INK+WIT

INK+WIT new elephants baby announcements

2012-02-07T03:42:00.000-08:00

new letterpress baby announcements designed by INK+WIT!

(more designs here / custom and readymade orders)

printed by Boxcar Press

WORDS UP / Mother Theresa

2012-02-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

found via Modern Hepburn

I did not fall off the earth

2012-01-31T14:37:00.000-08:00

Just an update of why blogging has been very slow here... I am now 7 weeks from having our first child. Not to mention we have been gutting our house left and right and many things went very badly. We had terrible contractors and had to practically redo our bathroom. I do not wish to recap it right now but you get the idea. Not fun, especially while pregnant. Post baby, I am going to cover this whole renovation situation we went through and man do I have some advice and also a ton of resources now. I should just art direct and console those going through home repairs.

Pic above was taken over Christmas at Silver Sands beach, Milford, CT.

KIDS: SQUEEZE-ME MITTENS

2012-01-31T14:34:00.000-08:00

Clever and playful. SQUEEZE-ME MITTENS. Found on Oeuf.

TRAVEL: Berge

2012-01-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

Calm well designed appartments with much to do in garden, mountain, and historical settings located in Germany. Berge.

Smallable Christmas Magazine

2011-12-19T14:27:00.000-08:00

Inspiring as always! Smallable's Christmas Magazine is a delight to the eyes.

Stamp It: INK+WIT stamps

2011-12-15T18:19:00.000-08:00

Have fun making gift wrap, cards, and more. See the full stamp line here.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING: Radhanath Swami on gratitude

2011-11-23T20:58:00.001-08:00

Of all disgraceful behavior, there is nothing worse than in gratitude.

Loving service is the means to show our gratitude.

Gratitude is to honour, recognise and appreciate everyone and everything for a higher purpose.

Any real civilization is based on the principles of respect and gratitude. On the basis of that respect and gratitude, there is morality, charity, and compassion.

Gratitude doesn’t means simply saying thank you. Real gratitude means reciprocation. If we are actually grateful to someone, we will reciprocate even if it means great sacrifice.

- Radhanath Swami

INK+WIT Stamps

2011-11-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Having fun over here with the INK+WIT stamps. So much more fun things to show you over the next week for gift wrap and tags.

View the INK+WIT stamp collection here.

BOOKENDS and BOOKS for the NEW BABY

2011-11-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

Super excited! 5 months pregnant now. While I am staying very simple on nursery decor and objects, I did fall in love with these Restoration Hardware bronze bunny bookends the other day. They will perfectly hold books like Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth, Lisbeth Zwerger's Wizard of Oz and so many more!

YOGA FOUNDATION: Yama and Niyama / Chandra Om

2011-11-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

WRITTEN BY ONE OF MY GREATEST TEACHERS, CHANDRA OM (disciple of Dharma Mittra)

The foundation of yoga is Yama and Niyama. These are the moral and ethical guidelines of yoga; the first and second stages. The ethical and disciplinary precepts that serve as the Sadhaka's guidelines for right conduct in life. Applying these principles helps to purify the Sadhaka's actions and thoughts by removing Rajas and Tamas, so Sattva may prevail.

The Yamas and Niyamas

Click on any Yama or Niyama to read more.

Yama"Ahimsa (non-violence)

Satya (truthfulness)

Asteya (non-stealing)

Aparigraha (non-hoarding)

Brahmacharya (continence/celibacy)

Niyama

Saucha (cleanliness/purity)

Santosha (contentment)

Tapas (austerity)

Svadhyaya (study of the scriptures)

Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to the Lord)

By cultivation of these ten canons (which are universal and non-sectarian in nature), inner and outer purity are increased, and compassion and universal love are developed. Passions and emotions are lessened and success is achieved in the avoidance of disturbing anyone or anything. We begin to see that we are all the same, feeling as one with all God’s creatures.

Without yama and niyama, the mind will never settle, we cannot succeed in meditation, and we experience no spiritual bliss.

Each time we act, we strengthen the desire or thought behind it. Thoughts gain momentum when they are brought into physical manifestation through fresh actions. The deepest part of Yoga practice is inward and when the functions of the mind are strengthened through fresh immoral actions, this inward quest becomes quite difficult. Lack of self control causes cravings and desires to increase, the breath then becomes out of rhythm and this attracts disease. Action gives rise to desire for more, and the cycle is never ending.

The mind is very deceptive and does what it wants to do. In the earliest stages, the mind will not appreciate the disciplines and restraints put upon it. It is not an easy thing to control the mind. The resolves and vows taken by the Yogi through yama and niyama transform the mind by forming new habits and patterns directly targeted against the lower tendencies. The Yogi counters the lower actions with higher actions. This is yama.

