ella studio

lisa at ella studio sent over her beautiful card line. much like the bittersweet lettepress collection we discussed last week, she has a line of well, bleep-worthy cards that say things i can't print here. she also had a really beautiful line of pin-up and "unmentionables" cards that i really dug. click here to see the full collection and shop online. [thanks, lisa!]

places i've never been

jennifer at jhill design just sent over a link to her beautiful, beautiful work. a graphic designer based in boston, jennifer just launched a brand new line of papergoods called 'places i've never been'. the collection includes a wall calendar, desk calendar, a series of cards and some beautiful fine art prints. jennifer has a wonderful sense of color and pattern and i'm sure these will be a big hit. click here to see jennifer's full collection and shop online. enjoy! [thanks, jennifer!]

apgar printing machine

i've always loved the simply beauty of chairs- their lines are so clean and so familiar. while clicking through etsy the other day i came across apgar printing machine's chair linograph and thought it was too interesting to pass up. designed by jonathan apgar of long beach, ca, this chair linograph is available right here for $25 (many other non-chair patterns available). i'd love to see jonathan's take on some classic eames or bertoia pieces...

lena corwin

lena corwin has always been queen of patterns to me and i think she's really on to something with her printed wooden blocks. she tested out a new piece in her home and it was too cute to pass up. i'm hoping if all goes well maybe she'll start selling pieces like this on found wood...such a fun idea.

eindhoven at reluct

every year i wish i had gone to this show, but thankfully reluct has some gorgeous photos from the grad show at eindhoven. click here for a fantastic slideshow of designs showcased this year at the design academy eindhoven. enjoy!

new guest blog: anna of red.house!

thanks so much to the wonderful karin eriksson for her fantastic work on the guest blog these past two weeks. she had some really beautiful finds and i hope you'll all continue to read her blog now that she's back "home". as we say goodbye to karin, it's my pleasure to welcome a relatively new blogger- anna of red.house! since she founded her blog in july of 2006, anna has been tracking some of the best scandinavian design on the web. a designer herself (and a native of sweden), anna will be sharing some of her best scandinavian design finds (focusing on textiles and prints) as well as any other great tidbits she comes across. so, welcome anna! click here to check out her debut posts.

[after these three scandinavian bloggers we'll move to a different region...so fret not if you fear i've gone scandi crazy over here]

3 years and counting

ac and i are off to the mohonk mountain house for our three year anniversary. we'll return on monday evening so i'll be back blogging on tuesday. stay tuned tuesday for a brand new guest blogger and on wednesday, november first: the next crop of designers at the d*s shop! so, if you want to order any of the october goods get em while they're still up! we'll be closing the shop on sunday evening to tally and prep for wednesday. have a wonderful weekend and we'll see you on tuesday! until then here are some design links to keep you going through tuesday...[the print above is by amazing artist jacqui oakley for the junior boys album cover]

• fresh design at d*s on hg (updated daily)
• karin's last days at the d*s guest blog (thank you, karin!)
• submissions for the letterpress guide (thanks to everyone who has emailed, i've gotten so many emails i haven't been able to reply to them all yet- sorry!)
• the d*s newsletter- now weekly!
• free people's blog, via joy
• mia hanson, via poppytalk
• think pink at print+pattern
• design in literature at ace jet 170
• my last day at jon's site

pare umbrellas

the lovely satoko of pare umbrellas just sent over her new designs for the rainy season. i've been rocking my pare umbrella for a few months now and i can't tell you how many people stop me while i'm out and ask where it. these new designs are far too cute to pass up. beautiful color, stunningly decorated leather, plastic and wicker handles- just in time for fall rain showers. umbrellas are around $65-$85 a piece and i can't recommend them more highly- they're like tiny works of functional art. click here to browse and shop the full collection! i love the knitted and lace patterns- could embroidery, knitting, needlepoint and all of those sewing techniques be any hotter? [thanks, satoko!]

bears

speaking of bears, my new painting by marci washington arrived today! it came from marci's show at the beholder gallery, which is chock-full of great marci paintings. i love how haunting her works are- this one was a bit more chipper than the others, which is always welcome in my home (even ac liked it). click here for more info on marci washington.

joanna billingham

gorgeous illustrations by joanna billingham, via jan at poppytalk. if only they were for sale....

warymeyers

i love this room by warymeyers that lena posted earlier this week. doesn't it make you just want to curl up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate? i love love love that bear print. if anyone knows who made it i'd love to know...

anthropologie

i need to lay off the anthropologie for a while (i know, i know) but these were too cute to pass up. i love the knitted accessories (tapers, votives) and the gorgeous drop pendant ($298). if those aren't your taste they have colorful needlepoint pillows, a great stripey chair (damn the pricetag on that one!), a cute bird doormat and last but not least a fun retro wall clock. enjoy!

design by us

ralph at design by us sent over a link to their studio's gorgeous work in copenhagen. i was completely smitten with this vanity cabinet but there is plenty to look at here. follow this link for plenty of great design from denmark [thanks, ralph!]

a-light

spotted this little light the last time i was at rare device. sometimes you have a dark nook that needs a bit of shine and this teeny lamp is the perfect solution. designed by brooklyn's re-surface design, the a-light comes in three shade patterns for $78 right here. enjoy!

[while you're there check out alyssa's coasters, too. rena took some great shots of them for the store]

under foot: part deux

i've been looking for small rugs lately and i love these little patterned guys at urban outfitters. for $28 you can stash these little 3x5 numbers in front of the sink, in the bathroom, by the door or at the side of the bed. fun design for a pretty fun price. click here for the yellow and here for the brown.

port2port: card society

as if you needed another reason to join mav's card society (my number one gift recommendation for the holidays) here are this month's cards. inspired by fall foliage and feathers, this month's designs speak for themselves. they're so, so lovely. i'm finally warming up to the rich colors of fall...[thanks, mav!]click here for more info on mav's card society and to sign up.

binth: one of a kind

suzanna at binth sent over their new one of a kind prints. each one comes matted, titled and signed. no two are alike and each one is available for $45 right here. [thanks, suzanna!]

new at velocity

can't get enough of the owls and tree branches trend? check out these owls and porcelain logs from roost at velocity. you can choose from 5 different owls for $13-$40 and 4 porcelain logs for $22-$106 right here. enjoy

buttons and bowls

sometimes textile just grabs me- i love this button bowl at greener grass design. just the right amount of shine and texture. you can grab them in different sizes right here for $45-$96. while you're there check out these cute etched botanical bowls and votives- $32-$72 right here.

michelle mason

michelle of michelle mason sent over some of her new work she recently showed in london. first is the pod low table- made from one solid sheet of white acrylic. second, the extra large leaf lampshade. i love her use of bold patterns. click here for more information on michelle mason.

kuldeep malhi

karin posted some really beautiful wall decorations on the guest blog today...click here to check them out.

phyllidae

jennifer at phyllidae sent over these lovely framed butterfly and insect displays. i've seen a million framed butterflies but the woodgrain behind these displays is a really nice, modern touch. prices range from $60-$150 and you can pick up your own display right here. it's always nice to see a modern spin on a classic idea.

