Smitten

Here are three awesome designers I have been smitten with lately. It never ceases to amaze me how many really rad shops there are on Etsy. Yeah, I said it, r-a-d. Eighties throwback or not it the right word. I don't mind sounding like Veruca Salt in saying, "I want it all!" The difference between Veruca and I is well, my money comes out of my pocket- not daddy's.

Fun For All Ages

From the shop of Mary Kate McDevitt, "Mr Peanut escaping the Bag O' Peanuts!
Fun for all ages!" Mary is such a whimsical illustrator. If you get a chance a visit to her shop is a must. She also has a line of Carpe Diem chalkboards that are wonderful.

Lovely Sweet William

Sweet William is a delightful sister team. Shelley lives in Wellington New Zealand while Paula and Jeanine are based in Melbourne Australia. It is amazing what they can accomplish while being so far apart. Everything in their shop seems to have a touchable quality. I find myself to wanting to hold their pieces even though they are only on the screen. You can see more of their lifestyle and new works on their blog Lovely Sweet William. Their collection of vintage tins is worth taking a peek at too!

Capturing Spring

Many people seem to prefer one season over the others. Spring reminds me to be happy I'm alive. The other seasons are great in their own ways and I like the change from one to the next but, there is something special about the time between winter and summer.

Spring has those perfect moments that you hope you never forget. That is why I am sharing the work of Bella Luce Photography with you. Natasha's work is breath taking. She manages to capture those small details that seem to last only for a moment.

Knock out!

We adore the silk screened concert posters by Strawberryluna. If you only see the alphabet posters for children you may assume she is sugary sweet. So sweet you may get a tooth ache. Then you look at her concert posters and remember she is a force to be reckoned with. Sure this girl can be sweet and well mannered (she is a lady after all) but, she can also give you a visual punch square on the chin. The bell rings and an announcer declares, "Winner by a knock out!"

masquerade

"I like stains on ceilings and cat hair on floors, green hallways with spider webs in corners, cabinets full of books not clothes, big cities at night, black inky pens, street art and awkward silences."

A list of the favorite things by the Melbourne photographer who runs Water and Sleep. I think her words express the same quiet moodiness with an air of intrigue that is evident in much of her work.

Domsai

So very, very, awesome! I don't know much about them, other than they were designed by Matteo Cibic. They would make the perfect gift for a plant lover we know. It seems at any moment the legs will animate in a Frankenstein-style lumber and start off in search of greener pastures.

Dear Friend

This simple and sweet set of note cards is perfect for a thank you note or everyday greetings. The set of ten is printed on high quality, 80lb laid paper, and comes with soft blue linen envelopes. Who is your dearest friend you will send one to first?

Strength In Numbers

This set of vintage canisters, as well as many other wonderful items, are available at the vintage shop Sweetshorn. I enjoy the care they put into staging every photograph of their items. You almost get a feeling it was a test shot for a Wes Anderson film.

Vintage Lovelys

These playful covers for Country Fair magazine were found on Ace Jet 170. Created by the illustrator John Hanna in the 1950s. It never ceases to amaze me how many great and yet relatively forgotten designers there have been. Well, Mr. Hanna you may never know this but, I think your illustrations are delightful!

Pippin

Could anything seem more like a fairy tale than Audrey Hepburn grocery shopping with her pet fawn Pippin? She looks like a modern day Snow White off to the market. I am waiting for her to casually say, "Grumpy only likes a particular cracker and Sneezy has a food allergy. As for Dopey, Bashful, Happy, Sleepy and Doc well, they're easy."

Pulp Fiction

Add some suspense and a little pulp fiction drama to your next gift. These tags are the perfect alternative to a dull birthday or wine bottle note. This set of 12 pulp fiction tags come in great retro colors like dove gray, butter yellow, dusty rose and my favorite- deep aqua blue. Available at Farouche.

Art vs. Craft

We are big fans of the Little Friends of Printmaking. This husband and wife team from Milwaukee sure know how to pack a visual punch with a big dose of whimsy. They effortlessly manage to turn a vintage aesthetic into something fresh every time. This is why I wanted to share their poster for the Art vs. Craft Fair in Milwaukee with you.

Years ago, while in a fine arts and craft school, I over heard Mr. Fine Art argue that Mr. Craft does not belong any where near him. "Craft is not Art and should never be mistaken for it!" he said.

Upon hearing this Mr. Craft responded, "How dare you! Craft is just as worthy as Art!" (Mr. Craft thinks Mr. Art can get too full of himself. Maybe if he just wasn't so uptight he might not be so moody all the time.)

Thus the art vs. craft argument was born. The actual event may have been a little different but, you get the idea. Arguments aside, I hope we have finally come to a day where all of the creative people of the world can play happily together, free from the stigma of art vs. craft.

Betty the Giraffe

"Betty is a baker who believes only in heart shaped cookies. She loves to make all different flavors, and is happy as long as they all look like love."

With her sweet coral bow and button eyes framed by long giraffe eyelashes, I ask you who couldn't love this whimsical giraffe by Skunkboy Creatures? They have an entire line of plush animals from Ophelia the Octopus to a Black Kitty so take a peek.

Daydream Indeed

I am smitten with this sunny wallpaper designed by Julia Rothman. Appropriately named Daydream Wallpaper. I could think of a dozen uses for it- like covering our hideous kitchen cabinets. Available at Hygge&West along with many other well designed items. This paper comes in so many color choices it is sure to please any palette.

And the winner is...

Congratulations to esprout for winning our Mother's Day giveaway! Please email us at farouche@cruzio.com to let us know the personalization name and address for mailing. Happy baking!

Subtle Humor

I adore this delightful piece by Runny Bunny. The owl seems so taken aback by this tiny bird givin' her what for. I can picture this sculpture sitting unassumingly on a stately bookshelf. If you did not take a second glance you might miss the subtle humor completely.