modern craft

A Brand New Bag

2011-05-05T09:35:00.004-05:00

It's been a year or two since I stopped writing this blog and I've been busy. I began developing a line of canvas products, including totes, messenger bags, pillows, placemats, and storage bins and the first efforts (totes) are now available here!

Working on these products and patterns has morphed into a fledgling surface design company called HABIT Goods that hopes to bring more patterns and products to the marketplace in the next few months.

And now for something completely new . . .

2009-12-16T20:19:00.004-06:00

I started Modern Craft a few years ago as a means to explore artists and modern design and it's been amazingly rewarding and interesting. But now, after taking it as far as I can, I'm ready for something new. Thank you to everyone-- I've loved meeting you, seeing what you're doing, and most of all, learning from you. Best to you all! Jim

Classic trays

2009-11-02T06:47:00.001-06:00

I love melamine. It's cheap, it supports very bold graphics, it's modern, flat, seamless. These classic trays (from Vitra) are another reason why. Beautiful. Do you know a manufacturer? Can you recommend one? Don't you want to make these right away?

Hockney's Prints

2009-10-26T06:47:00.001-05:00

A new show just opened at Pace Prints in NY featuring David Hockney's new digital prints. He drew the subjects from life (friends and scholars) on a wacom tablet, then manipulated the images in Photoshop. Coloring them with his signature bold palette, the portraits are typical Hockney and yet offer something new. I think he's a genius and love his interest in new technology and the ways he pushes the traditional artist into new worlds. On view until November 28.

Studiopatro

2009-10-16T06:47:00.003-05:00

Designed in San Francisco, and cut, screened and sewn in Oakland, Studiopatró was born and raised in northern California. It’s a collaboration of local designers, artists, sewers and friends and their designs are really beautiful. The humble tea towel has become an unlikely canvas for all kinds of creative people, and these are outstanding. I think Christine Weber and company should advance straight to home textiles-- can't you see upholstery here-- curtains, blankets, etc. I actually think these are too nice and too graphically exciting to be tea towels-- I might not ever use them. I want these on pillows, sheets, etc. Beautiful.

Andrew Spence

2009-10-15T06:47:00.001-05:00

Andrew Spence's work is austere-- it is also slightly whimsical, if those two things can go together. His several decades of work utilizes simple forms and shapes and color. I don't know many artists who can explore the line in such depth and variation. His exploration of symbols and lines reminds me of another austere artists, Donald Judd, who worked for decades exploring and expanding the box form.

paperwink

2009-10-14T06:57:00.006-05:00

Paperwink just introduced these notebook trios with personalized kraft labels on the front that imitate official forms. I love how paperwink has reinterpreted old office supplies like these into modern tools. Their telegram notecards are another favorite.

Wayne Pate

2009-10-13T06:47:00.001-05:00

The very talented Wayne Pate has turned his simple strong graphics into some new textiles. I love the 60s inspired graphics here, and the colors give these an updated appeal. An original piece of art from Wayne will be part of next week's October Giveaway!

Irving Penn

2009-10-09T06:47:00.001-05:00

I was so saddened to hear of Irving Penn's death today. Penn's photography, starting with the extraordinary photos for Vogue under the leadership of another hero of mine, Alexander Liberman (daughter Francine, Alex, and wife Tatiana in top photo) and going through the celebrity portraits, the wonderful studies of everyday objects, the "portraits" of other cultures, etc, his work is exhilarating because it is so different and apart from what we expect. HIs career retrospective, Passages, has been on my must-have list for years. It's time. Looking at his pictures made me feel like I knew him and I'm sorry that he's gone but he left a brilliant body of work that will inspire me for the rest of my life.

Jonathan Adler towels

2009-10-08T06:47:00.001-05:00

These new geometric towels from Jonathan Adler tabletop collection are the right mix of vintage and bright modern design. I'm a big fan of his ceramics and it's interesting to see how that aesthetic expresses itself in other home goods. I think the red/yellow towel is the best-- a mix of 30s deco and Sante Fe graphics.

Urban DIY

2009-10-07T04:46:00.007-05:00

At Urban Outfitters, you can pick up any variety of DIY kits to get started on those holiday cards and presents. I'm excited about the possibilities of what could be created-- the screen printing kit alone is worth a long look. What could you do?

Julien Pacaud

2009-10-06T08:44:00.002-05:00

L'Affiche Moderne is a great online resource for affordable limited edition prints. These are by Julien Pacaud, and I like the way these mix collage with painterly elements. Plus, I think color is critical in collage, and these are very well done.

