INSIDE & OUT : For the Birds
A collection of birdhouses featuring the paintings of artists Simone Adels and brothers Bob and Tom LaDuke, draws its charm from scenes and landscapes reminiscent of nostalgic Americana.
Each birdhouse (they start at $229) from Fullerton-based Birdy Abodes is built from new wood and then undergoes a process of sanding and staining to reach its aged, weathered look. After this process, the LaDukes and Adels paint on their illustrations.
It takes about 45 hours to complete each birdhouse.
Adels, 30, and Bob, 32, and Tom LaDuke, 31, who have been painting or drawing since they were children, met about six years ago when they were attending art classes at Cal State Fullerton. They have been crafting their birdhouses for nearly three years.
Their paintings, which also have been featured on such television shows as “Friends” and “The Mike and Maty Show,” are available as prints and posters through Haddad’s Fine Arts in Anaheim. The images will be put on note cards in the near future.
Birdy Abodes has about 30 basic designs and the artists work with clients on custom pieces.
For more information, call (714) 879-6649; for a catalogue, send $3 to Simone Represents, 2512 E. Fender Ave. No. K, Fullerton, CA 92631. The Birdy Abodes collection also is available at Urban Gardener and Living Creations in Newport Beach, the Flowery in Villa Park, Piecemakers Country Store in Costa Mesa and the Victoria Co. in Orange.
Sandcastle
Toy maker Fisher Price has expanded its outdoor play line with the Playhouse Gym and Super Sand Castle.
The play pieces, made of double-walled plastic, are adjustable and connectable, which enables the sets to grow with a child.
The playhouse gym ($229) has a two-position platform that can be adjusted from 18 to 30 inches. The stairs also flip over to become a more challenging ladder. The playhouse gym is age-appropriate for children 15 months to 6 years.
The sandcastle (about $200, available in late July) has a six-inch deep sandbox, which can be covered by a drawbridge when not in use. It has two turrets, a slide and plenty of crawling space. It is recommended for children ages 2 to 6.
Timely Tower
The clock chest tower by Thomasville combines the grace of a tower clock with the function of a chest of drawers.
The unit ($2,000, 26 inches by 18 9/16 by 71), part of the Stone Terrace collection, has seven drawers and a clock with quartz movement. A storage compartment behind the clock face is operated by touch latch.
The Stone Terrace line features a light-washed finish on oak.
It also is available in two other styles. The American Revival collection ($2,250, 26 inches by 18 by 64) has design elements such as slat work, crown moldings, beveled edges, arches and mullion pattern. In the Bridges collection, the clock chest ($1,485, 21 inches by 18 by 65, available in July) has Shaker, Danish modern and contemporary influences.
For more information or to locate a dealer, call (800) 225-0265.