There is something extra special about stuff that is hand made by artists, especially those that use and reuse old fabrics, textiles and furniture.  If it is stitched, embroidered, patched, quilted, or hand painted, so much the better! The final effect is new, unique and inspiringly fresh, oozing personality and soul.

I recently discovered (and fell in love with) these puffy blue pillows at  JUXTAPOSITION in Newport Coast. I first thought they were made of old blue jeans, but upon touch, could tell the fabric was much much softer and very fine. When I saw the price, I knew they must be something special indeed. (around $480 each)

They are made of “Boro”… vintage hemp and cotton fabric woven by Japanese farmers to make their everyday clothing in the early 1900′s.  Washed, worn and eventually torn, bits and pieces of  this fabric are now very rare… and valuable.  You can see more examples, read about it and even buy from this ebay dealer here…

Anthropologie does a great job of ferreting out the unique, especially considering they are a large corporation. MOST of their furniture is so distinct, especially that with hand stitched, quilted and patched together fabrics. These gorgeous pieces might not be one of a kind, but they are distinct and not something normally seen in other furniture shops.

I first saw this chair made of vintage denim bits and pieces right after seeing the Boro pillows at Juxtaposition, so they immediately caught my eye.  Such a casual, cool, and rough look for this a formal chair.  LOVE.

Beautiful fabric collages were everywhere… Anthropologie IS known for this sort of look.  How about this ottoman?

AND… sofa:

Anthropologie is currently showcasing the upholstery work of Serbian artist Draga Obradovic… unique, one-of-a-kind pieces created when she reupholsters vintage frames in coated-cotton canvas fabric that has been layered with rich pigment ,then screenprinted and hand-distressed.  The final product has a durable, leather-like finish. This is my favorite… I’ve always been a big fan of polka dots.

Another example of Obradovic’s one of a kind, repurposed vintage pieces.

I’m drooling now… time for some more upholstery classes!  What has caught your eye recently… anything unique or handmade?  Please share!!

I’ve long been a fan of these fun, bright and practical folding chairs sold at the mecca of all things beautiful and bohemian called Anthropologie:

I’m sure you know all about this store… and the temptations that beckon from every corner. These chairs are FAB, but at $198 each, I wasn’t about to rush to the check-out counter with a pair.  Anyway… where the heck would I put them in my already bursting at the seams Casa Anderson?

My clever friend Hoiyin… partner in all things recycled, re-imagined, repurposed and reused, also fell in love and decided she needed such clever chairs… SO perfect to pull out for guests visiting her tiny but uber-cool loftette. But, ever the DIYer, Hoiyin made her own version with two folding chairs found in a back alley rather than at Anthropologie. She started with this:

These “ugly chairs” were found leaning against a dumpster.  No one wanted them, or even deemed them worthy of a garage sale or thrift store donation.

Hoiyin polished up the wood, and then with a bit of instruction at Alchemy Fine Living in Santa Ana, reupholstered the chairs with a collage of scraps from faded curtains and an old faux-fur halloween costume.  Several days later, with no $$$ spent, look at what Hoiyin has created.

Definitely cool and blog worthy… you can read all about her upholstery adventure here: Her photos are much much better than mine…  After all, she IS a professional photograper.

What have you remade, recycled, redone or reupholstered lately?

You heard about my love affair with plants last week.  Especially succulents. I’ve got them indoors, I’ve got them outdoors, but had never thought of putting them here:

                                                     Photos from designtaxi.

Maybe getting a bicycle IS a good idea… I’m feeling vibrant and pink cheeked just thinking about it! (Do you think this could work on a motorcycle??)

All of these CUTE little containers, above and below, come from Colleen Jordan of Wearable Garden.  You can see them in her Etsy shop here.

No bike?  Try out her wearable containers: necklaces, brooches and lapel pins designed to hold succulents, air plants or tiny sprouts and flowers. (wonderful air purifiers, of course!)

And then there are these plant containers… Why, who needs a trip to the pottery shop when there are household items just waiting to be filled with green goodness? Just open the closet, potting shed or, well… even your dresser drawers.

                                                Photos from Urban Garden.

My favorite, although I think that Mr. MM would prefer that I wear this one…!

What kinds of containers have you planted up?