At The Design Blog: July Calendar

Happy July my dear! Head over to the Hello My Dear Design Blog to download your fun desktop calendar.

Pretty Party: Ol' Glory

Well, it's hard to believe but it's already July! And July means barbecues and fireworks and get-togethers with friends and family. Are you having a party? Need some decorating ideas? I thought you might.

These are all DIY, here are the tutorials and image sources: printable flags // watermelon on a stick in a cupcake wrapper // ice buckets with stick-on stars // firecracker poppers // chocolate covered strawberries // bike decorations // preppy napkin rings
Remember when I posted those delightful vintage Easter pics from the Life Magazine archives? Well I thought I'd visit them again and see what they had for the 4th. Here are a few of my favorites.

Aren't they sweet?

Look At This: Malls Across America

I think it was my cousin Brian that originally introduced me to the site "How to be a Retronaut" and in particular this great article on shopping malls in the 1990's. This fella made a decision in 1989 to drive across America and take photographs of people in malls. It's always amazing to me when people do these sorts of things knowing that it won't really be great for years and years. I've had so much fun looking back at the fashion and the interiors. I have a feeling most of you were going through middle school or high school during the height of this amazing fashion and will get a kick out of it too.


There are more here. Do any of these images remind you of yourself? I wish I would've been this cool.

At The Design Blog: Free Friday Flicks

New design project featured on the HMD Design Blog.

Moving In: Erin Featherston

You know how in some posh movies or tv shows fancy people take the elevator to a private floor and the doors open onto another set of antique iron doors and then into a huge, light-filled, french furnished space? Well this gorgeous interior has all of that AND the cutest little doll of a woman living in it. Erin is a fashion designer living in NYC and she was gracious enough to let Vogue into her apartment and in turn, us.


You can read the article and see more images on the Vogue site.
This won't come as a surprise to you since most of my clothing is from Target, but I'd never seen any of Ms. Fetherston's fashions; however seeing her beautiful apartment made me very curious. So I thought you might be too. Visit her website to see more of her fashions, but here are a few of my favorites from her Resort 2012 collection.

Isn't it gorgeous? She definitely lives her art - it's all very cohesive.

Meet: Joao Lauro Fonte

I think this Brazilian graphic artist will be just what we need for a good giggle on a (gloomy Queensland) Monday. His work is silly and rather sweet with great retro style - just what I like best.

Visit Joao at his website or over on threadless.

Listen To This: Kimbra

Dang if this girl doesn't get you in the summer nights mood, well, I feel a little sad for you. Seriously though, she's gooooood. I can't find anything she's actually released, but good news is that she has an album coming out at some point this year. I've listened to this song a dozen times since I discovered it an hour ago, so you can bet I'll keep you updated. In the mean time, you can listen to other songs on YouTube or on her myspace. Good stuff.

Have a great weekend my dear!

Pretty Party: Balloons

Balloons have made a bit of resurgence in the last few years (for events other than children's birthday parties). In huge bunches they're quite magical and they're quite genius holding up the center of a handful of streamers and acting as a makeshift tent. I've even seen them held by bridesmaids instead of bouquets. How do you feel about them in a wedding? Too whimsical or just whimsical enough?


images from top left: white ceremony // hanging from a tree // s+b // yellow stripe // tall windows // escort cards // bridesmaids // balloons + lanterns + streamers // by the water // gold chairs // apple basket // orange + yellow // aqua // red // black + white embrace // yellow

Loving: Exposed Brick

Just a little eye candy for you this fine Wednesday. I hope you enjoy and are inspired - brick wall or no. Get outside and enjoy the day!



images from top left: pink chair // card catalog // yellow o // bedroom // stacks of books // pink bed // wonder bread // bunting // plants // antlers // doorway // beams // bricked arch // striped rug // kitchen sink

Moving In: Keri Russell's Brooklyn Brownstone

Haven't we all had a girl-crush on the fabulous Keri Russell since Felicity? Even after she cut her hair (such a scandal!). She's popped up here and there and every time I'm reminded how much I love her. And seeing her beautiful Brooklyn brownstone featured in Elle Decor made me want to move in with her (and her cutie pie husband and son). It's all light and wood and interesting accents. The space feels easy and natural, just like Ms. Russell herself.


