SImple Pleasures

The prettiness of an unexpected note of luxe against a simple background — a formula that works equally well with clothing, cooking or any other creative activity.


(photo from martignac | studio KO, via cabbage rose)

Hollie Chastain

I came across the gorgeous work of collage artist Hollie Chastain on grain edit recently, and just had to share it here with you too. Based in Tennessee, Hollie's mixed media work uses vintage paper, paint pencil and old photos to create evocative and lovely images that have an indefinable sense of history. Love. Prints of Hollie's work are available from Dr. Kennedy Jones, her etsy shop, and from Poster Cabaret.

Sponsor Spotlight

Looking for the perfect gift? Ayse of Ayse Kozaci Jewelry has a wonderful offer just for automatism readers — from now until the end of December, receive 20% off all items in her shop simply by entering the discount code '2011' when you check out! There's something for everyone — from playful everyday jewelry to statement pieces like this modern Yellow Agate Ring, made with a unique translucent yellow agate set against a background of mesh textured and oxidized silver. Make someone happy this holiday season!







Kareem reports that lots of great things are happening with his art right now — products are being released, books are being published and shows are being organized leading into 2011. It's going to be a very busy year coming up! In the meantime, you can check out some of his latest artwork on his website — and purchase prints of his beautiful collage pieces from The Suitcase, his etsy shop, too.






Liza of Small Equals has been busy recently, painting and decoupaging these fantastic boxes for her shop — perfect for gift giving (either to others or as a little treat for yourself). She'll also be participating in the South End Holiday Hop December 10-12, a big neighborhood open studio holiday hop in Burlington Vermont — if you're in town, drop by and say hello!





It's time for another fantastic giveaway by 100 Applegate! For a chance to win these classic Vintage Grey 1950s Earrings (a value of $58.00), leave a comment or follow the 100 Applegate blog before December 5 2010. These would definitely add a little bit of Mad Men charm and sparkle to your holiday wardrobe!






Connie and Tracey of White Moth Jewelry have exciting news — their work was chosen at Open See by Henri Bendel in NYC, and they'll be showing their collection in Spring 2011 at the NYC store. Congrats to you both — and be sure to visit their shop to see their gorgeous jewelry before it's snapped up by those in the know, too!