my love for you is a stampede of horses.

Guest Blog: Champagne Wishes and Hamburger Dreams with Alison Feldmann

I find utmost delight in the headiness of a well-conceived gift. As such, I've been waxing poetic on dandifying myself in fur trappings for every appendage, squealing over decayed dolls and waxen wishbones and indulging my fondness for finger amputation artwork for the past weeks. This week's Gift Bazaar post is the swan song to my operatic solo, and just in time to finish your holiday (dreaming?) shopping.

Join me, won't you?

Oh, my Todd! Receiving this too-cute-to-be-true Stevie Wonder-inspired postcard would put me over the moon.

Mimi Kirchner is a doll-maker unparalleled, and her series of toile-as-tattoo characters bring to mind aspirational painted ladies and the general vibe of the the Coney Island boardwalk scene.

Put some Underworld on the stereo and tune out: Caitlin Kuhwald's work is like a pulsing trance fantasy come true.

 

I love me some mid-century modern, and these modular plastic salt + pepper shakers are like physical figure eights..all curves, with no beginning or end.

 

This necklace speaks to me. Ancient future is "natural sea urchin spikes, tiny vintage brass cubes, and old car parts meeting up on a vintage brass chain for a pyramidal journey around your neck."

This little bun makes me get a little warm and gooey inside. The soft and unguent black merino definitely helps the cozy visions. I'd make a line-up of these little friends and decorate the mantle.

I've recently fallen in love with the Elaine Benes fashion oeuvre and have become convinced that a tiny backpack, oversized blazer and saddle shoes need to become part of my closet's lexicon. This canvas bag from Layer X Layer makes for a contemporary take on exclamations of "GET OUT!!!" (while artfully shoving).

Oooh! Gorgeous rabbit fur jacket in patchwork, be mine.

Thanks to Meighan for the oh-so-gracious and wonderful invite to guest blog on My Love for You: I've enjoyed it so! Keep on keepin' on, my friends: champagne wishes and hamburger dreams to all! For more craft and style musings, hit me up on Twitter or read me on Etsy's blog, The Storque.

Guest Blog: A Childish Wish List with Alison Feldmann

I have a serious weakness for antique handmade toys — anything that, once upon a time, was carried from room to room in the crook of a tiny, be-smudged arm and lugged through rain, mud and dark of night. I have a vested interest in taking care of relics that were made with such care, and as such I'm always questing after old dollhouse furniture, wobbly first-time wood shop projects and any other bits and bobbins that were made with love (and the best of intentions).

There are also some red herrings on this week's wish list (hey, who doesn't love library perfume and illustrations of the renal cavity?), so enjoy those as well.

Onward!

I worship at the inspiration altar that is folk art + antique jewelry mecca Erie Basin. I envy the Christmas morning ecstasy that must have followed the unveiling of this intricate homemade toy castle, complete with working drawbridge and a knight on a pedestal.  

 

Antique dolls are my obsession. Whether it's just the head or the entire doll, I line my shelves with their never-closing eyes. (Well, except when they fall over.) These particular specimens brings out all manners of "ENH!" from me. 

I love taxidermy, fur and miniatures, so these fur-covered animals will do quite nicely for me. (I adore the antelope!)

I'm pretty into the Krampus at the moment (fascinating stuff). According to Austrian folklore, Krampus are the demonic companions of St. Nicholas that dole out the punishments for those who've been naughty. These anonymous figures wear "goat-hair costumes and carved masks, carry bundles of sticks used as switches, and swing cowbells [or chains] to warn of their approach." Their masks are the stuff of legend. If I could decorate an entire wall of my apartment with pagan Alpine paraphernalia I would be infinitely happy. Until then, these antique novelty masks will surely do the trick.

The jagged terrain of this ring by Schmuck and Klunker compels me to bling out every finger and contemplate the universe while driving across Siberia in a Sweet Pickles Bus.

 

Soaps shaped like gems and rocks make washing your hands seem much more exciting than the mundane reality. These mineral chunks bring to mind fantasies of spelunking in search of mythical Andean mummies and breaking off a warmly humming gem or hunk of calcite to take home as a memento.

CB I Hate Perfume is one of my favorite places to visit: there's a seemingly endless array of unreal scents in every flavor imaginable  — like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory Factor (snozberry, etc.). In The Library combines all of my favorite memories of working at the library: fragile paper, worn leather and wood (minus carpeting and the smell of sweaty books). The scent is summed up as "English Novel taken from a Signed First Edition of one of my very favorite novels, Russian & Moroccan leather bindings, worn cloth and a hint of wood polish."

This digestive lithograph from the 1940s — well, this is the kind of stocking stuffer that I'd gladly forgive for being oversize and ruining the surprise. Love the illustration of eating at the table for digestion context.

I think antique wind-up toys and organ grinders' monkeys are the sweetest things. The more they've been loved (ahem, missing eyes), the better.

Ah, tinysaur! Kelly Farrell's diminutive T-rex is intricately laser cut and displayed within a hand-blown glass jar. Lovely.

And last, but not least, I ache for a killer collection of vintage marbles. I'd love fill a gigantic tumbler with glittering glass bits.

 That's all for this week! Stay tuned for more gift ideas in the coming weeks. In the meantime, hit me up on Twitter or read me on Etsy's blog, The Storque.
 

Guest Blog: A Swooning, Art-Centric Wish List with Alison Feldmann

There's such an abundance of art in this world that fills my (squishy, gummy, probably blackened) heart with wanting. However, not all of it is hung out of reach on a gallery or museum's cold, foreboding wall. In fact, a lot of it is within (virtual) reach through the wonders of the interwebs.

Here's my shortlist of art I wish to own. Let the rearrangement of my apartment begin!

I've always been fascinated by hand iconography, be it religious, anatomical, roughly sketched or forgiving flesh and blood. Poodle Breath's sculpture (and cowls with big ol' buttons, and jewelry) is at the top of my wish list. I'd place a gentle feather, tinkling beads or other found objects in those waiting hands and use them as a devotional.

 Uh, YES. It's high time that my "poor Yorick" impersonation had a physical manifestation upon which to project. (Really, any skull representation will do for me. They are my favorite.)

 

I'm fascinated by the universe and my place within it, so hunkering down with an interstellar art quilt riddled with white dwarfs, supernovae and black holes leaves an infinity to ponder (literally).

 

Justin Durand seriously rules. I love everything he produces; his Mermaids VHS piece literally made me laugh out loud. This original drawing is captioned as such: "this drawing is about being alone in pitch blackness.
and being totally still and silent.
either being scared or feeling peaceful.
not sure! both!"

I could moonily gaze into BergmansBear's rolling knolls, deep creeks and hazy expanses for, pretty much, ever. They're like portals into an alternate reality.

Luca Dipierro is a new artist on my list. His ominous, slightly carnivalesque assemblages remind me of the skeletons and ghouls from Minnie the Moocher meeting a carnivorous zombie processional in a darkened alley. His inspirations read: "Northern European Renaissance painting, Italian Mannerist etchings, the cartoons of Fletcher Hanks, the work of François Rabelais, Mexican chapbooks, early advertising, funhouses, graveyards and marionettes."

Because...who doesn't need a convenient wishbone? 

Sculpture is a new passion. The dry and chalky // glazed and sweet // delicate feel of ceramics makes me ache for a wall bedecked with pieces such as this roughly hewn bottle.

The Miscreants of Tiny Town series by Alex Kuno is at once mythical, uplifting and terrifying. It's a tad raw + grisly, but I always appreciate artwork that provokes a reaction. "Sally and the Serpent" is by far the best.

Because the intersection of bivalves and pom poms is something of which I must plumb the depths. (Damn, this is cool.)

Caroline Gaedechens' work is just mind-blowing. The spareness of her linework and the simplicity of her subject matter is ethereal, tenuous and ridiculously up my alley. I own many prints of Caroline's work and would love to own this diminutive book of illustrations, entitled "13 Dreams."

This decrepit antique horse reminds me of something from a Chinese emperor's tomb. I would gladly give it a new home in which to gallop.

That's all for this week's gift bazaar! Next week: perfume, plants and so much more. In the meantime, hit me up on Twitter or read me on Etsy's blog, The Storque.

Julianna Bright at Fontanelle.

Jess from Fontanelle sent over a couple of images of new work by Julianna Bright. Aren't they beautiful? I am always so smitten with the color Julianna uses. So lush. Julianna's solo show, Our Songs Of Experience opens Thursday at Fontanelle. If you aren't in PDX her work will be online by Thursday for view and purchase in Fontanelle's revamped web shop. In the meantime check out Julianna's 2010 calendar, it's gorgeous: This Will Be Our Year. Plus it's inspired by an amazing song.

