the next year. The last thing I want to do is pack things I can easily live with out. I am also still paying off Atticus's vet bills so every penny counts.

So I am adding items to my etsy shop and also listing some on ebay. How do I decide which goes where? Items I think might spark a collectors interest and get some bids beyond my starting point I put on eBay. Items I think are not quite as bid worthy and that I may not be quite as anxious to get rid of go on etsy. The rest will go into the yard sale pile. The silver shot glasses above are very unique and so I put them on eBay to see what would happen, while the wall pocket and teapot are easier to price and so it is perfect for etsy.

Listing new items (vintage is defined as at least 20 years old) on etsy is not allowed unless they are handmade. So it will be ebay as I go through my massive handbag collection and list some of these in the weeks to come. Along with other newer items, I no longer need or want. I can be ruthless when it comes to purging, only drawing the line at special gifts and family related items. Lots more in the weeks to come so keep checking back!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Dreaming of Dogwood

Last week, almost out of no where the dogwood came into full bloom. It is my favorite of the spring flowers and next month you might find me at Atlanta's annual Dogwood festival.

A lovely botanical by Donald W. Haytt, dogwood is indigenous to the South.

 Mostly you see it in white but sometimes a few pink blossoms show up.

Right now it is flowering in abundance all over my neighborhood.

Love this vintage postcard, dogwood is the state flower for Virginia.

I have mentioned this vintage bedspread I scored at an antique store is an all time favorite find. 

Here I used it as a backdrop for a shoot I did for Sandpiper a few summers back.

Groovy set of vintage Dixie Dogwood dishes I found on etsy.

Of course I love to have some in my house, stealing a branch or two before they disappear. 

I fell madly for this Whitney Smith sugar bowl topped with two dogwood blossoms.

The blooms are only around 2 or 3 weeks, if you blink you might miss them.

I found two interesting books by searching dogwood, the first; Dogwoods an actual study of the flower with a beautiful cover and reviews that suggest it would be worthwhile for serious gardeners or just to sit out on your coffee table. The other; Dogwood is an award winning novel. Though I had not heard of the author, I love southern based fiction and based on the many good reviews I downloaded the kindle sample.

all photos (except dishes) & content © Lara Rossignol

Orange Crush

From freckles to kumquats whats not to love? Next to green, orange is probably my favorite color and can add just the right punch to a drab day.

I nabbed this dutch enameled bread box on ebay a few years ago. One of many orangy objects I have been drawn too.

Orange in the wrong hands can be a not so pleasent 70's flash back. However when done right like in the able hands of Orla Kiely... it can be fantastic.

I found this vintage piece at a huge antique mall in Lithonia, Georgia. I pass it on my way to Clemson and stop in maybe twice a year. This metal lunch box dates back to the late 20's or early 30's, yet the color is still beautifully vibrant.

Another favorite orange is this food blog by chef, restaurant owner and author, Molly Wizenberg. It is full of interesting, documentary style photos, humorous prose and great recipes.

Win Some Orange from Witty Vintage!

My fabulous sponsor, Witty Vintage, lent me this beautiful and authentic 60's tea dress for the Readymade shoot back in the fall. It is covered with orange roses and is truly a lovely little dress, approximately a size 8. Witty has generously offered it up for a Piewacket giveaway, they also give all proceeds from the sale of Avon collectables to a good cause, so head over to the shop and check it out.

The Oscars are this Sunday so to enter, tell me what is the color of your fantasy gown? Mine would be a bright but soft green with coral jewelry. Be sure to include your email in the appropriate box (it will not be public) or you will not be entered. One entry per person, the winner will be chosen via random.org. You have till midnight March 4th to enter.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

congrats to Kayleigh winner of the UPPERCASE giveaway!

Shop Pie for the Holidays

I have updated my etsy store with lots of new stuff for the holidays. As previously posted all proceeds go to help pay for my cat, Atticus's chemo. FYI: he has about 3 treatments left and is doing really well. Thanks to everyone who has bought something or just donated to his cause. I will be removing all prints of my work at the end of the year. So this is your last chance to get any of those for a bargain price!

I am even selling this beautiful vintage beaver coat that belonged to my Grandmother. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Coat Modeled by Mera from Factor Women.

Kawaii 4 Sale

I  have added some extra kawaii items to myetsy store for my ongoingAtticus Project. Like this funnylittle deer I picked up at an antique mall. He is truly kawaii as he was made in Japan probably in the 1960s.

A hand paintedcowboy mug.

Amazing 1930s tin child'slunch pail.

Because I think this child's tea set is especially rare, I decided to list it oneBay.

 

By the way, Atticus is doing great! He completed his weekly chemo and now will just need to go back once a month for the next 8 months. We both appreciated all the kind emails and support!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Feeling Blue

Updating myetsy store with new items for theAtticus Project, I took my inspiration from the color blue. Posting a 50'sglass bowl apixieware inspired ceramicpeanut basket, a mint condition, never used60's wallet complete with checkbook and a rareMcCoy mug.

I'm also offering up thisfrench latte cup & saucer I bought back in the mid 80's after I first moved to NYC. I had a pair but one broke recently. It also makes a great soup bowl.

