Dempsey and Carroll

After being so disappointed in the (literally) overnight disappearance of Mrs. John L. Strong, I was delighted to hear from Jonathan Arnold, the General Manager of Dempsey and Carroll stationers. Jonathan wrote to let me know that D&C is starting a special program to duplicate your personal Mrs. John L. Strong stationary. And, for a limited time, they're offering it at a significantly reduced cost. Send them your existing engraving plates, or a sample of your stationary, and D&C will work to duplicate your typestyle, ink color, stock thickness, etc. If you don't live in NY to drop by in person, mail your plates or samples to 1049 Lexington Avenue, NYC 10021. So Happy Monday - your favorite stationary may not be gone for good!

A few examples.

Put On Notice: Thank You!

Just wanted to say a big THANKS to all my readers... I am enjoying meeting so many of you via comments and email. Daily, I'm inspired and encouraged by your thoughts and lovely ideas.  So thanks for noticing Sanity Fair!  

Have a WONDERFUL weekend friends! :)

Ballets of the World in Photos

Ooooohhhh!!!! When I saw these images from the NY Post, I couldn't help but be delighted. I love ballet, and behind-the-scenes ballet is even better. There are so many terribly sappy images out there of ballet shoes, ribbons, and roses... . I really enjoy unusual views of this art.

The storage room at the NYC Ballet. Aren't these colors lovely?

Vintage embroidery for a dress for an upcoming production. The embroidery is valued at around $900.

Some other favorites...

Les Grands Ballets Candiens de Montreal. An abstract time-lapse photo.

An old poster from the National Ballet of Canada - ballet goes gritty. Love the creativity. 

The Ballet De Havana.

The American Ballet Theater captured on the beach in Caracas.

Last, but not at all least, one of my favorite ballet images of all time:  this exquisite, open air setting of Swan Lake by the American Ballet Theater. 

Finally, for a cinematographic masterpiece on ballet, the documentary Backstage at the Kirov is a must. Tchaikovsky's score intertwines with images of Cold-War era Russia, sweeping on-stage views of Swan Lake, ballet history, and high drama, as the next Odette for the opening of the Kirov season is chosen. Available at Amazon.com.

Pictures 1&2:  NYMag.com. Pictures 3-6, Flickr.com. Image 4, ABT ad, my files. Image 5, amazon.com.

Classic Italian Papers

This Florentine Tray, an Annie Modica decoupage design at Gracious Home, caught my eye. I love beautiful Italian papers, and thought, why not do something like this yourself?  There are so many wonderful patterns to chose from.

Italy is famous for her exquisite papers, a tradition that dates back to Arab introduction in 625 B.C. The earliest recorded paper document in Italy is a deed from King Roger of Sicily, in 1102. 

Beautiful papers like these by Paper Mojo are based on traditional Renaissance designs from Florence. The first paper mills were built in the 11th century in Italy (in the Fabriano area) and Spain. Linen and hemp rags were used to make the paper; wood pulp wouldn't come into use until sometime later. 

Tuscan Prints:  these are also inspired from traditional designs. Up until the 1950s papers such as these were hand printed, but now a days, they're done by machine. It's still a highly refined process, however, since offset printing techniques can use up to six colors.  These prints often have gold accents that give them a wonderful shimmer in the light, and no surprise:  real gold powder is added for its luster. 

Modern trends have changed the look of Florentine papers, but this new print carries the same tradition and quality as its ancestors.

A fun take on a traditional style.

Asian inspiration makes its way into a traditional Italian medium (fitting, considering the Chinese are generally credited with inventing paper).

These patterns would be fun done as Modica's decoupage trash can and tissue box too. 

For more inspiring ideas on how to use lovely papers, check out the Paper Mojo blog.

Image 1 and 9, gracioushome.com. Images 2-5, papermojo.com. Images 6-8, Hollanders.com.

The Storm in Style

Beth, over at Chinoiserie Chic, brought something to my attention today:  there are great skins for iphone out there, but what about Blackberry Storm? I have a Storm - and I love it. But let's be honest: the style isn't out there for Storm and its other BB friends (we do have class though; no sniggering at other folks who can't get service!). So, I decided to go on a quest for some stylish Storm options. It was tough, but there are some choices out there! So shop on.

Skins from iStyle.
(These include a download for a matching wallpaper.)

Skins from GyverGear.

Also, Unique Skins has some great design-your-own options. Choose a background, and you can add your own text or photos!

Do you know of a great source for Storm skins? Let me know!

Missoni

I love Missoni's rich and varied colors and patterns. 

Isn't this how you visit the beach?

Or hang out at home?

Clothing image: business of fashion. Home images: Missoni.

Jewels of Nature

Need I say more? I'm in love with Mesi Jilly's collection of organic rings. Her inspiration:  "I absolutely love the ocean and to spend time at the beach. I am fascinated by seashells and making jewelry has always been my dream. That's why I wanted to combine these interests and create something unique, something very special, something that will be a beautiful reminder of warm and fun-filled summer days and nights." 

Images, Vivre, mesijilly.net. All rings available at Vivre.com.