Blue Bird

This was made for my friend (birthday present) who loves birds.
I like the way this cushion/pillow came out. It's a couple of inches longer on the length. I used two types of linen as you can see. The body linen is the French linen, same one I used for the Bears, and the patch linen is from Belgium.

I might get addicted to making cushions... pillows, cushions... pillows? ah, cushlows.

Gift Registry

Gift Registry now available...finally! Create a wish (want) list for the most special events in your life and share it with your family and friends.

"Yes, Please!"

Bears

Remember this post? { I Love Linen }

The linen was for this pair of pillows. They were a gift for a friend and since his birthday has passed, I can finally post the photographs.
These were handmade, by yours truly, completely - from start to finish. Hence, imperfect, but I like it that way.

I've been "studying" pillows and cushions quite a bit, like I've been "studying" porcelain. By "studying" I mean, I will research for the best shape, design - basing it on comfort, functionality, practicality and of course aesthetics. I will make, buy, trade, collect the item I'm studying. Use it, abuse it and review it. This can go on for months, weeks... when lucky, days. Finally, once I have discovered the perfect shape it then becomes my surface (to apply my drawings).

You may have noticed BDB has gone to 2nd, okay 1st gear for the last month and half, maybe two. At first, it was lack of inspiration, perhaps due to feeling overwhelmed or the Mercury Retrograde? But for the last couple of weeks, I've been working hard to getting back to 4th (gear) and I took the time (of lack of inspiration) to re-group, organize, go back to my initial plan (when I first started my business) and am happy to say, I'm back on track!

I've been "studying" a lot as well. You'll see.

Astulabee's New Website

It's beautiful.
www.astulabee.com

The Scorpion and the Frog
A scorpion and a frog meet on the bank of a stream and the  scorpion asks the frog to carry him across on
its back. The frog asks, "How do I know you won't sting me?" The scorpion says,
"Because if I do, I will die too."   
The frog is satisfied, and they set out, but in midstream, the scorpion stings the frog. The frog
feels the onset of  paralysis and starts to sink, knowing they both will drown, 
but has just enough time to gasp
"Why?" 
Replies the scorpion:
"Its my nature..."

More From Styling Days

white

silver

shoesuit

Lines and Styling

This is a test job we (ange + rj) did back in the styling days. It was a comic story so merging the photography with illustration made sense... I guess I was desperately trying to get back to drawing.

I Love Linen

{Work In Progress}

Don't you hate it when this happens?

Tagged!

I've been tagged (for the first time!).
Reminded me of a "Question Notebook" I made in my early teens. Remember those? Write a question per page and pass it on to friends, who'll then answer each question carefully with their multi color pens and fill the lines with 300 favorite songs although the question asked for one only? I kept mine. A boy I had a crush on answered my questions. The final question was: What do you think about the owner of this Notebook? He wrote his answer on the last page of the notebook saying he did so, so he'd be the last to be forgetten.
CHEEEEEEEEEESE. But oh my goodness, back then (I was what, eleven?!), I had died and gone to Heaven...
Anyway, here's the Q&A. Enjoy:

What’s your current obsession?
Burning eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils all day long even though it’s not recommended.

What’s your weirdest obsession?
When I eat cookies, candies, chips, etc. I have to eat in odd numbers. For example, I will either eat one cookie (which never happens) or three. If I eat two only, until I eat the third one, I will be off balance.

What are you wearing today?
Shoes: Men’s Frye Engineer black boots (too big, but I do not like the women’s version.)

Bottom: Super worn and old black leggings…
Top: Steven Alan “supposed to be tight but stretched out” mini charcoal cotton dress.
Sweater: H&M navy cardigan.

Why is today special?
I didn’t forget to buy a piece of chocolate cake while grocery shopping. I always forget, then midnight comes and I’m eating sugar cubes.

What’s the last thing you bought?
Ahahah! I JUST purchased a bulk order of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils online…

What are you listening to right now?
Yikes… Mariah Carey, Love Takes Time. WAIT, I’LL EXPLAIN! I’m listening to ITunes Radio, Hit’s of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Big R Radio 90s FM. I have no control, blame the D.J.

What’s your favorite weather?
Brazilian summer at the beach…………………………….

"rosted cheese", hehe.

What’s your most challenging goal right now?
Understanding Quickbooks – but I’m getting there.

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
Jenna @ Whimsy & Spice: The ultimate multi-tasker. Super mom & wife, super customer service ;), super photographer, super designer & blogger.

The person who tagged you is coming over for dinner. What’s in the menu?
Appetizers: Cheese bread

Sadad: Heart of Palms and cucumbers
Entrée: Brazilian beef stroganoff , rice and potato sticks
Dessert: Flan

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
At this moment in my life, somewhere in Upstate NY or Brooklyn – as long as there’s a humongous backyard for my dogs to play, I’ll be happy.

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
Plane tickets to France.

What would you like to get rid of?
Nothing really…

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Limoges, France

Which language do you want to learn?
French and German

What super power would you like to possess?
Flying.

What’s your favorite thing about the city you live in?
It inspires me.

What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
My men’s Steven Alan, super chunky cardigan. I wear it almost everyday. I don’t know what I’m going to wear when summer time comes…

What’s your dream job?
My current one ;)

If you had $150 now what would you spend it on?
I’d take John out for sushi. He’s been the most supportive and patient person in the world.

Do you admire anyone’s style?
My father’s style in the 70’s and my mother’s in the 80’s.

Describe your personal style.
Don’t want to stand out.

Who’s fashion show would you want tickets to?
I think I’ll pass the tickets on to my friend and former styling partner Angella.

Who’s closet would you want to raid?
Anyone’s closet containing Owens, Demeulemeester, Comme, Costume, Balenciaga, vintage men’s cardigans, great white tshirts and cool comfortable shoes.

What are you most proud of?
I have yet to accomplish it.

Now the rules of this tag:
1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.
2. Tag other people you would love to learn more about.
Noelle, Nicole, Cassie

The Other Night

A friend invited us over for dinner.

And I was sad I didn't have my camera with me.
Please pardon me... but phone photos will have to do...
The NY garden.
Details

My Joys

In My Dreams I Fly

"dreams of flying"

by jan von holleben

www.janvonholleben.com

When I go to sleep I always wish for a dream where I'll fly.
There was a time when I did fly a lot (in my dreams). I tried to describe the feeling of one of my flying dreams in a drawing.

Love Me

phone photo taken on the williamsburg bridge yesterday.