Fancy Island

Giraffes and Such

2010-08-15T17:37:00.003-04:00

Adorable and inspiring video from etsy about Sharon Montrose. Do what you love, but keep your passions separate or you'll start hating them!

Anyone know where I can get a baby giraffe? specifically a miniature one like the one from this commercial?

2010-02-25T12:59:00.022-05:00

Since starting my own knitware company, Alouetta, I have pooled resources from the internet to fuel inspiration. Some I have bookmarked and can retrieve information on, and others have been dragged to my desktop without any history. Here we go...

Knitting Graffiti

Magda Sayeg, Texas

Carol Hummel, Ohio

Jafagirls, Dayton St. Three Textile Totem

Stockholm

Knit this Dobbs Ferry Knit Cowl in a day. Really.

Martha Stewart featured this pattern by Lions Brand Yarn, which is always a goto yarn for me, due to its cost effectivity and my experimentation with knitting at this point. Get it at Michael's with a coupon and its $3.50 a skein! DO YOU HEAR ME!!?

This pattern is so simple I have it memorized, find it HERE or right here:

Use size 19 circular needles. I wouldnt worry with a gauge swatch, personally. A little bigger or smaller wouldn't bother me. I'm not exact. Work K2 P2 in the round for the first 3 rounds. Then, knit in the round...forever.... Or until it reaches 17 inches. At 17 inches, repeat the ribbing, K2 P2 for 3 rounds and bind off. DONE. It also uses three strands of Lions Brand Thick and Quick Chunky yarn to get the look of a super duper chunky wool. I love it. It really is the simple things in life.

These adorable Baby Bloomers and Baby Bootie Moccasins are taken from The Purl Bee website. I wish they had both patterns available for adults! I would so rock some knit bloomers and moccasins! Purl Bee is a store in NYC that offers yarn, fabric, patterns, and classes. They have really beautiful free patterns on their site, but many are for experienced knitters.

Giant Knitting Machine by Dave Cole, 2005

Loaded Shotguns, by Dave Cole, 2008

Dave Cole knit with these loaded shotguns, with the safeties off. Who said knitting wasn't dangerous and adventurous?

what are these, you ask?

Cute Slippers

These lightweight slippers from Etsy user NikiSlippers are cute and affordable! They are handcrafted by a Macedonian Baba in Toronto and are available here for only $10.95. You can

be their first buyer if you click quickly! I want to pad around my house in a pair of these.

Christien Meindertsma's Urchin Pouf. Love. Christien collaborated with a farmer in Wales to use wool from a single sheep for many of her garment projects. She also uses wool from angora rabbits, alpacas and merino sheep. This ottoman/pouf inspired me to buy size 35 knitting needles! Now I can't seem to find wool thick enough, oh and that doesn't cost $100+ a skein...

If you so desire to buy this pouf, you can find it at Design Within Reach for $800.

The Cozy Cabin blanket is a simple and classic knit for beginners. The pattern is available in The Little Box of Throws, from Amazon for $15. Images come from users SkinnedKnees and Gunnison on the Ravelry website. The pattern calls for Lamb's Pride wool:

The pattern is full of knits and purls on size 10 needles with gorgeous lamb's pride yarn. Brown Sheep's Lamb's Pride comes in really beautiful, soft, muted colours, my favourite!

"Wool and the Gang is the story of a family,

a know-how transmitted to the next generation, re-invented,

self taught, a bond between gang members, a gang of knitters,

guys and girls from 7 to 77 years old, all tied together by a piece of yarn…"

Wool and the Gang is an international knitting store and collective. While I was living in NY they opened their first American store located in SOHO and it is magnificent. They sell kits, wool, pre-knit garments and host many knitting functions. I love how founders, Carolyn and Lisa have helped make a name for this heirloom trade in modern fashion.

Even though summer is coming up, you can still knit! Buy this kit, The Tala Tank Top, for $70. "Tala" means wolf in Native American. I'll take a wolf tank top any day!

Wool and the Gang also has extremely helpful and easy to follow knitting videos. Here's one to get you started: Casting On.

02 Casting on with two needles

by WOOLANDTHEGANG

She lives!

2010-02-17T13:25:00.011-05:00

So....I forgot my blog passwords!

However, while playing around with Passwords Of The Past this morning, I some how made it in! I have a lot to share and some more free time on my hands again, so i hope to update more frequently.

Here's whats happened in the last year:

- got a job teaching pre-k at a private school in manhattan and fell in love with my job

- fiance and i split. he moved to texas. i stayed in brooklyn.

- met my best friend forever (BFF!), britta plug!

- reconnected with ex-fiance and started dating again.

- moved back to austin, texas in december

- started a knitware company called: Alouetta

- nanny part-time, craft part-time and have fun!

Talk Soon,

Meg

Boxed Water is Better

2009-03-29T11:06:00.003-04:00

Boxed Water is Better

The Boxed Water container is far more sustainable than plastic bottled water. About 90% of the box is from a renewable
resource, trees.

The trees used to make our box come from certified, well managed forests. These forests remain healthy and stable through ongoing replanting while removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

The creation and distribution of our box has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to plastic bottles, up to 80% lower in some cases. This is because our boxes can be shipped to the bottling source flat.

Our cartons can also be broken down to their original flat state, are recyclable in most areas, and will be everywhere shortly. Please visit www.recyclecartons.com to learn more.

We really care about the world's water supply. 10% of our profit is donated to world water relief foundations. We feel anyone who consumes our product is in a privileged position and it's important that part of their spending goes to help those who are not as privileged. Just makes sense, doesn't it?

We really care about the trees. So much so that we donate yet another 10% of our profit to reforestation foundations. So when you're drinking this water, you're helping to plant more trees and protect our forests, strengthening mother nature's lungs.

Currently sold in MI, but you can join their mailing list and spread the word.

Bees

2009-03-22T12:10:00.031-04:00

Hello!

Just popped in to do an update about bees! I have a new roommate, Britta, and she is in love with bees. She has inspired a bee obsession in me. Britta just got a bee tattoo from local tattoo artist JK5 at Saved Tattoo in Williamsburg.

The Snail and The Cyclops has a cute little blurb about beekeeping journals from the 19th century. Check it out!

Hand-Cut Paper Bee, not for sale, Elsita (Master Paper cutter!)

Bees, 340 pounds, Cardigan

John Derian has a nice collection of bee things.

Waste Basket $385

Coasters, $100 for set of 4

Paper Weight, $60

Do you remember this pull toy from Fisher Price? Photo courtesy of Fleaflyflofun! on Flickr.

Honey Bee Oatmeal Milk and Honey Soap, $3.75 - $4.50, Wilmoth Farms

The Bees Buttons, $5, PotatoPotato

I love these bee and bear illustrations by my friend and Portland artist, Julianna Swaney. She has several other bee inspired illustrations for sale at her Etsy shop, Oh My Cavalier. These ones are not for sale at the moment. You can check out what she is up to at her drawing blog, Oh My Cavalier.

Britta does facials at a spa in Manhattan and has her own space doing natural facials using raw and edible materials! She highly suggests manuka honey face masks. Spread it on your face, licking the spoon when you are finished, and rinse off after 15 minutes. Honey is a natural antioxidant and manuka honey is so powerful you can use it on burns and other wounds. I did one just the other night and my skin feels great!

Internally active manuka honey is used for Gastro-Intestinal Disorders, such as Acid Reflux, Esophagus Ulcer, Heartburn, up-set Stomach, Stomach Ulcer, H. Pylori (helicobacter pylori), Gastritis, Duodenal Ulcer, Diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Externally active manuka honey is used for Wound Care such as Burns, Wounds, amputation stump wounds, Ulcers, Diabetic Leg Ulcer, Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Sores, Bed Sores (pressure sores, decubitus wounds), Scars, MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staph Auereus) infected wounds, post-operative scar wound healing.

Manuka Honey has an antibacterial effect 4 times greater than standard Antiseptic (minimum 18% carbolic equivalent)

Manuka Honey Active 16+, $30, Wedderspoon

This would be beautiful in a frame!

Photo Illustration of Bee, $10, KZukowski

I love the exposed wood on this piece!

Bee in Green, $45, Kim Fox Art

Bee 23 by BingBang Wallet, $25, UO

The Birds and the Bees Ring, $16, My Lavaliere

Bee Skep Necklace, $22, Mamas Little Babies

Colorful BeeHives Photo by Hdrdoc on Flickr

Stamp bees everywhere!

Bee Rubber Stamp, $2, NoraJane

Antique Brass Honey Bee Necklace, $14, Fairiesnberries, Montreal

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is one of my favourite girlie books! About four years ago I convinced my book club NOT to read this book. I picked it up last year after repeated recommendations and fell in love with it- instantly feeling embarrassed for eschewing it at the book club! If you were in my book club and my superior debating skills convinced you not to read this book, I TAKE IT ALL BACK. Read it!

Bonus: While it is a fictitious book, it is full of really interesting facts about bees.

Pick it up at Amazon for $0.01 (YES ONE CENT) with $3.99 shipping

Now go embroider bees on everything you own!!!!!!

Design by Kunderwood via Flickr

A New Place

2009-01-18T14:02:00.004-05:00

Hello!

If you've noticed, I have been rather absent lately. I am working as a Pre-K teacher in NYC, and this takes up quite a bit of time, in the best way possible! I still update here on occasion, but I have a new blog: Safari School, that requires less of me. I update it frequently with beautiful images. Homes, Style, People, Products, Animals, Etc.

xo xo

Meg

Safari School

JeongMee Yoon's Pink & Blue Project

2008-12-21T12:12:00.012-05:00

"My current work, The Pink and Blue Projects are the topic of my thesis. This project explores the trends in cultural preferences and the differences in the tastes of children (and their parents) from diverse cultures, ethnic groups as well as gender socialization and identity. The work also raises other issues, such as the relationship between gender and consumerism, urbanization, the globalization of consumerism and the new capitalism.

The Pink and Blue Projects were initiated by my five-year-old daughter, who loves the color pink so much that she wanted to wear only pink clothes and play with only pink toys and objects. I discovered that my daughter’s case was not unusual. In the United States, South Korea and elsewhere, most young girls love pink clothing, accessories and toys. This phenomenon is widespread among children of various ethnic groups regardless of their cultural backgrounds. Perhaps it is the influence of pervasive commercial advertisements aimed at little girls and their parents, such as the universally popular Barbie and Hello Kitty merchandise that has developed into a modern trend. Girls train subconsciously and unconsciously to wear the color pink in order to look feminine."

