Last Suppers: A Collection

The works above really moved me and I just had to share. Art like this makes you take a step back and truly think about the world.

Share your thoughts on Henry Hargreaves' "The Death Row Last Meal Series" in the comments and learn more about Hargreaves' work here.

DIY: Artsy Collage

Recently I've decided to try my luck at getting craft-y (with a little push from my [former] MSU co-workers at a get-together). Since my project was not only fun but green, I thought it'd be cool to share it with you.

If you know me at all, you know that I love magazines — especially fashion ones — and, as a result, I subscribe to a lot of them. The artwork in publications like NYLON, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, etc., is simply stunning. When I say "artwork," I don't just mean the photography spreads and layout design but also the advertisements. Anyway, my love for magazines results in an extremely large pile of recycling each month. Realizing this, I've begun sifting through each issue a second time and tearing out my favorite ads or photographs. (I've since accumulated quite the collection.) So, the project:

Needed
1 blank canvas
1 container Mod Podge (whichever type you prefer)
1 sponge or brush
10-15 magazine cut-outs (or more depending on canvas size)

How-To
Arrange magazine cut-outs on canvas in whatever way tickles your fancy. Once you've come up with the proper order, apply Mod Podge to the back of all images, starting with the most buried cut-out. As a final precaution, apply Mod Podge over the top of all images. If you want to get really fun/crazy, splatter paint over the finished collage for even more color.

Final Product
Voilà, now you have a fun, unique piece of art (and a conversation piece) for your bedroom or living room. Plus, it's green! For an example, check out the one I've done below.

Feeling Like Homemaking

In honor of my plan to end up in my first big girl apartment soon, I spent a little time earlier this week perusing home furnishing/decorating sites and attempting to find some of my dream items. Though I do have a few nice items already, from having lived in apartments over the past two years, there are some things that I've just always wanted (and plan to get asap). Check them out below. I hope they inspire you as much as they do me.

1. Dishware
I currently possess some dishware already but I would love to find something a little more funky for entertaining with (and just to amuse myself). That said, I was looking through the Macy's website and came across this Martha Stewart-branded dishware. This woman is seriously the queen of home. You can purchase the items separately — and on sale — through the store's website.

2. A room divider.
This decretive element is my ultimate dream possession. For some reason, I have just always wanted one of these in my "big girl" living room and this one is only $180 at Pier 1 ... Maybe soon I'll turn that dream into reality.


3. A Chaise Lounge
These just scream comfort to me. Though this one is pretty basic (at least compared to some I've seen in stores), it was one of the only ones I could find online. It's available for around $900 from Crate & Barrel.


4. Artwork
Every home needs a dash of art (and mine is going to have a lot of it!); this print is something that I will be buying soon: No matter what. What's even better, it's only about $17 through Etsy.

I Just Watched: Midnight in Paris

The first reason I was reeling to see Woody Allen's latest love affair with one of the greatest cities in the world? The Van Gogh imagery on the movie poster (re: "Starry Starry Night"). It is pure gorgeousness (yes, I just said that) and happens to be mimicking one of my all-time favorite works of art, no matter how cliché that may sound. That said, Woody Allen movies have often been hit or miss when it comes to my taste and this one was definitely a hit. Owen Wilson was incredibly charming as the film's hero and his nightly rendezvous of Parisian streets opened up the most delightful, hilariously accurate portrayals of some of the most famous artists in history, including Hemmingway, Picasso and Dalí (as well as Kathy Bates' lovely Gertrude Stein). Not to mention, I loved the intimate look at how an author receives and acts on inspiration for his/her novel.
Best on-screen moment: Gil's (Wilson) hilarious discussion with Dalí (Adrian Brody) and other surrealists about time travel.