Koko's Big Girl Room

A bit about Koko (short for Dakota): When people ask us, "Oh, is her name 'Coco' like Coco Chanel...?" we tell them, "No, Koko, like the gorilla." That statement pretty much embodies who she is...She is a free spirit (already calls herself an artist at 2 1/2 yrs.) We tried reflect her big personality in her room by filling it with big pieces art. We also wanted her to grow up with a love of plants and flowers (like us) and encourage her to read with the decor in her room. (Hence the book page mobile and art).

Work in Progress: graffiti style

Love it or hate it, this is it, well at least the background... of one of our pieces of art for the upcoming art show. It's going to be a perpetual "work in progress," with guests able to add to the work with their very own graffiti. We still haven't decided what to paint in the foreground. What (if anything) do you think should be in the foreground?

Series of Recycled Lighting Terrariums

In keeping with our recent recycled lamp terrarium, this little beauty was made out of a recycled lighting fixture as well. Again, these tiny beautiful buildings are courtesy of Chrisi Brown.

Craft Stores:People Watching

After spending many years frequenting local craft and sewing stores, we have found that there are approximately three types of people that shop at such institutions...

1. The Goths

2. The Hipsters

3. The Pentecostals

Can you think of any other types of people you've noticed at these stores?

Have you seen this dresser?

This AMAZING dresser is now on our wanted list.

Paula Hayes

It's no secret, we love Paula Hayes. She is an amazing terrarium artist with the most original designs.

We would love to own just one of these beauties, but alas, they were going for at least $600 a piece last year. For more on Paula Hayes, and her beautifully designed website, visit her here.

More on Graffiti Art

Here at Design Spunk, we're trying on the whole Graffiti as art craze. Although we are still not sure what we think about this, our latest and greatest creation made for a great project for the whole family to enjoy over the holidays. Far from finished, this high-school bathroom wall art will be a background for a funky new piece. If you're like us and want to get your feet a bit wet in the graffiti art scene, check out this cool site http://graffiticreator.net/.

Collections: Good vs. Bad

Good Collection

Good Collection

Bad Collection

Collections can be a beautiful and a nice addition to home decor. However, they can also be terrifying. Just the mention of a doll collection strikes fear into our design loving hearts. What types of collections scare you?

Pipodoll: Wintery Wonders

Samantha of Pipodoll loves to create, create, create. She is inspired by so many things; her ever-present pot full of lovely hot tea, the wind and the stars, the smells of autumn and the crispness of winter nights, by the vast collection of folk stories floating around in her head and the presence of her own personal, ever - unfolding fairy tale; her sweet daughter. We are inspired by Pipodoll's simple and elegant prints and can almost hear the fairy tale in the ink...

The Orchid Loft

Available at KokoStudios.

Dear me, that's beautiful!

Cait Ryan, a NYC based photographer, retoucher, and painter, has just recently started her Etsy shop. If this striking piece is any indication of what's to come, then we will certainly stay tuned!! This mixed media painting is a collage made with acrylic paint on canvas, paper lace, photographs, antique book pages, and song lyrics from a Neil Young record. You can purchase this original artwork at http://www.caitlinr912.etsy.com/. Keep it coming Cait, we can't wait to see what's next!

Weekends Are for Sleep: exploring the bedroom

When it comes to bedrooms, we confess, our bedroom has been a bit of a catch-all for dumpy design. You know, things we don't want people to see when we have dinner parties: that old high school picture, that dusty fan, etc. This year, we are committed to changing that. These tiny little vases are the first in our additions of non-dumpiness to the bedroom. Picked them up at EQ3 for $9.99. Extremely reasonable, and oh so hip.

Here at Design Spunk, we treasure our sleep. As you know sleep is a prescious commodity that is quite hard to come by if you have young children. Owning this gorgeous handmade bed makes us that much more eager to hit the sack. Handmade by none other than Dad. He is quite the artiste. No template, no building plans...simply from scratch. Although our style has changed quite a bit over the years, the bed stays!