b5Studio

Inspiration: BLOG

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Bubbies!

You may already know that
I am inspired by many sources,

but often I am taken with

random photos of beautiful things.

I may have seen these objects in person,

but the photos remind me and

continue to captivate me.

This set is a lot more

like how I might collect in person.

I never shop for just one room,
but for each piece.

It must be special.

So the thread that holds this set together

is that it's inspired by the blogs I follow.

Ten new objects

(technically 13)

for nearly anywhere in your sims home.

Art Deco Bakelite Radio & 50s Record Player

(***each has two files - you'll need to choose if you'd rather it with or without 'sound wave' animations
Radio has three tiling options, record player has three record styles plus 'blank' version)

Modern Canopy Bed

(three presets with different tiling rates for the perfect fit with your favorite patterns)

Rail Line Pallet Coffee Table

(two mask styles for distressed or clean, each with rail line stencil)

Acrylic Stool in Clear and Translucent, A Bunny Bentwood Chair

(Stools are recolorable, chair has three tiling options)

Rooster Mirror in two sizes, Swing Arm Wall Sconce in both directions,
Mid Century Modern Floor Lamp
(lamps have three masks each for coloring options, mirrors have distressed and clean versions)

OH YEAH, some art too.
You can see that in the pictures below.
(All images culled from blogs.)

To give you some ideas of what you can do with
this eclectic mix of things,
you can put them:

In your kitchen

In your reading nook

At your Hipster Coffee Haus

In your precocious teen bedroom

In your eclectic bedroom

In your loft living room

In your dining room

So, this set won't be your next bedroom or dining room,
but it might help to complete one of them.
Download Package file
Download Sim3Pack

If you're feeling frisky,
you can download some music here & here
for your Custom Music folder
to play on your new radio/record player.
Jus' a lil warning - 2 files at about 32MB each

Some notes on the set:
I cannot stress enough - choose which radio / record player you want and recycle the other.
If you prefer the animations or not, only one of these files can be installed.
Installing both will create a conflict.

The mirrors are NOT shiftable. This can cause animation problems
and game crashes. I am considering re-releasing every mirror as a decor only item
for the ability to shift. If you want this item to be shiftable, you take responsibility alone.

This set was extensively tested by some very kind people:
I'd like to thank Jen, Sandy, Laure, & Dee for their time and input.
Your observations were invaluable and made this set significantly better.
DoublePlus Thanks to Sandy for help on the bed and radio [animations and vexing glass!]
Thank you to Heidi for her tutorials on the bed and the patience to not call me a nitwit

If you would like the full story on these objects you can read about that here.

CC Objects:
Picture 7: Plant: Exotic Elements / Wall Cabinets:
Picture 8: Chair: Murano / Side Table: Exotic Elements / Books: Aikea / Antlers: MK
Picture 9: Table: D3VV / Cabinet: Easthaven
Picture 10: Plates: LPVinyl21 / Bed: ShinoKCR / Hunky Heroes Posters: Migolia /
Artwork: LemonJelly / Artwork: AlexPilgrim / Ceiling Light: Exotic Elements / Plant: Simply Styling
Picture 11: Plant: ATS3 / End Table: Exotic Elements
Picture 12: Both Sofas: Exotic Elements / Table Lamps: DOT / Glass Doors: Angela
Picture 13: Yellow Chair: D3VV / Ghost Chair: EyRT96 / Table: Exotic Elements

Government on Drugs

2012-01-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

If you think this doesn't affect you? You are completely wrong. Not an American? Visit: American Censorship dot Org . . . you can still be heard.

Pets Patched

2011-10-26T14:17:00.000-04:00

Well that was quite the undertaking.

Downloading all of those files,

patching them, uploading them,

relinking them, relabeling . . . .

Everything is Pets Patched and updated.

Even the old stuff no one wants.

Sigh.

If you find a link is wonky

or is incorrect,

please let me know.

This was done with one of the patch programs,
(granthes version / tsr version)

so if you've patched yourself, no need to download again.

This was done for our friends on the MAC

that seem to be constantly overlooked,

as well as future downloaders.

I have tested all of these files

(as have other creators for me - thank you!)

and the only file that needed to be updated (fixed manually) was

my retexture of the EA Scarab Bed - named Luxor Bed

(as that's what I thought came up as the name)

which was also repaired by Huge Lunatic at MTS with the original textures.

I still like mine so - your choice.

Laika approves of these updates,

so now you can rest easy and

play.

your.

game.

Huge thank you to the minds behind the programs to fix CC.
This would have been significantly harder to do without these programs.

Feel the burn

2011-10-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

After taking some time to play the game,

I realized something.

It was long overdue for some new rugs!

For promotional shots, I use a lot of my own objects,

but for my game, I use objects from all over the place.

Inspired by fellow creators AlexPilgrim and LemonJelly,

who's rugs enrich my own game,

I wanted to introduce a new set of contemporary rugs.

My search for new styles unearthed something unexpected.

A nod to my love of modern art and design,

I had found some rugs by some great names in art/fashion/design history.

Meanwhile, my real life rugs were just coming back from the cleaners.

I have mentioned before that Katie the cat prefers the rugs above the hardwood floors

for when she needs to hork up something,

but what I found while housebreaking Laika is that

she too had a fond eye for my kilim rugs.

She managed to use each of them to comfort her paws while relieving herself.

Good dog!

Bitch.

Today I bring to you three new rugs in two sizes each.

4x3 and 2x3 - in your choice of format

AND patched or unpatched.

phew! That's a lot of choices!


Includes styles from Picasso, Dali, Pierre Cardin, Marc Saint Saens, Agam, Panton

See - some of you are too scared to patch your game

during this turbulent time of transition. I appreciate that!

Where these rugs were made prior to the patch

I am able to offer these - this one time only -

in an unpatched version. The program used to make these

will only offer patched versions from this point on.

(On the topic, I will be patching everything on this site this week

so grab things while you can if you want an unpatched version)

And speaking of Laika . . .

my friend annyway made a sim Laika for me

all photos in grid by annyway

and we would both love for you to have her in your game to enjoy

and possible tinkle on your kilim rugs:

Laika.

Laika!

LAIKA! NO NO!

I can't have ANYTHING nice.

While I am cleaning this up,

take a look at some decorating ideas:

In your formal sitting room,

In your playboy's bachelor pad,

In your log cabin in Apaloosa Plains,

In your arty warehouse apartment,

or your monochromatic lounge.

~~To make this selection easier, I am linking you to the folders for~~
11.3.11: Well, it appears Mediafire is being uncooperative with folder linking . . . .
(Thanks Laure and Anny for pointing this out!)

To get the PATCHED RUGS (both sizes):
Contemporary Rugs: Sim3Pack / Package
Mid-Century Rugs: Sim3Pack / Package
Kilim Series 4 Rugs: Sim3Pack / Package

For UNPATCHED RUGS (both sizes):
Contemporary Sim3Pack / Package
Mid-Century Sim3Pack / Package
Kilim Series 4 Sim3Pack / Package

make sure you get the format/patch preference you want - both sizes are zipped together.

And DON'T forget Laika!

Download Laika at going to do it annyway

(Download some nice art while you are at it!!)

CC Credits (if uncredited, item could be base game/ep/store or found on this site elsewhere)

photo 1: sofa, coffee table, shelving - Awesims / Chair - eyrt96 / Butterflies - Apple / Art Rocking Horse - Anglea

photo 4: Sofa - Awesims / Chair - sasilia / Shelving - cmomoney / Puddles - Cyclonesue

photo 7: coffee table - Roan

photo 8: Fireplace, plant - Simpossible / Vase - Mango / Coffee table - Gosik / Jack lamp - eyrt96 / Pole lamp - Awesims

photo 9: Door - cmomoney / Kettle, Chicken - cashcraft / Antlers - MKStuff / Box table - Exotic Elements / Side table - nanu

photo 10: Eye plates - AlexPilgrim / Hanging and Floor lamp - Awesims / Chairs - eddielle

photo 11: Sofa, sculpture - ATS3, Chaise - Stylist Sims / #5 Art - cbatkinson73 / side table - simpossible

Standing the heat

2011-09-12T11:40:00.001-04:00

Some people are better at some things than others.

I can't cook. There . . . I said it.

I mean - I can follow a recipe, but it's not an innate ability.

Nor does it ever taste as good as someone who can cook.

How do I remedy this?

I collect nifty things for my kitchen.

Distract the masses.

Nothing up my sleeve . . .

Presto! Look at that cookie jar - it's soooo cute!

And there you have it.

If I've ever cooked for you,

I bet you remember what a cool bowl

that soup was served in.

What was that soup again?

Todays set builds upon the first kitchen set:

Salt is the Fifth Food Group

mmm . . . salt . . . where's my lick?

Vintage accessories from my own kitchen

and one from my dream kitchen.

Canisters, and Salt & Pepper shakers . . .

Simlish and English versions . . . Canisters also have a blank version.
Canisters and shakers are single items - there are slots to add more for versatility

A utensil clock, a step stool (as a stool and an end table)

Clock with quartz movement haha - Step stool as a stool (stairs up) and a table (stairs down)
The step stool table has slots on the seat, steps, and between the legs

An industrial refrigerator, a fluorescent light, and a breadbox (acts like a chest a'la WA).

Refrigerator has slots on top (best in two story rooms), fluorescent light,
and breadbox acts like a chest to hold things - it too has slots on top of the box.

Can you guess which one I don't seem to have $14,000 to buy?

Me either! My dream life is that vivid.

Nine items (yes, I'm doing math again - that's two canisters, two step stools . . . . )

All to fancify your sims retro, modern, or retro-modern kitchen.

Fancify . . . sounds like a brand of cat food.

Speaking of cat food . . .

On with the spam!

Some notes on this set:

Not all patterns look good on every item. This set (exception: canisters) has

multiple tiling in each item. If your pattern doesn't look good on one, try another style.

The canisters and shakers have additional slots to build upon the look you want.

Sometimes you need less than what is grouped - this was for versatility.

The large canister has two slots to allow for either the small or large canister to sit next to it.

The small canister has one slot. I hope with Unleashed that these can be updated to be functional for say 'pet treats' - I opted to not make these chests as it would be redundant.

The salt/pepper shaker also has a slot at the front corner.

These slots are designed to allow for full rotation, you may need moveobjects on cheat to allow them to fully rotate without problems.

The fluorescent light also glows. While the bulb is recolorable, this will show as

lighter than the color selected. Light output acts like any other light and can be changed as thus.

Breadbox, I am told, works fine - even without WA installed.

Due to the many counters in the game, you will need to use an OMSP to place this

to look correct on a counter. May I suggest

Mango's OMSP set

Mango's Counter OMSP (page two of sets, bottom of page)

granthes at MTS

granthes Multi-height OMSP Click to enlarge for specific instructions.

HUGE Thank You's go out to Sandy at ATS3 for assistance with the breadbox,
Jenba at Greetings from Mt Geneva for her acute observations on this set,
Heidi at Exotic Elements whom I always confer with at each baby step,
All the testers and commenters while this set was being pulled together.

Download here
both file formats included

CC pictured: (if uncredited, it is possibly here at the studio, a basic game item, store item, or an EP/SP item)
picture 1: counters, floor pattern - Awesims / retro wallpaper pattern - hysterical paroxysm / Windows - Funny / Sink -
picture 5: kettle - garden breeze / plate, silverware - WOE
picture 6: counters, plant, hanging shelves, utensils, bowl - Exotic Elements / foreground surface - eryt96 / teapot - ATS3 /
kettle, pot, pan - garden breeze / groceries - jun sim / mixer - simcredible / daisies - cmomoney
picture 7: mug, butter dish - WOE
picture 9: scale - simcredible
picture 10: chairs - garden breeze / books - aikea
picture 11: phone - camille

Wayback Machine

2011-08-02T14:38:00.004-04:00

This was originally just going to be a quiet post about six rug sets.

What it became is something different.

Don't they all? Good lord.

Filling requests, revisiting some older objects that I love

so they could be released as I originally hoped and in the process,

creating new files to compliment them.

This is a big post and a lot of links and download links

so let's get to it.

Rugs

(Original Posts: CB2 Series 1, Code Blue, Antique Rugs Series 2 & Series 3,

Kilim Rugs Series 3, and It's Not Easy Being Green)

In designing the last 4x3 rug set, I had released the option

to also have it in the 2x3 size. I had a request for smaller rugs

and realized that it would be easy to resize the mesh for smaller spaces.

This same mesh had been used six times prior, so I was able to

go back and recompile these files onto the new smaller mesh.

The six sets

CB2 Series 1,
Code Blue,
Antique Rugs Series 2 & Series 3,

Kilim Rugs Series 3,
and It's Not Easy Being Green
in the new 2x3 size

Each comes in both formats and you can choose the ones you want in this additional size.

Pillows

So, there is nothing wrong with the original pillows.

I do however hate to activate and deactivate the 'moveobjects' cheat

every time I want to put in a window or move an object.

Having it on is great to place things off grid and in areas you are not allowed,

but when it's on you can't easily place windows and doors.

Annoying.

So, these have been updated to have no footprint.

Instead - they act like a rug.

This makes it easier to achieve the look above

with every pillow I have ever made (including styles not shown above).

(Sets: Surprise and Double Your Pleasure)

You just need to download the updated files.

This will also give you 15 new styles (pictured above)

12 Rug and 3 (simulated) Animal Hide styles.

Download EVERY pillow here.

both file formats

Kitchenware

This contains updated versions of two files. The batter bowl and water glass.

Originally released in the Salt is the Fifth Food Group set,

I had always wanted the bowl to hold something.

When I opened the file to amend it, I realized the handle had way too many polys

especially if I wanted to have things in the bowl.

Version 2 to the left - old version to the right.

The handle has been redesigned and I smooth things different

from when this was created, so this looks like a completely new bowl,

but only the handle is actually new. It has been remapped to

accommodate this new handle so the pattern needed to be adjusted.

This new version has three styles with three different tiling

options for patterns to help you get the best look,

as well as a slot to put things inside the bowl.

What do you put in the bowl?

How about five new fruits/vegetables?

Certainly, I didn't want to leave you hanging with nothing to put in the bowl.

Jeez. Give me some credit.

So here we have:

Avocado, Heirloom Tomatoes, Minola Oranges, Star Fruit, and Lemons.

And some pictures with stuff in the bowl:

Stuff and

MOAR stuff. Ahem.

The water glass posed a different challenge to me.

Glass is no easy thing to program.

Too cloudy and it looks fake, too clear and you can't see it.

This hopefully is a compromise.

Lookie there!

This particular item also had a request - to fill the glass.

You learn new things with every set and this is my second attempt

to have too many transparent groups in an object

and subsequently my second failure.

While this glass now holds something, it's contents are still not transparent.

This now has four styles, two empty, two full, in one file.

Download the kitchen updates here.

both file formats

and finally . . . .

Artwork

This is also filling a request.

This set you may or may not remember.

Pandora Boxed was released the morning of the Green Room set

and subsequently overshadowed this release.

I've always loved it, but it was a tricky set.

The frames both needed a light source to counter

the reflection on the glass/acrylic.

Being the literal sort, I made a light on the frame

as it was going to it's own light source.

Well duh - it just needed the light - not the lamp.

Just make sure to read the notes following the pictures about light intensity*.

While recompiling these sets,

I wanted to offer two new sets

but this artwork is huge

and while based on real frames/framing

I wanted reasonably sized art too.

That brings us to these two new sets:

Circle Gets the Square

Row 1: Riley, Pearson, Escher, Spalatin
Row 2: Unknown, Lieberman, Agam, Hirst
Row 3: Anonima Group, Unknown, Noland, Wilding

& Lines Squared

Row 1: DeLap, Bayer, LeWitt, Neal
Row 2: Cruz-Diez, Albers, Anuszkiewicz, Allen
Row 3: Alviani, Vasarely, Stanczak, Weiser

Both of these new sets are also light sources and as such
just need to be clicked on to adjust the lights*

Enjoy while eating,

while reading,

while drinking and reading *hic*

or relaxing quietly - quietly because of the echo from the walls. Shhh.

So, perhaps you will want to download these updated
artworks now . . .
Download Package
Download Sim3Pack
(both frame styles included in each format)
&/or
perhaps you just want the new art.