Impurities bring discomfort, pain and suffering. As the physical, mental and spiritual impurities are removed by proper living and observance of yama and niyama, the nerves are purified and the prana may then travel unobstructed and safely, eradicating the misperceptions of individual existence. Eventually, the Yogi experiences direct perception of God. My saintly Guru always taught that the greatest of all impurities is ignorance of your own true nature. Offer every action to the Lord, to the Supreme Self, with no desire for the fruits. All progress in yoga practice depends on exemplary personal character, and one’s relation to people, animals and the world around them.

Everything is perfect, and is the result of our previous actions. The Supreme Self is the same within all beings. Actions without right knowledge and without the practice of Yama, do not allow the Supreme Self to manifest within us. This is due to the psychic channels being blocked, which causes much pain and suffering and results in fear of death, accidents and the loss of loved ones. Realize that the lack of Self-knowledge is the greatest of all the impurities. ~Sri Dharma Mittra

Ahimsa (non-violence in thought, word and action) is the foundation of all the other moral precepts because harming is the source of all suffering. The practice of universal love is the highest practice for success in Yoga, and the ideal to which the Sadhaka ceaselessly strives.

Yoga is rooted in virtue and there is no higher virtue than the abandoning of cruelty and harming. The Yogi must respect all life. The greatest need in this ephemeral material realm is the message of love. Kindle the light of love in your own heart first. Love all. Include all creatures in the warm embrace of your love. You will soon be rooted in true ahimsa.

Have firm and unshakable faith in the existence of the Absolute One who supports all three periods of time and is without beginning, middle or end. Desire is the true enemy of peace, for desires can never be fully satisfied. Strive for true, abiding happiness that can only be obtained by realizing God alone through constant practice, self control, purity, concentration, meditation, and above all—observance and practice of yama and niyama.

Many people these days equate yoga with postures and breathing. This is not sufficient for spiritual progress. The Sadhaka must be loving and kind, forgiving and repentant. Ever engaged in self reflection and seeing all of creation as the Omnipresent, Imperishable Lord. Foundation in yama and niyama is what is needed for this. Observe yama and niyama and shine as a Yogi in this very birth!"

BABY: Spit happens, Linens by Organic Quilt Company

2011-11-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

If you did not know already, I am 5 months pregnant. Still no pics. So behind on that!

I love these linens on ETSY from Organic Quilt Company in Montreal, Quebec, Canada especially because they say "spit happens." Funny.

ABC Carpet and Home

2011-11-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

I love you ABC Carpet & Home. And, I love that you stock INK+WIT. Thank you. Keep on inspiring!

(image via ABC's website)

Flock of starlings' dazzling aerial ballet

2011-11-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

INK+WIT 2012 LETTERPRESS CALENDAR IS HERE / Into the Calm

2011-11-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

The INK+WIT 2012 calendar is here! Available on ETSY (for now) until my own shop is back up. If you need a larger custom order or a wholesale order please email me at info@inkandwit.com

This calendar happened in the midst of many deadlines, pregnancy (4.5 months now) and home repairs (still going on). It is no wonder I named it Into the Calm. Not to mention that is where i feel we all need to go. Solitude, meditation, silence, and deep introspection were the focus of this piece. However, I did keep it light and fun. The Get Wellie letterpress card image has become so liked I had to include it and it fit so well in the midst of wispy tree branches and natural textures.

Every year I have designed this calendar (since 2008) I have included the months in English, French, and Spanish in addition to each page including the cover able to morph into wall prints. These prints look great in a grid of white or natural wood frames. You will end up with seven since the cover can also be framed. Simply use a sharp exacto knife and trim off the bottom to the size of your choice. You can do 6x6 or 5x7 as the calendar is 6x11.

This is a limited edition of 125 calendars printed by the 3ever talented Boxcar Press here in Syracuse, NY (where I live so everything was done locally). 120 of the calendars have been drilled to hang and 20 are not drilled so you can display as you wish. I like small white sewing pins the best if hanging on their own or washi tape.

Each panel features a quote at the base of the page regarding peace, tranquility, and silence. I hope this design inspires you to have a serene tranquil year to come.

For sale here. Please contact info@inkandwit.com or call 315 420 4630 should you need assistance with orders.

GUEST POST: Taylor Wilson, Winter White Decor

2011-10-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Arcadian Home Decor, who has written for 2modern blog - Luxury Flooring Trends for 2011 and La Maison Boheme's blogspot. Jen has created a charming post on Winter White Decor. Enjoy.

