Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Elsewares




Check out Elsewares if you are looking for a great selection of goods created by independent designers and talented artists. They carry all types of innovative products and you can narrow your search to look for recycled items,eco friendly items or price specific items in categories ranging from clothing and stationary to jewelry and things for the kids. Click here to take a look at the cool vintage record coasters featured above. 

I love these melamine salad plates by Working Class Studio. They are available in a variety of patterns and the collection even includes a platter. Perfect for outdoor or indoor dining- they are sold individually so you can either mix and match the patterns or enjoy multiples of your favorite one. 


Made in Michigan by Art Goodies, this beautiful deer towel is hand printed with the artist's original linocut block prints and hand mixed ink. So simple and serene, this towel would be perfect for a hostess gift, but you might just like it too much to give up!

I love this recipe journal. I am always writing recipes on tiny scraps of paper and losing them or printing them out and throwing them away in a cleaning rage! It would be great to have a journal to keep all the recipes together and usable! Also the cover design and interior pages are adorable! 

UMA




UMA is a cool little online store with a unique and inspiring collection of goods from assorted vendors. They carry all types of things for the home, including glassware, textiles and flooring. I was immediately drawn into the premise of the store upon reading about how the business came to fruition- Mike Finan, the owner, writes about how UMA was created after an accident where two buses collided hitting him and his dog, Uma, who unfortunately didn't make it out of the accident. Inspired to fulfill a dream, Mike created UMA and named it after his best friend who had passed on. Check out all that UMA has to offer, you can click here to see the Kor Water Flask featured above. 

Ok, who can resist any type of art that can be applied to the toilet? Check out the Stikko Sub, which is adhesive and can be applied to any smooth surface of the home. I absolutely love this and the idea! Available in a variety of designs including the the deer and crown designs. 

Awesome die cut floral leather floor runner I love the pattern and the smooth texture. This piece would look amazing down a dark wood floored hallway.... Created by Bev Hisey. 

I know you all know about my obsession with glassware- so check out these Vintage Tumblers. Set of 4 festooned with a vintage style goblet, black and white. 

Monday, September 29, 2008

Product Spotlight: Glass Door Knobs


When I was little, my mom collected all kinds of antique glass- vases, cups, bowls. I always loved the way the sunlight would play off the angles of the colored glass and reflect prisms onto the wall. I think that is why I always love antique, colored glass door knobs. These replica antique glass door knobs are beautiful and add the perfect bit of jewelry that even traditional doors need. All kinds of colors are available, just looking at them makes me think of clean, white, open hallways with wide plank wood floors... Yummy! You can pick some up for yourself, here

Fawn & Forest



Fawn & Forest is a great resource for parents who want to pass on their modern design sense to their little ones. Fawn & Forest is an online destination that specializes in modern, well designed children's products with an emphasis on sustainable materials, organic fabrics and companies that partake in environmentally friendly manufacturing process'. Their store has a great, clean and easy to maneuver layout with all sorts of fantastic finds. Click
here for the Super Natural baby crib set featured above.

I love this Empire Rocker designed by one of my favorite companies, lawson-fenning. This rocking chair looks so comfortable and while it maintains a traditional styling sense, the clean lines and dark wood base give it an updated edge. Available in a ton of color options and three fabric options. 

How adorable is this collection of pillows by estella lugo?  Handmade with wool felt, these pillows look like a very talented family member made them with love. So cute and perfect for adults and children, I want one! 


Amazing seesaw by German company TAU. The toys made by TAU are intended to combine clever design with quality products that are meant to last a lifetime. Great looking and perfect for the playroom! 

Friday, September 26, 2008

Product Spotlight: Moooi Pig Table


I saw this table and fell in love! I love to have fun, eclectic pieces of furniture around my house that are unexpected. One of my favorite things in our house is this side table- its that little unpredictable bit of design that people do not expect to see, and without fail guests are unsure whether or not they can actually use it (which I assure them, they can!) Anyway, this pig table is along the same lines as our gnome table and I love the look of it. We currently have two dogs as pets and the next pet I would like is a pig, maybe I will just get this table until I can get the real thing! 

Doe


Doe is a cool west coast brick and mortar as well as online shop with a great selection of goods. They offer everything from apparel and home goods to eclectic jewelry and paper goods. They also focus on local (west coast/San Francisco) designers and artists, bringing in unconventional goods that are one of a kind. Sadly, Doe must have opened after we moved from our beloved San Francisco because it is located in our old Lower Haight haunt and it definitely looks like a place I would frequent. Check them out @ 629A Haight Street if you are in the bay area, otherwise you can enjoy their goods from afar online. Click here for the limited edition illustration featured above. 


I love this adorable little red riding hood mug. Perfect for the upcoming fall and winter seasons to enjoy warm beverages in. Red ceramic. 

