The Moldy Doily

spaces & places & faces

Sometimes when I've had 3 hours sleep, and after throwing up a green corn tamale and a pina colada...I like to wake up early and get inspired to clean. That means either a, actually cleaning B. "getting inspired" to clean by checking out people's homes that are much better decorated than your own will ever be. On Apt Therapy they featured the lush home of Interior Designer Kevin HAley who lives in the hills of Hollywood. How many more jobs do I need to take in order to have a yard? About his place he says "...I like to feel cocooned inside the house... but the outside is vital too- the way the light, scents and sounds of nature come into the house is as important as the way it's furnished. There's nothing more tranquil than staring out at moving leaves..." ([ images by Robert Powers for Elle Decoration UK ]July 2008 issue On another tangent, I saw these cool etchings on a 60's home-deco site. Thought the style of them was cool I'd also like to own this creepy set of kitty outsider art bookends. Sure to make any books happy The latest issue of METRO POP mag features this lush landscape editorial: Let Them Eat Cake Photographer: Tamar Levine These woodsy ones of model Siri Tollerød in the Dazed and Confused (July 08 issue) are also pretty rad:

tassel castle

Everyone knows that Fifi is my "other mother". Fifi is the Egyptian mother of my dear pal Justin. I have known her son for exactly 10 years this May. WOW, ten years! She is an outspoken creative soul who raised a good son on her own, and makes meals that are better than any restaurant in L.A. Her magical home has a peaceful garden loaded with succulent plants and tons of tassels. They are on every drawer, chair back, door handle, wall hanging etc...Every inch of her pad is painted by her or decorated with tiles.
She takes little charms and broken necklaces and dangles them from statues of Egyptian ladies. She should be an event planner or at least have a catering truck available to others. Crushed garlic and marinated eggplant never tasted so delicious!

If you love her place and things make sure to visit her at the Hollywood VINE/Cahuenga Farmer's MARKET this sunday (and every SUNDAY!) for mother's day. She makes one of kind reversible tote bags, hats, hair clips and more. She is closest to cahuenga and has blonde hair and gorgeous skin

the way the sun shines

Sometimes in the daytime I wander around my apartment hypnotized by the way the sunshine peeks through my windows. I know it seems strange, but the hazy light casting shadows across the walls and causing the sequins in my closet to glow makes me happy to live in L.A.
It must be the Ohio in me, but spying palm trees outside excites me.

This is the way it all looked in my art space and closet the other day.

Fran came over tonight and made a bunch of puff ball tissue paper things to hang at the SHOW PONY. Georgie Boy fell in love with the paper and kept waltzing over her handiwork

Come by the SHOW PONY tomorrow night for our monthly ART BLOCK PARTY!!
Fun begins at 7 and lasts til whenever we grow weary. Lincoln Madley is gonna perform at the shop and next door at HOPE gallery...Hamburger Eyes- show. Don't forget that the kids from WORK are reopening their space too, all new LADYBOY shoes.

electric magenta mini flowers

living things that are nice to see everyday mixing with your other stuff:

pages from my books of love

the piles and piles of magazines that are getting recycled. I still have an entire shelf to explore and tear

my assistant. Well actually he just lays on the torn out pages (currently snoring upside down in a cheese curl position and bending the pages)

the accumulated heap for next months ROSE BOWL! Yes, that is a pinata in the front frame- don't make me feel bad about it

there's no place like home

When you just can't bare to take yourself out of the house, nor tidy up your own pad, may I suggest you take a virtual tour of someone else's sweet space? Get yourself hooked up with some inspirational mojo by waltzing through apartment therapy. go here: APT Therapy

You may decide to rush your closet and spruce it up, or grab some paint swatches at Home Depot . So far today I've helped assist in hanging a boutique clothing bar in my back room. (Sure you may remember it as the old painting room and then later the sewing station and then more recently the hub of all garbage and storage) BUT- from now on that room will be a glorified GLAMOUR closet. Mark my words, that room will someday have a purpose. It may take weeks, but it will take shape soon.

**Remember, The time to change is NOW.

walking on sunshine

It's hard to believe it's been 4 months since my big operation. Thanks to all of you sweet supporters and friends who read my blog and cheered me on the road to recovery. The time has finally arrived for me to throw on my hiking gear, get out the yoga mat, and unearth my zen core. I am still trying to unleash the clutter over here, and am taking applications for motivational organizer. You have to be ruthless, and persuade me that my Xanadu-Dynasty-Italian Princess frocks are never going to look good out. Today is the first day, as Britt and I woke up and wandered around Elysian Park in the blazing sun wearing our sweaters. What were we thinking?

