SheWalksSoftly

Waterfigures

December 29th, 2008

I’ve seen many examples of water photography, but none so stunning as these “Waterfigures” by fotoopa.

It’s as if the water molecules are engaging in celebratory play…

Some resemble gardens in alien worlds…

And some show alien worlds themselves…

Perhaps it’s the human tendency to anthropomorphize, but many of the water structures appear creature-like, with movement, energy and life force…

If you’re interested in the complex process behind creating these images, many pictures come with an explanation.

See the whole incredible set here.
Holiday Highlights

December 28th, 2008

Just a few small snippets from under the SheWalksSoftly tree this year.

Louisa “immediately thought of me” when she stumbled upon these slightly *off* lollipops in a gourmet candy store:

Poor sweet creatures with their tortured, crooked faces…asphyxiating in plastic wrap.

I admit, these “dancers” were a 50 cent gift I gave myself while in LA (but I saved for Christmas):

This one was a request. It’s the most interesting wallet I’ve ever laid eyes on, straight from Fiona Hewitt’s Dumpling Dynasty line. It opens up to a wonderful display of her signature retro-kitsch-pop surrealist design. I don’t think I can bring myself to use it!

The Zombie Pet Shop creatures are quite detailed and well-made for incredibly tiny toys. They go nicely with standard holiday decor (chromatically speaking, anyway):

The Vertigo Tarot is everything I dreamed it would be (thank you, Artie!). I’m trying to figure out a way to display copies of these cards as a poster…before they get worn out from use.

One wonderful little gift from my dad was this CD-ROM of public domain vintage anatomical illustrations (perfect for arts and crafts without fear of copyright infringement!):

Lastly, my relatives in Finland sent me these towels. I was overjoyed at the sight of this bizarre onion-headed creature and fuzzy monster!

And the back…
Hanukkitsch

December 28th, 2008

EUREKA! I’m am bubbling with delight. Until now, it seemed like Christian religions had a monopoly on holiday kitsch. In my experience, tacky, ludicrous Hanukkah objects are much harder to find.

Imagine my joy when I stumbled upon the MOOSENORAH:

The Barbienorah:

Peznorah:

Star Warsnorah:

Go to the Source for more!
Blood Bucket Lamp

December 27th, 2008

Now THIS is a quality lighting fixture! Second only to the famous A Christmas Story leg lamp.

The Blood Bucket lamp would go beautifully on my toy shelf, illuminating some of the creepier additions.

Source
Nursery Rhyme Cupcakes

December 27th, 2008

It’s rare to spot a cupcake I’d hesitate to eat, but these nursery rhyme cupcakes are like little works of art. How could I destroy such meticulous effort with ravenous bites?

Creator abbie.tabbie even includes a bit of nursery rhyme history with each cupcake! She the rest.

See more of her amazing cupcake creations in this set.
Kate O’Brien

December 27th, 2008

I would love to be one of Kate O’Brien’s subjects.

Her work is vibrant and detail-oriented, colors coordinating perfectly with excellent composition.

Have a look at her portfolio.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS

December 25th, 2008

Before I sign off to enjoy the holiday with my nearest and dearest, I bring you a genius work of poetic justice by Rob Sheridan…

And my favorite holiday flickr set this year: boopsie.daisy’s colorful kitschy photographs.

She makes me feel like my eyes are eating candy…

Whatever you celebrate, may your hearts and bellies be full of wonderful things. Many thanks and warm wishes to everyone who has been reading SheWalksSoftly!

(Santa snow globe from corbis)
Sassy Vintage Style Greetings

December 24th, 2008

Unfortunately, I didn’t save the original source, but I love these vintage style holiday greetings…with a bit of acerbic wit.
Gingerbread Tech

December 23rd, 2008

I’m on roughly my tenth year of saying “I’m going to make a great gingerbread house for the holidays”…and utterly failing to do so. My theoretical designs are usually range from slightly unconventional to mildly deranged. But these gingerbread creations featured recently on Gizmodo put my ideas to shame.

We’ll start with an LED light-up gingerbread man, who has a wonderfully monstrous quality:

Ginger PC! I enjoy seeing the PC honored in crafts (I am not a Mac gal…despite many conversion attempts of others):

I love the detailing on this one:

And…from Portal, my very favorite game to adore but never actually play…the Weighted Companion Cube! *JOY*

(Thanks to Artie for making sure I checked Gizmodo that day)
Rare Chic

December 23rd, 2008

I came across Rare Chic recently. Themed restaurants, stores and quirky folks of all types can find some fantastic wallpaper here.

My personal favorite, “Elysian Fields:”

Bats and Venus Fly Traps, blended in a lovely dark and classy color scheme!

“City Park” would make fine decor in a trendy NY cafe:

And then there are designs like “Fishnet Licorice,” great for making people step in closer to see what really comprises the geometric patterns:

The site has other housewares as well. It’s fun to look at.