Dujour Magazine Handmade Issue

dujour fashion with sprinkles on top

the

handmade issue holiday gifts!

Field Trip to San Francisco. Dreamers into

doers. Winter wonderland fashion.

Fall desserts from pumpkin spice macarons to agave brownies!

DLIST: KATRINA TAN, FAYTHE LEVINE, JESKA HEARNE, AMY MOSS, PIA JANE BIJERK

www.dv

dvotio.blogspot.com

COVER & THIS PAGE

Photopgraphy: Della Bass Styling: Nadia Ronchi Make-Up: Deborah Altizio for Makeup ForEver Hair: Damian Monzillo Model: Anna Apeckhart @ Marilyn

fall into our handmade wonderland...

fashion

contents

20 baby it’s cold outside 24 luxe lingerie 26 jordaal 30 azede 34 morgane et salome 36 fauxtale

FALL WINTER 2010

art

12

72

82 the light fantastic 86 simply hue 88 frida wannerberger

diy

104 reduce reuse rejoice 106 project patchwork 110 homemade gifts 112 holiday gift wrap

13 104

86 134

home

116 paula mills 122 nicola greenway 130 by the hearth

entertain

134 the holiday table 140 party gift guide 142 cookie exchange

eat

150 babycakes 156 fall desserts 164 afternoon tea 174 dream girl 178 a foodie wishlist

dujour Editor-In-Chief LETITIA BURRELL

Market Editor TIFFANY BRANDENBURG Food Editors ABIGAIL PORTER, AYUNDARI GUNANSYACH, CLAIRE THOMAS Interns NICOLE BUGANTE, KATHERINE PARK, NATALIE SCHMITZ Deputy Editor INGRID OSTBY Art & Design LETITIA BURRELL, LAUREN COOPER, TIFFANY BRANDENBURG Contributors Della Bass, Sara Bentley, Lucy Blaire, Kristin Costello, Vicki Dvorak, Lauren Gherardi, Anna Hatzakis, Lucia O’Connor McCarthy, Stuart Kerr, Asli Kolcu, Mario Pena, Anette Schive, Al Thompson, Frida Wannerberger, Brittni Wood Subscription Inquires: subscribe@dujourmag.com dujourmag.com/subscribe

www.dujourmag.com All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from the publisher. The views expressed in DUJOUR are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the publisher. © 2010 LOOKLOOK Publishing.

Publisher LETITIA BURRELL

Enjoy, but please recycle.

Printed on-demand in the USA.

o o

!!) )$ ho  e  fans  w r,  h t  ll a  o T jou upport  Du s  d n a  d rea  to  n’t  words  e r a  e r e h t nd y  deep  a express  m gratitude.  g  unwaverin ope  that  I  h For  now,   enough. u  is thank  yo

I  honestly  can’t  recall  if  I’ve  ever  put  my  picture  in  Dujour.  In  fact,  the  last  couple  issues  launched  sans  editor  letters  altogether.  I  haven’t  been  hiber-­ nating,  I’ve  been  down  right  hiding.  You  see,  the  truth  is  that  I’m  not  a  blue-­eyed  former  Conde  Nast  editor  in  her  thirties,  I’m  an  average-­looking  Jamai-­ can  American  in  her  twenties  with  only  magazine  internships  to  her  name.  I  don’t  live  in  a  lavishly  decked  out  Upper  Manhattan  apartment,  because  in  fact,  ever  since  my  parents’  divorce  ripped  apart  our  family  half  a  decade  ago,  I’ve  laid  my  head  ZKHUHYHU , FRXOG à QG D ZDUP VSRW ZLWK P\ QDPH RQ it.  And  I  certainly  don’t  come  from  money,  or  have  been  lucky  enough  to  marry  into  it,  I’m  just  a  typical  descendant  from  a  lower  class  immigrant  family.  I  don’t  have  anything  really,  other  than  Dujour.  But  the  sad  truth  is  that  this  magazine,  my  only  friend,  my  savior,  has  been  something  I  have  had  to  hide  from.  You  don’t  see  any  black  editors  or  publishers  do  you?  You’d  be  hard  pressed  to  count  some  on  one  hand.  I  can’t  count  how  many  call  meetings  I’ve  had  go  splen-­ didly,  only  to  later  meet  clients  in  person  and  get  turned  down  based  on  my  looks.  Or  receive  invites  to  posh  outings  where  the  European  is  called  chic  for  pairing  Marc  Jacobs  with  H&M,  but  my  H&M  RXWà W PHDQV , PXVW EH SRRU %XW MXVW as  I  see  the  leaves  falling  outside  my  window,  its  time  for  me  to  turn  over  a  new  leaf  as  well.  No  more  comparisons  to  all  the  indie  magazines  that  have  popped  up  online  this  year  and  already  have  VZDQN\ 0DQKDWWDQ RIà FHV RU VSRQVRU-­ ships  from  the  likes  of  Kate  Spade  or  Macy’s.  Dujour  is  my  handmade  gift,  and  its  from  me  to  all  of  you.  It  may  not  be  much,  but  its  all  I  have  to  give.  For  the  last  three  years,  I’ve  made  it  with  blood,  sweat,  and  lots  of  tears.  Each  page  has  a  piece  of  my  heart,  and  I  hope  you’ll  accept  it.

xoxo

a i t i t Le

b

www.shopruche.com

the family...

DThe first thing I ever made was little hand puppets in Sunday school.DSince then my love for craft time morphed into a passion to create everything handmade.DWhat I love about making something with my own hands is the satisfaction of creating something better than what you can buy at a store, and know that it will mean more to the person receiving it. DDuring the holidays I give gifts that are cute but also useful!DNow I’m off to make a quilt for my nephew on the way.

Abi

DThe first thing I ever made was probably something out of Play Doh, like fake spaghetti.DSince then I still have never made real spaghetti, even though I have all the proper KitchenAid Stand Mixer attachments.DWhat I love about making something with my own hands is how proud I am of my successes--whether they’re made in kitchen or with pen and paper. However, I am not proud of my lack of pasta-making experiences.DDuring the holidays, I give gifts that I would love to receive: colorful, heartfelt items in brown-paper wrapping. Homemade pasta would also make a great gift, but you’re not getting any from me.DNow I’m off to make Dujour sound as pretty as it looks. Prettier than a package of multicolor bow-tie pasta, even.

Ingrid DThe first thing I ever made was pancakes.

DSince then I’ve made a lot more than pancakes.DWhat I love about making something with my own hands is the excuse to get a manicure afterwards.DDuring the holidays I give gifts that are well read, eaten, or wrapped.

DNow I’m off to make spiced pumpkin muffins for a photoshoot. Wish me luck!

Claire

Ayundari

DThe first thing I ever made was Christmas fruit cake when I was still in my mother’s womb!DSince then I have baked lame pound cakes with my nanny, got occupied with teenage life, forgot about baking, saw a recipe for cupcakes in Seventeen magazine, got obsessed with cupcakes, became famous for my own cupcakes creations, sold hundreds of cupcakes, got bored of it, and finally started blogging for dujourmag.com. Phew!DWhat I love about making something with my own hands is when people ask me, “wow, did you make this? really? this is so good!”.DDuring the holidays, I give gifts that are cheap and cute.DNow I’m off to make my dream of moving to New York come true.

DThe first thing I ever made was an elaborate necklace I wore to my 21st birthday party.DSince then my creative outlet has become baking cupcakes.DWhat I love about making something with my own hands is the freedom I feel when creating and baking.DDuring the holidays, I give gifts that are usually last minute purchases at the mall because I’m a procrastinator!DNow I’m off to make macarons because I believe if I’m able bake the perfect macarons, I can conquer anything.

Sheryl DThe first thing I ever made was a Christmas ornament for my mom using walnuts and string when I was about four or five years old.DSince then, I’ve graduated college with an art degree and have been painting and making odds and ends for my home ever since.DWhat I love about making something with my own hands is the process. The final product is nice too, but I love the journey most.DDuring the holidays, I give gifts that are handmade whenever possible.DNow I’m off to make sure that everything is running smoothly with my handmade exhibition site, papernstitch.com.

Brittni

DThe first thing I ever made was, well, I actually can’t remember, but I’ve been told I’ve been making things since the day I first discovered I had hands.DSince then its become an addiction of sorts. I make things so I don’t bite my nails.DWhat I love about making something with my own hands is that its usually very close to free.DDuring the holidays, I give gifts that I’ve made ONLY if asked. I don’t want to appear cheap.

DNow I’m off to make some lunch.

Lucy DThe first thing I ever made was very precise scribble art that my parents promptly had framed. To this day they refuse to believe that nobody truly falls for their Picasso story.

DSince then I hope my scribbles have become a tad more legible!DWhat I love about making something with my own hands is that, for better or worse, I can be assured of it’s individuality.DDuring the holidays, I give gifts that I think the recipients want and don’t necessarily need.DNow I’m off to illustrate my Christmas list in the hopes that the personalized touch will win me extra points with Santa -- I’m paying extra attention to the Louboutin Ronfifi 100 Button Boots.

Sara

bits and bites Lovely things we found and want to share

Sadie Olive

went about creating When those posh scholars at Oxford obviously didn’t they ry, the definitive English dictiona no words we can just are e think it through, because ther , or surge of giddimsy whi uty, use to explain the sheer bea Olive, an online shop ness you feel when you enter Sadie bsessed homemakcreated by Sara Duckett is for décor-o things Frenchall of love ers. The founder, Sara, has a s. Her infatuation que anti country-chic and for all quaint first home. Five her vate reno began when she decided to as an entrem drea the g years later, and she is now livin ies charming carr that e tiqu preneur—with an online bou g bijoux, rklin spa ds, goo er flea market vintage finds, pap an inspirhas also She e. mor linens and kitchen wares, and design company. Sara ing blog, photography studio, and e at her shop, and ryon eve claims there is something for to find something you dare we’d be fools not to agree. We you can resist! sadieolive.com

Up In The Air Somewhere After graduating from college with a sculpture degree in tow, Susan Dwyer delved straight into making a life for herself doing what she loves, which happens to include handcrafting a line of ceramic and papier-mâché vessels using recycled and repurposed paper. These items are handmade, without molds. They’re organic works of art with one-of-a-kind character. The drama and glamour of the gold-leaf featured on her Gold Point vessel (pictured) is breathtaking. Choosing just one piece from her collection is like deciding whether we want cupcakes or macarons for dessert—a nearly impossible task. So, if you’re buying handmade gifts this holiday season, we definitely suggest heading to Susan’s shop. Just be warned, you may just want everything you find. upintheairsomwhere.com

Loop UK

Some Brits are so crafty, aren’t they? We don’t knit (we know, we know—it’s so easy to learn and so relaxing), but if we did, Loop would be a daily stop on our way home from the day’s mischief—if only for the utter splendor of indulging in more colorful yarns than we can count. The best part is the array of collections, from the Be Sweet line—hand-spun and dyed by women in South Africa, to Habu’s hard-to-find yarns from Japan, and the gorgeous, sparkly, appliqué-and-floral trimmed yarns of the Knit Collage collection. It’s also a beautiful, warm, and friendly space where the knitting community (and the wannabes like us) can meet up for all sorts of handmade fun. Lastly, Loop offers classes for knitters of all kinds. Maybe we’ll try to learn after all … loopknitting.com

The Vamoose

two about beauty. For Kathryn Blackmore knows a thing or our eye when it comes to two years, she has been the apple of the things us Dujour girls gorgeous accessories. She’s got all poms, and a splash of want: baubles made out of bows, pom is made by hand out of whimsy. Every piece in her collection price tags are so reasonher home atelier in the UK. And her ing out on that perfect able we could faint. If you’re still hold look no further. We gift for Mom and Sis (and you!), then out what makes her tick. recently chatted with Kathryn to find ying at university.

Before I was a designer I was stud about natural history, My collections have always been s, natural materials, and traditional techniques, simple form organic shapes. es to name. Most recently, I find inspiration in too many plac form of grand RenaisI have been finding inspiration in the , medieval art, 19th sance cathedrals, gothic architecture k of Madame Grès. century French sculpture, and the wor sometimes feel a little too Having a handmade business can good to be true. ions, clothing designs, The difference between my illustrat unt. They are all connectand accessories is not a great amo a similar approach—carryed and I tend to treat all three with ing a similar style throughout. working on a Saturday On the weekends you can find me my boyfriend’s house for a morning and then heading over to h. country walk and perhaps a pub lunc of being able to tion sfac sati the is life de To me a handma gs on a daily basis. work with my hands and create thin thevamoose.com

Clare Press

g in a world as pretty Surely you must get tired of us livin s every issue there as Marie Antoinette’s closet. Yes, it seem opulently rich, girly are either cream-puff confections or Well, love it or hate it, collections creeping into our pages. d-new SS11 collection we are at it again. Clare Press’s bran rkly boleros, floral brois the one girls dream of. Pearly, spa ic, ruffles, bows, and cade skirts perfect for a Sunday picn the talented designer sheer materials. We caught up with t girls want. herself, to see how she knows just wha nalist. I was features Before I was a designer, I was: A jour rs and before that I director at Vogue Australia for five yea e. I just finished my first wrote for Harper’s Bazaar. I still writ nd I write around my book for Penguin—out next year—a s character at its core: Mrs. Press brand. There is a glamorou over Europe in lovely a fictitious one who glams it up all layers of silk and lace. about: Beautiful My collections have always been d to be made—the fabrics. I love the way garments use s. We make all our little details that make things luxuriou tralia, with love. fashion pieces and cosmetics in Aus y.

I love vintage because: It tells a stor austing. We were on Exh : was e tiqu bou first Opening my ourselves. My friends a strict budget so we did everything ted to a painting won’t be falling for that ‘You are invi party!’ scam again. loves beauty for My ideal customer is: “Anyone who [years old]. beauty’s sake. She could be 18 or 80 me are: Vintage Constant sources of inspiration for novels, Agatha Christie, treasures, fashion biographies, old bows. flowers from the garden, buttons and entic one. MassTo me, a handmade life is: An auth ities that come with produced is boring. I prefer the odd al. something being made by an individu mrspress.com

PaperMash We caught up with Lynn Robinson, the boutique craft-tress (yes, a word we just invented) extraordinaire to see what she has to say about her delightful shop. “I have a blog teaforjoy.blogspot.com, and, since I started reading other design blogs, I’ve uncovered a wealth of talented designers from around the world who are producing unusual paper and stationery products. I enjoy supporting and helping to promote small, independent designers who use traditional and artisan printing techniques such as letterpress.” papermash.co.uk

Pheasant

Sally, an inte rior stylist, w ho has a love runs deep, b for Yorkshire rings togeth th er a beautifu tion of hom lly curated se at e accessorie le s, call handmad Yorkshire. H e and crafte er favorite a d in ctivity is trav ing new cra elling and d ftspeople. A iscovernd if at pub for b eer and lunch that means stopping to rest and maybe cream sund even a heart ae, she’s all ri y ice ght with that ate Pheasan .A t, a lovely m ail-order cata ll this helps creing over. We’ log we are o ve already a bsessdded the cu teapot and A te retro cara lice In Wond va n e rland brooch pheasantm es to our wis ailorder.co.u h list. k

Ninainvorm

de Goor. I’m f: “I’m Nina van el rs he er ak m ics ted workFrom the ceram herlands. I star et N e th in e d I liv kly started 28 years old an s ago and quic ar ye e fiv t ou ics ab ing with ceram . rent techniques ramic ffe di ng ds) and with ce combini ol m ith (w g tin ] started -cas e ceramics [and I work with slip ag nt vi ve lo so g. I al a collage screen-printin tableware with e ag nt vi e rit favo love the procombining my n technique. I tio ra co de g tin t of old-fashand screen-prin sting items ou re te in d an w ne technique, cess of making with a collage k or w I e us ca e. Be sting for me. ioned tablewar s things intere ep ke ch hi w , ique phy, screenall items are un loves: photogra e tiv ea cr r he w ot al style blog, I also have a fe and my person r pe pa on ge lla printing and co t.nl.” un .p rm vo ninain tsy.com ninainvorm.e

Studio Elenus

After graduating from college with a sculpture degree in tow, Susan Dwyer delved straight into making a life for herself doing what she loves, which happens to include handcrafting a line of ceramic and papier-mâché vessels using recycled and repurposed paper. These items are handmade, without molds. They’re organic works of art with one-of-a-kind character. The drama and glamour of the gold-leaf featured on her Gold Point vessel (pictured) is breathtaking. Choosing just one piece from her collection is like deciding whether we want cupcakes or macarons for dessert—a nearly impossible task. So, if you’re buying handmade gifts this holiday season, we definitely suggest heading to Susan’s shop. Just be warned, you may just want everything you find. etsy.com/shop/studioelenus

Sweet Pea Soap

ut the longing for The fall and winter seasons bring abo of pumpkin pie, lots fire, hot cocoa, lazy Sundays by the the tub filled in nt spe rs and of course, hours upon hou while someing sipp gne with bubbles, and well, champa I digress.