Download Circle Gets the Square
Download Lines Squared
(both file formats included)

Either way, have at it bubbies.
You deserve some good art.
I am here to tell you - this is good.

FIN
So there you have it . . . lots of goodies.
Look it all over and take what you will from it.
Sometimes you need to step back to move forward.
Here's to moving forward.

*NOTES: While these pieces of art do not have a lamp,

they still act as lights and can be clicked on in live mode
OR

ctrl+shift+clicked on in build mode

to adjust the light.

The light settings are really set up for one to be on the wall

and in every image shown, these settings have been

adjusted to either custom (.3) or set to dim.

They are lamps and the more you have the brighter and more

obfuscated the art will become if you do not reset the light intensity.
This can be said for nearly every lamp in the game, so this should not be
considered unique to these items.

If you are remotely curious about what goes into these items, read about it here

CC Lists:
If uncredited, it's either a store/EP/SP item, or found here at the studio.
Some photos are shown at different angles and items credited in first photo.
Photo 2: Bench, Chair, - Exotic Elements
Photo 3: Bench - Eryt96 / Ladder - Cyclonesue / Sideboard - Cemre / Chairs - Shinokcr / Sculpture - Exotic Elements
Photo 5: Plant in Can - Exotic Elements / Utensils - Dresden / Pot - AnoeskaB
Photo 7: Stool - ATS3
Photo 8: Cutting Boards w/ bottle - Exotic Elements / Postcards - Verona Relapse / Kettle - AnoeskaB
Photo 10: Side table, bench, bolster pillow - Exotic Elements
Photo 13: Armchair - D3VV / Dining Table - Holy Simoly(?)
Photo 14: Vase - Mango / Lounger - Eryt96 / Stools - Awesims
Photo 15 - Sofa, bowl with glass spheres - Exotic Elements

All that glitters . . .

2011-07-14T16:14:00.003-04:00

Sometimes you see something

and it makes you remember an event or place or thing.

Sometimes seeing something triggers

an idea that you must act upon.

This set started out as a simple set of mirrors, but

sometimes things don't go as they are planned.

Reflections are not just on surfaces, one must sometimes

delve deeper and review experiences to move forward.

Sometimes others experiences mirror our own.

I was stalled.

Heidi at Exotic Elements was experiencing the same thing.

She had a set that wasn't quite moving forward for her.

Seeing what she had done inspired me to move forward.

My choices were a reflection of what she was doing

and where I have been.

We both like mixing things up a bit.

Soft and rough,

old and new,

modern and classical.

Visually rich and textured environments.

Today I have for you 13 new items.

Starting with the obvious: four mirrors.

One leaning and one wall 'dome' mirror, a round beveled mirror, a distressed Venetian mirror,

An acrylic console with 22 slots, 3 dining chair/stools, a shallow bowl with 5 slots, a hunk of quartz,

A "C"-table with 19 slots, the shallow bowl for the wall too, and a floor lamp

A few notes about this set:

The plate is the same for the table as it is the wall.

It has five set styles as well as 2 CASt-able ones in two different scales as pictured. Also - if you want it
less shiny, change the first pattern to something you know is flat. Currently it is set to porcelain.
The first style is just like the one in my living room.

The "C" table is set up that it does not need a cheat to place it as it should be placed:

under a piece of furniture. This however also allows it to move right through a piece of furniture.
The RL design of this table is sort of like a TV tray - it's intended to
roll under the sofa and act as a snack table . . .
that's the reason for the way it was coded. Okay? OKAY! Not a mistake - swear to ghaaad.

The floor lamp is 1310 polys - a little high, but deal or ditch it. You won't hurt my feelings.
Just a little note about the lamp - I have this lamp in my living room in real life, so while it is odd, it actually exists.

Phew! Okay - on with the photos!
This is a little different than normal.
Today I am showing you a living/dining room set up from many angles:

(because these photos are sooo Exotic Elements/b5Studio CC heavy, I am linking others objects by the photo)

Windows all photos: Madaya74, Plant: ATS3

Glass Pharmacy Containers - One Billion Pixels

Colored Glass Bottles - Awesims

Telephone - Camille

So there you have it.
or, well
Download it
and there . . . you have it.

Who knew you could do two complete rooms with mostly Exotic Elements and b5Studio stuff?
What? You did? Aw - bless you. Now donate ;)

A big ol' THANK YOU to CycloneSue who's beautiful distressed mirror set aided me greatly
in the settings for the venetian mirror as well as the hunk'o'quartz.

Green Man

2011-07-07T17:32:00.009-04:00

After last years tree fall, I wasn't thinking much about the garden.

But something magical happened.

It came back like gang busters.

There are not words to describe the feeling
when you realize that
while I had given up on it

it had not given up on me.

Therein lies the inspiration for this set.

Gardens are a lot of hard work

and the results can be years in the making.

Exotic Elements and I agree

that your sim shouldn't need to suffer any longer.

That's why we've created a few things

that we love to see in a garden

either public or private or even secret . . .

Today, I have for you 16 17* items that are inspired by the great outdoors.

Exotic Elements has 10 more! MOAR even!

So buckle up your overalls, get those shovels ready,

and get ready for a truckload of pictures.

A bird bath, a fountain, a gazing ball

Sweet Woodruff Plant, Purple Oxalis Seedling, 2 Garden Cloche, A specimen Plaque

A working glowing clock, an Art Deco Lantern, a Star Lantern

Large modern sphere sculpture (glowing), A broken WA statue, A small Picasso-inspired Steer Head

2 styles of Obelisk, and an over-sized garden 'finial'

Most of these items also have a mossy style

For that gently forgotten look.

(Where did I put my garden again?)

So go ahead, make a

Conservatory with a starry sky,

Grow things and observe them up close,

Enhance your Gothic manor

Enjoy your garden at night

Mourn in style, yo

Eat your lunch in style in the office courtyard

Work too hard and enjoy your dinner in the courtyard at night, too!

Make a Santa Fe Zen Garden. You're so cutting edge!

Just garden already! It's fun and rewarding!

PHEW!

That's a lot of looks bubbies!

There are a couple of notes about this set:

The Sweet Woodruff is a little higher

than the recommended poly count at about 1600 polys.

Oops. It won't crash your game, but I am compelled to mention it.

The clock - if you place it indoors on a single level,

the ceiling will cut off the top of it.

This is shift-able, so just drag it down a little

while holding the 'alt' key - all better!

So go ahead and

DOWNLOAD sim3pack

DOWNLOAD package

and get yourself some green fingers!

(run, don't walk, to Exotic Elements to get 10 additional garden items!)

*OH - a big DUH for me - neoscat found that I had not included the steer head
(a thousand thanks neoscat!) - the above links have been updated.

Many thanks to Exotic Elements, AlexPilgrim, and Lemon Jelly for testing these items

A HUGE thank you to Mutske for explaining how to add slots to an object that has none

and as always a massive hug to Exotic Elements for being a continued inspiration

CC List:

Let me just start by saying this would be ten pages long to credit each and every plant.

This list is going to be a little different this time.

To get some truly beautiful plants, please visit these talented artists:

Club Crimsyn / Sim_Man123 / Simply Styling / Mutske / alex_stanton1983
7/8/11: And whoa! Just released from ATS3 is a garden related set too! Check it out!! MUST HAVE!

More plants came from:

Blacky Panther Forum / Riccinumbers / Sims3d /

SimCredible / Nanu / Shakeshaft

Onto the specifics - the objects:

Picture 1: Crows - Cemre / Crows - Helen / Watering Can - Simply Styling

Picture 2: Arbor - sim_man123, Water pump - cyclonesue

Picture 9: Sideboard - Simply Styling / Windows - Madaya74 / Empty Pots - Cemre / Dirt Pail - Sim_man123

Picture 13: Fence, Graves - Cyclonesue

Picture 16: Stool - nanu

Picture 17: Garden table, Pots - Cemre / Shelf, door - cyclonesue / trellis - sim_man123 / utensils - camille / daisy vine - denizzo_ist

If you see it in the picture and it is uncredited, it's either SP/EP, found at this site or if you weren't reading carefully - Exotic Elements did a garden set with me - go find it there silly!

Like the corners of my mind

2011-06-05T14:05:00.002-04:00

We all have memories of our past.

Perhaps even a few tangible ones in the attic.

