- CENTERPIECE

Friday

Jul092010

DIY faux real

Friday, July 9, 2010 at 10:46PM

It's amazing what you can whip up with some foam core, spray adhesives and pretty paper. That said, making this stag head was a mission of epic proportions. If we lived in the States, it would have been a piece of cake. We could have popped into craft supply megastore in some suburban stripmall, walked out with everything we needed 20 minutes later, and probably stopped at a Dairy Queen for a Reese's Pieces Blizzard on the way home.

But since we live in New Zealand, this afternoon project became a four month hunting and gathering expedition. After months of searching, we finally tracked down the right foam core. Having scoured gift shops across the lower South Island for weeks, we managed to forage some chic papers. Eventually, the spray adhesive and other bits and pieces fell into place. And then the real fun (cutting curvy pieces out of foam core with craft knives) began.

It's not a project for the faint of heart. And were it not for my studly knight in shining armour, I can guarantee this could have ended in tears, and perhaps a severed finger or two. But thanks to his patience and mad skills with the craft knife, we have a faux trophy to commemorate our real hunt...

Should you wish to embark on such a journey yourself, find the instructions and templates here. Just a note; we improvised and decided to mount the head on a plaque with contrasting paper by drawing a template ourselves and cutting the foam core to size. So feel free to heed the call of the wild and get creative with your...uhm, mounting.

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simply the best

Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 04:35AM

Bouncing down a dirt road in a pickup truck. A sign directing you to a place called Paradise. A private picnic in a field far from everything. Hooking your arms around neck of a handsome horse. The scent of the horse on your hands for hours afterward. A belly laugh. A kiss in the the tall grass. Sometimes simple things reign supreme.

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Sunday

Dec132009

post modern

Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 03:08AM

There's nothing I like more than a piece of furniture with a story to tell. Check out this chic chaise.

The tufted upholstry and ornate arms allude to days gone by, while the heavy, clean lines of the legs bring it back to the future. Rooted in the past, but fashion forward enough to look dynamite in any room, be it sleek and modern or shabby chic.

And what's even better? There really is a story in this seat- it's upholstered with vintage New Zealand post bags. There's no junkmail here, kids. This is the real deal. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to pen a love letter to the designers at Union, post haste. Signed, yours truly.....

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feathering

Saturday

Dec122009

santa baby

Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 10:13PM

I know all you girls out there have made your lists, checked them twice, wrapped, packed, mailed and delivered all of your holiday prezzies. But hey, fellas? Now might be a good time to get cracking. Twelve (12) days until x-mas.

A favorite client of mine, Paul, sent me a message this week about my gold nameplate necklace. His gorgeous wife admired it, he thought it might make a nice prezzie for Christmas, wanted to know the provenance of said necklace and furthermore, which color he should get for his Mrs. He picked up a hint, sought advice from a trusted source and acted. Well done, mate. You are a Ninja. You give us hope.

In honor of Paul's brave Kung Fu Christmas moves, I've compiled a short and sweet list with a few suggestions for sure-shot goodies to wrap up for your woman.

1. NAMETAG: We'll start with Paul's pick, a gold nameplate necklace. Carrie Bradshaw made it famous. If you don't know who she is, let's talk. One of the best gifts I've ever received, and one of the most noted and complimented accessories in my arsenal. Go with the gold, it's the classic. And don't be afraid to punctuate any "i"s with a diamond. Another bonus: You'll never accidentally call her by another name.

2. IN THE BAG: This Novella Royale handbag is exquisite. I'm a fan of the classic, structured shape, the slate grey color is positively failsafe and the gold rivets pack a playful punch. She's ladylike and superfoxy all at the same time. And the handbag's not bad either.

3. SNAPSHOT SWOON: Whip up a photo book on iPhoto or Blurb. Upload fab photos of the past year, add a bit of poignant prose on an introductory page and you're in business. A streamlined solution for documenting your days together, a perfectly charming coffee table book and maybe a new holiday tradition in the making? Bonus points for being super sentimental and made by you.

4. A PIECE OF WORK: Buy artwork. Photography and affordable prints are a great way to start. Do you have any artist friends? No? Well, I do. I love this photo taken by my mate Rich Bayley in Cuba. How insane would that be as an oversize print in a white box frame? Or check out this charming (and affordable) The World Is Your Oyster print at Keep Calm Gallery. Complete it with a delicate, ornate frame and it's good to go. And I'd be remiss in not referring you to my own pics on centerpiece gallery. A few that might be nice are this or this or this. Order prints on paper or canvas (no framing necessary!) straight from the site. You don't even have to talk to me. Gotta love the interwebs, boys.

5. DEAR JOHN:This indulgent Essence of John Galliano Diptyque candle is heaven. Sultry, smoky, perfect for the festive season. Probably the closest most of us will come to actually wearing Galliano and we'll take what we can get. Um, did I mention that it is the Essence Of John Galliano?! Yeaaaah. Nuff said.

6. A KIMONO, NO?: I know many of you men are a little shy to buy your girl something sassy, silky or sexy. You don't know what size. You don't know how far to go. White cotton? Lace? Latex? You're a little concerned that if you get it wrong, the gift could provoke a slap in the face or a swift kick in the family jewels. I get it. Here's a piece of advice- start with something safe, like this kimono robe from Agent Provocateur. It's friendly for any body, and understated enough for even the most demure dame. A safe bet that we know you'll love, and she will too.

So there you have it. Six sweet surprises for you to stash under the tree. Now get out your wallet and focus, Grasshopper.

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PB&J YOU'RE A-OKAY

Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 02:52AM

PB&J. It's a time tested classic kiddo combo. When peanut butter and jelly are in cahoots, they're hard to resist. But these days a PB&J sandwich rarely, if ever, makes the cut for lunch in my world.

Most of us have- at least once- dipped a spoon into the peanut butter jar, then the jam jar, then straight down the gullet. No? You haven't? Oh ooookay. It's cool, I won't call you out. You just keep floatin' down that river in Egypt. You know the one? Da Nile?

But if you need a snack for rafting through the rapids, I've got just the thing to satisfy those grown-up PB&J cravings, minus the jar and the spoon. And the shame.

A classic peanut butter cookie with a sweet and tart raspberry jam thumbprint. So sophisticated that you won't have to hide in the pantry with a spoon to get your fix. You're welcome.

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