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?

I’m learning to crochet.  My requisite first project, a scarf, is almost finished, and already I am dreaming of what I could do with this newfound talent.  As is typical for me, I want to skip the whole part where I make afghans, beanies, toilet paper cozies and socks for everyone unfortunate enough to be on my gift list, and jump forward to the level of Dana Barnes, fiber artist extraordinaire. I am in awe of this amazingly talented woman and how she has turned the old fashioned gramma-style crafts of crocheting and braiding upside down, moving them to a fun new contemporary level. She and her staff create rugs, pillows, curtains, sculptures, chairs, even room dividers with crocheted, braided, knotted and fused wool.  Put on your glasses and take a look!

These pieces, shown in her NYC loft, double as floor cushions and rugs.  As you can see, Dana is not a huge fan of traditional furniture:

Below,  photos from designmilk show her versatility:

One of a kind knotted “floor cozy:” (also known as a rug… I just want to run my toes through this!)

Needlepoint lampshade:

Braided rug:

Fiber Wall… perfect room divider for a loft-like space:

Knotted sculpture:

Bedroom rugs.  The rug on the left is crocheted, the rug running towards the tub is made with embossed felted wool that has been molded with interestingly shaped objects like bowls, large letters and sticks:

Now if only I could spend my days doing something as magical and wonderful as this… Someday!

Are you an artist?  I’d LOVE to see your creations!

There were two of us, with a few hours to spare, looking for good times in the OC.  A beautiful day, we itched for something different, unique and one-of-a-kind that would preferably be punctuated with yummy treats and drinks.

Our destination?

The OC Mart Mix in Costa Mesa

Have you been there yet?  Ok, yes…it is a little tough to find… but what a gem!  It’s nestled behind the South Coast Collection of furniture stores (SOCO) which I’m sure you’ve seen from the 405, just north of Harbor. The OC Mart Mix is very similar to the LAB Anti-Mall and The Camp in that it is filled with wonderfully creative places to shop, eat and just hang, indoors and out.  You’ll find unique, one of a kind items… from clothing, old and new, to furniture, home accessories, organic body products, art made from salvaged items, jewelry, sports, cycle and surf shops, a spice store, even a sewing workshop.

The Mix houses a fantastic coffee shop, wine and olive bar, bakery, a new cheese shop and by now… probably more.  Each time I go, there are new places to explore… it’s growing quickly. Definitely worth the drive!

You’ll want to stay for a while….  The open air courtyard is gorgeously landscaped… a perfect spot to soak up that all important Vit. D and enjoy a treat.  Visit in the evening to bask under twinkly lights and in front of the firepit.

Go to the Mix on a Saturday and you’ll get to shop the farmer’s market and sample yummies from gourmet food trucks.  Line up!

The OC Mart Mix is a fun place to explore, meet up with friends and be inspired by creative people and things.  I’m ready for another fix….!  See you there next week?!