Bags for the People

2009-10-05T06:47:00.001-05:00

Bags for the People is a great idea and if it works, there won't be any more plastic bags in the world. Anywhere. In an effort to curb plastic bag usage, three friends in New York, Megan, Glenn, and Kelly, began making re-usable bags from recycled clothing and fabric and gave them out for free at Union Square Farmers Market. The idea had legs and soon they had a website, lots of interests, and partners. They host bag making workshops for kids, the elderly, the crafty, and more. "Through bag making we show how activism can be fun and creative. We discuss environmental issues of why we do what we do and how making and using reusable bags is a healthy alternative to plastic." Kudos! You can write to request your own free bag here, download a free template, or send a donation.

Found My Animal

2009-10-02T06:47:00.000-05:00

We've been thinking about getting a dog. Well, Elsa has been thinking about getting a dog and although I thought it was a passing interest, she asks me nearly every day. If, and I stress IF, that happens, this will be my first stop. Found My Animal is a Brooklyn business run by Bethany Obrecht that makes beautiful rope leashes for adopted animals and their people. They give part of the profits to the Louis Animal Foundation to help raise awareness of the urgent need for animal adoption. The custom-made rope used for the leashes and leads is a unique and durable alternative to leather. Each rope is hand-spliced by professional New England rope-makers. The collars are 100% cotton canvas coated with wax. Very attractive and smart and best of all, you're helping put the focus on a good cause. Handmade in the US.

Field Notes

2009-10-01T08:05:00.009-05:00

Who isn't crazy about Field Notes? Simple saddle-stitched notebooks with plain, ruled, or graph paper inside. It's the paperback version of those pricey Moleskin notebooks. I love the aesthetic of these, modeled on "the vanishing subgenre of agricultural memo books, ornate pocket ledgers and the simple, unassuming beauty of a well-crafted grocery list." Speaking of, here is a page from my grandmother's version of Field Notes, circa 1941-- I think it was a free notebook from an agricultural supply store. It includes an entry for "show and popcorn" as well as "bought boar from Henry." If you're thinking about what to get me for Christmas, THIS IS IT.

Rachel Denny

2009-09-30T06:47:00.000-05:00

Rachel Denny is a Portland artist. She's inspired by the natural world and the sense of wonder it creates in viewers. Her work uses unusual materials to interpret the "exuberance of nature" and in doing so gives viewers an unexpected experience. Her pieces are interesting and beautiful and reverent to their subject. I especially love the squirrels.

Christine Berrie

2009-09-29T06:47:00.000-05:00

Berry is a Glasgow-based illustrator whose fondness for old cars, vintage cameras, mechanical contraptions and London led her to create these wonderful drawings which she's turned into prints you can purchase here. She has a great eye for the color and detail of these objects and executes them extremely well. I swear my dad had that camera . . .

To Dry For

2009-09-25T06:47:00.001-05:00

This site features one product only: the humble tea towel. With clever graphics and well-known designers (Rob Ryan), they've got a good thing here-- a simple piece of cloth with some pop. It's interesting that the tea towel has become a kind of indie canvas. I have other favorites too, like Third Drawer Down that produce beautiful screen printed towels, most of which could be framed as art. Great stuff.

Maira Kalman

2009-09-25T06:46:00.001-05:00

It's my favorite Friday of the month, when artist Kalman publishes her once-a-month blog in the NYTimes.

Wannekes

2009-09-24T06:47:00.001-05:00

I always like looking at this cool online shop from the Netherlands. Specializing in contemporary design products for adults, kids and dog lovers "on the interface between applied art and design." I like these great salt and pepper shakers from the Ulik design duo for Normann Copenhagen. The contrast is striking between the fine, hard and cold porcelain and the cork which is dark and warm.

Polish Movie Posters

2009-09-23T06:47:00.011-05:00

This site has an amazing inventory of original Polish movie posters from the 40s through 90s. You can take advantage of their marked-down "everything must go" prices (up to 70% off) and add one of these visual explosions to your walls. I love the graphics here-- a little raw, a little over saturated, and all message.

The Post Family

2009-09-22T11:18:00.005-05:00

I'm a fan. The Post Family is a collective of artists and designers in Chicago with uber talent and an outstanding gallery/studio space. They exhibit work by other artists and printmakers as well as their won and host one of the best websites (with artist interviews and studio tours) and blogs around. And today you can see their loft via Apartment Therapy and be sure to visit their print shop! You can pick up these prints by Rod Post on their site. Most impressive.

Periodic Table of Typefaces

2009-09-21T11:04:00.005-05:00

I've written about this cool interpretation of the periodic table of elements before, but recently saw this cool vinyl wall sticker version, which would look great in a studio or office.

Moonmilk

2009-09-21T10:44:00.005-05:00

After posting about Ryan McGinley on Friday, I learned that there is a beautiful limited edition book on this latest series from Morel Books, which you can buy here. The book is published to coincide with his first London show at Allison Jacques Gallery. The name Moonmilk, by the way, is meant to reference the crystalline deposits found on the walls of the caves where many of these photos are taken.

