Squirrel Census

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

Tees and such...

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

Loose Petal Prints

I love the vintage feel of these city prints, created by artist, Karen Young. In her Etsy shop, Loose Petals, you'll find dozens of Southern cities illustrated to reflect their various moods and vibrations.   

Karen cares about good paper as all her illustrations are printed on heavy cream textured stock that is 100% recycled with post consumer waste. As stated on her site, "Tiny flecks and grains are embedded in this retro stock once used by Hallmark greeting cards in the 50's." 

These prints bring warmth and individuality to a space, plus they have the added benefit of being a good conversation piece. See all of Karen's work here. 

John Rich's Holiday Picks for Men ... (Includes a special discount!)

John Rich is a cool cat. He is the best curator of men's goods I know so I was thrilled when he said yes to our 2nd annual John Rich Holiday Picks. (2011's list) John recently closed his shop in Braselton, Georgia and has moved all his USA made goods into two rooms inside his home. His doors are open by appointment, which I recommend... but he also has a revamped website with all of his favorites. The gift selections here are available via his website, unless indicated otherwise. Let's get started...

Whenever I see a nice tie on a guy, I compliment him because it's a rare occurance. One way to avoid bad-tie-syndrome is to buy a Hitsman tie. ($75) Hitsman is based in Oklahoma and offers classicly stylish neckwear and leather goods. 

These limited edition bowties John had made by Sally Peek of Columbia, SC. The fabrics used are from old Civil War reenactment materials and retail for $65.  

A couple of my friends are currently producing Duck Dynasty on A&E, making duck calling all the more fashionable. John was quick to appreciate the handiwork of his fellow Braselton resident, Brett Akins, who crafted these game calls with exotic woods such as zebra, purple heart and black wood. ($60)

Every man loves a good knife and John has plenty to choose from on his site. One of his favorite craftsman is Marvin Poole from Commerce, Georgia. These above beauties are handcrafted fillet knives with a 5.75 inch blade. The handles are made with camel bone (right) and buffalo horn (left) with rifle checkering. ($175)

A good hat will last a guy a long time. John recommends Strong Brand, (He's wearing one in his photo). As stated on the Strong site, these hats are good for "boozing, sailing the open seas and shooting guns." ($15/$25) This handsome set of wood grain holders were designed and made by Amy McClure of Decatur, GA. (They come with green or orange accents on the inside or bottom of each piece. $24-$32)  

At first glance, it's hard not to fall in love with this Outlaw Franky wool blanket. The entire thing is hand loomed and made with a gorgeous vintage style plaid in natural, red and blue. ($398)  With the purchase of this blanket, John will also throw in this stylish leather holder, handcrafted by Shaun Garcia in Spartanburg, SC. 

I'm a big fan of the luscious Beekman 1802 goat milk soaps. Last Christmas, I featured their Year in the Country set which is always an amazing gift. 

Every man needs a good bar of soap all to himself and the fabulous Beekman boys now offer many handcrafted, hand wrapped options, including Winter, Honey, Bug Repellant and After the Sun. ($12-$14) 

I think every guy's office or bedside table needs a good candle. Himalayan Trading Post, based in Decatur, Georgia, creates incredible smelling scents, packaged in replica spice tins. These tins have an antiqued distressed finish with hardwood lids. Scents featured are Bourbon Vanilla and Campfire. ($18)

I love seeing artwork that stands apart and feels unique to that artist. Stephen Skurnick is just that guy. He offers hand drawn prints based off of his original pieces. And what I really like is they all arrive framed. These 8 x 10 and 10 x 13 inch works are an easy way to add manly style to a guy's office or bachelor pad. ($50)

Just ask my nephew Cameron, who I am always trying to dress up, I absolutely love man scarves. Farm Tactics makes this beauty, with a deep blue on one side and manly stripes on the other. John (and I) highly recommend... ($45) 

When I think of Christmas day, I think of music playing all day long. Two albums John really loves this season are Affairs of Plain Living by Brother Hawk, based in Atlanta. This is great guitar driven Southern rock. The other is bluegrass tunes from the album, In the Mud by Split Lip Rayfield of Wichita, Kansas. Enjoy! 

Hope this list inspired you a bit for the Holiday season. See all of John's fabulous USA MADE finds here (which, in the Southern way, all have a good story behind them). A BIG thank you to John and happy shopping....

Photos and Content: Sweet Peach. Additional soap pics by Beekman 1802

What's New?

I like to check in to see what's happening with some of my favorite artists that I've already featured on Sweet Peach. Many times they've added just one or two new items to their shop so I thought the best way to showcase some of their latest creations is by putting together my recent favorites in one blog post. 

Clarke Titus of Rough South Home in Atlanta has done well with his amazing pallet chairs. His latest creation is now availabe with colorful steel legs, which add strength as well as a more modern, stylized look. 

From top left: Fox & Brie Woodland Gingham bow tie ($45); Whipping Post vintage messenger bag ($265); Whipping Post guitar pick bifold wallet ($37); Twelve South BookBook for the new iPhone 5. ($59)

From top left: Aqua serving tray by Jeanette Zeis ($62); Alabama Chanin organic tote bag ($20); Pony & Poppy set of three tea towels ($44); Colette Bream owl pillows ($84); Visuaria retro print ($17); Bla Bla cloth dolls ($34).

