5.31.2010
the palette project
i saw sofia coppola's marie antoinette a couple years ago and was really struck by it. i was especially interested when i heard coppola talk about the colors for the film. she worked closely with the art director and cinematographer on a color palette that they kept consistently through the film's design and filming. coppola collected pictures and small objects that stayed within the candy-colored palette she envisioned for the film, and greatly minimized the blacks and browns on screen. i had a greater appreciation as i watched the film a second time, and felt that their use of color was a powerful part of that film.
i am a list maker and collector, so to me, the thought of collecting objects or pictures based on color makes sense. it also sounds really fun and inspiring. i have been further inspired to start my own palette project after reading this article (which also provided the love images in today's post) from martha stewart living. the article talks about a few different ways to find color inspiration--and how to find your own color palette for anything, from your wardrobe to a room to a brunch menu or bouquet.
i have started to pay more attention to colors i love, and have started to collect them. i have a file folder and folder on my computer dedicated purely to color. i'm excited to see how paying more attention to the colors i love--and hopefully finding some trends--might affect the design of our home and my life as a whole. for instance, is it a coincidence that both of the images on today's post feature some variation of a primary color palette? right now i find i am very drawn to dark yellow, light blue, and red or dark pink (sometimes light pink, too). gray is still one of my favorites, too, especially paired with more lively colors like yellow or shades of pink.
how do you find colors you love? do you consciously try to create color palettes for projects, your wardrobe, or your home, or does color just happen? what is your favorite color or color combination this spring?
5.26.2010
suitcase love.
5.25.2010
bike love.
5.24.2010
lemon cupcakes
lemon cupcakes.
* 3/4 cup cake flour (not self-rising), or 3/4 cup GF flour of your choice
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 2 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest (i used more, to taste)
* 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (i used more, to taste)
* 2 large eggs
preheat oven to 350° F. and line four 1/2-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
into a bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk in 2 teaspoons zest.in another bowl with a fork blend butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon juice until smooth. with a wooden spoon beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until smooth. stir butter mixture into flour mixture until batter is combined well.
spoon into cupcake pan. bake until cupcakes spring back, about 12 minutes for mini cupcakes and 18 minutes for regular cupcakes.
cool completely and frost.
lemon buttercream frosting.
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 3 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
* 1 lemon, juice and zest of
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional--i didn't want the competing flavors)
* 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional--i didn't miss it)
Mix the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.
Add the lemon juice and mix until smooth. Add more lemon juice, if desired.
I didn't use the vanilla or salt--it was good.
makes enough for 12 cupcakes.
5.21.2010
inspiration: frame a dish towel
i love this idea, especially since it costs about the same as a print and has added charm and texture as an embroidered textile. i have to admit, she had me eying this sea scene with the same purpose in mind. i have nurseries on the brain lately, but this whimsical piece would be lovely in any other space, too.
what are you making this weekend? planting our new strawberry and grape tomato plants, making cupcakes, customizing shirts, the LOST finale and finishing a couple sewing projects are all on my mind.
5.19.2010
la baguette.
5.17.2010
pretty things for may
i love these reused spoons.
a lovely little clock.
found at anthropologie.
favourite things lamp.
found at anthropologie.
public d bike.
found on bikes by public.