Maarten De Ceulaer

Stumbled upon this wonderful young designer Maarten De Ceulaer. I totally love the fact that he can create something slick(the lighting fixtures) and something more organic (the cases) at the same time. A lot of fun in both instances and still very useful and personal too. I think that the storage idea of the cases and the individual arrangements one can make with them is sheer brilliance, not to mention the colors. Sigh!

Retro-mode, flashback fever

You know the feeling - the one when you hear a song from the past, or see an image which launches a thousand memories. While thrifting last Saturday at my local thrift nook, I saw a pile of cassette tapes. Great music in a really bad format.
My "green" side wished there was something I could do with them. My creative side said, "but what?" My spring cleaning side said, "Back Away!" I have seen crocheted cassette tape, but the plastic cases were seemingly unuseful. No more! Here is the coolest thing since the return of pegleg jeans. Via designboom. Anything to reduce our plastic waste is all right by me. These are a sweet little side trip down memory lane, designed by Marcella Foschi, Italy. Found at the designboom shop.
Yeah, they are not cheap, but each one is an original, each one is made by hand, and each one is so useful!

If'n books and marks SALE!

Beautiful Jen Corace journals on sale over at If'n Books ... I love her work and these little journals are so handy. Just in time for all those graduation gifts coming your (our) way... Spiff up your own notes to self too! $20!

Sushi Bench

This bench just speaks to my minimilistic side. I adore clean crisp furniture and this takes the cake. Orignially seen at pan-dan's blog. She's got a lot of nice things from the preview of the Milan show. Hop on over for a few more goodies.
The sushi bench would fit very nicely into my home. I could see a felted California roll slice to adorn it with. Belinda? Beatte? what do you think?

In Mono Designs

Feli from Perth, Australia makes some very pretty wearable jewelry. I say wearable as I am not a jewelry maven... Things on my fingers or wrists just get in the way of art making. However! I love a good big earring and most days wear either these from Feli or these from the amazing Rena Tom's Rare Device...interesting...they are both from Australia!
Feli sells these new smooth wooden pieces at her etsy shop. I have been lately admiring these necklaces made from recycled timbers and named with Aboriginal names. This one is called Loorea - "the moon" and I think it is lovely.

The word for the day is ... streaming ... like the rainwater in the street, the paint from my brush and this great video which pokes a little serious fun at Web 2.0. ... (that just happens to be part of my next topic at Biz Box on Slate)

Messy Fish

Paolo Fiorentini sent me a sweet little mail with this link to messyfish. It is full of fun softies (which don't ususally excite me) but their individuality struck a chord. They are not so sweet, and have personality in an increasingly homogonized online world. The wolves are great too. Born in Italy and landing in London, there is much Paolo has done. There is plenty of fabulous illustration and quality flash work to keep you interested for some time at his site. Thanks Paola for the link. Click here for some fun.

Softies awards!

Medusa nematocysta
Over at gooseflesh - Helle Jorgensen's entry is absolutely breathtaking! Scroll through her blog to view more of her lovely lovely sea creatures! Vote here for your favorite!

Om Home

Oorbee from Om Home dropped me a a note this morning about their success at the IDS. I think their new linens are smashing and worth a look! Click to see the new pillows, placemats and napkins they have available.

Kerf Designs

Lately, I've been looking around the web for alternative kitchen cabinets which are non traditional in shape and materials. I found Kerf designs out of Seattle. I really love the simple beauty and I found their line of furniture was intriguing! I love their colorways as well as their use of plywood.
Often I paint on birch plywood instead of canvas and find it's color and ultra smooth texture very appealing. I prefer a smooth surface in the kitchen, so their cabinets might be a perfect solution. Love their table too - with the shot of color on top!
Here is a link to their site with more information.

IMM - Cologne 2007

The dynamic, powerhouse writer - Kristina Gill from Three Layer Cake, went to IMM and I am simply chartruse with envy. Not only is Cologne one of my favorite cities but I have always wanted to see the IMM. Next best thing? Click here for some scoop. Big flowers are in - hooray!

