Entry Level

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Entry Level

Three days a week, I make the trip to Marin County for my dream job. I work in a cramped art room, painting in an alley, atop high ladders, doing visual display for Anthropologie. I was lucky enough to win the opportunity, a revamp of their internship program that allows me to own whole projects, due in some part to the work that I've done on Poppy Haus, which makes me so happy. Today I am sharing my first completed installation "Baubles" one of the centerpieces of the holiday narrative that Anthropologie created for their stores this year. 

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The Clay Magnets Project

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The Clay Magnets Project

I know, I know, my presentation is a bit "Christmassy" when we are barely into November- there's a good reason. I designed this DIY for Apartment Therapy's Homemade Holiday Gift Idea Exchange, a clever series where bloggers share their ideas for making handmade holiday presents. I chose to share this project, because it's something that kids and grown-ups can work on together. Fancy magnets make a great all-purpose gift for teachers, co-workers, friends, and as stocking stuffers- they aren't something you buy for yourself, and they can really spruce up the fridge. Get creative! Use different shaped cookie cutters to personalize your magnets.  I used white clay, because I love Jonathan Adler, but oven bake clay comes in a variety of colors. My project will be up on AT later today.  Here's the link to the entire series: Homemade Holiday Gift Idea Exchange.

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The Fallen Leaf Lantern

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The Fallen Leaf Lantern

I don't know if I ever formally announced this on Poppy Haus, but I started a visual display internship with Anthropologie last month; the best part of which is the opportunity to create three dimensional art installations out of ordinary materials "as a job", because as you know, I really like doing it for my home. Today's post has been in the works and a little delayed because of my ever tightening schedule with school, interning, blogging and kid wrangling.  I am very excited to share this new paper lantern project, particularly because it's a project that you can do with kids, at least the leaf collecting part (we got our leaves from Jasper's school). The lantern can hang from a string or can be illuminated with a light cord. Here are some more pictures and a tutorial. 

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Luxe Pumpkin Luminarias

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Luxe Pumpkin Luminarias

I've had a couple of craft store pumpkins sitting in my work space (aka my dining room table) for several weeks just collecting dust while I worked on other things. I finally got to them, now that you've been totally inundated with Halloween decor ideas, so just know that I'm planning on rocking them on the Thanksgiving table as well. These are "transitional" pumpkins. That's right, I said transitional. Also, they light up, so they are magic. I'm planning on making several more, because we are hosting this year and if the weather cooperates we'll be eating at an extra-long table extending out into our backyard. This project is easy enough for a mid-sized kid to work on, so I'm enlisting an enthusiastic Jasper to help me poke all the holes. I love my sweet artsy boy. Here's the tutorial and materials list...

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Skinny Legs and All

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Skinny Legs and All

Call me a traditionalist, but I like my Halloween to be spooky. Every year I look forward to opening the bin that holds our faux black crows, furry bats and creepy guaze fabrics.  October is the best. The other day I made a few new pieces to add to the mix, including these long legged black widow spiders (using navy tights, orangey-red nail polish). They are currently spooking up our piano keys.  See more pictures below, including a tutorial in case you want to make some of your own. Have a happy weekend!  Follow me on Instagram and Twitter this week- I'll be on a fun blogging adventure over the weekend, heading down the California coast testing out Ford's new C-Max Hybrid. I'll let you know all about it when I get back!

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