drew-o-rama

thrift store decor

When I was in design school, one of my professors exposed us to a lot great designers outside of the world of graphic design. I didn't really know much about Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, or Harry Bertoia, for example, until this professor spoke about them.

There wasn't an IKEA in Cincinnati at that point (one opened a year ago) so I needed cheap furniture that had some style. I had always like thrift store shopping, so I started keeping my eyes open for mid-century furniture, which I needed to fill my apartment.

my bedroom and living room | click to enlarge

I'm sorta glad this happened, since I've been able to find some cool stuff. None of it, except for some fiberglass Eames chairs, is worth anything, though. The lounger is an Eames knock-off (sorry Charles and Ray.) However, I think it all looks really good. It's sorta developed my aesthetic into one that's a bit truer to me. Maybe I will get sick of the vintage/thrifty decor eventually. But, for now, it's fun.

For more photos of my apartment, check out my Flickr page.

bench monday, 13 july

I always have pillows sitting on the floor, for some reason. I thought I'd take advantage for today's Bench Monday photo:

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Maybe I am channelling Charles and Ray Eames...

box box

I have a thing for boxes. I have the plastic storage kind you get at Target. I have vintage boxes that used to hold office supplies, tools and fishing gear. I have paper boxes that held Easter candy, 45 records and stationery.

So you imagine how excited I was when I found this metal box with the word "box" on it:

image from www.maryandmatt.net/design/ | click to enlarge

OK, I didn't actually FIND it in real life... I found it on Mary & Matt's blog. But isn't it the coolest?!

sneak peek: paper packs

Today, I'm happy to announce another product for Kitsch Café Handmade... Paper Packs!

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Packages of vintage paper ephemera for craft, collage and scrapbooking will be making their way to the shop. I'm very excited about Paper Packs because I learning that I am hungry for vintage illustration. What a better way to satisfy my hunger than by collecting and assembling these packs of paper from vintage books, games and magazines.

Look for them in the shop the next week.

inspiration: vintage aliens

I love this Flickr set of vintage postcards with alien illustration added for humor. What a hilarious idea!

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via [swiss miss]

inspiration: sarah applebaum

This week I am inspired by Sarah Applebaum's crocheted and knitted installation art.

images from sarahapplebaum.com | click to enlarge

I about had a heart attack when I saw her work. The color makes me want to jump up and down! I think I want to put on one of her crazy white gorilla suits, sit in one of her crazy cool installations, and knit all winter long.

images from sarahapplebaum.com | click to enlarge

See more of her portfolio on her website.

craig's list picks

For the past few weeks on one of my other blogs, I've been posting weekly Craig's List finds. Many other blogs do this, but I thought it might be nice to copy the idea for my readers since it can be so specific to our area.

Here is some of the cool stuff I found this week:

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- Modern Eames Era Table and Chairs, $745. Modern smoked glass table and four bucket seats in mint condition
- Rare orange Eames Herman Miller Mid Century Chair, $300. Original condition.
- Mid-Century Credenza, $225. A dark walnut mid-century credenza in exc. cond. Unused.

- Two Vintage metal desks, $50.
- 42" Vintage Herman Miller Eames Round Dining Table, $199. Table is in great condition.
- Retro Donut Phone, $20. An original, yellow Western Bell Donut Phone.

- Mid-Century White Burke Chairs & White Tulip Base Dining Table, $150. Original Burke mid-century chairs in decent condition
- Retro 50's double light goose neck lamp, $22. Great deep tomato red color
- Two Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass "bucket chairs", $500. Mid-century classics. Dated 1957.

shop update

I've been updating the Kitsch Café Vintage shop the past few days with some delicious new items, including: a fun illustrated 1950s black metal tray, groovy Japanese stackable floral mugs and a bright yellow Dansk-inspired serving bowl.

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Stop by and check out the shop as there will be loads more in the next two weeks.

website

I've been working on the Kitsch Café website for the past few days.

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I want to create a website so I can funnel all my business through one site. It's frustrating giving out a bunch of different URLs, some that don't match, some that are really long, etc.

Plus, I am going to apply to Renegade Chicago, so I want something that's professional.

I am really excited about this new site. Hopefully, it will be live in the next week or two.

bottega veneta spring 2010

I am in love with Bottega Veneta's spring 2010 collection, shown a few weeks ago in Milan.

images from men.style.com | click to enlarge

The collection was designed by BV designer Tomas Maier. I love the color... some pieces shocking and clashing, others minimal and quiet. The pinks and reds make me swoon.

images from men.style.com | click to enlarge

I also like the combination of formal and sporty... A baseball/varsity jacket with rolled up khakis and loafers.

I'll take one of each. Thanks.

inspiration: beach blanket bingo

I totally love the wacky opening sequence to Beach Blanket Bingo: