Effie Girlie Finerie

new blog : update your links

2010-06-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hello! I've finally made the move to my new blog : Angie Burr. I'm slowly moving everything over, so this is a bit early but I'll be traveling soon so I thought what the heck, I'll just share it now! Please let me know what you think. I will post images of my final project this week and then I fly to NYC ! The new MUSIC monday post is up… off you go now to have a look. Have a great week everyone and thanks so much for reading !

conversation with Tsilli

2010-06-17T15:25:00.001-07:00

Every Thursday, Tsilli Pines and I post a note to each other on our Flickr sites. You can see our correspondence on these links: mine and Tsilli's.

Music Monday: Stars

2010-06-15T01:36:00.001-07:00

Stars' new album, The Five Ghosts, is due out June 22nd. Until then, you can stream it from NPR's First Listen. I've been listening all morning and am really liking it.

Btw… I'm a day late posting because I had my exam yesterday and was busy finishing my presentation. I'm officially halfway to a Masters in Textiles. Now it's time to pack for 2 months in the U. S. First stop, NYC! I will post pictures of my final project this week. Have a great day!

conversation with Tsilli

2010-06-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry my posts have been so sparse. School has really taken over my life. But soon, in a week to be exact, I will be free as a bird to chirp about my design projects and my trip back to the States after 9 months in Denmark.

But first an overdue notice that I've started a digital correspondence with Tsilli Pines, a lovely designer and artist in Portland, Oregon. If you are a long time reader, you may remember me drooling over her show at Ogle named The Figures. We met a few months after I saw the show and we became instant friends. Her love of printing, typography and sewing led Tsilli to designing and making Jewish marriage contracts under the name New Ketubah. Business has been so good she recently struck out on her own, leaving her Design Director job, to grow her own design business. For a full view of Tsilli's world, here's her web site.

So, our digital correspondence is viewable on our Flickr sites. Here are the Flickr links: mine and Tsilli's. Every Thursday one of us posts a note to the other. Simple and fun. Please take a look on Thursday and feel free to chime in with your thoughts we would love to hear from you!

Music Monday: Typhoon

2010-06-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Last week, a friend recommended I listen to the Portland band Typhoon. They are now in my daily shuffle. The sound is folk. The arrangements and lyrics feel fresh. Led by Kyle Morton, there are 7 core members and 17 total contributors on the album. Here are the links: myspace, website. Enjoy and have a great week! *a

Music Monday: Eurovision 2010 : Giorgos Alkaios & Friends

2010-05-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

I watched Eurovision last Friday and I loved it! Some of the performances were more memorable than others. My top 3 favorites were France, Greece and Serbia. Giorgos Alkaios & Friends of Greece was pretty darn great. Watch your ears if you're on headphones, I think it's a little loud. OPA!

Music Monday: Freelance Whales

2010-05-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

I just heard about this band through the blog Frolic yesterday. They played with the Shout out Louds, which is another great band. I thought I'd feature the Freelance Whales since they're a bit less known and, well, listening to them now, they are making my morning pretty sweet. I hope you enjoy them too. Here are the links: myspace, website.

new work: is almost ready

2010-05-23T14:24:00.001-07:00

Made with fine knitted fabric and handmade paper, these sculptural pieces will soon be ready to be hung on the wall in multiples. Here's a peek…

Music Monday: Patty Griffin

2010-05-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard on a new project and will share lots of pictures soon. I've been listening to a lot of country lately. It soothes me as I stress about the semester ending and getting everything done.

I hope you enjoy this video and please, have a heavenly day - every day! :) Links to Patty Griffin: myspace, website.

Design: PROJECTiONE

2010-05-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

BAS Gallery Bodhi from PROJECTiONE on Vimeo.

This group from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana is creating some very interesting work. Their videos show either how a product was made or how it's put together. Very smart work.

Textile Artist: Daniele Papuli

2010-05-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

Daniele Papuli's recent work, Cartodendri seating, was featured on the blog, Mocoloco. The striped stools and tables are made from magazines. Beautiful! See more images on Mocoloco.

Music Monday: The National

2010-05-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

The National just came out with an exceptional record - High Violet. I listen to it daily. You may have seen the recent New York Times article, The National Agenda. You can listen to the record on NPR until it releases on May 11th-- tomorrow. Here's their website with the link. Hurry and enjoy!

Music Monday: Broken Social Scene

2010-05-03T01:52:00.001-07:00

Broken Social Scene's new record 'Forgiveness Rock Record' releases tomorrow! But if you can't wait or you want a preview, you can listen to it on NPR's 'First Listen'. Enjoy and have a great week! *a

Shanghai: The World's Fair

2010-04-30T01:29:00.000-07:00

The Norway pavilion

The porcupinelike British pavilion — constructed of 60,000 transparent rods and called the “Seed Cathedral" by artist and designer, Thomas Heatherwick. (This one blows my mind it's so beautiful and unusual!)

Denmark’s pavilion features a bronze statue of the “Little Mermaid.”

The Netherlands Pavilion

The Expo opens today. City officials are projecting that more than 70 million people could attend the 184-day event.

Read more on NYTimes online. All images from the New York Times.