ornament swap

the holidays may be a few months off, but it's time for another swap! nicole at freshly {blended} and cake+pie emailed about their fun ornament swap so i thought i'd share. who doesn't want to get a fun ornament in the mail this season? click here for more info.

embroidery in chelsea

while lugging my air mattress out of bed bath & beyond i was lured into the chelsea west elm by the smell of cinnamon (candles). it was right across the street so i tried to tell myself it was ok to stop in. low and behold i totally loved about a dozen pillows. yes, west elm is well known for ripping people off but i'm hoping these designs aren't taken from anyone we know...are they? they didn't remind me of any specific design so i thought they might be safe. i'm a sucker for blue and green so this little throw pillows was right up my alley (along with the embroidered hedgehog, deer and owl pillows). pretty subtle and sweet for west elm. most people have major beef with this shop, but if you're looking for a little pillow update they have some decently cute new styles. click here to check them out and shop online...[i wonder if this embroidery trend has hit its peak yet? i sort of hope it hasn't...]

new podcast: area home!

today i'm speaking with anki spets, the designer behind the beautiful linens at area home. inspired by scandinavian traditions and influenced by her modern new york surroundings, anki creates beautiful bedding from her studio on varick street. it was fantastic to see all of her color boards and inspirational clippings laid out- i'm a big fan of area home's use of bold color. they always find a way to take saturated colors and make them seem so subtle and refined. thanks again to anki and yuko for taking the time to set up the podcast. [click here] to listen and here for more information on area home.

beef design

the website for this company seems to be down but these were too cute to pass up. susan at art esprit spotted these fun knitted traffic cone lamps on hidden art and i had to scoop them up (they're made using recycled sweaters). i'm a sucker for anything knitted these days. click here for (a bit) more info.

ivana helsinki

i love this new tray by ivana helinki at peek keep. all the fun of ivana's patterns in an affordable, fun little accessory. $30 right here.

anthropologie

i was finishing some work for the inquirer this morning and loaded the anthropologie home page for some product info. swoon. the colors were too pretty to ignore. i'm finally getting my color sense back (i seem to have been unable to find a color that i love for almost an entire year) and have been clipping little bits of fashion magazines and websites for inspiration. that green wall behind the model is too, too cool. click here for a bigger view. [i wonder how time consuming it would be to paint my tiny bathroom in shades of green like that...]

rachel salomon

every tuesday night i sit, glued to the laptop, waiting for the new tiny showcase print to pop up. i haven't been in love with the last few weeks' options but i jumped on this week's design instantly. this beautiful print by rachel salomon uses such nice fall colors and is only $20. i love the little pop of white in the car at the bottom. click here to order before they're all sold out.

[i'm posting everything early this morning, so i apologize for the lack of time in between posts. one of my best friends is in town from amsterdam so i have to head bbb to pick up an air mattress, sheets and pillows before he gets here]

garden vista notes

i'm loving these notecards at broadway paper. i'm nuts about the blue color in the background and the vintage-style pattern. perfect for sending a little holiday hello. click here for more info and to shop ($13 for a set of 6)

pawlick

d*s reader leah emailed these fun "paintings" yesterday. made from dog food (yes, dog food), they're a spin on a beloved modern artist and perfect for the animal lover or pet owner in your family. click here for more info

dwell sample sale

dwell is having a sample sale this thursday through sunday, november 12. stop by the shop for 40-50% off of retail prices on dwell and dwellbaby patterns. they'll be open every day from 11am to 7:30pm at 62 greene street (between spring and broome). happy discount shopping!

erin castellan

my wonderful risd tour guide (and talented artist) heather guidero sent me a link to artist erin castellan. i was really taken with her paintings, some of which include details like stitching. i've been on the lookout for a really beautiful painting lately and these are definitely in the right direction. erin graduated from risd and now makes beautiful knitted hats along with these paintings and a collection of sketches. you can view erin's work right here and inquire about work via email. enjoy! (heather is having a trunk show to debut her fall 2006 line of jewelry so if you're in providence this weekend stop by- october 28 from 5-8 at relish: 377 broadway, 401-273-8883)

i'm out for the afternoon so here are some fun links for today:

• snowden flood and some retro-style vases at d*s on hg
• karin's guest blog
• stuffing at 101 cookbooks
• wooden slat chair trend at three layer cake
• inside the nike factory with josh spear
• font inspiration at veer

prestigious textiles

lovely patterns and fabrics from prestigious textiles, via print+pattern. [i love the soft grey and cream]

whimsy press: holiday

donna at whimsy press just sent over their gorgeous new holiday collections. i'm secretly dying to cover everything i own with the yellow pom pom ribbon though (like mav, i'm loving yellow and gold right now). whimsy introduced two new collections of wrapping paper (with retro and asian themes that are sure to stand out among the crowd) along with greeting cards, stickers and placemats. they're really a one-stop shop for the holidays. so click here to check out the latest from whimsy press- i'm going to stock up on that pom pom ribbon for weekend projects...[thanks, donna!]

emily nachison

artist emily nachison sent over her work yesterday- her paintings and screenprints have an almost surreal feel to them and a wonderful use of color. she's currently exhibiting at peace industry in san francisco. stop by if you're in the area, i'd love to see shots of the show if anyone gets a chance to pop in!

sub studio

anna at sub studio sent over this fun new hand silkscreened card. based in new york, sub studio is currently only selling this one design, but will be expanding soon. each card has a yellow silkscreened image of a banded rudderfish- so cute! available right here in a pack of 5 for $16. enjoy!

avalisa

pam at pillows and throws sent over a link to these patterned canvases by avalisa. i'm normally not one for painted or stretched canvases, but this little retro pattern is super cute. i love all the bold colors- so fun. click here for more information (and more patterns) and to shop. enjoy!

courtney skott

i've been a fan of designer courtney skott for some time now. i was immediately smitten with her work when i was introduced to her silky tree stump stools; then it was love at first site all over again when i saw her pixelated bed and houndstooth screen. now the amazing work continues with this gorgeous lace storage/bench design and bird print fabric. neither are stocked in retail form yet, but courtney's work is too beautiful to pass up. she's going to be a designer we a lot (a whole lot) more from in the coming years so keep your eyes peeled. she's bound to pop up on the web now that she's redone her site and i'm sure we'll see her in our favorite design mags in the next few months. she's definitely a star on the rise. click here to see more of courtney's beautiful work. enjoy! [thanks, courtney!]

new at dwr

love them or hate them (it seems most people hate their prices...) dwr carries some pretty cool products every now and then. i'm loving these industrial house numbers they just added online the other day. inspired by stencils, these outdoor numbers were designed exclusively for dwr by erik spiekermann and would look great next to anyone's door ($24 each). i love the dark orange- always fun to switch it up a little bit. and of course, while you're at dwr check out their lighting (always my favorite section)- they've got some great classic le klint 171b pendants ($300). click here to browse the entire "new" collection. enjoy!

