I am totally into found objects. We've found some pretty interesting stuff already in our old house. Foundling carries all kinds of found objects from number plates to optical lenses. Such cool stuff and all of the finds are reasonably priced. I would love to make a few collections and frame them in shadow boxes. Check out more: foundlings.etsy.com.
Labels: accessories, found objects
Since I am on a knitting kick I thought I would share these lovely ceramic pieces by Alyssa Ettinger. Now that I am starting to collect nice furniture I need to invest in some coasters. Alyssa's sweet knitware coasters feel perfect and homey. Below are a few more pieces that are equally as sweet. All the pieces are available for purchase on etsy.com.
Labels: accessories, ceramics, tabletop
Today's gift guide incorporates one of my favorite themes: marine life. I can't get enough of seeing whales, octopus, and fish on t-shirts, pillows, art, and jewelry. Above and below are just a few of my favorites. For more holiday gift ideas click here.
Clockwise from top left: Baby Long Sleeve Tee $24, Magnetic Wood Tongs $40, Spouting Whale Tray $92, Wicked Octopus print $45, Whale Butter Dish $68, Suddenly, it's Real Whale Chalkboard $44, Lobster Pillow $100, Dolphin Studio Calender $98, Herring Factory Mat $12.50, The Whale and the Halibut cards $15.
p.s. I added a few new pieces I found over the weekend.
Bungalow 360, Whale Tote, $26, kitty-pants.com.
Labels: accessories, affordable artwork, fashion, gifts, holiday, pillows
One last post for the day. The Neue Galerie in New York has some great gift ideas. I had to hold back from sharing more. Check out their online catalog or take a trip to the museum. The tulip print handkerchief ($48) and pillows ($65) inspired by Josef Hoffman are calling my name. So cute! Check out more: neuegalerie.org.
Neue Galerie
1048 5th Ave at 86th Street
New York, NY
(212) 628-6200
Labels: accessories, gifts, new york shops, textiles
Let's start Monday off with my first in a series of holiday gift guides. This weekend I was eyeing bright colors with a homey twist. I having been craving things that feel more old-fashioned and English lately. Have fun looking!
Clockwise from the top left: Ingrid Cusson checkbook cover $39, David Aubrey "Horticulture" Bangle $48, Monika Slipper about $75, New Scotland Fingerless Mittens $76, Pennsylvania Dutch Letter Sheets & Labels $12, Large Bulb Vase $28.95, Country Tablecloth $45, Going For Baroque Pendant $15.
Terra Cotta Terrarium, $98, farmhousewares.com.
Labels: accessories, fashion, gifts, holiday, textiles
Be the first to go and check out my $1 holiday gifts story over at domino. With this $1 story I tried to concentrate on more handmade gifts and vintage finds. Many of the gifts were made from things I had lying around the house. As my boyfriend always reminds me, "You don't have to go out and buy everything new!" I remind myself in these tough economic times to spend less and really think about what I spend my money on. Check out the my $1 story for inspiration and budget saving gift ideas: dominomag.com.
For more budget friendly decorating ideas including my first $1 design finds story click here.
p.s. I had a sweepstakes for budget holiday gift ideas. The winner: macaroni snowflake ornaments. Make them now!
Labels: $1 design finds, accessories, diy, gifts
My mom brought down this antique Seth Thomas Mantel Clock on her last visit. The clock originally belong to Great Grandmother on my father's side. I have childhood memories of the clock's distinctive chimes. The chime is more like a "dong" as if it was radiating from a great cathedral. My mom inherited the clock from my Grandmother after she sold the family farm up in Waterville, Maine. I feel so lucky to now have it in my own home.
I found a very similar clock on ebay last night. The auction says, "The covering on this case is called "adamantine". Seth Thomas, and only Seth Thomas, used this adamantine on most of their mantle clocks from 1882 to about 1919." I can't believe that the clock is that old! To purchase similar clocks try serching "Seth Thomas Mantel Clocks" on ebay.
