What Makes A Collection?

Can anyone tell me what makes a collection? Is it more than 1 of something? Or do you have to have a line-up for it to be considered a collection? And when does the collection begin? Is it serendipitous? Or is it more deliberate?

In the last three months, and in three different thrift store locations, I picked up three different white ceramic pieces that I was drawn to. The most recent one was this past weekend. Although the pieces are different, there was something similar about them. So today I had a closer look at the stamps on bottom and it turns out they are all made by the same artist, Rosa Ljung, who was with ceramics company Deco in Helsingborg, Sweden, from '67-'83 (what did we ever do without the Internet?). I've ended up with three pieces by the same ceramics artist without even knowing it. I think that is the beginning of a collection.

All three are vases, but I think they could also make the most delightful office supply holders for our home office remodel as it progresses. 

I'd like to find more pieces, but I am nearly convinced that once I start deliberately looking, I won't be able to find them. So...my tactic for getting more pieces to add to my little collection will definitely be to not look for them!

What's your favorite or most unusual collection and how did it get started? Was it deliberate? Or chance? 

Until next time...

Mike

DIY - An Extra Mannequin

Looking for a DIY project for that extra mannequin you have hanging around? Natasha from Punkartkaitsi just happened to have an extra mannequin on hand...and she recently made a fabulously funky corner lamp. This new blog from Greece shows promise for the world of repurposed arts and crafts so be sure to have a quick peek.

And yes, that whimsical hat on her head is a...strainer.

Until next time...

Mike

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What Do You See?

At first glance it looks like a table full of plates and bowls. Perhaps the photo is turned sideways? What do you see?

Did you guess a wall full of plates?

See those little black things dangling from the ceiling? Chopsticks! Here's a closer look at that fabulous wall!

Yeah, I am SO trying to figure out if I can make something like this happen SOMEWHERE around my kitchen. I love the idea! 

The next time you are in China, this is definitely the noodle house to visit.

Until next time...

Mike

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Playing For Change

Because I love what they stand for, here's the latest from Playing For Change.


This is the magic that happens when just one person is dedicated enough to raise their voice and be heard. Street performers from around the world join together for this recording of Higher Ground. Enjoy!

Until next time...
Mike

One Idea Sparks Another

I saw this mirror project in a Design Sponge e-mail update today, which then lead me over to Karen's Mosaicworks blog, and it's another case of 'one idea sparks another'.

What I love about Karen's mirror project ...it's OVERSIZED! Not to mention the nice repurpose of wooden rulers. I'm a sucker for oversized, and a big believer that oversized works in any-sized room. Design myth #1: you can't put large pieces in a small room. Rubbish!

What I'm not so keen on is the hefty cost of this project, $350...yikes (disclaimer, that's my opinion)! BUT, the results and pattern are divine! So...don't you think it could also be done with reclaimed wood strips? It might not have the same clean line design result, but I still think it would be divine...and cost effective! Do you have any other ideas of what could be used?

What else did I find when I hopped over to Karen's? She works with mosaics! The heavens open, I stretch out my arms, lift my head towards the sky and (in my head) sing out with a soprano high C. Which brings me back to where this blog started...with one idea that sparks another. Now my head is spinning with the inspiration from Karen's mosaic images. What a good start to the day!

Until next time...
Mike



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