Asparagus Interiors Inc.
FoundRe: is opening a new studio in Wicker Park, May 21st.
Chicago based FoundRe: incorporates locally sourced wood and materials to craft repurposed furniture and frames. Green design from resource to application.
Their unique products are one of a kind, character pieces – adding texture and color to any style. It’s shabby, modern and unique.
I have a frame and would highly recommend their pieces.
Community based art, Whale Project, Highlands Elementary School, Naperville, IL
This past week, I helped out artists Victoria and Debra, construct the Whale sculpture for the Highlands school. Victoria and Debra are crafting the new Whale in two parts as well as including sea creatures completed by the 5th grade art classes. I was happy to clip wire and wrap mesh to construct the body and tail of the whale.
I learned a thing or two about how the concrete will adhere and how the Whale is a win for the local community and the school!
Architecturally inspired artwork, is harmonious beachy and modern.
Cruising thru the “featured sellers” today on etsy, I was reading about the team over at paintsquare. Design enthusiasts and crafters, have compiled wood and paint to create modern wall art. These panels often paired / grouped installations create a harmonious feel and key in on the trade secret of keeping hue / saturation levels constant yet using many colors can achieve harmony.
Well done, I’d love a couple of these on my wall. 
I’ve been thinking about my style lately. It’s that time of year where we re-evaluate our style and our stuff. Out with the old, in with the new… but what are our tried and trues?
I’m a classic style girl with pops of color and bits of whimsy. I thrive on the details, quality and craftsmanship. It doesn’t always mean you have to spend a lot of money, just hunt for the deals and know how and what a quality piece is made of. I’m learning when to spend on a solid piece and when to splash it out for the moment.
I’m working with a few clients on color and considering the finishes. Soft finishes we tend to forget. Quality rugs, natural fibers are classic, timeless pieces. Recognizing that a little tradition goes a long way.
Note: Rug Left - Mohair Luxe by Mansour Modern, Rug Right - Inverness Lemon Water by Tufenkian.
Not really looking for anything in particular, but looking for something fun? Reusable Usables is the place for you.
This creative arts center and retail store is a treasure chest of inspiration and ideas.
Located in LeClaire, IA. Yes, home of American Pickers and Antique Archaeology.
The basic premise is: businesses and people donate items to Reusable Usables. Open to the public, we purchase these items by the pound at a minimum of 10 pounds. They also host creative sessions and make art out of the reusables. With my purchase I picked up 5 yards of Sunbrella fabric, 2 records (Sergio Mendes ’66 – yeah!), some construction supplies and fabric memos for 10 bucks. 9.5 lbs to be exact. Cool resource, great place… check it out!
Check out design sites, talk to your friends, look around! It’s a new year and time again to start thinking on how we want to interpret our style.
I’ve been asked several times in the past week where to look for ideas. I’ve been inspired by the Featured Seller, blog on Etsy.com. Interviews with each seller explore how they run an online business, what inspires them and a glimpse into their favorite pieces.
I also get inspired by the design staples, apartment therapy and design sponge. Don’t for get to start talking to your friends and like artists. Getting a coffee with a friend goes along way to design inspiration.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season!
It’s been a busy year working on new projects, refining existing interiors and
learning about new artistic interests. We continue to recommend green solutions
and continue to support local initiatives.
A happy and healthy 2011 to you!
Elizabeth Marusin
www.asparagusinteriors.com
This year’s Renegade Craft Fair – Chicago, proved to be an excellent mix of craft and art as in years past but with a lot more people. It seems the word is getting out. An awesome show that offers something for every artist alike.
Some of my show favorites:
OneCanoeTwo – Custom letterpress, cards, coasters, calendars. Artistic – funky – stylized creatures. Crane paper with high quality printing, graphic design and detail. Check out the coasters, recipe cards and fabric calendars. I typically get a Lotta Jansdotter calendar but this year going with the nautical theme from OneCanoeTwo.
Neogranny – flipp’n love-it! Neo’s take on retro designs, brings back the June Cleaver in all of us but with a modern twist. I picked up a cat-eye glasses necklace, but love the swimmer and the Jack and Jill cut-outs. The combination of brightly painted wood mixed with metal, totally fun.
Tugboat Printshop – Really cool woodblock prints. Very detailed and cool compositions. We picked up Star Ship, looking to put it in a funky frame. Looking for vintage frames check out Foundre.
Jordain Elise – Picked up on the taxidermy buzz this year? Check out the “wonderful wonders” of Jordain Elise. 
Felt “horrible adorables” give them a second look, you’ll fall for them.
Other Artists Worth Checking Out:
I just stumbled upon Remix by 3form, this week looking for a panel for a new desk I’m working on.
Made from strips of recycled 3form material and fused to create a one-of-a-kind panel. It’s awesome as a room divider, wall screen, desktop accent, whatever you can imagine. Check it out!
ReMix Facts (www.3form.com)
Interested in learning more about green design concepts for the interior?
Visit the Plainfield Public Library, Monday – November 8th at 7:00pm.
I will be presenting materials, finishes and design concepts toward making greener choices in designing our homes.
New design trends and products that are eco-friendly and sustainable are featured by Asparagus Interiors specialist Elizabeth Marusin.