[i'll be back around 3 for the last post of the day]

flor

ac and are i deciding on flor tiles for the kitchen (i can't stand the tiles we have) so i've been spending a lot of time at the flor site. i love these two new patterns for fall: willow and fine vine. both are available in super saturated colors that would look fantastic in a small space. i'd imagine they might be a tad overpowering in a large room (but that's just my two cents...i'd love to see someone's home with a huge room of magenta vines). we'll probably end up with the shirt stripes pattern because i've already imposed upon ac with bright pink curtains (a guy can only take so much girlyness) but you can click here to view their entire collection. they've got some great new patterns for kids...

d*s diversion: scene from my life

this week i'll be posting a photo a day at jon setzen's scene from my life blog. jon has a different person post photos from their daily life each week. last week was someone from budapest, the week before was someone from chesham- this week it's me in brooklyn. today's photo is a little glimpse into our life with btsh.

spindle lamp

i love a good spindle lamp. you just can't go wrong with them. repaint them, refinish them, add a new shade- they're the little black dress of lamps. this bright red version is only $36 at urban outfitters and i think i'll snap up a few for the bedside tables while they're available. things seem to move really quickly at urban so if you see something you like i suggest snagging it. i always bookmark pieces and go back the next week to find them sold out. click here to grab this red base- i love it paired with the brown pancake shade ($22). enjoy!

high thorn

gary at spray glue posted some great lighting by fellow african designer, georgie crow. crow founded a company called high thorn that uses alien timber to create ornate chandeliers that combine local materials with high style. it's great to have a resource for african design on the web- i always love seeing new blogs pop up that have a unique voice and angle on the industry. click here for more on high thorn.

metamoco

i always look forward to mocoloco's weekend wrap-ups. this week they spotted these gorgeous polycarbonate diamond lights (faceted designs are still so hot) and a "fake riches" cabinet that lets you store plates behind a clear door with photos with antique plates on them. instant heirloom china. so cool. click here for more metamoco finds.

merkled resin lights

i'm a fan of colored resin. the way light shines through the surface is so peaceful and calming. these colorful resin lights at velocity are $72 each and come in 5 colorways. each resin light is handcrafted by designer kari merkle; they can be set on a surface or hung on the wall by sliding nails into the two drilled holes in the back. click here for more info or to purchase.

[speaking of colorful, check out these new tiles from sweet thunder. it's great to see their work in a new form]

new at 2modern

2modern just finished a total site overhaul and added some new products while they were at it. i've long been a fan of brooklyn's brave space design so it's nice to see their new eco-friendly hollow coffee table and bamboo shelving unit. their furniture is always so clean and simple- a good thing for furniture that requires a little bit of saving up for most of us (i think at a certain point it's good for everyone to consider investing in a more expensive piece of furniture they'll keep for 10-15 years). tobi wood (who shared her debut card line with d*s in 2005) also has some mod art canvases in lovely earth tones like olive, rust and chocolate brown. click here to see the full collection.

converter

last night was the opening of deadly squire's converter show at the riviera gallery in williamsburg. i popped by for the beginning of the show and snapped as many pictures as possible before i had to get home. anna and tim put together such a fun show full of great designs inspired by their textile patterns. my personal favorite was a toss up between the tv screen painted like the black birds fabric (which played a video of birds squawking that was echoed on the loudspeakers) and the tiny mice jewelry inspired by the feasting at the berry bush pattern. the pictures really say more than i can so [click here] to take a virtual walk through the converter exhibit. i highly suggest stopping by if you're in town- it's really fantastic in person.

[i'm out for the day so i'll be back on monday with a brand new feature! (we're focusing on international design this time) also, the newsletter goes out today so be sure to sign up if you'd like d*s once a week in digest form]

paper stories

i was up to my ears in letterpress cards for the guide when i got an email from kelly at paper stories. she sent me her hysterical line of "bittersweet" letterpress goods that i couldn't resist posting. it's always nice to be reminded that something as refined (and often associated with wedding invitations) as letterpress isn't always sweet or stuffy. kelly's line of humorous cards includes phrases like: "suck it", "thanks for nothing" and "sometimes i just hate you". a little harsh for some i'm sure, but for those of us who like a little edge sometimes it's fun to see letterpress with a sense of humor. "suck it" is my personal favorite. you can click here to pick up kelly's work and check out her other designs...[thanks, kelly!]

zanisa

d*s reader and new shop owner susan just sent over an announcement about her brand new store, zanisa. packed full of gorgeous home and personal accessories, zanisa carries items that emphasize sustainability, eco-friendly materials, handmade goods and fairly traded materials. i'll have to say, it's organized really well (i'm often confused by online shop layouts and how tough they can be to navigate) and there are even little symbols by each product (eco-friendly, handmade, etc.) to tell you why zanisa chose to carry this product. everything has a very earthy, natural look to it but with such a nice refined, modern touch. and to top it off they have a myriad of gift sets ready to go; with holidays around the corner that's always a good thing. almost everything i liked was under $50 or $100 so there's sure to be something in everyone's budget. click here to browse zanisa's full collection. congratulations, susan on such a lovely shop!

ugliest pillow winner!

polls are closed and the results are in! rebekah's brown bomb is the winner of the ugliest pillow contest! amy's three strikes you're OUT pillow was a close second but rebekah brought it home with close to 30% of the votes. congrats, rebekah! you'll be taking home two brand new thomas paul pillows to replace your well, rather fugly brown bomb pillow. thanks to pillows and throws for sponsoring the contest and donating two lovely two thomas paul pillows to the cause. [thanks to everyone who entered!]

design cares

karin has decided to make an extra batch of bowl sets for those who may have just seen the shop in time out ny yesterday. she's also decided that she'd like to donate 10% of her revenues from the shop to charity as well. good design for a good cause. click here to grab one of karin's last bowl sets. thanks so much to karin for donating some of her proceeds to the humane society!

waspnest lamp

designer mark irlam debuted his waspnest lamp during london's design week. inspired by nature, the waspnest's honeycomb pattern casts a dramatic shadow on the wall and comes in a pendant or table version. waspnest is the first design from mark's new company something for nothing and you can contact mark for more information right here [no website yet]

[i'm off to mail the last of karin's bowls. don't forget check out karin's guest blog and vote for the ugly pillow contest if you have time]

calling all letterpress designers

letterpress is one of the things i hear about most from d*s readers. people want to know who's best, who has the lowest prices and who will do custom jobs for small numbers. rather than answer the same email a hundred times over i figured i would compile a comprehensive letterpress guide for the site (along the lines of my brooklyn design guide). that way people can access the guide, find out about designers in their area and learn a bit about the process and what to expect in terms of pricing. so, if you're a letterpress designer, or have a friend who is, please email me here to be considered for the guide. please include your website, location, descriptions of the work you offer (if you offer custom work please include that with average prices and your minimum order #s) and your contact information. look for the guide in early november...the cards above are mav's d*s shop design in the making

[please do not leave contact information or business info for the guide in the comment section. in the comments section i've included a list of designers already on my list. please check to see if your suggestion is already on there...]