Labels: accessories
Ok one more link before I have to go and do some work. Kiosk is one of my favorite sites for interesting and eclectic objects. The site is broken up into collections of wares found in different countries. Recently they launched the American collection. Each piece represents objects the Kiosk team discovered by local crafts people and manufacturers around the country. The onion basket (above) is made of round reed and designed by the Shakers from New Hampshire. Below are more great pieces that I am trying to stop myself from buying. Someone please buy that awesome mail bag from Minnesota, brillant! Take a peek at their website: kioskkiosk.com.
Labels: accessories, fashion
I got up early and voted. I feel great! Now that I'm home, I'm obsessed with checking the nytimes.com and the huffingtonpost.com in hopes that the whole thing is over and Obama has won. I guess I have to wait a bit longer. To help me take my mind off the election I thought I would share some more terrariums from Smith & Hawken. Two styles are available; a mouth blown version made from soda lime glass and a galvanized steel topped style. Both are reasonably priced at around $39 for the small versions. Check out more: smithandhawken.com.
Labels: accessories, garden
I've seen a lot of terrariums lately but I really like these in particular. The terra cotta is a nice accent to the glass. They would be so pretty filled with moss or flowers. A great gift! Available in three sizes. Prices start at $98 each. Check out more: farmhousewares.com.
Labels: accessories, garden
One last find for the day: jute baskets. Maison Bengal is fair trade company in the UK that works with NGOs and artisan cooperatives in Bangladesh. All of the products on site are all hand made using natural materials. I really dig the jute baskets. Jute baskets are great clutter solution for a stack of magazines, toys, or laundry. The natural material adds warmth and texture to a casual and laid back space. Check out more: maisonbengal.co.uk.
Labels: accessories
I promised I would share more of my finds that I scored last weekend in Essex, Ma. Above is another oil painting from the White Elephant Outlet Barn. I needed something that would fit above my mantel for the time being. The colors are great find for just $20. Below is my new maple table. I was told the side table was 18th century American. I love the clean lines and simple legs. On top of the table is a marble bowl. Super cool! The color and texture is gorgeous for just $15.
Labels: accessories, affordable artwork, furniture
I been searching all over for great mirrors for the house. I will share all my favorite finds by the end of the week. A lot of my favorites all seem to come from Anthropologie. Seriously great shapes and prices. Prices range from $108-$698. My favorite is the Bowmont Mirror (grey horizontal). The shape could fit my historic style. I'm just afraid the finish might be a little dark in the space. A great mirror for just $298. Check out more from Anthropologie's mirror section: anthropologie.com.
Labels: accessories
How about a little afternoon love for these felt beauties? The grey feels perfect for the season. Two or three would be perfect in an entryway to organize hats and mail. Can be custom ordered from Feel Design. Check out more: etsy.com.
Labels: accessories
John Derian for Target is finally here! I've read about the new pieces a number of times but was never able to locate them online. FYI it looks like some of pieces are available in-store only. I kinda want to jump in the car right now to check it all out! All the pieces are super affordable. Prices range from $9.99-$24.99. I would pick up your favorites now because I am sure they won't last! Check out more: target.com.
Labels: accessories
I have to admit I kinda love strange tourist shops. I've driven by the Maine State Prison Shop a number of times on our way to a friend's house in Rockport, Maine. I've always wanted to stop but we are usually passing through at 11 o'clock at night or super early in the morning. Our past visit over Labor Day weekend we happen to be visiting during a reasonable hour of the day. Greg put up quite a fit and did not want to stop. Once we did he pouted in the car and then eventually came in. The shop is full of mostly wooden crafts all made by Maine Prisoners. There are even real prisoners working the cash register. Kinda strange how the customers gawk at the prisoners and then buy there cute wooden sailboats. We had fun and it was a nice little detour on the ride up. Check out Maine Prison Shop's website for purchasing info: maine.gov
Maine State Prison Shop
Route 1
Thomaston, Maine
(207) 354-9237
Labels: accessories, maine shops, on the streets
My $1 story for domino launched tonight on their website. Check out 25 great finds under $1 that seriously are not cheap or tacky. I can't believe all the good stuff I actually did find. A tip for shoppers: shop big chain stores clearance section—99 cents stores and dollar stores don't necessarily sell things under a $1. Check out the slide show here.