Music Monday: Josh Ritter

2010-04-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

I met Josh Ritter a few years ago at his show at the Aladdin in Portland, Oregon and I was immediately taken by how quirky and honest he was. I highly recommend seeing him live- he will warm your heart and leave you smiling. Not so coincidentally, that's the same way I feel about front man of The Frames, Glen Hansard, – That guy will get you singing with him even if you've sworn you would never do such a thing in public! The Frames helped Ritter kick start his career by touring with them in Ireland.

You can stream Josh Ritter's new album So Runs the World Away on NPR's First Listen until it's release on May 8th. Enjoy! *a

Music Monday : Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

2010-04-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry y'all! I've been busy and couldn't muster a Music Monday until Thursday. Lately, I can't get enough of this sweet 60's-ish song. Enjoy! *a

Artist: Theo Jansen - Kinetic Sculptor

2010-04-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

An engineer and an artist, Theo Jansen, designed poetic beach animals. (Please forgive the advertising bit at the end.) He spoke and showed how these animals work at TED.

textiles: beautiful surprises in dyeing

2010-04-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

or smukke overraskelse i farvning in Danish (or something like it:)
I continue to work on the scarf collection I thought I would have ready last week. Unfortunately, I have too many irons in the fire and am still working on them. Today, I did a little test and this is what happened. I love how graphic it is. I doubt it will keep the crisp lines after I steam and wash it but I may be able to find a way to do it in the next test.

Denmark: Geometric Garden

2010-04-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

I saw this on The Cool Hunter today. I must visit it, it's so close. The Geometric Garden by C. TH. Sorensens, Herning, Denmark.

Music Monday : Jonsi stage design

2010-04-12T03:54:00.000-07:00

59 Productions (UK) teamed up with guitarist and vocalist for Sigur Rós, Jónsi Þór Birgisson, to create his stage design for his tour. I'm pretty bummed he's not coming to Denmark so I can see it in person. But check the schedule and see if he's coming to your city! You can stream his album Go here. Enjoy and have a great week. *a

sweet spaces

2010-04-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist reposting these two beautiful spaces from Design Shimmer.

A great work and dining space…
and a perfectly dreamy place to sleep…

Music Monday : Ravi Shankar

2010-04-07T00:55:00.000-07:00

image from NPR: Hulton Archive/Getty

I'm a bit behind on my music posting. Monday was a holiday in Denmark and I ended up taking the day off and then yesterday was busy, busy. This week I will be enjoying Ravi Shankar. His music always helps center me and bring an instant calmness. Unfortunately, his music didn't make it onto my computer before I moved, but thanks to NPR, I can listen to him online. NPR recently posted the interview "Ravi Shankar at 90: The Man and His Music".

new work: is brewing

2010-04-02T03:40:00.000-07:00

check back next week for a new spring scarf collection.

Thursday word of the day: hugger-mugger

2010-04-01T01:55:00.000-07:00

This word made me laugh out loud this morning. Oh, if only I was an awesome illustrator! I may have to post a childlike drawing of a hugger meets a mugger later today:)

The true definition is:
1. A disorderly jumble; muddle; confusion.
2. Secrecy; concealment.

adjective:
1. Confused; muddled; disorderly.
2. Secret.
adverb:
1. In a muddle or confusion.
2. Secretly.
transitive verb: 1. To keep secret.
intransitive verb: 1. To act in a secretive manner.
straight from dictionary.com

Illustrator/Author/Designer : Maira Kalman

2010-04-01T01:14:00.000-07:00

The Institute of Art at the University of Pennsylvania is currently exhibiting Maira Kalman: Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World), the first major museum survey of the work of Maira Kalman. The exhibit includes the illustrator, author and designer's original works, photography, embroidery, textiles and performance as well as her many, many collections of the small things.

"New Yorkistan" by Maira Kalman and Rick Meyerowitz

December 10, 2001

She recently did an interview with PaperMag. I especially enjoyed the answer to this question:

(PaperMag) : And have you found the answer to any of the great questions? Like what is happiness?

MK: Yes. Knowing the right thing to do doesn’t mean you can do it in a way that brings you peace of mind and contentment. Sometimes you can be jumping for joy but that’s usually connected with a small moment, like I just finished a job and I can jump for joy or I just had the most delicious ice cream. In terms of bigger peace of mind I think that working on something that you are really concentrating on that gives you tremendous satisfaction is probably the most serious relationship to happiness that anyone can actually have as the counterpoint to having people around you that you love or love you, one or the other, and or, hopefully both.

If you would like to enjoy her "live" you can pop on over to TED: Maira Kalman, the illustrated woman.

image from Art Director's Club

Music Monday : Peter Gabriel

2010-03-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hmm… I just can't decide what I think of Peter Gabriel's new album "Scratch My Back." I do like Lou Reed's "The Power of the Heart", Bon Iver's "Flume" and Elbow's "Mirrorball" but then I get a bit bored. That said, I give Gabriel a lot of credit for his innovative idea - covering new and old bands and then asking them to cover him. I look forward to "And We'll Scratch Yours," the second album. Here are the links: pitchfork, website

photographer: Craig Varjabedian

2010-03-24T01:22:00.000-07:00

Black Tree and Orphan Mesa, Ghost Ranch, NM 2005

(As stated on his website) Craig Varjabedian's photographs of the American West and Southwest eloquently illuminate his connections with the region and its people. His finely detailed images shine with an authenticity that reveals the inseparable ties between identity, place, and the act of perceiving. For Varjabedian, the art of photography is a receptive process driven by a committed openness to what each subject offers to reveal, rather than the desire to manipulate form or catalog detail. He achieves this intensely personal vision by capturing and suspending on film those decisive moments in which the elements of a scene and the ineffable spirit of a moment come together in exceptional, often startling ways.