Ryan McGinley

2009-09-18T09:14:00.002-05:00

Ryan McGinley has a new show of his photographs at Alison Jacques Gallery, London through October 8. I love his photographs and this new show called Moonmilk is a series taken within caves and canyons where the landscapes are surreal and the figures are dwarfed by the natural world. This goes in the category of "Waht I Would Do With A Lot of Money" because a McGinley photo would be one of my first stops after picking up the big lottery check.

School Days

2009-09-17T06:47:00.000-05:00

School is what it is, but I love the place of school. And I love school items. Here are some current interesting offers. (school desk, chalkboard map, a few things from the great online shop Found Paper Co.)

Marc Sadker

2009-09-16T06:47:00.002-05:00

I think these TREE lights from designer Marc Sadker are really great-- they remind me of the cutout candle holders from Martha Sturdy. Imagine the cool patterns they'd throw around the room. Very interesting and sculptural.

Maison-et-Objet-Fair

2009-09-13T21:58:00.005-05:00

Quick report of some of the items exhibited at this year's show in Paris. ‘Ink Drawings’ by Don Carney, ‘Astack’ candleholders by Helgo for Danish Crafts, ‘Bamboo stool’ by Liu Chen-Hsu and Chen Kao-Ming, 'Red Carpet’ collection by Arzu Firuz. It's always so interesting to see what's displayed and gathering attention-- lots of emphasis on sustainable and repurposed materials of course as well as reimagined classical pieces, like these tableware pieces turned modern using traditional decorative techniques, such as decals and gold paint, applied by hand and designed by Paola Navone.

Donna Wilson

2009-09-11T09:52:00.006-05:00

Donna Wilson is a British designer (featured here before) with a crafty, kid-like sense of humor. She's expanded her line to include melamine trays (I want to make melamine trays myself-- so appealing), furniture (see pouffes above) blankets, and monkeys. You can check out her whimsical designs here.

Paul Roden

2009-09-09T06:47:00.000-05:00

Paul Roden was awarded this year’s top prize and crowned as the BDC New Designer of the Year at the Business Design Centre in London on 8th July. I love his textile designs, inspired by the 1970s, vintage carousels, "youthful excitement," and Studio 54. But of all his designs, its these horses that really caught my eye. Great work. Contact Paul at paulroden@sky.com

Summer's End

2009-09-04T06:47:00.001-05:00

It kills me to admit it, but the summer is nearly over for us. The briefest of seasons in Chicago, summer this year was especially liberating for us. We camped, we drove, we rode horses. I am not ready to say goodbye to all that yet. So now we're heading to a cabin on a lake, for a little more sunshine and swimming. I hope it lasts forever.
(Phyllis Sussman, The Beach)

Ingela P Arrhenius

2009-09-03T06:47:00.000-05:00

Ingela made an exhibition book called 142 Actors that showcases her excellent drawing style and wonderful coloring. I love the way she captures gestures and personalities in the brief lines of thick and thin drawings. And I love the way she uses color.

Marc Loret

2009-09-02T06:47:00.000-05:00

Marc Loret's art is a blend of photography and painting. Loret is a French photographer who's love of nature and its fascinating details informs his work. I like the blurred lines between brushstrokes and photography-- the real and unreal. You can visit his site and send his photos as e-cards!

Čičmany

2009-08-31T06:47:00.004-05:00

Franz Bauer is a photographer in Austria who has documented many European towns and their architecture. I like his photos of folk architecture, but none more than the town of Čičmany, Slovakia. Čičmany is well known for its painted wooden houses, used by the owners as weekend houses and kept well as reminder of the past and the old traditions. It's now a national cultural monument.

Maira Kalman

2009-08-28T06:47:00.003-05:00

Maira continues her monthly musings on democracy in America, accompanied as always by her exquisite drawings and sensibility. In today's feature, she explains how everyone came to America.

Edholm Ullenius

2009-08-26T06:47:00.000-05:00

Edholm Ullenius is comprised of two graphic designers, Sissi Edholm and Lisa Ullenius, based in Stockholm, Sweden. Maybe you've seen their designs for IKEA. They specialize in bright colors and line drawings. You can see a lot more here. I love the simple joy of their work.

Swans Island Blankets

2009-08-25T06:47:00.001-05:00

This goes on my list of Things I Will Own One Day. Offering wool and lightweight summer blankets, Swans Island was started by a couple who moved to the Maine islands after having careers as lawyers in Boston. Objects of rare beauty and utility. I especially love their Rare Wool blankets, made from black and brown sheep, whose fleeces tend to go gray after a few short years. So these blankets are rare because there are only a few black and brown blankets woven each year.