Memories of persons, places, smells . . . . things.

I remember things best of all.

Things elicit a response from me quickest.

Whether it's an old phone, a bowl, or a sepia photograph of someone I don't know.

I become engulfed in nostalgia.

Generations is the latest in the Sims 3 experience.

It's a lot about interaction, but it's also about creating memories.

So while this set is based in the past,

your future generations can enjoy them well into the future.

Today we have a set of vintage finds:

A suitcase victrola

Some 78s (both sleeved and unsleeved, 2 files)

A vintage photo album

A photo backdrop

a couple of tripod lamps just like the ones I have in my studio.

A vintage book (13 styles plus one CASt-able style)

and an old metal cabinet that is like the one I found in Arizona (with 13 slots).

So now you can:

use the backdrop to divide up your obscenely small studio apartment

Listen to music in the space you're squatting in

Enjoy the warm glow and the crackle of music while eating

Or simply light your studio like I light my own.

Now you can

and create some memories for generations to come.

Download PACKAGE format

Download SIM3PACK format

And for those of you who might be interested

You can also download some music to play on your victrola.

Collected recordings of music from 78s

can be installed in your custom music folder.

I have included 8 files for your enjoyment. (17.5MB)

A huge thank you to the audiophiles at Archive.org - check it out!

CC List (unless mentioned, it's probably EA EP/SP or found on this site)

Photo 4 - Kitchenette - Madaya74 / Egg chair - Jaumetb96 / Coffee table - Mango / Plant - sims3d / Pattern on backdrop - Awesims / Doors - _kriss

Photo 5 - Bed, leaning door - Land of Woe / Camera - Gelydh / Jar of silverware - Camille / Pub lamp/sign - Awesims / Lantern - leefish / Crow - cemre / Trunk - Exotic Elements / Antique Keys - Aikea / Windows, planks over windows - CycloneSue

Photo 6 - Hanging lamp - Pilar / Sideboard - Lisa86 / Chair - D3VV

Changing Seasons

2011-05-31T09:06:00.005-04:00

Modern is having a renaissance.

Oh, it never really goes out of style,

but just keep getting more and more affordable.

CB2 is a good source for it here in the states.

A step above IKEA, but the same basic concept,

CB2 has made a good mix of cool and quirky

while keeping the cost down low.

Their seasonal offerings are also a great way to keep current.

Take their rugs for example. It's like paint.

Take out the old and bring in the new - it's like a new room.

Today we have 15 rugs.

15 (not our normal 12) because 3 have text on them,

and I know some of you think that's just a faux pas.

Worse, you move your mouth every time you read it.

This is also a new type of offering.

Some of you like bigger rugs and some like smaller.

Now you can have both.

4x3 and/or 2x3

Each file type has both sizes zipped up for your convenience.

If you don't want one of the sizes - toss it out - it's that affordable.

So whether you want your whitewashed beach cottage to have a pop of color,

or you want to dine in style in your concrete loft,

or you simply need a crazy cat lady rug,

you can do it in style.

OH. Almost forgot.

See that concrete wall? How 'bout that beachy paneled wall.

I am also giving you these.

I cannot take credit for them entirely. Some notes:

While I altered these and compiled them into wall files,
these textures were created by other, unknown artists.

The concrete pattern was simply named concretestruddle

and all inquiries and Google searches come up empty.

I used that pattern base to create a wall.

Many had asked where I got the pattern and I sadly do not know,

so now you can have the walls I use in my own game.

The second I think is a S2 wall that is also uncredited

Simply called paneledwall,

I tweaked it to be more like the paneled walls

of an arts and crafts bungalow.

Concrete wall has three channels.

Paneled wall has four channels.
IF ANYONE knows who created these original files,
I am happy to credit these talented artists.

Because these are large files:

Download 4x3

Download 2x3

Download Wall files

This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by CB2.
Just admire their sense of style and effort to make fine design affordable for everyone.

CC List (if not listed, it is possibly EP/SP, on this site somewhere OR unreleased)
Photo 1 Rabbit, Vases - Mango / Sideboard - cemre / Fern in Bottle - Exotic Elements / Chair - Gosik / Book - LilyOfTheValley/ Floor pattern - Club Crimsyn / Windows - Funny
Photo 2 Books - Aikea / Desk - Jonesi / Sideboard - Pilar / Painting - AlexPilgrim / Stool - ATS3 / Postits - Amoebytes / Lamp - eyrt96 / Trio of Mother-in-law's tongue plants - mutske / Antique keys - Aikea / Suitcase Victrola - UNRELEASED
Photo 4 Trunk, End tables - Simply Styling / Dresser - Exotic Elements / Shutters - Angela / Lanters - Shino&KCR / Beveled Mirror - UNRELEASED
Photo 5 Counters, Sink, Fridge - madaya74 / Poppies - Exotic Elements / Stools, chairs - ATS3 / Sculpture - mutske / Open Book - UNRELEASED
Photo 6 Blue Cats - Mango (Set Imary-Artiste, not shown in preview) / Framed Cat Paintings, Cat Pattern (top of paneled wall) - KittyKlan / Blinds - Angela

Something old, something new

2011-05-21T12:04:00.001-04:00

Diversity is the spice of life.

That goes for rugs too.

Runner rugs fill a different kind of space.

Known for halls and entryways,

this skinny thing works well in a number of spaces.

This rug meets a new need.

It's 3x1, so it slightly wider

and more squat than the one in the game,

or this fancy one here.

I've also broken it up into two sets:

a new set

compiled from images of real new rugs for sale

at better home stores,

Styles 1 -6 new rugs

Styles 7 - 12 new rugs

as well as a set of antique rugs.

You can see that some styles

have not changed that much

in a couple of centuries.

Styles 1 - 6 antique rugs

Styles 7 - 12 antique rugs

Of course, the new rugs are based

on the antique classics, but

you knew that

and you'd never say all my rugs look alike . . .

would you.

(not bitter)

So go forth,

with your bad self, and

be over the top in your steam punk spa bathroom,

use multiples in your loft living room

keep your feet dry in the kitchen

keep your feet warm in your medieval bedroom

or use one as a prop in your photo shoot.

Lots of ideas

lots of looks

lots to download people.

Go do it now

in both file formats.

CC Credit (if uncredited, it's probably Store, EP/SP, or on this site):

Picture 1: Counter, hanging shelf, glasses, cooking utensils - Exotic Elements / Plates on wall - AlexPilgrim / Utensils in jar - Camille / Mixer - Simcredible / Refrigerator - MsBarrows / Stool - eyrt96 / chair - ATS3 / Sink - Lisen801 / Dirty bowls - Eight/three

Picture 2: Gated doorway - cyclonesue

Picture 7: Shutters - Angela / Steampunk tub - Lisen801 / Curtains - eddielle

Picture 8: Coffee table - ATS3 / Plates on wall - AlexPilgrim / Bowl - Mango

Picture 9: (see picture 1 as well) Sofa - melanise / Lounger - eyrt96 / Painting - AlexPilgrim / Floor lamp - ATS3 / Juicer - Simcredible / Petal Clock - shakeshaft

Picture 10: Bed and chest - Exotic Elements / End table - cyclonesue / Armchair - EsmereldaF / Teapot - ATS3 /Sunflowers - cashcraft

Picture 11: End tables - Pilar / Bowl of Oranges - Sim_man123 / Camera* / Photo backdrop - UNRELEASED

Paper birds

2011-05-01T18:12:00.002-04:00

Spring is here.

That means the birds are doing it!

Making a welcomed return to your yards and your decor!

What did you think I meant?

Oh. You are incorrigible.

These little (and sometimes not so little) guys

have been depicted in art and decoration through the ages.

Perhaps it is their plumage

or their ability to fly

or their cheery song.

Whatever it is, they are here to stay.

12 Japanese Woodcuts

featuring our fine feathered friends.

on a new and original mesh.

So set them loose in the living room

perch them in the bedroom

or bathe unabashedly under their gaze.

I won't tell.

