In case you were wondering if I am one of those DIY, crafty, home decorated for the holidays type of people, the answer is no. However, through the power of Pinterest, I sometimes convince myself that I could be. These paper star garlands by Toast are the perfect starting point for someone as DIY-challenged as myself. They look thoughtful and handmade, but arrive complete and ready to hang. Just my kind of project!
For more of our daily inspirations visit our Pinterest page.
Based in San Francisco, Danny Hess shapes surfboards from sustainably harvested wood. He is also one of the founders of Woodshop, a studio and showroom he started with three friends in 2009. This image is from a great profile on Danny originally published in Afar.
For more of our inspirations visit our Pinterest page.
* Photography by Erin Kunkle for Afar Magazine.
If you’ve ever considered getting into the film business, or any self-financed creative endeavor, I highly recommend American Movie. This documentary is an honest, funny and sometimes heartbreaking portrayal of independent filmmaker Mark Borchardt’s attempt to fulfill his dreams. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Mark started making films at the age of fourteen when he purchased a super-8 camera at a garage sale. After serving three years in the military, he returned to the Midwest to attend film school at a local university. He spent the next three years attempting to write, shoot and edit his independent film, “Northwestern.” The process was documented by filmmakers Chris Smith and Sarah Price and their resulting film, American Movie, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.
Ultimately a story of friendship, family and the power of perseverance, American Movie is truly inspiration for the creative entrepreneur.
I am looking forward to sharing recommendations of films that I find inspiring and entertaining. Released in 2003, Swimming Pool makes the top of my favorite movies list. Starring the always amazing Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier, Swimming Pool is filled with mystery, melancholy, and gratuitous nudity. Thus, even though it is mostly in English, it has the typical characteristics of a moody French film. The intentionally ambiguous conclusion sparked much confusion and controversy with audiences, but it is one of those endings that keep this movie on your mind. Highly recommended with a bottle of red and a rainy day.
This image is from the cover of The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh. An exploration of the human spirit set in the Sundarbans, I am buying this book based on this gorgeous cover image. For more of our daily inspirations visit our Pinterest page.