- JeongMee Yoon

Jeonghoon and His Blue Things, 2008

Jeeyoo and Her Pink Things, 2008

Jimin and His Blue Things, 2007

SeoWoo and her Pink Things, 2006

Collection now showing at the Children's Museum of Arts in NY. More information and many more images at JeongMee Yoon's Website.

Christmas

2008-12-15T23:35:00.003-05:00

1. Jollypop, 2. The dollhouse at Christmas, 3. Vintage Tree Toppers, 4. Have A Merry, Scary Halloween, 5. It Was Christmas In July, 6. Christmas pageant, 7. A Merry Christmas To You 1909, 8. Lucia Morning Einar Nerman 1920, 9. Lucia Skansen Stockholm 1902, 10. Stockholm Lucia 1947, 11. December Children, 12. Santa Claus is coming to Town 1943, 13. Santa Kewpie and Kewpie Reindeer Ride, 14. Paulette Goddard Christmas Time, 15. Gnome & The Pig Cristmas Walk Jenny Nystrom, 16. Three Santas

You Can't ALWAYS Get What You Want

2008-10-21T23:33:00.005-04:00

Thanks to everyone that ordered things from my Amazon Birthday Wish List!! It was very unexpected and very much appreciated! Thanks!

Here is an instillation of: If I Had One Million Dollars To Spend At Urban Outfitters

Birthday Wishlist!

2008-10-06T21:50:00.017-04:00

My birthday is coming up! Here's what I have my eye on. All items can be found catalogued by level of NEED at my Amazon Wish List.

Squirrel Tray, $65

The Way We Live In the City Book, $23.45

Between the Lines Oxfords, $24.99 (size 8!)

Dear Diary, $6.33

Fred's Cool Jewels, $6

Terryworld Book, $12.12

Gloveables Gloves -Red Gingham & Bow, $14

Bailey Convertible Messenger, $24.50

Large Pastry Dome by Trudeau, $39.50

The Amazing Paper Cuttings of Hans Christian Andersen Book, $0.53 (yes, you read that CORRECTLY, 53 cents)

Cowhair Metal Pillow, By MAISON DE VACANCES, on sale for $95 from $275

Brooklyn Storefronts Paperback Book, $5

Mikasa Antique White 12-Inch Bunny Centerpiece, $41.57

Nylon Pretty, $16.47

Thanks! Happy Birfday to me!

Following Obama

2008-09-28T08:25:00.002-04:00

There is a feature on the New York Times website right now titled "Following Obama." This Photographers Journal was shot and narrated by Damon Winter as he travelled with Obama and it is amazing. It's really powerful, and I would love to know your thoughts on it after you watch it. So I'm going to release you to it, but come back to me!

Please watch this and appreciate the power of photography.

Be sure to turn your speakers on!

Daily Doily

2008-09-06T23:08:00.022-04:00

I just did so much research on doilies... Doilies are amazing! They are so versatile and span the ages. They can go from Grandma's cozy cabin to your neighbour's modern apartment. They come in all different kinds of materials, and can be used in many many different ways. I fell in love with the following doilies and doily inspired things.

Herpes virus

HIV Virus

Doilies by Laura Splan
2004
freestanding computerized machine embroidered lace mounted on velvet
16.75" x 16.75" each framed

The design of each doily is based on the structure of a different virus. I begin with a digital image of the virus, which I then base a design on in a graphics editor. The design is then imported into computerized embroidery software and the stitches are laid out and manipulated. Finally, the designs are output from a computerized sewing machine. [Source]

Sophie Earrings in Linen by Crochet Girl of Chicago, Illinois. Classic pineapple shape crocheted into elegant earrings. You might recognize this shape from the doily on your grandma's table but this one is way more hip. Earrings are crocheted with soft brown linen cotton thread and lightly starched to maintain their shape. 2" tall and 1.5" at widest point. $20.

Custom Lace Table made for Lynne Rutter of The Ornamentalist by her friend Marcia Stuermer of Fossil Faux Studios.

The tabletop is acrylic resin, embedded with lace doilies, many of which were made by her great grandmother. The rest were collected from eBay and San Francisco's Chinatown. At 51" in diameter, the table is scaled perfectly to the room, and can seat 6 comfortably.

Click for more Details and Photos

I bought these Rubber Lace Coasters from Mod Cloth and I love them! They are sold out now, but you can find them for slightly more $$$ at Rockett St George, in black OR white.

Limited edition Doily print by Julianna Swaney of Oh My Cavalier, who just relocated to Portland, Oregon. Julianna is a good friend of mine and every time she creates something it always turns out elegant, beautiful and inspiring. Only $10!

FLOR is known for their unique modular carpet squares that can be assembled to fit any room in any style. These squares are adorably called Amazing Lace and come in brown, black and white. The tiles are on sale for $10.59 (that's only $3.94 per square foot!)

Granny's Doily Brooch by Ginger Squirrel. A pretty vintage-inspired brooch with a hand-crocheted mini doily, topped with a wire-wrapped mother of pearl button, and embellished with little beads for some sparkle. Backed with the same red felt and finished with a safety clasp. $10.

The Doily Table came from the minds of David Eveleigh and Melissa Evans. The following is from Melissa's blog post on the table:

The ‘Doily’ table is our first interior design product and was launched several years ago. It is a laser cut flat packed occasional table in clear, smoked or black 10mm acrylic, designed and produced by us. It was selling in London/NYC and sold all over the world. It was a finalist in the Elle Deco Design Awards 2005. We still love it but its no longer being produced at present.

Wool felt Doily Rug by Donna Wilson. I wish there was a better photo possibly an in room photo, to show the size, but I can't find one! 440 Pounds! If 16.50 pounds is more in your price range, then you might want to take a look at Wilson's wool felt Doily Placemats. Pictured below.

Lace Bead work by Gina Adams:

Two years ago I began to research my Ojibwe and Lithuanian heritages. The only piece of their histories that I related to was the craft. I started drawing these bead/lace configurations as a way to place myself equally between the two cultures.

Framed Hand-Crocheted Name Doily, made by Katie of Springfield, Illinois. $60.

Doily covered horse (private collection) and piano by Joana Vasconcelos.

Antique Lace Tee at Urban Outfitters, currently Sold Out.

This classic plate set is made from high quality, durable melamine. The pattern is an exclusive Thomas Paul design that references traditional motifs used in fine china and adds a modern gothic spin. Set of 4. Measures 11" in diameter. Dishwasher safe, not microwavable.

From my own Home:

Sunday brunch! I ordered my plates from Elsewares and loved their customer service (as I have said before!)

Lacey Felt Placemats by Crate & Barrel, on sale for only $2.95

Beautiful Doily Giftcards by Beau Ideal, green printed in Brooklyn, NY. 4 for $6.00.

Doily Bird framed print by Traceface of Birmingham, Alabama. $30 (framed! FRAMED!)

Dainty Doilie Wall Graphic, by mother and daughter team Elaine and Nell Oliver of Elly Nelly of NY and Australia, $32.

Little Green Tea Set

By Esther Coombs

This is such a pretty old Tea Set, Its make by J&G Meaking a well respected ceramics maker which is now really collectable.

This set is in good condition with only a little discolouration on the surface glaze, small grey dots where the heat has affected the colour. I didn't want to do to much to it so used my classic doily drawings and a few words to decorate.

With a milk jug , sugar bowl and 4 tea cups and saucers its a darling little set.
All my items are made or drawn by hand, I don't use transfers or stencils. $240

Doilie 6 Piece Coffee Set
by Esther Coombs

Ok i have a confession although i make alot of items dedicated to tea I'm actually a coffee drinker most of the time, its not that i never do tea but here is one for the coffee drinkers among you..

This is a six piece coffee set the cups are so petit and lovely and the set has a sugar pot with lid and milk jug and the coffee pot also with a little lid is so elegant i love it!

Decorated with my classic doilie drawings, sugar cubes and coffee beans etc i think it could make a pretty edition to any kitchen. Perfect for expresso!
So sweet! $260.

Blondas Reverso, Lap Top Case available from Picnic Decor.

Doily Pillows available at LAMA - Latin America in the Modern Age

Who says doilies are old fashioned? This doily print pillow is the clever concept of established Argentinean textile designers Coty Larguia and Eugenia Troncoso. Once featured in the MOMA Argentina and now available through LAMA, this pillow is equal parts quirky, sophisticated and chic. Definitely not something you'd see in your Grandmother's house. 100% cotton. Polyfil insert included. Made in Argentina. $56.

I love the LAMA website! Here is some information about the store and it's opening (maybe I'm partial because I grew up in Ecuador... but either way I love LAMA's goods!)

Latin America is more than salsa and fiestas, coffee beans and bananas, sombreros and panama hats. Its ancient artisans have evolved into imaginative designers and its unknown cities are becoming exciting metropolises with contemporary cafes and chic boutiques. Ecstatic over all her finds, the girl realized her mission: to bring much deserved attention and recognition to the independent designers she admires and to help them reach an audience some may have not been able to access on their own. Carefully choosing some of her favorite pieces from abroad, in addition to the work from Latino artists living in the US and others who find inspiration for their work from this colorful culture, the girl and her dog were finally ready to open the shop they dreamed of and show those who haven’t seen it for their own eyes‚ Latin America in the Modern Age.

Jill Greenberg

2008-08-20T20:24:00.007-04:00

For over 15 years Canadian Jill Greenberg has been a photographer shooting celebrity portraits - and gorgeous ones at that. I personally prefer babies and animals over celebrities and am so happy to see the following collections.

Monkey Portraits - Late 2006

We share about 98 percent of our DNA with chimpanzees, our closest biological cousins. In her book, Monkey Portraits, Jill captures monkeys in such a human way that often we find glimpses of people we know hidden within these primate faces. You can buy her book for only $17 by clicking here.

Ursine - Late 2007

Jill Greenberg’s exhibition “Ursine”, is a selection of portraits of grizzly bears, black bears, and polar bears. This exhibition reveals the fascinating expressions of these animals of the Ursidae genus, highlighting her subjects’ unique personalities, dispositions and body language. She photographed the over-sized creatures in outdoor studios in Calgary and Vancouver. [source]

End Times - Late 2007

“I love the raw emotion of children, because it comes close to the anger and helplessness I feel about our current political and social situation,” says commercial photographer Jill Greenberg about her exhibition, End Times. The photos were captured by giving the child a lollipop for 30 seconds then taking it away. The results are photos with clever names like, Four More Years and Left Behind.

