Bijoux Extraordinaires

To die for...the white gold and platinum skull with diamonds on the right is priced at approx. $15,000! These pieces are reminiscent of the Memento Mori jewelry of the Victorian era. The earliest examples of Memento Mori dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, Europe. French jewelry designer, Lydia Courteille creates the most amazing jewelry I have ever seen in my life! These rings hardly do her collection justice, but I had a hard time finding images. These of course are circulating the web because of the skull trend we've been seeing in the fashion industry. The good thing is, more has been available to those of us with darker sensibilities...the bad thing, everyone and their granny is rockin' skulls now! You have to take a moment to check out her website....it's breath taking. Click on each category, then use the arrows to browse each collection.






Artwork for Lydia Courteille by Natalie Shau

See also: Fashionable Mourning Jewelry, Clothing, & Customs

Inspiration!

I don't remember where I found this image...but I love the idea! This bathroom is wallpapered with pages from one of the 18th century's greatest natural history achievements, Albertus Seba's Cabinet of Natural Curiosities (Jumbo) I could do with out the green though, too over-stated. I'd use a neutral or white! Love it!

DEYROLLE

Deyrolle, the amazing cabinet of curiosities boutique in the heart of Paris sadly suffered a major fire on February 1st, 2008. The fire ravaged about 80% of the a 170-year old establishment's natural history collection. The insects and butterflies were the worse hit, and Deyrolle is currently seeking an entomology vendor to help replace the collection. Read all about the fire, the store's resurrection efforts, and all the posted letters of sympathy on Deyrolle's blogsite. Gerard Depardieu is quoted: "there are no words - it's very violent. The fire is rich in symbol, it is perhaps a sign of a renaissance."

Marcin Tyszka

Well darlings...I'll let the pictures speak for themselves! www.marcintyszka.com

Anthropomorphic Dreams!

Behold...the newest series of platters by ibride! I LOVE them ALL so much! But I can't live with out the crow...his name is Bernardo.




This lovely mama below is Bianca




Ibride is an innovative French design team led by three members of the same family. The century old technique used to create their gorgeous and intricate trays uses recycled wood and gives it new life as a functional tray or home accent. Meet Pia...




And Ambroise...

Antler Craze

The Antler Craze has proven to be more than just a passing design trend. Vintage trophies and faux creations have found their way into every design magazine! When I found a small lot of these Roe Buck Antlers at an estate sale...you know I scooped them right up! Check out my Etsy shop, I have the one below listed. If your interested in a set of them (they look cool grouped) let me know, I have quite a few.




I love these illustrations...girls with antlers are all the rage you know! This one is by Julianna Swaney of Oh My Cavalier!




Another favorite, Catherine Campbell of My Folk Lover...




And my favorite favorites are by Liza Corbett




Check out her blog and Etsy shop too!




Love these necklaces...(left) Alex + Cloe (right) missmouse




Handbags recently launched by Rich-In-Craft

Bugs n' such...

First of all I've FINALLY updated my ETSY shop with some of my Supernatural Specimen Pendants and other goodies.






I had a few bugs to work out in Lady Lavona Land...but all is peachy now and I'm back to blog regularly! Speaking of bugs...you must check out Mike Libby's amazing Insect Lab They remind me of the typewriters in the film Naked Lunch!