He was also featured on NPR today.

Hill and Circle of Junipers, Ghost Ranch, NM 2005

Storm over Movie Cabin, Ghost Ranch, NM 2006

Music Monday : The Ruby Suns

2010-03-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

If I had a lot of money laying around, in piles and piles, I would give some of it to KEXP. Here's another gem I found listening last week -- The Ruby Suns. Pitchfork didn't give them a great review but I think they are pretty nice to listen to while working. They sound like a lot like Animal Collective, which in my book, isn't a bad thing. I hope you enjoy them and have a great week!
Here are the links: myspace, pitchfork.

Music Monday : Franco & le Tout Puissant OK Jazz and Manu Chao

2010-03-17T03:09:00.000-07:00

A little over a week ago, I reached my breaking point with the winter weather. This winter was the coldest and snowiest for 15 years or something in Denmark and I wasn't feeling too thrilled with being a part of it. At the last minute, I booked a short trip to Barcelona to visit a dear friend thinking a quick get away would do me good. Also, Spain always makes me happy. The night before flying, Barcelona was immersed in more snow than they've had for 20 years. After hearing that news, I called a friend and whined about the inescapable winter over a bottle of wine. Thankfully, the snow melted quickly in Barcelona. The sun was shining and it felt like spring. It was exactly what I was hoping for and I had a wonderful time. Kolding caught the spring fever too because when I returned, it felt like spring here too. Thank goodness!

If you are over the cold, snowy winter and are about to loose your mind, hang in there and maybe listen to these two music recommendations. I hope they help you feel like you are immersed in warm sunshine, wearing sunglasses and flip flops.

First: Franco & le Tout Puissant OK Jazz/Franco TP Jazz
Pitchfork tells his story best : "François Luambo Makiadi, who was born to a Congolese breadbaker in 1938, built a guitar when he was seven, released his first single at 15 (after peers nicknamed him Franco), became one of the most popular bandleaders in his country's history (before Mobutu Sese Seko's dictatorship nicknamed him le Grand Maître), fathered 18 kids, and burned a mark so indelible that state-run radio played his records for four days straight after he died in 1989."

"Franco records are, primarily, music for the masses and their asses" - Pitchfork
Here are the links: wikipedia, myspace,

Second : Manu Chao
Manu Chao has such great energy it's difficult to not dance to it - try it! I dare you.
Chao is a musician without borders. His family moved to France to escape Franco's dictatorship before he was born. He sings in 7 or so languages including French, Spanish, English, Arabic and Portuguese. Here are the links: website, myspace, Pitchfork,

Enjoy!

Design : Flensted Mobiles

2010-03-03T06:03:00.000-08:00

The mobile’s life is hanging by a thread, But there is still life.

You can prove it: If one day you should think its heart is dead,
A friendly whispering will move it.
E.F.

I just returned from a really lovely visit with Ole and Aase Flensted of Flensted Mobiles. They couldn't have been more hospitable and inspiring. Ole's father, Christian, and his wife Grethe created the first mobile in 1954. Ole and Aase have continued the family business developing new designs and working with new materials to continue the legacy of creating floating poetry.

A beautiful old Heidelberg die cuts and scores the paper and plastic. This sweet gentleman showed me how it all worked.

music: The Middle East

2010-02-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

(I couldn't wait until Monday to share this) I came across this video after hearing the song on KEXP. The song is beautiful and so is the video. Their LP, The Middle East is now available. Here are their links : myspace, website.

Nokia - the World's Biggest Signpost

2010-02-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

Nokia - The World's Biggest Signpost

Music Monday : Mumford and Sons

2010-02-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

I just heard about this band on NPR this weekend. Full of lush harmonies, the West London band are a new take on the American folk sound. I listened this morning, checked their tour schedule this afternoon and bought a ticket tonight see them in Copenhagen in April. I can't wait!

Here are their links: myspace, website Enjoy and have a great week!

Yellena + Schoolhouse Electric

2010-02-16T02:55:00.000-08:00

I met Yellena last year at her first (I think) show in Portland. Her and her husband had just moved to town. We were instant friends and I was so sad to be moving to Denmark and to not spend more time getting to know her and Andrew. They are so kind and so talented without an once of pretension - my kind of people.

She recently collaborated with a local Portland lighting company, Schoolhouse Electric, and the results are gorgeous! You may have seen the posts in Design*Sponge and Apartment Therapy. Many, many congratulations my dear.

Emily B. : Awakenings

2010-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Emily is an exceptional textile artist. Her work always takes my breath away - the detailed embroidery and colors are splendid.

I've reposted the photos she shared on her blog from her show "Awakenings".

Paris!

2010-02-13T04:30:00.000-08:00

the Seine

Gare du Nord station has the happiest tiles I've ever seen in a train station.

An amazing performer outside the Basilique Du Sacre Goeur.
He inspired me to go for a long run the next day!

One of our many stops for macarons!
Paris has won be over despite the snowy gray days. I can't wait to return in the summer.