Hi everyone! My name is Jenn and I write for Arcadian Home Decor, an e-commerce site specializing in the top home decor trends from around the world. Every day I get to write about interior design and I scour the Internet for inspiring blogs, and one of my daily stops includes INK+WIT - I can't thank founder Tara enough for letting me guest post here today about winter white decor. Enjoy!

Incorporating winter white decor into a home is one of the most versatile colour options - there's no shortage of great home accessories and accents that can be added for a punch of style. Kitchens, bedrooms, and common living rooms can all benefit from winter white decor, and here are eight spaces that exemplify this.

Equestrian love

This winter white living room isn't stark because of the intriguing horse print on the wall and matching animal motifs (snakeskin and zebra print) in the furniture.

White with a spot of grey

Grey is a great colour choice when working with winter white decor because it's just as neutral, soothing, and stylish.

Minimalism at its best

Winter white decor always works in mod minimalist spaces, such as this bedroom with high wood slat ceilings and only a few dashes of colour.

Bathing beauty

An all-white bathroom looks clean and crisp, however an oval mirror and chandelier add just enough embellishments to not look overcrowded.

Slumbering in white

Winter white decor is a calming choice for a bedroom - the white mantel looks particularly stately while the antique mirror and fresh blooms break up the starkness of the space.

Give it personality

An all-white bathroom can look washed out, but with a few eclectic additions, such as the tulip table seen here, the space is infused with instant personality.

White and wide

A spacious great room such as this looks streamlined in all-white home decor, with a natural wood dining room set creating some pop and giving the room more dimension.

Images: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

Do you feel inspired by the winter white decor? Don't forget to check out Arcadian Home Decor blog for more ideas on your home accessories and decor!

2012 INK+WIT Letterpress Calendar / Coming Next Week!

2011-10-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Quick peak!. Stay tuned for full post by early next week. Limited edition of 100 with drill hole ready to hang and 25 non drilled to tack to wall, use as you wish. Please refer to last year's calendar to see letterpress quality (printed by Boxcar Press). Same size as last year (6x11). All panels can be trimmed to frame a total of seven prints.

DESIGNERS WHO ROCK: Orla Kiely

2011-10-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Orla Kiely never gets boring. Oh this pattern. My heart beats fast for it.

LET"S HEAR IT FOR: Handmade Charlotte in Anthro

2011-10-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Rachel Faucett and I have been dear friends for a few years now. I super love her. She is so sweet, humble, talented and makes the cutest handmade clothes for children. She now has a collection of her Mini Line for Handmade Charlotte at Anthropologie.

Rachel will be speaking at the Alt Summit this January 2012 in Salt Lake City and has a terrific blog that stands out in the oh so many blogs these days. Her eye is exquisite! Big Cheers Rachel!!!!

WORDS UP / thieves

2011-10-18T10:45:00.001-07:00

In the last year I have had so very much given to me & a bit taken away for deeper purification of the true self. In that which has been taken away I have learned great lessons & that many people steal consciously & unconsciously but mostly consciously. They steal each other's goals, inspirations, happiness, energy & finances. A very wise man told me recently that what makes a great mother is affection & boundaries. I sit on this now remaining as silent in my goals as possible & in my business life as the past months have proven to be full of many thieves only to teach me to always kindly lay down even more boundaries. Even those who appear kind can be moving through a lot of muck & what one shares with them should be zero to minimal. You get better at spotting thieves once you have really passed through karma with them. And you know better to not say much. People will continue to steal & take but we can be wise not to empower or trust them.

WORDS UP / Neutrality

2011-10-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Everything in this world is neutral. Its value is estimated according to the person who utilizes it

Radhanath Swami

Less stuff, more happiness: Graham Hill on TED.com

2011-10-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

INK+WIT retailers: KORE / Nashville TN

2011-10-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

A warm thank you to KORE, located in Nashville, TN for now carrying INK+WIT.

ALL ABROAD BABY

2011-10-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Super excited to help promote All Abroad Baby. The founder, Rachael Spencer-Smith is a delight, and was kind enough to ask INK+WIT to showcase a few products on the home page. This site has an easy to use navigation system to locate amazing baby and kids finds all over the world. The finds are unique and sophisticated and even better there are giveaways and deals.

CHARITY WATER: clean water around the world

2011-10-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

The 2011 September Campaign. Our 5-year-anniversary video from charity: water on Vimeo.

In five years, Charity Water has raised more than 4,000 projects that will serve over two million people around the world with clean and safe drinking water. Because of enormous generosity, some of Charity Water's partners are now working at full capacity. To keep growing, we need to give them the equipment they need to drill even more wells each year.

Join by starting a campaign on mycharitywater.org. 100% of what you raise or give during the September Campaign will help buy a new drilling rig fleet that can to provide clean water for 40,000 more people each year in Northern Ethiopia.