This is actually every room featured in the article, which I don't normally like to do but couldn't bring myself to cut anything. Pop over to Elle Decor anyway to read the article and to see all of the other amazing spaces they've featured.
Now for some pieces to help recreate this space in your space.

sources from top left: wing chair // pendant // ottoman // chest // blanket // "home is" art // bertoia wire side chair // vase // mirror

Look At This: The Ballerina Project

I wanted to be a ballerina when I was a little girl. And then again when I was thirteen. And then again when I was 20. And now. They are so graceful and feminine and strong. Oh and they get to wear those amazing tutus... I think with Black Swan came a bit of a rebirth of the ballerina fascination for me, and probably for a lot of people. This brings me to today's look-see: the Ballerina Project. The website for this doesn't give a lot of information, simply that it "grew from the idea of New York City as a magnet for creativity; each photograph is a collaborative work of dance, fashion design and photography played out against the city's landscape." Lucky for this guy (I think he's a man named Dane) he had a whole crop of gorgeous ballerinas to photograph in one of the most photographable cities in the world. And lucky for us he's sharing (and you can buy these lovely images if you're so inclined).


I was just swapping "ballet as a child" stories with a friend of mine today—I'd love to hear yours! P.S. Mine goes a little something like this: I was four, I managed to put my hands over my head during the recital, I then proceeded to sit down on the stage and refuse to get up. And that was the end of my ballet career. We did get a photograph of me in my pink tutu though, so it was probably all worth it. My mother (who bought the tutu and paid for the "lessons") may disagree!
(images from the project site and thanks to the diversion project for the introduction)

Listen To This: Fionn Regan

Here's the thing, you'll probably have to listen to this a couple of times. The first time around you'll be distracted by the scenery and the way Fionn's voice sounds in all of the different locations. But promise me you won't stop there, because this is a gorgeous song—lyrically and instrumentally and well worth a proper listen.

fionn regan // be good or be gone
Have an excellent weekend. Oh, and go hug your dads. xo

Loving: Faux Bois

Faux bois, really simply put, is artistic wood imitation. Ta da! We learn so much together don't we? Seriously though, this technique has been quite popular off and on for a great many years and has recently seen a resurgence. This time around we see it as the traditional walls and rugs and vases but we also see it on blankets and dresses. How do you feel about it? Would you wear a faux bois dress? Maybe the ring is more your speed. Either way, it's all really fun don't you think?


images from top left: vase // ceiling // kitchen floor // dress // ring // embroidery // nesting tables // pendant // floor // throw // bathroom wall

Oh! Did you know Hello My Dear is now on Twitter (maybe you've heard of it? Sorry it took me so long...) You can find me @hmdtweets. And if you follow me you'll get links to all the fun stuff that doesn't make it to the blog. Like some faux bois tutorials and cool stuff like that. Let's be honest with each other... you'll also get random rambling and learn about what I'm reading/watching/listening to, but that could be fun too! Anyway, hope to see you there!

Meet: Joel Penkman

Our friend Joel is providing us with a little sweet eye candy this Wednesday. He paints with "egg tempera" which is a very old technique using paint pigments and egg yolks (I wikipedia-ed it obviously). From what I can gather it's quite difficult as the consistency has to be adjusted constantly. Don't you think it's interesting that he uses egg-based paints to create these beautiful desserts? Well I do, but I'm easily amused as you know.


Who's ready for morning tea?
images from Joel's site via happiness, etc

Moving In: Artemis + Nao's Sheds

Remember this couple? I did a little feature on their wedding awhile back (go look at it if you don't remember—it was stunning). Artemis and her husband Nao spend their days creating gorgeous jewelry and collecting vintage wares to sell in their online shop. This said, they're obviously a very creative couple with the need for workspaces. Here's where the sheds become a part of the story. It started with Artemis: her family decided to build her this adorable shed and she's spent time painting and decorating and making it her own little sewing and weaving space. Here's how I imagine this went: Artemis to Nao "Isn't it the best? I can keep all of my supplies and ideas and projects locked in here and I can visit and create any time I want!" Nao: "I neeeeeeeed that too!". At least that's how it would go with me. If I was living with someone and they had an awesome shed it would take me all of ten seconds to get in my car and head to the Home Depot to buy my own 4' x 6' shed. And then two minutes of hammer-wielding before I got my dad to come over and help put it together. But back to the people who've already done this....
You're going to really be inspired by this I think. These spaces may be small but with the big windows and bright interiors I don't think you'd feel too claustrophobic - do you? I'd definitely give it a go. If it didn't work out think of the happy chickens you could house!


above is Artemis' shed // below is Nao's (he likes to repair found leather bags and then sells them in the shop)


More shed pics here. Visit them at the blog, the jewelry shop and the vintage resell site.