Sunshine in Brazil

2010-01-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

OH Garance… you have such a difficult life! I'm so glad you shared this photo today. I just returned from a lovely walk in a beautiful snowy landscape with a brilliant sunset, but think my body was more energized by just seeing this photo!

Music Monday : Sabrina Malheiros

2010-01-06T05:27:00.001-08:00

New year! New music! If you are living in the north where it's cold and dark (like me), this will make you feel like you've been sun kissed! And it might decrease your need for another afternoon coffee. Links: myspace, website

happy New Year!

2010-01-06T04:07:00.000-08:00

I hope the new year is filled with love, adventure, health and joy for each and every one!

I spent my holidays in beautiful, delicious, passionate Spain. It was more fun than I could have asked for. I'm now on a museli diet to offset all the churizo, cheese, wine, pastries, wine, olives, and wine I enjoyed. OH how I loved each and every bite!

It's snowing! Det sner!

2009-12-17T15:56:00.000-08:00

Evidently, it's rather rare for Kolding to have as much snow as we have gotten in the past few days. It has draped everything and has created white pillows a top bicycles and cars alike. I hope to go sledding sometime this weekend!

Music Monday : The XX

2009-12-13T23:17:00.000-08:00

The XX. I'm hooked. I hope you enjoy them too. Happy Monday! Links: myspace, website

Music Monday : Animal Collective: Fall Be Kind

2009-11-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

I got my hot little hands on the new Animal Collective EP – Fall Be Kind. I'm an AC addict. I especially like I Think I Can. It's keeping me movin' in the darkness of winter over here. It's been seriously nasty with horizontal wind and rain. I had another person recommend I get a rain coat today. The first person said I should get rain pants as well. If I biked, that would make sense but I walk to school so I thought rain pants were a bit over the top. We'll see what I think in another month.

Hope there are blue skies wherever you are! *a

Parisian colour

2009-11-18T06:07:00.001-08:00

Oh dear, the rains and the wind (!) of winter have arrived in Kolding, Denmark. But look what bright idea is going up in Paris to offset the darkness of winter.

from the cool hunter : Two prominent Parisian retail facades are getting the Jean-Charles de Castelbajac treatment.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s second Holiday facade is at the top of Champs Elysée, at Publicis Drugstore, established in 1958 and located on the site of the famed Astoria Hotel. The complex now houses two restaurants and several specialty shops, including a high-end grocery store. From November 20 to January 20, the building will be covered with enormous color glass panels and the inside will have a similar color-rich treatment with the theme “Pop your X-mas”. - Tuija Seipell

Music Monday : St Germain

2009-11-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

An oldie but a goodie – St. Germain's album, Tourist, has kept me moving despite the gray, rainy days. I highly recommend it if the coffee or tea your having this morning just isn't doing the trick.

Links: myspace, website

Favorite Flavs Friday

2009-11-13T08:05:00.000-08:00

A bit random but here are a few images I came across this week that got me to oooh and ahhh.

Native American inspired pieces

Lindsey Thornburg

Cédric Bihr photography

Sea of Shoes

Heal Fashion Lab

Baking

2009-11-07T03:01:00.000-08:00

I've been baking muffins almost every week now. They are slightly sweet and very healthy. This image from Sea of Shoes inspired me to sweeten it up and bake a pie soon.

Music Monday : Au Revoir Simon

2009-11-07T02:45:00.000-08:00

This weekend I looked for inexpensive flights to Paris while listening to Au Revoir Simon from Brookly, NY. Garace Doré included one of their songs in a video she included on her blog last week and I was like, whoa… who is that. Now I know, and now I'm hooked.
Links: website, myspace

Favorite Flav Friday

2009-11-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first Favorite Flav Friday. I will include whatever has caught my eye and delighted my taste buds that week. Come back every Friday. I'll be here.

Firstly, I've also been drooling over Idom's Dylan inspired new autumn collection. Modi has included gorgeous colors, textures and draping with bold feminine lines. She is so incredibly talented – always pushing the boundaries. I wish I could see them in person!

Secondly, for the past few weeks, I've been craving a new pair of shoes. Maybe it's the winter weather, or maybe it's my upcoming trip to Spain for the holidays that has me wanting some new beautiful heels. My first stop was Kurt Greiger. Many of my favorites have heels I think I would snap off on my first wear – I'm not a delicate walker. Small in size but mighty in my clomp. These keep calling my name saying they want to go to Spain with me for New Year's Eve.

Designskolen Kolding: Hans Christian Madsen

2009-11-04T04:26:00.000-08:00

from Hans Madsen's Spring 09 collection

This week, I am taking a beginning level knitting course with Hans Christian Madsen. I selected Designskolen Kolding for my graduate studies for instructors like Madsen – an amiable, knowledgeable teacher who is creating renowned work. His most recent clients include: Diesel, Collette in Paris, Force of Nature and First Among Equals. I must also add that he won the world's most prestigious fur competition, the Golden Fur Pin, in 2007. I think he may have influenced my newly found interest in the knitting machine. Speaking of, I must get back to work now!

Music Monday : Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

2009-11-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday everyone!
Okay, so I've really got to start blogging more. Sorry folks. I've been busy. Soon, I will share what I've been up to. I promise.