Join here: charitywater.org/ september

INTERIOR DESIGN: Orange Street Design Studio

2011-10-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

"Orange Street Design Studio is the collaborative project of two designers brought together by a unified philosophy and passion for design.Brooke Richard and Laura Watson combine innate sensibilities with formal education, both having earned their Master of Arts in Interior Design. Following graduate school, each designer went on to gain a breadth of experience in prominent commercial and residential firms, and have since become adjunct professors of design. Ultimately, they merged their individual talents to establish a design studio with an uncommon approach.

The studio covers a broad scope of design, including architectural renovation, interior and event design, and custom furniture. From the Vegas strip to a quaint street on Nantucket, they have worked on high-end residential spaces, retail stores, offices, and restaurants, and are always ready for the next challenge."

WORDS UP / Chandra OM, Self Knowledge

2011-09-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Remember, she who stumbles at first will get stronger and stronger.
All delusions vanish as the sunlight of Self knowledge becomes more and more luminous. The burdens of ignorance and doubt become lighter and lighter and then the time comes when the Sat-Chit-Ananda alone remains.
~ Chandra Om

Deko / Susanna Vento

2011-09-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

Deko // Susanna Vento // photography Kristiina Kurronen

INK+WIT Owl & Berry stamps in use

2011-09-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

My owl and berry stamps used in a buyer's blog banner on flebbeart

AMAZING WOOD: Kalon Studios

2011-09-14T07:04:00.001-07:00

I would like one of everything please. Some of my favorites: the Caravan Crib and bamboo Unit 2 wall shelf to hold books, knives, and spices. This shelf could go a long way and it is worth the buck for a small space kitchen like ours.

REAL ESTATE: Heaven Hill on Alms Ridge Big Sur CA

2011-09-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

Looks like heaven to me! For $675,000 it can be yours. Sadly, I cannot buy it today but here is to hoping a lovely beach resort will come my way in this lifetime. Read more here

YOGA: The 8 Limbs

2011-09-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

(me - taken in Joshue Tree CA 2010)

Yoga... so many ways to describe it these days. SO many styles, teachers, classes, etc. We can practice demented gymnastics as one of my greatest teachers says or we can offer this great long time science to the greater good not being attached to doing the best handstand or having the tightest butt. Did we not come to yoga to practice non attachment and be kinder people? If your are leading class or taking a class, the breath should be steady, the heart open, and the mind receptive. The foundation of yoga is yama and niyama. One could simply offer service by cleaning toilets for three years before an actual asana (posture/seat) is ever attempted thus creating humility in the student. Yoga without humility lacks true devotion. Yoga is devotion to the higher self and surrendering to the highest force. That can mean many forms for us (Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, nature, etc.) If a yoga practice is solely selfish it will not last. All we own is our spiritual knowledge. The body will die slowly over time and even the mind will go. But our deeds, actions, and intentions will stay with us and harbor a more peaceful mind at the end of our life in this lifetime.

The below must be practiced in order to still the mind. In addition, a vegetarian diet will yield the highest prana (energy) and guide your meditation to the brightest level of frequency. I am not here to judge, only to pass on what has been taught to me by true honest teachers in long time lineages who have done the work. There are many foolish teachers who will just take your money and tell you your great or maybe even ask you out on a date. A true spiritual teacher never talks about themselves. They are humble, kind, and live simply. They will never steal from you and will always guide you towards the truth. The truth being self realization.

Yama: Universal morality / code of conduct / restraint

Niyama: Personal observances / study + devotional practices

Asanas: Body postures integrating movement, breath, and concentration

Pranayama: Breathing exercises /control of prana (life force)

Pratyahara: Control / Withdrawl of the senses

Dharana: Cultivating inner perceptual awareness through concentration

Dhyana: Devotion, Meditating on the Divine

Samadhi: Union with the Divine

HOME & BABY DESIGN: Serena & Lily

2011-09-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

Serena & Lily has some of the loveliest linens for adults and children. Their patterns and colors are bright, cheerful, and lend themselves to many styles. Some of my favorites above.

1. Aqua Diamond Quilt

2. Safari Blankets

3. Aries Zodiac Pillow

4. Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Baby Sleeper - Blue Stripe

5. Rolling Storage Crates

INK+WIT Scriptura Feather gift wrap in use

2011-09-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Another lovely customer recently lined her freshly painted wooden cabinet with INK+WIT Scriptura Feather gift wrap. So many possibilities. Thank you Kari!

INK+WIT Walnut gift wrap in use

2011-09-06T08:42:00.001-07:00

A lovely INK+WIT customer purchased the Walnut gift wrap and creatively used 4 pieces taped together on the underside as a chic table runner for a NYC party. Thank you Nicole. Bravo!

