Jen Skelley

While visiting my brother and his wife over the weekend, I spotted this pretty print hanging in their kitchen. Isn't it so sweet?

That's when my sister-in-law, Cheri, introduced me to artist Jen Skelley. Cheri noted how intricate and layered Skelley's work is, and I think it is why I am so completely charmed by her work. Check out the paisley patterns in the clouds and the sea in the image below.

Here are a few more favorites of Jen Skelley's work.

 

*****

all images via Jen Skelley

Top Picks: Restoration Hardware

I recently received a collection of enormous catalogs from Restoration Hardware in the mail. To be honest, even I, who loves home design, furniture and decor, thought it was excessive. Then I started going through it all and of course fell in love with a bunch of items. Here are some favorites:

A pretty bed and bench but I'm particularly taken with the collection of art behind it. Restricting the subject to figures and the medium to pencil would already have unified the works, but the simple black frames and white mats perfect the look.

This chandelier is gorgeous and would be pretty over a long dining room table.

Here's a different shape but just as nice. I would change out the candle-shaped light bulbs for round ones.

 This settee

and this chaise are my favorite leather items.

There are lots of leathers to choose from but their Vintage Cigar color is my favorite. It looks so rich and soft and yummy.

Have you seen the massive volumes from Restoration Hardware recently? What are your favorites?

Chalkboard Project: How to Make a Floral Chandelier

Last year, my mom and I discovered floral chandeliers at the Philadelphia Flower Show. I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of them at the time—they were so beautiful, with big, beautiful blooms and leaves cascading down the sides—but we didn't know how to recreate the look for ourselves. An exhaustive internet search did not provide much help, so we just kept the idea in the back of our minds. 

And then a couple of months later, Pottery Barn came out with this planter-abra. Genius!

As it turns out, my mom already had a candelabra hanging on her back deck.

We realized that this piece could make a great floral chandelier and got to work.

We simply used the glasses that held the pillar candles as little mini pots and planted these flowers.

Since we loved the big, drapey look of the floral chandeliers at the Flower Show, we added a large green fern to the center to give it some fullness. The leaves extended out over the potted flowers quite nicely.

And here you go! Our very own floral chandelier.

I loved this project because it was fun to work with something so lush and colorful. This year, I want to give it a try using bouquets of cut flowers instead of potted plants, which could be really amazing. 

*****

Planter-abra via Pottery Barn

all other images by The Pink Chalkboard

Ikea Outdoors

While walking through Ikea the other day, this in-store display stopped me in my tracks. It's so inviting!

It's the canopies of fabric that truly make it but the black/white color palette and lush greenery certainly help.

Floral-shaped white lights adorn each of the trees

and the wall of plants reminded me so much of this garden wall I posted about last year.

So pretty, right? Wouldn't you love to be sitting outside at that table on a warm summer night?

*****

photos by The Pink Chalkboard

Serena & Lily's Private Sale

Serena & Lily is having a private sale! And there is so much to choose from. Here is what I am coveting...

Tangerine Elephant Quilt

Hennie Chair

Highland Knot Birch Tray

Copenhagen Chandelier 

Strawberry/Chestnut Dhurrie

Curry Buddy Pillow Cover

Eaton Lacquer Frame

Menagerie Bookends.

Hurry! The sale ends today. 

*****

all images via Serena & Lily

DVF, Gap and the Coolest Animals Ever.

Have you seen this commercial for Diane Von Furtsenberg's collection for Gap Kids? The clothes and kids are adorable but it's those paper animals that have captured my imagination. They are gorgeous!

The full commercial is here.

I mean, come on. Does it get any cuter than that?

*****

found via Pinterest and Diamonds and Dirt blog

Brooklyn Flea Philly

Brooklyn Flea Philly debuted yesterday in Northern Liberties and I had a great time spending a few hours at this event. It was a very well curated market with local vendors and artisans, as well as great finds from out of town. We arrived after 1pm and it was very crowded! I hope that means a successful day for the sellers and that this market will have a long, happy future in Philly. 

Here is a little preview of the market along with some of my favorite finds from the day. 

These beautifully upholstered benches are from Ardmore's own Chairloom.

I loved the pillows below. Looking at them now, I'm wondering why I didn't buy a couple? Definitely next time.

Peg and Awl was one of the best vendors. All of their items were handcrafted from recycled materials. I bought this little chalkboard made of reclaimed oak and plan to hang it in my office—perfect for writing little notes and reminders. 

Peg and Awl also sells handmade tote bags and desk accessories. You can find their online shop here, and bonus...they are based right here in Philly!

These miniature pennants are so cute.

Here are some more pennants! These seemed to be everywhere and I can't believe I didn't pick up one or two. 

Territory was another local vendor with an excellent selection of home goods. I really like their logo, too.  

OK, and how great is this little sign? I am kicking myself for not buying it. Add it to the list!

I've written several posts over the past few months about flea markets, so how does this one compare? Well, Brooklyn Flea Philly is in a fantastic location and the vendors are perfectly suited for the Philly audience. It is not your traditional flea market (like Philly Flea Market) and the offerings are a bit more industrial and mid-century than what you might find at Clover Market. All in all, I thought it was excellent and am looking forward to going back and picking up the things that I missed today and discovering even more design-goodness. 

Brooklyn Flea Philly will be held at The Piazza at Schmidt's in Northern Liberties every Sunday this summer. You can find all of the details here. 

*****

all images by The Pink Chalkboard via Instagram