Until then, I highly recommend you check out a singer with 4 (!) first names – Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. His new album is Summer of Fear. I think it's pretty fantastic. To be honest, I can't stop listening to it. A quick bit about the singer – I met him a few times and he's a very sweet, polite, shy guy. I hope you have a great week. I'm just giving you one link because his myspace page has some weird redirect. links: pitchfork review.

Music Monday : R.E.M.

2009-10-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

R.E.M. performed at the Olympia Theater in Dublin for five nights between June 30 and July 5, 2007. The plan was to test out material that would eventually appear on the album Accelerate, to be released in early 2008. Live at Olympia can be heard on NPR. They were one of my favorite bands in college and listening to them again has memories of those days swirling. Enjoy!

Design Week 09, Copenhagen: part 1

2009-10-18T02:49:00.000-07:00

In late August, I went to Copenhagen for Design Week 09. The weather was warm and sunny and there were exhibits all over the city. The focus was sustainability and the projects ranged from hand carved bowls made in Ghana to a cell phone ad campaign working to revolutionize the fight against HIV.

The INDEX award exhibition was also on display that week. The recurring, world-touring exhibition presented the finalist for the INDEX: AWARD – visionary solutions created by designers to improve life for people around the world.

Design Week 09 : Throughout the week there were presentations by companies such as IKEA, Interface FLOR, and Frog Design sharing sustainability practices, new products and discussing the many challenges. While I was unimpressed by IKEA (in fact, I found their sustainability practices dated and lacking innovativion), I thought InterfaceFLOR and Frog Design to be inspiring and felt they had the true nature of sustainability at the core of their projects.

InterfaceFLOR, a carpet tile manufacturer, is not only working to reclaim their carpets and re-manufacture them into new high quality carpet tiles, they have started an ambitious project titled "Fairworks." Their commitment to environmental and social sustainability shines through in this line of flooring. Working with local craftspeople in India, they are integrating the designs of the area and implementing local manufacturing. The tiles are made from locally-available natural products: banana bark, river grass and cotton. I was very impressed with the beautiful designs.

Another project I was taken back by was Project Masiluleke, a collaborative effort between iTeach, the Praekelt Foundation, frog design, MTN South Africa, Nokia Siemens Networks and the National Geographic Society.

Project Masiluleke harnesses the mobile phone as a high-impact, low-cost tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB. Nearly 100% of South Africans have access to a mobile device and the project touches virtually every one of them. Conservative estimates indicate Project Masiluleke has the potential to mobilize hundreds of thousands to get tested. IMPRESSIVE!

You can read more on DesignMind.

Part 2 with more pictures coming soon.

A sunny autumn day in Kolding, Denmark

2009-10-15T02:43:00.000-07:00

I promised some photos this week. Here you are! I will post more from Design Week in Copenhagen this weekend. Enjoy.

I'm not a big sweets person but oh my was this Danish incredible! I may have to run an extra mile or two so I can enjoy these once and a while, or once a week.

This is my favorite grass roof or turf roof house. [correction it is a thatch roof] . I enjoy that the house next door is the opposite- modern, brown with defined lines. (image below)

Another house with the same roof technique. I have found information about 'turf houses' in Iceland but this is different. I will do some research and let you know or if you know, please comment.

There are lots of little green paths cutting between streets here and there throughout town. This one leads to the harbor.

My favorite lil' dock. The boards look a little unstable and every time I'm a bit scared I'll fall through.
My fears are relieved after seeing this ladder. I guess it's not that deep.

I hope the sun is shining brightly wherever you are! *a

Music Monday : Taken by Trees

2009-10-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
I'm back! It took a long time for me to get settled here in Kolding, Denmark. Just getting a bed and internet proved to be much more complicated than I imagined. I could go on but all and all, it was pretty smooth, thanks to my two friends here.

So, to kick off my first post in a few months, I'm featuring the Swedish band Taken by Trees. I heard someone playing their cover of Animal Collective's, "My Girls" in the studio last week. After listening to the rest of their songs on MySpace, I decided to make plans to go see them in Goteborg in December for my birthday! I hope you like them too! And, happy autumn.

Here's the video for "My Boys," the cover of "My Girls."

Music Monday : Magnolia Electric Co.

2009-07-20T13:08:00.001-07:00

Another find via KEXP. I'm so glad I will be able to continue listening when I'm in Denmark. I love streaming audio! This music makes me want to get in my car and drive, drive, drive. They will be playing in Portland at the Doug Fir on July 31st. Links: myspace, website Enjoy!

Vancouver B.C.

2009-07-12T11:40:00.001-07:00

I love Vancouver B.C.! With a population of 2.1 million (metropolitan area), it feels like the perfect mix between NYC, San Francisco and London. A beautiful, diverse, metropolitan city surrounded by marinas, beaches and mountains. I look forward to visiting again… or maybe moving there someday.

The Buchan Hotel, my very affordable hotel just a block from Stanley park.
The central location made up for it's aged 70's decor.
The Vancouver Convention Center has the largest eco roof in North America.
It was the perfect place for an afternoon picnic.

A fast walking park cat.

Sunset on the beach.

Tree top building.

Beautiful refraction.

Um… what? I'm still in Canada right?

Architecture: Seattle Library

2009-07-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday I drove up to Seattle to renew my passport and came across this incredible glass faceted facade. Turns out it was the new public library. Beautiful textures, space and color throughout. It blew me away! I could have spent all day there.