But er. eith t hur t one massages our feet wouldn’ masfoot bath r ove s soap I’d take lovingly made natural you get from Denis, the sages anyday. And that’s just what rant all natural soaps in frag lly maker of sweet and beautifu . Ahh, how I love fall! scents like green tea and licorice root m sweetpeasoapcompany.co

Whimsy & Spice Few things sum up a perfectly charming autumn-into-winter more than hot cocoa, fresh handmade marshmallows, and biscotti for dipping. Well, perfection just met its match. Brooklyn-based confectioners, Whimsy and Spice, serve up hot cocoa and more. Imagine a lazy Sunday by the fire, wrapped in your favorite alpaca-wool throw, sipping a mug of English breakfast and munching on pumpkin ginger whoopie pies filled with white chocolate; two hazelnut and chocolate whisky cookies with a smoky dark chocolate, whisky-spiked filled center; rose thumbprints speckled with a hint of black pepper; chocolate gingersnaps; and fragrant Earl Grey sandwich cookies.

Jenna Park chatted with us on behalf of Whimsy and Spice about her baking, loves, and homemade life—sans Mark Sopchak, her hubby, business partner, and amazing pastry whiz.

Before we owned a baking business we were: A pastry chef and an art director (I’m still a working designer).

Our line of sweets has always been about: Pairing fun and unusual flavors, and slowing life down with a cup of tea and a cookie.

I love baking because: I don’t have to do it—I’m married to a pastry chef. Baked goods and cookies magically appear in the house.

We chose Etsy because: We like their indie small-business philosophy and it was very easy to set up shop quickly when we needed it.

Marshmallows and brownies are best when: Eaten with a hot beverage and ice cream, respectively (or vice versa).

Our recipes are inspired by: Mark’s childhood travels.

To me a handmade life is: A lot of hard work and a few soul-searching moments, but infinitely satisfying. whimsyandspice.com

Deadly Ponies

Ponies, the New The fall/winter collection of Deadly so covetable, we had is d, bran Zealand-based accessories ning handbags’ stun the ut night sweats dreaming abo details, pouches ur nd-f el-a details: Indian-influenced tass n the alluring smokewith ruffled silk organza straps. Eve ning. Moreover, stun gly screen silk scarves are alarmin d, from the stitching han by ely each piece is made complet the labels. All we of ing rint of the leather to the screen-p new light. Ponies? le who a in can say is this: We see ponies accounts beg to differ.

Deadly? We think not. But our bank deadlyponies.com

fas. hio. n style. shop. trend.

DUJOUR fashion

holid

y gift

guid

e

Peter Alexander ‘boo’ pajamas $60.00

Spirit Hood fur hood $129.00

Because Maybe bow gloves 22.00

Mimco bow bag $450.00 Stolen Girfriends Club shorts $153.00

Because Maybe bunny tail ring $4.00 Asos boots $95.00

DUJOUR fashion

Lauren Moffat chambray bow dress, $350

Kate Moss for Topshop dress, $365

J. Crew Cupcake dress, $650

Modcloth Well Manored Minx Dress, $189

Vivetta Gluaditta dress, $363

perfectly pretty party

s k c o fr

handmade

DUJOUR fashion

interview Tiffany Brandenburg

Tell us a little about you and what you do My name is Liya and I’m a 32-year old, small town girl with big dreams and a fashion designer with a bad addiction for lingerie! I truly believe that a woman can never have enough knickers in her drawer. My father is an artist, and always wanted me to continue his way but it seemed that life had different plans for me. As the years passed by, I realized my passion was to become a fashion designer and not an artist. I decided to learn textile design instead and completed a B.A (hons) degree from Shenkar College. Ireturned to my hometown, Tel-aviv-Israel, about one year ago after working and living for five years in London as a lingerie designer for several fashion houses including La senza, Topshop and House of Fraser.

How did you become interested in designing lingerie?

There is a saying “life happens while you are making plans” and it’s so true.

I have been working in the fashion industry for over 7 years now, and I never planned to be a lingerie designer, I just found my way into it and discovered

a whole fascinating world! When I enrolled in collage, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer but thought it will be better if I learnt textile design as it would develop my attention to details and creativity. During those four years of study, I was always interested in all forms of femininity, from women’s icons to anything that is related to a woman’s inner beauty. I always looked for a way to express myself through fashion design, so when I was offered a role as a women’s nightwear designer in London, I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity to learn and design women’s lingerie myself.

What motivated you to start your own brand?

After years of hard work I decided it was time to make a change in my life.

At the time, the world was facing a big financial recession and I was made redundant from my work place like many others due to that situation, so I started

to look for work as a freelance lingerie designer. This newfound freedom really motivated me and I decided to take this opportunity and turn it into something. What I really wanted to do was step out from the mass production lingerie industry and design and create exclusive lingerie designs myself.

So I finally took a leap of faith and started working towards this goal by returning back home to Tel-Aviv to start my own business. It took months of sourcing, designing, fitting, planning and lots of soul-searching to get to this point, but with a lot of hard work and support from my family and friends, I’m proud to say that my vision has become a reality, ‘La Lilouche’ is here!

Which piece is your favourite from the A/W collection?

My favourite piece is definitely the Ophelia silk playsuit because it’s a very elegant and seductive piece of lingerie at the same time. For me it’s just the perfect item to take when I’m going on holiday with my boyfriend or just to wear with a pair of skinny jeans to be a cute and fierce femme fatale.

What was the inspiration behind the A/W collection?

Black Mirror, is all about romance and mystery and the collection is inspired by boudoir with touches of sassy urban edge. Each of the eleven designs is limited edition and has been hand-finished to couture standards with a variety of embellishment gems such as Swarovski crystals, beads or gold chains.

Can you give us a little hint on what we can expect from the next La Lilouche collection?

I am now working on my S/S 2011 collection, which will be in the same spirit as the Autumn/Winter collection but even more unique and luxurious!

I can tell you that the new collection will be called ‘Cosmic Love’, and will mix electric romance with a twist of edginess and sparkle... But that’s all I will say for now so come visit my Etsy store to find out more.

Opposite page La Lilouche bliss bra $129 La Lilouche ophelia playsuit $175 La Lilouche olivka bra $126 This page Naomi Lingerie cat sleep mask $18 Majo Rey Store grey lace set $70 Naomi Lingerie sleep boxer $35 Fortnight Lingerie satin knicker $35 La Lilouche natasha bra $160 La Lilouche natasha knicker $77

Jorddal words Natalie Schmitz photography Anette Schive styling Kristin M. Lund hair & makeup Sigrid Helsa Breie model Helene R. @ Team Models

The Epitome of Wearable Eco-Art That’s right, ladies. The next time you’re in London or Oslo or visiting the world via the www.com, I must insist that you check out Line Jorddal jewelry. Made from recycled odds and ends consisting of a combination of precious material and garbage, old toys, jewelry donated by friends and strangers, dirty plastic, silver chains, Swarovski crystals and stuff found on the floor in a bar, Jorddal creates wearable art that is unique, innovative and out of this world. She is truly a master of recycling art into something sublime and beautiful to accessorize any ensemble.

Jorddal herself describes her jewelry as “bold and beautiful, big and annoying”. Her inspiration stems from some

rather unusual corners as she herself puts it: “Lisa Walker, Las Vegas, Pop Culture, old women filling their houses with fake flowers, gold and glitter, shallowness and Arne Næss (fellow Norwegian eco-philosopher) ” – just to name a few… Jorddal’s creations are an eclectic mélange of Andy Warhol meets Sid Vicious having tea with Robert Smith at a Green-conscious tea party.

Line Jorddal is sold in London and Oslo. Line Jorddal has been worn as works of art on stage, recently featured in Oslo Fashion Week and traveled in magazine pages from Norway to Japan. linejorddal.com

Azede words Natalie Schmitz

French Couture in the heart of Atlanta Hidden in the Deep South, Haitian-born Azede JeanPierre is the exclusive best-kept secret of Atlanta. Dressing the modern Southern Belle, her designs are soft yet geometric with a hint of Art Deco made with delicate sheers and feminine accents that bring out the girly-girl that lives within. Nature is the primary inspiration from flowers to trees and the smallest ladybug climbing a blade of grass. Azede’s creations flow and drape but retain a precise shape and are simply made to perfection. Forget Paris. As I discovered her new collection, I just wanted to hop on the next plane to Atlanta. Azede’s talent is profound and I must say that her creations are just delicious

from her his sheer navy blue baby-doll with perfectly made bows to a sheer pale pink dress that makes you want to get out your dancin’ shoes. You will be the envy of the ball when you slip on one of Azede’s works of art.

Her creations will literally bring tears to your eyes. Azede Jean-Pierre is the new Chanel – watch out Karl Lagerfeld!

Azede Jean-Pierre’s fabulous French couture designs can be found at asedejean-pierre.com

Miaou bows words Natalie Schmitz photography Lauren Gherardi styling, hair & makeup Sonia Garza make up Carolyn Jernigan

Sweet Couture From Vintage Remnants Hidden in the Deep South, Haitian-born Azede JeanPierre is the exclusive best-kept secret of Atlanta. Dressing the modern Southern Belle, her designs are soft yet geometric with a hint of Art Deco made with delicate sheers and feminine accents that bring out the girly-girl that lives within. Nature is the primary inspiration from flowers to trees and the smallest ladybug climbing a blade of grass. Azede’s creations flow and drape but retain a precise shape and are simply made to perfection. Forget Paris. As I discovered her new collection, I just wanted to hop on the next plane to Atlanta. Azede’s talent is profound and I must say that her creations are just delicious

from her his sheer navy blue baby-doll with perfectly made bows to a sheer pale pink dress that makes you want to get out your dancin’ shoes. You will be the envy of the ball when you slip on one of Azede’s works of art.

Her creations will literally bring tears to your eyes. Azede Jean-Pierre is the new Chanel – watch out Karl Lagerfeld!

Azede Jean-Pierre’s fabulous French couture designs can be found at asedejean-pierre.com

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Morgane et Salome words & interview Natalie Schmitz

The Moulin Rouge has met its match. Morgane et Salomé’s sexy and unique designs highlight any ensemble yet are dramatic enough for the stage. We discovered their clothing jewelry at a little Parisian marché. But, this designing duo creates more than just collars; they take you to a new level in fashion.

A true mise-en scène, Morgane et Salomé’s newest witty collection features an Under-the-Sea theme from the Shark Shirt to the Mermaid dress. But what happens behind the scenes?

Even the inauguration of the new atelier was a theatrical event that included musicians, performance artists, writers and more. I got an exclusive peek at how the magic comes to life in a quick cyber interview. Here are a few extracts : Could you tell us how you make your creations?

Everything is made in Paris. Certain pieces are very detailed and must be done by hand. We love delicate work and invisible seams.

What inspires you?

The latest colors, images and materials that are in the air inspire us. Right now, it’s the sunset that we see through the window of our atelier, paint peeling and flaking off in a passageway, the dead leaves of Vincennes… we will see what

happens in the next collection as time ripens and matures!

How do you choose your fabrics and where do you find them?

We first choose our line of colors. We then buy the fabrics according to our chosen color line as well as the feel and quality of the fabric.

Could you tell us how you work together and/or independently in the atelier?

We are a duo (Morgane et Salomé!) who design the collections and run a company. All of the important decisions are made by the both of us. We equally share all responsibilities: we are here together to create and each one of us participates in all of the tasks. We often have an intern to help us and a lot of friends partners/collaborators with whom we work diligently on communication and artistic events.

If you could describe your creations in one sentence, how would you describe them?

Collars found at the bottom of the ocean; piranha jaws that proudly adorn the body; fallen wings from a rainy sky on the shoulder; big salmon sleeves that swallow the arm; jewels like pearled breasts coming out of an oyster. morgane-et-salome-creations.fr

Fauxtale words Haleigh Walsworth photography Mario Pena styling Letitia Burrell hair Lena Schleweis make up Caitlin Wooters

When did you decide to start FAUXTALE? dToree: I have been working with faux fur and other odd materials for years. Kate, my partner was also working with amazing materials, and had the same ethics as i had as far as her sources for bones and feathers. when we met it was love at first sight. we both were creating the same formula but adding different ingredients, and decided to join forces, resulting in Fauxtale, and our story began. We have been official for 6 months now. dKate: Neither of us had ever considered teaming up with other designers for our own line—we both have very strong personalities and visions of what, how and why we want to make things. It was so bizarre meeting Toree and seeing what

she designed, she sort of filled in the gray areas of how I envisioned a collection in my head. And we just work together really well. We’re always supporting and inspiring each other.

When she approached me about Fauxtale, I knew without a doubt I wanted to be a part of it with her.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs? dToree: In addition to my art and designs, I have been raising and handling exotic animals for years. i have raised bear cubs, mountain lions, tigers, wolves and other animals. Working with them has fueled my passion and love for animals and is what inspired me to use all animal friendly products. every piece i make in way represents the creatures that they are derived from, and honors them by using only the best

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quality faux fur and leather. What i loved and respected about Kate’s designs, aside from them being gorgeous, is that they were also fueled by the same love of animals. dKate: I grew up in the wilderness. My dad is an outdoors man and most of my childhood was spent on fishing trips, climbing trees, camping… I’m serious.

You should see my feet. They look like a wild child’s. I also grew up around a lot of animals, I would always get in trouble because I’d come home from school and have some stray animal with me that I wanted to take in. Toree and I share a deep love of this earth. I think that’s a huge part of why we get along so much.

We’re both incredibly humbled and in awe of nature and its untamable spirit.

I think a lot of that is translated into our collection.

Tell as about the materials you create with and your design process. dToree: Everything we do is hand made and one of a kind. We use mostly Faux fur/leather. I am obsessed with this Fur we found from France that is just gorgeous. you can not tell the difference between real fur and this fur. It doesn’t shed or fade, and it’s warm and durable.

We will be using this for our winter 2011 collection. We also work with odd materials and beading, such as porcupine quills and feathers. I worked with an African-crested porcupine for 3 months and they shed a small handful of quills every day. so, everyday i would go into his enclosure and gather them. ever since then we have found new ways to use them for beads and trimming. i have thousands of quills in my bedroom, I make bouquets out of them and put

them everywhere. dKate: The quills are amazing. We also use a lot of recycled bone, horse hair and specific kinds of feathers. We have some great exotic bird contacts that collect the plumage from the birds when they naturally molt them, and then I clean them before use. We like using less common feathers—a lot of our custom pieces also incorporate vintage or found treasures… material-wise, Toree and I don’t really rule anything out. As long as its animal friendly.