Download

(both file formats)

CC list

Picture 1 Walls - Aikea / Post-its - Amoebytes / Phone, Typewriter - Camille / Fan, collage, vacuum - Cyclonesue

Picture 3 Plant, floor lamp - Dresden / Pillows, Dining table - Mango / Coffee table - Simpossible / Hanging Lamp - Angela / Window - Madaya74

Picture 4 Bed, Canopy, Drum Table, Basket, Dresser, Lights, Bowl - Exotic Elements / Plant - Gosik / Window - Madaya74

Picture 5 Walls - Aikea / Mirror - SimsDesignAvenue / Sink - Simpossible

Is a pie chart art?

2011-04-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

Art is really in the eye of the beholder.

Perhaps you like the diagram in your textbook well enough to frame it.

Maybe it's a magazine advertisement.

Well that type of art has a classification: Ephemera.

Not really intended to be kept forever.

But still, there is something about it..

In real life, I frame many types of art.

A lot of what I frame now would be illustrations from books.

Things that were intended to define or explain.

Pictures, well drawn, but academic in nature and by definition.

Are they art? Ask R. Mutt.

In fact, don't.

If you like it, if it makes you smile - frame it.

Is it a tree? A type of screw or shrew?

These decorative plates are full of life and help us define our world.

Notation by notation. Figure 1 to Figure 41a.

Today we have three sets.

Patterns,

Insects,

and Botanicals.

This particular framing is traditional.

Elegant, and subtle, but detailed.

These are new meshes,

(two of which have what is called a fillet)

and they are on the smaller side.

Yup, I like 'em small too.

So now you can have art that is simply pretty

interesting

and educational too.

Download

(both file types)

CC Credits:

All Photos: House, AlexPilgrim

Photo 1 Dresser and Basket, Exotic Elements / Bed, Roan_ / Mirror, eddielle

Photo 2 Sofa, Repulsive Desire / Rug, LemonJelly / Armchair, Murano / Sculpture, BabaYaga

Photo 3 Sink, Mango / Tub, Sasilia / Shower, HugeLunatic

Photo 7 Birdcages, Repulsive Desire / Vase, Mango / Lamp, Awesims / Chair, Pilar / Table, LilyOfTheValley / Sideboard, Cemre

This is the Modern World

2011-03-06T15:28:00.006-05:00

Sometimes you need to express yourself.
Why not do it with art.

Oh . . . no no no - put that paintbrush down.
I didn't mean express yourself . . .
I meant let someone else express it for you.

My love affair with modern art will never die.
It's a lot like my love for you dear reader.
Today I give to you 12 more exciting pieces of art.

Framed in a 'floater' frame and
not only that - they're horizontal too!
See how good I am to you?
I care.

No, really.

There's even some unexpected choices
from some well known names.

de Maistre, Motherwell, Gottlieb, Louis

Appel, de Kooning, Basquiat, Frankenthaler

Rothko, Bearden, Riley, Schiele

So be bold in the dining room,

express yourself in your office,

and emote in your living room.

Give your cosmopolitan sims more to talk about
Download
today
(in both file formats)

CC List

Picture 1: Jun - floorlamp & wall / Exotic Elements - vase / MK - antlers / Gosik - sideboard / madaya74 - windows / pocci - chair / Mango - pillow
Picture 2: Amoebyte - postits & bird mirror / KittyKlan - Jesus candle / sim3shter - chairs / aikea - keys / MsBarrows - refrigerator & stove

Picture 3: LemonJelly - rug / Madaya74 - window / eryt96 - ghost chair

Picture 4: Mango - sofa, books, basket / aikea - rug / pilar - sideboard

It's not easy being green.

2011-02-18T19:12:00.002-05:00

Green. The color surrounds us.

Trees, traffic lights, Mountain Dew.

(It's green. Jeez!)

It is vast and varied.

It is said all greens go together.

Just look at nature.

Are you looking at it?

Scary.

There are bugs in that green.

You wanted green rugs and I found them.

Green in all of it's glory.

12 rugs in as many styles as shades of green.

detail 1 - 4

detail 5 - 8

detail 9 - 12

Now you can have green to warm your sims floors.

For your media room,

or your dining room,

or your living room.

Oh, and don't go getting any ideas for purple or pink rugs.

I love you, but authentic antique rugs pose too great a challenge

to find a significant selection in the monochromes . . .

Let green show you that there is harmony in one color.

Download

(both file formats)
Now also in 2x3 - Download
cc list:
picture one - lounger - Stylist Sims / telephone - RD / Sofa - Gelydh (unavailable)
picture two - windows - funny (reworked for Late Night here)
picture three - window - madaya74 / chair - angela / table and pedestal bowl - Exotic Elements
picture four - sofa - Exotic Elements / armchair - Gelydh (unavailable) / coffee table - / candles - angela

Green Room

2011-01-11T18:00:00.007-05:00

Nothing is more green than recycling.

For those of us who collect antiques

and shop for gently used wares,

we live the green life.

Sometimes ordinary things can take on a new purpose.

We've all had a time when we used something

for a purpose outside it's calling . . .

A coffee cup pencil holder,

a jar holding buttons . . .

What about bigger things?

Today I bring to you a set of things that

are not only being reused,

but in some cases rethought.

Including a few items from my own home.

But first, a history lesson.

In the 30s this building was an office space.

By the 50s, a small fashion studio

An now you call it home.

You have purchased this building, busted out some walls,

and renovated it.

You sifted through the remains,

pulled from it some good pieces, and build some new dreams.

The local salvage yard and consignment shop

had a number of things you could put to good use, too.

Modern green living - the old fashioned way.

Doors turned room divider,

a trolley cart coffee table,

windows frames as decor or a new mirror,
an antique dress form just like the one in my dining room,

a door as a table.

Also included:

4 pendant lights
a bottle, a jar and two styles of edison bulbs

Nesting bowls just like my own (2nd style is CAS-table)

A metal sign that used to hang at a store I worked at in South Station, Boston
(2 styles, worn and worn out)

a 'scissor' lamp with glass bulb,

and an accordion table I finally had to break down and buy I loved it so much.

Well there you have it.

14 items.

This set is so big I am having to break it up by format.

** door screen footprint problem has been corrected for these downloads**

Download PACKAGE

Download Sim3PACK

I hope you enjoy this set as much as I have creating it.

Perhaps it will inspire you to see thing a new way.

Some parts of this set you can read about the pains that went into it here.

People that need to be thanked for their invaluable help:

Raven Shadow @ MTS <------- my hero

OrangeMittens @ MTS/Indigo

HugeLunatic @ MTS

HystericalParoxysm @MTS

Murano @ TSR

Helping to fix the problems with the

dining table and trolley cart coffee table

as well as TSRW in general.

I also want to thank all the people who have helped me to test this set,

and, of course, Heidi @ Exotic Elements for inspiring the set with her unreleased finial! Release it! hehe

CC credits in photos:

Photo 1 - Aikea - public phone, newspaper box / D&M - clock / Sim_Man123 - broken arbor

Photo 2 - Ritsuka - walls

Photo 3 - Gelydh - camera, cigar / Aikea - desk / Camille - phone / Awesims - floor

Photo 4 - ATS3 - sewing stuff, nude dress form, bolts of fabric /gelydh - head vase / cemre - painting /
RepulsiveDesire - telephone / Babayaga - voodoo pin cushion / Jun - grocery bag / Pocci - tea kettle / Victor - journal

Photo 5 - Pocci - chair / CMoMoney - clock / ShinoKCR - Stove / Cyclonesue - Fire alarm

Photo 6 - eryt96 - bed

Photo 8 - Awesims - sofa, colander plant

Photo 13 VeronaRelapse - small art/pinned art / Aikea - walls

Photo 14 - Mutske - alocasia / besen - geranium

Pandora Boxed

2011-01-11T16:14:00.007-05:00

You'll remember I am a picture framer.

Sometimes a piece of art comes in that

a simple mat and frame

simply won't cut it.

It needs more.

Today I have two new sets for you.

A shadow box frame and an acrylic box frame.

A shadow box is a deep frame that

the inside of the frame is lined with the same material

as the backing the piece is floated on.

An acrylic box frame is set up something of the same

but sometimes you don't want to look at a frame.

Paper needs to be protected however,

so a acrylic box or plexi box can be used to minimize the framing.

Probably more than you ever cared to know.

Just saying.

These were constructed to add depth and realism

to my own game.

This didn't come without problems.

Glass has a glare and these were no different.

Solution? How about it's own light source.