Green Acres

2009-08-24T07:25:00.004-05:00

I'm back from my farm vacation-- several beautiful day spent on a farm in western Pennsylvania. My (city) kids were excited to feed the sheep, collect eggs, water the goats, etc. Well, most of the time, anyway. You can see my son's reaction to visiting the dairy barn at the county fair. We've been reading "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder" and this vacation put us off the map, out of the path of stores and toys and television. For a while we got to live a sparse and simple life, and we loved it.

Off for a while

2009-08-20T06:47:00.000-05:00

I'm off for a while-- on vacation for a couple of days-- back on Monday-- so please enjoy your weekend!
(Switch from KIOSK, $6)

Royal Tichelaar Makkum

2009-08-19T06:47:00.000-05:00

Since 1572, this company has been creating ceramic pieces and collection. I love the design they launched a decade ago called The B-Set (top) which they've celebrated this year by releasing three new color ways. Also pictured is the project called "The Fundamentals of Makkum." Conceived and created by Lonny van Ryswyck and Nadine Sterk (Atelier NL), the couple started
digging up, shaping and baking clay from different locations through the Netherlands, They created a beautiful series of plates and bowls in different colors and structures, showing the local identity of the area the clay was taken from.

cicada studio

2009-08-18T06:47:00.001-05:00

I think these linen/cotton textile designs by Michelle Engel Bencsko for Cicada Studio are beautiful. I like the natural subjects printed on the nubby linen and the geometrics are crisp and cool. The power of a one-color design has never been so evident.

Jasper Morrison

2009-08-17T06:47:00.001-05:00

These bowls from Jasper Morrison are turned natural cork and look great. One thing I really like about them is the scale-- so easy to do a table top version, but these are 23.5 inches wide and 5 inches tall, making them much more interesting than another object on your coffee table. The difference between OK and wow is sometimes so subtle.

Carol Summers

2009-08-14T06:47:00.000-05:00

These paintings from Carol Summers (b. 1925) look like adventures to me. Summers creates these prints using an innovative woodblock technique-- he frequently uses solvents to "transform the pigments into dyes which then tend to penetrate the paper and result in a watercolor effect. This allows for rich colors and soft blurred edges." I love the skewed landscapes and huge forms here and the color pulls me in.

Douglas Coupland

2009-08-13T09:41:00.005-05:00

Douglas Coupland, the author of "Generation X," was an artist before his writing career took off. You can see examples of his work-- many are a tribute to Damien Hirst-- as well as his refurbished mid-century home in today's NYTimes.

Mark Giglio (Part 2)

2009-08-12T06:47:00.001-05:00

Mark Giglio is a Oakland California artist who creates some very simple forms with a unique point of vie. I love the clean line drawings and color of his graphic design. Here, he has made simple forms from scrap wood and turned them into a set of painted villagers and a forest respectively. You really want to hold these don't you-- the natural materials and worn shapes are very appealing and heightened by his pop colors and designs that somehow resemble the very best of packaging.

Mark Giglio (Part 1)

2009-08-11T06:47:00.002-05:00

These wallpapers are screen printed by hand on recyclable paper using water-based inks. I love the playfulness here, the boldness of color. This would be a great "accent" in a child's room or in your office.
Mark's work is very inspiring, so there will be more tomorrow.

Iris Hantverk Workshop

2009-08-10T06:47:00.002-05:00

When I was growing up, we had the Fuller Brush man. His name was Walter, I believe, and he came to our house periodically to sell us brooms and brushes. I was reminded of the specialized brushes he used to bring when I saw this Swedish company. Using the same techniques for over 100 years, the Iris Hantverk Workshop handcrafts beautiful hardwood brushes with natural bristles that are hand wired in place, hence the "stitching" you see on several models. Excellent examples of the Scandinavian ideal of beautiful, everyday objects, these brushes are designed with both beauty and utility in mind. The company employs visually impaired artisans to handcraft these high-quality products using traditional methods. Iris Hantverk also thinks it is important that the brushes are pleasing to the eye. Top designers are employed to ensure this. Available online here or at the wonderful Portland store, Canoe.

Vintage Children's Art

2009-08-04T08:23:00.004-05:00

Art.com offers these vintage book covers (most from the old Rand McNally Junior ELF series from the 50s and early 60s. Some of them are downright creepy, but there are some real keepers here. (Personal favorite has to be the Good Naughty book.)

Hugo Guinness

2009-08-03T06:47:00.000-05:00

These prints, framed or unframed available at John Derian.

Maira Kalman

2009-07-31T06:47:00.000-05:00

Today is the last Friday of the month and time again for another installment from Maira Kalman, an artist and author whose monthly blog for the NYTimes you can read here. Her focus this year is on Democracy-- democracy as invention, democracy as guiding principle. Read it and see if you agree that she is compelling and interesting and always funny. I love her.