♥

Justin Richel

2008-08-18T12:08:00.007-04:00

OH MY GOD! today I'm so excited because I stumbled upon Justin Richel and his art. Sometimes I wonder why people don't tell me about artists, there are so many good ones, and ones that draw sweets... COME ON PEOPLE! TELL ME THESE THINGS! So Justin lives in Maine with his lady and kitty. I live in Brooklyn with my man and kitty - see the similarities!

Ok in all seriousness, check out these paintings:

Close up:

HERE is a link to his flicker site with many a dessert painting photos. And here is a different type of painting by him, not sweets, but still sweet!

OK, next, I love these Amazing Talking Paintings! $60 each on his website with limited availability or $70 at The Curiosity Shoppe.

Talking Paintings!

Suspicious Paintings!

Look at how Teeny Tiny they are!

Amazing Stop Motion Videos

2008-08-14T15:13:00.005-04:00

Western Spaghetti by PES

Human Tetris by Guillaume Reymond (NOT so NOISY creative agency)

Public Art by BLU

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

Phil Neary teaches you how to make your OWN stop motion film:

Please comment or email if you have more I should include! Thanks

Yellow and Grey

2008-08-13T13:48:00.020-04:00

As of late I have been obsessing over grey and yellow together. I have noticed the trend not only on design blogs like design*sponge and Apartment Therapy but in my friend's decor choices as well. Today I've been exploring all the grey and yellow combinations out there and present to you my findings.

The original inspiration for this post came from the following three photos:

Yellow Sets the Tone, Photo from Skona Hem

Designer Denai Jones of Petunia Pickle Bottom's son, miller’s, beautiful nursery, as discovered on design*sponge.

Mid-Century Modern inspired washroom from HGTV photo gallery.

On To The Products!

Envirosax's Retro Graphic Bag 5, a light weight polyester bag to use in place of plastic bags, $10

Yellow and silver Bright Diving Watch specially commissioned by Urban Outfitters, $38

Once Upon a Book Bookmarks from Urban Paisley. Handmade from hand cut and embroidered wool felt and embellished with repurposed vintage or modern buttons. Everything on the bookmark is sewn and there was no glue used. The clip measures approximately 2 1/2 inches, $4.50 each.

Look! Something for boys! PF Flyer's Number 5 Sneaker, yellow and grey in all the right ways, $90.

Set of two Mustard Flower Pillows from Bungle Bear Designs, $36. Fabric from IKEA, I love this fabric and am so glad to see people making pretty things from it!

Heritage 1981, Dotted Rope Tote, $15

Vintage-inspired floral print patterns a classically styled cotton dress modernized with the addition of dark lining that provides coverage at the plunging slit neck and armholes. Sun Field Dress by Leifsdottir, $248.

Socket and Light Switch Plates, $20-$24

Golden Buck Coaster Set by Joshua Stone, $19 for 4

I Can't Believe You Just Said That, $16 by Blackoutwell

Whether playing the part of a jar or a vase, the modern Mason has a nostalgic handle on both. Available in two essential colors, and handmade in low-fire ceramic with a non-toxic glaze, they're a fetching catch-all for a variety of life's little pleasures.
Located in Brooklyn, Perch! is a company I have ordered from before and would love to again! The Mason by Amy Adams, $52 each.

Highlands Button-Up, $78 by Edme and Esylite at Anthropologie

The Rug Company, Chiesa Yellow, probably $864,686

Shadowflora Tote, Anthropologie for $98

Portuguese Tile Curtain, $98 - $108 at Anthro

Botkier Jeanne shoes for $390 at Piperlime

I apologize for the Anthrpologie over kill, but they have an amazing selection and grey and yellow items right now! A lacey backdrop of sunshine yellow and white makes stitched silver-gray medallions pop on this pretty drum shade. Medallion Drum Shadel, $68, Anthro.

Florence Knoll Yellow and Grey Credenza = love

Clockwise from Top Left:

Sweater: J.Crew, $50, Shirt: Rumplo, $22, Bracelets: 80s Purple, $78, Earrings: Dorothy Perkins, 5 Pounds, Backpack: Wet Seal, $20, Dress: Topshop, 45 pounds, Topsiders: Keep Company, $40, Oxford Heels: Jeffrey Campbell, $100, Runners: Keds, $35, Shorts: similar at Forever21, $18, Belt: TopShop-no longer available, Glasses: ASOS, 12 pounds, Pants: Urban Outfitters-no longer available, Skirt: Oli - No longer available.

RIP H & H

2008-08-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

Sadly, Canadian House and Home magazine and their accompanying website went out of publication. They had a HUGE photo gallery and I'm so sad to not have that resource available anymore. Thankfully I snagged a few, very few, of my favourite inspiration photos shortly before hand. I wish I had more though! Here are a few...

Brooklyn

2008-08-08T14:24:00.020-04:00

Brooklyn! I'm back! I missed you whilst on Vacation in hot, sticky and sweaty Texas! Here's what I missed:

This is a sweet tee indeed: it features a popular Cakespy theme of hipster baked goods waiting for the subway in the super-hip Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn. American Apparel shirts.
Get the notecards if you are not of the t-shirted orientation. They come in a boxed set of 10 cards and envelopes. It's all one design: Hipster Cakes and sweets waiting for the L Train in Brooklyn! They come in a clear and sturdy box. Each card is an A2 size (4.24 x 5.5) which is horizontally aligned, with a top tent-fold.

Cards, $12 for 10, Jessie Oleson (Click for Shop)
T-shirt, $22, Jessie Oleson (Click for Blog)

These two would look so cute next to each other in frames! 5"x7"
Left: 51 Bushwick Avenue Print, $10, Pepper Sprouts
Right: 53 Bushwick Avenue Print, $10, Pepper Sprouts

Brooklyn Bridge Pillow, $20, Urbn

Brooklyn Coaster's City! You can buy the Sesame Letterpress coaster's a bunch of places in town, but I like Elsewares because they are really friendly and it is literally one block away from my house! Mail order only though : (

Left: Brooklyn Coaster, $3.95 for 10, Fish Eddy's
Right: Brooklyn Coaster Set, 8 for $12, Sesame Letterpress

Brooklyn, NY Letter Pressed Cards, $3.50 each or $17 for 8, Andy Pratt Design

I love the colours in this design and I love Coney Island. Put two and two together and I'll buy four. or something less cheesy. Printed on American Apparel, which means: soft!
Coney Island Onesie, $22, TotStops

Hand pulled, 20"x13" three color block print of several buildings in the williamsburg neighborhood of brooklyn, ny.
The Usual Suspects Print, $60, Craftonite

Hello Greenpoint! I live in you! This canvas bag was created by Brooklyn Novelty, which consists of Derick Holt and Milton Carter of Willamsburg/Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Derick has an assortment of amazing graphic design on his site and Milton has great shirts, including this Brooklyn themed one:

Aloha Shirt, $58, M. Carter
Williamsburg/Greenpoint Tote, $20, Brooklyn Novelty

I like this necklace because it was made with a picture of the Brooklyn Bridge and a Nickel. I love it when people find new uses for things and I would never think to use a nickel when creating jewelry. I also like the picture they chose to use of the Bridge, it gives the necklace an old-timey feel.

Catch Wabisabi Brooklyn on Saturday August 9 at the Brooklyn Indie Market from 11am-7pm
Under the red and white striped tent on Smith and Union Street, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Via subway: take the F or G train to Carroll street. Exit at the President Street exit of the station. You will see the the tent!

Brooklyn Bridge Necklace, $22, Wabisabi Brooklyn

Brooklyn Rectangle Platter, $22.95, Fish Eddy's

Special Feature: Kids Clothes!

2008-07-29T13:45:00.029-04:00

Hello all! I am Karina, the newest member of my all time favorite blog, and I feel truly honored. Why me you might ask? Because I have three kids, time to spare, a computer, and a penchant for cute kids stuff. Clothes, shoes, decor, design, you name it... I've searched it.

My first posting is going to be about clothes. I am always looking for something unique and different and more often than not it is easier to shop online than to cart three kids (two unwilling boys and one loud baby) around from store to store. Here are just a few of my very favorite things:

In the market for a tutu? These are honest to goodness the BEST tutus you can buy! I bought one for my daughter but am looking to buy another as she's growing out of the red one. Some may say, "OH, I could make one just as easy" but TRUST me, it would not be the same. Oopsy Daisy Baby Pettiskirts are not to be missed, now if only they'd make them in adult sizes ; ) Prices range from about $50 - $90.

Then there is Mountain Aven Baby, based out of Wyoming. Oh, they've got such cute little sets and dresses. I just want to buy them all up, but alas, I must hold back. Click here for the full line as what's pictured is just a sampling of what to expect.
Retro Robot Lounge Set, custom sizes (long or short sleeves), $42
Reversible dresses can be custom made, check their shop.

I love, love, love Le Bouton's clothing line. She doesn't currently have anything posted for sale as she is waiting for her new sewing machine. You can see her previously sold designs here though. Keep a close eye on her site as her kids clothes are amazing! They are a bit on the splurge side, but if you ever get the chance to splurge, do it.

Oh how I love this coat by Hana & Violet. Too cute! It also helps that her daughter is adorable!

Reversible Orange Apple Jumper, $38
Black Dressy Coat, $70

One more and then I'll call it a night as I could be up forever doing this! I'm posting this under clothing because when you are a child, getting dressed is boring unless you get to use your imagination every once in a while! My boys are totally obsessed with dressing like Indiana Jones and my little girl isn't there quite yet, but I really like what babypop designs has to offer little kids and their growing imaginations.
Custom Superhero Capes, $13
Custom Pirate Cape, $19

Get dressed, have fun!

Until next time, this is Karina.
Signing Off. Over and Out.

Softies!

2008-07-16T10:32:00.017-04:00

(source)

Softies! I admit, I still occasionally sleep with my stuffed animals... although in recent months they've just been hanging out on a shelf by my bed - I'm getting better! I've done some INTENSE research. Let me tell you people, cute stuffed animals are haaaard to come by. My fingertips are warn from all the research I had to do to bring these to you.. so enjoy!