To have the glass on the surface, it was hard to see the art

which is a little 'too' real. I noticed that with proper lighting,

the light reduced the glare and showcased the art again.

If you are concerned about 'glare' then this set might not be for you.

This was an attempt at realism as art normally has glass.

Colors and light affect them so experiment with what works best.

The look best in a room with limited direct natural light.

The shadow box has art that is more Generative, Op, and Minimal:

McNally, Ado, Ernst, Stella

Pearson, Shlian, Hepler, Spalatin,

Timofeev, Agam, Unknown, Unknown

The acrylic box has art that is more abstract and varied.

Corita, Lichtenstein, Klee, Modigliani

Rosenquist, Pearson, Gottlieb, Mountford

Nevelson, Qadri, Motherwell, Hock

All of the art is on paper.

Some of these artists are contemporary

and some are considered masters.

All are good at what they do

and each can stand along side the other.

Enjoy it while eating

Enjoy it while relaxing.

Just enjoy it.

So now you have two more styles of frame to consider.

You can click on the art and adjust

the color or brightness of the light or simply turn it off.

These are large files

and as such

you'll need to download the type of file you prefer seperately.

Download PACKAGE file

Download Sim3PACK file

08/02/11 Alternate downloads - these versions have no light fixture, but still act like lamps:
Download Package or Download Sim3Pack

Stay tuned for a new object set later this evening.

It is hinted at in each picture.

A special Thank you to Cemre at TSR - Her art lamp showed me that light corrected the problem
of glare and her lamp light settings the correct light directions.

CC Credits:

Picture1- BabaYaga - Plates; eryt96 - Bench

Picture2 - Mango - bowl, coffee table / ATS3 - sofa / LemonJelly - rug / SimPossible - Fireplace / StylistSims - lounger

Picture3 - Aikea - wallpaper / EsmeraldaF - chair

Picture4 - Exotic Elements chairs, sofa / cemre - sideboard / Gelydh - walls / Awesims - Flor floor

Picture5 - Gosik - chair / Pilar - sofa / SimPossible - swing / Ritsuka - walls

Surprise.

2010-12-28T16:31:00.005-05:00

I thought I could stay away until the new year,

but while I am working away on a new project,

I am noticing things about some of my older props.

Namely - the pillows.

I love these,

I hope you do too,

but I am getting really annoyed with the damned floating pillow (fig.1)

Originally made with flying carpets, apparently, it is designed to sit on couches and chairs..

Perhaps you love it. Great.

For those of you who would rather it sit on the floor

I have made a second version (fig. 3).

You'll need to use an OMSP* to place it on furniture

but this way you can place it on any number of things.

And the floor pillow (fig. 2) is great,

but it's huge.

HUGE.

Like - honkin'.

So for those of you who might like a second size,

I have made this mesh (fig. 4) a little smaller.

As a bonus, the smaller floor pillow is also getting 12 different overlays.

That's right bubbies - 12 new styles on the smaller mesh.

Kudos me.

These 12 are culled from my favorite rugs

from the already released rugs/ottoman sets.

Yup, you're counting correctly - the first one is CASt-able, so 13.

I can count too - sheesh.

You won't need to ditch the old ones as this is a complimentary set.

Unless you don't like floating and huge pillows.

Oh yeah.

You might notice something new in some of the photos.

It's a sneak peak at what's to come.

If I haven't credited it - it's probably talked about here.

Okay - until next year . . . fer real this time.

Love ya, but I have got work to do.

Had a cold and it's eaten up some of my precious vacation.

So no hugs this time. Germs and all.

Besides - last time you nearly squeezed the life out of me.

Jeez.

Happy New Year.

May all our 2011 be a good one.

Download

(both file formats)

original set updated with these files here

08/02/11 Alternative file: NO footprint for cheat free placement - every pillow - DOWNLOAD

CC list:

Picture 1: Martine - Rug

Pictures 1 - 3 - Aikea_Guinea - Wallpaper w/EA pattern.

* OMSP can be found a number of places - try here here and here to name a few

Cool Blue . . . the color suits you

2010-12-25T13:17:00.002-05:00

I read the reviews.

I take constructive criticism seriously.

You're blue that we don't have more blue.

We here at the studio understand your needs.

In fact - we invented them.

You didn't know you needed cool rugs.

Now you can't get enough of them.

We've created a monster.

And we love you for it.

C'mere. Gimme a hug.

Ooookay. That's enough.

Jeez - personal space.

My god - there's a bit of a bear in you.

Rowr!

Check out these babies while I fan myself.

detail 1 - 4

detail 5 - 8

detail 9 - 12

This triple dog dare was hopefully met.

Wanna know what's harder to find than a blue antique rug?

A green one.

Give me time bubbies.

Give.

Me.

Time.

In the mean time,

Chill out in your finished basement

cool off in your cottage by the lake

or just listen to the blues on the victrola.

You wanted it
you got it.
Download
this little slice of blue heaven today.
Now also in 2x3 - Download
CC Links:
Picture 1: Awesims - sideboard, vase/bowl / Nanu - chair / Dot - chandelier / Madaya74 - sheers
Picture 2: Awesims - benches, end tables / Angela - wall cubes / Murano - armchairs / Pilar - sculpture / Stylist Sims - coffee table
Picture 3: MK - lantern / Pilar - end table / Shino&KCR - armchair / Roan -coffee table/ eddielle - sheers
Picture 4: Awesims - lounger / Gosik - sideboard / Mango - vase (pulp)

Click . . . enlarge.

2010-12-24T23:23:00.003-05:00

All week long I have tried to prepare you.

Three rug sets (now four).

But this isn't the one I planned.

It's better.

Apparently some of you think Oriental Rugs

all look alike.

Well!

am.

hurt.

Pfft. Not really.

What I am hearing you say is that

you want kilims instead.

Right?

Of course it is. Right.

Ingrates.

We've had two kilim rug sets, plus some accessories.

But you like big things, don't you.

How about bigger - not biggest.

A Goldilocks sort of set, if you will.

That girl had some issues.

detail 1 - 4

detail 5 - 8

detail 9 - 12

So now you can have a larger rug for your cabin

the media room

or your humble bedroom.

Download
this just right set
post haste.
Now also in 2x3 - Download
Thanks for a wonderful year.
May your holidays be everything you desire.
May the new year bring you happiness.
xoxo

Large and in charge.

2010-12-22T22:02:00.003-05:00

We're back to big.

You knew it was going to happen.

You hoped it would - fess up.

Big just seems to do the job best.

That's why we simply cannot resist them here at the studio.

And it would seem you have the same weakness.

A large rug just gets the job done with impact!

Revel in its mass.

detail 1-4

detail 5-8

detail 9-12

Drink in every detail!

Your warehouse loft will feel that much warmer.

Your castles will feel just that much toastier.

Your bedrooms will feel that much cozier.

So give in to your desires.

You absolutely deserve it.

Go on - feel the satisfaction and

download

today.

Don't forget bubbies - there is more rug to come.

The week isn't over yet.

13 of you downloaded a file with a duplicate. Please redownload - this will overwrite the package file.

CC Credits:
Picture 1: Simply Styling - Cage, Orchid / AweSims - end table, pole lamp / Stylist Sims - lounger / Madaya74 - Sheers
Picture 2: Sims Design Avenue - tables / Pilar - sideboard / Exotic Elements - Sofa (left)
Picture 3: Luna Fireplace / CycloneSue - Neverending table, chairs / Dot - Candle chandelier
Picture 4: ATS3 - gold table, silver teapot / OM - Sheers / Exotic Elements - Bed, Canopy, Silver table / Vitasims - lantern

Raining Cats and Dogs

2010-12-20T19:49:00.005-05:00

Well you did it.

You, my friends, have visited 100,000 times.

To celebrate I got your something . . .

It's sort of a xmas gift, too.

What? You didn't get me anything?

Oh.

Well here - take it.

No, really - take it.

I insist.

I made it myself.

No - they are not Ex-Lax Brownies.

Jesus, give me some credit.

I sewed all 100,000 myself.

Really.

These lil critters are based on the real ones I make

on a 1947 coffin case Singer sewing machine.

It's true.

I am that crafty.

Just like in real life, these are not toys.

Wouldn't want you choking on the button eyes.

So, go ahead

download

this set

and someday you can buy the real thing

if I ever get off my ass and make them again.

