Via BoingBoing:

Amateur astronomer Ellen Harding Baker of Cedar County, Iowa made this stunning solar system quilt in 1876. The quilt is now in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. From the Smithsoian’s History Explorer:

Ellen used the quilt as a visual aid for lectures she gave on astronomy in the towns of West Branch, Moscow, and Lone Tree, Iowa. Astronomy was an acceptable interest for women in the nineteenth century and was sometimes even fostered in their education.

“Ellen Harding Baker’s “Solar System” Quilt”

Gorgeous photography by Jan Saudek.

From Trendland:

In 1977 he started hand tinting black and white prints, many portraits of painterly dream worlds  inhabited by nudes/semi nude figures, and his signature style began to evolve; reminiscent of nineteenth century artists such as Balthud and Faucon. Saudeck has been Honored as a’Chevalier des Arts et Lettres’. The French director, Jerome de Missolz, also made a short film about him: “Jan Saudek – Photograph tchéque”. Some of the works of Jan Saudek have entered popular culture in the West, being used as covers for groups:  Anorexia Nervosa (New Obscurantis Order), Soul Asylum (Grave Dancers Union), Daniel Lanois (For the Beauty of Wynona), and Beautiful South (Welcome to the Beautiful South).

(Image via Trendland)

thewunderhaus:

(via sheclawedblackenedbooks)

I’m not a huge Kat Von D fan.  In all honesty, I don’t know much about her, but I have to give the tattoo maven props for rocking out the star headband.  So beautiful!

Art Nouveau is such a beautiful movement, and it’s always fun to see it re-emerge in contemporary times while staying true to the original inspiration.

From Wicked Halo:

Plaza Watch magazine features “Temp Nouveau” a shoot with exquisite watches that incorporates the ornate and floral stylings of the turn of the century Art Nouveau posters. The editorial shot by Mierswa-Kluska is an hommage to the father of the Art Nouveau style, Czech artist Alphonse Mucha‘s (1860-1939), whose 150th birthday is celebrated this year, along with luxury watchmakers Chopard, Panerai (both also celebrating their 150th birthday) and Tag Heuer (celebrating its 40th birthday).

(Image via Design You Trust)

So beautiful.

From BoingBoing:

“This time-lapse photo was taken in eastern Victoria, Australia, and features Noctiluca Scintillans, a type of algae that naturally produces a light-emitting chemical reaction. You can’t see it during the day, but, at night, the algae glow electric blue, illuminating portions of the shoreline where wind pushed the blooms during the day.”

Making pretty out of paper and a trashbag.

(Image via Design You Trust)

(Image via Design You Trust)

costumerism:

(via itsdelovely, seethruskin)

There are few people as beautiful as Liz Taylor.  What a knockout!

(via misswallflower)

These costumes are simply magical.  I love the suspended stars!  The original source says this is from the movie Zigfield Girl, featuring Hedy Lamarr, Judy Garland and Lana Turner.