Guest Blog: A Fashion Wish List with Alison Feldmann

As a constant maker of lists, thinking about gifts to give (and receive!) is an exercise in self-indulgence that I look forward to all the year. This week's wish list is all about fashion: specifically, the Gothic sensibility and obsessive accumulation of detail that I'm currently infatuated with, à la Ann Demuelemeester meets oversized tunic meets biker mama meets Edward Gorey. Basically, if it has an avant garde bent with some leather or fur and an inky hue, we're in business.

Fashion gift ideas, ahead!

I adore Zara Carpenter's over-the-top hats and headpieces, and this outsize trout-themed bow brings to mind visions of Captain Beefheart. Splendid.

 

HOT DIGGITY DAMN. There are so many elements to Isobel and Cleo's work I love, the first being the Fifth Element, Milla Jovovich styling of the model. The intense layer of the knits and the almost fur-like texture are intriguing. I also enjoy that "proverbial blood, sweat and tears" are included in the list of ingredients for this vest.

YES. Mini dress perfection.

I am a total freak for vintage, and the styling of this blouse has sold me completely.

I've been obsessed with Rackk and Ruin's blog and jewelry for a while now. I'm continually inspired by her DIY fashion reinventions and hard scrabble, rock and roll look. This Gothic rosary is so rad, I can't stand it: it's bold, it's vintage Madonna, it's a tongue-in-cheek Catholicism (I have a collection of antique Catholic memorabilia!). I own one of Rackk and Ruin's human hair necklaces, and I have to say that it's one of my "favorite things." (This list also includes "whiskers on kittens and brown paper packages tied up with string," et al.)

   

I never thought I'd get into the spats trend, but I have to admit that I'm fascinated. I'd wear this leather and chain version with my Frye motorcycle boots, or maybe with some velvet platforms for contrast.

=

I most definitely need a vintage leather jacket. Holla!

 

What is it about these redhead models, making everything look so good? Black Market Baby's jersey and lambskin leather panel leggings look comfy enough to wear on the couch while watching reruns of Roseanne, edgy enough for the the street. Also, nice creepers!

No need to justify: Laura Lombardi's work was made for my neck. Love!

Holy wow. These FINSK ponyskin wedges are heaven-sent.

Natural history is one of my favorites, as was evidenced last week. This preserved spider web pendant protects the ephemeral and delicate nature of spider silk. I want, I want!

I'm smitten with the three dimensional structure of these ruffled gloves by Gemma Degara. They're proper, a little bit la di da, but also kind of avant garde.

That's all for this week's gift bazaar! Next week: art and plants! In the meantime, hit me up on Twitter or read me on Etsy's blog, The Storque.

Guest Blogger: Alison Feldmann's Weekly Gift Bazaar!

Salutations. My name is Alison Feldmann. This is my inaugural guest post on My Love for You, and I'm a bit nervous! Today begins my weekly gift guide // drooling // product lust // can't-live-without list. Join me, won't you?

This week's post is mostly natural history related, with a few curve-balls thrown in for good measure.

This edgy piece has sat in my Etsy cart for many days. Snakeskin + metallic lace = all manner of YES.

 

Lately I've been digging raw chunks of rock (pun not intentional). Doesn't this amethyst just look....delectable? The texture is so craggy and gorgeous. I don't know why, but it kinda reminds me of chewing on marshmallows through the plastic bag: you know you shouldn't, but it's hard not to try, just once for the texture.

 

Wow. These recycled negative earrings are unlike anything I've ever seen. Definitely on my list.

 

My Wonderland makes my toes curl (the joyful kind of curl). This feather collar is the kind of bold // Gothic // witchy look that proves to be a real conversation starter. I imagine wearing this everywhere, including the laundromat, while opening presents Christmas morning and to an awkward church service.

 

Teresa of Oh LeoLuca Vintage makes everything she wears look totally effortless and chic. This faux fur cheetah print beauty has been tempting me for too long. Fur is my jam these days.

 

I've been captivated by that whole Dr. Zhivago, fur hat phenomenon lately. There are some prime specimens to be had on Etsy. This vintage mink number is a rich mahogany. (Dr. Zhivago photos from WHY FASHION?)

