Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Buro North, an Australian company made up of graphic designers, has come out with an "environmentally friendly" Christmas tree. Available in three sizes, it is flat-packed and can be used year after year.

Holiday Craftacular

Etsy is sponsoring a craft fair at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC this weekend. It will have 200 vendors, DJs, food, drinks and a special appearance from Amy Sedaris. She will be signing her book, 'I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence'.

Ink Drop Design

Ink Drop Design sells products made from original hand drawings, photography, or digital illustrations. To purchase these cards, visit their shop on Etsy.

Wine Racks

Check out these modern wine racks.

Looped wine holder of merging metal spheres at chiasso.com.


Stackable wine rack made of injection-moulded polypropylene is available in a variety of colors at unicahome.com.


Sporadic wall panel is made of walnut or bamboo and can be found at moderncellar.com.


Clear acrylic floating wine rack at chiasso.com.


Magnum in the middle at violet.com.

Ten Gifts for Under $10 (some for under $5)

The holiday season is here and through talking with friends, there seems to be a pressure to come up with gifts for under $10 for the office Christmas party or their family/friend Yankee Swap.....so I've come up with ten gift ideas for under $10 that can be bought on-line.

Garden in a Bag Herbs available at Branch Home.


Fred's Key shirts are color coded T-shirts that keep the keys on your keychain organized. Available at Merlin's Box.


Colored Pencil Travel Set from Northwest Nature Shop.


Vaugondy Globe available at the Conran Shop.


Stonewall Kitchen Christmas Traditions Holiday Jam.


Handmade, Solid Bamboo Salad Servers available at Branch Home.



Democrat or Republican Porcelain Mug available at Gracious Home.


Mini silver-Plated Frame with Red or Green Grosgrain Mat available at Pottery Barn.


Perfect Potfuls Tin with three different types of coffee. It can be customized with your own label and is available at Designer Gifts.


McKenna Luggage Tags at Pottery Barn.

Feric

Eric Feng's illustrations are imaginative, whimsical and mechanical. Signed, limited edition prints of Feric's work are available on his online store. Check them out at: feric.com

Holiday Windows

I had the pleasure this week of checking out all of the department store, Christmas windows. My favorite by far, was Bergdorf Goodman's elements theme (earth, air, fire, water, light). They pay homage to designer Tony Duquette who passed away in 1999. Pictures seen above depict Fire and Air.

RIP H&G

The December issue of House & Garden will be its last one published for this interior design magazine.

Being Bold

Jamie Beattie Accessories, makes quirky, bold printed accessories such as purses, bags and hair bands. All products are made in Australia and available at: jaimebeattie.com.au

Project Runway

Project Runway is back on the air and I saw a fantasy league on line for it the other day....yes, a fantasy league. Each person picks three designers and you win points each episode if one of your designers wins a challenge (4 pts), cries (3 pts), gets Tim Gunn to say "make it work" (2 pts), etc. I just wish I thought of it or read about it before the season started. Is there still time to start one? Let me know your thoughts.

Free Holiday Cards

"Funnel Incorporated is an information design firm that makes the complex clear through the creation of infographics, icons, maps and instructions." If you visit FUNNELINC.COM/HOLIDAY and register, you'll receive a free holiday infographic card set.
Pretty cool, huh?

I see you

New rule: Every shoe manufacturer must do this.
The Clear Sneaker Box by Nao is an excellent idea to help keep your ever expanding show collection neat.

Foxy & Winston

I recently came across these handmade cards in a boutique shop near my home in Brooklyn. Created by illustrator Jane Buck, they are hand screened and part of a collection of goods she makes for her company 'foxy & winston' .
Website: foxyandwinston.com

It's a wrap

'Blueprint' magazine has developed 5 wrapping paper patterns that you can print out from your computer (up to 11"x17") and use to dress your holiday packages in a sophisticated palette of black and white.
To see and print all of them, go to website:
http://www.marthastewart.com/blueprint

Color Palettes

You designers out there know that we are always looking for the perfect image to convey a mood and a color palette for a collection. Actually to me, this is one of the fun parts about being a designer. Anyway, I came across a blog from a fellow fashion designer/artist, called 'Kris's color stripes'. On the site there are inspiring images matched with created color palettes.
Website: http://color-stripes.blogspot.com/

How Convenient

Belkin's website sells some creative solutions for keeping your laptop accessories in order while you are on the go.

The 'Mouse Trap' carries your mouse and other small items in one handy compartment. ($12.99)


The 'TuneTie" conveniently manages your excess earbud cord so that you can use only the length you need. ($9.99 for 3/pk)
Website: http://www.belkin.com/

Mac-Up

This weekend is filled with Halloween parties and MAC had some pretty cool makeup suggestions on their website. Here are some of my favorites.

"Fantasy Lace"

"Zombie Chic"

"Lava Lamp"

"Butterfly"

Blooming Cute

Came across this vintage-inspired cosmetic bag and found myself drawn to the color palette...yellow, orange, grey, brown, green and white. The purse is available in jimmypickle's shop, for $18, on etsy.

Box it Up

Elum began designing custom letterpress invitations for brides and grooms in southern California. Currently they strive to "create a line of stationery that is appealing for its sophisticated, yet whimsical look, as well as its quality fabrication." Check out this stunning desk set. I love the piped envelopes. For more of Elum's products, visit:
http://www.elumdesigns.com

Olive Oil

La Amarilla de Ronda produces high-quality, Spanish, ecological, extra virgin olive oil. Say that three times fast.
The packaging has been designed by Philippe Starck and is so fashionable the product is now available at Collette.
Website: http://www.amarilladeronda.com/
Website: http://www.colette.fr/

Sky High

Nicolas Chorier is a french photographer that puts a camera on a kite to get aerial shots of landscapes, towns,, people, etc. The perspective is inspiring.

Pop Up

I'm back....Sorry it has been awhile since I last posted but hope you'll enjoy this as much as I do.....

Neiman Marcus has documented their 100 year history in a new pop up book. The limited-edition book "follows a young girl's journey through Neiman Marcus from past to present." It is available in their stores and on line so treat the fashionista in your life to this spectacular piece!