John & Meaghan

What's your name? It's me, again!  [Just a note, I've created many lists of my own, so I'm posting them now to drum up interest!]

Who is your friend? He is my friend, and my brother!  John!

Does your friend have a blog or shop? He will blog, on occasion, about style and design at LOOK AWAY NOW PLEASE.

Tell us a little bit about your friendship: Well, we met a long time ago.  Like, when he was born.  Though my indifference towards him lingered for years and years, we wound up turning into really great friends once we both made it through the tangled mess of puberty.  We're just made for each other, in so many ways, but mostly because it's hard out here for gay ginger kids and we've got each other to lean on, through thick and thin.  I love my baby bruva!

What handmade delights did you choose for John?

 Marcel Marceau original newsprint ad by SeeChangeDesign - $45

My brother is an actor/singer/dancer.  A triple-threat, if you will.  And, there was a period of time in which Broadway and theater when from pensive and artsy to full out, glittery, twinkle-toes camp.  Though I've never taken the time to brush up on my theater history, I do believe that Marcel Marceau was a way-paver and a visionary.  His movement, his aesthetic, his faces and emotions are all things that I can attribute to the softer side of my brother, and I think that he would appreciate this vintage advertisement as an enduring tribute to his soul-craft for years and years.

Do it with Grace tee by junkprints - $30

But, like I said, there is a component of flashy theatrics that can never be disentangled from my brother (his technique or his aesthetic), and his obsession with Studio 54 lingers.  As does his deep, unrelenting love for Grace Jones. 

Vintage Party Sophistikits Traffic Sign Coasters by VintageWorks - $4

My parents were A Cocktail After Work kinds of people, and while I have not been able to incorporate that ritual into my daily life (I am lazy), my brother is very pro-cocktail.  I think that once he settles and gets his dream bar set up, these will be a nice vintage accessory to his G&Ts.

Storetry "New Me" Letterpress by YeeHaw - $400

Though he hasn't necessarily changed much over the years, my brother is also constantly evolving.  I thought this incredible letterpress print would be a silly and irreverent homage to his gemini-within and an homage to his adorable spasticness.  He'll kill me for that.

(Two) Vintage Mrs. Butterworth's Bottles by rutabagasix - $12

John spent a summer in Long Island performing at one of their revered summer playhouses and one of the actors he worked with put together and absolutely ridiculous and hilariously absurd "tour" of the historic Gateway grounds...with a bottle of Mrs. Butterworth's as the host.  He played the video for me one year at Christmas and it continues to be a source of cackles and groans whenever we're together.  

Croc Monsieur print by TEASE Made - £25.00 (~$38.45)

If I haven't yet conveyed to you that John can't always be taken seriously, then this will solidify it.  A silly, vintage-inspired giclee print that serves as a reptilian reworking of a delicious French ham sandwich.

Handmade Mega Doily Rug by ladiesandgentleman - $600

Though his aesthetic leans towards the slightly modern and hip, I know that John would appreciate a gesture to his roots and past.  This rug, which is essentially a hand-crocheted oversized doily, would remind him of our grandma, Nanny.  And it doesn't scream "old fashioned" too loudly, now does it?

Thanks, me!


----------
You can participate in The Friends List, too!  Just follow this link and sign up!