Vera Makes a Bold Appearance

I visitied the Vera show at the Goldstein Gallery at the UofM's St. Paul Campus (my design school stompin' grounds). She created over 20,000 pieces in her career. Here are a few--all arfully displayed.

Purple walls made a stunning backdrop.

Incredible florals and color combinations.

Some were based on her travels.

I like how she invented her own icons.

Show runs through June 29, 2014.

Veteran's Day 2010 in Vegas

Thinking about Vegas today because the Pillsbury Bake-Off® is going on there and I realized that I was in Vegas the same cool fall weekend 3 years ago. Enjoy these pics. The is the Aria/Cosmo part of town.

Saw Viva Elvis. The pink lighting changes to every color of the rainbow.

Went to a fancy party at a warehouse off the strip.

Hung with celebrities like the CSI guy and MN boy Herculies.

No Hall just Oates: "Sarah SMILLLLLEEEE I Won't you SMILE AWHILE WITH me Sara."

Ate good food. Hash House a DON'T GO. Music TOO LOUD AT 11am!

Vosages Hot Chocolate Bar at midnight.

Saw the sights. Legal disclaimer: these neon photos ARE NOT FOR SALE. 

Did you know Brad Pitt was photographed on this arrow for Vanity Fair?

Day trip east.

Window shopped.

How about these fabulous lighted stairs?

All trips that involve flying are not successful unless they include this:

When Antiques and Crafts Collide

 Junk Bonanza is twice a year at Canterbury. It's a show that combines antiques and crafts.  There were booths with just plain ol' antiques. 

This vendor had a great selection of items.

But it was the painting that blew me away.

Some booths had a mix of repurposed items used in creative ways.

Simple, but so pretty.

I've always thought it would be neat to make new versions of old signs. This booth did just that. Good font choices. Well done!

Slideshow lampshades. The epitome of hipster craft.

The woman who wrapped this ironing board with tape measures was quite proud of it and deservingly so. She's not on the internets so don't go looking for her.

What really drew me to the event was the design competition on the 2nd floor. Love this steampunk style lamp.

This title is quite fitting as I wondered if there was a table to get a booster shot in the entryway.

Funny that the homeowner's address was on the bottom of the oil can that this trailer is made from. 

This hanging fixture was really impressive.

I bet this mosaic was heavy.

My favorite at the show by far was Paul Larson. 

I love a good collage that tells a story. Reminds me of Chris Roberts Antieau's work, except she uses fabric.

Paul Larson had a booth selling fabulous collages.

I'm not sure if Paul won one of these cool medals. My vote was for him.

PS you can view the winners here.