Soundmachines – Electronic mixing based on optical patterns
Soundmachines,’ created by berlin-based studio the Product for Volkswagen, translates the process of DJ-ing electronic music into a physical device, using optical recognition towards the live mixing of sound via cut-out and colored discs. Three units, which look like retro record players, translate concentric visual patterns into control signals for processing in any music software. Each disc holds three tracks and can be synced to a sequencer. It’s a facinating combination of beautiful design and some serious vibes.

SoundMachine

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Just add glitter.
When in doubt… just add glitter. Life has it’s ups and downs. Bad days sneak up on us when we least expect it (or maybe sometimes we even will them to happen). Instead of being held back by those downer days, add a little sparkle to make it all better. You know what I mean… Hug someone unexpectedly. Eat a scoop of ice cream for breakfast. Play “Monday Monday” by the Mammas & Papas really loud in your car (admit it, you know the words). Just a little something to make the ends of your mouth turn up. Smile friend, it’s going to be a great day!

Glitter_BB6

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Princess party paper plate bunting is a big hit on Pinterest, I thought I’d add another fun idea from that same party, master-minded by my wildly talented aunt. So many clever ideas from the birthday party she threw for her 5 year old grand baby, it’s hard to choose (I may just add more later, you’ll have to come back to see </blatent tease>). For today, your princess party tidbit is the banner she made to welcome the mini princesses to the party and celebrate Erin’s birthday.

PrincessPartyBanner

What you’ll need:

  • Heavy twine, string or pretty ribbon
  • Scrapbook paper in the pattern and/or color of your choice
  • Scotch tape
  • Double-sided tape
  • 3.5″ or 4″ paper doilies
  • 3″- 3.5″ Die cut letters for your message
  • White glue and an inexpensive paint brush
  • Paper plate
  • Silver glitter
  • Tulle to match your scrapbook paper

Choose your twine, string or ribbon. How much you need depends on how long your message is. If you do the same as in the photo, you’ll need about 7 years for each line (28-30 yards), which will also allow you some extra for tying / connecting the ends.

Next, cut out the pennants from your paper of choice. I created a PennantBannerTemplate, or you can select your own size. You’ll need double the amount of letters – meaning, for “H-A-P-P-Y,” you’ll need 10 pennants. Turn the pennants wrong side down on a flat surface, match the bottoms and tape them together. They will fold in half and loop over the twine to hang. Use a small piece of double-sided tape on the tips to stick them together into one piece one I have them in order on the twine. Use a small piece of double-sided tape to glue a doily to the front of each pennant.

Place a die cut letter on a paper plate. Paint it with white glue, then sprinkle glitter on the letter. Set it aside to dry. Once dried, use glue or more double-sided tape to stick each letter on a doily for your message.

Last step, once your pennants are on your twine and taped closed at each tip, tie a 6-8″ piece of tulle between each letter. Tack, hang or tie your pennants up, and viola … an adorable prince party welcome banner!

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I’m inspired, and I’ve decided.
Every room needs one interest piece. Something to start the conversation. Something that stands out and makes you LOOK.

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A knickknack or crazy accent piece or bold shot of color. How about a neon sign? Or maybe an animal head? Or, a crazy printed sectional?

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Something unexpected in each room where you think, “Surprise! What the heck is THAT?!” An unconventional accoutrement that makes for a whoa moment. (C’mon, admit it. You totally said “whoa!” when you saw the monkey lamp.

MonkeyLampCB2

UnexpectedBits

Uh huh, that’s what every room in our house needs. Done. I’m on a mission. Stay tuned …

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Take flight.
Most everyone I know has dreams of flying. They speak of it with a sparkle in their eye and would choose it above any other wish to be granted in real life. The ability to soar above the earth and see things from above… To feel the wind in your hair and experience the freedom of a weightless being. Sounds glorious! I, however, have never dreamt of flying. I’ve tried to talk myself into it before closing my eyes – attempting to will my dreamstate into obeying. Sadly, I’ve never been rewarded with the joy of free flying. I guess I can’t be too disappointed. Truth is, I don’t actually know what I’m missing. So for now, I’ll live vicariously through the dreams of others, and continue my wish-quest to take flight.

Birds_BB4

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