Studioi

2010-10-31T00:59:00.001-07:00

Chicago

2010-04-30T01:01:00.001-07:00

Barra Grande Guesthouse online!

Designed, development and photography, Ide Claessen Studioi

And here he finally is! The brand new Barra Grande Guesthouse website.
I was so fortunate to design it locally under the Brazilian sun!

Barra Grande Guesthouse is Located at "THE" kitesurf-paradise-bay in northern Brazil (Piaui). ThE place to go for kite surf addicts!

Also check them out on Facebook!

2010-04-27T08:51:00.001-07:00

It's been a while

Ide @ Barra Grande Guesthouse, Piaui, Brazil

I know it's been a while, but new updates on projects and travels are coming soon!

2010-01-10T09:25:00.001-08:00

Wilde beast migration Serengeti

By Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

2010-01-10T09:22:00.001-08:00

Masai Mara

By Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

2010-01-10T09:20:00.001-08:00

The Big 5

By Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

2010-01-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

Jumping Masai @ Ngorongoro

By Ide Claessen - studioi.blogspot.com, Masai land Tanzania

2010-01-09T05:33:00.000-08:00

Banana selling

2010-01-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

Hippo loving

2010-01-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

Who's rubbing themselves at Lake Manyara :)

By Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

Lake Manyara is a shallow freshwater lake in Tanzania. Said by Ernest Hemingway[1] to be the "loveliest [lake] ... in Africa," it is also the home of a diverse set of landscapes and wildlife.

Tuns of elephants and a gorgeous Hippo "pool".

Flickr here:

Lake Manyara pics

2009-12-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

Tarangiri National Park

Next stop while heading towards Serengeti in Tanzania was Tarangiri National Park close to Arusha. It's a small less known and appreciated park, but herds of up to 300 elephants scratch the dry river bed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons. It's the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem - a smorgasbord for predators – and the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed.

flickr here:

to Tarangiri picture set

2009-12-27T08:52:00.001-08:00

Beautiful and colorful Zanzibar people

For the ones that didn't know yet, my buddy Filip and I made again a December trip to beautiful Africa.
This time destination was Zanzibar and Tanzania.
First stop was the Idyllic little island Zanzibar, semi-autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania, in East Africa. Known for its spices, raffia and not to forget honeymoon tourism (but grooms, be careful not to loose your bride on one of these Masai escort boys:))

We mainly enjoyed their white sandy beaches and beautiful/colorful people and their Hakuna Matata mentality.

2009-12-27T02:17:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays from the white teeth-ed kids!

By Filip Weymans, Lake Manyara, Northern Tanzania

2009-12-27T01:39:00.000-08:00

Here they come!!!

By Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

I know it's been a while but here finally some new posts.
Gradually I'll be uploading the pictures from our trip to Zanzibar and Tanzania.
Here's already a sneak preview on the Zanzibar images...

Enjoy!

flickr here: Zanzibar December 2009 - a set on Flickr

2009-11-16T05:31:00.001-08:00

Billy Elliot at Victoria Palace

Any body traveling to London one of these days should really go and check out the Musical Billy Elliot, now running at the Victoria Palace.
Just stunning!
Based on the smash hit film, Billy Elliot the Musical is an inspirational story of one boy’s dream to realise his ambitions against the odds. Set in the North East of England against the background of the historic 1984/85 miners' strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid disapproval of his struggling family.
The award-winning creative team behind the film, writer Lee Hall, director Stephen Daldry and choreographer Peter Darling are joined by the incomparable Sir Elton John to create a musical that is immensely entertaining.

2009-11-13T05:31:00.001-08:00

Wee Birdy: secret London

Traveling to London this weekend and while looking for some cool tips, I ran into this great Wee Birdy blog giving tips on secret spots in London.
A striking project during the summer were these London’s gang of graffiti knitters and their rather splendid handiwork.

Armed with (knitting) needles and (crochet) hooks, Knit the City’s Yarn Corps are a posse of purlers whose sole aim is to “reknit your neighbourhood”.
Check out the extraordinarily beautiful results when a telephone box gets a rather woolly makeover. Hope they're still around while I'm there...

2009-11-13T04:59:00.001-08:00

Gideon exhibiting again...

My Brother is exhibiting again on December 3th at VVB 82 Gallery in Berchem, Antwerp, Belgium.
Everybody is welcome from 8pm! See you there!