My obsession with plants knows no end. These pussy willow earrings are enchanting, to say the least.

 

This vintage faux coral chunk is a fascinating piece. I'd put it in my curio cabinet with some tin types and call it a day.

 

The ikat fabric of this vibrant cocktail dress definitely caught my attention. Damn!

 

Sara Lagace's recycled fur gloves and jewelry is definitely on my holiday shortlist.

 

YES. Any and all snake accessories are welcome in my stocking. They bring to mind so many varied associations: Cleopatra, "Don't tread on me," and Adam and Eve, to start.

 

Be still, my Gothic Lolita-in-training heart. Red velvet + antlers = luv! Melissa Dixson is a true taxidermy artist. I own a fox tail key chain by her and I wear it with pride.

 

I hope you've enjoyed this gift guide! Stay tuned for more in the weeks to come.

Lizzy Stewart.

I got home yesterday afternoon from my daily sniff, otherwise known as a geriatric walk for my 13 year old pitbull, to a very, pleasant postal surprise. Waiting for me was a thick envelope from Lizzy Stewart. To be expected, the package was full of awesome. I am such a huge fan of Lizzy's drawing, so I was pretty stoked. Lizzy's line work is delicate and feather like. Her style is truly her own.

I asked Lizzy to tell me a little bit about the zines she enclosed, Dead Landscapes and Ladies,:

"'Dead Landscapes' was based around a quote from a short story a friend of mine wrote 'they loved the landscape to death'. It sort of inspired me to use natural elements to tell the story of the breakdown of a relationship...i'm not sure how it comes across but to me it its a sort of bleak look at how this (fictional) couple gradually lost love in these bleak places...'Ladies' is rather more simple. I just wanted to draw a load of vintage hotties!"

Fair enough. Check out Lizzy's products in her etsy store. My very fav item has got to be Anja's Tattoos.

 

 

 

 

Roll & Tumble Press.

Awwww, sometimes you just need a pick me up. You hear me barkin' big dog?I know you're pickin up what I'm puttin' down. Roll & Tumble Press make super adorable (and affordable) prints that'll make anyone feel all pretty again. Or just make your house look put together and rad.

 

 

 

Reader LOVE: Lizzy Janssen.

Lizzy Janssen's email arrived in my inbox with her colorful water colored collages and adorable products. Everybody needs a gem t-shirt! Check out her etsy shop, that was just newly updated. Horses, colors and crystals galore. My favorite!

 

Olivia Jeffries.

Olivia Jeffries had a piece in the show I curated at Needles + Pen's, You've Got Light In Your Eyes in May. I obviously asked her because I really love her work. As I walked my dog tonight and thought about what I would say in this post, it occurred to me I have no idea how to describe Olivia's work in a quick, succinct way. But I am going to give it a shot: Olivia uses old, often stained found ephemera to paint and draw on, then applies these amazing, ghost like but very current images. She combines both worlds effortlessly as if they always belonged together, often incorporating the scribbles and left over handwriting within the pieces themselves. Her use of white is phenomenal. Ok, I think that's a good description! Check out her latest foray into zine making. Gorgeous.

Souther Salazar's Brand New Etsy Shop!

Souther Salazar just opened the cyber doors to his etsy shop and it's PACKED! Souther is stocking it full of everything from prints to doodles on envelopes and napkins. He's finding stuff all over his studio and is posting it as he sees fit. He mentioned to me that he likes the idea of being able to sell drawings for .75 cents. Uhh, yeah we do too! And shizzzz is selling quick, I just tried to buy the sugar packet...and even though it was in my cart; POOF. So keep your eyes peeled on his shop, hit 'add to cart' and pray for no whammies!

New Prints by Will Bryant.

Fresh off the presses are two brand new prints by the happiest artist alive Mr. Will Bryant. LOVE him. He is truly a creative machine, he just told me his collaboration projects have just hit the double digits. Wow. I love that people like Will exist. See more of his work in his etsy shop.

Let's Ride!

Hi, will you please buy me this tote by Gemma Correll? I'll be your best friend. K. Thanx. <3

New Etsy Shop: Hellojenuine.

Jen Collins aka Hellojenuine just opened a brand spanking new etsy shop. I LOVE the above gocco print. (Why oh why gocco do you have to die?) Head on over and give her some love!