Summer Blue

2009-07-30T06:47:00.001-05:00

Can't get enough of blue in the summer. I have three swimsuits-- all blue. I love the bright pop of this color.
(handmade ceramic tiles from Jessica, Bitossi platter from SCP, Danish 60s armchair (via Apartment Therapy),1970 Mercedes 280SL, blue Swatch.

Emmanuel Polanco

2009-07-27T06:47:00.001-05:00

Look at the richness of Polanco's illustrations and collages. He is so precise and in control. He chooses outstanding source material that layers and connects to make these really beautiful collages. I don't pretend to understand their meaning-- I'm sure each has several or none-- but the beauty of them is enough for now.

Kelly Neidig

2009-07-21T07:36:00.006-05:00

These landscapes from Kelly Neidig remind me of summer road trips driving through the midwest and watching the landscape whoosh by. I=Since I live in Chicago, I don't see wide open spaces like these until we hit the road in summertime. I love the atmosphere, the moments they convey in quick broad strokes and bright colors. I love that they are semi-abstract impressions of what I associate with a very brief encounter at high speeds.

Recycled Retreat

2009-07-16T12:39:00.003-05:00

This is a new Texas retreat made from recycled shipping containers. I've seen the acres of shipping containers in the ports of Hong Kong and China, so perfectly uniform and not unlike little mobile home parks. This is the high-end for a container-- beautifully outfitted and positioned in the West Texas landscape, they almost look heroic. I love the innovation that these containers have inspired-- I remember an art exhibit in NY a few years back all made of stacked containers. The first photo is my own in one of the busiest ports in the world. Read the full article here.

Evan Hecox

2009-07-15T06:47:00.001-05:00

I'm a big fan of these silkscreened prints of Evan Hecox, all printed in limited quantities by hand. I like his simple illustration style-- a quick observation of the life he encounters walking around. I especially like the block coloring style-- it reminds me both of children's illustrations from the 60s and pop art. You can find him on the hip online magazine site Arkitip, Inc as well.

Urban Bikes

2009-07-10T10:01:00.004-05:00

Urban Outfitters online is now offering bikes-- which you can build and customize from a selection of bright colors and details. I love riding my Target bike, but I have to say, these are very nice indeed. $399.

Ben Shahn

2009-07-10T06:47:00.001-05:00

Ben Shahn is one of those artists whose work I could look at every day. His line drawings are really my favorite, simple outlines of a cacophony of music stands, or shopping carts. But his paintings, of strikers, or famous trials, or populist themes are also stirring. He believed an artist should forward the social message of justice for all and expose the brutality of a system often built on the backs of the laboring poor. This was the 30s after all.

FluffyCo.

2009-07-09T06:47:00.001-05:00

I love type so much that anything with text (practically) gets my attention. You can imagine how distracting that can be. Printed on white heavy duty vinyl, this wallet displays a shopping list (milk, eggs, cheese, bread, beer, tapatio). A collaboration between local artist Nathan Cordero and FluffyCo. Available online or at the Curiosity Shop.

Crane & Co.

2009-07-09T06:46:00.001-05:00

And just to pass this on: Crane & Co., Inc., the premier maker of fine stationery since 1801, is seeking artists, illustrators and designers who can create sophisticated, cutting-edge art for our new STUDIO collection. They’re looking for a fresh, modern aesthetic targeted at consumers who are artistic, design-savvy and stylish. Artists, illustrators, and graphic designers interested in being considered for STUDIO are invited to submit examples of their work. For details visit www.crane.com/studio.

Uppercase

2009-07-07T08:36:00.000-05:00

Do you know what's going on over at Uppercase? The Canadian gallery, shop and publisher headed by Janine Vangool is a very fine collection of handmade and collected objects inspired by found lettering, elegant letterforms, vintage ephemera and typewriters. And now, the second issue of her self-published magazine is available, covering fashion, design, and the always lovely Angelica Huston. Janine has created a beautiful design space and her amazing aesthetic translates into everything she does.

Yard Sale

2009-07-06T06:47:00.000-05:00

We had a yard sale last weekend and I have to say the signs were great. Hockney, Avedon, Katz, Kalman. Who wouldn't want to come? It was a great success and I love ridding ourselves of more and more-- especially now the times seem to call for thriftiness, handiness, resourcefulness, and paring down feels so nice.

On another note, the sun is finally out here (Chicago) and I will confess that I have been so enthusiastic about being outside that these posts may be a little erratic for the summer. The kids, the sun, Lake Michigan's beach (5 minutes away)-- all has me very happy. There's a song we listen to with the line "My arms are brown, I'm sleeping well at night...." Well, I have the summer bug something bad.

