Clar’s Land O’ Likes!

It’s been awhile, blogging audience! If you’ve been watching, there has been an overwhelming amount of changes and activity going on at Spruce! Add to that: it’s our busiest time of the year. I’ve been out of touch and I miss talking with ya’ll!

Here’s a little light reading, a fluffy list of likes on my desktop. It’s just a mix of photos, links, and ideas (some you may know about, and some you may not). Take a little break with me!

Designers I’m loving: I am really enjoying Fujiwo Ishimoto’s fabric designs lately. Also, I’m fixated with Alessandro Mendini’s furniture designs (again, always). I am in constant admiration of one of the fabric companies we carry: Designer’s Guild. Tricia Guild mans the ship!

Print for Marimekko, Fujiwo Ishimoto 1991.

“Lepo” print for Marimekko, Fujiwo Ishimoto 1991. Photo courtesy Mummekkoo.blogspot.com.

Reproductions of two paintings from Alessandro Mendini. Pics found in Allessandro Mendini, by Giancarlo Politi, 1989.

Reproductions of two paintings from Alessandro Mendini. Pics found in Allessandro Mendini, by Giancarlo Politi, 1989.

Favorite local businesses: Take Heart, Switched On, Nannie InezRoom Service, End of an Ear Records. Did I say Spruce? Visit all these places!!!

On my bedside table: Conjunctions 39: The New Wave Fabulistsa compilation of short stories edited by Brad Morrow and Peter Straub. There are some great stories; I’m halfway through. It includes illustrations from Gahan Wilson! Also have a great copy of  The Kitchen Book by Terrence Conran that has lots of great (vintage) kitchen ideas that would still be relevant today.

The Kitchen Book by Terence Conran.

The Kitchen Book by Terence Conran.

What I’m watching on TV: (Via Netflix) Reruns of Louis C.K.’s show Louie. It’s so funny, so wrong, so poignant and human. So true!

Where I get my inspiration lately: AQQ Design; Tumblr sites, such as Zonkout, Inside, Outside, and Keehnan Konyha‘s blog (always a hit). These are just a few of my favorites. There are gads of great Tumblr sites and art blogs that I love.

Best trip I’ve taken recently: Galveston for the weekend. While there, I rode a ferry and saw more dolphins than I have ever seen in my lifetime! Then to Houston to view some Post-Modern Arquitectonica architecture. I love you much, Houston!

Arquitectonica Houston

Arquitectonica Building in Houston, TX.

Detail of an Arquitectonica Building in Houston, TX.

Detail of an Arquitectonica Building in Houston, TX.

Songs I have on repeat: Any mix from Ying Yangs.

Word to live by: My mom always used to tell me, “Nope!” Ha! Just kidding!

A perfect day in Austin: Swimming or hiking anywhere during the day, a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse in the evening. Blissful!

Questionnaire supplied by our gal Clarisa Ramirez.