I've seen the Sideshow Sign Co. in the press lately and I really love all the new items Luke Stockdale handcrafts for his shop, including this incredible state sign for Tennessee and cherry red exclamation mark. Old Try creates some of my favorite artwork of the South so I was happy to see these incredible new prints for Louisiana and Mississippi. Hope you liked the roundup of latest finds. Perhaps one would make the perfect xmas gift...

Photos: Respective shops  Content: Sweet Peach 

Election Day

Time to vote and be happy that all the campaign madness is over. It's an important day in our history and one that makes me think of our nation's capital. Washington DC is such a wonderful city, steeped in history and significance, not to mention, great design. Amy C. Nelson handcrafted this lovely print.

From top left, Lisa Barbero, Joey and Jude, Evivart, Bugsy and Sprite, Iluxo. Make your voice heard today...go vote! 

Content: Sweet Peach

Spoiled Royal Studio

I'm liking simple and bold art these days...and lots of color. Which is an easy way to sum up why I like today's featured artist, Jessica DuBrava of Spoiled Royal Studio. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jessica is a lifelong crafter with a passion for the graphic arts. As she shares, "I get excited about different textures, shapes, patterns and even the feel of certain types of paper." 

Jessica offers her charming Love Song Birds in any color combo you desire... 

The Ladies and Gentlemen print would be a fun addition to a bathroom (and customized to your own color scheme) while these Floral Peony prints are a happy reminder of the autumn days ahead. There are just so many to choose from...

Good Night...so sweet for a kid's room. See the hundreds of prints Jessica offers here- all of which are very well priced (@ $15) and stylishly cool for the room of your choice. They'd work great for dorm rooms or that spot in your home that needs a little sunshine...

Photos: Spoiled Royal Studio   Content: Sweet Peach

Rebecca Rebouche

Rebecca Rebouche has a lot to be happy about. From the small bayou town of Franklin, Louisiana and current resident of New Orleans, this talented young artist has created quite the stir with her contemporary folk art, finding success and acclaim in all the right places. 

Her acrylic and mixed media paintings are part dream, part mother nature. As she shared recently, "I'm always using the natural world as my echo. There's always an element of magic or transcendence that you can never actually achieve in the real world with a photograph." 

Rebecca scored big when she struck a deal in October, 2010 with Anthropologie, a lifestyle retail chain that sells unique and beautiful women's apparel and home furnishings. You'll find bedding, dishware, prints and wallpaper, all derived from her playful and pretty artwork that speaks well to her Southern roots. 

Rebecca, "I have created my sensibility and style of artmaking out of a love for crafty, sugary, folk, organic, honest, whimsical objects and settings. I am often exploring a metaphor for something that is essentially human and vulnerable." 

Through all her success, Rebecca finds balance at her home in New Orleans. It is there where she creates and paints in her studio just north of the city. It's where urban life subsides and the wilds of the deep South begins, revealing to her and all those who visit, its colors and textures, its rawness and grace. 

As if an Anthropologie collaboration wasn't incredible enough, Rebecca recently graced the cover of Garden & Gun magazine as one of their 15 Southern visionaries who are helping to shape the worlds of art, style and design. A wonderful accomplishment, and well deserved. 

To learn more of Rebecca's work, visit her corner store showroom in New Orleans or click here to peruse her Etsy shop. 

Photos: Rebecca Rebouche, Amy Dickerson, Garden & Gun, Anthropologie    Content: Sweet Peach

Roll and Tumble Press

Christie and Caleb of Little Rock, Arkansas are true artists at heart. With a shared love for design, music, antiquing and letterpress, they have combined their talents into their lovely print shop, Roll and Tumble Press. 

I think my favorite works of theirs are these wonderful big, bold letters. As they share, "These letterpress prints have been printed using large, rare and very old wood type that was used to print vintage circus posters in the 1940's and 50's." I really like how they display them with simple pieces of masking tape. It works. 

The great thing too is these letters are printed on thick paper which is sturdy enough to lean against the wall...or not, your choice. Find the fun and quirky Kissing Booth print here. 

Christie and Caleb's work exudes an obvious passion for their craft. As they share, "We print using traditional letterpress methods, all hand set type and wood blocks from our own illustrations. Each print is hand cranked, one at a time through vintage presses." 

Peruse their shop today if you have a little time. They have dozens of vintage inspired prints to choose from...

Photos: Roll and Tumble   Content: Sweet Peach

Gus and Lola

A good print is hard to find. That's why I was so happy to stumble upon Britt and her Etsy shop, Gus and Lola based in Atlanta, Georgia. She designs these happy-inducing, brightly colored prints. As she states, "This shop is a small expression of my love for design and all things pretty." 

These are really sweet together, don't you think? Sized 11 x 14 each, these You Are My Sunshine prints would make a great addition to a bedroom or hallway or kitchen or porch- wherever the color sheme works best...

I'm partial to the Live Simply print. It's a good reminder to slow down, to breathe, to always appreciate what I do have instead of focusing on what I don't. You Are My Greatest Adventure is an ode to the two babies Britt recently adopted from Ethiopia. Too sweet, thanks for sharing your lovely work with us Britt. See more of it here.