2009-10-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

The kidos

ltr and cw Otis, Lion king Otis, Luca and Ella

The kidos last weekend and...
Otis and me had some fun in the jungle ;)

2009-10-18T03:26:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Sushi

Every time I eat or see Shushi, I'm always stunned how beautiful it looks.
This set we had a while ago at my place... hmmm

2009-10-13T01:46:00.000-07:00

From the old box

pictures by Ide Claessen, Studioi

Just by coincidence I found (on a lost SD memory card) a bunch of colorful leftover pictures I made 3 years ago during a trip to Morocco. Pictures are made in Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki and Marrakesh.

2009-10-13T01:13:00.001-07:00

Gokarna

Beautiful picture made by Mirjam Bleeker at one of my favorite places, Gokarna West India.
Check out Mirjam's website, her Photography, sense for color and aesthetics is just amazing.

Bleeker's work has appeared in numerous publications - particularly in national and international food- travel- and interior magazines.
Because of her curiosity and open minded style, she is able to establish a real connection with the subjects of her work. In this way, she is able to see the true character of the people and the cultures she photographs ... capturing their lifestyles and folklore, as well as their interiors.
Inspired by extensive travels, Mirjam has an evolving vision on life, work and how the two interact. Because so many of her productions are made on her own initiative, she has the creative freedom to bring her concepts and inspiration to reality.

2009-10-06T02:57:00.001-07:00

Gideon Kiefer exhibiting

My brother is exhibiting again, this time at 'Antiquariaat Settembrini' in Leiden, The Netherlands.

When?
October 10th till November 14th
Every Saturday and Sunday

Where?
Pieterskerk-choorsteeg 17
Leiden

2009-10-06T02:42:00.001-07:00

Sheep

Wanna hold sheep? But don't have the space or time?

These Life-sized Sheep sculptures could add a touch of rural whimsy to
your most urban interior or exterior. Specify in natural, white, or black. This
amazing sculpture is available in four sizes.

Designer: Jason Phillips (United States)

2009-10-06T02:36:00.001-07:00

Rainy fall day :)

Ok, I guess here we go :) Fall is in the air...

2009-09-29T05:38:00.000-07:00

Hemisphere Brussels

For all world cuisine lovers visiting Brussels, Hemisphere is the place to go! Just across from the Royal Munt Theatre right at the city center you find this souk like decorated restaurant offering nothing fancy but just great oriental food (Tangines, couscous, curries,..). Very much like Antwerp's Zurenborger counterpart El Warda.

Good choice Albert :)!

2009-09-28T06:07:00.001-07:00

The Handfabriek

Here they go again, I've mentioned them already before in previous posts. Quote "... De Handfabriek' or in English 'The hand factory' stands for handmade things, made by a collective of young women designing and making mainly kids cloths and accessories.
They're pretty well known in Antwerp and surroundings..."

This weekend they're organizing again a seasonal sale:

When?
Saturday October 3th from 20u00 Sunday October 4th and Monday October 5th from 11u00 till 17u00 Location?
Pipo Mandarine
Korte Altaarstraat 24
Contact?
info@handfabriek.be

2009-09-16T02:50:00.001-07:00

Having fun in Middelkerke ;)

Top pic ltr. Ella, Sofie, Ide, Otis, Ief, Bottom pic ltr. Olav, Ide, Sofie

2009-09-15T06:28:00.001-07:00

Ief in Illustration now!

The latest volume of Taschen’s Illustration Now! (Volume 3) is released this month, and guess what?
My brother is in it on page 100!

Go to their website, click right on ‘leaf through’ to get an inside preview and start scrolling!

Illustration now presents a dazzling selection of groundbreaking work by 150 of the world's most exciting illustrators. A fascinating mix of established master draftsmen and neophytes, working in a vast range of techniques, Illustration Now! Vol. 3 features illustrators from 30 countries, including information about their career paths, and lists of selected exhibitions. Also included is an introduction by specialist Steven Heller on current trends in the field. This book is perfect for graphic artists, creative professionals and illustration students, as well as anyone with an appreciation for draftsmanship and visual language.

2009-09-11T09:51:00.001-07:00

Sample sale at Flint Agenturen!

designed by Ide Claessen, Studioi

For all women looking for affordable boards/street wear for their kids?
A good friend of mine, head distributor for Protest kids clothing in Holland, is having a sample sale at the end of this month!

When?
DONDERDAG 24 sept. 15.00 TOT 20.00 UUR 
VRIJDAG 25 sept. 9.30 TOT 18.00 UUR

kids winter 2009 collectie maten 128 -152

Where?
FLINT AGENTUREN
 LAAN VAN WAALHAVEN 15
3 2497 GK DEN HAAG YPENBURG 
070 4156601 
WWW.FLINTAGENTUREN.NL

Cash only:)!