WORDS UP / on living well

2011-09-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

PEACE

HUMILITY

SILENCE

AROUND THE HOUSE: Laundry Bin Color

2011-09-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

These are great. Colorful and compact (crunches down for storage).

Available at The Container Store

CERAMICS: Uh la la

2011-08-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Love the color palette of Uh la la's ceramics.

Uh la la Ceramics Jægersborgsgade 56 th. DK-2200 Copenhagen N www.uhlala-ceramics.com

Julie Bonde Bülck Product Designer, mDD. +45 2674 7408 julie@uhlala-ceramics.com

90 seconds of inspiration: "Moving Planet"

2011-08-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

"This video lays out an inspiring vision that can help spread the movement far and wide: take 90 seconds to watch it, and then share it with everyone you know.

On September 24th, we’ll come together in every nation on earth to show that we’re moving the planet beyond fossil fuels. The diversity of events will be remarkable: people are planning marches large and small, bike parades that deliver petitions demanding a clean energy future, and even a kite-powered protest on the beach.

Here in India where I live, hundreds of young people will get on their bikes and encircle a big coal-fired power plant -- and call for green jobs that can put our country on a path of clean development and lift millions of people out of poverty. We’re also seizing on a cool idea that has come out of our global network: making giant arrow-shaped banners to point in the direction that we want to move in (away from coal!) and display our goals for a clean energy future. We hope to see similar arrows all across the planet, pointing away from fossil fuels and towards the solutions we need to get back to 350 ppm.

I'm also making sure that we take at least one iconic photo of our event in India to upload to the Moving Planet website when our event is over. 350.org organizers in New York City will be delivering photos from the Moving Planet events directly to world leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly -- and displaying them on screens near the meeting. Together, we can show decision makers that it's time to get out of neutral and start moving quickly towards a clean energy future.

We won't just demonstrate that another world is possible -- we'll show that we're already building it from the ground up. It's a world based on bikes, not cars. It's a world based on renewable energy, not tar sands oil. Most of all, it's a world that cares more about the rights of people and the health of our planet than the profits of polluters.

To create this world, we'll need a massive movement -- and that movement will be built by people like you.

Take a minute to watch the video and pass it on to everyone you know.

From India to Indiana to Indonesia, we'll move the planet away from fossil fuels.

Chaitanya Kumar (and the rest of the 350.org team)"

STUDIOMAMA

2011-08-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

"Studiomama is based in London and owned by the designer Nina Tolstrup. She trained as a designer at the prestigious Les Ateliers school of industrial design in Paris and has a BA in Marketing from the Business School in Copenhagen.
Nina Tolstrup is designing products for companies while also taking a pro-active approach designing, manufacturing and selling her own ranges under the Studiomama name."

Loving this kids playhouse (Painted mdf, with blackboard on one side and Lego panels on the other. 2m x 2.2m X 1.8m)

also featured:

beach chalet / Images © Ben Anders

BIKES: Amsterdam

2011-08-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

During my trip to Amsterdam (feels like so long ago but it was only this past January) I could not get over the bikes everywhere. Check out all the bikes in the top image at Central Station.

images: Tara Hogan

WORDS UP / educating the heart and mind

2011-08-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

..

Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.

- Aristotle

WORDS UP / self-realization

2011-07-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

As you inquire into your true nature through constant reflection

on the nature of reality, the nature of the true Self is revealed.

Chandra Om ~ (from The Holy Science of Yoga)

ARCHITECTURE: Concrete Studio / Austin Texas / Mell Lawrence Architects

2011-07-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

What an oasis. This studio is built entirely from concrete.

Architects: Mell Lawrence

ARCHITECTURE: Erin Moore's Watershed House

2011-07-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

The perfect writing nook.

"Watershed House is a 100-square-foot writer’s retreat located in Wren, Oregon designed by architect, Erin Moore of FLOAT Architectural Research and Design. Erin built this small studio for her mother who is a noted nature writer. The intention of this retreat is to have a place to observe the surrounding ecology without disturbing it. The sustainable retreat is off the grid with no direct road access. It is constructed from prefabricated recyclable materials that can be easily assembled and disassembled. A chute from the roof is designed to let rainwater trickle down a water trough just outside, creating another element of nature with the sounds of rain."

(info from I design Arch)

WEEKEND: Sandboxes and Youth

2011-07-22T14:07:00.001-07:00

Remember the sandbox? I loved playing in the sandbox. Especially on the beaches in Connecticut. This weekend I dedicate youth and the joy of playing the sandbox to you. Play, love life.

photo: Melanie Acevedo

KITCHEN: Plain English Design

2011-07-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Country beauty. Made in England by Plain English Design.