risd + student design

one of the best things about running this site has been getting to meet and work with talented student designers across the country. last week i was up in providence to talk to students at risd about the design media and i'll have to say- i think i was probably the one who walked inspired. i've never felt so re-invigorated to get back to working with students and adding features to the site that might help them with their work and careers. so stay tuned for some new features after the new year geared specifically towards up and coming student designers. i hope to give them a well-deserved platform in the web. in the meantime i took in a fantastic brian chippendale show at gallery agniel with heather guidero and was even able to find time to meet up with an old friend (hi, amanda) at the red fez. [thanks again to david sokol at risd for inviting me up to speak and thanks to heather for showing me around risd]

[i'll be speaking with scad's textile dept this spring, too so if you're in the area hopefully we can have a little meetup]

eames 2006

i love this repainted eames chair that was in tony this month. lena mentioned it on her blog and i thought you guys might get a kick out of it. i actually have a piece in this issue, too so if you grab a copy look for a little blurb on design in new york (or you can read the link above).

rapture and wright

joy just posted some really gorgeous handmade fabrics and wallpapers from a british company called rapture and wright. another one for me to bookmark for days when i'm a homeowner and not a renter.

chocolace

what could be wrong with this: it's chocolate and it's got a cute lacy pattern built in. yum and yum. designed by katja gruijters, via mocoloco.

regal no. 1-5

the shop is coming to a close next week and karin's bowls are officially sold out (i'll let you know if there's a last minute batch for sale), lena's second round is just about gone and maria is approaching empty, too. so if you're looking for some truly gorgeous cards for holidays, upcoming birthdays or just something lovely to frame, click here to grab mav's limited edition regal card set ($27- click here to see more photos of the card set). thanks again to all the artists for their hard work. next month's designers are ready to roll so stay tuned for a fresh crop of designs in november! [just a reminder: 100% of the proceeds go directly to the designers]

top chef: can you handle it?

project runway and top chef in one night? oh man...what to make of this season. my only thought is: why can't we get a host who has more to do with the food world? apparently padma is dressing for another show where white gogo boots are acceptable. i'm just psyched to see two talented chefs from brooklyn in there. go brooklyn!

[anthony bourdain will be on the show! sweet!]

project runway: finale [spoiler alert]

wow. well, i'm practically teary about the tonight's finale. and now i see that top chef is on. i think i'm going to burst with happiness. despite his being an ass for most of the show, i'm so happy that jeffrey won- i think he has a unique point of view and i'm thrilled to see where he goes with it. let's hope he learns to check the 'tude in the future. alright, dish away!

[ps: betsy sent this over- they've given the go ahead to a project runway/top chef spinoff for interior design called top designer. elle decor's margaret russell will judge and todd oldham will stand in as heidi. here's hoping it's a heck of a lot better than design star]

ugliest pillow contest: vote!

after wading through some pretty hideous entries, 8 finalists were selected for the ugliest pillow contest, sponsored by pillows and throws. i'll have to say, i'm pretty surprised that people would actually keep pillows that have been victims of animal attack, wine spills and even the dreaded baby puke stain- but they have. here are the top 8 entries who have a chance to have their ugly pillows replaced by pretty thomas paul pillows from pillows and throws. so, vote here to decide who in fact has the ugliest pillow in america. the polls will be open until 12 pm on thursday evening and a winner will be announced on friday. thanks to everyone who took the time (and had the guts) to submit their ugly pillows. so, vote away! [please do not leave votes in the comment section, they will not be counted]

under foot

quite frankly, when i first saw this rug i was surprised i liked it. it's not something i would normally pick but i was drawn to the deep ink color of the background and the bold paisley pattern. anthropologie has really been dead on in my book lately so i was thrilled to see so many great additions to the rug section. the paisley rug is a small 2x3 foot design going for $68 (perfect for a bathroom or kitchen rug) and the colorful melon rug is a larger piece ranging from $300-$800. they also added some cute vases i posted at HG yesterday- always nice to see designs under $50 at anthropologie.

karin eriksson

karin eriksson sold out of her beautiful salt, pepper and olive bowls this weekend but she kindly agreed to make a few more sets for those who were still deciding or may have missed out on the first batch. so if you're looking for a truly unique, handmade holiday gift or just to add some of karin's work to your home, this is a wonderful (and affordable) way to do it. click here to see karin's bowls and order one of the last sets made ($100 for three bowls).

[and in case you missed it, karin is our guest blogger for the next two weeks! click here to see her fabulous design finds at the d*s guest blog. the pillows below are from her posts today]

pancake and franks

stacy pancake just launched her redesigned website and added a whole slew of gorgeous new cards. stacy was one of the first people to introduce me to letterpress years ago and i've been a fan of her work ever since. she's added baby cards, holiday additions and a few new designs to the greeting card section. my favorite is the mature fruit card above ($5) but you can see the full collection and shop online right here. enjoy! [great work, stac!]

crewel to be kind

chris at pressure letterpress just sent over his latest letterpress line called crewel to be kind. inspired by crewelwork, these card sets are only $11 and would make a fun hostess gift or stocking stuffer for those who love good letterpress. click here for more info and to shop [thanks, chris!]

canoe portland

d*s reader ara recently passed along a link to a portland (oregon) shop called canoe. they recently launched an e-commerce site that's chock full of fantastic gift and home ideas. i loved these $17 vases by sugahara and the super cute cast-iron pinecone box below ($38). there's plenty to look at and a good portion of it is affordable. click here to shop canoe (be sure to check out the office and personal accessory section for some great GUY gift ideas). [thanks, ara!]

jen corace podcast *

last thursday i took a bus from downtown providence to jen corace's studio. she was kind enough to let me interview her about her work, her childhood in the suburbs of new jersey and even her favorite meal (she has self-described "burrito problem"). i was so nervous to meet her (she's like a rock star to me) but she was incredibly friendly and was kind enough to give me all sorts of insight into her work and how she goes about creating the collections that have made her famous. from brooding problems to her dream collections (think: jen corace for the home) jen had so many interesting things to say- i hope you'll enjoy her podcast. [click here to listen] or right click to save as an mp3. enjoy! [thanks again to jen for taking the time to meet with me]

[photos from okok gallery, music by jets to brazil]

avrika

i always love a good illustration-based textile. this black and white number from repro depot is only $8.50 a yard would be perfect for some weekend projects. click here for more info.

[stay tuned for jen corace's podcast coming up next...]

playing with a full deck...

ac is a big poker player and while i try to play along i'm probably more interested in what the cards look like than the actual game (though i've been known to play a few rounds at hollywood poker when i'm really bored). a d*s reader emailed to ask for some advice with cool looking cards and while i searched these two were among my favorites: preppy cards from kate spade ($19.95) and these limited-run collage-style cards at wexner books ($13.45). my hunt continues so if you have any great card suggestions feel free to drop them below- there seems to be a niche to fill for well-designed cards.

lena corwin blocks

lena corwin's beautiful printed blocks for the d*s shop sold out this weekend and she kindly agreed to print a few more for people who want to grab one before the month is out. i got a few emails from people who were waiting to decide on an item from the shop so if you're thinking about lena's blocks you can grab some now before the limited run is gone for good (it's a truly unique holiday gift for less than $80). most of the other artists are almost sold out, too so click here to shop before it's november and we wave goodbye to the shop's debut designers. [thanks, lena for printing a few extra sets!]