OH here is mine (Pepper Jerky, the grey one) Love His Eyes!

I got this book from my future sister-in-law for Christmas and love it! They have quite a few softies I can't wait to make, and one that I'm in the process of making right now. The instructions are super simple and they have included patterns that are really easy to follow. Therese Laskey has another book about softies out too, if you like this one.
Softies: SImple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals by Therese Laskey, Leah Kramer and Laurie Frankel, $14 Used from $9, Amazon

This is incredibly, amazingly expensive, but look how beautiful it is. What a neat idea. I had to include it, even though it absolutely does not fall into the category of 'affordable design.' Oh well. Be inspired!
Collection: Cardigan in Bloom, ONLY $1,297.34, Cardigan, Brighton, UK

Siamese Kitty Bean Pillow, $32, Design Slave, Melbourne, Aus

"I Know it happened and it happened like this".... Outdoor installation of stuffed animals in tribute to murder victims in the Rochester community.

Red or Gold Plush Heart, $30 for Gold, $20 for Red, I Heart Guts, LA, CA

My sister, Paige, has a disease called Cystic Fibrosis. Your body produces too much mucus so she gets colds easier and has a harder time fighting them off and hence breathing. She knows how important lungs are, so how perfect are these lungs for her?! Paige, I hope you aren't reading cause this is your Christmas present! haha!
Lung Plush [I lung you!], $18, I Heart Guts, LA, CA
Check out I Heart Guts website for other innards softies!

Embroidered Lion or Lamb Pillow Plush, $23 each, La Bete Handmade, San Diego, CA

Tattooed Man in Vintage Swimwear, $sold!, Mimi Kirchner, Arlington, MA

Star Wars Plush Figures, $14 each, Yoda, Chewbacca and Darth Vader, Urban Outfitters

Lady Fifi, $58, Dadaya, Kyoto, Japan

1.25" wide by 1.5" tall. HELLO! THAT IS SO TINY! I LOVE YOU!
Happy Woolen Owl, $16, Chet and Dot, Portland, OR

Rosalind is a very special kitty! She's an awake/asleep kitty. This means on one side of her kitty body she has an awake face with safety eyes. On her other side she has a sleepy face which is all embroidered. She's accented differently on each side. Your little one will love flipping her over to put her to sleep and wake her up (mine does!) She's totally washable, made from cotton, wool felt, and trim. Shes' snuggly and totally cute! Perfect!

Rosalind - An Awake/Asleep Kitty, $35, Tiddlywinks, Roscommon, MI

These little fawns come in a couple other colours, like grey and fuschia. Joaquin - the green fawn, $31, Alberto's Family, Berlin, Germany

Charming stuffed animals in the boxy style typical of era. Imperfect but a rare and delightful find. Simplicity 2262; 5 to 9 inch toys; from late 1920s or early 1930s.
Boxy Stuffed Animals Pattern, $25.00, Sewing Palette
Exceptional 1920s stuffed terrier dog transfer pattern. Butterick 16136; 13 inch toy; 1920s; unstamped.
Terrier Pattern, $50.00, Sewing Palette

If your loved stuffed animal is as cute as the ones on the website promoting the book Dirty Wow Wows, then I suggest you share them with us!

Still can't get enough? Visit Softies Central, a blog dedicated to bringing you the most current events and developmnts in the plush world. Don't die of softie overload!

Tea Time

2008-07-15T11:34:00.023-04:00

Prologue: Being Canadian I feel like I was raised semi-British. We have very strong ties with the British! It was always - would you eat like that in front of the QUEEN!?! I think not! Along with Royalty I associate tea with the British and my up bringing. My grandparents, whose parents descended from Britain, had tea every day at 4 on the dot their entire lives, and again after dinner! My grandmother on my other side took us to tea houses every summer when we would visit. There was a lot of tea in my life!

However, as much as I love tea culture... my palate will not accept tea! I have tried tea with honey, sugar, without sugar, with milk, soy milk, no milk, many different types of tea... alas, I cannot taste it for anything other than murky water with leaves in it- very similar to my distain for lemon in water. It's watered down lemonade! Anyways, It is so sad that I don't like tea because I love everything tea related. So with this post I will leave out the taste factor of tea and present to you tea related thingies!

I love love love love love Sea Spray Blue's art, as featured twice last week! This tea cup print is so gorgeous, but sold out : ( Please print more!
Too Many Teacups, Sea Spray Blue, Dresden, Germany

District Thirty from Vancouver creates this hand pierced and cut tea pot necklace that I believe would be a perfect addition to any jewelers collection - including my own!! I especially love their giraffe necklace titled "Look Up, Way Up" after a very old Canadian TV show, The Friendly Giant. Thanks for the reminiscence! Is that a word?
Tea for Two, $48, District Thirty, Vancouver, Canada

This has nothing to do with Tea and everything to do with District Thirty reminding me of the Friendly Giant. If you want to hear the world's most soothing voice, press play:

I told you I was loving Yellow! This teapot has such a perfect design to it. To me it is all that entails gorgeous design, and guess what? It's only 8 bucks... Do I need to buy this too!? I can't buy everything I blog about!! Check out her shop because she has a lot of other neat vintage finds.

Vintage Yellow Tea Pot, $8, Moxie Thrift, Seward, Nebraska,

This teapot design was screenprinted using a hand-cut paper stencil. It is printed in purple on to 90gsm Recycled Ribbed Kraft, and mounted on a 220gsm white greetings card. Comes with a bright orange envelope.
I love Lucy's bio on her Etsy store: This shop is the result of a Graphic Design student with a long summer ahead of her. A few months off from uni gives me the chance to do some self-directed design, just for the sake of it - playing around with ideas I don't have time to explore during term time
(More of my design work can be found here And I've just started a blog) too!

Teapot Greeting Card, $3.00, Lucy Player, Essex, England

These tea tins and the pot that inspired them from Nigella Lawson are so affordable and adorable! I love the colours, they go perfectly with my kitchen colour scheme. Red, baby blue and white. Thanks NIgella for creating such beautiful things for our kitchens! She also creates tins with sugar bowls on them. eek!

I Love Sparklebean's Etsy Store. Love. With a capital! Remember the ice cream sandwich earrings!? She sells the Cutest (with a capital!) jewelry this side of cutesville. Think of anything cute and she has it in the form of jewlery - miniature pan of cupcakes as a necklace? √ poodle earrings? √ berry pie earrings? √ ice cream hair pins? √ my business? √
Well this time she has tiny tea cup rings! cutiepie!

Orange Pumpkin Tea Party Ring, $6.85, Sparklebean, Folsom, CA

My Favourite Anthropologie Tea Cups:
1. Julien Cup & Saucer, $18, Comes in Aqua and Green
2. Amelia Espresso Cup & Saucer, $18, Comes in Turquoise, Red, Pink, Green and Yellow
3. Bluebird Setting, $12, Yellow Only

Retro Cups Gocco Print in Teal, $5, June Craft, Chigaco, IL

I'm throwing this in the mix... anyone else play with this tea set growing up? I did!!!
Get it for you or your kids, or nieces, or nephews! right here on ebay.

Hennie Haworth. Another artist I could go on and on and on about. She has amazing illustrations at her website, including this tea infused one. Get it? Infused! oh man.
Here is a bit about her in some amazing type:

These tins are so neat - they actually probably appeal to me so much because they remind me of Hennie's Tea Print. Since I don't actually own or store any tea in my house I would use these to store many of my other necessities: stamps, buttons, stickers, markers, etc.
Available by emailing Accord Tea or visiting their Website.

New | Old Tea Sets by Christine Misiak

According to Misiak:
Basically I take old, worn forgotten tea sets and give them a new lease of life. I find the old battered metal tea sets at car boot sales or flea markets.

The reason why these tea sets are cast away and end up on Ebay is probably due to the reason that they are deemed un-cool or unfashionable, however another reason may be because of their dated styling and colour. Also the condition of many of these tea sets means that they cannot be used; silver plating has often come off, surface is dirty and unpolished, dints and scratches are present on the surface.

Therefore the idea of reusing these old things acts as a way of giving them a new lease of life. Reusing and reinventing old tea sets to make them more current and fashionable for today’s market."

The Green Sets: The silver metal parts I have taken off old sets, and cut them off the originals then cleaned them up and made new bodies for them out of metal. Then the components are all permanently fabricated together, then the whole thing silver plated, then the parts I want green are sprayed green (the green sets are prototypes that I am developing and seeking to get manufactured). So its a mixture of old and new, and mixing of the eras.

The Orange Set: When I sourced this set at a car boot sale the previous owner snapped off the metal handle and so no one would want a broken tea pot, so I bought the set, cleaned it up and made a new wooden handle for it, then powder coated the whole set to make it usable and desirable again. The same applies with the black set.

The Black Set: When I sourced it at a car boot sale it was in extremely bad condition. The surface finish was rusty, dirty and scratched, also the inside of the tea pot was very unappealing. Moreover, one of the little legs on the sugar bowl had been snapped off by the prior owner, therefore it had really reached its end life.So I cleaned the set up and applied black to it, and now the surface finish is glossy and smooth and the set can actually be used again. The imperfection with the broken sugar bowl leg is still there, but it acts as character and the set aims to celebrate the imperfections.

Huge thanks to my Source of this interview with Christine, Dezeen.

Repurposed Teacups and Teapots are amazing! Especially when they are used by Raylene Sutton to make miniature worlds. I love miniature things! I couldn't find much else about Raylene, but she does show her miniatures in the Miniature's Club of B.C. (Source)

If you would like to find uses for all those gorgeous or chipped teacup/pots you have either in your (or your grandma's!) home or that you see in thrift stores, follow Martha's lead! Turn them into candles or use them as drawer organizers!

She has a step by step guide on turning your teacups into candles at her site. It looks really simple! A commenter suggested using an old tea pot as a double boiler for your wax so that you dont have to search Martha's Housekeeping bible to figure out how to get wax out of a $100 all-clad pan. Thanks! You can also melt crayons into your wax for colour! awesome! Clicky Clicky.