2009-09-07T06:09:00.001-07:00

My home town

You don't see that every day! Doesn't she (well, for me it's a she) look great! (pictures taken by my dad in my hometown Neerpelt last weekend).
This rubber duck(ie) is designed by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, and was maliciously damaged while traveling through Limburg a couple of weeks ago.
Luckily they managed to fix her and now she’s floating again through various Limburg villages.
The duck is part of contemporary art project from the Hasselt art center Z33

2009-09-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Lombardia

Where to go when you wanna eat legendary healthy food in Antwerp?

Go to Lombardia for a lunch with appetizing organic sandwiches, delicious ginger tea and smoothies.
They are a trendsetter in vegetarian food, ideal for breakfast or lunch.
What you get here is the future of food.
We enjoyed it a lot!

Lombardvest 78
2000 Antwerp, Belgium

2009-09-01T07:23:00.001-07:00

And again...

'What a life!', that's what Rinse said to me last weekend, 'It's always sunny and it's always...windy!' And he is right.
I know I have to stop posting about this, but what a summer it has been!
And who knows, autumn can still be great too...;-)

2009-08-28T05:26:00.001-07:00

Otis and his dad's boat

Neerpelt, my parent's place

How cool and uncomplicated can a kid’s life be? Sunshine, a little pool, a pirate boat that used to belong to his dad when he was little…

2009-08-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Angela Adams

Everybody that knows me a bit right now will not be surprised that I love the work of Angela Adams. Patterns and colors that's what her work is about.

Angela adams is a casual modern luxury brand representing an optimistic view of the world spoken through a language of color + pattern. Angela adams designs are known for their sense of timelessness, simplicity and balance and are inspired by the natural beauty of Maine.

2009-08-25T06:13:00.001-07:00

Kite course racing Woody Cookies

A good friend of mine, Bram Hoogendijk, one of Europe's pioneers in kite course racing and currently top 10 in the world cup is also a board shaper known for his ultra light jewels to ride the waves. He shapes twin tips, directionals and race boards.
What you see above is a set of his latest race boards and directionals. And the top picture are the guys in action during a course race. Very impressive to watch!

Just the happy few get the chance to buy a board from him.
For years now I ride a Red Cookie, twin tip, and for me it's still the best board ever!

2009-08-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

Made in Belgium and ecologic

A small and portable piece of hardwood flooring on rubber, which because of its iconic shape is immediately associated with a rug. It has been created to help domesticate industrial spaces or areas with basic flooring. It can be easily rolled up to transport.

Designer: Leon Ransmeier (United States)
Manufacturer: Vlaemsch() (Belgium)
Material: Beech and cork
Colours: Natural
Dimension: 75.5 x 150 cm

2009-08-17T09:48:00.001-07:00

Le Manege Carre Senart

Just in front of Antwerp Central Station you find the wonderful Manège Carré Sénart.
It's installed there for the occasion of 'De Zomer van Antwerpen' and it's a monumental work of art adapted to the Ville Nouvelle de Sénart François Delarozière has done his utmost to find how to square a circle to imagine the Manège Carré Sénart.
With 18-meter-long sides, an over-300-m_ area, the highest point around 14 meters and a 40-ton weight, the extraordinary machine can take 49 persons on board on every ride. If this carrousel is complete while moving, it is so monumental that it is already an attraction. Its moving elements – that are all unique and custom-built – evoke an imaginary and singular menagerie of Sénart: 3 giant buffalos, 4 climbing insects, 10 insects on rail, 3 fish heads and some other poetic and dreamy jokes…

Adults and children can act directly on the elements by activating some parts. Setting in motion the carrousel both mechanically and manually creates by itself an entertainment for the passers-by.

2009-08-17T09:13:00.001-07:00

Wind, sea, sun and high temperatures!

studioi.blogspot.com

It doesn’t happen that often here at the North Sea, but this Saturday we had it all!
Wind, sea, sun and temperatures above 25 C.
The beaches were a bit crowded (I pulled by accident a woman’s wig with my kite lines, honestly not my fault), but complaining would be out of place :-).

2009-08-14T00:27:00.001-07:00

My bro illustrating in Humo

By Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

This week my brother is on the cover of Belgium's most popular magazine 'Humo'.
What the 'Rolling Stone' is for the US is HUMO for Belgium, so this is quite an achievement!
Don't get confused, he's working here under the name 'Gideon Kiefer'.

2009-08-14T00:24:00.001-07:00

Just me...

2009-08-13T05:18:00.000-07:00

The complete YIS photo album!

by Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

To view the complete album Yoga in Salento Album click on this link.

