the night we saw the trading tortoise

The Trading Tortoise, project by artists Monica and Souther Salazar, came to town. We went of course! But what to trade, what to trade? Turned out our 100 year old, well travelled, well loved Dutch-Chinese rice scooper. It's been around the world and was a fitting time for departure from our (too) small home. And... an origami finger puppet born on the street corner in that very moment by the name of Han Foldo, who left Sam's possession the mere evening after creating it. An object from an old life departs, with one from the new.

(ps/ Sorry guys that the scoop is a tad big for a travelling, single sedan Trading Tortoise. I thought of that. But, it's a beautifully tough item. Chuck it around, stuff it full of treasures, strap it to the top of the car until it reaches it's next destination... the scoop will not mind.

...But ok, next time I will follow Han Foldo's lead and stick with paper.)

We waited in line for enough time to make new friends, evolve a new chapter to our objects' stories, and in the end came home with a trade of a lovely handmade paper flower, and a doll called Martin Sheen. Hey, and books!....

waaaay past bedtime

Thanks Monica, Souther, and Mark too. You guys are awesome. We will always remember the night we gathered under the stars on a University Heights front lawn to meet the traders in the Tortoise. 

When our trades are logged I will post it here, but in the meantime, click here to know more about this delightful project.

the plants : first rain, first new growth of the season

california broom

paradise manzanita

brittlebush

chamise

island bush poppy

mountain lilac, burned by heat week before but bouncing back.

nevin's barberry

blue eyed grass

pink flowering currant

 lemonade berry

electric blue sage

oak

bush poppy searching for sun

most little lanterns

Exquisite little nature-made luminaries from the astonishing Starnet. Flip the singular switch beneath the tiny vitrine, and the objects light up from the inside. Magical! Starnet Works runs through September 10 at Heath Pottery, Los Angeles.

the plants : summer

California natives still beautiful, even while preparing for seasonal sleepy time.

mom relaxes at beach while kids collect boring rocks

Oh! I guess they were not so boring after all. Torrey Pines, California.

old habits die hard

      

"Everybody can memorize the old laced or crocheted tablecloths, which were used as interior decoration at your grandparent's house. The decorations are beautiful hand made design, but do not represent today's style anymore. The knowledge about handcraft techniques vanishes. JONGHLABEL regrets that these old artistic techniques disappear.

In order to renew interest in old handcraft techniques, JONGHLABEL started Jongh Geleerd Oud Gedaan. Together with women from different cultural backgrounds and from different parts of the city of Amsterdam, JONGHLABEL started a co-production project. These women still know how to practice Dantel (Turkish handcraft technique), tatting, lace and crochet. JONGHLABEL transfers the beautiful handmade fabrics into modern jewelry. By turning them into modern jewelry, JONGHLABEL hopes to renew people's interest in these beautiful old handcrafts."

bravo!

via JONGHLABEL and Frozen Fountain.

hello summer

TAE Things going and to be done.

Thomas Edison's to-do list, circa 1888. Via Brainpickings. 

wild clay

Artist Ako Castuero. I missed this show. But consolation prize, I read how to make wild clay here. She is all-around awesomeness.

found the usa/ HUGE

From Found MUJI in conjunction with HUGE Magazine, a new exhibition called "Found the USA". There are a thousand other amazing entries on this blog. Please go read now and be happy. Via thescoutmag.com.