Pretty Party: Reception Tents

Don't we just love a pretty reception tent? I've been to so many lovely weddings but have yet to celebrate under yards of translucent fabric. It'll happen one day, I'm certain of it. In the meantime, let's ooh la la over these gorgeous parties.


images from top left: paper balloons // paper curtains // bunting // paper flowers // streamers // twinkle lights // path // mexican bunting // floral chandelier // exposed

Listen To This: Bryan John Appleby

Geez louise. This guy makes my heart break into a hundred tiny, shiny pieces. What's better than a couple of flannel-clad cuties harmonizing in a rowboat? Well, not much but I hope your weekend is filled with something as magical. xo

Cliffs Along The Sea from Christian Sorensen Hansen on Vimeo.

bryan john appleby // cliffs along the sea

Meet: Luci Everett

Oh Luci Everett, you have the handmade graphic design feel down to an art. Literally I suppose. She's a Melbourne artist who uses her watercolors and handwriting and drawings in gorgeous collage designs for musicians, events and personal projects. Her work is quite delicate and whimsical, which I of course love.


My goodness it's lovely. Visit her website to see more of her work.

Moving In: William + Susan Brinson

These cute kids met when they were sixteen and proceeded to attend college together and now live in a gorgeous New York City loft. He's a still-life and food photographer (definitely worth a peek at his portfolio) and she is an art director and invitation designer (check out her lovely work too). So of course their apartment is fabulous. Such a great mixture of modern and vintage, light and dark, masculine and feminine. The space is well put-together but not at all overdone.


So many great pieces don't you think? images from the design*sponge feature
Want to make it your own? Let's go shopping:

multi-strand lights // cushions // ladder shelf // curtains // rolling cart // leather sofa // mirrors // dinnerware // supermarket numbers // wire egg basket

Look At This: The Burning House

The age old question: if your house was on fire, what would you grab? Foster Huntington invites people to collect and photograph the items they'd take and then he posts them. He writes "think of it as a full interview condensed into one question" and it really is. You learn so much about these people by looking at their treasures. Three common items: children, pets and (my personal favorite) the macbook. Feel like having yours posted? You're welcome to submit by visiting The Burning House site. I'd love to see it!


The project just started in May so be sure to keep up with it - there are sure to be some great collections.

Pack Your Bags — The Tides

I am obsessed with the Hollywood Regency style of decorating, especially when it manifests itself in the form of a gorgeous, art deco, South Beach hotel. The Tides in South Beach (Miami) saw a beautiful redesign in 2007 by the talented designer, Kelly Wearstler. She did a fabulous job: the color palette of warm golds and chocolate with pops of coral mix so well with natural textures such as tortoise, leather and honey woods. This is exactly the sort of place I picture when I think of luxury in Miami. Let's get our hat boxes out and board a jet shall we?


Love it. (thanks Rifle for introducing me to this gorgeous hotel!)
images from: The Tides // Kelly Wearstler // Carlos Melia

LIsten To This: Coeur De Pirate

My brother and sister-in-law and I went out to dinner earlier this week and on the walk to the restaurant we saw an enchanting site: there is a gorgeous cupcakery that offers French lessons in the evenings. There were a half dozen people sitting in a circular booth with cappuccino and half-eaten desserts in front of them and a charming old-timey blackboard with conjugated French verbs written on it. Man. Adorable. Weren't we supposed to be French this year anyway? Well, at the very least we should listen to Coeur de Pirate (aka Beatrice Martin) sing her sweet little French song.

coeur de pirate // comme des enfants
Now if only we'd known about the French lessons we'd know what the heck she was talking about. There's always next year. Have a good weekend my dear!

Loving: Ikat

We're pretty close by now aren't we? We've spent a lot of time together and I feel like we have a mutual admiration and respect for each other. And this is why I'm not afraid to confess to you that even after reading about "ikat" in quite a few different blogs, I still don't fully understand what it is. It's a technique that (apparently) involves a "three step process where the fiber is tie-dyed, woven into long, narrow strips, and then carefully patched together to create width." I'll take your word for it Ciao Interiors (they wrote the previous statement). Even though I don't realllllly know what it is, I'm pretty sure I can recognize it. And I can definitely recognize that it's gorgeous and I need more of it in my life.



images from top left: green vase // blue wall // blanket // coral pillow // brown couch // purple chairs // desk chair // wall hanging // poppies // lime green couch // burnt orange // silver stool

Meet: Abigail Brown

Abigail Brown is a "creature textile designer" and she is absolutely amazing. Her birds are rather extraordinary creations made from repurposed fabrics and assembled into whimsical and surprisingly expressive pieces of art. She makes all of them by hand and (yay!) they are for sale. Visit her site!


Aren't they sweet? I think I neeeed that flamingo.
(And thanks to Zoe for introducing me to the new UK magazine Mollie Makes which introduced me to Ms. Brown.)