For the geaks... I published the album on issuu.com . Issuu makes your publications look good and it turns your documents into beautiful online publications. Publish to an audience of millions and get your message across to anyone, anywhere. It only takes a minute and it's free.

2009-08-12T12:36:00.001-07:00

La nipotina

by Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

2009-08-12T12:32:00.001-07:00

Horse riding with Sergio

2009-08-12T12:27:00.001-07:00

Crowded Italian beaches :-)

Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

2009-08-12T12:24:00.001-07:00

Georgous Otranto costline

2009-08-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Le Campine eco masseria

Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

2009-08-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

And more...

by Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

2009-08-12T11:58:00.001-07:00

Tina at work!

by Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

2009-08-12T11:53:00.001-07:00

Maria doing a Tolasana

by Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

Maria Korzendorfer, daughter of the famous Ashtanga Yoga teacher Louise Ellis, performing one of the finishing poses, Tolasana.

2009-08-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Yoga in Salento

by Ide Claessen, studioi.blogspot.com

I know some of you have been waiting for these ones, so here we go!

For all Ashtanga yoga practitioners looking for a wonderful yoga retreat and practice 'Le Campine in Zolino' (Salento region in Italy’s heel) is the place to be!!
Le Campine and YIS (Yoga in Salento) is an Eco Masseria located on 10 acres of land immersed in the area’s natural beauty.
This charming ancient location, 100% solar powered, is a relaxing getaway.
Nearby you can find the beautiful crystal clear beaches of Otranto on the Adriatic and Gallipoli on the Ionian side.

The Masseria is runned by to great and fascinating personalities Frizzi and differently sane ;-) Marc-Andre, who will help you getting around in any way they can.

The workshop I did was one guided by Tina Pizzimenti.
She is one of Europe's Ashtanga yoga pioneers and teaches in Rome the traditional system of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as it was taught in Mysore by Sri Pattabhi Jois.

2009-07-19T04:24:00.000-07:00

Currently traveling to Salento

No more posts in the next weeks, I'm currently traveling to the Salento region Italy.

2009-07-17T10:17:00.001-07:00

Cool and the gang

ltr. Lukas, Otis, Ide, Joos

2009-07-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

e4diztujb4

2009-07-14T10:43:00.001-07:00

Walk on water

As 'personal assistance' of my best friend’s kid, the two of us, Manu and me went to the recordings of a new Ketnet show (De pretroulette) where he (Manu) had a key role to perfom a ‘walk-on-water’ act.

And guess what? He did it!
Very cool tric with water and cornflour. Great time, huh Manu!

Link to all the images

2009-07-09T11:25:00.001-07:00

Beautiful blog header

barihochwald.blog.com

2009-07-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Karin Eriksson

Beautiful ceramics from Karen Eriksson!

Educated at the University of Uppsala and Stockholm in Sweden and at Central Saint Martins University of Art and Design in London, UK. Worked at Tullbergs advertising agency in Stockholm, set up as Karin Eriksson in London December 2000. Has since done design work for habitat, several collections for Karin Eriksson, private commissions and participated in exhibitions and trade fairs in the UK, US and Sweden.

2009-07-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Eco friendly cards

Two Trick Pony is committed to green design. They work hard to reduce our environmental hoofprint by screen printing all of our paper goods by hand using water-based inks on 100% post consumer recycled paper.

They are constantly striving towards better, cleaner and greener practices, so fcontact them with any information, advice, or concerns. And please—recycle or reuse their cards if you receive one!

2009-07-08T06:51:00.001-07:00

Hey Karen DIY!

For my friend Karen, this may be some inspiration for your handmade animal wallpaper!
Check out this website JHill Design.

JHILL DESIGN = JENNIFER HILL

“I’ve always been a doodler and a day dreamer. Drawing in the margins of my notebooks…” Plenty of doodling was done while attending the Massachusetts College of Art, where Jennifer graduated from with a BFA in design in 2001.

From there Jennifer went on to work for the acclaimed beauty company, Fresh. She developed her sense of color and pattern while perfecting the aesthetics of “clean” design. She was able to expand on her doodling and develop patterns for the company’s packaging and collateral.

2009-06-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

Bella Ella

2009-06-30T05:23:00.001-07:00

Crazy Yogis at AntwerpYoga!

Workshop with Rusty Wells at AntwerpYoga...

2009-06-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

Ida and Pingala Yoga Antwerp

Opportunity with two of the most inspiring Ashtanga yoga teachers around. If you've been practicing for a while, they'll undoubtedly shed new light on your understanding of yoga. If you're new to the practice, their warmheartedness and knowledge will guide you through those first breaths.

