b4 it was cool

Gadi Gilan Presented by ACL x Cole, Rood & Haan Co. from Michael Williams on Vimeo.

Generally, I cringe when I hear people talk about living in a certain part of L.A. , S.F. {insert city here} 'before it was cool'. {pretentious much?} But, all is forgiven here, at Gadi Gilan's vintage American industrial lighting shop, 'B4 it was cool' on Houston street in NYC. His stock had me viewing this video over and over, pausing often, to soak in the fantastic-ness of it all. He has some great vintage stools, chairs and educational models as well.

i heart skinflint

Rare 2 arm wall mounted machinists work light with original paintwork and vitreous enamelled shade by "Mek Elek.

Green and white enamelled factory lights by "Coolicon." Vitreous enamelled spun steel with original company label and vents to permit uplighting. Circa early 1930.

Opaline pendants, salvaged from school buildings in the midlands, UK. Circa 1950.

Polished brass and glass naval bulkheads by Pauluhn, Houston, Texas. Salvaged from US cargo ships in India. Circa 1950.

This is a moment when I would gladly have accepted 'gifts' in exchange for a post {and, yes, I would have let you all know that I'm a 'sell out'} Unfortunately I was not so lucky. So I'm just posting these because they thrill me.

skinflint design

shades of light give away

This week I'm happy to announce, not just a discount to BB8 readers but an actual GIVE away.

FREE stuff.

One of my favorite resources for well designed easy-on-the-pocket lighting, Shades of Light, has offered to give this amazing 6 light, Simply White Architectural Chandelier (a $359.00 value), to one of the creative and brilliant readers who so kindly visits this blog.

Simply, leave a comment everyday, pumping up my ego by telling me I look 10 years younger or 10 pounds skinnier on this post, including the words, GIMME A LIGHT, by Thursday, April 23, 2009 5pm PST.

This prize is available to residents of the lower 48 United States {sorry Sarah Palin}. There’s only one entry per e-mail address allowed. One winner will be selected using random.org and announced later in the week. light and love, good luck and all that......

I swoon

Please tell me you know of Christopher Spitzmiller and his incredible hand made, ceramic lamp collection?

I know, some of you just gave me a big weary sigh and a shake of the head. but whether you are well versed in his stunning work or are new to it all, you must jump over to the NY social diary's house post featuring him, his home and the studio where all the magic happens.

But first a few teasers:

um.I don't mean to sound like a 10 year old talking about Kevin Jonas, but really, what's not to love.

I'm trying so hard not to be that blogger who steals other blogger's stories, but the images of his home {and there are more} are beautiful. nysocialdiary


and then, by god, the man lets us peak into his closet. and guess what, he is human.

but for me, after the interior shots, this is where the story gets great. The post gives you a tour of his studio, interviews him about the process, why the lamps cost so damn much, and the creators behind the process.

I believe Spitzmiller to be one of the great designers/artists of our time. His work 'cost so damn much' because what he creates is fine art. And relatively speaking, it's worth every damn penny.

thank you ny social diary for the use of these fabulous images.

light in shining armor

Not long ago, my friend Patricia of Mrs.Blandings, did a great posting on updating one's outdoor area with symmetrical, iron design elements. One of her finds was this great light fixture from shades of light:

I had once bookmarked it or tagged it, and had since forgotten all about it. But now that I have the ubiquitous 'Imperial Trellis' wallpaper living in my home {settle down. I know it's everywhere... and I still like it } a renewed interest got the best of me.

I have to hop in here and tell anyone that's spotted the painting on the ceiling, I DID NOT stencil my ceiling. It was done by the previous owner. Everytime I attempt to edit it out of the photo, it just looks funkier. So there it is. In all of its unmitigated glory. Look at it and wonder, as i have, "wtf?"

Bonus: the price was great for a quick fix. I have no issues with painting a room or hanging a few rolls of wallpaper, but having recently stuck my finger in a light bulb socket~ a weird and painful experience~ I don't mess with the electricity.

I left the job to Nick, who did a great job and I should apologize right here for muttering under my breath to Patricia, that his handyman prowess is limited to putting up Christmas trees. He has been exonerated.