Step Up

I was asked by a local non-profit to create an adorned shoe that they could use at their upcoming luncheon, themed "Step Up" - as in step up (increase) your annual contribution. I was thrilled to participate! My understanding is that these shoes, created by local artists, will be used as centerpieces and then auctioned off. So, here is my creation. What do you think?

Culturally Inspired Design

Patterns and Paper

If you don't already know, I have launched a new etsy store called Rescued Paper where I sell journals that I hand-cover in old paper - maps, book pages, altered dictionary pages. I am having a great time doing this. I have always loved maps and dictionaries, both of which are increasingly obsolete due to our smart phones, computers and GPS devices. And while GPS can get you where you are going rather efficiently, there is nothing like studying a map, imagining places and seeing the bigger picture. So I am happy to give old maps one more go 'round with these journals.

I am working on another type of Rescued Paper product using the insides of security envelopes. You know them, the envelopes that have patterns printed on the inside so the contents isn't visible through the envelope. So I started saving them, thinking there must be something that I can come up with to recycle these babies. And while I work on that, I became smitten with the patterns. Have you ever really looked at them? It turns out there are so many different patterns. And they are so interesting. I don't know the history of this (but if I find it out I will certainly share) but I can't stop being fascinated with the variety and complexity of these hidden treasures. So I thought I'd share a few with you. And stay tuned to see what I do with them!

New from Judith Altman Designs :: Rescued Paper ::

Click Here!!!

A Study in Texture :: Bark, Moss and Lichen

Today's inspiration was in the back yard. I am just taken with these surface textures and colors on the bark of trees. Nature never disappoints!

From Emily in Ethiopia

As many of you know, my daughter Emily spent some time recently in Ethiopia working for the Center for Creative Leadership. While with CCL she worked on leadership development programs with NGOs and wrote some blog posts. Here are some of her travel photos from Addis Ababa and Lalibella. And yes, I am a proud Mama.

Emily Altman

Street scene

Church carved in stone in Lalibella

View over Lalibella

Emily and friends

Priest showing crosses in Lalibella

Hut

Emily bargaining in the market

Emily and more friends

Gorgeous ceiling

The Colors of Turkey

I continue to be inspired by my recent trip to Turkey.  I already shared pictures of the amazing tiles, but this time I am sharing the colors - it is such a vivid place with many palettes.  While Istanbul is vivid and energizing, I also spent some time in Cappadoccia, in the eastern Anatolian region.  Here the palette is subtle, sandy and accented with blue skies. 
Enjoy the colors of Turkey!

At the Spice Market in Istanbul 

Fresh pomegranite juice on the street in Istanbul 

Vegetable dyed yarns destined to be woven into beautiful Turkish rugs

Old pots in the entry of a modern day pottery in an ancient cave in Cappadoccia  

Ancient caves in Cappadoccia

Cappadoccia, in the Anatolia area in the east of Turkey, has the most unusual landscapes

New Earrings

Lots of earrings online from the newest collection... 22k gold over sterling silver.  Click {here} to shop and adorn yourself for summer with some real beauties!

Travelog: San Francisco, Atlanta, DC

I love to travel but the first few months of this year left me cherishing a night in my own bed.  Starting with the huge International Gem Show in Tucson, followed by some time in San Francisco, Atlanta, and DC.  And then all of that followed with a trip to Istanbul and Cappadocia, Turkey.  Stay tuned for a full set of photos from Turkey.  Meanwhile, here are some images from my time in the various US cities I visited, taken on my wanderings. 

The gorgeous rotunda at the Neiman Marcus building in the 

old City of Paris building in San Francisco

 Inside the Eastern Market in DC, the oldest enclosed

market in the US

 A notice board on the Emory University campus in Atlanta

 A classic facade in Old Alexandria, VA

 Lobby at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta

 Lobby of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in SF

 Only in San Francisco - Panhandler who takes credit cards

 Should this little car have to pay the same for parking as the big ones?

 Love the architecture in our Nation's Capitol

Near the old neighborhood in San Francisco

  

This was our old neighborhood in San Francisco.  

I always loved this little sign on all the corners...

Turkish Tile

The last month or so has been jammed full of travel for me.  Tucson, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington DC and most recently,Turkey.  I promise a travelog post soon, but in the meantime I had to share photos of these beautiful Iznik tiles from Istanbul.  From the Blue Mosque to Topkapi Palace these intricate tiles adorned the interior spaces of many buildings.  I was mesmerized by their patterns and colors.