Thursday Randoms

The other day, I received the sweetest surprise in the mail - my very own "Meagan Badger" stamp from Primele!  I had won a give away from Sami's blog A Glimpse of Glamour way back to receive this stamp, but things kind of got lost in the shuffle.  But much to my surprise, it arrived in the mail wrapped up in the most beautiful tissue paper with the most beautiful little thank you card - I was/am smitten.  Thanks again, Sami & Primele!  Be sure to check out their website as they have many amazing things up.

In the monthly Dolan Geiman newsletter that I received today, I fell in love immediately these amazing wooden pennants! I love these two in particular because well...I'm a Chicagoan right now who is soon moving to Kentucky, duh :)  But the other pennants he has created are pretty rad as well - class of 2011, Happily Hitched, It's a Boy - so many awesome things and he's adding more soon!  I love the reason behind them, too ::

"I have always loved vintage felt pennants, the ones that tell of travels to Mexico or to the local carnival or proclaim a love for the old ballgame, but I have often longed for new versions of these old standards. I started this collection to pay homage to what I consider the greatest souvenir and to give it a new life in a new medium. These thin oak pennants are tactile and gift ready, with three holes for easy hanging, and I will be introducing new themes, cities, and special occasions as the months progress." 

Last, my friend Jenni introduced me to this amazing website this morning - Carrot + Coriander.  I am completely intrigued!  The artist behind it all is a former Chicago Public Schools art teacher who moved to Sedona to create awesome stuff.  Pretty cool, right? I cant' get enough of the incredible clutches, made from found and hand-dyed fabric.  You can see Arizona's influence throughout her work - be sure to check out the rest!  Thanks again, Jen!

Dolan Geiman

If you have yet to discover Dolan Geiman's art, you're in for a real treat today.  Based out of Chicago, Dolan specializes in silkscreen, painting, collage, etc.  His work is described as, "Contemporary art with a southern accent".  It's good, I tell you.

I came across his work sometime last year.  Our walls were boring me and I wanted something different to update them.  I found Dolan's Etsy shop by chance and fell completely in love.  It's the kind of style that I'm drawn to - that perfect mix of rural meets urban, rustic meets contemporary.  So I bought two panel paintings very similar to this, in blue and orange:

If money wasn't an issue, I would totally be all over this and this:

The company is billed as a green company since is work is produced mainly from salvaged wood, found objects and other recycled materials.  He works side by side with his wife, Ali Marie, director of marketing and operations.  Seriously, this couple/business is so amazing that I really want to trade lives for awhile.  Check out more information on their website and/or blog.

He even created the back bar display for Rockit Bar & Grill here in Chicago, which now I'm interested in going to just to check this out.