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Squirrel Census

2013-05-17T12:00:50Z

My friend John Rich of Oakleaf & Acorn recently sent me a link to check out. As soon as I caught a glimpse of the url - www.squirrelcensus.com, I had a feeling this was gonna be good.

In spring of 2012, a gathering of unpaid staff which included 2 writers, 2 designers, 1 web programmer/artist, 1 postdoctoral research associate, 1 Ph.D. candidate, 1 wildlife fighter and some volunteers, decided to perform a statistical count of the Eastern gray squirrel for the Inman Park neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jamie Allen spearheaded the Squirrel Census- as well as this amazing video that won the team some recognition on Kickstarter. (click on it, it's worth watching)

They decided on a non invasive approach to their census. With a map of Inman Park, (.59 square miles) the team divided up the land into quadrants using alphabetic and numeric coding. The Census takers then counted the number of squirrels they would see in their quadrant, one hectare at a time.

They spent 20-30 minutes in each quadrant during peak squirrel time- which in case you're not as squirrel savvy means mid morning, late afternoon and early evening. In the end, two counts were performed per quadrant over the course of several weeks.

After collecting all their data, Graphic Designer, Nat Slaughter created three prints to detail the team's findings. As they state on their site, this map "notes every squirrel sighting during the Census; breaks the sightings down into squirrel 'constellations'; and offers a total 'squirrel abundance' number."

Of course, numbers would not be reported with 100% accuracy but they were using a well known density estimation equation that dates back to the 50's. That's good enough for me. In fact, them just hanging out at Inman Park with clipboards conducting a squirrel census is good enough for me.

I think my favorite part of their Census, to which there are many, is the comments section. They've created an audio clip of some of the comment highlights which is genius...just scroll down to 'squirrel audio.'

What's a Squirrel Census without squirrel swag? Click here to find the t-shirts and the prints, which would be great framed in just about any room. A conversation starter to be sure...nice work team.

Photos: Squirrel Census Content: Sweet Peach

New Obsession: The Peacock Headboard

2013-05-16T12:00:51Z

Traveling through international airports, one of my favorite things to do is head to the magazine stand. This time I had no luck finding my favorite, Real Living, but I did find about a dozen other Australian based mags to drool over. One fun discovery were these colorful peacock headboards. I want one.

Inspired by a trip to Bali, Australian furniture designer, Katie Graham fell in love with vintage rattan furniture. Soon thereafter, she decided to design rattan headboards herself and open up her own business, The Family Love Tree. It is here, on her site or inside her lovely shop, that you'll find dozens of these lovely accent pieces in all colors of the rainbow.

Here in the South, your best bet is to search Craigslist, Ebay, estate and yard sales for vintage options, then bring your special find home to update with a coat of fresh paint. With a little patience, you may find exactly what you're looking for...

Katie's headboards (or bed heads) are made of 100% rattan and manufactured in West Java by skilled craftsmen. Rattan is an excellent material choice, not only for its cool, bohemian style but the use of the palm plant treads lightly on the environment, as its hundreds of palm species grow year round in Africa, Asia and Australasia.

Photos: Derek Swalell; The Family Love Tree; designscript.net; smallshopstudio.com; Oh Joy; Content: Sweet Peach

Worley's Lighting

2013-05-15T12:00:52Z

Ever since I stumbled upon Worley's Lighting shop based in Charlotte, NC, I've been a fan. Artist, Shelli Worley creates some creative and illuminating table lamps that I have a feeling you'll want for your own bedroom or office.

Shelli is a fan of the edison bulb and many of her creations are built around this well designed light source. She offers the pedestal lamp in dark walnut, oak and gray.

I love her glass hurricane lamps (pendant or table option), which in most design shops would cost in the hundreds. Shelli sells them for under $70.

I like her small modern desk lamps which come in four colors, including a bright cherry red. These would look great in just about any room and as Shelli shares, "they make a great night light." Add a dimmer here.

What would a Southern blog be like if I didn't mention mason jars at least once a week? Shelli offers these mason lights in both the pendant and desk lamp option and with either a vintage clear glass or blue glass.

Every time I check Shelli's site, she has something new and fun on there, like this chalkboard lamp or these tree branch candle holders. The candles are great for a rustic setting or your everyday porch party as they have a warm tone to them. Once lit, they will make your space super cozy and inviting. See tall and small options here.

Photos: Worley's Lighting Content: Sweet Peach

Weckery

2013-05-14T12:00:46Z

Today is a happy Tuesday as I arrived back in the States about one day ago from my trip overseas. Being away for almost two months takes a toll...but I'm happy to reunite with family and friends and return to life in the South. I've been passing out my gifts, some of them handcrafted - which reminds me of how handmade pottery, no matter where you find it, is a one of a kind gift idea that is as decorative as it is functional. Keeping this in mind, Weckery, a shop based in Fayetteville, West Virginia, is certainly worth checking out...

Married couple, Emily and Brad Weckesser combine their talents to create these pretty pieces. Brad brings woodworking and potter skills to the table while Emily adds her talent in painting, color and design.

They've chosen a speckled white color scheme for this collection, which I really love, but Emily and Brad are more than happy to customize the glaze, or even add personalized words or phrases of your choice.

At the Weckery shop, you'll find beautifully hand thrown, hand glazed and handcrafted mugs, vases, pitchers and serving sets that complement many home styles. So next time you're searching for that perfect gift idea, it's a good shop to have in your back pocket...

