CopyStrands

Quirky Nan Lawson Art

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

I adore this artwork by Los Angeles artist Nan Lawson. She calls her illustrations cute, quirky and nerdy. See for youself. I think it's fun. What do you think?

Photos: Nan Lawson

More: California

It's a Wrap: Cars Set

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming. Are you ready? Need gift ideas? I just found the most awesome Christmas wrapping set EVER: Cars Set (from a company based in Germany). Love the green paper, love the bright red car, love the white and green trees. Classic. Retro. Chic.

Photo: Pleased to Meet

Fun With Infographics

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Infographics are sure taking off these days. A new trend in resumes is to turn your work experience into an infographic like this one. Intrigued by this, I discovered other uses for infographics. Here are a few fun ones worth exploring that follow my blog's tagline:
Be Chic. Be Green. Be Well-traveled.

More infographics

Clever Street Art

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Part graffiti artist, part political activist, part painter, the creative stencil street designs of British artist "Banksy" (a pseudonym) are found on streets, walls and bridges around the globe. Here are three fun ones:

Photos: Banksy

Book: Naive

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for inspiration this graphic design book, Naive: Modernism and Folklore in Contemporary Graphic Design is sure a treat. The images illuminate before your eyes. Here are some inspirational picks:

Matte Stephens, Boston, 2008

Darling Clementine, Haberdashery Series, 2006

Nate Duval, Hootie - 2008; Jen Skelley, Love Birds, 2007, 2009

Nate Duval, Nighttime in the City, 2009

Matt W. Moore, BITNB, 2008

Peach Beach, You Don't Need Vehicles to Move Something, 2008

Spikepress, The National Central Park, 2008

Cover: Naive

Photos: CopyStrands

Elements of Style Illustrated

2011-08-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Illustrator Maira Kalman adds fun and whimsy to William Strunk, Jr. & E. B. White's grammar bible: The Elements of Style. Brush up on your grammar, enjoy vivid artwork and get language tips. The illustrations are so pretty:

"Somebody else’s umbrella"

"Divers"

Photos: The Elements of Style Illustrated

Discover Art: Chicago, Norway, Denmark

2011-07-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

When I was in college I enrolled in an art class that ended up becoming the hardest class I took (even over Biochemistry and Anatomy Physiology). The professor promised it would be the hardest class we'd take as well as the most useful and memorable. Of course at the time we all scoffed at her, but when I graduated college and ended up walking through the Louvre in Paris, France and then the Musée d'Orsay and Musée National Picasso I was really grateful for what my art professor taught me. Thanks to that college art class I knew the names of the artists, recognized pieces of work, I knew the dates they were painted and the era they came from.

Then while visiting Chicago, Sweden, Denmark and Norway I found more reasons to be thankful for that college art class. I was amazed when I visited the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) that they let me take photos of the art. Every museum I've visited until now has never let me take photos of the art. I want to share with my dear readers some of the fabulous pieces at AIC, I'm sure you will recognize some of them (as well as the famous piece by Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch I snapped in Oslo):

The staircase inside the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) is bright and filled with words:

When I arrived at AIC I visited the Impressionist wing and the early American art wing:

Claude Monet's "Stacks of Wheat," 1890; Art Institute of Chicago:

Claude Monet's "Water Lily Pond," 1900; Art Institute of Chicago; I've also visited this place in Giverny, France:

Edward Hopper, "Nighthawks," 1942; Art Institute of Chicago:

Grant Wood, "American Gothic," 1930; Art Institute of Chicago; The models were Grant's sister and dentist:

Gustave Caillebotte, "Paris Street, Rainy Day," 1877; Art Institute of Chicago:

Georges Seurat, "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," 1884; Art Institute of Chicago:

Paul Cézanne, "The Basket of Apples," 1893; Art Institute of Chicago:

Vincent van Gogh "Self Portrait," 1887; Art Institute of Chicago:

Vincent van Gogh "The Bedroom," 1889; Art Institute of Chicago; This was the guest bedroom of van Gogh's:

I was also amazed that the Oslo National Gallery and the Edvard Munch Museum let me take pictures of the art. I went to the museums in Oslo to see Edvard Munch's "The Scream" and "Madonna" by the Norwegian artist. While at the museums we learned that Munch had an engagement with a woman go bad and he never really recovered from it and remained single until his death. Upon his death he donated all his art to Oslo.

Edvard Munch "The Scream," 1896:

And when I visited the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Odense, Denmark (again you are allowed to take photos) there was original artwork on display from his famous book "The Ugly Duckling," artwork by Thomas Vilhelm Pedersen (as well as artwork from his books "The Little Mermaid" and "The Emporer's New Clothes"):

"The Ugly Duckling"

Did you have a favorite? I found I really enjoyed the art of Gustave Caillebotte, especially in person. And I've always been awe struck by the pointillism paintings of Georges Seurat.

More Chicago.
More Norway.
More Denmark.

