Lovely Beaded Jewelry from So Young Park

Beads. Beaded jewelry. Wearable art beaded jewelry. Can you see why I'm on-board? These designs from So Young Park Studios are unbelievably beautiful and I want them all!

Especially check out the items in "Concept Wear" - I've included a bracelet from that section below but some of the other pieces are just ...wow. If you are into wearable art jewelry at all, you NEED to visit this site!

Art Jewelry Necklace by So Young Park

Art Jewelry Bracelet by So Young Park

Art Jewelry Necklace by So Young Park

Art Jewelry Earrings by So Young Park

Art Jewelry Bracelet by So Young Park

Creative Spaces at the BBC

I've been ogling these Meeting Pods at BBC North for a while - what a terrific design concept! I love the organic shapes and the way the Pods create a sense of privacy yet are still open. I can totally see myself sneaking away from my desk to snuggle into one of those Pods to do some creative dreaming and idea generating.

One thing that is so tragically missing from most "creative" places are actual spots to be creative. No wonder people run away from their work spaces to locations where they can slip into right brain mode more easily.

Dream plan if I had piles of money: build a creative space in the Los Angeles area that functions as an idea factory. Any funders out there...you know where to find me!

Meeting Pods at BBC North

Meeting Pods at BBC North

Meeting Pods at BBC North

Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

There can just never be too much James Hubbell in my world, so today we are going to explore the Sea Ranch Chapel in Sea Ranch, CA. If I do ever manage to get married, it will be here, surrounded by art and beauty.

Of all the James Hubbell stained glass work that I've had a chance to view, the leaded art glass at Sea Ranch Chapel is amongst my favorite of Hubbell's designs.
The amazing roof design comes in a close second.

Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

Doors to the Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

Art Stained Glass - James Hubbell, Architect

Glass Work, Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

Ceiling and Glass Work Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

Wilkinson Residence - Portland, Robert Oshatz, Architect

This lovely piece of interesting architecture has the feel of being in a treehouse - entirely intentional on the part of Robert Oshatz, architect. The lot is a steep slope, which lent itself to a house that feels as if one is living in the forest canopy. The owners not only wanted a home in harmony with nature, they wanted one that flowed like music.

Looking at some of Oshatz's other work, his love of curves means he will be making more appearances on this blog!

Wilkinson Residence, Portland Oregon - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Wilkinson Residence, Portland Oregon - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Wilkinson Residence, Portland Oregon - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Wilkinson Residence, Portland Oregon - Robert Oshatz, Architect

         

Stone Church, Karuizawa - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Today's bit of organic architecture goodness is another of Kendrick Kellogg's wonderful architecture. The Stone Church in Karuizawa is created around the 5 elements of stone, wood, sunlight, green, and water to bring the church into harmony with nature.

What I love about this is the way light has been used to fill the chapel and create different moods depending on time of day and season. The stonework is aesthetically breathtaking, as is the use of greenery in the chapel. I especially like the way the Stone Church blends comfortably into the surrounding forest. This is organic architecture at its finest!

Stone Church in Karuizawa - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Front Entry to the Stone Church - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Stone Church in Karuizawa - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Stone Church Lighting - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Bioethanol Fireplaces from Acquaefuoco

These fantastic fireplaces caught my eye the other day on Beautiful Life and I'm now trying to figure out where I can put the outdoor models in my back yard. Not only are the overall designs wonderful, but they are eco-friendly and use bioethanol fuel so no need to run gas lines.

Also in the plus column - no fumes (or ashes.) Check out the full line from Acquaefuoco at their website.

Outdoor wall fireplaces that burn bioethanol.

Indoor bioethanol fireplace from Acquaefuoco.

"Sail" fireplace from Acquaefuoco.

Oval wall fireplace from Acquaefuoco.

Teardrop wall fireplaces from Acquoefuoco.

James Hubbell, House & Studio in Julian

Pictures today from my personal stash that were taken at the home and studio of architect James Hubbell in Julian, CA.  James Hubbell and his wife open up their home each year to the public on Father's Day, register for tours at their website.

The Hubbell home was mostly burned to the ground in the Cedar Fire of 2003, only the Boy's House remained unscathed. The studio and home have been rebuilt since then and improved upon. These pictures are all post-fire and there are plenty more to come in future posts.

James Hubbell Design Studio Julian, CA

James Hubbell home in Julian, CA

The Boy's House, James Hubbell

More of the Hubbell Studios in Julian