We have moved the blog over to our website – failjewelry.com! Please join us at Forge to keep current with all thats coming out of my brain these days. Hope to see yall there!
Native Austin Plants
“Native plants belong here; they thrive with minimal care and provide habitat for local wildlife. We have chosen plants you should be able to find without too much trouble. Some non-natives are also recommended, for special situations, like shady areas, poorly drained soils or for their deer resistance.”
– Austin, Texas Plant Guide
As you may know, I’m on a spring gardening kick. From planning my spring garden to shopping for air plants, it’s safe to say that gardening is my new side hobby. This Native & Adaptive Landscape Plants book from the City of Austin is very helpful when it comes to choosing plants that are natural to my home and will thrive in the area. No matter where you live, research is key to cultivating a beautiful garden and home.
Some of the standout native favorites: Prickly Pear cactus, Red Yuccas, Gluph Muhly, Swamp Jasmine, Texas Wisteria, and Silver Ponyfoot. There’s also an extensive list of plants to avoid (also helpful). An excellent local resource in Austin for gardening is Central Texas Gardener. Also, if you live ANYWHERE, you can use the native plant database from our very own Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – check them out!
For those of you that don’t know about the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, we are so lucky to have it right in here in Austin. Located Austin, the center is a thought leader in conservation, innovation, education and landscape projects.
“Decades ago, Mrs. Johnson recognized that our country was losing its natural landscapes and its natural beauty. As much as 30 percent of the world’s native flora is at risk of extinction. The Wildflower Center was intended to help preserve and restore that beauty and the biological richness of North America. Since then, the Center has become one of the country’s most credible research institutions and effective advocates for native plants.
The Center’s gardens display the native plants of the Central Texas Hill Country, South and West Texas, while the Plant Conservation Program protects the ecological heritage of Texas by conserving its rare and endangered flora. The Native Plant Information Network is a database of more than 7,200 native species available online.
The Land Restoration Program applies knowledge of ecological processes to restoring damaged landscapes. The Center’s education programs for children and adults teach people about their natural surroundings and how to grow native plants in their own backyards.”
photos: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Retailer Love: North of West
I am a big fan of Portland and I wanted to put a spotlight on one of my favorite retailers and great friends – North of West! The ladies and gentlemen of Make It Good, Nell & Mary & Pigeon Toe Ceramics joined forces to open this gem of a shop a little over 1 year ago.
Along with their own products, you can shop clothing from Rylee & Cru kids clothing, Apothecary from Fig + Yarrow, jewelry by yours truly & Marisa Mason, home accessories from The Granite ceramics & Fort Standard, and much more. Whether you are shopping for the home, your children, yourself or an array of accessories, put North of West on your list. They have a great new website, but be sure to stop by the store on your next Portland trip. Check out their products on the web here and on Instagram here.
Currently: Unique Gift Ideas – The Sill
Yes, I have been currently thinking about plants WAY too much lately (see here, here, and here). In that vein…
You need a gift, but want something that isn’t disposable or just an afterthought. Flowers are great, but they die after a few days or a week at best, and I’m sure we are all looking for something just a little more special than 1800-Flowers. So, I was excited to learn about The Sill out of NYC.
The Sill ships adorable air plants, ferns, mini cacti, succulents and more almost anywhere in the United States. I love the idea of sending something that will last longer than a few days or a week and could even be planted outdoors eventually.
It’s a gift that will certainly enhance a home or any space and will (hopefully) continue to grow!
The Sill has so many plants to choose from and each plant comes with a 30 day guarantee. Additionally, they come with care instructions specific to that particular plant.
Be sure to check out The Sill and give it a try – send yourself a plant and brighten up your office!
photos: The Sill
Birthstones: April- Diamond
illustration: Simple Minerals
Natural diamonds are a rare and unique ultimate gift for a loved one. Thought to be one of the hardest substances on the globe, diamonds date back billions of years. – American Gem Society
In honor of the April birthstone, we’re diving into the qualities of the diamond stone.
Identification
Color: Adopted from the Greek work adamas, meaning “invincible,” diamonds come in a wide range of colors such as black, blue, green, pink, red, purple, orange and yellow. The color is dependent upon the type of impurities that are present in the stone. For instance, yellow stones have minuscule traces of nitrogen while blue ones contain boron.
Mohs Hardness: 10 Mohs
History
As told through the Encarta, Sanskrit texts dating back before 400 B.C. found that people associated significant value and wonderment with crystals. There is also significant research dating back to 1330 showing diamond cutting in Venice. The diamond trading business flourished towards the 15th century with the opening of Eastern trade routes.
Ancient theories touting the magical powers of diamonds were prevalent: some thought lightning bolts formed diamonds, while other theories asserted that diamonds were the tears of god.” – American Gem Society
Physical, Mystical and Spiritual Properties
The diamond is a symbol of purity. It’s pure white light helps to bring our lives into a cohesive whole. The diamond brings love and clarity into partnerships and bonding relationships. The diamond is a sign of commitment and fidelity – it instills trust into relationships and situations. The diamond is an energy amplifier and a stone that never requires recharging – bringing strength and endurance to all energies and enhances the power of other crystals. It clears emotional and mental pain, reduces fear and brings about new beginnings. It stimulates creativity, imagination and ingenuity bringing clarity to the mind and allowing the soul to shine out.