Schedule:
Friday night, june 26th - (7-9:00pm): yoga fundamentals and philosophy
Saturday morning, june 27th- (9am-12:00pm): half primary series, and breath work
Saturday afternoon, june 27th- (2-4:00pm): philosophy and Q&A
Sunday morning, june 28th -(9-12:00am): full primary series with modifications and Q&A

2009-06-25T08:57:00.001-07:00

The sand castle...

Sneak preview...
Two pages from a children 's book my brother has been working on for quite some time now. It's called 'The Sand castle with the Nine Gates'. It will be published soon by Clavis. Written by Leo Bormans.

2009-06-22T12:31:00.001-07:00

Okavango illustration

I made this Illustration for a friend on a picture I took at the Okanvango Delta, Northern Namibia.
I drew the birds in Illustrator and fine tuned everything in Photoshop.

Illustration made by Ide Claessen, Studioi

2009-06-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Mailing

This is a mailing I designed today for our research project at the university of Ghent.

Designed by Ide Claessen, Studioi

2009-06-14T11:52:00.001-07:00

Great Tits!

Well, I thought the cabin in my garden was abandoned, but I was wrong!
Few days ago little Great Tits (funny name) where born!
This is what they look like.

And no, I can hear you think, I didn't open the cabin to check on them, I wouldn't dare, this picture I found online because I was so curious what they would look like.
For now I can only enjoy the sound of their tweeting.

2009-06-02T13:00:00.001-07:00

Candy eggs?

I was so happy when I found out that I had birds in the little cabin hanging in my garden.
I'm afraid that it's abandoned now, but the parents left the beautiful candy like eggs behind.

2009-05-29T02:32:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday Joosje!

Today it‘s Joosje’s 6th Birthday. His mum (Karen) made him a beautiful ‘rupsje nooitgenoeg’ birthday cake.
Some of us may remember this hungry caterpillar from the good old days.
I think she did a great job!

2009-05-28T03:59:00.001-07:00

Wedding invitation

Design by Ide Claessen, Studioi, styling wedding invitation

2009-05-27T06:32:00.001-07:00

Carafino

A little angel was watching over me last weekend, because I met one of the Carafino guys at the BK course racing for kite boarding. We were chit chatting a bit and I mentioned (with no intention at all) I would like to have a race board myself, to practice course racing.
Just out of the blue he told me I could have one of his boards! I was completely surprised but he was serious about it. Well Richard Thompson, I can’t thank you enough!
Apparently he gave me the board that was used by Steph Bridges to win her world title.

It’s a very simple board (left on the pict.), no overwhelming design, just naked as it is.
Don’t know what is it but I just love the shapes of simple beautiful surf boards.

Carafino itself represents the most sophisticated hydrofoil kite board & PKRA course racing board program there is in the world today.
Committed to redefining kiteboarding innovations. Carafino delivers the 2009 Professional Competition Series Hydrofoil and Course Racing Boards. A kite boarding combination for extreme light wind conditions with a new board and sophisticated hydrofoil which connects the Carafino rider to the passion of kiteboarding.

2009-05-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

Chinese Peony

One of my favourite flowers at this moment are the Chinese Peonies.
This time of the year you can find them easily in flowershops. They just look so luxuriant!
This set is showing off on my garden table.

Paeonia lactiflora, also Chinese Peony (芍 or 白芍 in Chinese; pinyin: sháo or bái sháo; bái meaning "white"), and common garden peony is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Paeoniaceae, native to central and eastern Asia from eastern Tibet across northern China to eastern Siberia.

2009-05-26T04:53:00.001-07:00

Free spirit spheres

I guess these are the coolest tree houses you can find! And to stay in one of them is affordable, but you would have to travel to Vancover Island to spend a night in one of these spheres.

Free Spirit Spheres is set among the tall trees of the west coast rainforest of Vancouver Island, Canada. Built on vision and engineering these handcrafted spheres are suspended like pendants from a web of rope. They occupy a truly unique place in the world while providing a habitat for the un-tamed spirit that exists in us all.

If it suits your un-tamed spirit you may wish to purchase a sphere or components to build your own. Uses for these spheres are limited only by ones imagination. Healing, meditation, photography, canopy research, leisure and game watching are just some of the things you can do.

Spheres, Eve and Eryn, are available for overnight rental. Go experience an enchanted coastal rain forest.... your comfortable, gently swaying, restful sphere awaits.