Finally two vintage books from my collection whose covers are blue but the content is anything but. A beautiful 1957 edition of the 1863 classic,The Water Babies with the book jacket. Also a very early copy of aNancy Drew mystery,The Clue in the Diary from 1932. It is this inside cover illustration I really love. I also just learned that there was noCarolyn Keene, this was a pseudonym for a collective of ghost writers who took on the character over the years.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Mellow Yellow

I have added these vintage finds to myetsy store in honor of Yellow week on Pie. A hand painted botanical inspiredbox from 1898 is an all time favorite find. Is it really that old? I'm not sure but it has the feel of something made by a young person with great care. Also now listed; a Noritaki stonewarecoffee pot and a pair of vintage chinesegaiwan ortea set.

I really love this very rarebilliards instruction book, circa 1950s. Not just for the subject matter but for the graphics & illustrations.

A splash of yellow in thisvintage watercolor by myAunt Sue makes it another favorite. Limited edition reproductions are also now available in mystore.  All items will contribute tothe Atticus project. He is doing pretty well as he heads in for his fourth chemo treatment tomorrow.

  Giveaway Winners

 Congrats to the winners of theiPad sleeve giveaway; Kasandra who chose theiSocket and Jenna aFacebook follower, won theBorsa Bella bag of her choice. TheM-Edge was awarded as a bonus tokb member Victoria.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

The Atticus Project

For those of you who have not been following the medical woes of my cat, Atticus, he had his spleen removed in May. Test results were not great, he has been diagnosed with Mast Cell Cancer. However, with chemo therapy, the prognosis is good and I am very hopeful he will come through this. He started chemo last Friday and this will continue for possibly a year. It is pretty costly and so I am stocking my Piewacket Etsy Shop with limited edition prints and collectibles from my personal collection, to help fund his treatment.

A good de-cluttering is long overdue and so I am going through my stuff and will be adding new listings weekly.

I will also be listing some inkjet prints in a limited edition of 25 at very affordable prices. Each will be signed and numbered. 8x11 will run $30 and an 11x14 will go for $55. If there is a particular image that is not listed you have seen here or on my site, please contact me with your request.

The store is now open! Feel free to repost on your own blog or give it a tweet!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Tin-licious

A pretty french tin, I found at the etsy store, LaManche adds some unexpected flair to refrigerated cinnamon rolls. As dose the unique vintage baking pan I picked up at an estate sale. Function and form.

I converted this other etsy find, a vintage perfume tin, with an enchanting polka dot motif... 

...into a sweet little frame, using some decorative paper and a favorite photo of me Mum. 

English tea tins are another fun collectible. They also make a great way to give a special gift, I sent one to a client for Christmas filled with peppermint bark. 

I found the green one at a local antique store and the other, which actual held candy originally, on eBay.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Fresh ❤ Favorites

Missed Connections

"Every day hundreds of strangers reach out to other strangers on the strength of a glance, a smile or a blue hat..." explainsSophie Blackall on herblog. I first discovered Sophie's artistic interpretations ofmissed connection classifieds when I stumbled onto this cool littlefilm. I particularly love the subtle, dark nuances in her work. Prints from the series are available for just $40 in heretsy store ...oh but how to choose?

Sarah's House

Another crush I have is HGTV'sSarah's House, which just started airing it's 3rd season.Sarah Richardson is my favorite of the TV interior design stars. She has exceptional taste and even more important, she and the show are funny! She buys a true fixer upper, rips it apart room by room, while we follow along through every step with most of the emphasis on the design choices. The way the show is put together, makes it educational and very entertaining, I especially love her relationship with her design partner, Tommy. 

Flavia de Luce 

Every once in a while a literary character comes along that strikes a certain cord. For me that comes in the form of an 11 year old, chemistry obsessed, sleuth namedFlavia de Luce. Above are four different cover designs of the same book,The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, the first in a promising series by Alan Bradely. I flew through it and am poised to dive into the second,The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag.

No Women Allowed

18 year old Pool Phenom, Liz Lovely

Theportrait series I shot with theLeica M9 while in Cali for my last bigtournament, is being featured today onsfgirlbybay. These young women are talented, determined and shooting (literally) for thepro tour. It does help to start young but that's the cool thing about pool, really anyone, at any age can play. I didn't start playing till I was in my early 30's. Localleagues are a great way to get started and most are handicapped so even beginners can play. 

Heather Byer'sSweet, is an entertaining account of her own mild obsession with the NYC league scene. The same place I began my pool addiction which I will admit was the very opposite of mild. Though she changed the names, I still recognized many of the characters, thankfully our paths did not cross.

Also, be sure to check outsfgirlbybay's newestetsy store. She is getting ready to move and purging some of her coolest vintage finds. And while on the subject of great blogs, my most recent blog crush is on the prolificDeeDee 9:14. Along with tons of mid-century yumminess and the coolest enamelware finds, she also has monthly giveaways and even offers free ad space to like minded sites. 

top photo & content © Lara Rossignol ~ utensils courtesy of sfgirlbybay