I traded peeking at homes this weekend for being an art lookiloo instead.  Kids in tow, I braved the San Jose heat and hit the 33rd Annual Tapestry Arts Festival in downtown San Jose.  What is not to like – funnel cake, lemonade and booths filled with local art? It is just the place to find  unique decorating pieces that you just can’t pick up at Pottery Barn.  I love getting the chance to speak with artists and getting a glimpse into what inspired them.

Here are a few things that caught my eye:

Created by artisan, Dave Bruce from Phoenix, AZ, these are not your average bird house.  Take a closer look, each bird house is uniquely made with bright color and household items, like paintbrushes, door knobs and spoons.  These are sure to attract equally spunky birds to your backyard.  Check out his site here.  He also hand crafts furniture.

I also ran into award winning artist Oscar Celis of New Creations Metal Arts. Based in Murrieta, he makes surreal indoor/outdoor art out of sheet metal.  Each work of art is created free hand, hammered, welded and painted.  Ranging from rhinos to sun bursts to wine racks, you are sure to find something that will perk up your backyard.  Check out his site to catch him at a local festival. 

I am always impressed by ingenious inventors of things that seem obvious but are perfectly executed.  Dave Drake developed The Bed Desk (something I’ve been needing for years!) to save  those of us who like to read in bed, need a work surface when lounging on the sofa and need some place to keep our warm lap top off your knees.   Sold in specialty stores world wide, ebay or via art shows, Dave is happy to customize each of the birch wood tables to make it taller or shorter for you if needed.  Each product comes with a life time guarantee.  Check out his video here.   Yes, this is Dave himself modeling the Bed Desk!