The Plague

I must apologize for the time lapse in posting, I was stricken with that plague flu going around. It hit me the evening before the Flea Market debut. I knew it was coming, as all of my close friends have been deathly ill the past few weeks. In fact I think I missed getting it the first round by rarely leaving my home.

It could've been all that ladies night partying the days before? Nontheless, I have been down hard. I have been in my bed for two days delirious on cold medicine, with my cat.

I'll recap that the Flea Market has some good potential. For the first day it had a lot of buyers. I was begging for sleep, and therefore didn't make for good company. There were some good vintage dealers, as well as food vendors. I think once it catches on it could be a fun summer deal.

The best part of my day: when an adorable painter came up to me and said that she lives downtown and loves my artwork. She said she's been wanting to mail me one of her paintings and when she spotted me at the booth she went home to get the piece. She said her boyfriend said it was a little weird of her, but I thought it was super sweet, besides it's an incredible piece!! I love it. She even signed her name in the corner and wrote "for Kime". The perfect doily owl
Now, I have to send her something in return.

The DECLUTTER challenge

In the past three weeks I have uncovered 5 of my buried organizing books on /FENG SUI /DECLUTTER and PREVENTING Procrastination. I don't even remember buying them on amazon, but know I probably did.

I have been busy reading them nightly and attempting to process the information in order to gear up for my big home and mind transformation.

The first room is always the hardest, so I started super small and conquered the bathroom

For those of you lucky folks here in L.A.-- I am also dragging these 8 years of clutter over to the ROSE BOWL this Sunday. The Rose Bowl for you novices- is like a visual EXPLOSION over in Pasadena. Aisles and AISLES of amazing LOOT. Sure, you might remember me doing this event in the past, but that was nothing compared to this time. I am digging deep and selling everything that I do not "need".

That's a strong word, and pretty much means I should eliminate a lot of furniture, accessories, books, pictures, dolls, jewelry, supplies straight away. I figure if I am gonna drag myself out of a warm slumber-at 4:30 a.m... I BETTER really mean business.

I am also selling off a lot of SHOW PONY DISPLAYS- so if anyone wants first dibbs on those ruby red wardrobes from the shop or that gigantic white wrought iron QUEEN chair-- hit me up online.

We have lots of cool mirrors that are going and some pretty art deco 30's style rugs.

DON'T MISS IT- you will have big regrets

Top 5 things you are gonna wish you scooped up from my Rose Bowl Booth:

1. the indian headress from my about me picture on this blog- baby blue feathers- wow
2. The majestic wrought iron QUEEN chair-
3. My victorian and flapper gear- never before on the market- fringe and crisp white lace slips
4. Various ARTwork from my personal collection and from other artists
5. Countless exciting pieces of furniture- including store displays and mirrors

THE ROSE BOWL sunday all day.
If I can get up at 4:30 a.m. and make it there- you can sleep in and come visit me later

It's Never too Late...

to get yourself organized in the New Year!

So hurry and get yourself excited about the adventures you're going to encounter in 2008. Get something that you can hang on your wall or toss in your bag or tear off your desk...and fill it up with new things to do. Take a class, get busy making things, moving things and keeping track of your time. Plan some rendezvous and don't forget to check out more local art shows.

Here's some sweet new 2008 CALENDARS and data books to inspire you to plot your destiny.
(order them at AMAZON, or at TACSHEN or at Barnes and Noble...to get one or just make your own.)

oh don't you love the calendar classics?

I think this one is a good one to go for

ALSO check out this rad new one you can purchase for only $12 at : http://www.bentstationery.com/

While I've been Away

Sorry to have neglected posting for a bit, I had to take some time off of from the WEB and the t.v. to organize my life. In these next few weeks before my big surgery, I thought I should focus on cleaning house in the event that anyone should need to take care of me here in my messy art pad.
I had decided to rearrange all of the rooms and put my sewing stuff on a vacation to the back room. (considering I have neglected to sew anything in over 5 months)

I opted for making that space an open air art section, minus the craft clutter that previously took root there. Before doing all of this, the FENG Sui (according to pals) was dismal. I had no motivation to make things and was at a standstill.