Maira Kalman: Time Wastes Too Fast

2009-06-26T07:26:00.004-05:00

You must read the brilliant Kalman's monthly blog for the NYTimes. Today, she discusses the beauty, optimism, and complexity of our young country in the person of Thomas Jefferson. How I look forward to her post every month!

Partners & Spade

2009-06-24T06:47:00.001-05:00

In the spirit of Kiosk, there is now Partners & Spade, a new store I want to visit in NYC. This is really a curated thrift shop-- a gallery of the cool everyday-- a pop art flea market. The brainchild of Andy Spade and Anthony Sperduti, you can find the odd and interesting here. And you can even hire the stylemakers themselves-- they offer services from making you a finch aviary to creating a "post confidence trophy" for anything you wish you'd been recognized for in the past. Put it on your shelf. No one will know.

And like Kate Bingaman-Burt, they've illustrated their inventory with this intriguing line drawing. Don't you love line drawings? So, there's really no choice but to pay them a visit and see what a "Framed Yellow Book" or a "Flood Scene Book"or a "Pink Paper Hat" really looks like. Go to 40 Great Jones St, (between Lafayette and Bowery) 646-861-2827.

Chris Silas Neal

2009-06-23T07:40:00.005-05:00

I love the art and illustration of Chris Silas Neal, a regular contributor to the NYTimes. I found him a couple of years ago via thumbtack press, where you can still buy some of his prints. I love the printmaking look of his work, the limited color palette, the spotty ink coverage, and the vintage drawing style. Beautiful.

Frou-Frou & Claude

2009-06-22T07:08:00.002-05:00

Shelley McDonald just launched Frou-Frou & Claude, a handmade screen company in the UK. The solid wooden frames are hand-crafted and covered in a luxurious padded upholstery of your choice. I think screens are a great solution to all kinds of storage and decorating dilemmas-- we use one to hide all the cleaning products in our utility room. See more here.

Meg Mateo Ilasco Textiles

2009-06-15T06:47:00.000-05:00

The uber-talented Meg Mateo Ilasc, whose work I've admired ever since I first saw her journals, now has a few textile items. "Dish" (a set of two dishtowels) and "sleep" pillowcases can be found on her site.

Karen Walker Paints

2009-06-12T06:47:00.003-05:00

The inspiration for this new paint line came from the Bauhaus school, whose concept was to "create and combine colours from an emotional point of view rather than a technical one, to group colours in a way that tells a story rather than simply matching them tonally." The combinations are perfert-- makes me want to repaint our whole house-- and I love the way they've presented them. Stylist Katie Lockhart – who has also designed the interiors of Karen Walker’s stores – collaborated with sculptor and artist Gidon Bing to produce a range of mini-modernist, Bauhaus-style homes complete with miniature furniture and artworks. (PHOTOGRAPHY MATTHEW WILLIAMS)

Unison Sale

2009-06-11T07:17:00.004-05:00

Need some weekend plans in Chicago (if it will ever stop raining)? Unison is having a warehouse sale featuring their fantastic Scandinavian textiles largely influenced by their years living in Finland. Bedding, pillows, totes, and some awesome journals are available. Read more here.

Just looking

2009-06-10T06:47:00.000-05:00

A vintage child's desk on eBay today.

AIGA Design Archives

2009-06-09T06:47:00.002-05:00

The AIGA Design Archives are a rich resource of past typography, book design, illustration and graphic innovation. This is an extensive collection of contemporary design and it is remarkable for its breadth and beauty. Remind yourself what great design looks like. From the top: Edward Sorel (1959), Chermayeff & Geismar Associates (1959), Paprika (2008), Vignelli Associates (1964)

Sammy Rose

2009-06-08T06:47:00.001-05:00

Ever since the demise of my favorite kid's t-shirt company FOOEY, I've been looking for some tongue-in-cheek funny shirts that make me laugh. These are by Sammy Rose, a company in Sweden run by the husband and wife team of Jenny Brandt (a photographer) and Jens Grönberg, an illustrator. Every year, they come to the US to visit family in Nebraska, so many of their shirts are inspired by US trash culture (yes, that's JR above). Good stuff.

Ikea PS Collection ICFF 2009

2009-06-05T06:47:00.000-05:00

Coming to US IKEA stores in August, this year's line extension of the PS collection is made up of 71 pieces, some quite bold, but all emphasizing the basic innovation and simple Swedish design that has defined IKEA from the beginning. (Chair $69, cabinet $249, storage crates $49-$69). Great to see them show at ICFF this year, although I didn't make it to the show. You can see more here. (Photos via Eric at MocoLoco)

elsa

2009-06-04T06:47:00.002-05:00

And suddenly my daughter, who was only born a week or two ago, is turning 8. As she told me yesterday, "Daddy, I'm halfway to 16!" After I recovered, I hugged her and made her promise to never say that again. Isn't she lovely. Happy Birthday Elsa.

