Current Obsessions: Nautical Notes + David Stark Book Party

We’re happily slipping into summer with a nautical theme next week. In the meantime, here’s what we’re up to:

• Brooklynites can catch Remodelista NYC editor Francesca Connolly and party planner extraordinaire David Stark at Book Court (163 Court Street) celebrating the recently released David Stark: The Art of the Party ($28.39 at Amazon); Wednesday, June 12, at 7 pm. David and Francesca will create a literary-themed tablescape using locally sourced materials from Brooklyn (hint: vellum, a painter’s drop cloth, and tissue paper are involved). For information, go to Book Court.
• Izabella, inspired by Alexa’s trip to Paris, is cooking from the blog French Cuisse.
• Julie’s eying the Terence Conran Skipper Stool from her roundup of Well-Priced Essentials from Designer + Big Box Collaborations.
• Wabi-sabi lovers: LA readers can meet master potter Akio Nukaga at Heath Los Angeles this Saturday, June 8th, from 5 to 8pm. His work will be on display until July 21st.

• Brit designer Sir Paul Smith: a hoarder? He might want to take a note or two from Zero Waste Home.
• Christine checked out the Calder After the War Exhibition at the Pace Gallery and is now looking forward to the annual Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy.
• “Men build boats because they can’t have babies”—so says traditional boat maker Andy Stewart. Christine turned us on to this great vimeo of Stewart talking abut the craft and philosophy of wooden boat carpentry.
• Ever gone to Anthropologie, seen something, and thought you could make it yourself? Check out 38 Anthropologie Hacks.
• San Francisco’s Zinc Details will be showcasing the work of local designers in their (now) annual SF Local Design Market. Meet the makers on June 13, from 6 to 8pm.
• Sarah’s checking out the latest from RTH shop from their recent shoot at Arcosanti by One Trip Pass.
• We’ve been enjoying the newly designed Canvas website. From now until June 18, you can enter to win a $1000 shopping spree.