One of my favorite children’s books is “Fu Finds a Way.” It is about a hasty Chinese boy who learns “purpose, flow and patience” by pouring nine perfect rounds of tea.

The photo above by Antonio Viva seems the visual representation of these principles put into practice. It is not just about an afternoon pick-me-up. This is a tea designed to engage all the senses. The beauty of the contrasting yet complementary hues, the richness and variety of the textures – both natural and refined – shows that someone was paying attention to the whole experience. So seemingly simple a scene. And yet, it has the power to stop me in my tracks and slowly, purposefully, take it all in.

clockwise from the top left: bowls by Jason Russell; dessert and soup bowls by Elephant Ceramics; plates by Maria Moyer

Many moons ago when I was a recent college grad, I had a business trip to New York City. On that visit, an older colleague and former New Yorker introduced me to Bergdorf Goodman. Needless to say, I was in awe.

On this momentous occasion, I chanced to spy some deep cobalt blue plates on the sale rack. They were $13 a dish. But still I could only afford two. Since that day I have searched in vain for these same plates, and kick myself for not buying more. Despite some nicks and scratches, they are still so deeply hued and brilliant. Definitely among my favorite possessions.

But perhaps it is time to move on from my quest for the exact same plates. Especially since, these days, there are so many equally admirable alternatives.

dishes by Belinda Parten, via vtwonen, photograph by Tjitske van Leeuwen, styling by Marianne Luning; plates by Maria Moyer

layered blue bowl by Elephant Ceramics; drip plate by Cat Merrick

pin stripe plates by Paula Greif; blue splatter dinnerware from West Elm; blue village wall plate by Zuppa Atelier

Hedgehog brush by Redecker. Photo by Renilde de Peuter.

Yep. A moment of pure indulgence here.

Several weeks ago, I admired Renilde’s portrait of her new hedgehog brush by the renown German brush makers at Redecker. I love the way Renilde plays with both sides of his character – the brush and the Hedge – by surrounding him with flowery debris. Is he going to root around in it or sweep it up? Hmmmmm.

I quickly knew that I wanted to feature this excellent image. But I couldn’t decide. Was he the lead for a piece about hedgehogs or brushes? What to do?

Well sometimes indecision is also the mother of invention (I guess). I decided to follow Renilde’s lead by honoring both Hedge’s form and function.

So here you go. At the very least I hope my motley mix of wiry, spiky things puts a smile on your face this Friday.

one of a set of wooden hedgehog card holders by Mielasiela; hand-felted hedgehog toy by Glad O Art; Redecker lint brush with rubber bristles

lavender pouch from Foxy and Winston; hedge bag in black by Late Night Drawing; Redecker table sweep

hedge glass cup; DIY paper hedgehog; Redecker fly swatter (The prettiest you’ll ever see.)

Just ran across these cocktail stirrers on Etsy and thought they’d make a jolly accent for summertime parties. Designed by Silver Pine Woodworks, each stirrer is hand carved from a single piece of wood (Alder or oak) and painted with sturdy neon enamel. Also available in many tropical hues, Silver Pine’s spreaders are pretty festive too.

Hot off the presses (via this morning’s email) comes the latest from Bakery Design. Conceived by Gilli Kuchik and Ran Amitai, Woodini is an innovative stool featuring a sleek plywood frame and jolly polymer seat. Just the latest in clever concepts to be cooked up be this talented Israeli firm.

When traveling abroad, it is fun to make a fantasy of it by staying in some grand hotel. But I find that the experience is always more authentic when I stay in someone’s home. Especially if it’s the residence of a local artist whose original work becomes your souvenir.

More than just a rental, Souvenirs from Madrid is a “travel experience” by local graphic designer/photographer Iaia Cocoi and her partner, musician Miguel Angel Bestard. In their apartment located in LAVAPIÉS, “the most bohemien area of Madrid,” travelers get a rare chance to “live like a local.”

Much like modern Madrid itself, Iaia and Miguel’s apartment is an eclectic mix of old world charm – the romantic windows with vibrant, flaking paint – and contemporary pop – the blue ladder and Eames-like coat rack. Whimsical accents and witty details give the place a playful, relaxed atmosphere. In this cozy, yet crisp, clean space, you might just be tempted to put off El Prado for a day and spend a rainy afternoon sipping coffee and reading Spanish rags on the couch.

As part of this total experience of genuine Madrid, the couple also leaves custom guides outlining all their off-the-beaten-path favorites. You can even take a Spanish cooking course from this foodie pair or have them prepare a romantic picnic in the park for you. Finally, when it’s time to leave, you can take one of Iaia’s photographs that adorn the apartment with you, to remind you that you didn’t just visit Madrid. You lived there.

the cosy dining area with some of Iaia’s photos

“tea for two” and “the souvenirs” –  Iaia’s photography, which hangs on the wall

All photography by Iaia Cocoi. Used with her permission.

“I Denied Everything,” relief print, 11”x14,”

Ithaca-native and artist-in-residence at Cork, Ireland Sylvia Taylor is a printmaker whose work is admired all over the world. And no wonder. For she is one of those rare talents whose work successfully walks the line between immediately accessible and ultimately profound.

Featuring beautifully rendered animals that are full of personality, Taylor’s prints are both playful and charming. They pull you in with their sense of whimsy; their narratives reminding of the iconic childhood characters of Thornton W. Burgress.

But closer inspection reveals a more somber tone. Taylor’s critters often occupy plains of color that are not exactly cheerful. The agitated landscapes created by Taylor’s block cuts appear more foreboding than friendly, like energy barely contained. The threat of innocence lost looms large in the scenes, setting up a paradoxical tension throughout Taylor’s work. As the artist herself puts it: “I enjoy using animals in my relief prints to explore the pathos, humor and humanity of life.” The fact that there is always two sides to Taylor’s work – the humor versus the “heavy” – means that as one continually travels back and forth, the appeal is endless.

“Little Revolution” (detail), relief print, 8”x20,”

“Letting Go,” relief print, 7 3/4”x7 3/4,” 

“The Blue Hour”

“Mass,” relief on Japanese paper

Taylor’s prints are available at True North Gallery.

Best known for her rag dolls, Jess Brown has just launched a new line of casual clothing and other “bits” for women and home, called Jess Brown Pieces. Much like her dolls, this casual collection combines the best of rustic simplicity and urban chic.

Of particular note are these breezy quilts. Made from individual strips of gossamer linens and pretty prints, each one-of-a-kind cover is both lovely and understand. The perfect light-weight accessory for summer.

See more from the “Pieces” collection here.

What Solvi and I saw on our walk today.

porch

Exciting news friends: today I signed the P&S on a new house!

Actually it’s a really old house, built in the late 1800′s. The previous owners didn’t “kill it,” so it still has most of the original charm (including the servant call bells – how Downton Abbey).

I can’t wait to share this new home with you as I make it my own. For now though, here’s a sneak peak at some of my favorite features.

butler’s pantry

curling banister