Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Finland: Marimekko

Hello friends,
Did I ever tell you I am half Finnish? 
Both my Grandparents, from my Mother's side, came to America from Finland, so my mother is 100%. I've always thought it's pretty neat to be a whole 1/2 of 'something'. I have yet to go to Finland, but my Grandparents still take a trip every year.
Ukki and Mummu. That's what Grandma and Grandpa have always been to us. Our friends always laugh and think it's silly sounding, but I guess we're just used to it.

It's been a number of years back, but my dear sweet Mumm and Ukk brought me back some beautiful, Finnish fabric one trip. Marimekko is what it's called. They have the loveliest fabrics, prints and colors. 
Here's a little History...

Name: 
Markimekko is one part girl's name, Mari, and two parts mekko, the Finnish word for dress. Inside mari, is Armi-the company's founder and charismatic leader for nearly 30 years. 

Colorful:
Liberate the body and mind. Wonderful shades in superb, off beat combinations. Color is Marimekko's logic. 

Opposites Attract:
Contradiction creates. Marimekko travels the road less traveled between urban and nature,  between tradition and modernity,  mass production and unique art, and so on.

Clever:
 Say no more - A company with wit and charm, crafting messages that give name to patterns of life and design. 

Wearable:
Never boring, just wonderfully functional.  
Our three product lines, clothing, interior decoration, and bags - are in harmony with everyday life.

Here's a few photos of these beautiful fabrics:

 










I'm hoping to go there one of these days.
It's on my list of places to visit before I die.
Hope you enjoyed looking!

Bonte




Sunday, April 10, 2011

Wishing for sand-in-my-toes

Hello!
Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend. We've been a little too busy around here if you ask me. Husband is 3 weeks away from finishing school, and we're all ready for him to be free!
I can't imagine...the both of us, just working, no homework, no weekend projects. Unfathomable, considering one or both of us has been in school since we've known each other. I can't wait to be a normal, working couple, and to hangout and have free time on the weekend!

Well, I guess all this work is making me long to get a way, or go on vacation. I was browsing some of last years beach trip pictures. 

'twas such a wonderful trip.
Take a peek...







I know this summer holds many more beach trips to come! My dear sis Bep, her husband David,  and their two beautiful, lil munchkins are going to be making their way across the country to their new home in Virginia Beach. They will only be a 6.5 hr drive away from us, and will live by the ocean. It can't get much better than that.

Here's to being excited for the future!
Bonte



Thursday, April 7, 2011

coffee filter crafts & ruffle things

Inspired by: Coffee filter crafts & ruffle things







I think I'll have to go buy some coffee filters and make me a pretty-ruffly-thing this weekend!

What are your weekend plans?

Bonte