2009-05-25T02:38:00.001-07:00

BK Course Racing

This weekend, the first Open Belgian Course Racing championships for kite boarders were organized by VVW Knokke-Heist (North sea).
This discipline is very new in kite surfing/boarding and the principle is basically the same as in 'course wind surfing', meaning, going as fast as you can in two laps around 3 buoys (a couple of heats during the day and this 3 days long).
Too bad I’m not officially member of any water sports organization; otherwise I could have been the first female Belgian champion in this discipline. That would have been a great story to tell when you’re old and gray ☺.
Anyway, my buddies from Holland did really well and outranked the competition by far.
Congrats to Rolf, Katja and Bram. You guys rocked!

Click here for more pics!

2009-05-25T01:40:00.001-07:00

The 'Handfabriek'

'De Handfabriek' or in English 'The hand factory' stands for handmade things, made by a collective of young women designing and making mainly kids cloths and accessories.
They're pretty well known in Antwerp and surroundings and on Sunday June 7th they're having again a seasonal sale:

Host: de Handfabriek
Sunday, June 7
11:00am - 6:00pm
Where: 't Werkhuys, Zegelstraat 13 Borgerhout, Belgium

2009-05-20T02:52:00.001-07:00

OhJoy studio

With a major in Communications Design and a minor in Printmaking and Fibers from Syracuse University's School of Visual & Performing Arts, founder Joy Deangdeelert Cho has always loved the mix of refined designs, handmade influences, texture, pattern, and color.
After working with numerous fashion clients at a boutique advertising agency in New York,
Joy transitioned into home accessories and textile design at Cynthia Rowley designing home accessories for the Swell line at Target.
In 2006, Oh Joy! Studio was launched. The studio takes on a variety of clients in the fields of home accessories, surface pattern, identities & branding, packaging, and custom invitations.

2009-05-20T01:44:00.001-07:00

Live DVD Novastar

To support a good friend, here is some publicity for his new live DVD (Novastar) available from today.
The live DVD is recorded in Antwerp Belgium, Tilburg and Amsterdam Holland.

2009-05-19T11:40:00.001-07:00

My new place

2009-05-19T11:27:00.001-07:00

Paschimottanasana C

This yoga pose is good for lower back pains. Don't look down, but towards your toes.
It's a very good stretch for your lower back and it extends your hamstrings. Make sure you're warmed up before you perform this simple but deep pose.

2009-05-14T02:25:00.001-07:00

Jonas en Manu

My best friend's kids, Jonas and Manu, are fanatic skaters en here are some beautiful shots while they're in full action!

2009-05-12T01:45:00.000-07:00

Brompton folding bicycle

I finally did it! I bought my first Brompton folding bike. A second hand one though, but still, it's a beginning. I was testing for a while this cheap folding bike and it really convinced me that I can save time and money with a folding bike. Plus it's the ideal city bike in many ways.
And off course I should not forget to mention the environmental aspect.
You see them more and more in Belgium, Holland and the UK and I think the rest of the world should follow.

This blog post is part of Zemanta's "Blogging For a Cause" campaign to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes that bloggers care about.

2009-05-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

Kikkerland magnet birds

Since I was moving around a lot the last 2 years, some of my stuff was packed and stored for months. Some things I didn't even see for almost 2 years.
So at the moment, it feels like I have only new things in my house. Something very cool I found while I was unpacking were these magnet birds from Kikkerland.
I bought them in the US at Anthropologie and they represent common US birds. Even my favorite one, the red Cardinal bird, is included.

2009-05-09T03:01:00.000-07:00

The city where I work

The city where I currently work, Ghent was a couple of months ago rated 3rd most authentic city in the world by National Geographic Traveler.
It was a huge surprise! It described the city as “a wonderful mix of a living city ans vibrant past. Much more real than lovely Bruges, that lies just up the road. The local people cherish the character of this medieval city, yet there is not a mono-economy of tourism”.
And I think we must all agree on that.
Ghent only got passed by the Warchau region in Austria and the Rideau channel region in Ontario Canada, but it left prestigious destinations like Lyon, York, Dublin, Cape Town, Istanbul… behind.
I work right around the corner of these buildings, but unfortunately one tends to forget to look at them.

2009-05-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

yumiyumi

Ones in a while a get lost on etsy.com and I am amazed everytime about the wonderful artwork and handmade things you can find on this site.
Like this from yumiyumi. Behind yumiyumi you will find the illustrator Aline from Brazil, living currently in Ohio USA.
She loves working with penandink, watercolor, pencil, acrylic, oil, canvas, wood, enamel, fabric.