Epilogue: Just a reminder, anyone can leave comments- blogger registered or not, anonymous or leave a name and website, your choice! I love hearing from you and your opinions and additions to my posts! I so appreciate the folks leaving comments, so this is a little shout out to you guys! thanks! People read my blog! sorry about the "!!!'s" I have warned you about my excitement over little things before! ♥

Paper Clothing

2008-07-14T15:41:00.002-04:00

Today it's all about paper clothing! Not today as in The World, today as in Meagan's July 14th blog entry! I did a little research on paper dresses to hopefully provide some more perspective on this art form and all I kept finding was info on the whole "paper dress fad" of the 60's. After more research I found a few amazing artist's who use paper to create clothing. Beautiful clothing!
But first a little history:

In 1966, Scott Paper Co. introduced disposable clothing as a promotion gimmick with a sleeveless shift selling for $1.00. Scott sold 500,000 dresses in eight months, and the strong response had other manufacturers and designers joining the paper chase.

By 1967, Mars Manufacturing Company of Asheville was the nation's leading producer of paper dresses, selling 80,000 to 100,000 a week. From its basic A-line shift, the company expanded its line to include bell-bottom jump suits, evening gowns, aprons, men's vests, children's dresses and even swimming trunks. The rage for paper lasted a short time and by 1974 it was already passé. (source)

1960s "The Souper Dress" Andy Warhol Campbell's Soup Paper Dress

This is the 1960's Campbell's Soup dress that was inspired by the work of Andy Warhol. These were produced by Campbell's Soup as an effective advertising campaign when paper dresses were all the rage in the 60s. A classic example where fashion, art and industry intersect into one image. This A-line dress is printed with the Campbell's Soup red, black and white labels. At the back of the neckline is the original attached label that reads: "The Souper Dress/No Cleaning/ No Washing/ It's carefree fire resistant unless washed or cleaned/To refreshen, press lightly with warm iron/80% Cellulose, 20% Cotton". (source)

Elisabeth LeCourt

Here's elisabeth lecourt according to elisabeth lecourt:

SO this entry was originally inspired by the work of ELisabeth LeCourt. I don't know much about her, but I love what she creates! She's been making the blog rounds lately, but I wanted to post her work anyways to make sure that EVERYONE gets the chance to see her neat paper dresses.

Jennifer Collier

I eventually stumbled upon other artists that use paper to create articles of clothing. One of them being Jennifer Collier of the UK. She creates paper shoes, dresses, ties and bow ties, which stand alone or framed as pieces or non-wearable art.

Annette Meyer

Another artist I found is Annette Meyer of Denmark. She creates all types of paper clothing, including a paper wedding dress! Completely wearable, customizable and beautiful! More information available by clicking here.

Neda Niaraki

"I've created a fashion line [Fast Food Clothing], made from recyclable Tyvek that challenges popular culture's addiction to fashion and urges consumers to rethink their fashion over-consumption. The clothes are made out of soft structure Tyvek. My garments can be worn up to 12 times before deteriorating. Tyvek can be recycled up to 4-5 times before physical properties are substantially affected."

More information available at Neda's website!

So, if after all of this you feel like cutting up your phone book and wearing it... you can use this paper dress pattern from Dick Blick!

And it was all Yellow

2008-07-13T23:55:00.000-04:00

Today I decided to update about my favourite colour, yellow. I would never admit to this, of course, if it weren't for the fact that everything I've been attracted to lately turns out to be yellow! Whats going on with me!?! I'm a black girl! I'm a red girl! yellow?!

So welcome to my Yellow Post and enjoy my first ever Flickr collage:

Click image to enlarge (it is much more enjoyable this way)

Thanks to all the fantastic Flickr members for their beautiful photos:
1. patterned yellow, 2. Untitled, 3. Yellow house with Cherry Tree, 4. Yellow Bedroom Set, 5. my shoes, 6. yellow salt shakers, 7. Old Yellows, 8. june 416, 9. Colorful Cake, 10. yellow strings, 11. The yellow deer, 12. Yellow soul, 13. mini blend container ... and store!, 14. Vintage yellow Volkswagen T1, 15. Vintage Yellow Dishware Set, 16. My First Ever Attempt At Cupcakes, 17. cracked paint, 18. Puerta 6333 - Rioverde SLP México 2007, 19. Entramado 7158 - Valles SLP México 2007, 20. Jelly Belly

Vintage Yellow Canisters, $22 for 3, Domestikate, The SE

Yellow Vintage Mugs, $14 for 2, A Touch of Vintage, Toronto, Canada

Lovebirds Necklace in Yellow, $12 , Emma Loves Apples A.K.A. Goddess of Green, Cambridge

Yellow Paper Lace, $3.50 for 12 WHOLE yards (what a steal!) 3" wide, Brookerpie, Chicago, IL

Pearly Yellow Vintage Envelope Leather Purse (phewf), $12, Bamabelle, AL

Fleur-de-Lys Glasses, $32 for 4, Anthropologie

Kukkura - Marimekko (half yard), $14.50, Repro Depot

Striped Tee, $11 , Heritage at F21

Yellow Flateware, $13 per set, Too Embarrassed to Say! (they have more beautiful and less cheap looking choices at Broadway Panhandler on 8th in Manhattan, just not online)

Melanie Canvas Flats, $15 , F21

Melamine Dessert Plates, 4 for $10, Historically Vintage, Richmond, VA

Mustard Yellow Bag, $15, Edor7, Pasadena, TX (Oops sorry, I couldn't help myself: I just bought this!!)

Calico Junior's Dress, $35, Thirteen Eighty Five, Boston, MA (I might need to go buy this too...)

KitchenAide Stand Mixer in Sunshine, $299.00 (I got my pistachio one resfurbished for $150 and it works like a charm!), William Sonoma

This Yellow photo was taken by Walter Pieringer in the heart of my motherland - Alberta, with beautiful Canola fields to be found around every curve.

Many people have asked who took the new jumping photo I now use, Walter! Our friends were visiting us from Texas so we took them to Coney Island and I insisted on taking jumping photos on the boardwalk! I am amazed at what we all produced after only two shots! (the first shot caleb elbowed me in the face so um... it didn't turn out so well!)

Can I just say that Walter has had the most amazing life and he's only 26!! This is from one of his website:

My name is Walter Pieringer, and I like to shoot photos. My life has been a little strange – call it bad luck or bad decisions, or maybe a little of both, but I've had a lot of really bizarre stuff happen to me. I love the adventure, though, so I probably bring most of it it upon myself. . . . . here're a few highlights:

So far, I have:

* Been robbed at gunpoint while on crutches

* Flown to Moscow to be part of an international stunt man competition run by the Russian mafia

* Hitchhiked over 2000 miles from Washington State to Chicago, mostly with a 70-year-old racist Vietnam veteran semi truck driver named Gino and his pet wolf Nakita

* Chased a would-be-thief down a dark alley, tackled him, and retrieved my friend's backpack outside a sketchy bar in Durban, South Africa

* Been chased through the streets by wild dogs (twice)

* Shattered my left kidney

* Hung out with a ranking member of the West 18th Street gang, the largest and most violent street gang in Los Angeles. Apparently they have my back.

* Nearly gone to jail for stealing a $3000 "Wally Warhead" mascot costume, putting it on, and using it to gain illegal access to an international candy convention

* Eaten dog

* Been physically attacked by security guards for videotaping (three times)

* Spent over 500 hours of my life on a Greyhound bus

* Been jumped by a gang of 14-year-olds

* Been captured at the US/Canadian border trying to smuggle a friend into the US

Never been in a fight, but have been beat up by large groups of complete strangers for no apparent reason on three separate occasions

Aside from all that, I like to take pictures and shoot video, especially of my friends riding bikes.

For more information on Walter's work visit his Website

Puppet Play

2008-07-10T12:37:00.001-04:00

I was inspired to post puppets (mainly of the shadow kind) due in part to two things:
1. Seeing Owly Shadow Puppets at the Renegade Craft Fair last month and
2. The following amazing video from 1958, La Diabolica Invencion by Karel Zeman. He is considered the co-founder of Czech animated film. 1958! Amazing!

This is a postcard sized archival print created from an original drawing on a vintage book page titled 'The Wolf... ' and is printed on lightly textured, natural white archival paper.
Actual image size will be approximately 90 x 133mm.

The Wolf (mini), $4 (excellent!), Olivia Jeffries for Restless Things, Norwich, UK

I LOVE that these puppets cast colour shadows! What a great idea!

Now T-rex can finally nibble a Steggie Burger for lunch!

Prehistoric puppets are certified by paleontologist Dr. Ewan Wolff. Dr. Wolff says: "Warning, this set is inaccurate! Pteranodon is not a dinosaur, these animals did not live at the same time, and T-rex definitely never nibbled a Steggie Burger."

Lawyerbot says: "Ow! My eye!" Shadow puppet sticks are intended for supervised play with ages 4 and up. Please play responsibly.

Dinosaur Shadow Puppet Set ( in color!), $30, Sisters Meredith and Robin for Orange Moon Toys, Madison, WI
*To see many more of their Shadow Puppets click here!

Have you ever been out and about and suddenly needed to know how to make a rabbit shadow puppet? Of course you have! Now you will always be prepared for that very eventuality with this solid sterling silver charm necklace.

The image of the rabbit shadow puppet is set into a lovely solid sterling silver pendant cup under glass for a quality and enduring finish. It's large at around 2.5cm tall. A tiny little solid sterling silver and glass charm hangs next to the main pendant and reads "rabbit" so you wont forget which shadow puppet you're making.

The charms hang from a beautiful solid sterling silver chain which is 24 inches long so that you can look at your shadow puppet guide whilst you're wearing the necklace.

The Rabbit - Shadow Puppet Necklace, $50 (eek!), Adorapop, Wales, UK

My next door neighbor came over today and asked "Are you gardening today Sarah?" Well no, actually I was putting soil in a pot so I could poke a screenprint of a tiger and a lady on wooden dowells into the soil. You could use these as puppets, unusual birthday cards, planter adornments....however you like. They're screenprints on oak tag (a sturdy paper kind of like a manila folder). They are not waterproofed or weatherproofed, so they would be best indoors, and even so will probably not last forever, but they'll be fun while they're around.

I send you the prints as shown and a set of dowells. YOU assemble them by taping light colored masking tape on the back as shown.

Lana and the Tiger, $20, Two Sarahs, Portland, OR (this is cute: By the way, I am Sarah Landwehr, and the other Sarah (Fitzpatrick) is collaborating with me via Melbourne, Australia, so her presence on the site is currently more theoretical, but I'm still leaning on her glory and genius from way over here.)