What sort of girl (or guy) do you design for? dToree: We are designing for a fashion forward girl/woman that wants to feel natural and sexy, and get in touch with the animal inside them;) dKate: We want every woman to feel like she can invoke the carnal, sensual essence of pure humanity, to unleash her inner Dionysus… hopefully our collection can serve as a vessel for this.

What new exciting things do you have coming up for line in the next years? dToree: Right now we are doing personal orders and preparing for our official launch in Winter 2011. We are also doing a lot of press, over the past fews months we’ve been featured in Malibu Magazine, Flaunt, Rolling stones, and of course the amazing Dujour.

Where do you see the future of your line? dToree: For Winter 2011, our theme is foxes.

We will be using different Furs and new colors that represent this beautiful animal, and expanding our business in different territories such as New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles. dKate: And Paris. Please. fauxtale.com

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Photopgraphy: Martina Olsson Styling: Linda Portman Sagum Hair & Makeup: Linda Sundqvist Retouching: Johan Miderburg Model: Emilia N. @ Stockholmsgruppen

Pia Jane Bijkerk is the sweetest gal you might be. You instantly want to be her friend. What’s better, is that she happens to know all about Paris, $PVWHUGDP DQG ZKHUH \RX FDQ ¿QG handmade goods in every hidden corner of both cities. I was lucky enough to see what she had to say about the handmade movement. interview Letitia Burrell

dDo you plan to fulfill our fantasies and indulge us with perhaps a Made

By Hand book for literally every country? If not, we are happy to petition your publishers! :) dPetition away! My publisher would love to hear that people would like more. Yes I’d love to do more cities, wouldn’t it be great to have a whole collection? dYou once mentioned in a conversation with Grace Bonney that you’ve always been inspired by beautifully handcrafted objects. I imagine this sums up the whole reason you became a stylist for food and interiors, a line of work purely about showcasing artful works and objects. Tell us more about how this career path found you. dAfter I took some time off from my store, I ventured into the world of interior styling because a friend said it’s

something I should try. So try I did, and I loved it. Styling photoshoots felt really natural, and it was great fun to come up with ideas for editorial shoots, as well as big budget advertising productions.

You’re originally from one of our favorite cities- Sydney. dDid you start your styling career there first and the boutique came after or vice versa? What inspired you to open up shop? dI opened my boutique at 21 years of age, only a few months after I’d completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts. My boyfriend at the time had always wanted to open a home wares store so I thought it would be a good time for us to do so as I wasn’t keen to start a career in my field yet (I majored in film and photography at university). Also, it was the time of the

Sydney Olympics so I figured economically, it was a good time to open a shop. My boyfriend and I broke up only a year or so after opening the store (going into business with your partner is not always the best move to make!) and I took over the business as sole proprietor. I had the store for 4 years, it was really ‘my baby’ – when I decided to let it go after I realized it was no longer financially viable, it felt like I was cutting out a part of my heart. I mourned for months after its final days.

My favorite part about having the shop was selecting the stock to sell – I specialized in handmade items because the quality and uniqueness of each item was often far superior than mass-produced items,

and it was this that set me apart from the other boutiques in the neighborhood. After I closed up the shop, I took a year off to think about what direction I wanted to take next – as it turned out, becoming a stylist was my next step, and so I began styling for advertising and magazines across Sydney. dIf you had all the time in the world (okay more like a one minute elevator speech) what would you say to people who are consumed by our modern day mass market culture, those who take artisan products for granted, or those who are just exploring the world of handmade and don’t know where to start? dPeople need to become much more aware of the consequences of mass consumption. And not just consumer awareness, corporate awareness as well – having an overabundance of massproduced items is not healthy for any-

one - short term or long term not to mention the environment.

There needs to be a clearer understanding of this. For those exploring the world of handmade but don’t know where to start, begin by searching for local artisans rather than big name brands and department stores.

So if you want to buy a vase for example, instead of heading straight to the mall, find some local artisans and look at what they have to offer, you might find something even more inspiring than you dared dream about.

You can also head to your local second-hand store too – there are always bargains to be had, and you are being consumerwise at the same time. dInterviewees are always asked the cliche question of what inspires them, but let’s try something less vague! What do you constantly find yourself magnetically drawn to and what has unexpectedly crept its way into your work over the last couple year as muses? dOh my muse is nature, without a doubt. I’ve always been drawn to nature but these days the magnetic pull is even stronger.

A simple walk in the forest or a swim in the ocean has me not only rejuvenated physically, but also artistically. I adore everything about nature – the incredibly diverse textures, color combinations, functionality... everything.

There is so much endless inspiration in nature. dWhat’s this secret cafe you opened after graduating college? dOh! That. Well, it’s not so secret, more like ‘short lived’. I was rather ambitious back then, and naive...

After a couple of years of having my home wares boutique, everything was going so well with it that I thought it would be a brilliant idea to open a teahouse.

I actually wanted the teahouse to be in the home wares store but I was not granted permission by the building owners to install a full kitchen. So I found a cheap deli around the corner and bought it. I named it “indigo teahouse” (my home wares store was called “indigo artifacts”) and with a lot of hard work, it was

transformed into a lunch time cafe, specializing in loose leaf teas, wraps, homemade sweets, etc. It only lasted a year though! I was way in over my head. I managed to sell it and concentrate again on my boutique which was in much need of my full attention. dMany people may not even know this, but Paris: Made By Hand is well, literally made by your own two hands.

From the styling (naturally) to the cover design, to the writing and photography. Everything minus the printing!

Its utterly and completely you. Tell us about this ambitious and passionate experience. dI think it’s just something I’m drawn to doing because I always have a very specific idea in mind, and the only way I can demonstrate my idea to my publisher is to make everything with my own two hands. And so yes, in fact

the book is very much ‘made by hand’ by me. It is the same with Amsterdam: Made by Hand and also my third book which I’m working on now. dIts so fun to sit here and picture you actually cutting out the scraps of lettered copy paper, propping the ceramics and stuffed animals like so, and really, just orchestrating the whole cover on your own. How is this similar to your process of window display assignments? dIt’s very much the same. My ideas come in waves, and they build and build over time until I have something quite concrete in my mind’s eye. Although for the cover of Paris: Made by Hand, my idea was rather instant – as soon as I saw the shelves, lighting, and fabulous wall texture in Astier de Villatte, I knew it would be my backdrop for the cover. Over the following months I designed and developed the idea in my head, and then went back to Paris to shoot it.

I have a couple of bare walls in my home which are always full of my cut out pages, textiles, drawings, ideas – these are my moodboards for whatever project I happen to be working on, be it a window display, a shoot, or the cover for my next book. I love whatever I’m making to have a made by hand element, I just think it adds a certain something – a bit of soul, shall we say. dOn your blog, there is an immeasurable amount of beauty, which you hear all the time now, but in

particular you have a post featuring your Mes Ailes, a piano solo composition you created all your own.

Not to mention the accompanying whimsical little drawing. I’d have to agree that I too would snatch up a copy of any album you produce. What role does music play in your work? dThank you. Yes, music is so incredibly empowering.

It’s this amazing form of communication - no matter what language we speak, what age we are, or what era we are from, it transcends time and reaches a place in our hearts that I believe no other language can do. For me, music is a life source. I play my piano during the day while I work. It’s like having a cup of tea, but better. dThere are so many American in Paris tales. What makes your story so special and unique thus far? dWell, I’m not sure my story is that unique. It’s true so many people have lived and breathed Paris, but then so many people have not. I think no matter what your story, everyone’s life is special, and perhaps the uniqueness is not what you do or where you go in your life, but the way you live it – if you live it genuinely and generously, then I do believe you’re on to something wonderful. dYou undoubtedly have one of the best crafty eyes, from kraft paper as table runners to stunning handmade wreaths as centerpieces. What tips would you dish out to us Dujour girls this holiday season for crafting a beautiful party environment in their home?

dFirst, I’d say go to your nearest nature setting - be it your backyard, the neighbor’s backyard, or forest, or beach - and go for a walk... it’s always the best way to get inspired! Look at the colors, the shades, the textures. What are you drawn to? What color combinations make your heart sing? Is it the green of the lichen, the red of the berries, the blue reflections in the puddles, or the golden hues of the leaves? Whatever it is, let that decide your holiday theme! If you can, collect some little fallen nature treasures too. Then, look around your home for things in those color shades you were drawn to – you’ll be surprised by what you find. Gather up all those lovely little treasures and then build your holiday theme around them – make giant tissue paper flowers in the colors of your choice and hang them from your ceiling with ribbon. Dress a bare branch, pine needle branch or fir tree with a mix

of ornaments and feathers, and line your table with a piece of pretty linen and beeswax tea light candles in little glass jars and vessels. Hang natural garlands around your windows.. the list goes on! Enjoy. dWhat would be on your fantasy holiday wish list? dA holiday, actually! That’s on my fantasy holiday wish list. But nothing fancy, just some time off to spend with my partner, and doing nothing but reading, walking, eating, and allowing the days to blend into each other. dDid you this about yourself- you’re a real natural living nut? You even took a friend with you to attend a course on homemade natural products. What is your quick 101 guide to help the rest of us live au naturale? dGet to know the ingredients in everything you consume, whether it’s food, beauty products, or cleaning products – if there is a word on that packaging that you don’t understand, chances are it is not natural.

That’s the first step to living closer to nature. dI love how you mostly give handmade gifts during the holidays. What’s the process like for you what with the the ideas and calendar-set deadline always looming? dAs I’ve been really busy with my books these past couple of years, finding the time to make my own gifts has been difficult. But, writing my ‘made by hand’ books has come in very handy – not only as gifts themselves (aah, there you go, I did make it after all!) but as I’m currently living in Amsterdam, I just think about the person I’m buying for and flick through the book to see which boutique will most likely have something they will adore. And there are a number of boutiques and ateliers in both Made by Hand books that are perfect for everyone, so sometimes I will go straight to those places and fill my basket with gifts. dSometimes its admirable and yet enviable how some people can see just a scrap of craft of supplies while others see potential beauty. What do you think it is that separates the two groups? Is handmade an art form anyone can submerge into? dAbsolutely. I think the more you use handmade

items and craft supplies, the more you get to know them, and the better you get at crafting with them.

It’s not something to just try once and toss away if you feel like you don’t get it right the first time – use them often, and you’ll soon see your own personal style blossom. dHow do you feel about the slow but steady movement of third-world initiatives that have emerged to help those around the world learn to become artisans like Stitches of Tibet? dI love these types of initiatives – by being slow and steady, you can see what I call “the whole” – you can see what the best solution is for everyone and everything - it’s the way of the future. dSo how did the Made By Hand books come about exactly? You’ve always loved writing, that’s no secret.

Did an agent knock on your virtual door or did you scavenge for an opportunity? dThe ‘made by hand’ books came about after I moved to Paris and was approached by The Little Bookroom to write a book about Parisian ateliers, boutiques and craft supply shops. It was certainly a dream job! I have always loved to write and always wanted to be an author, but I never thought I’d actually become one. dFavorite Etsy shops you would splurge at if it were your last day on Earth? dWell I’m not sure I would be splurging on anything if it were my last day on Earth – if I were to splurge, it would be something delicious to eat, no doubt! Etsy stores that I am currently loving though are sadieolive for vintage homew ares and marmunia for vintage kids clothes, dAnd so as to not end our interview with the thoughts of death, any last words for our readers?

What are you planning to do this weekend? :) dI’m on deadline (excuse the pun!) for the design layouts of my upcoming book, so it’s a work-filled weekend for me. But, I love my work, so it makes working on weekends a lot less painful. I will also take a walk to the Botanic Gardens, and maybe have a late afternoon drink with a friend.

Katrina Tan is has brought her selftaught graphic-design talent to the masses on her website, PuglyPixel and on her delectable Etsy shop.

Dujour interviews Tan to see how her artistry began and how she keeps her creativity alive. intro Ingrid Ostby interview Letitia Burrell

DDUJOUR: You’re the most generous and talented blogger we’ve seen in a while, and you so graciously share your gift with the world ... for free. How did PuglyPixel come about? dKATRINA TAN: I started PuglyPixel as a personal style blog and it evolved into what you see today: clip art, downloads—and there are still a good number of personal posts. dDUJOUR: Are you worried that many may not see you as an artistic talent at all, but more as someone with a technical skill? dTAN: I’m not worried about whether others think I’m an artist. I know that I’m not. I’m just having fun and, if people like what I’m doing, that’s great. dDUJOUR: What’s the process like when creating all this art, and where on Earth do get all your ideas?

dTAN: The word “handmade” takes on a new meaning when we’re talking about web graphics. Our tools are Adobe Photoshop and Blogger and Wordpress. And ideas are everywhere.

Many of my inspirations come from print magazines and catalogs, like Domino, Frankie, Fudge, and layouts from the Cath Kidston catalog. dDUJOUR: Did you go to school for graphic design? dTAN: I don’t have any formal training. I’m sure that real graphic designers get a good chuckle whenever they see my work. I’m definitely self-taught, and I’m sure it shows. But I’m having fun teaching people how to do the simplest things in Photoshop. I’m a just a newbie teaching other newbies. dDUJOUR: You’ve only been doing film photography

for the last year. Your first roll of film was anxiously awaited, but not to your liking. What happened after that? Did you take classes to improve? dTAN: I realized that I was a rank beginner and still am, so I signed up for a course at a community college. But, really, as soon as I learned the basics of shutter speed, aperture, and depth of field, I dropped the course. dDUJOUR: What is this Kawaii craze? And is there really a pastry-making kit where you can make your own macaron and cupcake toys by hand, or is it a myth? dTAN: C’mon! Kawaii is the happening thing! Girls of all ages love cuteness. I’ve been into Kawaii since I was a little kid. Everyone knows about Hello Kitty and Sanrio. I never outgrew my love for cuteness. The Decotti Kawaii Pasty Chef is certainly no myth. You’ve

got to check it out. dDUJOUR: We share the same love for pretty food. What is it about cupcakes, macarons, and other delightful pastries that inspire your work? dTAN: To start with, I love sweets, and if they’re pretty—and cute—I can’t resist them. dDUJOUR: Do you go nuts whenever you see craft tape or stickers for sale? dTAN: The craft supplies that push my buttons are pretty paper, rubber stamps, hole punches in all shapes (I must have a dozen or more), stickers, deco tape, and washi tape. dDUJOUR: Your home office is filled with so many enviable crafty goods. Where do you find all these hidden gems and shops? And what do you enjoy making? dTAN: I’m always happy to come across a good garage sale; you never know what you’ll find. And, of course, the Salvation Army stores have always been good to me. dDUJOUR: Who is your ideal crafter? When you click “publish” and send your tutorials

out into the world, where do you dream they will end up? dTAN: My ideal crafter is a blogger who wants to embellish their blogs. I’m especially interested in helping new bloggers who are just learning their online craft. I think that blogs are a form of digital scrapbooking in many ways. dDUJOUR: What does handmade mean to you? dTAN: “Handmade” used to mean something sewn, knitted, drawn, or painted by hand. Now even virtual things like digital art, websites, and blogs can be “handmade.” But the most important thing about handmade is that we put something of ourselves into it. dDUJOUR: How do you feel about this profound surge of crafting and the slow-but-steady handmade movement? It’s certainly reached an all-time high now, especially with the advent of blogging. dTAN: I think that the web, and now blogging, have raised our awareness that there are so many talent-

ed people in the world, people who we would never have known about 20 years ago. The digital world, surprisingly, is nurturing the word of craft. dDUJOUR: Your Etsy shop has some pretty covetable goodies. What made you launch a shop? Is it your full-time job along with graphic design? dTAN: I’ve always loved gift wrapping, even as a kid, with the pretty paper and ribbons and the idea that someone was getting a present. Then, I bought The French-Inspired Home by Kaari Meng and got the uncontrollable urge to set up a shop that I could run as a side job. dDUJOUR: Where do you see yourself taking PuglyPixel in the next few years? dTAN: I don’t look too far down the road. When you live and work online, you know that things change fast. So I try to focus on one week at a time. Most of my blog posts are created on the fly. When I do try to plan, the act of planning gives me new ideas and off I go.