Photos: Weckery Content: Sweet Peach

Beardition

2013-05-13T12:00:16Z

During my time overseas working on a tv gig, many of the crew guys grew beards or mustaches- just because it's fun and mixes things up a bit. It's just too bad they didn't have any product, as some of them could of used it.

Beardition, a small company based in Nashville, would of been the perfect crew gift. The company founder, Mark Williams took a month to hike the Appalachian Trail last year and soon realized the need for a quality facial hair product as his growing scruff took on a life of its own. Back home in Tennessee, he teamed up with his designer friend, Kristin Schleihs to co-found the company and help make Beardition a reality.

They've done a great job designing and marketing Beardition. It's for manly men who still care about good grooming.

Beardition products are made from 100% natural products including organic aloe leaf extract, vitamin E, coconut oil, green tea ...with essences of cucumber and mint or bamboo. You can also use the Beard Shampoo and Conditioner atop your head too- so it's practical. I know most men like the sound of that...

Find the complete set of Beardition products here. And happy grooming...

Photos: Beardition Content: Sweet Peach

Not your average Pool House...

2013-05-10T12:00:52Z

I'm more than ready for summer to be here so I find happiness in pictures like this. This Story Pool House in Center Point, Texas was created by the talented guys at Lake Flato Architects.

They descibe this pool house as "a simple, open air pavillion that serves as a sunrise to sunset living room."

Texas limestone, steel and wood make up this perfect little summer respite. It's made better with a full sized kitchen, bath and dining area.

Lake Flato is a talented group of 26 registered architects headed by David Lake and Ted Flato. Based in San Antonio, Texas, they collaborate on all their projects, whether residential or commercial, and care deeply about sustainability. Check out their site to peruse more of their inspiring creations...

My seven weeks overseas are finally coming to an end as I start my travels back to the South tomorrow. Just four flights and 15 hours of layovers later, I'll finally be back in the comfort of my own home in the wee hours of Monday morning...can't wait. And I look forward to sharing a bit of the trip soon. Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Photos: Brent Humphreys Content: Sweet Peach

Tees and such...

2013-05-09T12:00:20Z

Based in Miami, Florida the creators of 50eggs are a diverse and talented group. They delve into the services of marketing, brand development, social media, environmental design, interior design, website design and public relations to name a few. And oh yeah, they make cool t-shirts and prints too.

These southern tees are for the little ones, offered in sizes from 6 months to 4 years.

They offer adult options too, with all the tees made with super soft cotton and put through an extensive vintage wash process.

As the 50eggs group owns and operates the popular Yardbird Southern Table + Bar in Miami Beach and the Swine Southern Table + Bar in Coral Gables, they naturally offer cool culinary inspired swag.

Learn more about their restaurants and services here, and click here for the 50eggs swag shop.

Photos: 50 Eggs Content: Sweet Peach

Checking In at Working Class Studio...

2013-05-08T12:00:31Z

From time to time, I like to check in to see what's going on at Working Class Studio in Savannah, Georgia. Working Class showcases the best home decor products made by SCAD students, alumni and faculty and plays a large role in getting many of them sold in retail stores nationwide.

My favorite category of theirs are the vases. (Remember the balloon vase?) The Irene Collection, above, is handcrafted by alumnus Irene McCollam. Each modern style vase is made of a porcelain/stoneware blend with a pretty pop of color inside. The Nani Collection is a wall mounted bud vase, (offered in a single or a triple) and designed by alumnus, Nani Cabada. Made of birch plywood and zebrawood, these vases are quite beautiful and look great amongst a collection of art both new and old.

I'm always a fan of pretty pillows and SCAD student, Cassie Hart adds a playful, vibrant style to her flora and fauna collection.

Recent SCAD student, Tucker Waugh, who studied furniture design, came up with this crafty acrylic table lamp. Available in a black or white base, it comes with interchangeable walnut veneer and white acrylic drum shades so you can change the look when desired.

Photos:Working Class Studio Content: Sweet Peach

Brooks Barrow

2013-05-07T12:00:44Z

Brooks Barrow is now an Alabama guy. Having recently relocated to Montgomery from Winsconsin, Brooks brings with him an immense artistic talent as a stonemason and some special glacial stones dating back to the ice age.

With a rich texture and smooth, durable nature, these black basalt glacial stones are perfect for carving. Brooks describes the black basalt as "a dense, hard stone similar to granite but with a more uniform grain." He offers these tealight candle holders in black granite or white marble as well.

These pretty tealight candle holders are made of Dolomitic Limestone found in the Winsconsin base bedrock.

I've been loving the look of concrete planters lately so I was happy to see Brooks dive into the mix with these hand carved stone planters, made from reclaimed, natural Indiana limestone. Left to weather the elements outside, these pots will take on a rich and pretty patina as the years go on...

These glacial bowls have been "patiently polished to a satin eggshell finish while preserving the natural form."

Such gorgeous stones transformed into the loveliest home decor. Peruse Brooks entire site here.

Photos: Brooks Barrow Content: Sweet Peach

New York to Nashville

2013-05-06T12:00:38Z

Danielle Romero of Nashville has a passion for collecting vintage fabric, as well as crafting by hand. In her shop, New York to Nashville, (she's a Northern girl who now lives in the South) you'll find all number of pocket squares she makes from reclaimed fabric. This one may be my favorite- a vintage herringbone chambray.

Since all of her fabrics are of reclaimed vintage stock, Danielle usually has enough material to craft just 4 sets, ensuring a unique product for your pocket.

Check out Danielle's entire shop here, which includes cufflinks, suspenders and hats.

Photos: New York to Nashville Content: Sweet Peach