Nonpareil

Instead of posting music for “tuesday tunes”, I thought I’d post some music-inspired jewelry.

Texas Tarts fashions old vinyl records into funky jewelry. Each of her pieces is named after an ’80s tune {I’m old enough to get the references}…and I love the ’80s vibe of the charm bracelets…CUTE!

I’ve been looking for a new laptop bag or briefcase lately…and I’ve found quite a few that I love. But, it seems like the ones I like the most are in the $500 range. Apparently, making a bee line to the most expensive item in a store is a fine-tuned skill I’ve developed over the years.

I was really happy to find the messenger bags from Stash on 1000 Markets. Theirs are moderately priced – just under $100, and even that cute green clutch is about $50! I love the use of vintage plaids and pinstripe suiting…and the little leather clasps are a nice detail too!

I LOVE the concept behind Further Soap. Apparently, glycerin is a by-product of the biofuel distillation process. Who knew?! Well, the couple behind Further soaps, that’s who…

Further soaps and candles are made from the leftover grease from Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton’s restaurant Mozza in L.A.. Unbelievable! {I had a life-altering food-experience there involving a marrow bone…but I’ll save the details for another time}. The signature fragrance is from the essential oils of Bergamot, Olive, and exotic grasses. Lovely!

As a little aside, and as some of you may know, my husband is partnered with Mario Batali…so I’m a bit of a fan! Um…truth be told, I’m a huge, crazed fan…My hubby makes the ovens that have Mario’s name. See them here {shameless self-promotion}.

Hope your weekend is fabuloso!

One of my favorite things to do when I visit my parents in the little town of Florence, Oregon, is visit all of the little touristy shops and galleries that run along the riverfront. My folks retired to this little town quite a few years ago, so it’s not “home”, but sure feels like a close second.

This last visit, I stepped in one of my usual galleries {can’t for the LIFE of me remember the name}, and was immediately drawn to the work by Mullanium. Many of their pieces are antiques that have been painted and embellished {like the songbird from the 1950′s, above}. I was really tempted by the heart pin {above}…so sweet. But, my very favorite is the bird. He just might have to come home with me.

California based Anthony Hansen‘s artwork is made mostly from found automotive sheet metal. His various hearts are incredible. I also love his description about his work:

“Creating hearts out of found/reclaimed elements constantly reminds me of the humanity that we all share, and how closely all of our different lives and journeys are connected”

Anthony has no online store, but he posts his show schedule, and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see his work in person.

*edit* you can find his work at Fiona Bleu Gallery in Morro Bay, California…