CasaSugar

Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne Exhibit Debuts in Paris

CasaSugar — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0700

A major exhibition of the works by famed '60s French artist couple Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne kicks off in Paris today at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and will run through July 4. The Lalannes are known for their large-scale animal and nature sculptures, notably their sheep sculptures. But in this exhibition, more than 150 pieces, including those monumental sculptures as well as smaller everyday objects like furniture and silverware, will be on view. It will be the first retrospective in Paris since 1977, but as you may remember, Lalanne works took over Park Avenue in New York just this past Fall. Now more than ever, there's simply no reason not to say bonjour to Paris. Summer voyage, anyone? Check out some of the works on display below.

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Cool Idea: Artwork as Headboard

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0700

Here's a post from the OnSugar blog Apartmentalizing:

Since graduating from my twin bed in high school, I've always been too lazy and cheap to invest in a headboard. I know there are lots of do-it-yourself solutions, but screwing things into my wall or bed always seemed like too big of a hassle to me. I love this idea from HGTV's website of using a large, colorful piece of artwork as a headboard of sorts. Now if only I knew where to find a cool painting for not too much money . . .

Want to see more posts like this? Start following Apartmentalizing or start your own OnSugar blog!

Casa Quickie: Put a Frame on It

CasaSugar — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0800

If you like it then you should put a frame on it. Handkerchiefs, bonnets, doilies, and pillows are common linens that are passed down through generations. Stained or worn to bits, the heirlooms sometimes reach their expiration dates sooner than we'd like. Before it's worn to shreds, salvage the item and the memories behind it by framing it in your home like I did with my late grandmother's apron.

To see how I do it, just read more.

There are a number of ways to cleverly showcase a simple item. Decorative paper or soft fabrics can provide just the right oomph that a tired linen could use. I chose a soft raw silk and a washed green frame. After ironing the silk, I gently pressed the apron in the position I wanted it. I placed the glass over the ensemble, flipped it, and backed it with the rest of the frame. In an instant, a family memoir was hanging in my kitchen where my Grammy continues to inspire me from beyond.

Tory Burch and Famed Photographer Tina Barney Find Artistic Influence in Tory's Apartment!

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:00:00 -0800

When I caught a glimpse of Tory Burch's Spring 2010 collection, shot by famed photographer Tina Barney, it was obvious that the photo shoot's sophisticated, European-style set was meant to be an important part of the images. The décor in this shot alone is so captivating, and the wallpaper-esque apparel is hard to ignore. As it turns out, the apartment featured actually belongs to Tory Burch, and she hired Barney to shoot a series of limited-edition prints of a fictional family there. Barney is actually best-known for her photographs of well-to-do family and friends in equally glamorous settings, so it came naturally to her. You can get a peek at some of these in Barney's new book Players, set for release in May.

During a behind-the-scenes talk with Tory during the shoot, Barney had much to say about her enthusiasm for decorating. Here are a few excerpts:

On people matching their interiors:

What I've said in my book is I'm always curious of the way people tend to dress, the way that they decorate their houses, and that sort of is evident in my pictures. Their clothes sometimes sort of match their interiors and they're not even aware of that.

There's more to hear from Tory and Tina about finding influence in interiors and more gorgeous rooms in Tory's apartment to see!

Found It! The Office's Hospital Room Painting

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0800

Catching up on The Office's delivery episodes last night, I couldn't help but notice the painting hanging in Pam's hospital room. Not only is the floral artwork feminine and fun, but I've definitely seen it before. In fact, you can have your own! Want to know who the artist is?

Casa Quickie: Cut It Out

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:00 -0800

I love the transparent colors watercolor paints can create and the way different hues instantly blend on the page. But the trouble with watercolors is that mistakes can be much harder to remedy than with acrylic paints. If your brushstrokes don't turn out as intended with acrylics, you can just let your canvas dry, and you're ready to paint over it as intended. With water-soluble watercolor paints, you kind of have to work with what you've got.

I painted this tropical plant with watercolors and accidentally smudged my crisp white background. Instead of trying to fill in a background, or worse, starting from scratch, I decided just to cut out my painterly plant with an X-acto knife. Then, I placed it on a white mat in a frame, and voilà, it turned out to be a happy mistake! Now the painterly plant has depth, and its stems, leaves, and blossoms cast pretty shadows on the paper below it. Since then, I've painted a few other pieces, purposely cutting out the imagery to give them more texture and dimension with this technique. Give it a try!

DIY: Sculptural Rose Tape Artwork

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0800

On an Italian trip long ago, I fell in love with our hotel lobby's massive artwork. It was an eight-by-five-foot canvas with rows and columns of raised roses. After staring it down, I decided I could craft my own version at home. It may not be showcased in a museum, but I saved a pretty penny by doing this on my own. To see how I whipped up my own budding canvas, read more.

Supplies you will need:

Any size canvas
A roll(s) of wide (two-inch or so) painting tape
Paint of your choice
Sponge paint brush

Steps:

To start, measure your canvas and make marks for the center of each rose.
Pull off a long piece of tape (about four feet) and fold it so that you have about 1/2 an inch of sticky side still showing.
Place one end of the tape on the rose's center on the canvas. Start creating a spiral and sticking it to the canvas along the way. You can add to it if you need more length.
Keep making the roses until all the spaces are full.
When you are pleased with the buds, it's time to paint!
Use your brush to slather on the paint. Sponge brushes are great at covering all the spots. Don't forget to color the outer edges of the "petals" as well as the insides of the flower.
To complete the look, paint the edges of the canvas if you're planning to hang it unframed.

You don't have to paint a large canvas to make this work. Do a single rose or a pair of any shape for a simple statement. If you decide to make one, be sure to share photos in our Su Casa group!

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Artist of the Day: Russ Wagner

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0800

It's easy to love a local artist, especially when the subject is the San Francisco hills. On a walk by the water last weekend, I happened upon a random art fair and met a charming painter by the name of Russ Wagner. Both he and his artwork were matches for the gorgeous afternoon sunshine.

Wagner showcased large canvases that depict street scenes of the city by the bay, complete with cable cars and iconic buildings, but he also does personalized pieces for commission. In addition to the scenery, I love the bold choice of color and the likeness to Van Gogh with his thick layers of paint. To top it off, he was the kindest gentleman - humble, friendly, and not pushy in the least. Take a minute to browse through some of his dreamy works and tell me which one you like most.

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Looking for artwork showcasing your own hometown? Check out some more city-centric art.

Lovely Little Vignettes: Botanical Beauty

Casa Community — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:00:00 -0800

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member EarthPlusArt from the Lovely Little Vignettes group:

The area between my dining table and breakfast bar needed a little style. So I put together some pottery and glassware with one of my botanical photographs in an upcycled frame made from a used kitchen cabinet.

Have you arranged any vignettes of your own lately? Be sure to post photos and tales in our Lovely Little Vignettes group!

Cool Idea: Alternative Art Hanging

Casa Community — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:00:00 -0800

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member EarthPlusArt from the Su Casa group:

I wanted a unique way to hang some of my botanical photographs, and came up with this very easy and cheap solution. All I needed was a branch, some twine and a handful of alligator clips. Since they're not under glass, I sprayed the photographs with an archival varnish to protect them from dust and fading. Before I hung them up, I painted the wall a warm color to complement the sepia tones of the art.

Have you been hanging artwork of your own lately, or doing other DIYs? Be sure to post photos and tales in our Su Casa group!