Amy Moss, a graphic-designer-turnedblogger, has brought her love of colorpalettes and cute and quirky design to her website Eat Drink Chic. The site is filled with eye candy—from DIY ideas to wedding-inspiration and even free printable stationary. Dujour chats with the resourceful and adorable Moss about her life and loves after leaving the cubicle far, far behind. intro Ingrid Ostby interview Letitia Burrell

dDUJOUR: You started out as a graphic designer, but then had a change of heart.

What happened? dAMY MOSS: It took me quite a few years to admit to myself that I actually wanted an artistic career. I had originally thought that graphic design would provide me with the creative fulfillment I needed, but soon discovered this to be untrue. I was never satisfied with my work and yearned for more creative freedom with less compromise. I essentially wanted to be an artist. I took a leap and started a blog with the intention of turning it into a full-time business. I get to create my own projects, set my own criteria and work on a project until I am 100-percent satisfied with the result—without compromising [myself] for strict deadlines or competing visions. My projects fuse digital elements with handmade elements. I work for an audience instead of a client, and I’m now so much happier. dDUJOUR: We share an obsession for fabric hoarding but a lack for actual professional

sewing skills. dMOSS: So true! I have a ridiculous fabric collection that serves no other purpose than to sit in a pile and look pretty. I’m inspired by the possibilities of what I could create with all of them someday. I definitely have aspirations to improve my sewing skills. dDUJOUR: The invisible thread tying most of our lovely interviewees together is your handmade weddings. Molly from Orangette made her cake, Jeska from Lobster & Swan made her cake and veil, and you completely floored us with the elements you pulled together to craft a spectacular surprise wedding. Tell me what that whole process was like, from the origami invitations to the suspended bottle vases. dMOSS: First of all, it was a very time-consuming process. Thankfully, I have very supportive family who

helped with all of my crazy ideas. The origami invitations were, in hindsight, a little ambitious—but it was because they were made by hand. So much time and effort went into creating them that they turned out to be special, unique, and memorable. Some guests even remarked that they were the kind of invitations that you would keep as a memento rather than throw away. The suspended bottle vases were the work of lovely floral designer Melanie Stapleton of Cecilia Fox. I had envisaged hanging bottled flowers over the buffet at my wedding, but she brought the idea alive with her wonderful talent. I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. dDUJOUR: What are the amazing juicy details from that fantastic collaboration with—of all places--McDonalds? dMOSS: Bill Tikos did a feature of me on his website,

The Cool Hunter [http://www.thecoolhunter. net], which is a blog I used to read religiously as a graphic designer. It was an incredible honor. He liked my work and asked if I would help style a project that he had conceptualized and wanted to pitch to McDonald.

[The goal] was to re-brand the food for an upscale, pop-up version of the restaurant at fashion week. I thought the idea was brilliant. I teamed up with the talented photographer Marija Ivkovic [http://www. marijaivkovic.com] to create the photos. It was my first time having to deal with food styling, so there was a bit of a learning curve involved. You need a lot of patience. I designed and built most of the packaging and helped style the shots. It was a lot of work, but it turned out really well and we’re all very proud of the result. dDUJOUR: We’re fascinated by people like you and Katrina of PuglyPixel who share their extraordinary talents with the world ... at no cost. Why did you decide to start a blog that would do that? dMOSS: To be completely honest, it’s not as generous as it sounds. Starting my blog

was always about creating a business from being an “artist.” With any business, you need a bit of an edge, something that will get you noticed. I had figured early on that giving away free things was a great strategy for attracting an audience and that this would set me apart from a lot of other blogs. Most designers wouldn’t dream of giving their most-valued creations away for free. For me, I wanted to earn a living not from my work but from the blog itself. Giving away my designs gave my blog the edge it needed to attract traffic and ultimately advertisers. So, as you can see, it’s not really giving it away for free because, at the end of the day, I am paid by my sponsors. dDUJOUR: You have such a refined eye for serving up gorgeous handmade projects done by people other than yourself, especially wedding DIYs. Do you

sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the beauty out there? How do you keep it all in balance? dMOSS: There is some awesome work out there and, yes, it is overwhelming. But it’s also incredibly inspiring. I keep track of things that inspire me on my blog, but I also keep several folders of inspirational images on my computer that I refer to every time I have a brainstorming session for a project. The beauty of blogging is that it is not a competitive environment.

In fact, it is the opposite of most other industries.

The more you support your community, the more it supports you back and the more successful you become. dDUJOUR: How do you find so many inspiring places in which to source supplies for your projects or to decorate your home?

dMOSS: Each Saturday, I spend a day with my mother and we explore a lot of local shops and see what’s new. I usually arrive home with many materials for new projects. dDUJOUR: What crafters, artists, and shops do you go to for inspiration? dMOSS: I love the work of Anna Bond of Rifle Design, Yellow Owl Workshop, Bird and Banner, Camilla Engman, Nathalie Lete … to name a few. And I love shopping at Anthropologie. Oh, how I wish their shops would open in Australia. dDUJOUR: What are the holidays like for you? How do you get through all the madness of gift creation and party planning? dMOSS: For the last couple of years, I’ve been giving baked goods away to all the relatives for the holidays. I design the packaging and tags and my mother and I bake and put them altogether. It turns out to be a lot of work, but certainly more meaningful and a lot easier than battling through crowded shopping malls to buy gifts for everybody. The good news is that,, because I blog about these projects, it is an important part of my business and therefore can be done during work hours. dDUJOUR: You are obsessed with packaging design. How did this happen?

dMOSS: I think it’s just a natural extension of my obsession with stationery! I love all-things paper, which is very much a product of being a graphic designer. I’ve been known to buy things just for the pretty packaging. dDUJOUR: You indulge in fashion occasionally.

What role does fashion play in your daily life? dMOSS: I love the creativity and personal expression involved in putting an outfit together. Unfortunately, it’s an expensive and time-consuming hobby—one that I can’t afford to enjoy at this stage.

These days, all my spending is reserved for projects for my blog. dDUJOUR: Who are your favorite designers? dMOSS: I admittedly have a bit of a crush on all things Alannah Hill. More recently, I’m in awe of the designs by Lauren Moffatt. Basically anything vind tage and girly is on my radar.

DUJOUR: You had one of the most coveted opportunities, and that was to create a handmade window display for bookseller retail giant, Borders. Tell us about that experience. dMOSS: It was a real surprise when Borders approached me to do a window. So many bizarre and unexpected experiences have eventuated as a result of starting this blog. It’s been quite an adventure

so far. I had never designed a window, but secretly always wanted to. Probably the most challenging part was the large handmade poster I created, which was inspired by Polish folk art that uses paper cutouts. dDUJOUR: What would you say to those who want to try to live a handmade life but feel overwhelmed, under-inspired, or are simply not confident in their abilities? dMOSS: I spent many years terrified of putting myself out there and having little confidence in my abilities. You see so much talent out there that you feel overwhelmed. Stop comparing yourself to others and just do what you love, not what you think is glamorous or what will impress your friends or colleagues. Stop thinking and start doing. The cliché that life is short is very, very true. I really regret waiting so long to dedicate myself to what I love. dDUJOUR: What does handmade mean to you? dMOSS: “Handmade” is about creating something unique and personal. The value of a handmade gift is immeasurable; so much time and personal artistry goes into it. The process can be time-consuming and frustrating. If you make a mistake, you usually have to start again. There’s no “undo” button. Coming from a graphic design and computer

background, it took me awhile to get used to the handmade process and to rid myself of the urge for instant gratification. To this day, I sit somewhere between handmade and digital. I use digital to enhance my projects and feel I’ve struck a dgood balance between the two.

DUJOUR: How would you feel if handmade no longer existed, and the world was only left with mass produced commercial products? dMOSS: I think I’d feel a little bored. The world would be far less interesting and dwhimsical.

DUJOUR: What is your dream life five years from now? dMOSS: My dream life would be pretty much doing what I do now, which is working on Eat Drink Chic every single day and loving it. Hopefully my husband and I will still work side-by-side from our home. We both love that we are fortunate enough to spend so much time together whilst developing our own separate businesses. Hopefully by then, Eat Drink Chic [will have] turned into a flourishing business and that I will still be motivated to keep pushing my limits and continuously improving my design, craft, and blogging skills.

eatdrinkchic.com.

Jeska Hearne of Lobster and Swan sells handmade postcard sets, letter sets, photographic prints, and wreaths from her Etsy store of the same name. Dujour talks to Hearne about her perfectly packaged goods, inspirations, and all the beautifully-crafted details of her handmade lifestyle. interview Letitia Burrell

dDUJOUR: Does making things by hand run in the family? dJESKA HEARNE: Oh, yes. Both my parents are creative. My mum is a highly accomplished knitter and embroiderer, amongst other things; my dad is a great carpenter, painter, and Reiki healer. My sisters are both crafty in their spare time, [too], but [I make] the most mess and mayhem on the handmade front. dDUJOUR: When you first started your blog [http://lobsterandswan.blogspot. com/], you mentioned how excited you were to be blogging, as you’re the only crafter among your friends. What’s it like being the only crafter in your social circle? dHEARNE: I am happy to spend whole weeks at home busying myself when on vacation from my day job, and I get more done when by myself—with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers [movies] as company. As it turns out, one of my friends is a master at crochet, but I am un-teachable.

When I have had enough of myself, there are great bloggers to catch up with, or […] friends to lighten the mood. No one should spend too much time alone. dDUJOUR: How do you keep your workspace so tidy? dHEARNE: The truth is, my freakish organizational skills are more prominent at the office then at home.

My workroom and every table in the house [becomes] hellishly untidy. Then I blitz them all and start over again. I am a strong believer in the William Morris quote, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” dDUJOUR: You have always been infatuated with

flowers and floral décor. Do they hold a special meaning for you? dHEARNE: All flowers make me smile. Painted, fresh, paper, artificial—I love their seasonality. How they add flourish to any corner, soften even the most minimalist interiors of harsh environment, bring joy when given as a gift. I was recently given my first orchid and it is so beautiful. dDUJOUR: Admittedly, we’re a bit addicted to shopping on Etsy. How do you control yourself on Etsy, in craft-supply stores, at knick-knack shops, et cetera? dHEARNE: I have had my share of sprees on Etsy, but I soon realized there are not enough hours in the day to use all the wonderful supplies available.

I adore just as much seeing what everyone else makes with them. dDUJOUR: Tell us about how wonderful it is to live in Sussex, England, and how it influences your work. dHEARNE: I love it here. I live by the coast— just a few minutes’ drive or train-ride away [from] other beautiful historical towns like Rye, Lewes, Alfriston, and Battle. There is always some kind of celebration going on.

Brick and cobblestone streets, haunted pubs, very old buildings, lots of manor houses and gardens to explore. I feel very lucky and inspired by living here. dDUJOUR: Now that you’ve left the 9–5 world behind, what does a perfect week for you entail? dHEARNE: From now on, [I will be better able to] keep a handle on my emails and collaborations, which—I am the first to admit—too often got away from me when I had a day job. [I will also be] finishing a collection of cushions, which I have been putting together for a while now; adding the final polish to the new blog; and shopping for my new

online shop, which I hope to open soon. dDUJOUR: You love lace, ruffles, and frilly, frothy items just as much as we do. How do you embrace this? dHEARNE: With gusto! Rosy-red cheeks, sparkling jewelry, dinner on vintage plates, big poof-y dresses, sequins on everything, outrageous shoes reserved for baking at home (for fear of falling down pavement cracks and loss of feeling in the toes if worn for too long). dDUJOUR: You share something in common with Molly Wizenberg, who we interviewed for this issue: You also had a handmade wedding. Molly opted to bake her own cake, and you made your own bird-themed veil and garter. How did you manage to pull it off?

dHEARNE: I fell in love with tiny bird [decorations I found] at a local flower museum, and all the other supplies [for the veil, I had] in my workroom. My dress was vintage and everything else—including the reception—was on a small scale. I found my veil the other day when I was tidying my wardrobe, and it really did make me smile. dDUJOUR: Why do you create mood boards? dHEARNE: I have kept scrapbooks and visual diaries since I was 16. They are […] a way for me to express my creative inspirations. I love piecing all the colored scraps together to form a larger picture. dDUJOUR: Like many before you, you once expressed the sentiment: “You’re never too old to play dress up.”

dDUJOUR: Do you still feel that way? dHEARNE: Oh, gosh—yes. I love layering new and vintage clothes with antique pearl necklaces and diamante brooches. Even when I was working at a bank, I would wear chandelier earrings to contrast my dowdy uniform—much to the amusement of my colleagues. I am excited to be wearing my own clothes every day, again. Who says gold shoes are not for weekdays? dDUJOUR: Who are some of your favorite designers? dHEARNE: Without a doubt, John Galliano for Dior, Collette Dinnigan, Elie Saab, just to name a few. I truly love the theatre of fashion. dDUJOUR: You adore cupcakes so much that you throw cupcake-tasting parties for friends and family.

What motivates you to bake and cook so often? dHEARNE: It is so comforting to share a slice of freshly baked cake with family and friends. My mother always baked when we were children, and as I got older, I found I really did not like the taste of additives and preservatives in shop-bought cakes.

It’s so much more rewarding to make them yourself.

I find it quite therapeutic to bake a few batches of cupcakes. dDUJOUR: It’s clear from your Etsy shop you strongly believe in maintaining the art of handwritten letters.

What’s the importance of personalized notes, letters, and handmade packages, even in this high-tech world? dHEARNE: [It’s] a romantic notion—heavily linked to my love of all things old-fashioned—to have something so simple to treasure, [like] an embellished note tied with lace, a heartfelt letter, or a parcel lovingly wrapped in brown paper and string. Some of my most treasured gifts have been handmade.

DUJOUR: What are some of the things you have been buying and making lately? dHEARNE: The last thing I bought was a vintage fur coat and three vintage china plates. I am currently making a set of cushions embellished with sequins, antique lace, and embroidery. dDUJOUR: You throw such delightful parties, from

twinkling Christmas get-togethers to pink balloonfilled tea parties. How do you plan these events? dHEARNE: I start with a picture in my head—something from an old Vogue or fashion shoot—then build a mood board and gather all my ideas and colors in one place to [establish] a theme. I find the boards keep me focused, so I don’t run off on a tangent. As for the menus, I have a few styling “bibles” I have put together over the years, [consisting of] giant scrapbooks filled with favorite recipes, images, and swatches. dDUJOUR: You spend everyday doing what you love.

All your blog posts usually start off with, “Another perfect day today.” How do you maintain such a balanced life? dHEARNE: I find a perfect day can be one where I have not had to leave the house, or when the sun is streaming through my blinds; a day when I can take time to bake something sweet or sew a new cushion. I am lucky to take pleasure in the small things— no need for miles of white sandy beaches, lots of

money, or people to wait on me. dDUJOUR: Where do you see Lobster and Swan in a few years’ time? dHEARNE: I’m just going to take each day as it comes and see where it leads. [I will] begin making a few more items for my shop and pick up the pace from there. I would love to eventually run my own boutique bed and breakfast. The most fun in that, of course, will be decorating it. dDUJOUR: Any advice for our readers? dHEARNE: If you have never attempted [making anything handmade], try making small things at first: adding extra sequins and frills to a top, cutting up old but pretty unworn clothes to make cushions, then run wild like I did. Slowly gather a collection of beautiful things that don’t quite match but will [look] happy side-by-side—old things and new things—then jump right in and start building from there.

