merry christmas.

bloesem kids.

The ever-inspiring Irene Hoofs of the beautiful design blog Bloesem just launched her new children's design weblog: Bloesem Kids. It is a site dedicated to specially picking out the most lovely and creative kid's items out there (since browsing through the many design-oriented children's shops can be quite overwhelming sometimes). Good job Irene!

last minute christmas gifts!

1. Eva Solo Tea Brewer Gift Set with Tumblers ($130.95), 2. Star Curtain String Lights ($34.95), 3. Prickly Cactus Eggling ($9.95), and 4. Glitter Tree Straight Candle Set ($12.95)


1. Prozac Canister ($70), 2. Muse Candle ($70), 3. Cat Salt & Pepper ($48), and 4. Apple Pillow ($95)


1. Chantilly 4 Cup Teapot (£6.00), 2. Princess Phone (£39.95), 3. 6 Cup Vintage Espresso Maker (£8.00), and 4. Russian Dolls Set (£7.50)


1. Trellis Pattern Plate Set ($49), 2. Mirror Votice Holder ($19-$39), 3. Brushed Metal Vases ($129), and 4. Jewel Bottles ($69)

the twelve days of christmas.

1.Wooden Musical Band Drum Set ($49), 2. Drummer Nutcrackers ($220), and 3. Tamborino Push Toy ($29.95)


1. Amorous Octopus Tee ($24), 2. La Trahison des Images Print ($24.99), and 3. Labbit ($19.95)


1. Dancing Men Bookends ($75), 2. Mr. P Bottle Stopper (€13,50), and Alessi Girotondo Key Ring ($19)


1. Esther Derkx Improved Crockery Teapot ($120), 2. Nana Balloon ($75), and 3. The Dancer Poster from Childhood Interiors (£16)


1. Latte Milk Bottle (£6.00), 2. Milkbottle Lamp ($215), and 3. Milkii Milk Jug (£26.50)


1. Toikka White Whooper Swan ($389.38), 2. Swan Stretched Print ($59.00–$159.00), and 3. D.I.Y. Swan Ice Sculpture Kit ($20)


1. Small Red Striped Goose ($29.95), 2. B. Shackman Goose Nodder, and 3. Barnacle Goose ($1,036)


1. Nerd + Dork Ring Set ($18), 2. Roman Margherita Ring ($4,900), and 3. Maude Ring ($165)


1. "Maternal Dilemma" Card Karakuri Model ($16), 2. Western American Bird Calls ($138), and 3. Handmade Birdcalls ($29.95)


1. White Guinea Hen ($129-$159), 2. Chick Pull Toy ($24), and 3. Vintage Hen Dishtowels & Cookie Cutter Set ($14.95)


1. Dove Christmas Charm ($18), 2. Paper Dove Ornaments ($12), and 3. Holiday Doves ($17)


1. Partridge Family Tree Boxed Holiday Cards ($14), 2. Partridge & Pear Tree Wreath (AU $34.95), and 3. Partridge Holiday Ornament ($16.50)

coe & waito.

Alissa Coe and Carly Waito make up Coe & Waito, a wonderful duo who create gorgeous tabletop items, small sculptural pieces, and lighting. "They aim to create quiet objects that can have a deep and lasting impact, encouraging an emotional response in the people who encounter them."

(Available at Lille)

gifts for the guys.

I apologize for a couple of days passing by without any updates. We have been traveling yet again, but I promise to keep the posts coming! Anyways, here is my take on some stylish and functional gifts for the guys. Enjoy!