Area Rug Bug

2009-06-04T06:46:00.000-05:00

I think rugs are very difficult. You can rarely find one that isn't the same old same old and when you do, it's usually trying too hard. This rug, from Area Rug Bug is a nice subtle change from the overcolored and overdone. The non-symmetrical design would make any room more interesting.

Pigeon Toe Ceramcis

2009-06-03T06:47:00.002-05:00

Pigeon Toe Ceramics grew out of a deep love for handmade dishware and a Scandinavian aesthetic. All of their vessels are thrown on the wheel in a porcelain, then embellished by hand to form their unique, organic shapes and designs. "Each piece is made with love and concentration in our studio in Portland, Oregon." I love the shapes-- and the white exteriors. That there-footed bowl is really great. Get them at their site or at Portland's own Ink and Peat.

be still

2009-06-02T06:47:00.001-05:00

I love linen napkins, impractical and trouble that they are. So if I'm going to have them, they'd better be outstanding, as these are from be still. These designs are really beautiful-- the napkins are 100% linen and the last photo is a pattern on silk for a pillow. She has a sophisticated design sense and incredible execution. Wouldn't you like a sofa covered in the blue leaf pattern?

ReadyMade.com is ReMade

2009-06-01T06:47:00.001-05:00

I love ReadyMade magazine and always find it to be a great mix of the doable and the inspirational. Kari and I were thrilled to be in the January issue this year. But their online presence was always a bit drab. Enter Katherine Sharpe, the new online editor who has updated the website and added a blog, which I have to say is the only place I've found a decent discussion of the ICFF show this year. Katherine vows to bring back ReadyMade to its cool, funny old self, and I couldn't be happier to pass this news on to you. Check out projects, resources, and more. (Photo by Winni Wintermeyer of a chair project from super smart Thomas Wold.)

The Pursuit of Happiness

2009-05-29T06:47:00.004-05:00

It's the last Friday of the month, so time once again for Maira Kalman's monthly installment of her blog for the NY Times. Kalman's year-long illustrated study of democracy is one of the highlights of my month. As always, her work is about humor and the love of life.

Hello Muddah . . .

2009-05-29T06:46:00.001-05:00

This camp stationery from PH Design's shop is enough to send us all to camp for a week or two. I remember that I actually did have some camp stationery with a big Boy Scout emblem at the top (I think camp was two weeks!) and I did write my parents. Well, if you have someone bound for camp or just need a good set of summer writing paper, you'll like these personalized sets. Choose any icon above and customize with fonts and colors. These are just great.

Design on the Cheap

2009-05-28T07:24:00.004-05:00

In today's NYTimes, there is a great profile of this young British couple who transformed their house on a budget of only $10,000. The results are sleek and sophisticated, and highly creative. An awesome space made even more impressive by their resourcefulness. You really can do a lot with a little.

Lab Partners

2009-05-28T06:47:00.000-05:00

These new prints from Lab Partners are just the right mix of nostalgia and cool. They have a great color sense and I like their drawing style. These remind me of one of my favorites: pre-pop Warhol drawings. I like the "olde tyme" subjects matter that references the Victorian remix of the 60s. Well done, available here and read their blog here.

Turner Duckworth for Waitrose

2009-05-27T06:47:00.000-05:00

These packages for the British grocer Waitrose are amazingly simple and oh so appealing. Turner Duckworth is the longterm branding agency behind these fantastic designs. Their labels are graphic statements-- uncluttered and arranged for maximum visual impact. Each one is like a mini poster. I find a straightforward presentation nearly irresistible. I mean really, have celery hearts ever looked more beautiful?

I'm back

2009-05-26T06:47:00.001-05:00

I've been away-- a long holiday weekend. I was in the prairie. We saw rodeo fields, one room schoolhouses, 4H flags, and many towns whose heyday was over 100 years ago. It's fascinating to be Somewhere Else. It makes you believe in new things. It reaffirms what you've long suspected. It makes you appreciate the world all over again.

Paul Burgess

2009-05-20T06:47:00.000-05:00

Paul Burgess is a freelance illustrator and designer in Brighton England. He's done some beautiful work for Penguin Books, Elle, MTV, Harper Collins and more. I love his play with images and his collages here. You can see more of his portfolio on his site.

My kid did that

2009-05-19T06:47:00.000-05:00

I look at art every day. I mean, Art. But is there anything as great as kids' art? I'm always so enlivened by the art shows at Elsa's school-- very imaginative, very immediate, very direct. And then, there's color. Great work.

Pie Bird Press

2009-05-18T06:47:00.005-05:00

Here's a National Stationery Show preview from Pie Bird Press. The multi-talented Hannah has a slew of beautiful new designs in her line of letterpress cards. I love these retro objects and great colors. Her graphic interpretation of objects has always caught my attention and these new cards are no exception. Go see her in booth #2049 at the Stationery Show, and she's also currently featured in the Poppytalk Handmade market.

