{Etsy Spotlight: Vinender}

Every now and then I see a piece of art that makes me pee my pants a little. Just a little, not enough to be embarrassing. Ahem…Every now and then, I find a piece of art that I can’t live without. Usually, I live without it anyway or try to find some way to make something like it myself, but recently I came across some pieces that are so amazing I can’t hardly stand it. Thankfully, my step-brother-in-law (*whew*), Kevin, makes them, so–Guess what, Kev?–these are all I ever want for every birthday, Christmas, anniversary, Halloween, graduation, or Winter Solstice Ceremony.

Photo by Sassyfras Studios

Kevin and his wife, my step-sister Michelle, live in South Carolina with their beautiful daughter, Numora Mae (isn’t she precious?!). Kevin collects salvageable wood from all over the Carolinas and arranges it into amazing mixed-media art.

The result is striking. From far away, you see a modern silhouette and some seriously amazing color composition. Get closer, and you can see vivid details: little pieces of American history just begging to tell their stories.

My current favorites are his owls, but his stuff is like one of those great albums where every song is your favorite at some point or another.

If you want to see more of Kevin’s work, be sure to check out his store on Etsy. Also, as a little surprise for {My Latest Excuse} readers, enter the promo code “DEANNAHOOKSYOUUP” and get 15% off your purchase! If you live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can see some of his work in-the-flesh at Carlyn & Co. There are also some pieces on display at Daly Designs in Greenville, South Carolina.

Photo by Deb Baynum Stinehart

I certainly hope you enjoy his work as much as I do. I’m already clearing off my walls to make space!

UPDATE: I just learned that Kevin is available for custom pieces. If you would like to commission something, just shoot him an email here.

Unless otherwise specified, all images were used courtesy of Kevin Stinehart.

Let’s Talk Twine

I’ve really been excited about fabric and string and yarn and twine and everything cloth. I even looked into a “Fiber” degree at the local art institute…until I found out that tuition is over $1200 per credit hour. fahgetaboudit. I’ve done some cloth-related projects around the house in recent days and plan to share them later this week, but for the time being, here are some of my favorite “fiber” products:

“Divine Twine” mini-spools via Olive Manna

Sara Lee Parker’s “Morning Glories” fabric print in “Midnight” 

Poetry and Cloth “Peace” screen print on linen

 Olof’s Daughters “Balloon Boy” throw pillow

Olof’s Daughters “2 Black Owls” throw pillow

Scarlet Fig grey and yellow chair fabric

When I look at all of these, I notice that I’m developing an affinity for grey. But rest assured that I’m mixing in a lot of bright colors (mainly yellow, orange and chartreuse)  at home. Do not take this blog post’s seemingly depressing color palette as a call for help. If you had seen my dorm room in college, or even my home just 2 months ago, you would see this more focused design sense as a big step in the right direction! More textile posts to come!

Links:

1. Olive Manna
2. Sara Lee Parker
3. Poetry and Cloth
4. Olof’s Daughers
5. Scarlet Fig