1. Dead Tired Sleep Mask from Gama-Go ($12), 2. Skeleton Keys from Spoon Sisters ($5), 3. Wood Print Mini Wallet from Fluffy Co. ($18), 4. Skull Candle from Matter ($95), 5. Slingshot Pencil from Curiosity Shoppe ($80), 6. Tykho AM/FM Radio from Greener Grass Design ($57), and 7. City Slicker Bookends from Wrapables ($59.95)


1. Yeti Boxer Briefs from Gama-Go ($18), 2. Diana Camera from Flight 001 ($60), 3. WTF Poster from Beyond the Valley (£15.00), 4. Pulse Wallet from Chocosho ($48), 5. Retro Flip Clock from EQ3 ($24.99), and 6. The "Manly" Ruler Cuff ($54)


1. Vintage Record Coasters from Elsewares ($20), 2. Built Laptop Portfolio from Uma ($70), 3. Silver Sword Necklace from Built By Wendy($150), 4. Star Wars Mimobots USB Flash Drives from Urban Outfitters ($60), 5. Timezone Clock from A+R ($60), and 6. Retro TV Alarm Clock from Fred Flare ($30)


1. Chairs Necktie from Retromodern ($42.50), 2. Arc Coin Bank from Chiasso ($78), 3. Film Noir Book from Taschen ($19.99), 4. Power Station from The Container Store ($24.99), 5. Botta II Watch from Moss ($620), 6. Suck UK Hip Flask from Fitzsu ($35), and 7. Knife Holder from A+R ($158)

holiday decorating ideas.

I really adore all the holiday party ideas featured on Hostess With the Mostess (one of my favorite websites). We are throwing our holiday party tomorrow, so it is quite inspiring to see all these beautiful and modern decorating ideas.







Pictured parties: Gold & Silver Shimmer, Festive Peacock, Berries & Braches, and Regal Reindeer.

for the environmentally conscious.

Above: 1. Falling Leaves Vase from Zanisa ($110), 2. Bendant Lamp from Vivavi ($165), 3. Apple Peep Card from Night Owl Paper Goods ($6), 4. Grid Wall Pockets from MIO ($65), 5. Play Toe Shoes from Simple ($85), and 6. Tyvek Wallet from Dynomighty Design ($15).

Below: 1. Mini Recycled Leather Photo Frame from Biome (£4.00), 2. Haute Surface from Branch ($20), 3. Mint Wine Knot from Greener Grass Design ($105), 4. Monochromatic Reusable Shopping Bag from Vitamin Design ($34), 5. Round Stool w/Drawer from Inmod ($369), and 6. Beechwood Kitchen Tools from A+R Store ($55).

three things.

Here are just a few things I am swooning over while watching this week's episode of Project Runway: Beautiful owl pillows designed by Kathleen Lolly (Available at Kopilot for $25), Ceramic memo board (how very useful and eco-friendly!) from See Jane Work ($11.50), and a sweet lunch bag from GRDN ($49).

best of etsy : stocking stuffers.

• 1. Raven Linen Pouch from Cedar Seven ($20)
  
• 2. Joy Ornament from Kristine Mays ($6.50)
  
• 3. Little Wooly Acorn in Blue from Chet & Dot ($15)
  
• 4. Heart Letterpress Coasters from Letteria ($12)
  
• 5. Leaf Card from Essimar ($9)
  
• 6. Bizarre Plate from Trixie Delicious ($20)
  
• 7. Leaf Skeleton Magnet from Skinny Laminx ($20)
  
• 8. Lavendar Filled Twig from Appleseeds ($10)
  
• 9. Positivea Pocket-size Painting from Heidi Burton ($12)
  
• 10. Super Sleuth Mustache Necklace from Jack Rabbit ($15)
  
• 11. Gnomie Gnomes from Jek in the Box ($6)
  
• 12. Yeti Shadow Puppets from Owly Shadow Puppets ($10.50)
  
• 13. Rabbit Earrings from Aussie Patches ($8.50)
  
• 14. Animal ABC Book from Apak ($9)
  
• 15. Glow-in-the-dark Magnets from Nuit Blanche ($17)
  
• 16. Seattle Road Trip Badge Set from A Minor Thread ($3.20)

the blues.

In honor of this being the first night of Hanukkah, I have decided to do another color-themed post, this time focusing on lovely blue things. Enjoy, and Happy Hanukkah!