2009-05-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

The sand castle and the nine gates

My brother is illustrating his second kid story book.
This is the final illustration for 'The Sand Castle and the Nine Gates' (Het Zandkasteel met de Negen Poorten), by Leo Bormans, published by Clavis.
It's gonna be beautiful!

2009-05-05T05:07:00.001-07:00

Bloembollenvelden in Holland

If you go this time of the year to South Holland, the area between The Hague and Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, you will find magnificent pallet landscapes of all kind of tulip fields.
Very Dutch and very beautiful. All together, with great cycling trails they have all around this country, it 's a great formula for day trips. This year was already the third time I went and cycled around, and again, it was very uplifting!

2009-05-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Charlie Winston

Best song at this moment is without a doubt 'like a hobo' from Charlie Winston. Well in my opinion :-)
He's like like the a poppy version of John Hiatt.

Charlie Winston is a British singer-songwriter, and the brother of Tom Baxter. Born in Cornwall in 1978, he grew up in Bungay, Suffolk where his parents ( Jeff and Julie Gleave) owned the King's Head Hotel.His band are possibly most notable for their cover of the Spencer Davis Group's song I'm a Man, which appeared on a television advertisement for Volkswagen that was later banned.

2009-05-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

May sessions

Too bad I forgot some of my equipment in Belgium, but lots of people where able to enjoy a sunny spring session in Holland. All the best too my buddies competing next week at 'Grand Prix Petit Navire' in Douarnenez (France), speed and race kiting.

2009-05-04T00:42:00.000-07:00

D-Barcode

A fresh look at the design of barcodes by Japanese firm D-Barcode. Creating subtle branding opportunities and injecting fun into a practical device. Very nice!

2009-05-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

Komomedia

I just love these CSS based websites! And here is another beautiful one.
Myself, I missed the CSS train a bit and got stuck on flash years ago. But every now and then I think I should start and catch up.

Komodo Media is a tiny web design studio and blog created, inspired by and maintained by Rogie King. He's specialize in illustration, identity design, jQuery, JavaSchript and is somewhat of a CSS/xHTML freak. He's pretty good with databases, PHP and Flash, but his heart loves and lives in the design and front-end scripting world.

2009-04-29T02:35:00.000-07:00

The ecofont

This is very simple en very cool!
Did you know that the prints we make for our 'daily use' not only use paper, but also ink? Off course you do... but according to spranq creative communications (Utrecht, The Netherlands) your ink cartridges (or toner) could last longer.

Spranq has therefore developed a new font: the Ecofont.

"After Dutch holey cheese, there now is a Dutch font with holes as well."

Appealing ideas are often simple: how much of a letter can be removed while maintaining readability? After extensive testing with all kinds of shapes, the best results were achieved using small circles. After lots of late hours (and coffee) this resulted in a font that uses up to 20% less ink. Free to download, free to use.

2009-04-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

Sutra neti

As I explained below, I was enchanted by the Anthony Prems workshop and his sometimes funny ways of telling stories. Don’t get me wrong, this guy is not all about jokes, on the contrary, during class he’s strict and straightforward.
What came up during the workshop were these funny experiences he had in the 70s when their group of Yogi fanatics went to India for the first time.
They all were very open-minded, and into discovering new things. They tried out different methods and ways to get internally cleaned.
A well accepted method nowadays is the neti-pot, that naturally cleanses, refreshes, and protects the nasal passages and is sold in reform and bio shops all over the world.
Well a similar method they where using in India was the Sutra Neti or in understandable English terms: nasal flossing.
The way he explained the story was so hilarious that it keeps on popping into my mind.
On his website there is this picture that shows what he was talking about. You can imagine the laughs they had! For all of them the same floss was used!
Anyway, don’t try this at home ☺

2009-04-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Anthony Prem at AntwerpYoga

Last weekend I was lucky to follow an Ashtanga Yoga workshop at Antwerp Yoga with Anthony Prem Carlisi and Heather Duplex. And it was a wonderful experience!

Down to earth, straightforward and a lot of humor involved. With lots of understandable info on Ashtanaga yoga, the Mysore method, Ayurveda and Tantra,...
Prem is considered one of the oldest practitioners of the method, along with the likes of David Williams, Norman Allen, David Swenson, Nancy Gilgoff and Tim Miller. In the past thirty years, Prem has spent four of them studying and traveling all over India. In February of 2005, Prem was officially Certified by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, as a senior Ashtanga Teacher. This title enables him to teach the Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A series and the Pranayama sequence of Ashtanga yoga. (Certification is different from Authorization; Authorized teachers are only allowed to teach the Primary series). As a certified teacher, Prem has the ability to communicate and pass on all aspects of the Ashtanga method to the next generation of yogis, with Guruji's blessing.
After this current world tour he's intended to travel less and base himself in Hawaii and Bali. If you ever get the chance as a yogi to follow a workshop with him you really should.