Music Monday : Bat for Lashes

2009-06-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Frequently when a band becomes popular really quickly I really don't want to like them. I'm still not sure why this is. Well, anyway, this was true for Bat for Lashes. Until Sunday when I heard an interview on NPR with the delightful nursery school teacher turned musician, Natasha Khan, and was immediately hooked. The watery sound and fantasy stories of love got me. Links: website, myspace.

I got in!

2009-06-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I'm thrilled to share my great news with you. I was accepted into the graduate program for textile design at the Design School in Kolding, Denmark. I just found out yesterday in my interview with the school. Classes start August 31st so I'm a bit overwhelmed with everything I need to do in 2 1/2 short months but I'm waaayyyyyy excited! In the next few months I will be selling all my jewelry, paintings and textiles on my etsy site so keep checking my site for sweet deals.

And lastly, but most importantly, thank you to all my dear friends who have witnessed my (few) freak-out moments, supported me through the process and for being such awesome and inspiring people. And to my sweet online friends, you inspire me and warm my heart with your comments and your wonderful blogs.

I'll keep you posted on the moving progress and of course all the great work I will be creating while in school!

BEST! *angie

Music Monday: Bjork

2009-06-15T16:35:00.001-07:00

Bjork is of my favorite musicians. I addition to loving her music, I am always taken by how she pushes fashion (her 2001 swan dress at the Oscars) and the gorgeous graphic treatments that adorn her records. Read more about her in Interview.

Music Monday : Buraka Som Sistema

2009-06-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

Whoa… this group of musicians makes me all kinds of happy.

Buraka Som Sistema is an electronic music project from Portugal, specializing in the kuduro genre, and are generally credited with creating the "progressive kuduro" variant. The links: website, myspace.

eeeek! i love this.

2009-06-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

{Thank you Milk!}

Thursday word of the day : Cosset

2009-06-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

cosset \KOSS-it\, transitive verb:

1. To treat as a pet; to treat with excessive indulgence; to pamper.
2. A pet, especially a pet lamb.

I think I need to hit the spa soon and enjoy such cosseting!

IDOM's new beautiful store

2009-06-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

My friend Modi moved her store, IDOM, to NW 23rd Avenue and it is beautiful!
Here's the before…And the gorgeous after…

Music Monday : Passion Pit

2009-06-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

HELLO! Sorry about the lack of posts. I was busy finishing up my portfolio to send to Denmark's Designskole. Once it was in FedEx's capable hands, I happily celebrated with friends - seeing live music and enjoying a few drinks. Then, I decompressed for a week and now I'm BACK!

I'm really into poppy dance music lately and again, I'm a bit behind on this one but this week's Music Monday pick is Passion Pit, an American electronic band from Cambridge, Massachusetts. The band's debut EP Chunk of Change started out as 6 songs written for Angelakos's then-girlfriend that became popular at Emerson College. They released their first full-length studio album Manners on May 19, 2009.

Listening this morning has me movin', answering emails and lining up meetings for the week and I haven't even had my tea yet! The links: myspace, website

Enjoy! *a

Thursday word of the day : Pulchritude

2009-05-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Our First Lady

pulchritude \PUL-kruh-tood; -tyood\, noun:

That quality of appearance which pleases the eye; beauty; comeliness; grace; loveliness.

Pulchritude comes from Latin pulchritudo, from pulcher, "beautiful." The adjective form is pulchritudinous.

Textiles: Valerie a Molnar

2009-05-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist posting these! All hand knit by Valerie a Molnar. Thanks Emily!

Music Monday : Thao with The Get Down Stay Down

2009-05-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Thao with The Get Down Stay Down is helping me through my Monday morning. Here's to the final days of working on my portfolio before sending it to the Design School in Denmark next week (gulp, gulp… I'm not going to freak out, I'm not going to freak out)! I won't be posting much for a few weeks. I'll be staying up for the next 7 days straight and then I'll need lots of time away from my computer, tracking down friends I haven't seen in months, many cocktails, with said friends, and soaking up the sunshine in the park to celebrate. Then there's the recovery time for the celebrating… it might be three weeks before I resurface.
Links: Myspace, Website

Music Monday : Sera Cahoone

2009-05-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

Acoustic, country Seattle musician : Sera Cahoone. Known as the drummer for Carissa’s Weird and Band of Horses, she has a charming twang and just released her second album, Only as the day is long in March. Links: myspace, website, interview on KEXP

fashion: Dagmar

2009-05-04T08:53:00.001-07:00

By Dagmar, an arty chic Swedish line. I would happily wear these every other day for the entire summer, with a few IDOM pieces of course.

fashion : Wunderkind spring RTW

2009-05-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

I love these color and print combinations by Wunderkind, by Wolfgang Joop.

when the sun was shining and it was warm…

2009-04-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

A local coffee shop closed and was selling their furniture. The orange one on the right has become my new office chair. I love it.

Thursday word of the day : Bumptious

2009-04-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

Some words mean exactly like they sound. I enjoy the silliness of this one and that it is difficult to take seriously when you say it.

bumptious \BUMP-shuhs\, adjective:
Crudely, presumptuously, or loudly self-assertive.