Renzo Piano in Chicago

2009-05-15T06:47:00.001-05:00

Piano's modern wing of the Art Institute of Chicago opens this weekend and I've got to see it. The elegance of this building isn't surprising--it is a Renzo Piano building after all-- but it is no less impressive because it's somewhat expected. The new wing allows the AIC to show it's works in an optimal setting and the building is so large the curators have pulled out works that haven't been shown in decades. (Alex Katz and Cy Twombly pictured.)

Susy Jack

2009-05-14T06:47:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to the National Stationery Show this year in NYC, and I'll really miss catching up with some of my all-time favorites like La Familia Green, Pie Bird Press, and Susy Jack. Susan Connor is the brains behind this amazing brand, which gets better and better. Her latest designs are in her shop and catalog, and you should check them out. I am a huge fan.

Gene Davis

2009-05-13T07:22:00.004-05:00

Gene Davis (1920-1985) was part of the Washington Color School, part of the larger color field movement in the 60s and 70s. He began painting colorful vertical stripes in the 50s and used the repeat of particular colors to create a sense of rhythm and movement. Many of his works are large scale (he created what was at the time the largest painting in the world) and I love how they seem to dance across the eye. See more here.

Cardboard Creatvity

2009-05-12T08:45:00.002-05:00

These color-your-own stools and briefcases are available through MoMA. Each is printed on white corrugate cardboard with an animal theme. A creative way to carry your portfolio? I great arts activity for your kids? I particularly like the stool. This is one time it would be OK to color on the furniture. Are you listening Henry?

Phillip Toledano

2009-05-11T06:47:00.000-05:00

In his new book, Toledano documents the human cost of the current economic collapse. He started taking pictures of abandoned offices in 2001 and the things people had left behind. "There is something very strange about walking into a recently abandoned office. The heavy, Pompeii-like stillness, punctuated only by the occasional sound of the air-conditioning, turning itself on. A coat-hanger waiting patiently for a coat. A limp happy-birthday balloon on the floor. A drawer stuffed with take-out menus. Everywhere, signs of life, interrupted." Available here.

Saul Bass matchbook covers

2009-05-08T06:47:00.000-05:00

I wish I'd found these at the flea market, but Mary & Matt did.

David Shillinglaw

2009-05-07T06:47:00.002-05:00

Many many posts ago, I wrote about David Shillinglaw, a young British painter whose work I really like. David now has an online store and updated site, and, well, I still like him now that he's an online merchant. Just kidding. His mix of text and images is interesting and lives in between the worlds of street art and pop art. He writes, "I often work directly onto objects I find, therefore I am not always in full control of what I make, this is very important to me, and I see this as a dialogue between myself and the ever changing environment around me." Check out David's store and see more of his work.

All Business

2009-05-06T06:47:00.000-05:00

Stefan Kahn, an Australian designer, made this ultra sleek business card file from matte aluminum. Kahn is no stranger to making your desk cool-- he has a line of desktop accessories for DWR as well. You can find more of his products here.

Volksfaden

2009-05-05T06:47:00.000-05:00

This online shop of contemporary textile designers has some new patterns and as always, they are really cool. Check out these designs from Alexander Henry, Kokka, and Erin McMorris.

Katie Kirk

2009-05-04T06:47:00.000-05:00

Katie Kirk is a Minneapolis graphic designer and illustrator. She and her husband Nathan Strandberg run an outstanding company called Eight Hour Day and you could get lost in the beautiful design on their site. But it was her children's book called "Eli, No" that caught my attention first, via flickr. These are a few illustrations from that book, but check out her incredible work and see for yourself.

Milan Furniture Fair

2009-05-01T06:47:00.000-05:00

According to today's NYTimes article, many of the products at this year's Milan Furniture Fair are pared down to their essentials, though often in the most luxurious way. A few highlights. See more here.

Kay Rosen

2009-04-30T06:47:00.000-05:00

I love Kay Rosen's clever art-- using typography and color to create subtle messages. Pictured above are "Removal From Office," "Hello Again," and "Your Eyes Say Yes."

Bank?

2009-04-29T07:25:00.003-05:00

This is one of the things I got at the house sale last weekend-- it has a slit in the top leather cap for coins and the brass pin slides out so you can remove the top. Have you ever seen anything like this? I can't find any information about it.

Patterns from NeoJaponisme

2009-04-29T06:47:00.001-05:00

The latest free downloadable patterns from NeoJaponisme are available here. These are red, white, and black patterns based on Modern Japanese graphic design from the 1950s. I love the simple geometrics here -- these would look so great in any number of paper products.