Ikea? No Mykea!

I came across this really interesting website called thisismykea. They offer designer adhesives for your Ikea furniture and not only this they take it a step forward by giving you the option of turning into a designer by uploading your fav pics and getting them converted into furniture stickers. 

Want more? You can even download a designer kit from their site and create designs for them! You get a ten percent for every sticker sold!

The site is beautifully designed and categorized, by furniture, by design and by color.

Their story : "After a long and tedious day of shopping in a local Ikea store, we returned to the office. Tired and unwilling to do so we finally unpacked the Ikea furniture and started with the hellish job of putting them together. After we finished and looked at our assembled Ikea furniture, we came to the dire conclusion that our office would consist of three colours, or the lack thereof. White, white and black! Then someone said; wow, this looks kinda naked."

Hence, their slogan: say NO to NAKED Furniture

Read more about them here.

Images :  here

Maggie's masterpieces

So what do you think I just showed you? These are desserts!! Did I hear a "Whaaaat are you saying?"  Exactly what I found myself screaming...in complete disbelief. I came across Maggie's work sometime back here and  have been often found salivating in front of the screen ever since! You know my love for desserts, pretty desserts, finger licking desserts, lip smacking desserts....SO I had to post these :)

But what didn't surprise me at all was that Maggie was following her career as a classic ballet dancer when she found herself in the world of cookies, petite cakes, pastries et al. Her creations are so charming & elegant....have to be the work of a graceful ballet dancer. Read more about her here & see her portfolio here. And she is SO pretty.While I go back & revisit each dessert...one at a time:) 

Images : here

A beautiful story behind a beautiful product

What is Recycled, Chic, Handmade, Wearable art and modern? 

Products from Escama Studio. 

I came across their work just yesterday and can't stop drooling ever since. You know what a big fan I am of recycling and especially if thats done with oodles of creativity. And these products are exactly that. Based in San Francisco and Brazil, they make BEAUTIFUL recycled fashion accessories using the technique of crochet and recycled aluminium pull tabs. And what is even more amazing is that the products are made by artisans who work in cooperatives in Brazil and by creating these beauties they earn money to support their families! A beautiful story behind a beautiful product.

Hop over to their site to read more about them and their work.

Images : here

The Lovely Blogger List

Rachel at Lovely Clusters has come up with an awesome idea to get bloggers (who create pretty somethings) together!  What a lovely way to know each other better and of course get inspired by each one’s work.

Here’s how you can connect…

1)       You need to be blogger who is also into creating stuff

2)       Write a little note about yourself ( the personal side of you)

3)       Tell everyone what inspires you

4)       And include at least two pictures of your work

5)       Add Links to your store, blog, etc

6)       And link it to other people who are into creating and designing

Here is mine…

Hi! I am Prachi. I studied management and worked for a couple of years until I gave it all away to follow my heart! Now I divide my time between pursuing studio pottery, designing paper products, conducting pottery and paper craft workshops and ofcourse writing this blog! I also work as a consultant for a Dutch company which is headed by two really warm & brilliant women. And together we are working on a mission to create a million jobs for women in developing countries. I have a very loving and supporting husband and an adorable one year old daughter.

I love colors. I adore pretty patterns. My heart skips a beat when I enter a paper store. I so very enjoy putting together parties. I am detail obsessed. The sight and smell of fresh flowers makes me go crazy. Teeny weeny candles make my evenings. I can't stop myself from visiting flea markets. The smell of vanilla makes my day. Gorgeous studio pottery is a big part of my life. I am always, yes! Always in the middle of redoing of my home.

You can also find me here

                                  Blog            Email            Facebook            Shop

Images : Personal Collection ( Copyright purplehomes)

Flower Heaven

I happened to read about this really talented woman here and So I decided to check out her website. One click and I almost died because of the overdose of pretty things! Some one help me! I can't make myself stop looking at these beauties!