[speaking of shops- apartment therapy launched a store yesterday]

fandango

i'm on a fabric hunt to cover a bench cushion in our soon-to-be music room in the apt. while searching for a rich chocolate brown textile i found this gorgeous brown and pink marimekko print at love made visible. i've already subjected ac to pink marimekko curtains so i think this is out, but it was too gorgeous to pass up for a post. click here to purchase via textile arts ($38 per yard).

nola star

i got back from hudson last night (after much fun with the variegated boys) and found some great emails waiting for me. i heard from ana at nola star in germany who designs these very cool tiles you can link together to create custom wall or window decorations. the basic element of the nola star system is a small plastic square with rounded corners and holes to which you attach metal rings. from there you can combine squares to forms all sorts of beautiful patterns. whether you need a curtain, wall panelling, room divider or just a new home accent, nola star is an fun option. you can even fold it up and put it away when you're done with it. click here for more information and to test out your own nola star custom design. enjoy! [thanks, ana!]

monograms

i'm a big fan of both paperweights and monogramming (well, i am southern) so i was thrilled to find another source for great paperweights in addition to my go-to company, iomoi. i was reading instyle's great guide to monogrammed goods and spotted these bold paperweights from anarchy nyc. colorful, bold and thoroughly modern. perfect for holiday ideas...click here for more information and to shop (paperweights are $27 plus shipping). enjoy!

[i'm visiting the variegated crew in hudson today to see their new work so i'll be back tomorrow. tune in for jen corace's podcast tomorrow and voting on the ugly pillow contest! in the meantime i posted all of today's finds earlier this morning so scroll down for more]

karin eriksson at the ds guest blog!

while i hate to say goodbye to frida, i'm overcome with happiness to welcome karin eriksson to the d*s guest blog. keeping the scandinavian design theme going, karin will be posting about her favorite scandinavian designs for the next two weeks. click here to read her posts- it's going to be a fantastic two weeks.

[you can click here for information on karin's work and here for karin's work in the d*s shop]

craftivity by tsia carson: wow

it's not something i'm proud of, but i seem to be going through a phase where i'm not reading as many books as i used to. i can devour books about chefs and cooking like there's no tomorrow but i've been having a hard time getting back into design books. that was until i got my copy of craftivity in the mail.

admittedly, it's not a text heavy book but i think it's quite possibly the best design/craft book i've seen in years. craftivity chose a simple goal and executed it almost flawlessly. they set out to introduce and teach 40 craft projects from real designers and crafters and went above and beyond their mission. i found myself endlessly inspired by the projects they chose (broken up into areas like: knitting, wood working, glass, etc.) and the designers behind them. almost all of them are projects that even i (a non-crafty person) feel comfortable attempting. from sewing a stylishly "moth-bitten" sweater to creating your own handknit backyard hammock, craftivity has your diy needs covered. i found myself drooling over the embroidered screen door (my favorite idea in the book, hands down) and the upholstered tree stumps. they've got an idea for everyone in here and even some great basics (how to do simple cross stitches, basic tool education and even some basics for woodworking). it's the ultimate crafty person's (or aspiring crafty person) guide. i can't recommend craftivity more highly- it's a must read and would make a perfect holiday gift for the creative person in your life. and at only $19.95 it's in everyone's budget. click here to pick up a copy, i promise you'll be glad you did. click here for a few more project pictures from an earlier post [great work, tsia!]

ella doran

i've mentioned ella doran before but i wasn't able to get larger pictures of a project i was interested in until now (thanks, kristina!). ella makes beautiful printed roll blinds and all sorts of gorgeous textiles, but i love these vintage plate placemats that she carries. perfect for setting a proper vintage table, but without all the work (and clean up is a breeze). click here for more info and to shop (a set of 6 placemats is appx. $73). enjoy!

brand new: the curiosity shoppe!

i love nothing more than finding out that a friend or friend of a friend has opened a new design business or store. yesterday i got emails from both kate lydon (of saturate design fame) and lauren (her good friend) about lauren's fantastic new shop- the curiosity shoppe. i first met lauren when she was living in new york and working for todd oldham's studio but it seems that now she's moved to san francisco and opened a great new home shop with her partner, derek fagerstrom. full of delightful home, office, personal and kitchen accessories, the curiosity shoppe is full of affordable design fun. i love the emphasis on designs inspired by nature (acorns, birds, river rocks...) and the fact that i can afford almost everything in the shop in a snap. in addition, they have a great collection of affordable art that will be growing with the shop. i love any store that devotes a portion of their collection to artwork by up and coming artists. it's a must, must see for anyone looking for fun designs for the home. click here to visit and shop. [congratulations to lauren and derek on the great new store!]

new from port2port

maria just sent over her new cards for october. a gorgeous letterpressed orchid print made with a dark purple/blue ink is joined by a printing with texture but no color. stunning. maria is always churning out beautiful limited edition cards. you can pick up your set right here for $20. you can also pick up mav's limited edition designs for the d*s shop right here- enjoy!

[sidenote: i was able to meet up with maria for the first time in brooklyn last weekend and i can personally vouch for her being just as awesome as her cards. it's so wonderful to meet such talented women working in design]

repro depot

looks like repro depot is restocking some old favorites and some fun new designs. it's totally 70's but i'm loving this fan flower pattern in a groovy kelly green and orange. you might want to use it sparingly and mix it into a neutral room to downplay the hippy tones (unless you're into that) but i think it could be super cute used in just the right way. and for only $9.25 a yard it's worth a try. click here for the full collection of new arrivals. happy sewing!

time out ny

thanks so much to marissa and co. at time out ny for the kind shout out this week. they were nice enough to mention the d*s shop in the oct 12-18 issue.

deadly squire: hayo makamak

i'm so excited about this that i couldn't wait until monday. one of my favorite brooklyn design teams, deadly squire is having a show at one of my favorite brooklyn shops, rare device. the show is called "hayo makamak", which is a chinook indian phrase for 'plenty to eat' (used derisively toward those of high status who displayed their wealth at big potlatches). anna and tim will be filling the window with a huge display of faux food: game, vegetables, fruits and pies - all sewn from deadly squire's patterned fabrics. inside rare device will be decorated with a table laid out for a feast, with deadly squire plates, place cards, napkins and placemats, plus sewn drumsticks, pumpkins and other fall fare. sounds like a blast. click here for more info. i'll be sure to cover it for those who can't check it out in person (the show runs from november 1- dec 3).

