I recently learned about the Macy's Heart of Haiti initiative, which directly benefits Haitian artisans, when I was asked to help the cause by incorporating a piece from their new line in my home decor and share the results. The collection features more than 75 items including jewelry, vases, bowls, metalwork, and even Christmas ornaments, all of which are made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood from Haiti. Macy’s Heart of Haiti upholds the belief that “trade not aid” is a powerful way to create sustainable work and much needed financial opportunities for Haitians. The campaign pays in excess of fair wage to the talented artisans, giving them the dignity of work and economic self-determination.
The item I received is a hand-cut, carved and finished frame made of recycled steel. The four large fronds that surround the picture opening, which is slightly smaller than 4x6, instantly reminded me of the lush greenery of home. Although the frame is meant to sit on a desktop, I thought it was perfect to fill an empty spot on the wall in my home office, which is filled with lots of black, white and chrome. Sticking with this theme and the reminder of home, I chose to layer my blog logo with a graphic photo I took of a fern tree – Eamon and I are obsessed with ferns – in my mother's New Orleans courtyard this summer. It's kind of a non-traditional office sign, I suppose. I think it fits in perfectly with all of the beautiful yet completely impractical objects – the majority of which were gifts, I swear! – I choose to surround myself during the many hours I spend in front of my computer each day.
So, here's a little tour of my office:
I really like the way the fern looks with the metal fronds. The metal and black and white fit in perfectly with the rest of the decor in my office.
The wooden camera tape dispenser was a birthday gift this year from my lovely friend Kate Gardiner. 
The cameras were all gifts from friends. We have a few others around the house as well. The drawing is by our dear friend Logan Hill.
I adore this letterpress coaster calendar by Sugarcube Press. I bought it at Papers in Newport, which also carries some of their cards.
I love incorporating paper into decor. I bought this paper at Michael's and used it on the back of my display cubes as well. The retro-styled phone is a big hit with Evangeline. She loves to "talk" to people while I'm working on my computer.
I made the canvas wall hanging using one of my all-time favorite Thomas Paul textiles. I had every intention of selling it until I put it on the wall and decided it looks perfect.
I took these two photos (above) during a snow storm in February. When the light is nice, I often take photos of objects I love. I bought this leather bag from the craftsman who made it in Athens, Greece.
I never tire of this wonderful photo by Newport photographer Sandy Nesbitt. It's the first thing you notice when you enter the house through the front door. The drawings were done by our talented friend Logan Hill.
I love this Day of the Dead sculpture we bought in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. She casts beautiful shadows and is fun to photograph at different times of day. The woman in the photo is my maternal grandmother Yolande. The woman in the drawing is Logan's grandmother.
Eamon made most of these marbles (a few were gifts from friends) and the glass container during his glassblowing days. The tiny print is a photo I took in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The typewriter was a gift from Eamon's parents. I think it belonged to Eamon's grandfather. Evangeline loves to tap on the keys and pretend to write. But, what surely caught your eye first is our handsome Mangeycat. Isn't he stately? It's hard for me to imagine that there's ever been a cat with a better temperament than our beloved boy. He makes life so much sweeter.