1. Perch Canvas Print from Modern Dose ($69.95), 2. Ain't Concrete Great? Mug from People Will Always Need Plates (£10), 3. Cloud Tree Cushion from Nadia Sparham (price unknown), 4. Blue Fluted Mega Ball Ornament from Fjorn ($26), 5. Kartell Maui Swivel Armchair from Mod Livin' ($349-$426), 6. Aalto Dual Color Vase from Moss ($215), and 7. Vuelta Ocean Blue Dinnerware from Gump's ($95-$175)


1. Aqua Owl Coaster from Robot Candy ($6), 2. Points de Soire Dessert Plate from Deshoulieres (price unknown), 3. Cosmos from Egg Mercantile (€6,00), 4. Leaf Tee Shirt from Giggle ($32), 5. Umbrella Black w/Light Blue Inside from Relish ($32), 6. Ceramic Bowl & Stainless Steel Spoon from Pedlars (£29.95), and 7. Blue Lovelylace Hi Ball from Lovelylovely (£9.00)



1. Ahoi Citrus Juicer from Satinbox ($6), 2. Nest Salad Plates from Show ($52), 3. Folio Magazine Holder from CB2 ($9.95), 4. Deer Canvas Print ($59), 5. Large Blue Table or Pendant Lamp from Mibo (£82.50), and 6. Dream Versatile Espresso & Cappuccino Machine in Kid Blue from All Modern ($699)


1. Aqua Pierced Cilindo Pendant from J. Schatz ($255), 2. Blue Henna Coaster Set from Loft Party ($35), 3. Cloud Hangers from Fred Flare ($14), 4. Blue Owl Card from Pinecone & Chickadee ($4), 5. Zub Zzen 20 Watch from 2modern ($125), 6. Hable Bog Lily Pillow from Weego Home ($140), 7. Soap/Lotion Bottle from Jonathan Adler ($22), and 8. Harry Allen Gran's Candlestick from Design Public ($35-$45)

portland, oregon : part one.

There are a whole lot of amazing independent artists here in Portland, so many that it's almost hard to keep track of all of them. I have decided to spotlight some of my favorites in a two-part post, since each and every one of them make some great things that would make fabulous gifts (plus, it's always good to buy from talented local artists for the holidays!).


Satsuma Press creates beautiful letterpressed stationery and calendars from her transformed garage in North Portland. Everything is so pleasing to the eye with perfect simple designs (pictured: Holiday Bird & Foliage Cards and Holiday Peony Stationery).


Alicia Paulson runs one of my favorite weblogs, Posie Gets Cozy, as well as selling her beautiful handmade items in her little shop. She creates a number of delicate and sweet objects by hand, such as handbags, postcards, and gorgeous fabric pins (pictured: "Confetti" Sugar Rose and "Holiday" Postcard Pack).


Christina of Scissor Stitch creates handcrafted products characterized by modern style, specializing in sweet scarves and adorable baby products (pictured: Placemat Napkin Set and Patchworked Adult Scarf).


Oh, how I adore the work of Ayumi K. Piland of Apak Studio. Her super-cute work can be seen all over town in bookshops and art galleries, along with her husband, Aaron Piland. Check out their Etsy shop here (pictured: Ohanami Print and Hugs Greetingcard).


Cecily Ink is a letterpress business that creates modern and elegant paper goods. They even create their own specially designed postage stamps that match their notecard designs (pictured: Fresh Style Card File and 2008 Desk Calendar).


Alberta May Poon runs the adorable accessories business Frozen Peas. Her products are so sweetly designed (how can you resist having a wallet with polar bears hugging?) and are beautifully made in soft colors (pictured: Bird/Unicorn Double-Sided Necklace and Hugging Polar Bear Wallet).


I just recently discovered Passion Flower, a jewelry business that creates handmade, handcolored, and handprinted accessories that are just lovely. All of her jewelry is made from shrinkable plastic and surgical steel or sterling silver (pictured: Love Birds and I Like My Bike).


