Its’s that time of year in Chicago! Craft Fair Season – I highly recommend checking these shows out! If you are into fine art or indie crafts these two shows are where you need to be this weekend.

One of a Kind – Show, Merchandise Mart, starts Dec 1-4th.  Mix of fine art and fine craft.  Nervous about going to the Mart – don’t be, you could spend all day there and really fall in love with the art and design.

Renegade Craft Fair – Chicago, Dec. 3&4th.  My all time favorite show (Summer and Winter) in Chicago.  A collection of indie – crafts that represent the “etsy” crowd but in a tangible, local and real way.  I love the scene here and the sense of creativity amongst those who think outside of the box.

Why are the Poppies worn in America?
“The wearing of poppies in honor of America’s war dead is traditionally done on Memorial Day, not Veterans Day. The practice of wearing of poppies takes its origin from the poem In Flanders Fields, written in 1915 by John McCrae. According to VA.gov

Also noted on Wikipedia: “The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem “In Flanders Fields“. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war.”

Asparagus Interiors Inc., has donated an Interior Design consultation to the Silent Auction at Meson Sabika, Tuesday October 18th.

A fun event w/ great food and fun to be had.  Naper School Silent Auction

These artisan’s think of things differently appealing to a modern, open minded – flexible crowd looking to mix it up.  It’s amazing the mix of ideas that runs the gambit at this show. If you are free this weekend and looking for some artwork, jewelry, clothing or designed objects for the house etc… check it out.

Details:  Renegade Craft Fair: Division Street in Wicker Park  - 9th Annual Chicago Fair - September 10 + 11 - 11am – 7pm! Always free-to-attend

It’s a wonderful place to visit.  Starting out at the Dreamforce 2011, conference – we headed out to Heath Ceramics in Sausalito.  While tasting some organic gelato at the factory, Heath owners, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey – popped by the patio for their gelato before heading out of town.  Celebrity citing!

Mike and I visited the Ferry Building, farmers market, Noe Valley, Cliff House and pacific coast beach.  Dining in San Franciso is always a treat.  Starting out with Blue Bottle coffee in the morning and dinner at Foreign Cinema – ambience was cozy, a modern dining experience to be had.

Always a fun visit to San Francisco!

This year, I went in and asked about it. They carry the series prints and I became intrigued by the majestic detail in the beach side staircases.

Based on the Western Michigan beach landscapes these staircases are described by the artist as, “The stairs, silent, brooding, except in summer months when footsteps, young and old echo up and down these old treads.”

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Ottawa Beach Historic District, Holland MI

This past holiday week, vacationing in Holland MI, I discovered more about the Ottawa Beach Historic District.  First strollering my daughter up a grassy beach sidewalk that lead to the boardwalks of century’s past.  The Ottawa Beach Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.  A unique “resort” community nestled in the hill of Mout Pisgah.  There are no cars that pull up to the hillside homes, just connecting boardwalks that home owners cart their belongings to and from.  Creating a sense of a secret and off the beaten path community.  Families who’ve vacationed here for generations – relish in the history and nostalgia in their beach community.

• Historic District of Ottawa Beach (quote and images found at): www.historicottawabeach.com

“Located five miles west of Holland MI, Ottawa Beach is bound by Lake Macatawa (Black Lake), Lake Michigan and Mt. Pisgah. This resort community was platted and development began in 1886. Ottawa Beach is a unique combination of  forested dunes, Lake Macatawa shorelines and fine sand beaches.  Victorian cottages shelter a vibrant community where residents and visitors can relax with friends or explore the walks, dunes and waterways.”

Images: Hotel Ottawa | Upper Boardwalk

I hopped from showroom to showroom seeking products that address how we are working with new technologies, recognizing a common thread in sustainable products and muted tones this year.  Products focused on function and were heavy on purpose less on the splashy colors of the past.

A few products of note that caught my eye:

• Furniture models in the Davis showroom
• Paul Smith woven fabric at Maharam
• Collaborative seating for group meetings at Izzy, notice the rug made of recycled men’s ties – cool!
• Wood planks made in porcelain tile, by Stone Source
• Kids will thank Bretford for coming up with and integrated solution to – recharge your ipad and computer while studying in lounge - so smart.

After completing all three examinations, I’ve completed the biggest step toward becoming a certified Interior Design professional.

Why hire and NCIDQ certified professional?  According to NCIDQ:

“All NCIDQ Certificate holders have been educated, trained and examined to protect public health, safety and welfare. When you hire an NCIDQ Certificate holder, you hire a professional with proven knowledge, experience and proficiency in the latest interior design principles and practices, contract documents and administration and decision-making skills.”

The remixed grill plate offered by Bauer Pottery Company is one of those eye catching products you fall in love with.  A bit of nostalgia… a lot of durability.  Fiesta colors and fun for the summer, check out the grill plate for your summer soirée.

I will be presenting materials, finishes and design concepts toward making greener choices in designing our homes.

Green Village Series
Green Interiors
Monday, November 8, 7:00 PM

New design trends and products that are eco-friendly and sustainable are featured by Asparagus Interiors specialist Elizabeth Marusin.

Local Tribune Article:  2010_GreenInteriors_PlainfieldLib