Though I am not a huge fan of the artificial flower. But looking at this, I want them all. And I want them now!  So before you make up your mind to read this post an further. Hold your heart! Take a deep breath and get ready to see dainty little somethings! Sigh!

The Dandy Collection

The Dahlias Collection. I love how they have shot each picture.

Roses and some more roses and some more

God! This one sure has me drooling! Just look at the wedding bouquet and those flowers in her hair

And here's something for the less adventurous. Flower Clutches anyone? 

Don't miss them on those gift boxes

So are you ready to meet the lady behind it all. Here, she is! This picture says it all :) Read more about her journey here. And get inspired. I need to get back to her product shots NOW!

Images : Here

Dastkar 2010

Dastkar 2010 started yesterday and of course I had to be there asap. With DH travelling, Sara and I decided to go and have some fun! Sharing some glimpses of the wonderful Dastkar Mela! Its the perfect time for an open air thingie at Delhi, so all of you who stay in and around Delhi and love to see creative stuff, do take out some time to go there! Its on at the IGNCA Lawns, Janpath (Right opposite the National Archives, at the Rajpath - Janpath intersection) from the 12th to 21st of February.

And for those of you who can't make it to the fair, here are some glimpses!

The venue has lots of colorful elephants & cute little monkeys

Check out this wall art!

My absolute fav and seemed like the crowd's fav too!

Sondha, the Garden Shop run by Vinita Nath.

Though not a big fan of dry/ artificial foliage, I thought this looked pretty

I lost my heart to these wooden lanterns and bells

Aren't these kantha mosaics perfect for any child's room? Check out the detailing.

One of my all time favs, jugaad!

Cane baskets...ummm...no lamps!

Whimsical cushion covers & art on fabric by sumearth

Will these fishes fly!

Gorgeous! Isn't it?

Check out these colorful wallets & key rings

Beads, Beads and some more beads!

Images : Personal Album

Wood in Decor

I was for hunting for some dry wood in my local market for tomorrow night ( Its Lohri tomorrow, more about the festival later) and found myself looking at pictures where wood has been used as decor.

I came across this wonderfully artistic table at AT. Isn't this so creative? Oh! my heart misses several beats when I see such innovation and reuse of regular stuff. Remember the wooden coasters that I bought and posted here, those would fit in perfectly in woody decor too, won't they?

Image : Apartment therapy

Hold it tight!

You can tell by the way you hold your mug that there's more to drinking warm beverages than well drinking warm beverages. So says the designer behind this awesome stoneware mug. And I completely agree with Robin Egg who has made both the right hand and a left hand version of this Handwarmer mug , for lefties like me ;)

I really feel holding on to something HOT is as important as drinking something hot, especially in this weather. And this cute mug has been created keeping that in mind, it has a niche not only for the fingers but also enough space for both the palms to hold the warm mug tight ;) What a cute concept!

Image : isabellacatalogue

Must have Glamour this Christmas!

What you see here is MUST HAVE Glamour this Christmas according to me. And if you can lay your hands on these, I am going to turn very very green with envy ;)

I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE these napkin rings, An awesome combination of Amethyst and Gold! Designed by Nate Berkus they are to die for! You can buy them here.

And this shimmery Silver Wreath is coming in my dreams every night. Designed by David Stark, it uses different sized silver balls. I would like to have THIS on my door all year round! You can buy this one right here.

Hello Whitechina !

I can see the universe conspiring...yes I am sure...Its a ploy to make me buy white china, otherwise why would I be coming across such innovative white tableware stuff everywhere I look ,when I have always disliked it. See more posts on white tableware here and here.

Just look at these babies...I LURVE these whimsical pieces of art. How about adding some humour to your wine glasses and plates. I am definitely going to use this idea and do my version of this...white china, here I come!