KITCHEN: Workstead/ Brooklyn

2011-07-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous "Sliding Kitchen" made by Workstead in Brooklyn, NY

FURNITURE: Truck

2011-07-15T10:46:00.001-07:00

Have great weekend.

I love the look of Truck furniture. Ahh that bed.

TAKE NOTE: Eddie Vedder, "Society"

2011-07-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

Oh, it's a mystery to me
We have a greed with which we have agreed
And you think you have to want more than you need
Until you have it all you won't be free

Society, you're a crazy breed
Hope you're not lonely without me...

When you want more than you have
You think you need...
And when you think more than you want
Your thoughts begin to bleed
I think I need to find a bigger place
Because when you have more than you think
You need more space

Society, you're a crazy breed
Hope you're not lonely without me...
Society, crazy indeed
Hope you're not lonely without me...

There's those thinking, more-or-less, less is more
But if less is more, how you keeping score?
Means for every point you make, your level drops
Kinda like you're starting from the top
You can't do that...

Society, you're a crazy breed
Hope you're not lonely without me...
Society, crazy indeed
Hope you're not lonely without me...

Society, have mercy on me
Hope you're not angry if I disagree...
Society, crazy indeed
Hope you're not lonely without me...

Eddie Vedder, "Society"

WORDS UP: Calm Mind

2011-07-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Only a calm mind can meditate.

- Chandra Om

WORDS UP: Swami Sivananda

2011-07-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

"Crave for a thing, you will get it. Renounce the craving, the object will follow you by itself."

Swami Sivananda

"If you do not know the laws of right conduct, you cannot form your character."

Swami Sivananda

AMARIDIAN ARTIST PROFILE: ABOUBAKAR FOFANA

2011-07-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

AMARIDIAN ARTIST PROFILE: ABOUBAKAR FOFANA

Aboubakar Fofana was born in Bamako, Mali and has lived in France for over thirty years. He is a calligrapher, artist and textile designer now based in Bamako. He uses ancient African weaving and dying techniques to create a solidly contemporary body of work. Using organic fibers and natural dyes, he is committed to preserving and revitalizing Mali's nearly lost tradition of natural indigo and vegetable dying. Profoundly concerned with maintaining Mali's cultural heritage, he has sought out the remaining masters of old weaving and dying, learning from them their 'savoir-faire'.

Time and the changing nature of matter are underlying, recurrent themes in his artistic work. Of course vegetable and mud dyeing address this theme intrinsically as a medium. He weaves, dyes and assembles primarily locally grown organic cotton but also employs hemp, jute, linen, silk and other un-treated fibers that are perfectly suited to natural dyes.

Aboubakar Fofana has significant experience living and working in Japan. His unique collaboration with Japan's Masakazu Akiyama taught him the art of silk raising, weaving and dying; marking his evolution as an artist. He regularly participates in conferences organized internationally on textile art in general but also on more technical subjects of natural dying techniques. His work has been exhibited on numerous occasions in Japan, France, America and Africa.

WORDS UP: Risk

2011-06-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go

T.S. Elliot

PHOTOGRAPHERS I LOVE: Fine art photographer Irene Suchocki

2011-06-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Fine art photographer Irene Suchock is a Montreal-based fine art and wedding photographer. All photographs © Irene Suchocki and may not be used without permission.

YOGA: Dharma Mittra yogini Lily Cushman

2011-06-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Yoga in Prospect Park Thursday, July 14th for FREE! It is an ongoing event sponsored by Lululemon Brooklyn. Join Lily Cushman (an amazing being, Dharma Mittra Yogini, and dear friend) 7-8p on the north end of Long Meadow. Bring a mat!

Lily teaches in Park Slope at Brooklyn Yoga School.

BEAUTY: The Aurora by TSO Photography

2011-06-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

The Aurora from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Shot in and around Kirkenes and Pas National Park bordering Russia.

BEAUTY: The Arctic Light by TSO Photography

2011-06-22T21:35:00.001-07:00

The Arctic Light from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Light + Pretty: Ruche

2011-06-21T19:50:00.001-07:00

Shop Ruche

INK+WIT retailers: shelf / life

2011-06-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

shelf / life, located in Australia, showcases a selection of delightful craft and design from around the world (and INK+WIT!). All their products are designed and produced by artists and artisans using environmentally responsible materials or ethical production methods. This ensures that anything purchased in their shop is not only unique and well-crafted but also helps to ease the strain on the lovely planet.

Shop 1, 50 Reservoir St / Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia / T/ 02 9211 2858

Summer Linens Organic and Natural: Coyuchi

2011-06-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

Rustic Linen Blanket

Seersucker Duvet Cover

Today is the first official day of summer. As the seasons change, so does the décor, and what better time than now to give your home a light, breezy makeover?