Kiss that apathy bye bye. I am now lounging in my new and improved art space. Mr. Georgie Boy is in love with all of the new corners and spaces to hang out in.
He has taken most fondly to this flapper Dietrich doll.

BEFORE the clean up

After the lovin'

later last night we went to celebrate Patterson's birthday at this cool new spot called the GRIFFIN. It sort of resembled an ol' Medieval Pub. The ceiling reminded me of a grotto, and the little fireplaces and stone seating areas hidden in the dark were lovely. The outside smoking area resembled a castle cage.

Patterson is one of those cool genius writer types with an English accent-famous for muttering "bloody" before most sentences. (he just did an interview with my favorite...Morgan Freeman)

here's shiny me and marvelous MAX. (the man with a filing cabinet of information on every movie or band ever made)

Boys Town Take one: Tottenham, Pritii, Julian, and Goldy

Boys Town Take two (notice the macho improvements)

rare Warlock sighting

Poet John Tottenham demanding decent photos for the doily

the backyard surprise

This week I made Mr. P promise to stay away from his house for about four hours. I told him I had a surprise I needed to execute between 8 a.m. and noon.

For those of you who haven't seen his backyard- it sort of resembles a 3rd world country. There are weeds waist high and abandoned cars and strange creatures lurking in the gravel. His landlord is sort of M.I.A, so I decided to make Mr. P a nice retreat in the backyard. I hired a landscaper- to clear the rubble and riff raff and then fancied it up with a hummingbird feeder and some plants. Then I made him wear a blindfold til he made it to the backyard oasis.

HERE are the BEFORE images!

IF you have any plants you want to donate to the cause- let me know.

And AFTER!-WOW

The Bell Jar

bell jar
n : a bell-shaped glass cover used to protect and display
delicate objects or to cover scientific apparatus or to
contain gases [syn: bell glass]

I finally own a bell jar. All of those trips to the Rose Bowl leaving empty handed- and now- newly found bliss. I think I will rotate the precious strangeness that will go in the bell jar monthly. That way there will always be some new oddity behind glass. At the moment it's a broken yard statue- a Madley charm necklace, a shell, an old faded corsage and a rhinestone clip.

here's what some other people have put in their bell jars:

This spectacular display is by artist Rachael Matthews and is titled "Anxious Caterpillers"

when you want to put yourself in it...

Worn and Weathered

I just bought this book For The Love of Old.
This beautiful coffee table book by Mary Randoph Carter contains precious photos of home treasures. She confesses that she worships everything tarnished, chipped, rusty, faded, patched or peeling.
Every colorful page looks yellowed and stained like a loved novel. The nostalgia of her pieces are documented and include darling anecdotes.
She states right off the bat:

"In an era that is desperate to be young and new and hip and cool, I choose old. This book is not an apology nor a revolt , but a celebration of things that endure, not only the worn and weathered things in our houses, but those of the heart, including love, emotion, character, and integrity."

She also recalls how a spider web can spin romance and rekindle a childhood tale.
And tis true that spider webs get a bad rap. Good thing that Charlotte's Web has somewhat changed that old perception, huh?

Prepare For a Long Cold Winter

Today was the first day in L.A. that felt like winter is on the way--
Being a big baby, and dreading the chill I decided to ponder new ways to keep toasty. I discovered the creative new cozy designs of Vik Prjondottir.
the name translates as “Vik, the daughter of knitting”
My favorite is the two person blanket --made to honor those super cold nights in the Nordic, when you had to invite your overnight guest to sleep with you just to beat frostbite.

“The wool industry in Iceland has a long tradition of hand knitting and pattern making, but a very stagnated image,” adds Birgisson. “The majority of wool clothes are for tourists – there are many replicas of traditional local clothing sold as souvenirs but there is a definite lack of collaboration between young designers and the wool industry.”

The Beard Caps are based on the traditional balaclavas worn by farmers during Iceland’s heavy snowstorms, while the Twosome Blanket acknowledges the custom of sharing bedding to keep warm. Other products reference Iceland’s dramatic and inhospitable environment. The Regional blanket, for instance, is decorated with the image of one of Iceland’s largest glaciers.

The collection also includes a woollen “guardian angel” based on the mythical Nykur horse, which lives in lakes.