The diamond purifies and detoxifies the body’s systems and rebalances metabolisms. It can help glaucoma and clear sight and also treat dizziness and vertigo. It’s also known for counteracting poisoning.
Currently: Wallpaper
Although its not necessarily my style, I’ve been smitten with contemporary wallpaper lately and wishing I had a wall in my house to cover (or a 2nd house to experiment in – don’t we all!). It’s a wonderful way to accent a wall (like behind a headboard), brighten up entryways or a kitchen and my favorite, you can always choose a wild print for a half bath or a closet. Wall & Deco has some excellent selections if you want something interesting, but still subtle, or you can go all out with some of their more vivid designs. I’ve pulled a few favorites!
Currently: Inez and Vinoodh
Currently, I’ve been obsessing over the work of Inez and Vinoodh, after catching them on Tea at the Beatrice. The married Dutch photography duo has directed Lady Gaga & Bjork videos, photographed some of the most gorgeous fashion ad campaigns imaginable, taken stunning portraits, videos, and the list goes on – creativity is the end game for this couple – no matter the medium.
“Professionally known as Inez and Vinoodh, they have been darlings of the fashion world for much of their 27-year career, and are now crossing over into the cultural mainstream. The goal, they say, is to become a lifestyle brand.” – New York Times
I have pulled a few images showing a small selection of their range, and this Dior “Secret Garden” video they created is also awesome (below). If you still want more (after watching Tea at the Beatrice & The New York Times), you can read another full article about them in the T Magazine here.
This couple has done everything! You will surely go down a rabbit hole on their website like I did. They even have a book of their work (below) that you can purchase here.
Currently: Depeche Mode
Even though the 90’s are so back, I’ve been diggin’ on some Depeche Mode lately. Probably my favorite 80’s band, if I had to pick. I know, how can you pick, but I did. Who’s yours?
Birthstones: March – Aquamarine
illustration: Paper Bicycle
“The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin wordaqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. Its pale, cool color beautifully complements spring and summer wardrobes. Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the color usually is more intense in larger stones.” – American Gem Society
In honor of the March birthstone, we’re diving into the qualities of the aquamarine stone.
Identification
Color: Iron is the substance which gives aquamarine its color – a color which ranges from an almost indiscernible pale blue to a strong sea-blue. The more intense the color of an aquamarine, the more value is put on it. Some aquamarines have a light, greenish shimmer; that too is a typical feature. A clear blue continues to epitomize the aquamarine, because it brings out the immaculate transparency and shine of this gemstone.
Mohs Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale
History
There are many myths and legends about the aquamarine stone. Romans believed if the figure of a frog was carved on an aquamarine stone, it reconciled enemies and made them friends. Another Roman legend said the stone absorbed the atmosphere of young love: “When blessed and worn, it joins in love, and does great things.”
The Greeks and the Romans knew the aquamarine as the sailor’s gem, ensuring the safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. In Medieval times, the stone was thought to reawaken the love of married couples. It was also believed to render soldiers invincible.
The Sumerians, Egyptians, and Hebrews admired and valued aquamarine greatly as a symbol of happiness and everlasting youth. During the Christian era, the aquamarine was linked with the Apostle, St. Thomas, because it “imitated the sea and the air” and the Saint “made long journeys by sea, even to India, to preach salvation.” Identifying a certain jewel with one of the twelve apostles was a common practice at that time. It was also once thought to be an antidote for poison.
Physical, Mystical and Spiritual Properties
Aquamarine is known as the stone of breathe, the respiratory tract and the lungs. It can heal sinus conditions and frequent coughing. It’s effective for hay fever and other chronic allergies relieving colds and bronchitis.
It’s a cooling stone that counters infections and is useful for laryngitis, strep throat or a sore throat. It harmonizes pituitary and thyroid glands, regulating hormones and growth. It also supports the healing of inflammatory diseases of all kinds and is soothing to eczema, hives, rosacea and psoriasis.
It’s a water element stone that’s powerful for cleansing the emotional body and opening communication. It can keep ego in check before it causes an individual to overreact. This makes the stone perfect for better relationships, love and compassion.
The stone helps to balance excessive anger or fear and clears past emotional, physical or verbal abuse. And, it’s useful for moving through transition or change – helping one to overcome fear of the unknown.
HOME – Spring 2016
I am thrilled to share images of the Spring 2016 lookbook for HOME! I slowly rolled out alternative rectangular versions of our classic home pieces over the past few months and was finally able to photograph them in context and wanted to share them.
These new rectangular versions speak to me in a different way than their organic predecessors. For me they conjure images of Art Deco, architecture, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s stained glass. I think they are a wonderful alternative to freeform nature of the originals and between the two, they speak to the two sides of my brain, always looking to find harmony between organic and geometric. Enjoy!
Shop the entire collection at failjewelry.com
I also have to give a special thanks to Kristen Vasquez for the use of her home! What a lovely space to showcase my pieces.
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