Featured above are a few products from Coyuchi, perfect for the warmer months. The first company to bring organic cotton bedding to the U.S., Coyuchi recommends using breathable fabrics like Seersucker, Organic Cotton and Linen to turn your home into a cool, relaxing oasis.

Coyuchi was founded 20 years ago in Point Reyes Station, a small town on the Northern California coast. There, surrounded by ocean, forest, beach and bluff, Coyuchi’s "aesthetic ecosystem" philosophy of design was born, leading to a line of home textiles rooted in the innate qualities of nature. This rustically sophisticated style has become the hallmark of Coyuchi, with every product, color and detail designed to fit harmoniously and evolve repeatedly, for effortless mixing of colors and textures from room to room and season to season.

Coyuchi products are produced using fair–labor practices and natural fibers, free of the toxic dies, bleaches and finishes used in conventional textiles. All Coyuchi cotton is 100% organic, produced using a nontoxic production process certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Coyuchi can be found at fine retailers across the US and Canada, as well as available for purchase online at www.coyuchi.com

Off to Boston Yoga & Chant Fest

2011-06-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

A weekend of kirtan (ecstatic chanting), yoga, great friends, amazing food, and cheer.

I took the above images on my pilgrimage to India this past January and February. Scene from Radhagopinath Temple in Mumbai, Govardhan Hill (me and one of my best friends forever Erin at left, me on right), and a lovely Indian woman in Govardhan Hill.

Boston Yoga & Chant Festival

HD Buttercup Half-Yearly Private Pre Sale

2011-06-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

HD Buttercup Half-Yearly Private Pre Sale

This Friday, HD Buttercup kicks off its Half-Yearly Sale, where the entire store (sofas, light fixtures, tables etc.) is marked down 20-70%. Just bring a copy of this pass to shop the sale before it opens to the public.

Thursday, June 16, from 3-7pm

3225 Helms Avenue in LA and 290 Townsend Street in SF

For more information, please visit: www.hdbuttercup.com. HD Buttercup is a design emporium, offering a world of possibilities for those who curate their lives with imagination and style.

CLAY: Katherine Glenday at Amaridian

2011-06-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

Katherine Glenday's vessels, featured at Amaridian, are masterful symbols and metaphors that capture light, movement, sound and silence. Breathless in their translucency and luminosity, the porcelain vessel has been Katherine's central voice for more than twenty years. Technical virtuosity governs her ability to create a sublime balance between control and surrender. Clay is the translucent and transparent skin between the material and the immaterial.

Katherine continues to be inspired by gestures from nature. Her collection of porcelain vessels with strong cobalt and bronze oxide strokes and splashes, represent a distilled human mark. These are meditative pieces that have grace. Focusing on the moment remains core to her expression. Each form springs out of spontaneity and chance; offering the viewer a respite from a world filled with a cacophony of visual stimulation. A place where the eye can rest and one can experience serenity.

This body of work represents a new dialogue in which Katherine has disciplined and isolated her ideas into a cohesive creative language that identifies the need for stillness and tranquility. Her exploration in experimentation with clay and minerals allows her to push the boundaries of her medium.

To view the entire collection please contact the gallery directly on 917.463.3719 or info@amaridianusa.com.

www.amaridianusa.com

BHAKTI: 24hr Kirtan W. Virginia

2011-06-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

"The 24-Hour Kirtan (24HK) is celebrating its 5th Anniversary. The dates for this year’s festival are June 18-19, 2011. Held in the foothills of West Virginia at the Krishna farm community of New Vrindaban, the festival offers an opportunity to chant shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most gifted Mantra Music artists in the world. For the nearly 1000 people who attend this festival each year, it marks the beginning of Summer. Taking place on the third weekend in June, as per tradition, it falls one week after the New York Ratha-Yatra. The festival is free to all who attend including meals throughout the weekend. A $25 suggested donation is requested to help cover the costs of running the festival. Larger donations and sponsorships are welcome and can be made from www.Mantralogy.com/24."

image: Radhanath Swami 2008

WORDS UP: Bhagavad Gita / ego

2011-06-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

If due to ego you think: I shall not fight; this resolve of yours is vain. Your own nature will compel you. ~ Bhagavad Gita / Krishna to Arjuna

(this text takes much patience and open mindedness to read - one cannot fully understand this verse right away unless their karma is truly ripened in that moment of reading it)

OUTDOOR LIVING: Scout Regalia

2011-06-14T22:27:00.000-07:00

Scout Regalia remains one of my favorite design duos. They are good hearted eco present people with an eye that will make you drool over everything they create.