Photos: CopyStrands

Sneak Peek: A Photoshoot with @ArtofSubtlety

2011-03-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

Photo: Art of Subtlety

Chutes and Ladders isn't just a board game, it's this photographer's life. Amanda Waltman of Art of Subtlety Photography is the real deal. She climbs ladders, she shoots from up high, she fixes your hair, wipes mud off your shoes and even brings props to your shoot (she brought an adorable children's book from her childhood to use in the photos with me, the writer and editor, I brought a vintage book too and my beloved train kite). She snaps photos while simply telling you to kiss, to look serious, to smile then to laugh (laughing wasn't hard to do with her fun sense of humor). She drags her own lighting outdoors to make your face sparkle and she does it all with a giggle of delight.

My husband and I had the pleasure of teaming up with Amanda for a photo session in Seattle's Volunteer Park. She snapped a new headshot for my company. And afterward we took some fun candid photos with her artful eye and laser sharp aim. Her infectious and friendly personality helped us relax and let loose. We loved our shoot with her so much we plan to make it a yearly tradition. This was the year of the "fun photo" (which some of you will receive in Christmas cards later this year - top secret for now) and to our surprise she also snapped the sexist photo ever taken of us! Miss Amanda, dear friend, we'll see you in the park next year for another shoot!

The following photos are a sneak peek of Amanda's gorgeous skills with a camera. All photos: Courtesy of Amanda Waltman, Art of Subtlety Photography:

Intiman's A Doctor in Spite of Himself: Beyond Hysterical

2010-09-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Chris Bennion. From left to right: Chelsey Rives, Daniel Breaker and Steven Epp in A Doctor in Spite of Himself at Intiman Theatre.

Intiman Theatre's A Doctor in Spite of Himself, is a new adaptation by Christopher Bayes and Steven Epp. It's a silly yet funny muddle of misunderstandings. This show will get you laughing!

After an argument a wife tries to get revenge on her husband. But the husband has other plans up his sleeve. Giving the old saying "in sickness and in health" a new definition. A satirical viewpoint on the medical profession unfolds in side splitting humor.

The show is the Seattle debut of Tony-nominated actor Daniel Breaker and is directed by Christopher Bayes.

Overheard before the show: Laughter just before the start when characters of the show came out in character to tell us to shut off our cellphones.

Overheard in the seats: Tons of laughter to references to the Pacific Northwest and nods to Broadway classics such as The Music Man. And several people saying they wanted to see the show again.

Favorite scene: Instead of saying "Mazel tov" after a wedding the faux Priest said "Hasselhoff!"

Get your tickets to Intiman's A Doctor in Spite of Himself.

The show runs through Sunday, October 10.

Note: Language in show is not suitable for children.

Disclosure: As is common in the media industry, the writer was provided with complimentary press tickets for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, CopyStrands believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

8 Online Magazines You Should Know About

2010-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Remember my post about UPPERCASE magazine? Here are more handy online mags to know about (another Be Green do!):

Southern Flourish (Southern life online mag)

La Petite (all about little ones)

Pure Green Living (learn how to decorate in an earth-friendly way)

Papercut (online fashion mag)

Babiekins (online mag about fashion, decor and design for the "trendsetting child.")

Lonny magazine (blogged about this before it's a design mag with brilliant ideas)

Working Class magazine (focuses on lifestyle topics)

Happy e-reading!

Photos From My Trip to Paris, London and Brussels

2010-08-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: CopyStrands

More photos from my trip to Paris, London and Brussels can be found on my Flickr page.

More Paris.

UPPERCASE Magazine: For the Creative and Curious

2010-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of this new magazine? It's called UPPERCASE: a magazine for the creative and curious! Love it!

P.S. How do you like my new all-in-one website digs? Surprise! I worked really hard on getting it ready before my trip abroad and just finalized the site this week. Phew! I'm still working out some small glitches here and there so hang in there with me. Hope you like it!

"A Kiss in Your Pocket" Valentine

2010-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

My husband has promised he won't peek at this before Valentine's Day. I wanted to share with my readers this fun Valentine's idea that I was inspired to try after seeing the talented Color Me Katie do it on her blog.

Press play to see what it is!

An Awesome Polaroid

2009-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

I read a comment recently about small living that suggested to people downsizing their lifestyle to leave their books in storage since there will be no room for them. I couldn't disagree more. This polaroid hits the nail on the head. Books are our soul. When we downsized I brought all my books and they are spreadout on shelves like pieces of art throughout our house. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Photo: Tumblr

Blog: Book Lovers Never Go to Bed Alone

2009-12-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

P.S. I want to live in this blog!

Photos: Book Lovers Never Go to Bed Alone {source via You Are My Fave}

Three Little Letters that Hit the Spot: Tea

2009-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photos: Tea for Joy

This is the time of year I break out my favorite tea cups and sip black tea and honey. There is something cozy about cupping hot tea while the wind howls outside. How do you like your tea?

The Warmth of Fall Foliage

2009-10-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Interesting World

Isn't this photo breathtaking?

Heaven for Book People

2009-10-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

There is a set on Flickr called Heaven for Book People. Love it!

Photo: MorBCN

Beautiful Artwork by Renée Hartig

2009-09-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

When I first saw Portland-based artist Renée Hartig's work I was speechless. Her art is full of depth and unique textures. Just exquisite.

