eat.live.modern. A modern design blog for modern lifestyles.

Southern Flourish Magazine Launch

Southern Flourish, a new, 100% digital magazine that dishes out modern style and reveals Southern lifestyles, launches in a week on March 15th. It is such a joy to have a publication with inspirational, modern content at our fingertips - especially since Domino magazine is no longer.

The launch issue features 15 writers living in 9 Southern states - and I am one of them! Check out the sneak peek below for my article on Save.Spend.Splurge: Quatrefoil. It was such a pleasure to piece together and write about a design that has roots in history but also appears in many moderns finds. In addition, the Southern Flourish launch issue is packed with amazing articles about Southern style and beauty, what to do on a long weekend in Charleston, discovering local farming and much more.

Be sure to check out Southern Flourish!

 

Origami - Design and Culture

The art of Origami is much more than paper airplanes and animals. Here are some inspiring sources of modern origami design and highlights of the culture that surrounds it. 

Girligami is a new book by Cindy Ng that unfolds twenty original designs and provides step-by-step instructions. Those that love fashion, friends, and folding can find enjoyment in her carefully thought-out origami projects. Each origami design comes with preprinted paper, and the book provides tips on other fun ways to use your crafty creations, like adding them to cards and gifts.

Next, Between the Folds is a documentary that was released in 2008. It taps into the modern world of origami with artists and scientists using the art form in various ways. Whether it's captivating beauty or modeling mathematical theories, the film pushes the envelope and shows how folding paper can reveal connections between art, science and philosophy. I found Between the Folds inspiring and surprising at the same time. Enjoy the trailer below.

Finally, here is one dress that truly represents the crossover between modern origami and fashion. Marisa Tomei rocked this dress by Versace on the red carpet for the 2009 Oscars. What a stunning dress - the folds and details are amazing!

 

 

New Orleans Design Guide

via www.designspongeonline.com

Here's a good, in-depth post for a New Orleans Guide to design on Design Sponge. Happy Mardi Gras to all!

Hello Handmade Valentines

Get romantic this Valentine's Day with a handmade card from Hello Handmade. The creative duo is offering hand-painted valentines with a Jane Austin type feel. Each valentine has set printed and water-colored swallows to show your special someone how really special they are. Not to mention the uniquely romantic calligraphy which will capture all hearts, and the copy can be something you provide or they can compose sweet nothings for you. Finally, the notes are topped off with a wax seal. (C'mon feel the love.)

Order on the Hello Handmade Etsy page by February 5th!

They are happy to be donating 10% of each sale to American Red Cross relief for Haiti.

Best Modern Green Stores Marketplace 2009 | Apartment Therapy

Over the past year, we've noticed that it's getting easier to find green stores that strike a balance between style and sustainability. Many green designers and retailers have embraced a modern aesthetic that's crisp, not crunchy. Here are a few of our favorites.

via www.apartmenttherapy.com

Check out these stores for some last minute shopping ideas.

Glass Bell Ornaments - Eva Zeisel

Bells will be ringing this holiday season with these simple, stunning glass bell ornaments designed by Eva Zeisel. Each of the three designs were mouth-blown and designed specifically for the MoMA. With an affordable price of $35-45 - you can spread the holiday cheer with ease this year.

 

www.momastore.com

Modern House Numbers

Everyone wants that awesome curb appeal. Well, now you can have it (and the mail carriers can find your house) with Modern House Numbers. You may live in an older house or neighborhood, but it doesn't mean you can't update your digits.

Modern House Numbers has unique designs for your house, mailbox, and curb. You can easily preview your exact address using the various typefaces offered on their website as well.

See below for an example - the SoCal typeface is super! Prices are very reasonable.

www.modernhousenumbers.com

Blabla Kids

Here's another delightful string creation. Blabla Kids has an amazing collection of handmade dolls, backpacks, rattles, finger puppets and more. All are designed by Florence Wetterwald and knitted by Peruvian artists. The Blabla kids products are made from natural fibers and have a familiar yet modern feel. I especially love the Classic blabla dolls which make sweet gifts or memorable keepsakes. See the cat and girl examples below!

Blabla Kids website

 

The String Doll Gang - Kamibashi

The String Doll Gang by Kamibashi are tiny characters amazingly made from only one piece of string. Handmade in Thailand these playful accessories can be used as keychains, on backbacks, or wherever you desire. The Kamibashi team spent several weeks in Thailand working with local weavers to create such unique characters. They have worked to setup fair trade practices and support the villages the weavers live in. There are 130+ String Dolls to choose from at $10 each.

Check out the String Doll Gang website.

Working Class Studio Framework Magnetic Frames

Working Class Studio is a product development venture at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). It brings together the work and creativity of students, alumni, and faculty artists.

One product inspired by antique frames and textile patterns are the Framework magnetic frames. The stylish frames are lightweight and can be used on the fridge, at the office, or on your locker. Sizes include 4" x 6", 3" x 5", and 2" x 3" frames.

Support the up and coming talent at SCAD! See frames here.