Tide pools

For years I resisted the concept of "coastal" interiors.  The typical nautical themed decor and dried coral accents can seem a bit trite--or worse, if you live nowhere near the beach--out of place and a maybe a little sad. That being said, now that I live in Seattle and have had the opportunity to refine my interior style, I've really come ...

Spring in the Arboretum

Here at Quirkshop, we are thrilled that spring has sprung.  We've been doing a bit of some spring cleaning in the shop space and work on the Norden Flora media cabinet continues apace (I promise to share some pictures once it's looking a bit more complete.) This morning, we enjoyed all of the spring flowers in the arboretum and took so ...

Inspiration weekend

We took a lovely minihike on Sunday to Talapus lake.  Washington is filled with gemlike lakes and many, many lake hikes.  You really can't go wrong.  This one was pretty easy as far as hikes go: walk up the mountain on some nicely groomed switchback trails, and then bam, there's the beautiful lake. Washington state is truly my greatest inspiration. I ...

Around Seattle: Bloedel Reserve

This weekend we took a day trip to Bainbridge Island and visited Bloedel Reserve, an estate with beautiful grounds. In the autumn light, the trees glowed. Eye see you! There was a gourd scavenger hunt. They popped up everywhere. There's a house on grounds too that you can tour. There's even a lovely reflecting pool. Of course we checked out a nearby beach with plenty of ...

Georgia O’Keefe Museum

I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the Georgia O'Keefe museum today in Santa Fe.  She's one of those artists who is so famous that some of her work has become cliche. But her life's work was much more than just the evocative flowers we most associate with her.  The collection has a diverse sample of her work.  Here are some ...

Exploring Canyon Road– Santa Fe

I've been in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a work conference.  This afternoon I decided to  do a little touristing.  I visited the charming, art-filled and hot Canyon road.  You can imagine quitting your real life and opening up a little pottery studio up there. I was strictly window shopping, although  I did buy a little print at La Boheme ...