[i stopped by the party for jill bliss' window last week and got to catch up with ms. blissen herself and see lena's new pup, gus. click here for a full slideshow of the show]

off to risd...

i'm hopping on a train to providence, rhode island tomorrow to speak to david sokol's class at risd. i'll be back on monday with a whole slew of fresh designs. in addition, i'll be recording a podcast with artist jen corace while i'm in town and stopping by as many shops as possible. so stay tuned for jen's podcast and a slideshow of great design in providence. thanks for all the great suggestions for shops and food, they'll definitely come in handy. if you're in the area and want to stop by for the talk (or just say hi) swing on by BEB room 106 this friday, october 13 from 9:45 am to 12 noon. i'd love to see you guys. have a great weekend and i'll see you next week. in the meantime here are some great links to keep you busy...

• the thomas paul pillow contest. enter by friday to win brand new thomas paul pillows!
• d*s newsletter: have you signed up? we're weekly now!
• frida's scandinavian designs on the d*s guest blog (there will be a fresh blogger on monday)
• fresh design at d*s on h&g
• a very helpful guide for indie designers on sodafine's blog
• letterpress sale in brooklyn this weekend!
• paper collages at swissmiss
• my favorite food blog
• sfgirl does a hilarious take on domino's "can this outfit be turned into a room"
• i won't be here to moderate the project runway talk so this week so dish away at blogging project runway
• an open letter from keith of PR and fresh gossip: is michael dating brandy??

richard woods

quick post: gorgeous graphic houses by artist richard woods. i can't stop staring at the colorful "wood" floors [via mocoloco via designboom]

broadway paper

i'm loving this handmade paradise paper at broadway paper. this delicate cloth-lined paper is made in nepal and would be perfect for any number of weekend projects. available right here for $9 a sheet.

exolight

i love the exoskeleton around french designer laurent massaloux's exolight. the simple light is highlighted by a colorful steel frame on the outside of the shade that gives it just the right pop of color. you can click here to see the rest of laurent's stunning collection. [via reluct]

d*s shop

the d*s shop is chugging along in its second week now and i just wanted to thank all of the designers for their hard work. i also wanted to thank all of the blogs, newspapers and magazines that have given us little shout outs, i really appreciate it. i've been getting really interesting emails from people who've been storing up for holiday gifts, surprising their girlfriends (and moms!) with wood blocks and finding really creative uses for each of the designs. if you still haven't seen the designs for this month click here to check out jenny sauer's pillows, mav's cards, lena's blocks, karin's bowl set, amy's votives and paula's runner (prices range from $27-$100). enjoy!

2kh

walnut veneer clutch at the newly redesigned 2kh website. 2kh one of the best shops i know for eco design so it's great that they're updated web presence is easier to navigate and is chock-full of great new design. click here to see the full collection. [the clutch is available in blue ash as well, $190]

merri mail

i got my first merri mail last week and was so thrilled i had to share. merri mail is a newsletter service founded by friends eris and caroline. inspired by the first episode of nbc's the apprentice, eris and caroline decided to start their own business sharing great design with their friends. merri mail is basically a quarterly publication that covers topics like: arts, crafts, entrepreneurship, cooking, travel and much more. if you sign up for a one year subscription ($88) you receive four issues of the publication and the greatest part- a gift with each copy! this month i got the cutest little blue salt and pepper shakers by jeremie. i think it's a really fun idea and who doesn't like getting a little gift in the mail every once in a while. click here for more on merri mail. could be a great gift idea for the holidays...[thanks, eris!]

open spaces

laura at places and spaces contacted me about a recent show they has called "open spaces". the showcased a selection of designers, brands and "makers" both from englad and abroad that have a, "fresh and inspiring approach to product design". you can click here for a full slideshow of the exhibition- my favorites are above and below. in addition, laura has a book coming out called "what is product design", which delves into the world of industrial design and what makes a particular piece successful. [thanks, laura!]

tonic living

d*s reader and fellow blogger gary payne runs a great blog based out of south africa. he recently posted on this canadian company called tonic living that sells pillows, mod futon covers, fabric and ribbons. i was taken with the same fabric as gary- maori in natural. though i wish it came as wallpaper, too. i also liked this ribbon ($3.50 per yard). i use ribbon to tie back my curtains so i'm always hunting for something fun. click here for the full collection. [thanks, gary!]

beat light

i'm a big fan of designer tom dixon's copper lighting series. he's done a number of shapes and styles but these hand-beaten brass pendants at places and spaces are just so warm. i'm a big fan of copper in the fall and winter, it gives off such a soft, warm glow. click here for more information and to purchase.

julie gibb

d*s reader krysta passed along the work of canadian artist julie gibb. based in toronto, gibb creates beautiful bottles and enameled glassware that has an almost nostaligic touch to it. birds, lawnmowers and crickets grace her bottles and harken back to days spent running around the yard as a child. each piece is really something special so click here to check out julie's full collection. enjoy! [thanks, krista!]

[i'm out for the day so i'll see you back here again tomorrow. in the meantime you can check out the guest blog and d*s on hg for more fresh design]

fall at not neutral

new from not neutral: colorful fall trivets and brown season dinnerware and coffee service sets. the saucers and coffee service set are especially nice- they echo not neutral's animal patterned placemats with an almost retro edge. prices range from $28-$68 so there's something for everyone's budget. the coffee service set would make a great holiday gift for the caffeine lover in your life.

ikea fabrics

ac and i have resigned ourselves to the fact that we can't fit a couch through our front door, so the hunt for fabrics to upholster small chaise chairs is on. i often turn to ikea for fabrics because they have a surpringly good selection of affordable fabrics. these two designs called hannelle are available for $4.99 a yard and would be perfect for curtains, pillows and any number of sewing projects. sadly ikea still doesn't sell yardage online so make sure they carry any given fabric in your local store before you head out.

snow & graham

i was just telling ac yesterday that one of my favorite things about the holiday season is gift wrap. i always scoop up way too many rolls because designers really churn out some beautiful designs for the holidays. i use it to line my dressers (i have a silver animal pattern by 2x4 in my dresser now), frame, fill door framing, anything. snow & graham just released their new holiday wraps at luxe paperie and they're really feeling the retro look this year. lots of cardinals and retro ornaments, but of course there's a tree pattern for those looking to keep the botanical/tree trend going. you can click here to view and shop their full collection, enjoy! [designs are $2.75 a sheet]

inleaf designs

i always smile a little when i get to write about inleaf design. based in charlottesville (oh so close to my hometown), lotta helleberg produces really beautiful linens with subtle botanical patterns. i'm loving these queen anne's lace pillows that come in a nice toast brown color or a cool turquoise. they're available right here for $115, enjoy!

frida finds

frida was busy posting away this weekend on the d*s guest blog. she found these gorgeous new wallpapers designed by bachelor's degree students at gothenburg university. click here to read the full post. [she's also got some news on the aalto collection and elle interiör]

creativity now (women later?)

i was talking to a friend yesterday about the upcoming tokion creativity now conference. i'm a big fan of the conference and the idea of getting together so many inspirational people and listening to them talk about art, design, music and business [well done, tokion]. however, we both noticed that this year, out of 19 speakers, there were no women on the list. we were both saddened by the speaker offerings and wondered what had happened. while googling around for some information or perhaps another confused soul i came across jen bekman's blog (formerly of unbeige) and it seems she also found this upsetting. however, she actually got ken of tokion to respond. ken explained that they invited a very long list of women to attend but they had all either decline or had been unable to attend. jen found this answer unacceptable and i'll have to say i also wondered why they didn't just ask a few more. so i thought i'd open this up to the design community. in hopes of generating a list of people (like jen's) that perhaps a lowly design fan like myself could submit to tokion next year for consideration- which women would you want to see speak at the tokion creativity now conference? my hope is to build up a list like jen's and hopefully by next year they can invite enough women that at least a handful will be able to attend and speak. i love matmos and wondershowzen as much as the next gal but i'd love to see some women on the panel next year. please leave your votes below, thanks.

