Wall Candy Arts Update!

Allison from Wall Candy Arts (the sticker chalkboards) has made a generous offer for fans of this blog.
By using the discount code "blogsupport20," when you you checkout at their online shop, www.wallcandyarts.com, you will receive a 20% discount off your purchase! Thank you Allison!

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Embrace Change

Via HOW Magazine's blog, I came across this great site that Ikea has launched in conjunction with our new presidency.

Embrace Change 09 gives people, or even budding interior designers, the chance to redesign online the Oval Office, using Ikea furniture, while also giving people a chance to register to win furniture to decorate their own personal Oval Office. Through their website, you can also email you room ideas to the White House as well. If you ever imagined what the Oval Office would look like as a modern office, bedroom or entertainment room, now's your chance.

(Images from Ikea/Embrace Change 09)

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Kindergarten Style Hooks

I came across these vintage hooks over at Present & Correct, and while they may look little kid-ish, they can add just the right pop of color to any home or work space. Small in size, and affordable ( only 4.75 pounds!), you better snatch these up before they're gone!

(Images from Present & Correct)

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Save Handmade

I came across the Save Handmade appeal via Sugar City Journal, and was crushed to hear what is going on right now. While I don't make children's items myself, there is an act that has passed in Congress (and goes into effect February 10, 2009), that will effect many crafters and designers, who create items for children under the age of 12 (or could even be possible be used by those under 12). This includes clothing, school supplies, toys, cloth diapers, anything and everything.

The act, The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, came about in the wake of some toys  that were found to have lead and other chemicals in them. 

People/companies that make items for children, will have to have their items tested by certified third party labs, to prove that there is no lead or other chemicals present. As this will cost so much money, it can potentially ruin many small businesses in the process.

This means that items or toys, even made from materials like wood or paper that may usually never have such chemicals present to begin with, will have to undergo this strict testing.

While I'm all for protecting our children, it will be devastating to see so many crafters and small businesses ruined by this. The Handmade Toy Alliance has proposed for changes to this act (similar in model to what the FDA uses to exempt small producers), but whether Congress will listen up remains to be seen.

If you are a buyer, supporter or fan of handmade products, spread the word, as this act can destroy the handmade tradition.

Please check out Coolmompicks, for a list of resources and what you can do to help.

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Set Editions

I love, love, love Set Editions foil stamped, chipboard postcards.

I hoard them just to hang on the wall. Their design is so simple, striking and clean.

Most people who have seen their products are familiar with their Cardstock set - a box of 40 cards to cover you for any occasion (way better than any set of cards you could find at any old card shop).

Since I've only seen a few of their items in stores, a little look see on the website showed all that is currently available, including their letterpressed cards, such as the Morse Code one above and gift tags as well. Definitely worth checking out.

(All images from Set Editions)

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Wall Candy Chalkboards

                                                               

While bulky, old school type chalkboards might look cool, they're often times heavy and cumbersome, but now there's options, for those of us who like the look, but on a smaller scale.

Enter Wall Candy's collection.............Taking the bulkiness out, they have wall decals that are just like a chalkboards, which stick to the wall with a removable/repositionable adhesive side.

I first noticed their simple chalkboard panels (4 in a set) awhile ago, but they have expanded their collection to include rococo shapes, circles, and even a chalkboard shaped rocket! You can see all their designs here - and chalk is included! I think one of the rococo ones would look great in a kitchen.

(All images from Wall Candy Arts)

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Fonts+Wood = Cutting Board?

House Industries is an amazing design company, having given us some very recognizable fonts over the years. As their empire has grown, so has their design work, expanding into furnishings (I wish I got the Neutra boomerang chair!), clothing and so much more. Their love of the ampersand has also evolved into an array of products, including this cutting board as shown, which is available in 2 sizes. Made of solid maple, it may not run cheap, but will look damn spiffy in any kitchen. The ampersand design is also available as iron or aluminum sculptures as well. All available for sale on their site here.

(image from House Industries)

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Happy New Year!

I hope that you all had a great holiday, and have the most wonderful 2009! There's many updates coming soon, and a few surprises for the coming year (giveaways!), so thank you again for checking out the blog......and please add your comments as I love to hear from you!

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