2009-04-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam

Last weekend, me and a friend met in Amsterdam to get inspired and brainstorm on some styling ideas for a new creative plan we have. I can't share any details yet (more will follow in the next months), but here are already some pictures of Amsterdam and its always delightful atmosphere.

2009-04-21T02:50:00.000-07:00

Karl Vanderelst

Another good friend of mine is designer/illustrator/visualizer Karl Vanderelst who just recently updated his site. He's based in Antwerp and has more than 10 years commercial experience working for different clients, magazines and advertising agencies.

2009-04-21T02:26:00.000-07:00

Invitation exposition and opening Undercover Bookstore

Friday April 24th
Grand opening bookshop Undercover
&
Exposition Gideon Kiefer
Starting at 6 in the PM
Ketelpoort 3
9000 Gent

Everybody's invited!

My bro and a friend are organizing this event. Unfortunately no website is available yet but more information will follow soon.

2009-04-20T01:23:00.001-07:00

Rituals Honey Touch

For the ones that don't know this. Every Yoga class ends with a relaxation pose which is called Savasana in Sanskriet. During my last Vinyasa class (I love Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga)a t AntwerpYoga my teacher suddenly surprised me by starting to softly massage my neck with this delicious cream called Honey Touch from Rituals. I was so overwhelmed by the wonderful smell , I have to share this on my blog.
Check out the Rituals website and shop and try it for yourself.
Rituals is the first brand in the world to combine Home & Body cosmetics. Inspiring products for the care of your body and home.
All the Rituals products are natural, renewable, and preferably contain organic ingredients, however - For what nature can’t provide - they use state-of-the-art technology and research.
Rituals is against animal testing and does not conduct or commission animal testing on any of its products or ingredients within its products. Enjoy!

2009-04-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ella and me in the Antwerp Zoo

2009-04-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sleeping beauty

After cycling a bit through town on a beautiful spring day I ran into this shop where they sell these amazing eco beds.

In 1996, COCO-MAT was the first mattress manufacturer in Europe to obtain the ISO 9001 certification. The protection of the environment is very important to COCO-MAT shown by the exclusive use of natural materials and the avoidance of chemical or toxic materials.
Nowadays they sell more then just mattresses. They also have a collection of top-mattresses – pillows, furniture and they carry an extensive bed linen range.

2009-04-16T11:22:00.001-07:00

Beautiful dunes

With a couple of friends we went cycling in the dune area north of The Hague last week.
The area is just amazing and some pieces make you feel like you're outer space.
Great tip for the sporty ones among us... cyclers, runners, walkers, if you're in the area, go there!
And you will not be alone. Fjordhorses and galloways may keep you company :-)

2009-04-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

Back in the hood

After living abroad and living like a modern day nomad, I finally found a wonderful base in my old neighborhood.

Zurenborg is the name of a district, consisting of a few streets in the Antwerp suburb of Berchem. The district is situated near the railway station of Berchem.
What you can see here is absolutely unique in Belgium, or perhaps in Europe. An incredible mixture of architectural styles unfolds itself before the eyes of the visitor. Nowhere else can such a panoply of neo-styles be admired (or ridiculed, according to some). The district is not really very large, so the best way to visit it is by taking a stroll through the different streets. In Belgium the district is also sometimes referred to as the 'COGELS-OSY lei.', which is the name of its main street. The multitude of architectural styles and decorations is breathtaking. In the last years lots of cozy bars and restaurants have made this area even more attractive for locals and tourists.

Anybody that wants to couchsurf my place and this area, feel free to contact me!

2009-04-09T00:42:00.000-07:00

Darshan Zenith

For surfer geeks, check out the wonderful Darshan Zenith (Chicago born but moved to Santa Monica, California when he was four) canvas paintings of Cruiser Art. A while ago, I saw a print of one of his paintings in small cafe while I was living in Chicago and I fell in love with them.
Cruiser Art is the proud creation of two long-time friends, Maui artist Darshan Zenith and Maui businessman Steve Rummel. Together they have created and perfected a unique art form that combines the best of automotive art, surfing art and Hawaiian art. Although some customers focus on only one aspect of the art (such as the make of the car), fans agree that Cruiser Art is definitely greater than the sum of the individual subject areas it portrays.
Few know life on the beach, surfing and the ever present Cruiser parked at water's edge better than Darshan. No one presents it more authentically.