[there's a very interesting discussion taking place between jen and ken from tokion right here. ken states that they've always represented women in the magazine...is that really something to tout this day and age? i highly suggest joining in the discussion on jen's site as well if you're interested]

sukie

you can feel fall in the air today- eveything has that crispness to it and a slight chill that says falling leaves and pumpkins are on the way. so today i've found myself drifting towards pieces that highlight trees, falling leaves and other motifs that remind me of fall. sukie has some great patterns in their collection that call to mind a lovely modern version of fall. teatowels and handkerchiefs covered in crisp leaves, fall trees and colorful deer are such a nice way to welcome the new season. and well i through in the other pillows because they were too cute to pass up. click here for more information (and to purchase) on sukie. i'm off for today so here the week's highlights:

• the d*s shop opens its doors
• ugliest pillow in america contest
• thomas paul podcast
• frida's guest blog
• mav's affordable art guide

salaD

really lovely pixelated table and lighting by salaD to go along with their digitally inspired frame. [via mocoloco]

secondhand rose

i'm always trolling through secondhand rose's website looking for good patterns to frame. you can always find some great gems hidden in the store but for those of you outside of the ny, the website is often a great place to check for patterns and colors. i love this geometric pattern right here but you can browse the full collection here. their prices are really reasonable and if you're a renter like me, it's a great resource for small wallpaper pieces that you can frame or use as accents in your home. have fun!

new at west elm

west elm added some nice new fall piece to their collection, incluing this nice dining room set (i love the chairs). their decorative pillows section got some nice new additions and you can even pick up a pretty cool buffet now. click here for the full selection. enjoy! [that wallpaper in the photo isn't bad either...]

lego my ice cubes

coolhunting wrote about this great blast from the past ice cube maker. a little kitschy? sure. totally fun party accessory? definitely. you can pick up your own lego ice cube tray for $8 right here. happy ice cube making!

[wanna read something else ice cold? d*s reader kate posted this link in the pr post: ouch! wouldn't have expected that from alison]

d*s shop in the washington post express

thanks so much to jennifer barger at the washington post express for featuring the d*s shop today. for those of you coming via the post, you can find the shop right here! and if you're brand new to the site you can click on the menu options to the left for podcasts, the d*s guest blog and much more. [thanks, jennifer!]

peace industry

i stopped by rare device yesterday to see jill bliss' new shop window (the opening reception is this weekend!) and spent some time sitting on a new peace industry rug inside the shop. i was really taken with the quality of the rug- the pattern was so soft and subtle and the coloring was spot on. so when i got home i thought i'd check out what's new with peace industry and it looks like they've updated the site since i last mentioned them. this season peace industry (which is the work of designer melina raissnia) has introduced some really gorgeous fall-colored rugs in rich oranges and yellows. prices tend to be around $1500 so they're not a budget buy, but they're definitely worth investing in if you're looking for an earth-friendly rug that will really make a statement. they're really more like art for the floor than a standard rug. i highly recommend checking out the full collection right here. enjoy!

thomas paul pillow contest!

people often ask me why i only write about products that i like. "she can't possibly like everything she sees" is often what i hear. and well, those looking for a good design bash are right. i certainly have a lot to say about products i feel aren't well designed but i've always felt that d*s was a place to be positive and celebrate people making things that are well-designed and beautiful. the site isn't called baddesign*sponge after all. but today we're switching it up a bit- in honor of the beautiful new collection of pillows thomas paul has released, d*s and pillowsandthrows.com are having an UGLY design contest!

in honor of the hordes of not so pretty pillows that are churned out each year and remain locked up in basements and on guest beds everywhere, we're looking for the ugliest pillow in america. the person with the ugliest (and i mean ugliest) pillow will win a lovely pair of thomas paul pillows to replace the icky one they currently have. we're not trying to dash any designer's work, but simply replace an outdated, rundown or unfortunate looking pillow with some cheerful new designs. so, want to replace your pillow nightmares with dreamy thomas pauls? send an email here (subject: pillow contest) with your name, a photo of your pillow and the story behind it- the deadline for submissions is next friday, october 13. we'll vote on the top 3 the following monday and then announce the winner on wednesday, october 18! enter here and have fun!

[be sure to check out the thomas paul podcast from this morning if you're interested in tp]

spira at the d*s guest blog

frida is posting some really gorgeous work on her guest blog this week. she's focusing on scandinavian design and this piece from spira was really stunning. click here for the full post and the rest of frida's blog. enjoy!

thelermont hupton

need a fairly non-traditional way to shed a little light on things? try thelermont hupton's "blown up" lighting that looks like tiny inflatable animals floating on sticks. i think jeff koons would be proud of the play on materials. click here for more info.

aba sasaako

kristina and i were talking about european design trends and she mentioned that pieces with an african influence seem to be popping up more and more lately. the bold patterns and richly colored textile traditions of africa seem to be creeping into furniture, tableware and textiles these days and i thought these gorgeous pillows from designer aba sasaako were a great example. british born ghanaian, aba sasaako set out to create a range of modern accessories that combine contemporary fashion with african culture. the result is a beautiful collection of cushions, runners, clothing and more that exude the vibrancy and warmth of african design. click here to see aba's full collection [i think that yellow and blue pillow is especially lovely]

thomas paul podcast*

it's thursday and time for a fresh podcast! last week i sat down with thomas paul at the lovely keena showroom in brooklyn. amid colorful pillows and roost accessories galore we chatted about design, fashion, trends and porkchops. yes, porkchops. [click here] to listen to the podcast and you'll see where the porkchops come in. in 20 short minutes you can learn about thomas' design philosophy, which fashion designer he admires and get all the details about his exciting new project launching this fall. i hope you enjoy it [thanks to thomas for his time and to keena for the comfy podcast setting]

[*stay tuned for a fun thomas paul-themed contest this afternoon!]

d*s shop in the ny times!

well, like the article says, i'm so giddy i could pop! the ny times featured the d*s shop today! thank you so, so much to penelope and co. in the currents section for featuring our little shop. it's a great, great day here in d*s land. click here and check out the second slide in currents- i'm pinching myself because i can hardly believe it's true.

