New York City

I just got back from a busy month of traveling, Chicago for my niece's graduation and last week to New York again to see my daughter. I came back to some web glitches on my shop site so it's been a busy week already. Here are some quick pictures I took during that trip. I'll tell you all about it this week, as soon as I catch my breath! Both fabulous cites for art, theater, food and people watching...

I was eating in a yummy French Bistro across the street watching this dapper dude thoroughly enjoying his cigar! I love the West Village...

Eye candy on the subway.

My daughter's place in Brooklyn..Ahh the green space

Great exhibit at the MOMA. hurry though...I think it is leaving soon

Beautiful exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum

Modern Wedding with Exotic Twist

photo by Punam Bean

photo by Punam Bean

photo by Punam Bean

When you see exotic, cross-cultural weddings, often the entire wedding is covered in head-to-toe jewel-tones of deep, vibrant colors with sparkling gold and flashy embellishments everywhere, down to the smallest details. It's definitely dramatic and gorgeous but some brides are looking for smaller doses of global glamour. This couple's wedding, photographed by talented international wedding photographer Punam Bean, was traditional in both the American and Indian sense. What I love about this is her paisley, Indian-inspired scarf thrown casually over her white wedding dress. Just a spot of color to make things more interesting. Whether it's the cooler months of the year or the cooler nights of summer, a scarf is the perfect accessory to keep those bare bridal shoulders comfortable and cozy.

This orange, boho, block print scarf from Thailand would be a gorgeous compliment to a vintage country wedding or a modern wedding with orange accents. You can see more of Punam's work here and my entire collection of exotic scarves from The Loaded Trunk here.

Father's Day Gifts

I've hand-picked some special pieces from The Loaded Trunk for your world-traveling, sophisticated fathers this Father's Day. A mix of low-end and high-end art collectibles, vintage Burmese slingshots and cowhide boxes and rugs are on the list. Enjoy!

Collectibles: Burmese Nats

Burmese Nats

Nats is the general term for the spirits of Burmese religion and belief. They play an important part in Burmese myths and traditions. In the wonderland of Burmese legends no one could help but get involved with Nats, indeed one has only to be in Burma for a few hours to hear the word Nat mentioned. The Nats are for the Burmese people similar to how the Catholic Church views their Saints. These wonderful wood carvings are coated with lacquer, dyes, hair, colored glass and gold leaf. They radiate a place and time far away. The Arachneed does a great job of explaining the intricacies and history of nats, you can read more here.

Weddings, Lovers + Uncovering Affordable Art Pieces

If you are a lover of art, it is possible to purchase affordable art pieces. Here are tips to help you in the process. If you get to meet the artist ask about what their inspiration was and the story behind the work. This will provide you with insight and perception on the artist. Signature and authenticity certificates are important if you plan on becoming a collector. Either of these two will verify originality and prove that your new art prints are indeed real. I do a bit of both, most of my art is for me and is not purchased as an investment.  Mounting and framing costs should also be considered. I use local framers and often will find fantastic frames at flea markets.

The most important thing when buying for yourself is to buy what you like, art is subjective and emotional.

These Indian pieces are from The Loaded Trunk and depict scenes with lovers...If you are buying for a couple getting married make sure you have a good idea of their style before buying a piece... I would have traded in many of my wedding gifts for art!  I don't remember who gave me my wine glasses, but I remember those art objects I received. There was something so personal about them. Not another check off an obligatory list of things someone registered for.

Miniatures from Rajasthan are intricate, small sized, colorful handmade folk paintings, executed with detail with very delicate brushwork. This one depicts the lovers, Krishna + Radha and is painted on old Indian government stamped papers
$50.00 at The Loaded Trunk

The relationship of Radha and Krishna is the embodiment of love, passion and devotion.
 During the late nineteenth century, India established a printing Industry devoted to producing images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.  These are fantastic pieces for those friends that dare to be different.
$75.00 at The Loaded Trunk

Shibori Style

Silk Dupioni Shibori Wrap

silk dupioni / handwash or dry clean / made in the USA

This fantastic scarf/wrap combines the precision patterning of Shibori tying methods with gorgeous colors on silk dupioni. These were made by local Kansas City artist + designer Joscelyn Himes. Click here to shop or to see more great accessories.

Kansas City style blogger Jessie Artigue of The Concrete Catwalk shows us how to turn a simple wrap or scarf into a popular fashion trend: the turban.

Road Trip To Paducah!

I recently joined a organization called TAFA (The Textile and Fiber Art List is a worldwide membership organization of fiber artists and textile businesses on the web showcasing member portfolios through its website). My traveling, usually on a plane and out of the country was pleasantly interrupted this week with a last minute road trip to be one the vendors at the first TAFA Market held during the 27th Annual AQS Quilt Show in Paducah, Kentucky... An unlikely liaison for me... or so I thought.

I had a lovely home stay with a couple in the country and made fast friends with a few of the other vendors and Rachel Biel, the strong force behind organizing this event. Both artist and creative entrepreneur of Rayela Art she is relentless in trying to move this world wide organization to the next level.

One of the famous Paducah Murals...

My corner of the market...

Abdul & Rachel playing with a few of my textiles.

My wonderful host's home

The reluctant traveler was pleasantly surprised by the diversity and hospitality in this lovely southern town.