Laura Baxter

Something beautiful via Ullabenulla - yet again! Laura Baxter's contemporary Jewellery. (Two LL's because she is British.) Go have a look... these seed pods are delightful! She uses nature as a wonderful springboard to her designs.

The word for the day is ... uncover ... a secret, a present, a mystery!

Design Night

Li Xi gift envelope by Design Night just popped into my inbox from Tram Phram. I saw it too at Oh Joy! last week... totally loving this envelope! I completely love Chinese New Year and am considering throwing a party this year as it is the Year of the Pig - daughter #2 has a serious "thing" about pigs. These beautiful "Lucky Money" envelopes are absolutely stunning. Delicate and modern, with a tradtional twist- I think they would be grand for a special valentine greeting!

Wish your loved ones good fortune and happiness with this beautiful lasercut envelope. The design celebrates 2007, the Year of the Pig. The card design was inspired by the ancient craft of papercuts, an original art form created in China. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, Chinese New Year and other special occasions.Size: 2.85” x 4”

Luxe city Guides

From the lovely Pan-Dan blog: Luxe Travel and style guides to the best Asian, European and Australian cities for the discerning traveler. Each hip, smart and stylish pocket-sized guidebook is packed with a highly selective list of only the best shops, restaurants and hotels, unique services. Now that is a guide with style, class and design quality. I couldn't pass this up as they are so much more beautiful outside than any other traditional guide book that I have seen. Still busy here hearting it up!

Driftwould

(untitiled) White Bear by Matthew Feyld
LOVE THIS! Saving pennies. See more beauties like this here.

Adolie Day

photos from Adolie Day
Adolie has sent over a few emails and photos for the past month and I almost forgot to put up her work here. The Lovely Hearts has kept me rockin, so I am so sorry Adolie!
Her work is fun and girlie (my two daughters LOVED it!) and graphically pleasing with unexpected color choices. Adolie is working as a textile designer for Kenzo, among others and is exhibiting on February 1st in Paris at the"Librairy des 3 Hiboux" au "BON MARCHé-PARIS".
She has a sweet little blog -- en Francais -- at Adolie Day. Go check it out, her work is fun and fanciful!
Bonne Chance Adolie!

Street Level Portland OR

pillow by Klutch

mural at Street Level wow!

Street Level in Portland OR. I have been watching Klutch and his work and others there for a couple of years via links from the Zeitgiest gallery and the amazing gel transfer guru: Paul Fujita. These new digs of Street Level sport very cool pillows - (the one above is a very affordable $39 includes shipping) and a mural that just doesn't quit. I also love the deer/antler tee by Chain Gang. All for sale at Street Level and via the web here.
Click on.

Foxy + Winston hedgehogs!

I adore Foxy + Winston screenprints. Jane Buck has this knack for crisp clean lines and a witty whimsical sense which knocks me out. Hedgehogs rule! Buy here from Foxy + Winston.
via design sponge.

Whip up contest

Everyone loves a great collaborative blog. One of the finest is having a birthday...
Whip up turns one! Celebrate by creating a new banner and button for their blog.
Click here for details all you graphic designer types! Win great prizes!

Pippa Caley Chairs!

First it was these fabulous pillows ... now Pippa has a brand new bag. Silk Chairs! They are so beautiful I was thrilled to see them in the inbox. They are from her "bespoke" line and she says this about it:
Pippa can meet you on an appointment at your home or at her studio. She can show you her large portfolio of textile fabrics. With her guidance she can help you decide the fabric you want to best suite the look you are going for in your room.Pippa can source furniture pieces for you, or can upholster existing furniture. The furniture can range from chairs, sofas, room divider screens etc… She will also paint / treat surfaces on the furniture to compliment the fabric.
Now that my friends, is art! More at Pippa's lovely site here.

Love is Blind

A bird filled blind for a window - I saw this at the ever eye popping Italian blog:
pan-dan. And can be purchased here. Window treatments are tough for us here at home, as we are a light lovers and draft dodgers at the same time. (little known fact in america - germans are afraid of drafts ... no no not the kind on tap...) I think this could be cute (for awhile) in our studio.

The word for today is ... twitter ... as in the machine illustrated by Paul Klee, a little laughter and a litter of twits!