Friday Favorites 4/8/2011

Jared Ainscough, Assistant Art Director
I’ve had an aversion to Sailor’s Valentines in the past–shell art in general, I suppose–but this piece from Leonards New England won me over. A great array of colors, nice contrast and composition, plus two small sea horses that look skeletal but lively.

What really speaks to me is the expression spelled out in shells: “Greasy Luck to Whalers.†GREASY luck! A reference to the whale oil that every whaler sought on his journey. I grew up in Mystic, Connecticut, and had an appreciation for whaling and the sea preached to me often. This is the type of art you put right next to the front door so you can face each day with a bit of greasy luck.

Photo courtesy of Leonards New England

Kara Lashley, Associate Editor
The Repose tile collection from Waterworks is a favorite of designer Lindy Weaver, whom I chatted with recently, and its undulating swirls have since became a favorite of mine, too. “It’s a wonderful way to bring the outdoors inside,†Lindy says of the glass mosaic tiles, shown here in Shadow Glossy. “Using this tile on a kitchen backsplash or on the walls of your shower stall would remind you of blue skies on the dreariest of days.â€

To see more of Lindy’s kitchen must-haves, don’t miss her Wish List in the current issue of New England Home’s Connecticut.

Photo courtesy of Waterworks

Stacy Kunstel, Homes Editor
Anything you can take with you to a photo shoot and use as a tablecloth, bath towel or throw is a winner in my book. That’s just one of the reasons I am so crazy for the beauty and versatility of the woven cotton work found through Creative Women in Vermont. Grown and woven in Ethiopia, these gorgeous textiles (in a number of different colors and patterns) directly benefit the communities where they are made.

Photo courtesy of Creative Women