Mint

Brendan and I were in Philly for a day last week, and popped in to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to see the work of mosaicist Isaiah Zagar. The museum is 6,000 square feet covered from top to bottom (literally) in mosaics. These are some quick iphone shots, but once we have our other photos downloaded I’ll be sure to share!

If I’m not careful, I will turn right into a tomato this summer. They’ve been a staple in my lunches and dinners, and I’m already dreading the day when my delicious sungolds are no longer available at the farmer’s market. Spabettie’s two tarts — tomato and basil and tomato and cheddar — look so… cute! The recipe is quick and simple, and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

photo by Spabettie

There is something sacred about a hardcover book. Therefore, I must confess my initial recoil at the cover images of The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects that Give Old Books New Life. Thankfully, author Lisa Occhipinti details her lifelong devotion to the craft of book making as a precursor to their deconstruction and “transformation.”

“I feel a deep connection to the weight of a book, the tooth of its paper, and the smell of its ink (or mustiness),” she writes. “I wonder where books have been…have they been on vacation, and if so, where did they go?”

Chapter One details, “Understanding the Value of Books” and “Which Books are Best to Repurpose?” Occhipinti targets the “orphaned” books: “with cracked spines or obsolete information” and the “unwanted, dusty volumes…at garage sales.” Ah, now I get it! I’m back on board and ready for further instruction.

She offers many delightful projects. I especially like the decoupage switch plate cover, the Pagework Quilt and the Lettered Wreath made of rosettes from book pages. However, the most clever is the Kindle Keeper. A classic hardcover that opens to reveal an electronic device is my kind of style and subtle commentary.

— Shelley Cline for Mint

What’s that they say about prices? If you have to ask…

Nevertheless, 1stDibs lives up to its tagline: The most beautiful things on Earth. Filled with antiques, art, furniture, lighting, jewelry, fashion, and more, I dare you to make it a quick trip.

1. French 1950′s quilted ceramic sphere vase, 2. Matt Magee oil on panel , 3. Scott Ogden ink on paper, 4. 1950′s teardrop pendant, 5. vintage French glass bottles, 6. papier mache and metal stork, 7. Hans Wegner and Johannes Hansen teak wishbone desk, 8. Moroccan vintage tribal rug

Have a good weekend!

O Paper! It deserves a Whitman-esque declaration. It is a constant source of inspiration. And the dazzling art of paper cutting is enjoying a renaissance as of late, as compiled by Laura Heyenga in a new book entitled Paper Cutting: Contemporary Artists, Timeless Craft.

In the introduction, expert Natalie Avella details its rich history. Originating in China in 610 C.E., moving to Japan, then to Baghdad, Turkey, and Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries before coming West across the Atlantic.

Avella writes, “Paper cutting puts us in touch with the need to ‘make,’ to use our hands creatively and escape the pixelated imagery that is everywhere in our screen-dominated lives.” In this book, you’ll find some familiar work, such as Nikki McClure and Real Simple‘s Matthew Sporzynski, as well as 24 other practitioners whose work is expertly photographed.

You generally won’t find a paper-cutting class in any art school. “It is almost always self-taught,” says Avella. So grab a copy of this book, and a sheet paper that’s just sitting in your printer, and your trusty craft blade and do some beautiful damage!

— Shelly Cline for Mint

My husband, Brendan Ward, just made this poster for a Coalition to Unchain Dogs event. I can’t look at it without cracking a smile.

Ah yes. Quinoa. I believe there is a box of that stashed in the back of my cabinet somewhere, and it hasn’t been very inspiring. However, this burrito recipe from Veggie Num Num looks healthy and delicious! More beautiful photos and the full recipe right here.