(Seriously - thank you for the love and support.)

You'll need an OMSP to place on a chair or sofa.
I designed it this way in case you wanted to put it on a shelf.
May I recommend these or these (page 2 at bottom).

Antique . . . fantastique

2010-12-19T18:20:00.002-05:00

Rugs help define a space with shape,

but they also define that space with style.

So many styles to decorate in,

so few rugs out there to help.

This set hopes to cover

just a few more styles while also covering your floors.

detail 1-4

detail 5-8

detail 9-12

Traditional style . . . .art deco . . . gothic . . . .

None too shy on pattern.

So whether your decor is period

mix and match

or just plain funky

You need to

download

this set for your sims today.

Now also in 2x3 - Download

Keep them peepers peeled bubbies

Two more rug sets before this week is out

and a 100,000 visitor/xmas surprise!

Can you guess what it is?

CC Credits:

picture one: OM asian bed, Exotic Elements side table

picture two: Cyclone Sue couch and armchair, eryt96 daybed

picture three: Angela table and sideboard, Exotic Elements slipper chair

picture four: eryt96 lounge chair, Aikea-Guinea books

uh, thanks?

2010-11-25T17:00:00.001-05:00

It is bound to happen.

A photo is taken with an object that was not intended for release.

And on those occasions,

there is usually a WCIF question to follow.

This is a different kind of post.

(with asides)

These sets have been requested

from my personal collection.

(This won't be a habit)

They don't really fit a lager theme,

but that doesn't make them any less useful,

so today we have three tiny sets.

Tiny in that there are only two images

in each of the files.

Set 1: GUNS.

I wish I could tell you who did this painting.

The intensity and tension captured is truly amazing.

Sadly, the blog it was found on did not credit the artist.

I have paired it with a more personal image. A target.

I owned a picture just like this - it came from a Valentines Day display.

The people of Cambridge Massachusetts found it in bad taste,

so it was taken down. I luckily ended up with one of them.

Set 2: SIMLISH

LivingSims had a little challenge to make a graphic poster.

This is going back a while - I had never made a picture for the sims before.

These are the very first things I have ever done for Sims 3.

I never submitted them as I feared they were too boring.

(wah wah)

The pine cone image is a personal favorite.

(I even have a pine cone tattoo)

It has been reassembled from a 1800s German botanical.

The Redwoods image is from an existing poster with simlish substitute.

(Rubika pulled together all submissions into the download here)

Set 3: WATER

Who says art isn't educational?

Borrowed from a 1950s etiquette book,

this image I intended to paint for my RL dining room;

mirrors were used instead.

This image was my very first clone.

The second image was culled together for my entry in a LivingSims challenge:

Create a Beach Cottage. The sim's favorite color was blue.

I found this image on an art blog while researching woodcuts.

It is by artist Ruth Wetzel and it is gorgeous.

Having done woodcuts, I can tell you this is masterfully done.

It is not an easy medium to work in.

You should buy an original from her!

So that's it.

Because these were old, they have been newly cloned,

reworked, and put on new meshes

(well, the two canvas' anyway, the simlish is on an EA mesh)

just for this post.

Remember - you asked for them.

Now you have to live with them.

Download

(in both formats)

this Thanksgiving Day.

Happy.

But does it float?

2010-11-21T21:24:00.001-05:00

Many of you know that I am a picture framer in real life.
So glamorous . . . I know.

What I don't have in my paycheck
I make up for in culture.
Pffft. Ccckkk. Tschuh.
Riiiiiiiiight.

There have been moments in my long career.
For instance, I recently framed a rather famous portfolio:
9, released by the Brooklyn Museum.
Worth about 1/2 a million.
My god. I not only touched it - I fondled it.

That set reminded me of my long standing love for the modern masters.
I see a lot of etchings, book plates, and botanicals cross my station,
but it is this portfolio that has inspired today's set.

Pearson, Gottlieb, Motherwell, Francis

Kelly, Frankenthaler, Rauschenberg, Feininger

Tàpies, Klee, Miro, Rothko

12 images framed in a floater frame
- named such as it appears the gallery wrapped canvas
is floating within the frame.

Enjoy it in a contemporary in-law suite in the burbs,

A transitional seating area in the country,

or your fabulous new modern and monochromatic loft space in Bridgeport.

Art doesn't have to be a still life
or a portrait
to move your soul.
Download
this set today.
In both formats

Salt is the fifth food group

2010-11-14T17:49:00.003-05:00

You might not be able to cook with this set,

but you can feel like you're in my kitchen.

Upon moving into my home

and finding the kitchen to be the size of a matchbox,

I realized I would need more storage.

This cabinet holds a lot of the things

you'll find in today's set.

The cabinet in six styles

detail 1 - 3

detail 4 - 6

has 24 slots

to hold the many things

you'll need to have a homey

and functional kitchen.

For the cabinet we have a few items.

Creature comforts if you will.

A cookie jar from Denmark
that I found antiquing in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Coffee mugs from 1930 that I use every morning
and have collected for years.
12 color are represented and I have included the stacked set too.

Two styles of glasses,
the plaid one being a recent acquisition from here in Atlanta;
the orange drizzle glass from a cute shop in Boston.

Finally, a batter bowl - an absolute score
while up in Cambridge and
probably my favorite item in my kitchen.

From my kitchen to yours.

Baked with care.

So whether you live in

a house from the 50s like me,

or a country home,

or a contemporary and eclectic home in Bridgeport,

you probably still need a bit of storage space.

Download

in both formats

and enjoy these

freshly made goods.

08/02/11 Version 2 of both the batter bowl and water glass are now up
as well as fruits/veggies for the bowl. Download it here.
The old ones are fine, but the batter bowl handle has been amended
and it is now able to hold something,
the water glass has contents - see photos below

Handle has been redesigned to have less polys and smoothing on the bowl is corrected.

Shown with one of the five new fruits/veggies

Glass has been made more opaque for better visibility, contents added to each style - all in one file.

Today's set is inspired by and dedicated to Exotic Elements.

Heidi tirelessly answers questions and tests items for me

and she was instrumental in solving the final puzzle piece in the water glass.

Check out her new kitchen set!

Attack of the 40 foot snowman

2010-11-06T11:52:00.004-04:00

Oh EA, your heart is in the right place,

but some of us decorate with

a modicum of restraint.

I think I can speak for everyone when I say

it was so cute to see a snow globe

in your holiday set.

Never did we expect to see it was

six . . . feet . . . tall . . .

Frightening.

Alarming.

Disquieting.

I am helping you.

I am helping you understand

that sometimes good things

come in small packages.

Like this table top version of your very own snow globe.

I felt it my duty to assist those in need.

You EA. Yes, you.

Let me help you help yourself.

I heart you and I am doing this only to help you.

Even evil Vlad likes it better.

Please

download

in both formats

today.

I have even included

a plain version

to show you that restraint comes in many forms.

Don't make me call A&E's Intervention on you.

Thank you Martine for bringing this to my attention.

Fancy Full

2010-10-30T15:36:00.001-04:00

We have all heard stories of strange creatures

and supernatural acts. They're just stories though,

right?

Through the ages these tales have been written about,

spoken of, and depicted in pictures.

Watts, Waterhouse, Ernst, von Stuck

Mankes, Schneider, Malczewski, Erte

Bouguereau, Ingres, Bouguereau, Barthel

Today I bring to you a collection of

thought provoking images.

Eleven artists; Twelve Pictures.

New frame.

Decorate with a more meaningful touch:

The circle of life,

the unknown,

the passage of time

the end of days.

Beautiful and fanciful.

Mesmerizing and unsettling.

Symbolic and bone chilling in the most classical sense.

Even better than Cats.

Download

in both formats

1.900.PsychicFriend

2010-10-25T20:06:00.007-04:00

It's a question of belief.

Can one really see the future?

Are we acting out what is predetermined or

are there too many variables?

These are questions best left to

the philosophers, scientists, and

the 900 number Psychic Friend.

Now your sim can tell the future too.

A new tarot deck (with two spreads)

and crystal ball might help them out.

The tarot has been around for hundreds of years

and scrying even longer.

Something has to be said for that.

Still not enough? Being psychic is hard,

so they may need visual inspiration.