Check out the new SR White Oak Table Set. Your choice of 210 colors

"A new take on our SR Outdoor Table Set, the SR White Oak Table Set is fabricated in Los Angeles and is made of enameled aluminum and American white oak hardwood. The durability of tight grain white oak along with refined detailing make this table set suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Each table set is made to order with your choice of 210 baked enamel colors. The white oak comes untreated to allow for the natural aging of the wood, or stained (clear) to seal the wood and preserve the initial color. Comfortably seats 6 to 8. Available as a set or as individual pieces."

SHE'S CRAFTY: Patricia Zapata, A Little Hut

2011-06-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

Patricia is super nice and ultra creative. I love her crafty do it yourself ideas ideas for children and adults. While I honestly am not a crafter nor make a lot of craft projects, I would make these dollhouses. View the full post with directions here.

GARDENS: Wine Box Gardens

2011-06-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Brilliant. I have a wine store around the corner from my house and I should see if they have any boxes I can use for this easy to make fun garden. Perfect for the porch. From LLH Design Blog

PHOTOGRAPHY: Manolo Yllera

2011-06-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Manolo Yllera

CERAMICS: Annemette Kissow Keramisk

2011-06-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Annemette Kissow Keramisk

FAVE BLOGS: Love Nordic

2011-06-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

One of my new favorite blogs and bloggers. Love Nordic. Lovely post on INK+WIT here!

INK+WIT stamps

2011-06-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Endless amounts of fun to do things with stamps. New stamps (natural rubber on maple, made in the USA) are available here.

SUMMER FINDS: Sombrella

2011-06-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

Beach shade chic and fun by Australian based Hollie and Harrie.

INK+WIT Blissful Bear Pencil Holder

2011-06-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Made of reclaimed mahogany in Brooklyn, New York by Alan Dorsey. Designed by INK+WIT. Available here (please allow 3 weeks for delivery)

KITCHENS: Plain English Design

2011-06-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

gorgeous custom cabinets and design on Plain English Design

CHILDREN: Bobo Choses

2011-06-02T19:34:00.001-07:00

Can this little girl be any more darling? Bobo Choses children's fashion collection.

SHOP: Kiki Stockholm Boutique

2011-06-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Could this shop be any more beauteous? Combination of Japanese and Stockholm aesthetics. Drool.

Kiki Stockholm Boutique

ART: Liesl Pfeffer, Mountian Waits

2011-06-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Art print by Australian artist,

Liesl Pfeffer. "Mountian Waits" 30x30 cm is printed on glossy photographic paper

Made from small pieces of other pictures put together by hand over the course of many days.

Block printing / Anohki Museum Amber, India.

2011-06-01T08:14:00.001-07:00

Iqbal demonstartes block printing in the Anohki Museum in Amber, India. Iqbal is astonishingly skillful and well worth watching. So much dedication, patience, and beauty in this video.

WORDS UP: Radhanath Swami

2011-06-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

What touches our hearts and impresses us deeper is sacrifice and humility, and to accept the higher principle of cooperation, putting aside one’s own achievements.

- Radhanath Swami

Block Printing in India

2011-06-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Found via West Elm

National Stationery Show

2011-05-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

The show was a huge hit but I am beyond tired and recouping as we speak. I wish there was a way to take this week off but it is impossible. Thank you to all of you who stopped by to visit and who will now be carrying INK+WIT.

Many more sweet things in the works.

NATIONAL STATIONERY SHOW : glimpse 2

2011-05-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Available online in the shop. Please allow 4-5 weeks for delivery of stamps, mobiles, and giftwrap.

YOGA: Inspired by Sri Dharma Mittra

2011-05-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

Beautiful video I found out about from my dear friend, Lorie Bebber at The Radiant Life. I love seeing Dharma Mittra's grace in this video and students from the Dharma Mittra Yoga Center. Pure, honest, sincere, ego less yogis. Yoga as taught by Sri Dharma is sincere and serious and is in no way a business. It is classical pure yoga. We are blessed to study with him. He is the real deal. If you can take one of his classes your life will change. Dharma is the yogi who is featured on the large black and white poster of over 800 asanas. He rook every image himself while holding a shutter release cord in his mouth and then spitting it out when the flash went off. He assembled it all by hand way before photoshop in the 70's. When you see many poses in magazine, etc. many have originated from Dharma Mittra (but he would never say he came up with them, he is way too humble... and that is why we love him so much!)

Love and light Dharma and Happy Birthday to you too!!!

SIMPLE HOOKS: West Elm

2011-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Simple hooks by West Elm

PHOTOGRAPHERS I LOVE: James Merrell

2011-05-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

James Merrell