Shadow puppets are entertaining. But unfortunately, most of us lack the dexterity to do more than the basic dog or rabbit. So let these nifty puppets do the hard work for you.
The set of four animal puppets includes a rabbit, an elephant, a goat and a duck. Each has an ink drawing on one side and patterned paper on the other, with foam sandwiched between for added support. They measure approximately 7 1/2" tall and 5" wide and have festive wood handles.

Animal Shadow Puppets, $20, Le Petit Monstre, Tifton, GA

Print of an original illustration.
Professionally printed on a heavyweight paper with a lovely texture.
The print includes a white border for framing (frame not included).
Actual image size: 16.5 cm X 23.5 cm
The print is carefully packaged in a protective sleeve and will be shipped flat with a stiff card backing in a padded mailer.

Marionette, $20, Shira for Shirae

Unique, one-of-a-kind, hand-cut Shadow Puppet based on the illustrations of Isabella.
Package consists of a custom made booklike sleeve, closed with a beautiful ribbon, which allows you to keep it clean and safe.

A Dreams Boatride, $24, Isabella's Art, From "The Land of Dreamers" ♥
Pick up a wooden Shadow Puppet Stand to fit your Isabella Puppets, $5

We can't get enough of these two. Burnaby and Alicia were created just recently and have been a popular image for our T-shirts. They are so cute as paper dolls. They hold on to each other lovingly in their snug 5 by 5 inch envelope. These two have a passionate love for one another that's contagious, watch out or you might catch it!

Burnaby and Alicia, $12, , Red Rooster Craft/Pin Pals, Montreal, Canada

This is a DIY paper theatre based on an original wooden puppet theatre.
The characters can be either The Girl and her monster, or Mr I Don't Know, the bear! They are both at home on the sea. Printed instructions for assembly are sent but all you'll really need is some pritt stick glue and either a scalpel or some small sharp scissors.

You will get 4 sheets of 310gsm thick german etching paper with high quality printed parts which you can cut out and assemble. It is sent sandwiched between 2 pieces of 1250 mic card, inside a cello sleeve and then packaged in an all-card envelope. Once constructed it's size is 16.5cm x 28cm x 3cm.

The Heart Revealed - DIY Paper Theatre, $35, Little Robot, Glasgow, Scotland

Why did I do this?
I recently read "Alice in Wonderland" again as an adult,
and began sketching the characters as I read. It only seemed
natural that they should become fully articulated toys. I really enjoyed making and having them- and I thought - why not make them available as a "rainy day project".
The illustrations are Original Character Designs (by me) inspired by Lewis Carroll's famous work. They are high resolution prints prepared on heavyweight paper.

Alice in Wonderland- Paper Puppet Kit, $22, Brian Gubicza for Goobeetsa, Salem, MA

God Bless Etsy Labs! You can learn to make this puppet and many many awesome others. I wish they offered classes outside of Brooklyn for everyone else! More classes (screen printing, gocco printing, freestyle cross-stitch, etc) located at their site, HERE!

Class: Paper Puppet Posse

Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 1-3:30pm
Location: Etsy Labs, 325 Gold Street 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Cost: $30
ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!

Description:
As a member of the posse you'll learn about what tools and techniques to use in making basic paper puppets. Techniques and hot skills include: basic design, rigging a marionette, using weights, and making different types of joints.

Each person will make and go home with their very own dancing paper marionette and rigged shadow puppet. Students will learn about how paper puppets can be used in photography, theatre, dioramas, animation, crafts and the general poodle pathology of man. The teacher will be bringing examples of her puppets, puppets from other artists, and photos of other people's work to look and play with!

Billy is handmade from 1/2" painted plywood and is playfully posable. His crazy legs, arms and wobbly head rotate on 1 1/2" inch stainless steel hex bolts (with threaded nuts). He's painted with acrylic then given a polyacrylic coat for long-lasting protection and a little extra shine! Wire for wall hanging attached on his back.

Every character such as Billy is made to order, making every purchase that much more special!

Measurements (variable)
2 feet high
1 1/2" feet wide

Billy Sasquatch, $90, Made by Max, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Blog)

Has anyone seen The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello?
Synopsis: Set in a world of iron dirigibles and steam powered computers, this gothic horror mystery tells the story of Jasper Morello, a disgraced aerial navigator who flees his plague-ridden home on a desperate voyage to redeem himself.

It looks amazing, and received amazing reviews including an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short. Their website promoting the DVD is made incredibly well too, I love the theme. The whole movie reminds me of a Tim Burton Film... love!

Here is yet another video in Shadow Puppetry style, I haven't watched it all but it has 4 1/2 stars on You Tube so I thought I'd include it, incase you are in love with this theme or just bored! (please let me know if it's a terrible waste of time!!)

Holding Your Breath by Anthony A. Lucas

Potpurri!! Smells Good.

2008-07-09T15:39:00.012-04:00

I have so much to post, I can hardly keep up! On deck I have: shadow puppets, softies, tea time, paper cuttings, pin cushions, kitchen accessories, modern furniture, the list goes on and on! Every once and I while I find something that I just have to post, even if I haven't all the back information, contacted the creator, done extensive research on similar products (all of which I love to do, but alas takes days!)

So today I have a few of these things for you!

The Ode to Modbury Tote

1.2 trillion plastic carrier bags are used every year, which equates to 300 carrier bags each for every person on the planet. Much of this ends up in the sea. It is estimated that 46,000 pieces of plastic rubbish are floating on or near the surface of the sea per square mile of ocean.

Camera woman Rebecca Hosking was moved to tears when filming marine life near Hawaii for the BBC2 programme Natural World. Tides bring large amounts of rubbish to this part of the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the painful and unnecessary deaths of marine life such as turtles, whales and albatross'. Upon returning to her home town Modbury, in Devon, she showed the film footage to every shopkeeper in the town and they agreed to stop distributing plastic carrier bags. The scheme has been a huge success and many other communities are now choosing to follow suit.

You can purchase your own for approximately $18 by clicking here.

The TwisT chair by Nick Ross

Need to buy lawn chairs but find them quite hideous? The TwisT chair is just what you need! The chair seems to be in process of being finalized, but I am in love with its sleek design and think it would be perfect for a little backyard. I don't think it is all that practical for carrying to the beach or toting to the pool, but set up in a permanent place in your backyard would be fantastic! I'm sold! Wait, how much are they?

More Info at Nick's Blog: here.

Not to be a downer, but I just saw this as an ADVERTISEMENT, yes as in a promotion for the company, for American Apparel. I usually love them- their clothing is sweatshop free, fairly inexpensive for being so, and they use models that aren't "perfect." I wish every company would use regular girls, ones that dont starve themselves, spend $759,497 on their wardrobes, and dye their hair the second you can see roots... but... um... American Apparel, maybe you could have found a more flattering image to promote your new jeans?

I've tried them on, and I'm here to say it's not the models fault, thats not what I'm saying! It's the sicko jeans! Try again AA, try again, as I will not be touching these again until Halloween.

You can pop all you want and not get in trouble!

2008-07-08T16:09:00.007-04:00

My good friend and soon to be guest blogger, Scottface, just informed me of a must have calendar for e v e r y b o d y . It's the Bubble Calendar! You pop the date to cross it off, just think about how exciting your tomorrows are going to be in 2009! Order now because they are selling out quickly! They ship on September 1st 2008 from Brooklyn.

Bubble Calendar, $30-$50 depending on size and edition, BubbleCalendar.com, Brooklyn, NY

The Engineer's Guide to Cats

2008-07-08T15:36:00.000-04:00

This just made my ~~day~~ month:

Engineer's Guide to Cats

I actually burst out laughing at the cat yodeling scene. and before you ask, YES it IS worth the 7 minutes!

Tiny Art

2008-07-07T12:39:00.008-04:00

Here is a collection of art I'm adoring at the moment!

Neighborly, 8" x 8", $18, jennifer judd-mcgee of Swallowfield, Portland, ME

The Count Up, 8" x 11", $17, Katrin Schwulst for Seasprayblue, Dresden, Germany

Coming Up For Air, 8" x 10", $20, Laura Berger for Laura George, Chicago, IL

Close Bond, 8.5" x 9.25", $20, Ashleyg, Portland, OR

Shirley, 14.8cm x 21cm, $35, Kwilson544 of the Little Doodles blog I mentioned last week! London, England

The Suspicious Cat, 8" x 8", $16, Blackoutwell, Nottingham, UK

The Log Lady, 8" x 10", $17, Katrin Schwulst for Seasprayblue, Dresden, Germany

Bear Monster, 4.5" x 6", $22, Matte Stephens for Matteart, USA

Lyon, 8" x 10", $20, Christina Lyon for Studio Lyon, Tampa, FL

Village T-shirt, American Apparel V-neck, $18, Timberps, California

Knock on Wood, 5" x 7", $10, Wonting, NY, NY

Red, White & Skull

2008-07-05T09:54:00.007-04:00

Happy Fourth of July!

I cheated because we were in a major hurry, so the vanilla sheet cake is from a box. The icing is home made though! I should also mention that being Canadian, our flag doesnt look very pretty on a cake. The American flag however is delicious as a cake, but the fiance is not excited about the state of American and refused to make it a full blown American flag - hence the skull.

Cream Cheese Icing

1/2 stick Butter (I use salted)
8oz Cream Cheese
3 cups Confectioners Sugar (a.k.a. powdered sugar)
2 teaspoons Vanilla

Cream together the room temperature butter and cream cheese. Add the sugar and vanilla, ta-dah! Delish! Home-made icing so good people will ask if it's store bought! We went to a BBQ last night and the cake was such a hit that it was completely gone 5 minutes after I set it down. It was the talk of the night! <3

Mustaches!

2008-07-02T16:34:00.028-04:00

Mustaches are everywhere! Grow one, and if you can't buy its paraphernalia!

(I should have posted this photo of my family from 1990 in the Bow post!)

Mustaches are very important to us as a family. My dad has one since the dawn of time (see above), his dad had one, his dad's dad probably had one, his dad's dad's dad's..... etc. Unfortunately my dad had 4 girls, but trust me, that has not stopped us!

My sister and her two sons with their home made felt mustaches! Can someone please start a kids with mustaches website for me? I have found so many hilarious pictures of kids and babies with fake staches, it cracks me up every single time! I even tried searching for a mustache soother (pacifier here in the states) and apparently there was one but it was recalled for a choking hazard, bummer.