Bumptious is perhaps a blend of bump and presumptuous.

from dictionary.reference.com

Music Monday : Erykah Badu

2009-04-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

photo : Rolling Stone

It's a gray, boring day here in Portland and even after a run, I'm feeling blah. I need some sort of boost to rock through my to-do list, something other than indie rock. I do believe some funky soul is in order. I'm turning up the speakers and am going to jump into the list with the well-known, stunningly beautiful, Erykah Badu helping me along. Links: myspace, website. If you're in the same mood, Zap Mama is a great choice too.

photo : Steve Tackett, Rolling Stone

Thursday word of the day : Imbroglio

2009-04-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

After a two week hiatus, the Thursday word of the day returns…

Roxana Saberi is an American journalist who has been sentenced to eight years in prison by the Iranian government after being convicted of spying for the United States.

imbroglio \im-BROHL-yoh\, noun:

1. A complicated and embarrassing state of things.
2. A confused or complicated disagreement or misunderstanding.
3. An intricate, complicated plot, as of a drama or work of fiction.
4. A confused mass; a tangle.

from dictionary.reference.com

Music Monday : Sasquatch May 23-25

2009-04-20T07:45:00.001-07:00

Sorry I didn't post much at all last week, I'm working on my portfolio for graduate studies in Denmark and am swamped with work. Also, the sun decided to shine and I can't resist its delicious rays after what felt like a long rainy winter.

It's probably the sunshine and warm weather that has me thinking about the Sasquatch Music Festival and 3 days of outdoor music goodness. I've been enjoying listening to their online playlist this morning as I jump back into work. I hope you enjoy it too and the sun is shining wherever you are.

Here's the impressive line-up. See you there!

Music Monday: Blitzen Trapper

2009-04-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

ooooh how I wish I could have made it to the Fleet Foxes and Blitzen Trapper show last night! Instead, I'll enjoy listening to them all day today as I work and watch the change in weather go from rain to hail with brief appearances of sunshine and blue skies. Our weather moves fast here. Kinda like the music scene. Here are Blitzen Trapper's links: myspace, website
Enjoy and happy Monday! *a

fashion: COMING SOON

2009-04-10T08:17:00.001-07:00

'Traffic in Italy' - the COMING SOON Spring - Summer 2009 collection video. Their clothes definitely allow for movement! Website link.

a dress named ANGIE!

2009-04-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

um… have I told you my dear friend, Modi, of Idom, designed a beautiful dress and named it after ME. Seriously, the coolest thing ever! I can't wait until it arrives and I can have the precious piece for always.

Now to find the perfect shoes… !

Perfect quote for the day

2009-04-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you (my new favorite blog) Milk!

Movie Trailer: Away we go

2009-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying Sam Mendes's work lately. This had me laughing out loud.

Easter sale at Oregon College of Art and Craft

2009-04-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Enjoy an Easter Brunch this weekend at the Hands On Café at Oregon College of Art and Craft and receive a discount (up to 40%) in their retail Craft Gallery. And this year, you don't have to hunt for an Easter egg, they will give you one with your purchase. I want one! The event runs from Friday through Sunday.

Craft Retail Gallery hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM daily OCAC website.

Thursday word of the day : schadenfreude

2009-04-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

schadenfreude [shahd-n-froi-duh] - noun

Satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.

Origin: 1890–95; Schaden harm + Freude joy

In the small and catty world of advertising and design, Arnell's stumble has been cause for celebration. The schadenfreude on Madison Avenue hangs so thick you can practically taste it.
-- Newsweek-Mad Man, Brand genius Peter Arnell says one design flub won't tarnish his rep. Rivals aren't so sure

from dictionary.reference.com

Movie Trailer: Where the Wild Things Are

2009-04-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm actually much more excited about this movie. We'll all have to wait patiently, it's not out until October. I also really enjoy the revised version of Arcade Fire's song Wake Up (read more about that here).

funny people

2009-04-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

I'm not an Adam Sandler fan but this looks funny and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

(Thanks Joanna Goddard at A Cup of Joe and Rachel)

Music : Blind Pilot on NPR

2009-04-07T16:52:00.001-07:00

OH what a wonderful morning! The first thing I heard this morning, while working in my studio, was my friend's band Blind Pilot in an interview on Morning Edition with Ari Shapiro.

Music Monday : Jonathan Boulet and White Lies

2009-04-06T10:54:00.001-07:00

Two new bands I listened to over the weekend were Jonathan Boulet and White Lies. They are at opposite ends of the music spectrum – one is folksy and the other is electronic. Boulet is a 20 year old with an exceptional voice from South Wales, Australia.

Links: Jonathan Boulet: myspace,

White Lies reminds me a little of The Killers in sound but the lyrics are dark. I must say I didn't dive too far into either band's history. I just listened to them while working and thought you might enjoy them while you work too. Visually, I enjoyed the contrast of the two bands' branding – Boulet's watercolor type and illustration are sweet and a little precious and White Lies's full-sized video website is kinda cool in a design-techy kinda way. What do you think?