I am a huge candle fan and I love the simple design of this 6 oz candle. This candle design is available in an assorted scents, but this red flower moroccan rose scent definitely sounds the most appealing to me. 


Check out this cool notebook. I am a big list maker so this notebook featuring columns for date, contents and a check off section is perfect for me. I always have a  million "To Do Lists"...

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Product Spotlight: Make Your Own Path


Check out this cool print, Make Your Own Path by Douglas Wilson. I am always up for an adventure and I love having this positive message around to remind me what is important to me. This message is perfect for me in more ways than one, in both my career life as well as my personal life... its always important to make your own path! Besides having an important mantra, this poster is also unique because they are all one of a kind. Each print is hand letterpressed onto antique maps, so each each piece will be absolutely unique.  Check out this great print as well as all the other great pieces available, right here

See Jane Work



See Jane Work is a cool online shop that focuses on office style, products and organization. They cater to the working woman, no matter what type of business she is in, to bring inspiration and beauty to the office setting. See Jane Work carries all types of fun and funky accessories for the office, making work a much more enjoyable place to be. Click here for the desk calender featured above. 


I am a big organizational person, so any excuse to clip, staple or label, I am definately on board! I love these Mateo Ilasco Action Clips because I get to clip and label! Featuring simple, minimal graphics and words, the Action Clips help get your priorities straight and remind you what is most important 1,2,3... Available with words or numbers. 


Loving this Rococo Chalkboard. Perfect in the kitchen or office this piece looks much more stylish than your typical messaging board. Removable, reusable adhesive backed chalkboard decal. 

Cool faux wood, printed file folder. Much cooler than the standard manilla colored boredom...

Product Spotlight: Frangipani Lights


One of my favorite parts about holiday decorating is that we get to put up all the twinkling lights around our living room and at night there is nothing more relaxing than hanging out by candle light and the dim glow of festive holiday bulbs... That's why when I saw these pretty lit up branches I got so excited! Now I don't have to take the decorative lighting down at the end of the holiday season! Graham and Green make this elegant and simple design of floral lights on a branch, you can check them out here, as well as all the other neat designs available. 

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Tikoli



Check out Tikoli for a new twist on modern textiles for the kitchen. Tikoli is a designer of modern tea towels, they are influenced by both Japanese prints as well as mid century design and this melding of the styles is clear in their finished product. With great use of fresh color and lively prints, these economically priced towels are a great way to brighten up and modernize a kitchen. 

I love this design, Fractil. The tangerine and sky blue is clean and fresh and the machine washable cotton makes it easy to take care of. 

This is a great design as well, Air. I love anything nature inspired and this design fits the bill.

Check out Mummy- the bright orange is a great color and would be wonderful paired with the Air design above. 

Amenity New Products and Sale


Amenity Baby Alpaca Mocha Throw Blanket 

Amenity is a favorite home accessories company of mine and I was really happy to see that they have recently expanded their offerings. They have always created amazing and beautiful bedding, pillows and wall prints with their signature organic, nature inspired silhouettes, but recently they have added a nursery collection, alpaca throws, a tabletop collection and a line of really cool totes. Amenity is known for using organic and sustainable materials in the production of their goods and this thoughtful approach is consistent in their newest collections. 

More good Amenity news.... Be sure to check out the sale section of Amenity's website. There are some amazing deals to be had on quality, beautiful products. Can you beat $30 for a handmade linen pillow with an eco-friendly insert made from recycled plastic bottles? Grab the goods before they are gone! 

Sadie Olive


Check out Sadie Olive for a sweet selection of antiques, one of a kind pieces and all things with an adorable European flare. The product and set photography is also inspiring and makes for a nice meandering through the pages... Click here for the French Apron featured above. 



Great vintage magazine file. Being a little crazy for organization, I am always looking for new baskets and bins to heap loose papers and inspiring magazine articles in. This will do just the trick! I love the label- so cute! 

This reproduction veggie chart would make a nice addition to the kitchen. Inspired by an original French classroom print this shows images of popular vegetables. 


I love these bronze metal lotus flower candle holders. Perfect for some candlelit ambiance in your home. Lined with gold leaf and available in large or small sizes. 

Monday, September 22, 2008

Product Spotlight: Jason Miller "Seconds" Dinner Plates


I saw these plates and was instantly blown away. I absolutely think these are amazing and inspiring. Created by Jason Miller for his "Seconds" series, these porcelain dinner plates were fabricated to question the rules applied to the design of contemporary consumer products. Things like centering decorative motifs, using the entire subject and staying within the bounds of specific design styles. I love the juxtaposing designs and clashing the classic style "china pattern" with the more modern, organic bird feature. Available in a variety of opposing patterns and also as a cup and saucer and teapot, check them all out here

Feel More Human


Go shopping at Feel More Human and you can feel like you are doing something toward living a more sustainable lifestyle. Feel More Human is a great online shop that mixes modern living with a more eco-friendly aesthetic. They know that we can't always make perfectly sustainable choices all the time, but they try and keep their customers inspired and informed about things that you can do. Feel More Human strives to create a place where people can shop modern, well designed products with a company whose business practices are grounded in responsibility. While shopping their great products, take some time and read their blog devoted to eco- friendly living, products and more. Click here for the awesome 303 Chair featured above. 