Photos: Renée Hartig via Bliss

Five Beautiful Photography Blogs

2009-08-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Frenchtown Barbershop, East Window by Kathleen Connally of Durham Township Photography

1. Montmartre Photograpy: Paper cameras: a specialist at Polaroids.

2. Durham Township: Take a peak inside a small Pennsylvania town in down to earth photography.

3. The Free Quark: San Francisco-based Ingrid snaps nature photography worthy of the Discovery Channel.

4. Gipsy Life: Everyday life looks so sweet.

5. Sheila Y Photography: The photos of the babes and kids are vibrant and inviting.

What are your favorite blogs with great photography?

My Grandpa and the Owl

2009-08-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Saw these cute owls by Tad Carpenter over at Design is Mine and the green owl reminded me of my grandpa.

Let me explain.

My dear grandpa (Joe) used to drive his light yellow colored International open bed truck every day from Denton, Montana (you can throw a rock across it) to Stanford, Montana (you can throw a rock across it too) early in the morning to go to work on the railroad. He used to share with me how each morning on his drive about midway through the 30 mile commute he would see a white owl on top of a fence post. And each morning, as he drove by the owl perched on the post, it would swoop off in flight. He always thought the timing was interesting and figured someone who had passed on in his family was coming down to visit him. This went on for years until one day as grandpa drove by the fence post the owl wasn't there. From that day forward he never saw the owl again. He figured the wolves got it. And he missed seeing his friend each day.

That story always stuck with me for its special meaning and still does even as my grandpa rests in peace. Because today, every time I see an owl (especially a white one) I know grandpa is trying to tell me something. Think about it. How often do you see owls?

The most recent owl I saw was while driving last winter late at night to meet good friends in Sun Valley, Idaho for a ski trip. While my husband drove us through the dark, icy roads outside Boise a white owl swooped down at our vehicle out of the clear, dark sky. Startled I took it as a sign and told my husband that grandpa is trying to warn us of something.

At the time we didn't know that just a few miles up the road ahead of us a police officer had pulled over a car that had sped by us earlier and they were sticking out in the road. It was so dark on the unlit road we would have hit them. But since we were on high alert my husband slowed way down and by the time we encountered the vehicles jutting out into the road we were prepared to stop safely on the ice and miss hitting them.

So you see, that picture has one green owl singled out in it with a special message. And for my Irish grandpa (who loved the color green) it is only fitting that it says: "There's you and then there's everybody else."

I miss you grandpa.

Do you have something pop up in your life from time to time that you see as a message?

How to Find Free Images on the Web

2009-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

How to find free or almost free images on the Web is a question that I am often asked. Many writers and photographers have their hard work stolen every day.

If you've ever had your work stolen on the Web, whether it was a photo you took or something you wrote and researched, it's like getting punched in the face when you stumble upon it on the Web without attribution back to your name or a link back to your site.

If you find an idea on someone's website or blog or a photo you like you better give it proper attribution if you plan to use it (by using the person's name or a link back to their site or both). Not only is it good etiquette it also helps cover your behind from lawsuits. Just ask any one of the 750-plus About.com Guides out there, when their work is lifted the New York Times gives permission to send out a cease and desist order to the offender.

There are so many photo rules out there; here is the best compilation to get you started using free images on your website or blog based on topic and be sure to read each sites rules for using their free photos, once you've had your work stolen you'll want to make sure you don't do it to someone else:

Almost Free Lifestyle Photos:
iStockphoto is a member-generated royalty-free images collection. There are no subscription fees or extra costs. Just stock photography at affordable prices. And Easy Fotostock offers low budget images.

Free Lifestyle Photos (be sure to attribute photographer listed like photo above):

Free Journalism Images

Global Voices most images are public domain but check to see who the original source was and get permission.
IRIN (or Integrated Regional Information Networks) offers photos of UN peacekeeping missions. Photos may be used only with proper attribution.
Be sure to visit U.S. government websites because everything produced by the U.S. federal government is public domain. Try usa.gov, defense.gov, state.gov, whitehouse.gov and voanews.com for images. Also press materials are a great way to use images for free with attribution of course.
If you want to use historical photos just keep in mind the rule of thumb is photographs over 100 years old are public domain. Be sure to check any special footnotes about copyrights to stay out of trouble.

Free Health/Medical Photos

The CDC Public Health Image Library offers free photos and you must credit the CDC or photographer sited.
Parasite Image Library is also free. Be sure to give credit to the Parasite Image Library.
The Health on the Net Foundation has an images library from different websites. The photos are free, they just ask you contact the organization listed for proper photo permission and attribution.
NCI Visuals Online offers free photos as long as you include a credit.
Images from the History of Medicine. Most are free. Check their Terms of Use on each photo to be sure you can use it and for whom to credit.
Free images from the Agricultural Research Service must credit both ARS and the photographer.

Copyright Rules

When it comes to blogs and writing, if you are confused about rules, read about Copyright and Fair Use Considerations.

Photo: Jon Sullivan