Things I love #2 Berlin Finds

I have decided to rename this series, so now instead of looking for inspiration, you'l find things I love. These are some of the things I loved and that caught my attention while in Berlin:

• Wall displays
• Beautiful paper stores like Luiban
• Typography in the underground
• words on walls
• hand lettering for menus or daily specials
• paper cut outs on windows
• photo booths everywhere
• street art

I seem to be drawn to the same things, over and over. It doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing, it is different versions of the same thing. I think I need to get out of my comfort zone. Maybe next time?

*If you're looking for something crafty and easy to do this weekend (and an excellent way to use all that washi-tape you have), please take a look at my contributing post on Craftsy, and if you can, tell me what you think?


Have a most crafty weekend,
Giova

Volksfaden - Fabric store in Berlin

Once again I'm really happy to have Judith here with us. This time it is from Berlin, where she found a cool fabric store. I can't wait to go back because if this store ends being as great as her Muskhane find then the wait until then, will be worth while. 

Hello One Bunting Away readers! I'm so happy to share one future favorite Berlin hotspot of Giova with you today. While Giova and I met each other in Berlin earlier this year, we didn't visit this store together. Nope, I was accompanied by two other blogger friends, Elodie and Trixi for a little tour through the Schöneberg neighborhood in Berlin. This is a charming residential neighborhood with pretty boutiques, large green streets and an overall nice vibe. And it's also where you'll find Volksfaden. Everything about this store made me think of Giova. Of course it started with the fabric buntings outside.

And inside it is patterned fabric heaven! Lots of colorful fabrics, buttons, patterns, ribbons, and sewing magazines. Elodie told me that Linda, the owner of Volksfaden, started with an online store for beautiful fabrics and decided to open a brick and mortar store along the way. Of course you can still buy her selection of wonderful fabrics online.

So if you, like Giova, love fabrics and are in Berlin anytime soon, you shouldn't miss this store! I'm sure you'll love it!

Volksfaden /// Crellestraße 17 /// 10827 Berlin /// +49 30 72297057 /// Nearest U-bahn : U7 Kleistpark /// open tue-fri 10-18 sat 10-16

Have a great Monday!
Judith.

Bye Berlin!

Its amazing how hard it is to get used to something but somehow after getting used to these new things, new routines, basically your new life for a month and a half then its hard letting go of those new things once again.
My time in Berlin has come and gone now and the moment I started packing and emptying (my) apt I started thinking that you never know when you'll be back to this life you had here. The conclusion was that those moments and routines only belonged to this moment. I'll miss everything about this city, it really was lovely belonging there if only for a short moment made even shorter by the flying time. Here are a few of the things I'll miss dearly...

I used to walk every morning past the most adorable bear in Kollnischer Park on my way to the studio. I'll miss my friends that just graduated, the pieces I worked on while being here...and the Alex, since it played an important role in letting me know where I was just by looking for it in the horizon.
Another summer coming to an end...leaving only and always sweetness in my memory.
Thank you Berlin!

Giannina.

Underground

As you all know, I’m in Berlin! So while I’m taking classes and getting inspired by everything that I encounter daily (and nightly) one of the most amazing things is the underground. It’s called the U-Bahn and not only does it take you everywhere but it is always on time, its reliable and super clean! Of course this is all coming from a person that lives in New York where lets face it, the subway is quite dirty and almost always unreliable (I still love it though, don’t get me wrong).  But apart from all that, what is most amazing is the design of every single station!!! The best fonts, the most beautiful tiles and colors, incredible designs and really great lighting!

Alfred Grenander, a Swedish architect, designed most of the stations; Rainer G. Rümmler designed the newer stations. These are a few of my favorites…

I'll stay in the look out because I know there is a ton more stations I haven't gone to or passed through. And of course if you're ever in Berlin, take the time to admire each and every station, I'm sure you'll like them all!!!

Until next time,

Giannina.

Here in Berlin!

I'm here! Berlin: I really hope you're as great as they say...I'm a bit sad about leaving my nephews behind after hanging out for a long while, hearing the little one say the numbers and the alphabet and my name as many times as possible during the day, seeing how my older nephew grows up everyday and is going way deep into teenager/rebellion years, being with my sister all day long...its just hard getting used to "a new life." I'm in my new apartment now (rented through airbnb) which is exactly as the pictures promised!
And of all the days to arrive here, I got in the day Germany was playing against Italy. Lucky for me Azzurri won, yayyyy!!!! But since I'm in Deutschland, I had to celebrate in silence each time they scored (woohoo!!!) Anyway, I'm excited for the weeks to come and the amazing things I know Berlin has to teach me!!! The weather seems to be on my side!

this is how I feel

but I know I'll break through in Berlin!

Can you think of any "must see, must do" here in Berlin? What are your plans, besides watching the UEFA final, for the weekend?
Have a lovely and hopeful one!

Giannina.

Tool Box

In an earlier post, I mentioned briefly that I was leaving Brooklyn for the summer. I never explained the reason and that it is not only about it being a summer vacation. I’m actually headed to Berlin for a month and a half to study. I’m doing my masters and jumped at the opportunity to do this term abroad. One of the great things about the program is that it is only 6 intensive weeks for 3 summers and then I would have achieved what is needed to have an MA (Master of art)!!!

Imagine having to pack all of my studio in a small box...!!?! I know I don’t have to remind you it is one of the most important things in my bag and I’m very sure you know I had to leave (sadly…I really have a hard time leaving things behind) a lot of things I wish I brought with me!

Here's a sneak peek at my sketch books! (only because of my sister's insistence and curiosity)

Nonetheless, I’m super excited about Berlin! The many things I’ll get to create there…and the wonderful art stores, and paper stores that will probably add another tool box to my already heavy luggage.
Since I've been doing a little traveling to exciting places...make sure to stay tuned for future posts!

Happy Monday!
Giannina.

Berlin

As you know I was in Berlin for a blogging conference. It was my first time, and because of the conference I didn't have much time to wander around. Everything is so big compared to Amsterdam that I felt a bit overwhelmed. I would walk and walk, and not reach my destination. The city is sooo big (did I say big already??) full of contrasts and history. With so many interesting buildings to see  and the weather being just perfect for doing that type of activity, I wished I had more time. Here are some pictures of some of the things I liked!

Have you been to Berlin? What was your favorite part?
And for the crafty people out there, here are two super wonderful stores not to be missed: Idee and Modulor.
And for those crazy about old photo booths (like me) this one is located in Moritzplatz!
Have a great day!!
Giova