I love Juice Beauty's facial products. They are all organic, smell delicious and do their job. Can't ask for more than that! I also love their packaging- simple and bright. The Organics To Go kit is a great starter kit that comes with a luxe, organic bamboo washcloth. 

I adore the simple design and classic styling of the Gus Modern designed Spencer Chair. Although this piece is definitely more expensive than say your average chair from West Elm or CB2, this is a quality investment piece that you will keep forever instead of filling our landfills with inexpensive, disposable furniture. A great eco-choice! 

I was interested in this piece, as it was labeled "Eco-Lighting." This lighting collection was designed by Roland Simmons and looks beautiful. The shades are a DuraSilk shade which is an environmentally friendly material made out post industrial polyethylene resin. Available in different heights. 
 

Blik


We got a great response from you guys on our Ferm Living posting, especially regarding the wall decals, so I thought you might enjoy this great online shop- Blik- that specializes in surface/wall graphics. The graphics created by Blik are great because they have a wonderful assortment of images created by artists and designers that we all know and love, like Charles and Ray Eames and Keith Haring as well as original graphics done by Blik that are equally well designed and inspiring. Another great benefit to the products by Blik is that they are created with the idea that you will want to change out the decal, so they are as easy to apply as they are to remove. Check out the decal featured above here designed by an intern group of the Working Class Studio of the Savannah College of Art and Design. 


I love this design, the Classical Must Haves by Jan Habraken. Being an interior designer, I am in love with all styles of furniture and can see the beauty in most pieces, but in my own home I am always struggling on which way I want to go in terms of style- modern or classical...These decals are a great way to bring in classic style in modern and contemporary way. Love the colors! 


This is a great Blik original, Chandelier. Simple and modern-this decal is available in black, white and burgundy and brings a bit of interest to any room. 

Great Woodlands design! This product is part of Blik's re-stick collection, so these decals can be removed and re-positioned within a room or house. This is great especially for a baby or child's room so you can remove or take away certain aspects of the design as your child grows- although I think this design is great for any age! 

Friday, September 19, 2008

Weekly Shop Round Up

Click here for Singgih Kartono's wooden radio featured above. 


I hope everyone has a great weekend and we will be back next week with more great products and shopping spotlights. We are off to the beach with the dogs for an early weekend vacation....

Shops & Products Covered This Week:

Papa Stour



I happened upon this distinctive online shop, Papa Stour (love the name) and was immediately struck by the amazing product and set photography as well as the exceptional collection of goods. Papa Stour began in 2005 with a mission to promote and sell products that are made in Scotland mixed in a contemporary and clean way. At Papa Stour you will find amazing housewares and artwork by talented Scottish artists. Check out this great spot to find goods you wont find anywhere else- except maybe Scotland! Amazing Merino wool cushion featured above, here


I am a big photography fan and I was immediately drawn to this piece by a photographer named Glyn. All of the pieces by this photographer capture the rugged and incredible Scottish landscape and the people and animals that are apart of it. You can check out all the pieces by Glyn here

I love these 100% knitted lambswool hot water bottle covers. Available in two colors/patterns either spotted or damask. I have never used a hot water bottle, but these covers are pretty enough to make me start!  

Amazing hand bound travel journal. Looking like it came straight off an ancient sea vessel, this beautiful journal is made from Indian hand made paper, oak bark tanned hide and linen thread. Each book is hand made so each is unique unto itself. 

Zinc Details




While living in San Francisco, by far one of my favorite stores to visit was Zinc Details. Light and airy, Zinc Details not only provided a modern and clean respite from the rest of the world, but also an inspiring and fun collection of everything from barware and furniture to flooring and personal accessories. It would never fail that I would walk out of there with some modern goodness for a gift or (on a good day!) for myself. Now, living away from the city by the bay I am glad they have a great online presence where I can continue to shop their fantastic selection! Click here for the blu dot rocker featured above. 


Whenever I shopped at Zinc Details, I always admired this Uten Silo Board and couldn't wait for the day that this great piece would hang on my office wall. Perfect for any room to help with organization, I always pictured it filled with colored pencils, pens, scissors and all those other office goodies! 

This glass teapot has and continues to be a favorite design of mine. The 1920's Bauhaus design is timeless and delicate and the pyrex glass withholds the heat. My favorite part of this teapot is watching as the tea diffuses through the water. Amazing! 

How funny are these Pizza plates? Check them out here