YOU KNOW YOU WANT THIS...

...just as badly as I do.

The Emotion Lab came up with the Moonwatch, which "has been designed to establish a relationship between the moon cycle and a person’s emotional states. It’s a new concept of time based on nature which invites people to reflect upon and gain a closer understanding of their mood and daily life on earth."

Holy crap. 

The simplest ideas are always the most compelling.

Untitled, maker unknown

Lisu Necklace

Untitled, maker unknown

Bracelet from India

Maker unknown, 19th-20th century

Miao neckpiece from Guizhou Province, China

Untitled, maker unknown

Neckpiece from Gujarat, India

Untitled, maker unknown

Miao necklaces from China

Untitled, maker unknown

Miao necklaces from China (detail)

THE WAY TO MY HEART

Holy Moly.

I have totally been hiding away, working, working, working. No complaints here....I love what I do. BUT, I also love frolicking around in beautiful 75 degree weather!

That being said, when things calm dawn, I have to make it to make it to the Museum of Art and Design to see their Portable Treasuries show. Jewelry collectors, Daniel and Serga Nadler have lent part of their extensive silver collection to the museum. The pieces stem from North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia...and they are absolutely TO DIE FOR.

Just check out those beauts above. I'm drooling.

And check out the show...it's up until August 8.

PLASTIQUE

For all you typography nerds out there (myself included)....aren't these sweeeet? Plastique makes them...and you can see more of their work at the LA Street Food Fest on February 13th.

Or you can check more out on their Etsy page, here.

ATYPYK

Silver and gold plated candy necklace.

I sort of REALLY want this.

Atypyk is a French design duo made up of Ivan Duval and Jean Sebastien Ides. They make wacky things. 

Q: Why, what kinds of wacky things?

A: EVERYTHING. From kitchen magnets shaped like cockroaches (ew) to a tissue dispenser that resembles a magician's hat to banana-shaped non-slip bath stickers. I could list so much more, but you should probably check out their site for yourself. See if you can find the wooden solitaire game, complete with nails (so. wrong.)

I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU...

I came across this image today while researching ancient Etruscan art for a project I'm working on.

Drooling, aren't you?

It's a gold fibula that dates all the way back to the 7th century BC. Five lions, their style inspired by the Orient, adorn the center of it. They're framed by two bands of interlocking patterns.

Pretty ostentatious. And pretty fabulous.

This particular one is housed in the Vatican Museums in Rome, but the next time you're at the MET, check out their collection of ancient metalwork and jewelry. It's super-extensive...and SO inspiring.

LIESBET BUSSCHE / URBAN JEWELRY

Meet Claes Oldenburg, 2.0.

Belgian artist, Liesbet Bussche creates oversized jewelry and incorporates them into city-scapes and street fixtures.

Post earrings made of concrete boulders, necklace clasps made of sand....what other-worldly giant Barbies could have left them here??

Her playful sculptures can be seen on the streets of Amsterdam. If you happen to be traveling there, her work will be on display as part of the What's New exhibit at Galerie Sofie Lachaert until November 8, 2009.

Here's another favorite:

(detail)

Check out more here.