These cups allow you some real life experience with another nose before you jump into rhinoplasty. They do include noses with mustaches incase you wanted to get that done while you're under.
Pick Your Nose Party Cups, $9 for 24 (they also sell animal noses if you're into that), Perpetual Kid

For those of us that can't grow or commit to facial hair: Temporary Tattoos! Bonus: also includes unibrow extension and nose hair.
Temporary Mustache Tattoos, $3.50, Pish Posh Paperworks, Minneapolis

Clockwise from the Top Left:

Mr. Mustache Tote, $24, Sirena con Jersey, Spain

All Great Men Have Mustaches tote, $16, Cult Classic T's

Milk Mustaches Tote Bag, $19, Detour Designables

Mustache Rides Tote, $18, Flippin' Sweet Gear

Laura from England makes these hilarious felt staches. I love how she includes that they are not washable (being felt) so to keep them away from runny noses. heehee. All other noses are ok.

Black Mustache Disguise, $12, Lupin, UK

This shirt is too funny, as is the photo to go along with it. Hand-screened on american apparel t-shirt (the one and only!) These shirts are sure to get you out of an embarrassing run in with an ex or estranged co-worker. Just flip it up and keep on walking, they'll never know it was you!

Flip N Stash Women's T-Shirt, $22, Killed in a Dream, NY

This is what I'm talking about. CATS! MUSTACHES! This handmade mustache is sure to please your kitty- it's filled to the brim with organic cat nip! 4 inches of cat nip! It comes in many other colours too, so order away ginger! Prairiebird also donates 10% of sales to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, I love it when people do good things.

Catstache, $4 (thats a dollar an inch), Prairiebird, Kamloops, BC

Mustationery anyone!? I love how subtle the 'mustache' is on this card set. Gold note card, green envelope, comes in a biodegradable plastic sleeve, recycled materials used where possible.

Metallic Mustache Stationery, $4 for 5 cards & envelopes, AshleyBug

I have learned something of interest on this journey thru mustache-land. Mustache cups! Mustaches were all the rage in the 1800's. Men spent quite a bit of time and money on their staches, often using wax to shape and mold them into different styles. Tea was also quite popular in the 1800's and this presented a problem because when men went to drink it, the steam melted the wax and their mustaches went limp. The unstyled staches just went right INTO the tea and got stained. gross. So, in 1830 Harvey Adams designed the mustache cup- a tea cup with a little ledge on the inside to put your mustache on while drinking! Fantastic! Problem solved!! (click here for more info!)

This is the best thing to EVER, EVER come out of Toronto-no, CANADA! I mean it. Can I have ten please? I need one for myself, my cat, Ghost, and all of my stuffed animals.

Plushtache, $11, Shannon Gerard, Toronto, Canada

I'm kinda annoyed with finger mustache's but on a cat it;s totally brand new and ok!

Sandra makes these little mustachio'd dudes out of Gothenburg Sweden. Aren't they smoschable!? Well go figure her company name is Smosch. With names like Mr. Ronny and Mr. Christian, these pricey little guys are going to be out of stock soon!

Mr. Ronny, $49, Smosch, Sweden

I'm going to agree with Etsy user BullFight, people in posters always look better mustached! All hand-drawn on vinyl, no two are alike.

Mustache Sticker Pack, $4, Bullfight, Eugene, Oregon

Flickr user Mon Chat Est Mignon's Mustache photo of her Great Granduncle.

Another amazing thing from Toronto, I think I need to go check out their design scene up there! Such awesome ideas!

Mustache Handkerchief, $16, Avrilloreti

I will leave you with photos of the World Beard & Mustache Championship 2007:

Oh Canada!

2008-07-01T19:16:00.015-04:00

Happy Canada Day! Being Canadian, this is one of the days I miss Canada the most. The other days when I miss Canada: when I'm shelling out cash to my doctor and when I'm sweating buckets! Anywho, here are some Canadian items I love:

Candy Sushi, Custom, Laced with Sugar, Vancouver
(Also happens to be my sister's company! Her treats are so beautiful!)

White and Orange "Fuzzball" Pendant Necklaces, $33, The Muses Jewels, Montreal

Small Everyday Spice Kit, $15, Purpose Design, Montreal
(They also do indian, thai, mexican, south east asian, chai tea and custom kits in sizes small to large! Great for camping, traveling, small kitchen, start sets, etc.) <3

All HAND CUT from Paper Cut Die Cut, Toronto.
Squirrels, $8
Heart Tree, $12
Cow, $10

Who Black Necklace, $16, Tryst, Toronto
Tamale Rose Earrings, $12, Tryst, Toronto
(So much vintage inspired jewelry I want to buy at this site!)

Camera Camera Case -HOLGY no.51, $40, Hine, Vancouver

Oxford style Flats, $40, Cookies and Cream, "Canada"

Sweet Treat Fabric Stationary, $12, Lockette, Vancouver

Japanese Nostalgic Garden Letter Set, $4, Little Apple Crafts, Vancouver

Bows and Bow-no-nos

2008-06-20T11:15:00.033-04:00

I feel the need to preface this post by saying, I am not a stereotypical girlie girl. I love a good summer dress, but otherwise I'm all about practicality, and lets face it girls, being girly is NOT CONDUCIVE TO A PRACTICAL LIFE. Whatever, the point is: I think bows are cute, in moderation. Not with a pink dress, glamourous makeup and heels. ok? Throw a bow on your dingy high tops, or slap one on the chest of your favourite t-shirt. ok? ok. Now, press play (its just a record player no need to watch) and continue reading to the soothing sound of Dinah Shore.

Kate, an illustrator from the UK, creates amazing art! She tends to draw things she loves, from pastries to animals but mostly fashion! I love the fine details she includes in her drawings, her illustrations must take forever! She runs a blog, Little Doodles, and updates frequently with her new drawings and inspirtations. It's one of my favourite blogs out there! This illustration-come-shirt is one of her takes on the BOW.

I have been eyeing this ring at Fred Flare for at least a year now! I love how dainty it is. Check it out, Its only $50!

I feel a little upset about this belt, because it could be so much cuter with a better top! I don't judge though, that's why its on here! This website (made for soccer moms) is hosting some pretty cute belts right now! I think I'm losing my mind!

Kemestry Linen Bow Belt, $48, South Moon Under

Betty's Sugar Dreams Bow cake, elegant and delish!

Is Forever 21 in competition with itself? Who can make the best bow dress, Forever 21 or Forever 21.... DUN DUN DUN!?!?!!!!

Left: Shift Collar Pencil Dress, $22.80, F21
Right: Linen Bow Dress, $22.80, F21

Perhaps ModCloth wins!? Sadly not with this price : (
Black Tie Affair Dress, $65, ModCloth

Crocheted bows! How ingenious! I would love to slap a few things on the back of these tiny bows: a pinback, a magnet, a bobbypin, some glue or tape for cards, my lips! Sorry for the over abundance of exclamation points, but sometimes I get excited about little things... $6.50 for 5, at Dottyral's Shop.

These metal bows can be found on differing chains across etsy, but this one had the best price, $10! Thanks, Chinaberry! She has a ton of other jewelry for sale at her etsy site too, so check it all out while you're there.

Flickr user Half Girl displays her beautiful bow cardigan from Karen Millen. I'm in luff!

These are from... hot topic... but super cute!! yes!? yes! Metallic Bow Earrings, $9 for twelve ENTIRE pairs of earrings! TWELEVE!

"Pretty Shoes!" Photo by Tamzinsparkles I JUST discovered her amazing tattoos!!!!!!!!

Piksi and her adorable Bowture:

All the pretty girls get their clothes in Europe. Not fair!! This girl, piksi, has my most favouritest wardrobe ever! A lot of it she thrifts, but she manages to throw a lot of H&M in, which gives me hope! i. love. her. (AND AND AND she's studying to work with animals, my favourite!)

Step one in the bow toxification program... these subtle frosted earrings. These earrings are so cute, I had to add them for the bowphobic readers. Frosted Ribbon Studs, $8, Design by Lisa.

P.S. By step 12 you'll be looking like this (Clara Bow):

Mustaches are up next, so please forward any links or products you think fit the category. Thanks!

Kent Rogowski

2008-06-20T10:39:00.006-04:00

While in DUMBO over the past weekend we went into Zakka, a japanese design book and toy store. I came across a book called Bears by Kent Rogowski. He disassembles stuffed animals and puts them back together inside out. I love how they still have charm and seem utterly lovable, despite their creepiness. Check out more photos and/or buy prints at the Foley Gallery Website, or buy his book from Amazon: here, $15 used.

that has to be a popple!

And once again I missed his exhibit by just a few days! I'm getting good at this, arg! He had the following work with puzzles in an exhibit called Love=Love at the Jen Bekmen Gallery in NY. He is stationed in Brooklyn though so, like Dan Funderburgh I hope I have the opportunity to see more.

Finally, one of my most favourite pieces of his, probably because I'm a sucker for the self-help and sappy:

Dan Funderburgh

2008-06-19T13:13:00.008-04:00

Hello!
I'm pretty much speechless because I just discovered Dan Funderburgh! He is a commercial artist that designs wallpaper, prints and apparel here in Brooklyn. He also makes amazing aaart like this:

(I'm really bummed that I just missed this exhibit. Since he lives here it's possible I'll catch a show somewhere around here soon... I hope!!)

His wallpaper is so unsuspecting. You're looking at it like, "oh thats nice" then BAM- there's a rat, a parking meter and a fire hydrant... but its still pretty! His wallpaper can be found at Flavor Paper for copious amount of money per roll. And don't forget to check out his personal blog.

(Click images for Detail)

Cowboys + Indians

2008-06-18T12:41:00.020-04:00

I'm seeing this more and more... feathers and leather. In fashion, textiles, jewelry, home decor, and just design in general. Here are my picks:

I know you can find a set of three braided leather bracelets cheaper than $24, but I don't have the energy right now. You can get these ones from urban, but to be honest, I DONT SUGGEST IT! its leather.... braided. go buy some leather and braid it! Bad thing to start with... sorry!!

Out of Flat Rock, Alabama come handmade horseshoe door knockers! Made from pony shoes, these small knockers come in satin red, blue, green, and black. Algrumpy says his horses now run barefoot around his property. Love it! $17.95, AlGrumpy.

Although the Indie Feather Hair Clip is already sold out, etsy storeowner pnkkim says she takes custom orders. Phewf. I am going through a serious purple phase lately, and this hits the spot!