For more from Hearne, check out her blog at lobst-

Faythe Levine, the undisputed pioneer woman behind the handmade moment and creator of Handmade Nation, took time from her busy schedule to chat with Dujour about how she helped change the world with one simple DVD. interview Letitia Burrell

dDUJOUR: You are a pioneer behind the recent handmade movement. So who are you, really? dLEVINE: I’m just a lady who likes good stuff and telling people about it. That is truly the basis for all the work I do—the collecting, photographing, writing, filmmaking, curating. Everything spawns from my excitement and awe of what’s out there.

I am also really lucky to have fantastic supportive parents and be surround by a very amazing core of friends that all do amazing things I get to write about. A lot of people don’t know this but my now-defunct band, Wooden Robot, was the soundtrack to “Handmade Nation.” I played the singing saw. dDUJOUR: Tell us a bit about the show Art vs. Craft and your gallery, Sky High. dLEVINE: Art vs. Craft is a show I coordinate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I live. I started it in 2004 after participating in the first Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago, Illinois, as a designer. That show was a really big turn-

ing point for me, experiencing the DIY craft community for the first time off-line, I wanted that energy and excitement where I lived. So I started a show. It’s very successful for vendors and quite competitive to get into. I both love and hate doing it at this point, but feel it’s important for my local creative community to keep it going. Sky High Gallery is my gallery space.

[It] opened this past summer [and is] housed in the back of my partner Aaron Polansky’s skateboard shop. Aaron and I realized that we should be combining our forces and he cleared out his stock room, built out the space a bit, and voila! I had a new gallery. We are currently hosting a pop-up boutique for the holiday season then go back to showing more two-dimensional work. I’m really excited about our 2011 schedule, which includes solo shows with photographer Amanda Marsalis, painter Stacy Rozich,

and mixed-media artist Monica Canillao. dDUJOUR: Did you study documentary films in college? dLEVINE: I never attended a day of college. I’m actually more of a still photographer that compulsively documents, but—with films—you can hear peoples stories. It was quite a leap for me to work with someone else. “Handmade Nation” was shot almost entirely by my good friend Micaela O’Herlihy and edited by another friend, Cris Siquiera. My next documentary I am co-directing with on of my best buddies, Sam Macon. dDUJOUR: Was HGTV the start of everything for you? dLEVINE: HGTV was exciting at the time, but also mortifying. I’m not that into being on camera. I didn’t even see the segment until my publicist dug it up years later. In a way, it was the beginning of being

conscientious of how I was perceived in the media. dDUJOUR: Has making handmade items always been your dream? What was the light bulb that sparked “Handmade Nation”? dLEVINE: From birth, handmade has been running through my veins. “Handmade Nation” was initially a photo project. It seemed easier to make a film considering I had the connections. Mostly, I just wanted to let people tell their stories of why making [things] was important to them. For me,making anything— music, food, crafts, art, zines, gardens, blogs, et cetera—is the most empowering thing one can do. dDUJOUR: What were some of the unexpected things you learned about crafters while shooting the documentary? dLEVINE: I was surprised at how conservative some people were. In my mind, everyone involved with DIY culture was a radical lefty. That’s the biggest thing about trying to define this movement; there isn’t one type of person. We are all under this thing called craft. dDUJOUR: Can you tell us some of your favorite resources and online shops, blogs, fairs, or galleries? dLEVINE: I love Bonadrag.com, General Store, Gravel and Gold, Assembly Gallery and Studio, The Regional Assembly of Text, Uncommon Objects. And I try to go to at least two Renegade craft fairs a year. dDUJOUR: What sort of things did you notice taking place after the release of your DVD and your book? dLEVINE: Those two things really paralleled with the success of Etsy, which I really think is what brought the handmade trend to the masses. Basically, what I saw was a lot of sameness—a lot of trends, repetitive work, and ideas. I’m not trying to say this with a negative tone, but if you were there, you’d know what I am talking about. dDUJOUR: How do you think we can continue to cultivate this rapidly growing movement and community? Do you think handmade will ever overtake commercially manufactured goods? dLEVINE: I think handmade has always existed. It

never faltered; it’s just that our generation is internet and design savvy and the trend [now sees a] wider audience. To put it bluntly, no—I don’t think handmade will ever overtake commercially manufactured goods. All I can hope for is that people learn to question where the things they are buying come from, recognize the importance of supporting a creative community, and learn to appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that goes into making something by hand. dDUJOUR: What types of gifts do you give out during the holidays? dLEVINE: If someone is at an antique mall, there’s always a good gift to give. That’s where I do most of my shopping. This year, I’m giving my friends pieces from one of my new favorite designers, Upstate; amazing odds and ends I collected on a recent trip to Bali; and a stack of calendars from print-maker, Leif Goldberg. There is never a shortage of presents in my world. dDUJOUR: What do you say to those aspiring to one day have their own handmade business? dLEVINE: Work, work, photograph everything, work, [start a] blog, support others, spend your money supporting others, and reach out and do something you believe in—even if no one is interested. Because, if you do it long enough, the right person will notice and appreciate it. dDUJOUR: What projects are you working on for 2011? dLEVINE: My new documentary film I’m co-directing called, “Sign Painters: Stories from an American Trade.” I’m [also] participating [a] craft fair called Hovercraft [and] putting together a new book called 1977, which will be a collection of photos taken from slides that my father took right before and after I was born. [I’ll also be] curating at Sky High Gallery and continuing Art vs. Craft.

For more on Levine, check out her blog at indiecraftdocumentary.blogspot.com.

<MO draw. create. inspire.

Artist Diary: Mandy Bryant Typically, a dairy is for your most personal secrets; a place where you can speak freely without judgment or simply record the events of your day. So, what would happen if your diary went public? Well, we’re about to find out. We’ve asked photographer Mandy Bryant of The Light Fantastic to share the pages of her diary as a part of our artist diary series. intro Brittni Mehlhoff

Simply Hue words Katherine Park

Vicki Dvorak is a self-described artist, photographer, free spirit, and lover of all things vintage. She started her blog “Simply Hue” in March 2009 as a way to bring in business for her color consulting business but “ended up enjoying it so much that [she] turned [her] blog into a place where [she could] post [her] own photography and feature the work of other artists, designers, and photographers.”

Every few months, Dvorak puts out a “Call for Artists,” which asks for submissions from artists who want to showcase their work, and then chooses several artists to feature throughout the following month. She relies heavily on her readers’ feedback to guide her through this process. Through her blog, she hopes that “[her] readers can feel inspired to be creative

on a daily basis and to be open to changing their style or experimenting with different art mediums.” Dvorak describes her style of photography as “vintage and whimsical” but would like to start shooting more images of day-to-day life because “beauty can be found in the simplest things!” Dvorak, 47, lives just outside Seattle, Washington. She works part-time as a children’s art instructor, offering creativity workshops at a nearby elementary school, and spends the rest of her time with a camera in hand or editing photos at her computer.

She also runs the Etsy shop “Simply Hue,” in conjunction with her blog, where she offers most of her photographs for $25 each. matissecolorblogspot.com

Artist Diary: Frida Wannerberger

the gift of pretTY words Brittni Mellhoff

Feeling flirty? Show off your sexy side with one of these prints from Germany based photographer, Laura Evans, who is best know for her dynamic compositions and capturing beautiful light. etsy.com/shop/levansphotography

Always u p on the lates often as y our chan t trends? Change ge your s your hair Maria gil hoes? Th as Ulld en, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Her hair p emolins (MGU for lo v e short) of ort No have Mari raits are amazing . And you sideup. a create a can even custom h air Howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tha t for a wo portrait for you. rk of art? etsy.com /shop/no sideup

Here are a handful of prints and originals, from our favorite artists, that can turn even the most drab and dingy walls into a fabulous focal point.

niques with inting tech a p l a n io it trad ley Hutton ngs of Had Combining ti in ? a p e th , decor. Why sign eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style or modern de n o y tn a a p y n ll a a Asi ractic range from work with p influences â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mple lines y si le , d n a a H le the c to Because ts r u c ie d mething fo torian s. A little so e terns to Vic p a sh ic tr ome found in ge everyone. kit.com on.artshop hadleyhutt

Want to get back to nature without losing your girlish-charm? Check out this Pink Pods original painting from Heather Spriggs Thompson at Gathering Spriggs. An organic still life of pods floats above a floral background and a dainty doily: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best of both worlds. etsy.com/shop/gatheringspriggs

Like to keep th ings low key?

Check out the nature inspire d, mixed media paintings of Eva Magill-Oliv er. Each piece is beautifully composed, mix ing soft neutra l tones with areas of deep contrast and da rkness. evamagill-oliv er.com

www.handmadeevolution.com

D.I.Y. do. it. yourself.

diy wool beads

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Materials wool roving in blue, bright pink, and soft pink 3 lengths of ball chain cut to 24 inches, 27 inches, and 30 inches large bowl warm water, just hot enough not to burn you unscented dish soap rubber dish washing gloves 3 skewers

1. Take a small amount of wool and roll it into a ball (as if you’re making a meatball). Take other pieces of same-colored wool and begin wrapping them around the smaller ball to form a larger ball about 10 times the size of the finished bead. Repeat with all 3 colors.

2. Fill the bowl with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Put on rubber gloves and dunk the first ball into the hot soapy water. Begin rolling (again, like meatball-making), but do not put pressure on the ball. If pressure is applied too early, the ball will become lumpy and resemble a dreadlock.

3. Slowly begin applying pressure and keep rolling for about 5 minutes. If the bead looks fuzzy or lumpy, just keep rolling.

4. Once the bead resembles a sphere, stick it onto one of the skewers.

This is going to be difficult and may warp the bead, but continue rolling to reshape it once it’s on the skewer. Repeat with the remaining two balls of wool.

5. Let the beads dry overnight and then remove them from the skewers.

6. String one bead per chain and that’s it … you’re done! See? That was way too easy.

reduce reuse rejoice

‘Tis the season to Reduce, Re-­ use, and Rejoice! Need holiday décor in a pinch? Or just need something to do with all those shopping bags lying around?

With these quick, simple, and eco-­friendly projects you’re sure to dress your home to impress. words Lucy Blaire

1.

2.

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1. Catalog Garland The holiday season means stacks upon stacks of catalogs you’ll most likely never look at, and if you do, it’ll be just once. Cut the magazine pages up into roughly 4” x 4” squares, crumple them up in to little balls, thread on a string, and you’ve got instant decor a la old timey popcorn garland. Try mixing and matching colors to create patterns or just go with the flow for a more organic color scheme.

2. Glittered Light Bulbs Everyone is impressed by an innovative way of using junk, and this project is no exception. Paint the metal tops of varying shapes of light bulbs white and let them dry. As soon as they’re dry, cover the glass part with glue, get your glitter on, tie ribbon around the top white part and poof! Glittered glass ornaments straight from the garbage bin.

3. Plastic Bag Wreath

Is it feathers? Is it fabric? Nope. Plastic shopping bags. Really. It is. All you have to do is take an old white wire hanger, stretch it and bend it until it’s as close as it’s going to be to a circle, and wrap some nice ribbon around the top piece to create a hanging loop. Next, cut about 10 plastic bags into 1” strips, tie them around the hanger until its completely covered, fluff, and hang! It’s that simple.

4. Cookie Cutter Stamps Need a holiday table cloth? Cute holiday napkins? Take that bag full of old cookie cutters, get some fabric ink stamp pads and voila! Holiday linens for everyone! Just make sure to read the instructions and heat set the inks as per the manufacturer’s instructions or cute napkins will become not so cute ink all over Great-Aunt Glady’s face.

5. Wrapping Paper Snow Flakes We’ve all made paper snowflakes, and most of us by now have gotten over them, but here’s the silly twist: Wrapping paper! Use those funny little end pieces and left over’s from all your holiday wrapping and instead of plain white snowflakes you have everything from foils to glitters to snowflakes within snowflakes!

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Patchwork Project words Ingrid Ostby

Earlier this year, Project Patchwork [http://projectpatchwork. blogspot.com] was created by Australians Amanda and Lizzy Wilson as an innovative way to raise money for cancer awareness. The project was a collaborative effort of multiple crafters who came together to sew quilts, sell them, and gather funds for the Australian Cambodia Foundation—an organization that funds a Cambodian orphanage whose founder, Geraldine Cox, currently is battling breast cancer.

Project Patchwork’s goal for 2010 toward this purpose was to create three handmade quilts. Two were designed first, and later made with quilt kits given to their team and volunteers.

The “Triangle Quilt” was made by the Project Patchwork team, is 51 by 63 inches, and contains 1250 triangles. The second, the “Heart Quilt” is made with love by several sewing beginners and is—of course—filled with hearts on all its 49 by 61 inches.

The third—the “Crafty Ladies & Gents” quilt—is a 68 by 68

inch quilt comprised of 27 quirky and handmade patches contributed by 27 designers and crafters. Each contributor was provided identical fabric swatches for their patch, which—when combined—turned out varied and contrastingly beautiful results.

The contributing sewers for the “Crafty Ladies & Gents” quilt included: Alice Jones, Amanda Wilson, Amy Borrell, Anita Cummins, Carmel McKie, Chloe Quigley, Dell Stewart, Gillian Bencke, Harriet Jones, Jane Wallace-Mitchell, Jo McAlpine, Kat Macleod, Katrina Weber, Kim Brockett, Lauren Mahoney, Liz Oakes, Lizzy Wilson, Luci Everett, Nella Themelios, Sim Elder, Tamara Marwood, and more.

All three quilts were recently auctioned off at Craft Victoria [http://craftvic.org.au/], a nonprofit craft and design society based in Melbourne, Australia. The event raised 3000 dollars for Project Patchwork’s heartwarming cause. We can’t wait to see what they come up with in 2011.

hankie pankie pillow case The hankie-­pankie pillowcase is an incredibly easy, oh-­so-­impres-­ sive project that puts to use your adorable but not-­very-­practical vintage hankies. The pillowcase is finished using French seams, which make the item useful but don’t require any special fraying-­ seem-­prevention equipment. So, break out those sewing machines and that box of vintage hand-­ kerchiefs and impress your friends by making these darling pillow-­ cases. words Lucy Blaire

Materials white linen cut to 65 inches by 20 inches 4 handkerchiefs measuring at least 12 inches by 12 inches each pins white thread scissors ruler iron

1. Press hankies in half to form triangles and cut down the seam.

2. Sew 4 of the triangles together using a ¼-inch seam and press the seams open.

3. Cut a 6 inch by 20 inch strip down the middle of sewn handkerchiefs.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining 4 handkerchief triangles but change the order this time so more of the outer hankies show.

5. Fold one 20-inch side on each handkerchief strip toward the back 1/2 inch and press.

6. Pin the un-pressed end of one handkerchief strip to one of the 20-inch ends of the white linen, right sides facing each other. Stitch together using a ¼-inch seam.

7. Press the seam flat, then flip the handkerchiefs to the right side of the linen. Press and pin the hankies down to the linen. Top stitch the hankies to the linen. Repeat with the other handkerchief strip and the other end of the white linen.

8. Fold the pillowcase in half with right sides facing out. Pin the sides together and stitch closed using a ¼-inch seam.

9. Fold the pillowcase inside out, press flat, and stitch down the sides again—this time using a ½-inch seam.

10. Flip the pillowcase right side out and press the wrinkles out. Now you’ve got a hankie-pankie pillowcase complete with French seams.

