Learn | Radio Lab

I have been searching high and low for a functional and charming vintage fm radio for my room to feed my recent addiction to NPR's RadioLab. Each hour long episode blends human interest anecdotes with scientific explanations revolving around a broad topic such as choice or deception. The hosts are entertaining and you are bound to learn something while you clean or craft (the biggest bonus of radio - hands and eyes free!) Although the episode can be streamed online, there is something alluring tuning in from your radio.

||photo - Cube Gallery||

Folky Sounds | Anais Mitchell

This past weekend I took off from the bustling city for a two full days on the Oregon coast. The weekend was full of intense sun, friends both old and new, crabbing, and a rope swing injury. A good friend is leaving the country for an entire year as a Watson Fellow so the party was a conglomeration of all his friends from his life. Although it is always heart-warming to spend time with old college friends, I love the types of get togethers that guarantee meeting new people.

I caught a ride from Portland with a girl that was also headed to the coast, whom I had not met until the drive. She was playing the most perfect music for the forest-laden drive. One artist in particular caught my ear and once the mixtape moved on to some old Dolly Parton, I had to inquire. Turns out the lovely voice belonged to Anais Mitchell. Signed to Righteous Babe Records, hailing from Vermont, and author of Hadestown - an epic folk opera about the Orpheus myth. As soon as I got back to civilization I immediately opened up grooveshark and listened and listened and listened.

Check out her official website, and this live video of her performing "O My Star" at Portland's The Woods.

Crafted Design | Wood & Wool Stool

I am in love with these craft items from Wood & Wool Stool out of the Netherlands. So cute, and made from recycled materials!

I have been in such a knitting mood lately, maybe learning how to actually knit is what I can do with all this post-college freetime.

Jawdropping Talent, really!

This is a very impressive and beautiful work by husband-wife duo Sylvie Zijlmans & Hewald Jongenelis. Spending almost four years conceiving the project, they created this image with ten negatives, using ten models in different poses, over a period of ten days. Their dedication to the project is mind-blowing. The backstory really makes the image incredible. Read more about it at Sight Unseen.

Etsy Favorite | Thrush Vintage

Thrush Vintage's etsy site has never let me down. Their clothes are always classic cuts, but with a quirky taste of retro patterns and fabrics. Plus, they have really gotten down the professionalism needed to sell vintage clothing online with measurements, descriptions, etc. Every item I have bought is perfect! If only those ridiculously adorable striped oxfords were my size.

Valerie Pensworth | Portland Artist

Folk Innuendo

It's Good to Sea You

Valley of Daydreams

Portland is a city with all sorts of creative talent. Being here only two weeks, I know I have barely scraped the surface of everything creative the city has to offer; however, I have found some really great gems already. Hanging on the walls of Stumptown Coffee yesterday I noticed this Portland artist - Valerie Pensworth. Her ink and acrylic drawings are magical daydreams of giant women, awkward encounters, and victorian style portraits. Check out more of her work (and a sincere video of her talking about her work), plus her personal blog here.

The Generationals - When They Fight They Fight

What a great homemade video using archive footage, the overly catchy song is also a plus. This song - by The Generationals - could definitely stem from older times, rather than 2009.

Craigslist Gems

There is nothing like scouring the internet for great, cheap antique finds. Recently, I have been wasting hours on the Portland Craigslist sifting through mostly unattractive wooden tables or beaten down floral couches; however, every once and a great while something pops up that has some serious potential. And usually, the best finds tend to be the most affordable!

Here are some recent finds:

1) An old sprinkler for $10. While it's working nature may be questionable, give this item a little love and care and it would be such an interesting shelf piece or jewelry plate.

2.) A wind up phonograph. The description says it all: Great for camping while listening to old cowboy songs.

3.) Love the color, love the metal style, love the double seating. All I can hope is that the desk opens up. I would love to own this and use as a bookshelf.

4.) Finally, I am a sucker for old wooden boxes and crates, especially if they have interesting logos printed on them. This one in particular really fascinates me with its simple type and metal corners. Every antique store seems to have great wooden containers to keep their merchandise in, but it is hard to get them to actually sell them to you! Thank you craigslist.

Welcome.

So being the first Paiven & Grey Steaming Co. post, it only seems appropriate that I introduce myself. I'm Paige - a recent college graduate with a degree in business and studio art. I love antiquated momentos, timeless spaces, and that eerie feeling a foggy day brings. Style and design have always been my greatest interests, and so I begin my journey into the blogging world, along with my new vintage etsy site: www.paivenandgrey.etsy.com.

This blog will diverge from strictly vintage things, think of it more as a lifestyle blog, bringing together old world charm and modern living. There will be music, there will be clothing. There will be photos, and videos, and artist introductions too. I hope you enjoy what I have to share.

Thank you for reading.

Paige