[if you're new to the site, welcome. you can browse the menu options at your left for more options on d*s. every two weeks we feature a guest blogger and there are a number of guides for shopping on the left hand side of the blog. in addition, there is a d*s blog on house and garden with fresh finds you can view here]

project runway: the reunion show

well, there's a lot to say about tonight's reunion show but i'll let you guys hash it out below. for me the most memorable moments were vincent's freak out (over shirts. yeah, he's stable) and the preview for next week (will laura go too far with her accusation). what i kept thinking was- is nina garcia pregnant? did anyone else think she looked a little well, healthier? ok, feel free to dish below. poor kayne, his style just wasn't made for PR.

karin eriksson

karin eriksson's bowls just arrived arrived at my door; i'm mailing them for her to save shop customers on int'l shipping. i thought they were stunning in the photo, but in person they blew me away. the gold on the large plate is shimmery and the pink bowl is just the right shade of shell pink. i'm buying a few sets for holiday gifts so i just wanted to add these pictures from karin. i'm always impressed with her work and these bowls really take the cake. you can pick up karin's bowl set at the d*s shop for $100. be sure to check out the rest of the pieces while you're there- i'm so proud of everyone in the shop.

[i'm out for the afternoon but i'll be here tonight for project runway talk as always. can't wait to see what happens at the reunion. don't forget to check out frida's guest blog and the fresh finds at d*s on HG, too. xo, d*s]

fono

thorsten van elten is always adding fantastic designs to already spectacular collection. these little powder-coated steel lamps are available in light blue, light grey and magenta right here. always fun to add a little color to the room.

pushmepullyou

a lot of us are fans of eleanor at pushmepullyou design. d*s reader nicole just sent over these new keds slip ons that eleanor designed. i know we don't normally talk shoes here, but i couldn't resist. they're just like her rock posters, but in shoe form. click here to buy. [thanks, nicole!]

helen amy murray

i got an email about helen amy murray last night- she exhibited her stunning work with textiles at 100% design last week. i'm loving her work with leather and satin rosettes. very angela, but it looks gorgeous on furniture. if the roses are too girly for you she has a number of textile patterns that are modern but without the frill. click here for more information [thanks, terry!]

TRØKK16

kristina sent over some great links from 100% norway the other day. one of my favorites was a studio called TRØKK16 comprised of a group of young designers (including erik helgesen, lars urheim). their chairs and shelving are simple but well-designed and certainly show a lot of promise for the future. you can click here for more information on TRØKK16. [thanks, k!]

peek keep cups

heidi at peek keep emailed to say that the new feinedinge are finally here. you can pick up one of these adorable little perforated candle cups for $55 right here. [thanks, heidi!]

converter art show

anna at deadly squire (who just had a beautiful baby boy with her husband, tim- congrats guys!) sent over this announcement about a great show taking place in williamsburg brooklyn october 19 - november5. converter will take place at the riviera gallery and will feature 20+ artists and designers showcasing clothing, toys, products, etc all designed and fabricated using deadly squire fabrics. talk about a cool exhibition- i will most definitely be there with bells on. click here for more information. hope to see you there!

moth lantern

not a brand new piece, but still worth a mention. i've long been a fan of designer ted muehling and this little moth lantern is probably my favorite piece. simple, sweet and with just the right amount of surface decoration, muehling's little moth lantern is available right here for $286 (might be a good one to save for holiday wish lists).

RISD b&bs?

i'm heading up to providence rhode island next thursday to speak at risd. i'll be poking around solo but i thought i'd treat myself and stay at a nice b&b- does anyone have any favorites in the area? i'm not trying to break the bank but would love to stay somewhere cute. also, if you have any shop suggestions feel free to add them below! i'll also be recording a podcast with one of my all-time favorite artists, jen corace so stay tuned! [thanks for any suggestions!]

[i'll be speaking at 9 am on friday morning if anyone wants to drop by. a got a few emails about attending, i'll have details soon. hope you can make it]

affordable art guide

maria's guest blog was a such a hit over the last two weeks that i just had to archive it on the main site for future use. maria compiled a phenomenal affordable art guide that encompassed over 50 posts and numerous resources for budget-friendly prints, photography and paintings. you can now access her archived guide on the left hand column of the main d*s blog. click here for the guide if you don't feel like scrolling down. [thanks so much for the great finds, mav!]

amy ruppel wellies

i couldn't pass this up- designer amy ruppel's new wellies are out! created for tamara henriques, amy's calf-height boots come in her sweet pink birds pattern and a springy chickadee style- perfect for sloshing through winter weather. click here for more info [thanks, amy!]

clare rojas

mocoloco posted clare rojas' work last week and i was instantly smitten. mocoloco described it best as, "bring[ing] to mind a mixture of quilting, folk art and depictions of a mythical culture..her imaginary landscape is one where women’s strength and powers are much more obvious, and perhaps present, than those of the men, who seem almost to be replaced by animals." perhaps a bit eery for some, but i think it's lovely. click here for more information on clare rojas.

people's design award

the cooper-hewitt is having an fantastic contest called the people's design award. the concept is fairly straight forward- basically anyone (as long as you meet a few requirements) can nominate and vote for their favorite designs. the current nominees represent a broad range of design styles and sentiments so if you don't see something you like, nominate someone new! the deadline to vote is october 16 and you can click here for more info. have fun! [photos above are the tree stump table by 'because we can, llc.' and the hive shelving unit by chris ferebee]

clio home

clio updated their site with a few new pieces so i wanted to add these quickly: the rikke jug and rikke bowls are such delicate little pieces that they're just begging to be scooped up. i'd love to use the bowls for jewelry; i rarely end up using anything that cute to serve food. i'm always afraid i'll stain or chip them. click here for more information (bowls start at $25 and the jug is $50). enjoy!

new guest blog: frida of husmusen!

i was so excited to line up our next guest blogger i could hardly stand it. the lovely frida (formerly of husmusen) agreed to come out of retirement to post on the d*s guest blog for two weeks- hooray! frida took a new job and now blogs for her company's site right here, but i'll always think of her as husmusen and the design mouse. frida has always been my number one favorite and her knack for finding the best and brightest in scandinavian design is unparalleled. so, click here to check out frida's finds on the guest blog for the next two weeks.

[also, because of the time difference her posts may go up during the night and appear fresh every morning, rather than updated during the day. just a heads up. thanks, frida!]

d*s shop: open for business!

this little sponge is so happy she could burst. i never thought this day would come, but it has! the d*s shop is open and ready for business! after many months of hard work, the d*s shop is loaded up with six brand new, exclusive, limited-edition designs. each one is $100 or less, available for shipment worldwide and 100% of the profits will go directly to the designers themselves. at the beginning of every month we'll launch six new designs so when these pieces are sold out, tune in nov 1 for the next batch! in addition, 10% of the site's ad revenue will go to charity- this month i'm donating to the humane society of the united states. so click here to meet this month's designers: karin eriksson, lena corwin, maria of port2port, paula of henry road, jenny sauer of threesheets2thewind and amy adams of perch design!

[thanks so much to kate klapfish for building the site from the ground up, alice stevenson for designing the banner and to all the designers for their hard work and beautiful designs.]

new from port2port

i wanted to get this up before the big announcement today- maria at port2port has launched a beautiful new card this month called flying. it might just be my favorite port2port card yet. printed in blue and copper with a delicate wing pattern, flying is available right here for $4. [thanks, mav!]