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Homemade Snow Globes 1 16-ounce Mason jar water glycerin hot glue gun RLAKK pGTQIMER glitter X-Acto knife 1 large sheet festive wrapping paper (I used Snow and Graham’s mitten print) spray mount ribbon and trim First, spray the wrapping paper with spray mount and press the can lids onto it. Once the paper has dried, use an X-Acto knife to cut the paper around the lid. On the inside of the lid, secure your figurine with a hot glue gun and, if you’d like, cover the base with glitter. Mix 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of glycerin and pour into the jar until almost full. Add 1 teaspoon of glitter (the large kind works best). Place the lid into the jar and secure tightly.

Measure out your ribbon, tie the ribbon, and you’re done!

Jam Jar Terrarium 1 Mason jar ACSIUASED CHAQCNAK SN pKSEQ SHE AIQ gravel potting soil moisture-loving plants, like moss Wash and dry your jar thoroughly, then line the bottom with a thin layer of gravel for drainage. Next, add a ½-inch layer of activated charcoal and add the same amount of moist potting soil. Then you’re ready to insert your plants.

No need to buy moisture-loving plants; just search out the dark, moist corner of your backyard and find plants growing amongst the moss. I found it easiest to use either tweezers of chopsticks to nudge the plants into the soil. Spray the inside of your terrarium with a little water and let it sit for a day before misting again. Once the water has evaporated off the leaves, you can cover the container.

For all of these gifts, I used the 16-ounce wide mouth Kerr jars from Fresh Preserving. freshpreserving.com

home decorate. craft. shop.

at home s l l i M Â a l u with Pa The Melbourne home of artist Paula Mills, who also happens to make up one half of the Sweet William duo, is a beautifully eclectic abode with an array of colors that will entice and allure you. Its a delightful treasure trove of vintage oddities and fleamarket finds. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a tour and see what goodies await! words Brittni Wood

My  husband  and  I  have  moved  10  times  in  12  years  across  three  different  continents  and  are  currently  in  the  middle  of  another  move.  Therefore  most  of  our  homes  have  been  rented  and  have  varied  from  KNUEKX KISSKE 7ICSNQIAMR SN TGKX R BKNCJR` Renting  is  very  challenging  and  I  have  found  that  my  belongings  are  very  important  to  me  as  they  very  much  make  up  our  home.  I  have  three  girls  (aged  4,  6  and  8  )  and  feel  it  is  important  for  them  to  live  in  a  comfortable  and  creative  environment  (i.e.  pretty  messy!)

My style is eclectic, vintage, qEA LAQJES RSXKE BNHELIAM and relaxed.

My creative work draws on quite a lot of nostalgia and childhood memories. This IR QEqECSED IM LX HNLE VISH UIMSAGE pMDR * KNUE NKD IMSEQERSIMG SHIMGR SHAS have a bit of a story and beautiful objects made in a time when things were made to last a lifetime not from the disposable society we currently live in. As I work from home and spend a lot of time at home with my young children, I need to be surrounded by things that inspire me. I love the quote by William Morris; ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’ visit Paula at lovelysweetwilliam.blogspot.com

Nicola Greenaway is a lowmaintenance kind of girl.

She graciously invited us into her humble home in Sydney, Australia, where we were offered tea, rose-petal cake, and a slice of humility. Turns out we can learn a thing or two about the underused practice of not requiring much to be happy. Read on to hear about Greenaway’s reflections on her surroundings, her life, and her art. words & photography Nicola Greenway

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At my housewarming dinner party, I made labels for all the wine bottles. I wrote, “Welcome to my little home” in a beautiful font, printed it, then stuck it to the bottle with double sided tape. Easy breezy!

For these vases, I recycled juice bottles and jars and used some gorgeous French stickers my sister bought me ages ago and I wasn’t quite sure how to show them off until the day I plopped branches inside.

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Rose Petal Cake 2 eggs 250 g caster sugar 150 ml white wine (I use Sauvignon Blanc) 150 ml olive oil (Do not use extra virgin olive oil. It’s too strong.)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract zest of 1 lemon, finely grated 175 g plain flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ cup almond meal petals and powdered sugar, to dust Preheat oven to 160 degrees celcius. Grease and line the base and sides of a 24 cm spring form cake pan.

Place eggs and sugar in a large bowl and whisk using an electric mixer. Whisk for 10 minutes or until thick enough to form ribbons when lifted.

Gently beat in the white wine, olive oil, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice. Sift the flour and baking powder.

Gently fold it with a metal spoon until just combined. Fold in the almond meal. Pour mixture into pan and bake for 1 hour or until fork inserted in the center comes out clean.

BY THE HEARTH words Ingrid Ostby

Feeling flirty? Show off your sexy side with one of these prints from Germany based photographer, Laura Evans, who is best know for her dynamic compositions and capturing beautiful light. etsy.com/shop/levansphotography

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Here are a handful of prints and originals, from our favorite artists, that can turn even the most drab and dingy walls into a fabulous focal point.

niques with inting tech a p l a n io it trad ley Hutton ngs of Had Combining ti in ? a p e th , decor. Why sign eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style or modern de n o y tn a a p y n ll a a Asi ractic range from work with p influences â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mple lines y si le , d n a a H le the c to Because ts r u c ie d mething fo torian s. A little so e terns to Vic p a sh ic tr ome found in ge everyone. kit.com on.artshop hadleyhutt

Want to get back to nature without losing your girlish-charm? Check out this Pink Pods original painting from Heather Spriggs Thompson at Gathering Spriggs. An organic still life of pods floats above a floral background and a dainty doily: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best of both worlds. .etsy.com/shop/gatheringspriggs

Like to keep th ings low key?

Check out the nature inspire d, mixed media paintings of Eva Magill-Oliv er. Each piece is beautifully composed, mix ing soft neutra l tones with areas of deep contrast and da rkness. evamagill-oliv er.com

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THROW A SOIREE! words Claire Thomas

Every year we’re presented with a question: will I or won’t I? The wine stains on that rug are still lingering from three years ago, and you learned that mistletoe can bring mixed blessings, but pop in a Nat King Cole holiday album and all of those worries just melt away.

So whether you’re hosting or attending holiday parties this season, here are some festive and fabulous ideas for kicking them off in style

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Made from handpicked Elder flowers, this French liqueur will give you the taste of spri ng in the dead of winter. Add a dash to a glass of cha mpagne for a quick cocktail or enjoy alone with som e club soda, it’s an endlessly versatile libation that will get used up by the season’s end. stgermain.fr

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A cookie without eggs! Yes its true, your eyes are not fooling you. The chewiness and hint of spice blend perfectly with the molasses. This is a huge hit for the holidays and favorite of the Dujour girls.

7 ounces best-quality semisweet chocolate 1 ½ cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 ¼ teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger ½ cup dark-brown sugar, packed ¼ cup unsulfured molasses 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ cup granulated sugar 1. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Chop chocolate into 1/4-inch chunks; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, ground ginger,

cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and grated ginger until whitened, about 4 minutes. Add brown sugar; beat until combined.

Add molasses; beat until combined.

3. In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in 1 1/2 teaspoons boiling water. Beat half of flour mixture into butter mixture. Beat in bakingsoda mixture, then remaining half of flour mixture. Mix in chocolate; turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Pat dough out to about 1 inch thick; seal with wrap; refrigerate until firm, 2 hours or more.

4. Heat oven to 325 degrees.

Roll dough into 1 1/2- inch balls; place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Roll in granulated sugar. Bake until the surfaces crack slightly, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

CLASSIC SUGAR COOKIES Sugar cookies will always hold a special place in everyone’s heartthe crispy, crunchy, sugar loaded cookies are a classic favorite and never fail to stir up smiles from kids and kids-at-heart alike.

For the Cookies: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon baking powder ¾ cups (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons cold vegetable shortening 2/3 cup sugar

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Fill a cute holiday them ed box or tin with the cookies a nd style them up with ribbons a nd tissue paper!

1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For the Icing: 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted 2 large egg whites 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder and set aside.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat the butter, shortening, and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until just combined. Add the flour mixture and mix until incorporated. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

3. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

4. Dust a work surface with a sprinkling of flour. Unwrap the chilled dough, and put it directly on the work surface. Roll the dough to 1/4” thick. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut shapes in the dough, and transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets.

5. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, until they are set but not browned. Remove from the oven and place the baking sheet on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a rack to cool completely.

Basic Royal Icing: 1. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice until the mixture is completely smooth. The mixture should have the texture of a glaze. If the mixture is too thin, add a bit more sugar.

If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of lemon juice. You can add a few drops of food coloring if desired.

I know this sounds a little weird, ok, a lot weird, but these are some awesome brownies. And anyway, it’s not like I’m pouring PBR into my brownie mix. The trick is in using a dark, malty beer you like that already has some desserty characteristics. Toasty, bready, toffee, coffee, chocolate flavors come to mind, and you can go a little crazy with the possibilities (could you imagine coffee porter brownies??). I chose to use the Bruery’s Rugbrod (don’t worry if you can’t pronounce it, apparently the brewers can’t either), a toasty, spicy, Christmas-y Danish Rye ale that gave the brownies a lightness belied by their fudginess. It sounds contradictory, fudgy yet light, but the bubbles appear to be working their magic. To put an exclamation point on the spiciness I added a pinch of cayenne and cinnamon, just for a hint lingering in the background, and lightly sprinkled halved walnuts on top for their toasty, nutty goodness. I love how rustic the scattered walnuts look on top of the brownies, plus they add a lovely crunch. Enjoy!

Beer Brownies 3 ½ ounces dark chocolate (70-percent cocoa and up) 2 tablespoons instant espresso 8 tablespoons of butter 4 eggs, at room temperature 1 cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar (loose, not packed) ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Valrhona) ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup flour 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract 1 cup malty beer (I used the Bruery’s Rugbrød, but a Belgian Quad, stout, or porter would work, too.)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup walnuts, halved and toasted lightly Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and pop in the walnuts until just toasted, for about 5 minutes. Sift together the flour, spices, and cocoa powder. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate, instant espresso, and butter in a bowl over boiling water. Add the beer and

stir to combine, then let cool. Beat together the eggs and sugar until thick and shiny. Continue beating on low while adding flour mixture and wet ingredients alternatively. Finish with the vanilla. Do not over mix.

Fold in the chips. Pour into a buttered and floured 9-inch by 13-inch pan and sprinkle the walnuts on top. Bake for 30–35 minutes.

Honey Peanut Butter Sea Salt Fudge 32 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 4 ounces butter 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk ¼-cup honey 1 cup peanut butter ½-teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling.

Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and melt over medium heat. With a spatula, mix the melted ingredients to make sure they’re combined. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch by 13-inch dish, greased lightly with butter. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator overnight. Slice the pieces. Right before serving, finish with a little sea salt on top.

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Raspberry Rose Thumbprint Cookies Makes 3 dozen cookies

12 ounces unsalted butter at room temperature ¾-cup sugar ¼-cup packed brown sugar 1 large egg 3 cups all-purpose flour ½-cup finely chopped toasted almonds ¾-cup raspberry rose jam 2 pints raspberries 1 pint blackberries 1 fragrant rose, or 2 teaspoons rosewater 1 cup sugar 1 lemon, juiced For the raspberry rose jam, combine the raspberries, petals from the rose or rosewater, lemon juice, and

sugar over medium. Once the mixture clings to the back of a spoon and takes a second or two to ooze together after you stir it, the mixture is ready to jam.

Meanwhile, boil the jars and their tops in water for at least 10 minutes, then allow them to dry out on a clean kitchen towel. Pour the jam into the jars, seal tight, and turn upside down. Once the jar is at room temperature, store the jars in the fridge.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg and beat until completely combined. With mixer on low, add flour and mix just until incorporated. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill until firm (for at least one hour.)

Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in the chopped almonds. Set them on a greased cookie sheet. Moisten your thumb with water and gently

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Babycakes words Claire Thomas photography Claire Thomas

BabyCakes is a Lower East Side institution in New York City and now a Downtown L.A. has one, too. This bakery satiates the palette of vegans, gluten-free eaters, and cupcake lovers from coast to coast. Erin McKenna, the owner of BabyCakes, has appeared all over the media and released her first cookbook last year. This coming spring, her second cookbook will hit bookstores across the U.S. A long-time fan of her bakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; adorable uniforms, sassy swagger, and her out-of-this-world donuts, Dujour recently chatted with McKenna about her new cookbook, plans for a third location, and her recipes for super-delicious agave brownies. dDUJOUR: How did you get into vegan and gluten free baking? What was the learning curve like? dMCKENNA: I got into this sort of baking because I had sensitivities to wheat and dairy and I had a really big sweet tooth. It was definitely difficult to teach myself how to bake this way because, although there were plenty of gluten-free recipes out there and lots of vegan ones, there werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any gluten free, vegan, and agave sweetened ones. There was

a long period of trial and error before I got the hang of it. dDUJOUR: BabyCakes is vegan and gluten-free heaven for New Yorkers with a sweet tooth. How has the response been in L.A.? dMCKENNA: Many [people from] New York and Los Angeles have the same forward-thinking mindset when it comes to food. A lot of us want to be thoughtful of the ingredients we eat and many are

experimental in [trying] new ways of eating. I think many people who [don’t have celiac disease] are trying a gluten-free diet and feeling tremendously better. Once that happens, they tell their friends and the word spreads pretty fast. Because of this, BabyCakes is being embraced pretty lovingly by Los Angeles. dDUJOUR: We love your cookbook and how is demystifies vegan and gluten-free baking. Do you have any tips for someone interested but intimidated by it? dMCKENNA: To those who are intimidated, I say this: Every recipe has been tested thousands of times at the bakery. Don’t be afraid! And, if you have a small misstep with a recipe, just pick yourself back up and try it again. Once you get a hang of it, you will have these recipes committed to memory and use them for dozens of years to come. It’s worth it. dDUJOUR: When you’re not eating treats at BabyCakes, what’s your favorite spot for something sweet in L.A.? dMCKENNA: I honestly don’t eat anything sweet outside of the bakery! I really love Tender Greens and M café, though. They are a must. dDUJOUR: What kind of music do you listen to when you’re baking? dMCKENNA: To be honest, I just listen to a lot of what the kids at the bakery are listening to, which is anything from Beach House to Britney Spears, Cults to She & Him, Dinosaur Jr to Eve. We like it all. dDUJOUR: What’s your favorite ingredient or flavor to work with?

MCKENNA: I really, really love working with agave nectar. It’s so versatile and such a thrill when you can take the sugar out of something and it [ends up tasting] even better than the sugary stuff. dDUJOUR: We love the collection of vintage saucers and teacups your treats are served with. Do you have a favorite place to buy all of your vintage wares?

dMCKENNA: I owe that all to my sisters and my partner, Sabrina Wells. They go to the flea markets and thrift stores. Sabrina knows a couple secret dish places in New York that have some really cool, old dead-stock pieces. dDUJOUR: What do you bring to serve during holiday gatherings? dMCKENNA: I’ve found that people love the cornbread, so I always bring a ton of that. And I’ve also observed that, as far as sweets go, everyone always wants pie or bite-sized brownies. I put cake balls (small balls of cake) on the menu this year to fill that bite-size demand. Most people are too full for a big hunk of cake. dDUJOUR: Your donuts are one of the best things we’ve ever had. What’s the secret? dMCKENNA: Well, it’s all in the wrist. The batter cannot be over-mixed or it will become too chewy, so we are careful about that. Also, they are baked—not fried—so they can have a better crumb. The recipe is in my next book, BabyCakes Covers the Classics, out in April 2011. dDUJOUR: What’s on the horizon for BabyCakes? dMCKENNA: I definitely see another store in the next year, but I can’t speak about where [it will be] just yet. Maybe a boxed donut mix after that? I’d love to start making bakeware. There is so much sub-par product out there; I know what a home baker is really looking for and I’d love to be able to create that. I would love to make donut pans for people to bake their donuts at home with. dDUJOUR: What is it about your agave brownies that make it your go-to recipe when baking at home? dMCKENNA: I love the agave brownie recipe because there’s no way you can mess them up. Even if you take them out of the oven too early, they are so fudge-y and delicious. It’s totally easy and so rewarding.

