Image above: Illustrated cover by Julia Rothman, with central motif taken from Shanna Murray’s decal project in the book. Book design by ALSO, Photograph by Max Tielman
Today of all days, the Internet went out in my apartment. So I’m writing from a coffee shop with butterflies in my stomach and the book right next to me. I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous or so excited. I started working on this book in September 2010, so to say it’s been a bit of a process is an understatement. The idea for the book grew out of the column that I’ve been writing here on Design*Sponge since 2009. Over oysters and Bloody Marys (isn’t that how all great ideas are born?), Julia Rothman convinced me that it would make a great book and promised to illustrate the project. And I can’t thank the folks at STC Craft/Melanie Falick Books (particularly my editor, Liana Allday) enough for helping to turn that little idea into a reality.
For the book, I chose 24 of my favorite moments in decorative arts history and then challenged 24 working artists and designers to create a project inspired by that particular moment in time. (Just between you and me, I can’t believe they all said yes!) Todd Oldham worked on a Chinoiserie-inspired project, CONFETTISYSTEMS created a beautiful pinata/mobile inspired by Art Deco, Kim Krans of the Wild Unknown made a branch chandelier inspired by Art Nouveau. For each moment in history, I wrote an essay (illustrated by Julia) about the significance of that particular moment in time. The book is a celebration of design history, modern artists and designers and finding inspiration in the past. To kick off the book launch, West Elm is hosting a party on March 7 (details after the jump). If you’re in New York, I’d love to see you. xo, Amy
Past & Present: 24 Favorite Moments in Decorative Arts History and 24 Modern DIY Projects Inspired by Them will be in stores March 5. Preorder here.
When it came time to make a book trailer, there was only one person I wanted to work with, and I just crossed my fingers and hoped he would say yes. Ryan Marshall shot the book trailer for Design*Sponge at Home, and I had been a fan of his blog for a couple years before then. He brought a whole team (of Floridians!) to the table. JonPaul Douglass came to New York from Orlando to shoot the trailer. We spent a long cold February day traveling all over the city. I’m typically a little more comfortable off camera than in front of it, and he did a great job of making the day fun. Courtney Riot worked incredibly hard (and quickly!) on the graphics and animation. And I absolutely love the song, “Home” by Rabbit. (I’ve been playing the trailer just to hear the song.) Designers Colleen and Eric Whiteley and Nadia Yaron of Nightwood were astonishingly gracious to let me take up their busy day and bring a camera to their studios. I feel so lucky to have spent eight years working for the New York Public Library, and we gave them only a few hours’ notice that I would like to shoot the trailer in the Main Reading Room (where people were actually working!). They made it happen (and we tried to be very quiet)!
- Giveaway: The Humanity Fragrance Project & Giveaway
- Get out of the House: National Parks & Winter Camping, Winter Camping Roundup
- Biz Ladies: Contracts Are Meant to Be Broken
- Biz Ladies Profile: Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co.
- City Guide: San Francisco {Update}
- Sneak Peeks: Caitlin Wilson Design’s Oregon Project, Isabelle Rivoire-Grange, Claire Cottrell, Best of Parisian Homes
- Human/House/Harvey: Ombre
- In the Kitchen With: Bryant Terry’s Pan-Fried Grit Cakes
- Vintage Inspiration: Finnish Wall Hanging
- Style Icon: Diana Vreeland
- Entertaining DIY: Seashell Candles
- Art in the Everyday: The Chanel No. 5 Bottle
- Dinner Party: Little Paris Kitchen & Cookbook Giveaway
- Artwork: Artwork at Leif
- DIY Projects: DIY Presidential Paperweights, 10 Great Presidential-Inspired Designs, DIY Utility Bucket Ottoman
- Misc.: 20 Beautiful Perfume Bottles & Atomizers, Octagon Marble Plates, Paris, Line by Line
View the details for Amy’s book launch and a workshop to make a project from the book after the jump . . .