Meet Melvin

Say hello to Melvin the Magical Mixed Media Machine.

Similar to a Rube Goldberg apparatus, Melvin is an intricately designed contraption that is over-engineered with the intent of performing very simple tasks. 

Complex, multifaceted, & inefficient (in the best way possible), this machine was designed flawlessly with the purpose of establishing & promoting its own identity - ironically, through social media.

Melvin's distinctiveness from other machines of his nature is that he interacts with speculators. He does this during live performances & by capturing pictures during his production & uploading them to his own blog, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.

Melvin The Magical Mixed Media Machine from HEYHEYHEY on Vimeo.

My favorite part is the umbrellas. :)

Melvin was constructed by a design studio by the name of HEYHEYHEY.

All photos gathered from Melvin's Site.

Check it out & learn some more about this mind-blowing invention.

Now Playing: "Red Dust" - James Vincent McMorrow

Etsy Vintage, Trinkets, & Pretty Things

 Upcycled wooden beads from Japan.

Chevron yellow embroidered heart  - precious.

Intricate necklace comprised of vintage buttons. I love the colors in this!

Vintage beach sun hat :)

Tiered flounce & bow accent...this blouse is flawless - & handmade!

Revived vintage tye-dye dress

Mid century American Tourister luggage

Amber

1950's Remington Office Riter

1960's Turquoise Matrix glass cocktail ring

There's something romantic about this shabby chic cottage bed.

Find more at:

Etsy

Now Playing: "Lights" (Shook Remix) - Ellie Goulding

The Anthropologist

I am loving Anthropologie's "Color Theory" concept for the summer. The bright and white blends are stunning, especially when combined with bold prints and/or knitted textures.

 

"Cloud Trails"

Light-colored chunky knit sweaters - necessity to all seasons. 

 

 "Fireflies"

Infatuated with this printed maxi skirt. I wish I knew how to make one! 

 

 "Tangerine Sky"

Bold stripes = bold look. 

 

 "Papaya Slice"

Those boots are killer.  

 "Stirred Sangria"

The vibrant scarf & tan leather mini heels make for such a classy, fun look.

Photos from "The Path of the Sun" outfit lookbook by Anthropologie.

Now Playing: "Raphael" - Carla Bruni

Walking On Water

One early June morning, 3 girls hopped into a car & made the scenic drive from Newport Beach to Del Mar, CA. No matter how annoying & overplayed, KISS FM's Top 40 kept us excited - talking, & bonding the whole way. 

Upon our arrival in the beautiful North San Diego County, we journeyed down the infamous 15th street to the nearest beach. At this beach, we were greeted by an excited & charismatic guy named Bryan Jennings. 

Jennings started Walking on Water in 1995. He turned his vision of using his professional surfing expertise & strong faith to reach out to younger generations, into a reality. Jennings longs to share his wealth of knowledge, faith, & experience with younger age groups to motivate them to imagine, dream big, & simply, to believe.

My fellow 31 Bits interns & I had the privilege of meeting the cuties attending Walking on Water's surf camp, along with the welcoming staff members as well. We shared the story of 31 Bits & the Ugandan women with the crowd, & proceeded to answer their questions about the business, movement, designs, & jewelry.

Seeing these enthusiastic, young faces was so refreshing. Everyone at Walking on Water was extremely friendly. It felt awesome to share our movement & engage with the group.

31 Bits interns Karissa & Cassie - Awesome girls!

I've missed you, SD. See ya in the fall. :)

 Walking on Water's little surfers & inspiring staff members!

The girls & I stopped at Board & Brew on 15th Street for lunch. The sandwiches were delicious!

 More on the organization:

"Walking On Water is a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with this generation’s global surfing community. Professional surfer Bryan Jennings started Walking on Water in 1995 with the vision of using his surfing abilities to share his faith with young people. His idea was to hold an overnight surf camp for junior high and high school students where he would not only teach students how to surf, but also focus on sharing his Christian faith. What started as a small camp of ten students has now grown into a worldwide ministry that reaches thousands of people through surf camps and films."

 The latter information is found on Walking on Water's website --- Check it out!

Now Playing: "Color on the Walls" - Foster the People

"Die" - An Installation By Frederick McSwain

Behold: my artistic stimulation for the day.

Prepare to be blown away by this work. 

"DIE" Frederick McSwain Installation Time Lapse from stephen dirkes on Vimeo.

The detail is so unbelievably precise - I can't quite wrap my head around how beautifully crafted this is.

Artist Frederick McSwain created a monumental portrait as a tribute to his fellow artist and friend, Tobias Wong. The portrait is constructed of 13,138 dice – each die represents a day in Wong’s life. 

Etsy Picks

Oh me, oh my. 

It's been a bit, hasn't it blogspot?

I'm making up for my latest absence with some of my favorite Etsy picks!

White Lotus Bowls - Enough said.

Paper Peony Wreath - Adorable.

Scrabble pillows!

Chalk Board State Map - I <3 CA

& Check out that old school fan...

Awesome handmade ceiling lamp.

1980 Vintage Fringe Top - Gorgeous.

Shabby Chic Frames - These are so beautiful! I need them for my room.

In love with this feather print.

French roses & lavender in a Chamomile tea blend -- mmm!

Antique book bundle

This monoprint is unfathomable. I'm in love. 

I could list my Etsy obsessions forever & ever. The list literally goes on...& on.

I owe Blissful Blossoming and it's readers a sincere apology for my recent hiatus. I've been too caught up in watching Hulu episodes of Pretty Little Liars, my latest guilty pleasure,  hehe. Cheers!

All photos from sellers on Esty.

Now Playing: "For Emma" - Bon Iver

Intrinsic Home Pieces

I was so tired after work since I stayed up too late again watching Modern Family.  This led me to a nap, which I woke up from at 9:00 pm.

Best part about this difficulty sleeping: late night Etsy wandering & blogging kick!

 

I love the hues in this set up.  The blue distressed wooden table is my favorite part.

This piece gives kitchen cabinets a run for their money.

 

Everything about this setup screams "timeless." 

 

What an adorable hammock! Looks pretty comfy too.

I love the natural feel of these pieces.  And most of them (to my knowledge) are made from reclaimed wood!  Awesome.

All photos found from various sellers on Etsy.

Now Playing: "Warwick Avenue" - Duffy