White Lies: myspace, website, pitchfork review

New Effie work

2009-04-03T13:05:00.001-07:00

It rained a lot here the past few weeks and I've been missing the ocean. Seems it shows in a few new paintings and a new necklace now available in my Etsy store.

bridge (Portland has 12)

$44

a brighter day ahead

$44

calm

sold ;)

watery blue mother-of-pearl lariat
$38

Thursday word of the day : Hackneyed

2009-04-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

hackneyed \HAK-need\, adjective:

1. used too often; commonplace
2. habituated; experienced

from Merriam Webster:
1. lacking in freshness or originality

synonyms: trite

from dictionary.reference.com

Eye Candy: Elizabeth Soule Photography

2009-03-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

Portland photographer, Elizabeth Soule, has created a delightful series of sea life and zoo animals. The objects are toys photographed with her Polaroid SX-70 but I think you'll agree, there's more in these photos than just toys– there are stories and personalities in these little prints. You can purchase them through her Etsy site. She has recently started a new collaboration project with Etsy seller, Sparke. You may view their new work here.

Music Monday: Balmorhea

2009-03-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

All is Wild, All is Silent available in stores now.

Balmorhea or [bal-more-ay] from Austin, Texas
From the trusty wikipedia: They self-released their first album, 'self-titled', in April 2007 and followed up with 'Rivers Arms' in February 2008. Balmorhea have toured the US three times and recently completed a third full-length album due out in early ‘09 as well as a new EP. Their 3rd full-length album, 'All is Wild, All is Silent', will be released in March 2009 on Western Vinyl Records.

[They] have shared the stage with such notable acts as Stars of the Lid, Eluvium, Fleet Foxes, Efterklang, Helios, Grouper, Tiny Vipers, Human Bell, J. Tillman, Slaraffenland, Anathallo, This Will Destroy You, Megafaun, Here We Go Magic, Stars Like Fleas, Pattern Is Movement, and Dosh

Their links: website. myspace. You can also view videos on KEXPs blog here.

Thursday word of the day : Sanguine

2009-03-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Paul Gauguin
Self-Portrait, 1889

sanguine \SANG-gwin\, adjective, noun;
Also used as a noun, red iron-oxide crayon used in making drawings:

1. cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident
2. reddish; ruddy
3. (in old physiology) having blood as the predominating humor and consequently being ruddy-faced, cheerful, etc.
4. blood-red; red
5. Heraldry. a reddish-purple tincture.
6. a red iron-oxide crayon used in making drawings

by 1319, "type of red cloth," from Old French sanguin (feminine form, sanguine), from Latin sanguineus "of blood," also "bloody, bloodthirsty," from sanguis "blood." Meaning "blood-red" is recorded from 1382. Meaning "cheerful, hopeful, confident" first attested 1509, since these qualities were thought in medieval physiology to spring from an excess of blood as one of the four humors.

from dictionary.reference.com

Architecture: schemata architecture office + jo nagasaka: paco

2009-03-24T23:22:00.000-07:00

more space underneath that can be used as a guest room

I'm gradually catching up on my blog reading and found the coolest post by one of my favorite blogs: sub-studio. They included a 3x3x3M cube named 'Paco.' It has everything you would need- in the most minimalist sense. Check out the images and then read more on sub-studio or on design boom.

Textiles: Jo Hamilton

2009-03-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

Amazing work by artist Portland, Oregon artist Jo Hamilton. Hamilton originally trained in drawing and painting at the Glasgow School of Art. It wasn't until recently she discovered her talent for working with yarn. Her work hangs on the walls of Stumptown for throughout March. If you can't take a look in person, you can view more on her website.

Crochet faces of her co-workers at Le Pigeon, a local restaurant, where she works.

She even did one of the cityscape of Portland, Oregon. Fantastic!

Music Monday : Blind Pilot at SXSW

2009-03-23T12:29:00.001-07:00

I was so thrilled to see NPR posted Blind Pilot's Live show at SXSW at The Parish in Austin, Texas! Hope you enjoy it too!

Thursday word of the day (on Monday) : Spoonerism

2009-03-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Last week got a little busy -you know how it goes: work, work, life, work right? I hope you like the fun word for the day:

spoonerism \SPOO-nuh-riz-uhm\, noun:
The transposition of usually initial sounds in a pair of words.

Examples:
A well-boiled icicle ["well-oiled bicycle"].
Let me sew you to your sheet ["show you to your seat"].

Spoonerism comes from the name of the Rev. William Archibald Spooner (1844-1930), a kindly but nervous Anglican clergyman and educationalist. All the above examples were committed by (or attributed to) him.

from dictionary.reference.com

New Effie work

2009-03-19T10:29:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more pieces. Check back for more… click on pictures to go directly to the pieces or click here for my Etsy site.

New Effie work

2009-03-16T15:11:00.001-07:00

New work coming out of the studio this week. Check back for more… click on pictures to go directly to my Etsy site.

Music Monday : Whiskeytown

2009-03-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I really do not follow celebrities and am often lost when people start throwing out their names at parties. But today when I decided to post about Whiskeytown, I somehow knew about the recent marriage of Ryan Adams to Mandy Moore. It was pure coincidence. I'm finishing up my taxes - yep, late again- and wanted some nice background music to keep me going. Whiskeytown was perfect. The band only lasted 5 years with their last album, Pneumonia, released in 2001.

I don't know who's managing this but here's a myspace link you can listen to a few tracks. And a Wikipedia link.

Thursday word of the day : Tetchy

2009-03-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

I'm struggling today with a head cold and definitely feeling tetchy.

tetchy \TECH-ee\, adjective:
Peevish; testy; irritable.

Tetchy probably comes from Middle English tecche, "a bad habit," from Old French tache, teche, "a spot, stain, blemish, habit, vice."

from dictionary.reference.com