Get yours today before it really gets unbearable:
http://www.vikprjonsdottir.com/

Found the Floor

The reason my blog has suffered recently--
my home renovations. I know - I know- I'm strange. But David and Nina gave me a gift certificate to the Container Store for my birthday and well... I was inspired. I am still in the process of repainting the kitchen and sorting through the bins and bins of fabric- in the arts/crafts area. Check out the latest progress:

space is the place

I've been spending my time this week making space. The more things I move the better things seem to flow. Soon enough there will be room again for friends and craft circles. The books are arranged by subject from crafts to women artists. Who knew I had it in me? The bigget obstacle will of course be the bedroom- where the piles of costumes have gathered for a meeting on the floor.

I apologize for the lack of posts -- trust me- this is going to have a huge pay off.

Little Victorian

these are a few of my favorite things from around the house-- thought I would share them

Rose Bud

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.
- Emma Goldman

I've never had a green thumb. My mother was a plant killer too. Not that she didn't try for years and years to keep plants lovely. Once when I was about 9, I made her buy me packets and packets of amazing flower seeds. I took them out back and poured them in the ground and watered them. Not a single one of them sprouted. Found out years later that you really got to know your growing facts. I was able to make a sunflower stalk sprout once.
So it comes as a happy surprise to know that the neighbors have magical hands. They can take a tiny succulent sprig and turn it into a blossoming bush and make a palm tree grow like a bean stock. They have planted summer herbs and tomato plants and flowers gallore. The flowers are alive and smell like the sweetest rose perfume when you pass.

Just a few of the flora that grace the front porch...thanks to Frannie and Joaquin

(old painting by buzzelli on a drawer)

Movie Star Wallpaper...

Here's looking at you kid! This wallpaper would be just grand in your bathroom. You could sit upon your throne and gaze at all the action. Hey- I'm just kidding-really. Although that Lil Shirley Temple face would be nice to draw an eyepatch and a mustache on.

Cold Clean Up

It has turned cold again. This apartment has a broken heater. I am actually wearing sweat pants. Those of you who know me well, know this happen once a decade. The sky is grey. In an attempt to utilize the skills I've learned in my new "Organizing for the artist"- Justin and I have spent the entire day cleaning the Silkscreening studio. Ok it's just Brandon's garage. Anyway we found some cool varieties of mildew and mold. We had to throw away some good stuff. The best find of the day: a YEARBOOK that just proves how cruel high school kids are. (R.I.P. Columbine)

An old painting of mine that has seen better days

the following pictures are from the yearbook we found laying in garage sludge. The Glendale boys sure are mean. This is our friend Darren's book. Seems those Columbine kids weren't the only ones crossing off peoples faces. My favorite is the picture of the albino girl that although crossed out has written on the side affectionally "nice person" What a change of heart.

this is the lamp Cynthia will steal if ever given the chance

Martha Stewart would be so proud of Justin and I today. We have successfully changed our Feng Sui.

flair- in my room

I like the way my apartment looks illuminated by Xmas lights. Faded grandeur- high decay.
I've made a decorative arts joke and sat in a thriftstore chair to absorb the laughter.
I love to see the layers of accumulation and the evidence of living. When someone else comes by they never seem to appreciate the things caught up in a dangle. I love it here.
All the things that get pinned on top of other things...
The basket full of dolls and piles off pillows


These are the metal flowers that hang over my mirror... near the 1910 magic mirror cape on the door


My bracelet holder...

Everything Looks Good in a Bell JAR

I mean it. Everything looks downright precious and meaningful in a glass dome Bell JAr. I found these lovely "wedding domes" at the flea market and later discovered this amazing art at the Lucas Gallery. Darling taxidermy mice all bundled up in their homemade quilt and tidy bed. For those who love this-try looking out for my favorite artist of all time Annette Messager a.k.a. the taxidermy queen.



Annette messager was quoted in an interview as saying:
Leoff: Love?

Messager: It is still one of the most essential things in life. It can be found in making little dresses for stuffed birds, or in a garden of tenderness like I have done ("Le jardin du tendre," 1988), mixing writing, photography and real spaces. There are all kinds of acts of love.

Leoff: Your forms of love are always based in a game between attraction and repulsion. I return to the net, which both retains certain elements and lets other elements slip through it ...

Messager: I have a side of me which is very modest and another side of me which is immodest. Shameful Annette Messager, shameless Annette Messager. As in each individual, there is the side that reveals, discloses things and a side that hides, conceals.

I have always believed that somehow the less we reveal the more the other desires to see.