Labels: $1 design finds, accessories, tabletop, textiles
Damn, I'm bummed I missed out this gorgeous convex mirror from Paris Hotel Boutique. This mirror would have been perfect for my new entryway. I love the black leather detailing around the edge. If you come across anything similar let me know. Check out more great finds from this San Fran store: parishotelboutique.com.
Labels: accessories
Renegade Craft Fair starts today in Brooklyn and runs through the weekend. I'm leaving in just a few minutes to go check out my first fair but I wanted to share before in case any of you forgot. See you there!
Brooklyn's 4th Annual RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR
June 14 + 15
11am - 7pm
McCarren Park Pool
Brooklyn, NY
renegadecraft.com
Labels: accessories
Hands down the best canvas bag for groceries. I have two of these in black and they have lasted me years. The bag is a big long rectangle that can easily hold boxes of cereal with room for more. Don't waste your time with all various small bags that you you can pick up for $2 at the store. Seriously do you enjoy the dance of grabbing 12 different handles as you balance your way from the car to the house? These babies can easily fit into the back of your car with no spillage or aggravation. I use to carry Bean bags but honestly the shape is off for groceries and the tan color always gets stained. $76 available in various colors at utilitycanvas.com.
Labels: accessories, fashion
Designed by Lilach Lotan a Canadian artist working in unglazed white porcelain. Lotan creates these gorgeous coral tealights recalling the spikes, tubes, and funnels found in a coral reef. When light the tealight creates various shapes and shadows. When unlit, the piece would look perfect functioning as a piece of art on a table or bookshelf. Funnel Coral Porcelain Tealight, 8"D x 6.5"H $135 canoeonline.net.
Labels: accessories, lighting
I have been having major problems with blogger the last few days. I couldn't upload any photos. So this afternoon blogger finally decided to send me a little love. I am pretty bummed I haven't been able to show all my stationery show and ICFF images. I guess I'll get back to that.
For now check out these fun canvas totes from Freddy & Ma. I love all the fun art that is coming out in support of this year's Presidential election. Go Obama! Vote Tote, $25 freddyandma.com.
Labels: accessories, fashion
I had a great time checking out my first ICFF show but damn I am exhausted. I don't know if I have shared the real reason why I was attending ICFF and the National Stationery Show this weekend? I am starting my own online store! I want the store to be highly curated and focus on home accessories that are colorful and patterned driven. I saw some great things at ICFF that were super inspiring. I've never owned my own store so I do have a lot to learn. Baby steps, right? I am so excited. Check out some of my shots from ICFF by clicking here. I will tell you more about each individual company once I get a little rest. But for now just spend some time ooogling over some major house porn.
Labels: accessories, furniture, icff 2008, lighting, outdoor, textiles
I don't collect a lot of knick knacks. I tend to buy a lot paintings, prints, photographs which it seems lately I have no my room for. I do get kinda weak in the knees for John Pomp's blown glass pieces. The bright colors are right of my alley. Every piece would mix well with my art pieces. But what one would I choose? All of them are gorgeous! I think the beehive (three at bottom of post) are my favorite. The shape reminds me of pieces my mom use to collect when I was kid. The glass would be stunning a sun filled room.
Design*Sponge did a great interview with John last year check it out here: designpsongeonline.com. To check out more of John's work visit: johnpomp.com. Pieces can be purchased from John by e-mailing a request.
Labels: accessories
I am on a search for the perfect modern glass lamp for a friend's living room. She is thinking she wants a tall columns shape that feels simple and clean. Here are a few I found on our search for the perfect modern glass table lamp. Feel free to share some your favorites in the comment section below.
