link love: modern kiddo

I've been under the weather for the past week, and much of my daughter's nap time (which is usually my work time, has been replaced with more nap time--by me, that is) In lieu of a proper post today, I'm going to direct you toward the guest post I did on Modern Kiddo about choosing and arranging art for a child's room. I think you'll enjoy perusing the M.K. blog for other great posts including their weekly kiddo column and vintage toy finds, even if you're not a parent. It's a super-fun spot with lots of eye-candy. Enjoy!

maeve magazine

Maeve, a new Australia-based online magazine released its first issue this month. Maeve is a magazine by and for 30 and 40-something women who: "while over the glossys of their 20's still had a hankering for something entertaining, something inspiring, something that they could identify with. Most of all, something that they would love to read."

For me, there's 2 simple ingredients to a great magazine: superb photos, and articles you want to dig into. This magazine offers both with incredible flair.

These days when glossys are folding and many people are halting their subscriptions in leu of blogs, I still miss the beautifully styled photo-shoots, expertly laid graphics and even the bold, highlighted quotes within an article that grab you and pull you in.

The kicker for me was when I noticed that Art Wall was featured as one of the editors' favorite spots on the net, just before...Dooce. I'm beyond honored and so glad I found Maeve.

new online magazine: rojo garabato

Rojo Garabato is an online magazine created by two women in Spain. Rojo, a graphic designer, is the editor-in-chief and art director. Garabato, also a graphic designer, is in charge of art consulting and support. Together the two have put together a very eclectic mix of artists, illustrators and photographers in their 76 page premiere issue.
You may recognize the artwork of Annamaria Potamiti from Art Wall's Bedroom. Annamaria's work along with her artist's statement and background are featured in a beautiful spread from pages 30-37.

I also enjoyed finding new some new favorites, artist: Mia Christopher who is interviewed starting on page 14, and photographer: Jessica Tremp, featured on pages 46-55.

All images were found via Rojo Garabato and are copyright the respective artists.

5 new favorite blogs

I just finished-up an e-course taught by Holly Becker of decor8. I highly recommend it, Holly and her team definitely over-delivered. The sweetest surprise was getting to meet so many like-minded and talented people. I discovered several new blogs to follow and I've listed five of my faves here which are:

1) Good Measure--The writer of this blog, Sam, owns the fantastic textile co. Inklore, but blogs about all aspects of an inspired life--for the home, garden, kitchen and soul. I love the look of this site and can't really believe it's only a few months old.

2) Kaili Art--Can't you tell by the header? This blog is full of visual-treats. Original content and images by an artist-in-training as she completes her studies and finds her way in the art world.

3) A Creative Mint--The creator of this blog, Leslie, co-taught the e-class. She was in charge of photography and styling and can you see why? The images Leslie creates with her beautiful color stories are so uplifting. On a gloomy day like today, I wish I could wallpaper my whole house with her images.

4) Modern Kiddo--A bright and cheerful blog about the young ones (of course). Written by two spunky fun-loving (and stylish) moms.

5) Going Home to Roost--Entrepreneurial "maker" Bonnie went home (to roost) in her small hometown in the mountains after graduating from college with a degree in business. She journals "everything handmade and anything homegrown" and has three, count 'em three Etsy shops, not to mention original images which are oh-so-pleasing to the eye.

I hope you'll visit these stellar sites and see just what I'm talking about. Hats off and high-fives to these seriously talented ladies.

shout-outs: milk and baking

So, I don't have anything arty or homey to share today so I thought I'd give a few shouts. First off...congratulations to Jaime Derringer of Design Milk who launched a new "branch" of the Milk empire called Art Milk. There aren't a ton of big blogs out there solely devoted to Art--no chairs, no rugs, no coffee tables--just art--so I think Art Milk will be a well-received addition. Bravo, rah-rah and high-fives, Jaime.

Speaking of Jaime Derringer, she is 1/2 of the creative business firm "Bakery." Together with Erin Lochner of Design for Mankind, the pair offer 12+ years of business expertise in marketing, advertising, P.R., social networking, and website publishing. If you've never heard of Bakery before, do check out their website and blog, you're in for a tasty treat. I just finished up Bakery's first-ever "half-dozen" creative business class, and I can't say enough about it. The class started the same week that Art Wall launched, and it was just the kick I needed to get in gear and get going. Jaime and Erin together have just about every tool you need to start or advance your creative career, from writing a press release to taking master photos. Guess what? Just as my class ended, a new one is cooking up starting Febuary 1st. Fresh students+tested secret ingredients= businesses baked to perfection.

Images: Design Milk, Nancy Mungcal for Bakery.