Turquoise Delight, $8, Wildfire Design
I love the bright colour of these earrings, perfect for bleached blondes or dark brunettes! Only eight dollars!?

Left: Indian Summer Beaded Earrings, $9, Lulu's
Right: Plumage Feather Earrings, $18, Urban Outfitters

Something about this pattern is screaming to be included in this post. Forgive me if I'm wrong! The Blood Calendar v-neck, $38, is printed front and back with this intricate design by Tank Theory, and I love it!

This wallet is aptly titled the Spanish Rose Wallet, go figure. Cheap, cute, convenient what more do you want? Also comes in brown, $19, Lulu's.

This Cowboys & Indians dress is shaped so well it's the kind of dress I want in every colour and fabric to wear every day. Cute bias tape details and cute fabric! $68 by Silence + Noise.

These slip-on canvas shoes remind me of Toms, only they dont donate pairs of shoes to children that need them in third world countries. darn. They have this neat allover red arrow print on a white canvas upper with elastic ruching detail at front with rubber soles, so stay away from lightening. By Keep, $48 at Karma Loop.

Charm School Design is Alita, Dana and Benjamin, a brooklyn based trio! They work with all sorts of materials crafting cute things to perch atop our heads. One of which is the feather headband, absolutely back in style again thanks to them. Adorable and chiccccc. I have to admit, I got some looks when I wore my homemade one to the grocery store, but I live in "little Poland", and they don't understand the meaning of feathers... or something. And then my cat ate it...

more cat pictures

Postcards & Puppets

2008-06-16T13:02:00.008-04:00

Rebecca, otherwise known as Reba rar rar, of rar rar press was at the Craft Fair this weekend selling her amazing letter-pressed postcards. Her profile says: i'd eventually like to kick my side job and hangout with a bunch of type all day. Sounds like my kinda girl! Here are a few of her postcards that made me drooly:

Yes, i like you. a lot.

I bought, ahem... four of these. What can I say!? I fell in love with them! She put out STAMPS, how am I supposed to pass up buying postcards you can STAMP!?

(All postcards can be found here and are $2.50)

Although I didn't meet Rebecca, I meet her boothmate Andrea of Owly Shadow puppets. She makes and sells shadow puppets, scenery and backdrops! She cuts the puppets using a laser-cutter, which I imagine to be very dramatic and starwarsy. I don't know why.

She even has a teachers section on her website with a lesson plan explaining the hisotry of shadow puppets-- which is strange because I used to be a Kindergarten teacher and I was raised in Indonesia, where shadow puppets run amuck!

Puppets can be purchased and oogled here, and are only $10.50! She also sells kits for about $20. Thanks girls, it was excellent to see your work in person!

The Sordid Spoon...

2008-06-16T12:20:00.009-04:00

Small Object is one booth at the Craft Fair that I wanted to stick around and just stare at. Stickers, cupcake dolls, stamps, canisters, adorable character drawings... what's not to like!? Had it not been 125 degrees I may have! I've been tossing and turning in my chair all morning trying to decide which items to post from Sarah's website, they're all too cute! Here are the winners:

My Little Sweeties Stamp Set, $24. Listen to how sweet her description of them is:

The set was almost named the Boogie Down Bunch cause I imagine them swaying to my old basement record collection. In the end, I decided this 4-pack of stamps was way too cool for that. And the little sweeties just stuck.

Sarah makes worlds out of clothespin, popsicle stick and wooden sewing spool people! Each person she creates seems to have a rich history that I am sure she would love to share when each lovely is born and adopted. Check out photos of Sarah's People on her flicker page, where she has documented the more than 450 magical people she has made and sold!!!

The Sordid Dish + Spoon Saga, $60. Whatever did happen to the dish and spoon after they ran away together?

Sarah, it was great to meet you and now after learning more about the Small Object and your fantastic imagination I wish I has spent more time talking with you! I agree, little people must live in the walls and use my cutout shoulder pads for beds and forks for seesaws.

Nautical Notes

2008-06-13T17:05:00.012-04:00

I apologize for the lack of personal touch in the post, but today has been busy! Enjoy with the creaters own descriptions today!

Cutiepie Company provides us with Field Notes... send a letter, say hello, jot a message, or write a note. This summery set of 10 cards would also make cute invitations to a pool party or bbq!

This whimsical correspondence set is screenprinted in orange ink onto colorful striped index cards. Each note set has a pair of each color: lemon yellow, rose pink, purple grape, mint green, and sky blue. The cards have rounded corners and are striped on the back as well. Index cards measure 4" x 6"; they come with 10 coordinating cream envelopes (A6 size).

Each print is individually hand pulled using a gocco print master, so please allow for subtle variations in finished cards.

Cards are packaged in a clear, resealable sleeve and tied with baker's twine.

Artgoodies' 100% cotton kitchen towels has been hand printed with a linocut block print. It measures 20"x28" and comes wrapped in a green satin ribbon.
Nice and absorbent for drying dishes, looks great when company is over, and makes a great hostess or housewarming gift!
See the rest and buy a set!

The husband and wife team at Sesame Letterpress are the modern day masters of the old techniques. Using fine imported italian papers, they've created a wonderful series of hand-made notecards that are perfect for those special occasions.

- The edges of the card are hand-torn, soft edges, and the paper is rich and textured.
- Comes with matched envelope, in a cellophane sleeve. Blank inside.
- $5

Locally owned and operated, Sesame Letterpress, also makes these decadent starfish coasters. Hand-pressed coasters are printed on heavyweight, absorbant beverage board with rubber-based ink. The designs on the coasters will not bleed.

- Set of 8 of the same design, in a clear box.
- 4" diameter
- $11

The Peach sells crafty cake and cupcake toppers, including the aptly titled "Nancy Bakes Nautical Cupcakes for Swarthy Sailors" toppers! Handmade from vintage ephemera, these cupcake toppers are each about 2" tall. Use them in scrapbooking, poke in an apple, tuck in your fern...

-You will receive eight paper toppers, all packaged up and pretty.
- $3.85

Sugar Street Cafe sells these sweet cards from my native Canada! Hand screen printed using black ink on 100% post consumer content heavy cardstock. Blank inside to add your own sentiment. Comes with Eames graphite envelope, made with renewable energy and contains 30% post consumer content.

"Helping save the planet one inspiring card at a time."

- Card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".
- Packaged in a cello sleeve and sent in a stay flat mailer.
- $3.75

San Diego's Earmark sells these handmade journals titled "Anchors Away!" Each journal has a printed heavyweight cover an interior decorative page and 30, 100% recycled, unlined sheets. Saddle stitched using three staples along the bound edge. Packaged in a clear protective sleeve.

- 1 journal
- 30 pages
- 5.5 x 8.5
- $9

Pancake & Franks Maritime Noteset:

- $19.00 USD note set (4 assorted cards)
- 5.50" x 4.25" folded card (2), 4.25" x 5.50" folded card (2)
- Currently in Stock
- 100% recycled paper

Nautica and Such

2008-06-11T21:01:00.018-04:00

Ahoy Maties!
Sorry, but when you've been scouring the interweb for nautically themed things for hours, you get a bit wonky and along with the wonky comes this terrible pirate accent. Wellllll, today's update is for the lovers of the sea. While I don't particularly love the sea and what it does to my stomach (strange having grown up on an island), I appreciate the things it inspires. The blues, the greens, the aquamarines... ahem... before I get crazy on you again, here is a guide to this summers almost out the door trend with high and low options for all! (And a few extras thrown in)

Xoelle's Etsy shop sports this sea-faring sweater-turned-pillow for only $35, but there is only one so call your husband quickly! Get the money wired from Daddy! I don;t care how you get it, just GET IT!

Denim Sailor Shorts, F21 VS. Soundgirl Denim Tawny Shorts, Fredflare.

Although the two are hardly related, I thought I'd post them as high and low together because there seems to be a lack of nautically inspired rings out there! Imogene and Annie provide us with Silver at Sea, a sterling silver ring made custom fit to your finger. The shop also houses other maritime themed jewelry, such as teensy weensy whale earrings and seahorse necklaces. Order online or buy at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend!

Verameat does it all! She acts, directs, writes, plays in a band, and creates gorgeous jewelry. Her ship wheel ring, Pirate Love, has been used as a wedding band and been spotted on actress, Tilda Swinton. This Brooklyn based artist has it all going for her. Find her jewelry online, or at catbird.

Based in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, Reiter8's recycled sail totes are perfect for a summer stroll on the pier. Catch her and many others at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend and if you are too busy she can also be found at Brooklyn Flea! Click for more details. I highly suggest shopping locally when possible, but if money is an issue you can pick up forever21's barely worthy version here.

Lux Colorblocked Sailor Swimsuit, Urbn, VS. Mainsail Maillot, Anthropologie

Braid Weave Bracelet, Forever21 VS. Rope Charm Bracelet, Urbn

catbird is local store that carries the best jewelry Williamsburg has, including the Lost Love Compass and the fully functional Filigreed Spyglass necklaces by Digby & Iona. Both are super cute and fit this summers theme. You can order online if you aren't in the area, but I suggest perusing the store because they carry way more goods than the website. Here is a beautiful map by George Boorujy to help you get to catbird's jewelry and clothing stores.

(Click map to Enlarge)

Summer by the Sea Dress, Fred Flare VS. Big Bend Shirt Dress, Anthropologie

Braided Leather Belt, Forever21 VS. Basketweave Belt at Anthropologie.

Lela Rose Skimmer at Payless Shoesource VS. Tretorn Evelina Canvas at David Z.

Tomorrow I plan on updating with nautically themed paper goods (card, notebooks, art, etc) so if you know of any that MUST be included, please comment or email and let me know. Thanks!

Zach Galifianakis

2008-06-11T12:12:00.003-04:00

Zach Galifianakis is funny. His impression of a gay snake keeps me happy for days. So naturally I am excited that tomorrow at a showing in Seattle is the world premier of his first movie, The Visioneers. It looks incredibly insane and hilarious...

Synopsis: A guy unfortunately named George Washington loses his mind.

Judy Greer stars as his wife and I've gotta tell you, every character she plays makes me love her more. I feel like we could be best friends, for real! Written by Brandon Drake and Directed by Jared Drake (brothers) I sense some competition for the Wes Anderson and company. Watch and wait impatiently with me until it comes to our hometowns.