Something Old is New Again--Nick Gentry: Eco Art

Brit, Nick Gentry   uses discarded floppy discs in his expressive portraits. Pretty Amazing.

The Future is Green--PapCorn, Made from Compostable Bioplastic

I've been thinking a lot about plastic lately and how much of it I use everyday. It got me thinking about ways to use less. I was also inspired to look for eco-freindly alternatives. In my hunt, I found PapCorn, a beautiful line of fully compostable dishes made from corn and wheat-based bio plastics. Isn't that cool. Created by two Danish women industrial designers, the dinnerware looks too good to discard.

Hand Painted House Numbers by Nancy Hill

Nancy Hill hand paints ceramics in her Santa Barbara home. Her theme is fish--brightly-colored tropical reef fish.  Her latest project--very fun house numbers.

From Down Under: Ink & Spindle--Beautiful, Hand Screen Printed Textiles

There is a special quality to hand printed fabric. Ink and Spindle is a small screen printing studio in Australia run by two talented textile designers, Lara Cameron and Tegan Rose. All their fabrics are sustainable and  the designs are so simple and lovely.

Great Design from Cape Town--Skinny LaMinx

Skinny Laminx Screen Printed Cushions

Screen Printed Tea Towels

Cloud Birds Print--How cute is this!

I love these fresh designs from Skinny LaMinx based in Cape Town, South Africa. Designer / illustrator, Heather Moore, hand screen prints her designs with water-based inks onto cotton hopsack.

The Beauty of West African Wax Prints

Ananse Village, fair-traded African Wax Prints

One Mango Tree

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African Wax Resist Prints from Selvedge Magazine

Lalesso, An Eco-Conscious, Ethical Clothing Company from Kenya inspired by African Khanga

Check out Lalesso

Suno--Fashion Inspired by African Textiles

Max Osterweis for Suno New York

African Wax-Printed Kangas

The Beauty of Linen

Brahms Mount

I love linen--soft, linen nighties, blankets, throws--they just get softer and better with every washing. I was so sad when I finally had to throw away my lovely, threadbare nightgown. I have yet to find a replacement that I can afford. But if money is no object, here are some beautiful linens from the Italian company, 120% Lino Casa. Brahms Mount is another company I love. Based in Maine, they weave the absolutely best cotton and linen blankets using antique shuttle looms. When I had my shop in Honolulu, I used to carry their blankets and throws. They are perfect for summer sleeping.

Some of my New Work

Lady with Parrot

Lady with White Cat

Summer Colors at Pelote Fine Linens in San Francisco

When I was in France a few years ago I stayed in a lovely little hotel in the the Left Bank. The area was full of quaint neighborhood cafes and intriguing shops. One of my favorite places sold table linens in a wide assortment of beautiful, brightly colored stripes. I came across these beauties at Pelote Home in San Francisco.

Eco-Friendly & Stylish Too! Lunchskins

I've been thinking a lot about plastics lately--how much I use everyday and how to find healthy, eco-friendly replacements.  In my search I found these very cute Lunchskins, reusable sandwich and snack bags (to replace plastic baggies) made by 3 Green Moms. What a great idea!