Curviness: “A line that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous fashion.”

Sometimes I like straight lines. Other times I like more curviness in my design. Today was a curvy day and I found some items that I thought would make nice additions to the gardens of the curvey-inclined.

curviness-montage.jpg

1 – This fabulous 12″ x 9″ iron welcome sign is from Modern Artisans. At $24.99 it is a “welcome” change from those ubiquitous lawn flags I see in Maryland suburbia.

2 – Do you Etsy? Etsy is the online store for handmade goods. This flower garden fabric is from Australian designer Danielle Smeets. Two pieces of 35 cm X 45 cm (about 13.77″ x 17.72″) fabric go for $14 in U.S. dollars. At that size, these would make colorful curvy pillows. Danielle also has other fabric products in her shop Of Paper and Thread.

3 – I love the furniture at Archie’s Island Furniture. I just ordered the Swedish bench in kiwi. But I wish I had a place for this bonfire-colored loveseat. Even at $875, you have to admit it’s a lot of wallop for the buck.

4 – My feathered friends are an important part of the garden. This pagoda nest box from Garden Artisans reminds me of a sleigh bed for birds! It’s a stylish birdhouse for $156.

And by the way…

This was my first attempt at a fancy PhotoShop montage. I took a PhotoShop class a while back and have been gradually expanding my skills. I consider this on the more advanced side.

I posted a new column at Examiner.com on creating your own test garden. You can check it out here.

I have posted photos of my vacation in Charleston here.

Robin

10 Responses to “Fabulous Finds: The Desire for Curviness”

  1. Racquel Says:

    I really like that red bench, but the price wow! These are some great finds though. Happy 4th of July!

  2. Anna Says:

    You did great with the pictures. I have not attempted that yet. I like the birdhouse and think your idea of adding more interesting curves is a good one. Love that bench!

  3. ewa Says:

    hell price for the bench – I understand this is a connoiseurs artistic item.
    Beside that your findings are great.

    Your photoshop attempt seems proffessional – congrats.

    Greetings,
    Ewa

  4. Gail Says:

    The bench is terrific and I do like the birdhouse!

    Gail

  5. meems Says:

    Hi Robin, Your photo shop skills are working! I don’t know the first thing about that program but it seems like I could have some fun with it.

    Love the unique and funky bench. Note to self: must create unique design for a common item and charge really big bucks for it.
    Meems

  6. Lisa in CA Says:

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that bright and cheerful red bench…but alas, I don’t have a spot for it either–nor the pocketbook.

    Your pictures of Charleston are lovely.

  7. Christine Says:

    The bench I love, but the welcome sign, that I love and can afford. That would look great on the front of my house!

    Hi Christine,

    We can always dream. And you’re so clever, you can probably build that bench yourself.

    Robin at Bumblebee

  8. Tina Says:

    Robin -

    I am impressed with your column – no to mention your PhotoShop and photography skills. I knew you were great at darts, but you continue to amaze me with your talents.

    Tina!

    I had almost forgotten about the darts. Must practice some more darts!

    Robin at Bumblebee

  9. Laura Says:

    Hey Robin…

    I love your column – you have a fabulous “voice”, a beautiful garden and look at you go with Photoshop! Very professional extractions – nice blends on the edges. Some great curvy finds too, especially the bench. Straight has it’s place, but curvy is cool. ~~~
    I don’t know where you find the time for everything! Amazing. :]

    Hey Laura,

    Thanks for your comment. And you are the BEST PhotoShop teacher!

    Robin at Bumblebee

  10. Benjamin Says:

    OMG I have to go vist SC!! So gorgeous. Bet it was hot, though, right?

    Charleston is a wonderfully charming town. Lots of good food too! But hot? Oh, yes.

    Thanks for visiting!

    Robin at Bumblebee

Right Now at Bumblebee

February 8th, 2012

Today was Sophie and Sarah’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

They went to the vet to have their teeth cleaned. Sophie came out a few teeth lighter. Both are very tired, hungry, needy and out of sorts.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so our vet offers a 15% discount on the cleaning. That’s a big savings. It’s expensive to have a pet’s teeth cleaned because they must be anesthetized. No animal will willingly sit in the dental chair with his/her mouth open!

It must be done though. It’s not just a matter of bad breath—although my little dogs’ breath was plenty bad. Dental problems can lead to more serious health issues.

Well, at least theĀ terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day is nearly over. Poor dogs.

Robin

February 6th, 2012

Another Monday.

Harry and I spent the better part of the weekend painting the master bedroom. We traded off between rolling and detail work and we both made our fair share of messes. For a while Sophie perched on top of a chaise to supervise our work. Sarah was distraught. She does not like change.

Today we get back to normal. I will have to do something about my manicure. Speckled fingernails in Benjamin Moore Light Pewter is not really a good look.

Here’s wishing you a happy, calm and productive week.

Robin

February 3rd, 2012

If you’re in the neighborhood and just happen to have your paintbrush and paint clothes with you, stop on by. Harry and I are taking the day off from work to start painting the master bedroom. We figure it’ll take until Sunday. Harry does most of the rolling—no small chore with high ceilings—and I do all the tedious detail work. You, of course, can pitch in wherever you like.

We’re painting it a dove grey. So if you see some grey in my hair in the next few days, it’s paint. Got it? The grey is paint.

Robin

February 2nd, 2012

Happy Groundhog Day! What are you doing to celebrate?

We’ll have a special dinner of NOT groundhog. Dinner will be a special pasta (TBD) and some yummy homemade yeast rolls. Then we’ll pull out the photo album of past Groundhog Days and reminisce. We will toast Puxatawny Phil by opening the first bottle of my homemade apfelwein, which I hope is sparkly by now. If it’s any good, you’ll hear more about it.

Cheers!

Robin

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