12 pictures? No. 13 pictures?

Now you're catching on.

Detail 1 - 4

Detail 5 - 8

Detail 9 - 13

Odd, esoteric, magickal, biblical, anatomical,

and even a couple of cheats for the

palmists and phrenologists.

So now you can tap into the aether and

read the tarot at home,

have a seance

or visit your local medium.

I predict you'll

download

today!

in both file formats

Double your pleasure . . .

2010-10-10T17:10:00.005-04:00

A room sometimes need outside help.

Adding a little something that perhaps

you didn't think of yourself.

Today, with Exotic Elements

we bring to you an eclectic living room

with a worldly and casual feel.

At Exotic Elements you'll find:

A sofa, dresser, a tray of tea, a finial,

a leaning floor mirror, and some wall plate/baskets.

Even works in a bedroom!

Here at the Studio, you'll find some

accessories - a couple of pillows -

one for the floor and one for the sofa** -

an ottoman, and a wall hanging.

Just a tease - 12 of the floor pillow styles

These are all designed with Kilim rugs.

What's new is that each is also CASt-able by you!

The first style of each can be altered

to work for whatever space.

Pfft - not that you'll ever need to . . . .

The one object we both contributed to is a wall hanging.

This mesh was designed by Exotic Elements.

The first style is CASt-able, but the following 12 styles

I have culled together for just you:

detail of 1 - 4

detail of 5 - 8

detail of 9 - 12

11.21.10 White lines have been corrected and are included in this download.

11.21.10 See? All better! Aww!

See - two heads are better than one!

Download

the ottoman, pillows and wall hanging NOW!

(updated wall hanging 11.21.10)
12/28/10 MORE PILLOWS - DOWNLOAD

Get the gorgeous Living Room set at Exotic Elements TODAY!!

08/02/11 Alternate pillows with NO footprint for cheat free placement - DOWNLOAD

**The (original) sofa pillow, I gotta warn you,

works on only some EA sofas and chairs.

It is amazing how many sofas by EA

that are all varying heights and kattywompus.

It can be placed with [moveobjects on] cheat.

Hold the ALT button to turn and place off grid.

Out of the Shadows . . . .

2010-10-10T07:08:00.009-04:00

Flat is okay on the runway, but not

if you're baking a souffle or

making stuff for sims 3.

Through a highly technical and very

complex process, these objects are finally

imbued with dimension.

Not just any dimension,

but three dimensions.

Super fancy.

Or 'Pissah'

if you're from Massachusetts.

The process is called 'baking' . . .

man.

Not that kind though . . .

this is more like the Easy Bake Oven

with less cardboard aftertaste.
mmmm . . . snacks.

Perhaps now I can convince the lot of you to

download

all the damned things.
11/14 Including a fix of the *&#$% CB2 Teepee Table.

That'll learn me.

Your silence (and lack of downloading)

was heard.

Meanies.

Here are links to the original posts to

catch you up to speed:

CB2 x 2

At Home with b5Studio

Meshing Around

but the above link is all of items.

No - the lamps will not be reworked. Sorry bubbies.

You can also try the label 'baked'

Let us pray that I don't have more things to fix.
Also: THIS WILL NOT OVERWRITE OLD FILES -
find and remove those to avoid duplicates.

Turning Japanese

2010-09-12T09:49:00.001-04:00

Fine lines, gentle curves, complex patterns, lush colors . . .

This came from a piece of wood?

I know - it's hard to believe

(My own attempts were clumsy by comparison.)

Usually depicting an elevated scene of

beautiful landscapes and traditional dress.

We covet these prints for their

exotic and storied imagery.

detail 1 -4

detail 5- 8

detail 9 - 12

Now your sim can enjoy this fine art too,

while taking a bath

while cooking an intimate dinner,

or while being an obsessive compulsive who's

got this 'thing' for birds, clocks, and cages.

Crazy.

and creepy.

Go on - go ahead,

Download

(both file formats)

and expose yourself to

something different.

Mats and frame recolorable.

Inspired by: Picture 1 - Exotic Elements new Japanese Bedroom Set

Picture 3 - Table, chairs, pouf, stool, counters and baskets: Exotic Elements

Supersized with no trans fats!

2010-09-01T00:01:00.013-04:00

Small is for the meek. Small is for those who play it safe.

Small is for those other people.

Not you, my friend. You are like me - you like 'em big.

Real big.

How 'bout 12 new rugs?

5x3 tiles and honkin'.

detail 1 - 4

detail 5 - 8

detail 9 - 12

Big tells the world you're bold.

Big says: you've got things covered.

Big shows you're not afraid to go there.

I know how you feel.
I get weak kneed too.

You can fan yourself later . . . go

Download
it now.
in both formats.

Picture 1 - New Traditional Set and Baskets Exotic Elements, Mirror Eddielle
Picture 2 - Moroccan Bedroom Set, Patterns, Bench, and Curtains Exotic Elements
Picture 3 - Table, Candles, Apothecary Jars, and Sideboard Eddielle, Stool ATS3
Picture 4 - Moderne Living, Sideboard, Vase and Mirror Awesims

Round the world in 12 rugs.

2010-08-18T06:00:00.003-04:00

A follow up to the ever popular Antique rug set.

A variety of styles and periods

from Tibet to China,

England to France,

Ireland to India.

detail 1 - 4

detail 5 - 8

detail 9-12

3x4 and §520.

Your sims have a refined pallet.

They demand higher quality.

They demand more.

Quell their need and

download.

in both formats
Now also in 2x3 - Download

Your Ass Here

2010-08-08T17:20:00.005-04:00

More ~~(moar?)~~ inspiration from CB2.

Damn them and their fine design.

Inspiration on every page of their catalogue!

Instead, I took it as a challenge to mesh.

More places to sit or to sit at:

The Parlor Chair and Sofa.

The TeePee Dining Table.

Not bad for a numbskull.

11/13/10 Fixed table - new glass, baked for shadows

~~No obvious patterns please, you'll be plenty sorry.~~

Fixed and if I do say so myself, lovely.
Now with shadows
11/14 - and a functioning table

Download all three

in both file formats

or buy

the real ones

No, you can't live with me, but . . .

2010-08-08T16:02:00.006-04:00

What inspires us

is sometimes all around us.

My home is a history of

tangible memories.

Today I share some of these with you:

The coffee table I refinished with my father,

the designer pole lamp I bought for a song, and

the arm chair I starved to buy

(minutes before the NYC dealer drove 7 hours to get ha!).

In appreciation for all the kind words,

I offer you to Download

a bit of my RL home.

in both formats

Chair and Table improved with shadows

Link is updated

Special thanks to:

Verona Relapse

for urging me to get UVMapper Pro

and Riccinumbers

for assistance on the pole lamp cone conundrum.

Be you with CB2

2010-08-04T20:41:00.003-04:00

Good design shouldn't break the bank.

CB2 knows that all too well.

Each season a whole new selection of crazy cool to choose from.

Fun, modern, fresh.

I am celebrating their Atlanta store

opening August 13th

with a rug set.

detail 1 - 4

detail 5 - 8

detail 9 - 12

This set of 12 rugs can be found in their Summer 2010 collection.

Highly affordable that

not only your sims can own them,

you can too.

Go on, you know you want one

and you certainly deserve it.

Download this set

both file formats

and buy one (or two) of the real ones for your home.
Now also available in 2x3 - Download

Clean up this mesh!

2010-07-25T11:45:00.007-04:00

I cannot take credit for their creation.

These meshes are freebies from the web.

Although it might seem simple enough

to translate a mesh for the game,

it is arduous work.

These were dismantled and reassembled

to help in the CASt process. If they were just

resized and released, they'd look like

~~shit~~ ~~crap~~ ~~Justin Bieber~~

poop.

Today we have a Moorish style Coffee Table,

and a French Mid Century Modern Floor Lamp.

As a bonus, I am including the Luxor Bed from EA

with a fixed texture. Honest, it's really fixed.

It was one of the first things I worked on

so many (many) months ago.

It's not high end, but it's certainly cleaner than

the lazy mess EA released.

*bed updated by HugeLunatic at MTS with original EA textures October 2010

Air kiss.

All three in one

Download.

in both formats

Ditch the ones you don't want.

Bed and Coffee Table have been updated
and reworked - link is current