Tinymeat is one of the local businesses that I see products of everywhere. They make fabulous wallets and iPod cases featuring stylish images and illustrations by some truly wonderful illustrators (pictured: Lil Matilda Wallet and For the Birds Passport Case).


Who doesn't adore the work of Jill Bliss? She has recently relocated here from San Francisco and we are quite happy to have her as a part of the community. She is known for her beautiful work using plants, herbs, and flowers as her themes and inspiration (pictured: The Letterpressed Poppy Art Piece and The Plaid Bird).


Some of you might know Kim Baxter as the singer of the sugary sweet pop group All Girl Summer Fun Band, but she is also known around here for creating cute bags and apparel for her business Kissycake. Each piece features an adorable animal illustration and comes in bright and playful colors (pictured: Kid's Giraffe Shirt and Baby Blue Octopus Bag).

lovely gifts under $50.

• 1. Snowflake Light Shade from 2 Jane ($48)
  
• 2. Pinocchino Figurine from Bliss Home ($29)
  
• 3. Lumen Candle from Red Envelope ($48)
  
• 4. Wobowl SoftBowl from MIO ($39)
  
• 5. STD-35 Pinhole Camera Kit from Chocosho ($24.95)
  
• 6. Eleanor Grosch Prints from Day-Lab ($30)
  
• 7. For Like Ever Recycled Cotton Tote from ReForm School ($32)
  
• 8. Chalkboard Vase from Uma ($38-$48)
  
• 9. April Girl Pillow Chum from Nova 68 ($40)
  
• 10. Owls Wall Sticker from Ferm Living ($50)
  
• 11. 5-inch Steel Dotted Wild Bird from FjornScandinavian ($28)
  
• 12. 6 Pack Wine Rack from Etcetera Media ($40)

zid zid : backpacks.

How adorable are these backpacks by Zid Zid? They would make such a perfect gift for any child (or adult!) Made from durable, high-quality vinyl, available from Design Public ($38).

for the fashionista.

1. Black Halo Jackie O Dress from Shop Intuition ($305), 2. Andrea Tray from Velocity Art & Design ($40), 3. Gold Miss Golightly Necklace from Fred Flare ($14), 4. Floral Foil Hinge Wallet from Urban Outfitters ($20), 5. Fashion Plate #2 from Pop Ink ($14), 6. Lace Tape from Matter ($10), and 7. Torsade Necklace from My Wardrobe (£143.00)

shim & sons : update.

Sally of Shim & Sons updated her Etsy shop a couple of days ago with some beautiful handcrafted items, such as these baker's bags and boxes (each set comes with her fabulous assorted labels) and more pretty fabric button clips/magnets. She always seems to impress me with her simple and modern work.

it's a wrap!

• 1. Okay Coral from Pop Ink ($6.50/roll)
  
• 2. Betty from Broadway Paper ($3/sheet)
  
• 3.Eieio Play/Pink from Rose & Radish ($8.50/roll)
  
• 4. Whimsical Trees from Sally Foster ($15/jumbo roll)
  
• 5. Festive Deer & Bird from Hello Lucky ($5.50/roll)
  
• 6. Recycled Wrapping Paper (£1.50/2 sheets)
  
• 7. Lime Dragonfly from Joy Paperie ($3.80/sheet)
  
• 8. Socks from Seltzer Goods (Price unknown)
  
• 9. Green Ornaments from The Container Store ($9.49/roll)
  
• 10. Kraft Moss/White/Red Circles from Paper Source ($7.95/2 sheets)
  
• 11. Marimekko Kastehelmet from Crate & Barrel ($7.95/roll)
  
• 12. Snowflakes from Luxe Paperie ($2.75/sheet)
  
• 13. Flocked Again from Bunny Maxwell ($6/sheet)
  
• 14. Modern Romanesque Print from Paper Mojo ($6.50/sheet)
  
• 15. Multi Dots from Martha Stewart Crafts ($5.99/roll)
  
• 16. Retro Festive from Whimsy Press ($4.50/sheet)