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Agave Sweetened Brownie Gems Recipe by Erin McKenna Makes 36 ½ cup garbanzo-fava bean flour ¼ cup brown rice flour ¼ cup potato starch 2 tablespoons arrowroot ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup coconut oil, plus more for tins 1/3 cup agave nectar ½ cup homemade apple sauce or store bought unsweetened apple sauce 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract ½ cup hot water or hot coffee Chocolate sauce (optional) 1 ½ unsweetened soy milk ½ cup dry soy milk powder ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ cup agave nectar 1 tablespoon coconut flour 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup coconut oil 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Oil the mini-muffin pans with coconut oil. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and

set aside. Add the ½-cup oil and agave nectar, applesauce, vanilla, and hot water to the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth.

Using a melon baler, scoop the batter into each prepared mini muffin cup. Bake the brownies on the center rack for 9 minutes, rotating the tins 180 degrees after 5 minutes. (For a more fudge-y brownie, bake for only 8 minutes total.)

The finished brownies will have firm edges with a soft center, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean.

Let the brownies stand in the tins for 20 minutes or until completely cool. While they are still in the tins, press your thumb into the center of each and fill the depression with 1 teaspoon chocolate sauce (recipe below). To maintain freshness, leave the brownies in the muffin tins until ready to serve. Cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For the chocolate sauce In a blender or food processor, combine soy milk, soy powder, cocoa powder, coconut flour, agave nectar, and vanilla. Blend the ingredients for 2 minutes. With the machine running slowly, add the oil and lemon juice—alternating between the two until both are fully incorporated.

Pour the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate for 6 hours or up to 1 month.

For more about BabyCakes, check out babycakesnyc.com and babycakesla.blogspot.com.

fall  desserts

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Apple cider doughnuts 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup sugar 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup apple cider 1 egg 1/3 cup milk 5 tablespoons apple butter or applesauce 4 tablespoons butter ½ cup superfine sugar*

Stir cider mixture into flour mixture.

Fill each doughnut mold half full with batter.

Bake 12 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Roll hot doughnuts in superfine sugar. *Make your own superfine sugar by pulsing granulated sugar in a food processor several times.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Coat doughnut pan with cooking spray.

Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves in large bowl.

Bring cider to a boil in small saucepan. Boil 10 minutes, or until liquid is reduced to 1/3 cup; remove from heat. Whisk egg replacer with 2 tablespoons water in small bowl; stir this mixture into cider reduction. Add soymilk, apple butter, and margarine and stir until margarine is melted. Let cool.

4.

Cook for 10 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350 degrees F and bake for 10 more minutes or until golden brown. Once they are removed from the oven pierce with a paring knife immediately to release steam.

Pastry cream 1 cup whole milk 2 tablespoon cornstarch 6 tablespoon sugar 1 large egg 2 large egg yolks 2 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla Dissolve cornstarch in Âź-cup of milk. Combine the remaining milk with the sugar in a saucepan; bring to boil; remove from heat.

Beat the whole egg, then the yolks into the cornstarch mixture. Pour 1/3 of boiling milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly so that the eggs do not begin to cook.

Mini Eclairs Choux pastry 1 cup water 3/4 stick butter (6 tablespoons) 1 tablespoon sugar plus 1/8 teaspoon salt (for sweet) 5 3/4 ounces flour 1 cup eggs, about 4 Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Boil water, butter, and sugar. Add flour and remove from heat. Work mixture together and return to heat. Continue working the mixture until all flour is incorporated and dough forms a ball.

Transfer mixture into bowl of a standing mixer and let cool for 3 or 4 minutes. With mixer on stir or lowest speed add eggs, 1 at a time, making sure the first egg is completely incorporated before continuing. Once all eggs have been added and the mixture is smooth put dough into piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe immediately into 3 inch x 1 inch logs, 2 inches apart onto parchment lined sheet pans.

With a wet finger, flatten tops of dough to ensure even baking.

Return the remaining milk to boil. Pour in the hot egg mixture in a stream, continuing whisking.

Continue whisking (this is important â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you do not want the eggs to solidify/cook) until the cream thickens and comes to a boil.

Remove from heat and beat in the butter and vanilla.

Chocolate glaze 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla Melt chocolate and butter, until liquid. Add vanilla.

Assembly Fill a pastry bag fitted with a coupler and filling tip (Ateco No. 230) with pastry cream. Insert tip into one end of each eclair; fill.

Dip top of each eclair into glaze; let excess drip off before turning over. Transfer to a wire rack to allow glaze to set. Serve, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 day.

Pumpkin Spice Macarons & Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling For the shells 3 egg whites ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 40 gr granulated sugar 200 gr powdered sugar 110 gr almonds (or almond meal) For the whites The day before, separate your eggs and store the whites at room temperature in a covered container. You can wait up to 48 hours or more to use the egg whites by storing them in the refrigerator.

In a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites to foam with the pumpkin pie spice, gradually adding the sugar until it turns into glossy meringue.

Do not overbeat your meringue or it will be too dry and your macarons won’t turn out.

Combine the almonds and powdered sugar in a food processor until the nuts are finely ground. (If using almond meal, skip this step.) Sift into a bowl.

Add them to the meringue, give it a quick fold to break some of the air and then fold the mass carefully until your batter flows like magma or thick ribbon. Give quick strokes at first to break the mass, then slow down.

The whole process should take no more than 50 strokes. Test a small amount on a plate; if the top flattens on its own you are good to go. If there is a small beak, give the batter a couple of turns.

Pour batter in a pastry bag fitted with a plain

-­-­>

contd.

tip and pipe small rounds (1.5 inches in diameter) onto parchment-paper-lined baking sheets.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the macarons sit out for 30–60 minutes until their shells harden and bake for 8–10 minutes, depending on their size. Let cool.

If you have trouble removing the shells, pour a couple drops of water under the parchment paper while the sheet is still warm. This way, the macarons will lift up more easily because of the moisture. Don’t let them sit in it too long or they will become soggy. If you don’t serve them immediately, store them in an airtight container out of the fridge for a couple of days or in the freezer.

Pumpkin cream cheese filling 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 2 ounces freshly cooked or canned pumpkin 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice until completely incorporated.

Fill a pastry bag with this mixture and pipe the mixture onto half of the shells. Top with another shell.

dry beans. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10–12 minutes.

Let cool.

Pumpkin filling ½ cup sugar 1 egg 1 cup canned pumpkin (only 8 ounces of the can; not the whole can) ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg pinch of salt 2/3-cup whole milk

Pumpkin Meringue Tartelettes Sable dough 1 stick butter at room temperature ¾ cup powdered sugar 1 large egg 1 1 /2 cups flour 2 tablespoons cornstarch (makes for a lighter crumb) pinch of salt In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until combined. Add the flour, cornstarch and salt and mix briefly to incorporate. Dump the whole mixture onto a lightly floured board and gather the dough into a smooth ball.

Do not work the dough while in the mixer or it will toughen up. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour. When the dough is nice and cold, roll it out on a lightly floured board or in between the sheets of plastic. You will have extra dough that you can save for another use in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen, well wrapped for up to 3 months. Cut out 8 rounds two inches larger than your pastry rings. Fit the dough inside the rings with your fingertips and trim the edges with a sharp knife. Line the rings with small squares of parchment paper and fill with pie weights or

In a large bowl, beat the egg and sugar until pale. Add the pumpkin, spices and salt and mix until just incorporated. Add the milk and slowly and mix well. Divide the batter among the cooled tart rings and bake for 20–30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the batter looks like it is just set. Don’t overcook or it will crack. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before proceeding with the meringue topping.

Italian meringue 2 egg whites ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons water In a heavy bottom saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil and cook the mixture until it reaches 245–248 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer. In the meantime, start beating the egg whites to create firm peaks, but make sure they don’t turn stiff or dry. When the sugar syrup has reached the proper temperature, slowly add it to the egg whites with the mixer on low-medium speed. Once all the sugar has been poured in, turn the speed to high and beat until the meringue has cooled.

Place it in a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe rosettes of meringue on top of the tartlets. Use a kitchen torch to slightly caramelize the tops or place them under the broiler in your oven; make sure to keep a close eye on them.

afternoon tea

a p p u C

n o o n After

ipes for the c re d n a s Reflection teas... n o o rn e ft a perfect st

e Thomas words Clair s ire Thoma graphy Cla to o h p & yling

Having grown up in Australia, I was raised with an alternative vocabulary. My sister, Amanda—only 14 months younger than me—completely missed out on this, but for some reason, I absorbed all of my mum’s Aussie lingo. “Singlet” instead of “tank top,” “lippy” in place of “lipstick,” “how you going?” replaced “how are you doing?” and “cup of tea” was simply “cuppa.”

The “cuppa” is an important ritual in our home. If it was raining outside and it was my mum’s turn to carpool, she’d sigh and tell us we were made of sugar and would melt if exposed to the raindrops. So we would stay inside, watching Doris Day films while balancing a cup of Earl Grey on our laps as she gave us manicures.

Once, after an excruciatingly boring school tour, my mum pulled me aside before entering the chemistry lab and we escaped in time to take high tea around the corner.

Somehow scones make truancy even more delicious. Every night and every morning, if you are rustling in the kitchen and she is in shouting distance, you will probably find yourself making a cup of chamomile or her current favorite, rose sencha, to share in front of the fireplace.

This little break from the day punctuated with baked goods has always been a favorite of mine. Here, I paired one of my favorite Earl Grey teas, Blue Flower Earl Grey by Chado Tea Room, with French Lavender Sables (a French butter cookie) and Earl-Grey-infused biscotti. The mellow earthiness of the lavender works beautifully with the bergamot notes in the Earl Grey, and the toothsome texture of the biscotti against the tender sables keeps your palette interested. For the Earl Grey, steep one teaspoon per cup for 3–5 minutes in water set to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. www.chadotea.com

French lavender sables This recipe makes 30 cookies t8

ounces unsalted butter at room temperature t ½-cup granulated white sugar t ¼-cup brown sugar, packed t 1 large egg t 1 ½-teaspoon pure vanilla extract t 1 ½-crushed and dried lavender flowers t 2 cups all-purpose flour t ½-teaspoon baking powder t ¼-teaspoon salt t 1 large egg (for egg wash) t 2 tablespoons crystal sugar In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (for 2–3 minutes). Add the egg, lavender, and vanilla extract and beat until blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder,

and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat just until incorporated. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, knead the dough a few times to bring it together, and then divide the dough in half. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (for at least an hour).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place rack in the center of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking sheets and set aside.

Remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator and place on a lightly floured work surface. Roll out the dough until it is ¼-inch thick. Using a lightly floured 2-inch round, fluted cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared sheet. Place the baking sheet of cut-out cookies in the refrigerator for about 15–20 min-

der, and salt and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix together the butter and sugar until they form moist crumbs and clump them together. Add the eggs and mix together until light in color and until the mixture forms ribbons when you lift the whisk out of the batter. Add the vanilla and mix well. Then, add the dry ingredients in batches of about a 1/2 cup at a time. Mix on low until just blended.

On a cookie sheet with a silicon pad or parchment paper, place the mixture (which should now be a very thick dough). Heavily flour your hands and form the dough into a log about 1 ½-inches high and 3 inches wide. It may take up the entire length of the cookie sheet. Brush the beaten egg over the log, then sprinkle with the lavender and the 2 tablespoons of crystallized sugar.

The mellow earthiness of the lavender works beautifully with the bergamot notes in the Earl Grey... utes to chill the dough. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the egg for the egg wash. Remove the cookies from the refrigerator and brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with crystal sugar. Bake cookies for about 15–20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Earl Grey biscotti tablespoons softened unsalted butter t 1 cup of sugar

Bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cut the loaf into ½-inch slices. Dip the pieces into the tea until just soaked.

Place the slices on the cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes, then flip them and bake for another 20 minutes. If the biscotti appear too moist in the center, put them back in the oven for an extra 5 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!

A Homemade Feel

extra large eggs at room temperature t 1 teaspoon vanilla extract t 3 cups of flour, sifted t 2 teaspoons baking powder t ½-teaspoon salt t 1 egg, beaten t 2 tablespoons crystallized sugar t 1 teaspoon lavender flowers t 1 cup heavily steeped Earl Grey tea

The gilded teapot is my Great Grandmothers’, but for something similar, check out the Waechtersbach Heirloom Chocolate and Gold Teapot: thecoffeebrewers.com

Sift together the flour, baking pow-

Tea Towels by Sur la Table surlatable.com

t3

t4

For a vase similar to my mom’s fabulous Betty Lou Nichols, visit Head Vase Museum headvasemuseum.com

Having grown up in Australia, I was raised with an alternative vocabulary. My sister, Amanda—only 14 months younger than me—completely missed out on this, but for some reason, I absorbed all of my mum’s Aussie lingo. “Singlet” instead of “tank top,” “lippy” in place of “lipstick,” “how you going?” replaced “how are you doing?” and “cup of tea” was simply “cuppa.”

The “cuppa” is an important ritual in our home. If it was raining outside and it was my mum’s turn to carpool, she’d sigh and tell us we were made of sugar and would melt if exposed to the raindrops. So we would stay inside, watching Doris Day films while balancing a cup of Earl Grey on our laps as she gave us manicures.

Once, after an excruciatingly boring school tour, my mum pulled me aside before entering the chemistry lab and we escaped in time to take high tea around the corner.

Somehow scones make truancy even more delicious. Every night and every morning, if you are rustling in the kitchen and she is in shouting distance, you will probably find yourself making a cup of chamomile or her current favorite, rose sencha, to share in front of the fireplace.

This little break from the day punctuated with baked goods has always been a favorite of mine. Here, I paired one of my favorite Earl Grey teas, Blue Flower Earl Grey by Chado Tea Room, with French Lavender Sables (a French butter cookie) and Earl-Grey-infused biscotti. The mellow earthiness of the lavender works beautifully with the bergamot notes in the Earl Grey, and the toothsome texture of the biscotti against the tender sables keeps your palette interested. For the Earl Grey, steep one teaspoon per cup for 3–5 minutes in water set to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

Enjoy!

French lavender sables This recipe makes 30 cookies t8

ounces unsalted butter at room temperature t ½-cup granulated white sugar t ¼-cup brown sugar, packed t 1 large egg t 1 ½-teaspoon pure vanilla extract t 1 ½-crushed and dried lavender flowers t 2 cups all-purpose flour t ½-teaspoon baking powder t ¼-teaspoon salt t 1 large egg (for egg wash) t 2 tablespoons crystal sugar In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (for 2–3 minutes). Add the egg, lavender, and vanilla extract and beat until blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder,

and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat just until incorporated. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, knead the dough a few times to bring it together, and then divide the dough in half. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (for at least an hour).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place rack in the center of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking sheets and set aside.

Remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator and place on a lightly floured work surface. Roll out the dough until it is ¼-inch thick. Using a lightly floured 2-inch round, fluted cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared sheet. Place the baking sheet of cut-out cookies in the refrigerator for about 15–20

ite mpletely oppos Just to put a co g, I rs of thanksgivin vo fla e th on in sp vors the spicy, rich fla got inspired by in ve w much they ha liof chai and ho ho e of my favorite on ith w on m m , co n pie. Cardamom ki p um p : ts a tre day vors er, clove, the fla cinnamon, ging mirror are the perfect of masala chai n t spiced pumpki for not too swee nd sa rry turkey tea muffins and cu a ith whole meal w wiches. Pair the used rigolds, a flower a m of t ue q ou b e mid in India, and th for celebration els To Red Fox tea w century inspired l, rfu u’ve got a colo

by Almedahls, yo expected way to delicious, and un liday rush. relax after the ho

Spiced Pumpkin Muffins t 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour t 3/4 cups sugar t 1/4 cup brown sugar t 1/4 teaspoon salt t 1/2 Tbsp baking soda t 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon t 1/2 tsp cardamom t 1/2 tsp ground ginger t 1/8 teaspoon ground clove t 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg t 3/4 cups olive oil t 2 large eggs, lightly beaten t 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract t 3/4 cups shelled pecans, roughly chopped t 3/4 cups sweetened, shredded coconut t 1/2 cup of finely grated carrots t 1/2 cup grated butternut squash t 1/2 cup of canned, pureed pumpkin

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside. With a mixer, beat the eggs until frothy and pale. Gradually add the sugar and beat for a few minutes, until the batter is thick. Add the oil in a steady stream and then beat in the vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and pumpkin alternatively and beat on low just until incorporated. Add the veg, pecans, and coconut and mix just to combine. Pour into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes Remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator and place on a lightly floured work surface. Roll out the dough until it is

¼-inch thick. Using a lightly floured 2-inch round, fluted cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared sheet. Place the baking sheet of cut-out cookies in the refrigerator for about 15–20 min

Curry Turkey Sandwich t1

1/2 lb roasted turkey breast, skin taken off t 2/3 cup mayonnaise t 5 teaspoons curry powder t 1 teaspoon tumeric t 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice t 1 teaspoon honey t 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger t 1/2 teaspoon salt t 1/4 teaspoon black pepper t 1 large shallot, chopped (1 cup) t 1 firm-ripe mango (3/4 pound), peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced t 1 scallion finely chopped Chop the turkey into 1/2-inch

pieces. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, curry, turmeric, lime juice, honey, ginger, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken, shallot, and scallions and mix. To put together the sandwich, toast some white bread and layer one side with the mango then the curried turkey; on the other side spread the toast with the cranberry chutney and some arugula. Put together and enjoy!

Cranberry Chutney t2

cups fresh cranberries (frozen cranberries are ok too) t 1 cup sugar t 1/3 cup red wine vinegar t 1 serrano of two thai chiles, seeded and finely chopped t 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger t 1/2 teaspoon garam marsala powder t 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

Combine the sugar and vinegar in a medium sized saucepan, gently simmering to dissolve the sugar.

Stir in the cranberries and continue to simmer until the cranberries burst and soften, about 15 minutes.

Add the chiles, ginger, garam marsala, and orange zest and continue simmering until thick and syrupy in texture. Allow to cool to room temperature and enjoy!

A Homemade Feel The steer dotted tea cup and plate with a very old school Americana vibe, are kitschy souvenirs from a family Grand Canyon trip they I cannot stop using. But if driving down to the Grand Canyon isn’t an option, why not try the Kitchen Weapons motif from Fishs Eddy?

The steer dotted tea cup and plate with a very

old school Americana vibe, are kitschy souvenirs from a family Grand Canyon trip they I cannot stop using. But if driving down to the Grand Canyon isn’t an option, why not try the Kitchen Weapons motif from Fishs Eddy? The steer dotted tea cup and plate with a very old school Americana vibe , are kitschy souvenirs from a family Grand Canyon trip they I cannot stop using. But if driving down to the Grand Canyon isn’t an option, why not try the Kitchen Weapons motif from Fishs Eddy? The steer dotted tea cup and plate with a very old school Americana vibe, are kitschy souvenirs from a family Grand Canyon trip they I can not stop using. But if driving down to the Grand Canyon isn’t an option, why not try the Kitchen Weapons motif from Fishs Eddy?

v

with love

dream girl

Dear  Diary

a bite out of life Sheryl Thai knows a thing or two about cupcakes, but that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always true. We take a peek into her diary to see how this small town girll from Australia made her dream come true...

dream girl

2004

Dear Diary, It all started with a trip to New York City more than 5 years ago, yes the big apple where dreams are made. Up until this point, cupcakes never crossed my mind and I didn’t even know how to bake. I was busy thinking about my career in I.T and how to become a Business Analyst working for a Top Tier consulting pQL VHIKRS pMIRHIMG LX 6MIUEQRISX DEGQEE` -ISSKE DID * know that when I was in New York City, a cupcake experience at the famous Magnolia Bakery would conRTLE LX KIFE AMD CHAMGE LX CAQEEQ OASH IMDEpMISEKX` 5HAS pQRS BISE NF SHAS 7AMIKKA CTOCAJE KEFS LE breathless, how could a small sweet CAJE SARSE RN LNIRS qTFFX AMD look so adorable? It wasn’t just the cupcake, it was the wonderment of being caught in a buzz, being in line with all these other people waiting to get their hands on a cupcake. Cupcakes had the ability to make people happy! I soon learned that cupcakes had unseen magical powers that would brighten up anyone’s day.

2005-2008 Dear Diary,

8HEM * qEV BACJ SN .EKBNTQME * started looking up recipes and reading about cupcakes. It was over a XEAQ VHEM * pQRS ASSELOSED BAJIMG LX pQRS BASCH NF CTOCAJER` My oven was broken at the time and attempted baking cupcakes in

dream girl

a tiny convection bake & grill oven that sits on your I didn’t need to ask, I knew bench top. They turned what was happening, but I out quite hideous but I still brought them into work thought surely I couldn’t lose and all my work colleagues my job. raved about how delicious they were and from that point on, I was hooked. I baked for any occasion I could, I baked for morning teas, birthdays, fundraisers and so on. Each time I would see improvements, sometimes I would fail miserably but often I would lay restless at night thinking about cupcakes. I also developed a daily habit of reading Cupcakes Take the Cake (cupcakestakethecake. blogspot.com) which is the best cupcake blog in the world, it gave me the daily inspiration I needed to keep dreaming about one day opening up my own cupcake store.

2009

Dear Diary, I knew I needed to kick start my dream of owning my cupcake store one day and as my I.T career progressed and I got the promotions I wanted, I further realised my heart and soul was not being an I.T Consultant at all. Baking was what made me truly happy, what inspired me, what gave me the passion I needed to truly feel like I was doing what I was meant to be doing in life. So I decided to sign up for a stall at a huge festival to sell cupcakes and desserts. Unfortunately, it was

dream girl

quite a failure and we made a big loss. But that didn’t deter me and I started selling at smaller markets once a month. Slowly but surely, my cupcakes started being recognised and I even got featured on my favourite cupcake blog!

Then came the day that changed my life forever. I was unexpectedly called in for an early morning meeting one evening and as I arrived at work, I saw a FEV OENOKE VAKJIMG NTS NF NFpCER VISH A KAQGE XEKKNV envelope. I didn’t need to ask, I knew what was happening but I thought, surely I couldn’t lose my job. I had been so hardworking and loyal. I had put so many hours into work and all that travelling I had done! Surely, this couldn’t be it. But as I walked into the room, I saw the dire look in my managers faces as they proceeded to tell me that I was being made redundant. I was in pure shock, to say the least. I felt as though I had just experienced a terrible one-sided break up and felt crushed.

8HAS VAR * RTOONRED SN DN MNV SHAS FNQ SHE pQRS SILE in 5 years I didn’t have a job to wake up to? How would I survive?

And so came the months ahead where I would come into terms with the death of my career as an I.T Professional and the birth of my entrepreneurial spirit and determination of following my dream to open up a cupcake store.

oes w Sheryl as she g llo fo ’ll e w , e su is Next r to taking a leap ke a b e m o h le b m from hu own storefront! r e h g in n e p o d n of faith a ntral.com www.cupcakece

my WINTER wishlist! words Claire Thomas

With the Holidays around the corner, we all need a little guidance when it comes to what to put under the tree. So I compiled my favorite gifts that I’ve received, given, and a few that are on this years wish list. Happy Shopping!

or in . h t u a the d apron.. ve r belo

he

1 covered in ile getting h w sh li y st ? It’s time I ve looking con grease lo a ie b ’t g sn n e li o z d z thropolog or si Who ato sauce, dorable An sing just a m n to a r t o e , g g d o frostin lothes an esigns, cho ining my c erns and d tt a p y n stopped ru a . m allenge ere are so the real ch Apron. Th one will be

3 2 I’ve always had a jaundiced outlook towards uber-specific kitchen tools, but when they are extremely useful, I have to let go of my prejudices.

Tarte Tatin needs a specific shape and heat to work correctly, and you’ll get both with Le Crueset. Because of it’s superlative maker, this little dish can be used for innumerable other things, pineapple upside cake bein g my favorite (it gets the top of the cake a perfect caramelized golden brown, yum!).

phic ing gra asta n in w d P r etry of an awa tween ef, The Geom st energy, e b n io li h borat imed c minima eal A colla an accla f pasta with a esigns to rev r d n a r d e o n e ld it c ig r o wh cta ula des es the w g black-and- y behind spe h c a o r ph app nnin philoso ing stu Italy. employ e, history, and from all over c s n ishe the scie pasta d

4 ing into love delv oks l ’l u o y , o rd istory ne at vintage cookb fe bit of a h th a d li n e e a ’r in , u g m o If y l gold rtainin a te ic n g e , lo io te s e a wonthe soc ow into ta ookbooks can b d in w A . humorec provide st, vintag arre recipes, but a p s e d a from dec e for not only biz notes too. urc nd derful so ous anecdotes a

5 I accidentally broke one of my mom’s cake platters a few years ago, and struck with guilt turned to the internet, not expecting to find a suitable replacement. I ended up buying her four, two vintage milk glass and two white cake platters from Rosanna, unable to withhold myself from their charming allure. The slight elevation makes the most mundane dish feel special, and their simple white ceramic with scalloped edges makes them attractive standing alone or laden with treats.

6 Crème brulee eg giness on the in side, a carameliz on the outside, ed chew and just a touch of rum make these deaux treats an Bourall time favorite.

To get the right of deep brown on amount the crust you m ust have the rig of tin, and after ht kind failed attempts w ith silicon molds learned my less I’ve on. Canele tins ar e a bit expensiv where from $8-2 e (any0 each is typical), but if well taken they can last a lif care of etime, an who w ouldn’t want a lif etime of these glorious lit tle cakes?

7 l e delightfu e fabrics, th g n. ta o si in a v c f c o ial o lectic mix to any spec n g io in it k d Using an ec in d a th s ays, I’m orgeou d g th a ir re b a r s o g r owe a pie. buntin aybe even am baby sh m re r sc o y s, e e k th a Though er of cupc em atop a ti of using th

1. Anthropologie Apron anthropologie.com 2. Le Creuset Tarte Tatin Dish cheftools.com 3. The Geometry of Pasta amazon.com 4. Vintage Cookbooks cookbookjj.com 5. Rosanna Cake Platters rosannainc.com 6. Canele Tins surlatable.com 7. Cake Bunting etsy.com/shop/kikilaru

: y r a i d

l e

trav

san francisco You’ve heard of it all, even if you haven’t been: A big red bridge, steep streets, harbor seals, and— of course—lots of delicious treats and side-street boutique shopping. Recently, our food editor Abi Porter headed to the Bay Area for a sunny day near the water. Here’s what she found.

Friday

San Francisco, California, has an overwhelming amount of great food options.

We ate at the Cliff House, which has been around since the late 1800s and has undergone major renovations along the way. Cliff House [www.cliffhouse.com] sits on Ocean Beach and the views are incredible. When you see the menu, you’ll think you have died and gone to heaven.

(I strongly recommend the sourdough French toast with apple compote.) Afterward, be sure to explore the famous Sutro Bath ruins nearby.

Saturday

After we made our way to Fisherman’s Wharf, we headed up to Ghirardelli Square, which is as good as it sounds.

The smell of chocolate is overwhelming and absolutely amazing. We dined on a sundae so big it could feed a small army. Across from Ghirardelli [www.ghirardellisq.com] is the sweetest cupcake shop in town—Kara’s Cupcakes [www. karascupcakes.com]. It’s a cozy little place where you can choose from over a dozen cake flavors. It is so dreamy and the cute factor is off the charts.

Sunday

For all our shopping needs and more, we headed to Union Square [www.unionsquareshop. com]—one of the world’s premier shopping districts and everything you ever wanted in a shopping experience. Afterward, we hopped on a cable car [www.sfcablecar.com]. It is truly a unique and old-fashioned way to get around the city.

o

Seeing t he paint ed ladies Francisc n o tourist s. The ear Alamo Squa awe an rows of re is a d the a Victo must rch used in more th itectural details rian houses will for San a ar n leave yo houses t u hat wer 70 movies, telev e stunning. The y have in e featur ision pro grams, ed in th b een an e opening credits d ads. Yes, thos e of Full H ouse.

Other places we loved in San Francisco:

Lombard Street

Famous for having a steep, one-block section that consists of tight hairpin turns, a stroll down Lombard Street is This park is sprawling and gorgeous, with plenty of activities inside, including perfect for burning off that delicious sundae you ate a few blocks back. one of the largest natural history museums, a Japanese tea garden, botanical gardens, and plenty of room for the perfect picnic.

The famous red bridge can be seen

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Bridge

Pier 39

There are shops, restaurants, street performances, the Marine Mammal Center, the aquarium of the bays, and views of California Sea Lions on the docks.

from many places around San Francisco, but if you’re like me, you can’t get enough of it. One of the best views was from the north Vista Point. Parking here is free up to four hours (I know, we were shocked, too) and there are restrooms. This lot is accessible only from northbound US-101.

the  wood  princess

Photopgraphy: Kristin Costello Assistant: Candace Camuglia Styling: Letitia Burrell & Ingrid Ostby Make-Up: Christie Lee & Caitlin Wooters Hair: Lena Schleweis Models: Marie Lune & Kristem @ Elite Jandra @ NEXT

let’s play pretend f Photopgraphy & Styling: Lucia O’Connor-McCarthy Make-Up: Dixie O’Connor-McCarthy Hair: Andree Ettien Model: Anna Tattoon @ Bookings UK

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nd On Val a

Wang, s by Vera e ss re d : Flora

ge.

inta jewelry, v

When no one is around...

Photography: Yuji Oboshi & Mari Maeda yumanyc.com Art Direction: Difan Wu Styling: Katie Burnett Make up: Elle German Hair: Robert Sesnek Model: JOSEFIN @ Marilyn NY Post Production: studio RUSH

Photography: Lisa Schuil Hair & Make up: Lisa Schuil Model: JOSEFIN @ Marilyn NY

caroline

Photopgraphy: Al Thompson Model: Caroline

follow  me

Photopgraphy: Della Bass Styling: Nadia Ronchi Make-Up: Deborah Altizio for Makeup ForEver Hair: Damian Monzillo Model: Anna Apeckhart @ Marilyn

h

Photography: Stu Kerr of S2 Photography

o o

j why dont you... make dinner from scratch for someone special

learn to knit

s

donate old clothes or goods to family or charity!

foster or adopt an animal

j

surprise a neighbor with a holiday goody basket

get in a photobooth with friends

throw a holiday card-making party!

make smores

h t i w

t do i

s e n o

d love xoxo

a girl

and her shoes words Nina Lace

www.shopruche.com