Images : Unfortunately I can't recall where the source

Creating masterpieces out of the ordinary

I am loving these masterpieces created out of everyday stuff. Just look at this whimsical chandelier made out of shuttlecocks...pretty isn't it? This one has been created by Designer Gitta Schwendtner.

I bet you can't even guess what this chandlier is made up of. Here...here... let me give it away, plastic bags...yes the same ones that have been banned at Delhi. Spectacular!! British Designer Monica Hughes has created this warm and feathery lamp.

Ooooo...these super cute blossoms are made out of spoons. Designer Francois Legault is the guy behind them. Won't they look ultra cool above my dining table or even in my kitchen?

My favorite...or wait, those cute spoons are my favorite too ;) Created by artist Tracey Johnson these lights are made up of wine crates that she collected. She cut them up to mimic branches of trees and retained the wine company logos. Wow, now that is really neat!

Images : MH

Painted Platters

Remember few days back I did a post on tablescapes with white china. All of you actually left comments saying your white tableware is still resting in the box that it came in. So when I stumbled upon these pictures I had to share this with you, hoping it will inspire the artist in all of us and convince us to air that white tableware NOW!

The story is that 1000 kg of porcelain crockery produced by the famous tuscan factory of Richard Ginori (since 1735) were put into the hands of the Italian designer Paola Navone. And this is what she did it with it!! Yes! she painted each piece and created art. And now these renewed "Seconds" are being sold by weight...yes you heard it right by kilos!!!

I'd like five kilos of the bowls and ten of the plates please ;)

Seriously, how gorgeous are these? I just love the casually painted look on these platters and of course the bright hues. And just check out the porcelain tablemat. I think I am going to have to buy some white tableware ONLY to paint it like this...hmm..I MUST ;) The ones featured above are my favorite...retaining the white and adding some color, which ones do you like?

Images : Metropolitan home

Origami Footstools

No,this picture is not picked up from a origami book, these are sturdy aluminum footstools. Designed by a Polish Designer, Jakub Piotr Kalinowski, the clean lines and folds make me feel as though I will be able to unfold them if i really really tried ;) Don't you feel the same?

Image : Pointclick

I need these, this winter

I came across Papaver Vert a few days back and ever since I find myself going back to Patty Benson's site. She started her venture in 2007 combining her love for wool and home decor. You will not believe it but she crochets every single piece. Wow!! Each piece handcrafted and you know me, I am a sucker for anything that is handcrafted. So it was only to be that I became a BIG fan of her work and her. What I especially love about her work are the bright colors and how an age old thing like crochet can be made to look so contemporary.

Just look at these plant cozies...I am sure all my plants would love to wear one too.

She also does these lovely bowls and coasters as well

Just seeing them makes me feel so warm...how I wish to own her entire range this winter ;)

Images : From Paperver Vert

How GORGEOUS are these ?

Aren't these rooms by Meg Braff simply gorgeous? And yet so very calm. I am loving these numerous shades of soft blues.

Prints and stripes do look so pretty together !!

Check out those lovely printed cushions and how the green complements the blue so beautifully...

This is definitely my favorite...i love this delicate shade of blue and the huge vase on the table and the white furniture and the baby pink throw...wouldn't it be lovely to hide in here during summers?

Images : Housebeautiful

I am loving these ARTY products

Eggflat

I am loving this piece of art. It is made from industrial wool felt. The Eggflat has been conceived and designed by the designer, Josh Jakus. Sculptural and practical ( it effortlessly folds flat for storage).Won't it look really nice with some fruits, knick knacks or how about little muffins ;)

Norman the Doorman Doorstop

What an awesome take on a common object like a door stopper! By SF MoMA. My doors are begging me to get them this one.

Puzzle Wine Rack

Designed by Gideon Dagan, this futuristic design is definitely going to turn any wine collection into wall art. A single-unit rack holds nine bottles and one can even put together more of these colorful racks to create a larger “puzzle effect”. Too cute!

Images : Metropolitan homes