Yesterday while walking around Newbury St. in Boston I stumbled across the home decor store, Bliss. Inside, I spotted this great wool rug called 'Roses', designed by the Barcelona-based Nani Marquina. I love the simple circle cut-outs and the color is perfect for the holidays. I made several other fun finds in Bliss, but unfortunately I bought these items as gifts for friends and they might be reading this post! Maybe after the holidays I can share a few photos.
The tough part about having a blog is that you have to reveal all your secrets - but sometimes these things are for the best. Such is the case with Supayana, a clothing line created by Brooklyn-based designer Yana Gorbulsky. Yana makes an amazing line of unique, handmade tops that have fanciful features ranging from ruffles to bows. But don't mistake these shirts for being all sugar and no spice - Yana's tops are sassy and made for the girl who wants to set herself apart from the crowd. Her online shop is updated regularly and her goods are also posted weekly on eBay. 
This is such a great idea! 'Me Magazine' is a quarterly publication that, "explores the life of a guest editor and their circle of friends. It was founded to support, document, and get to know people in the creative community we admire." Personally, I love hearing people's stories and reading about their creative endeavors (hence designklub). I'm going to have to track down a copy in Boston ASAP. (via hoping for happy accidents)
The one piece of furniture that has alluded designers and consumers alike throughout the ages is the unseemly, uninspired coat rack. Nowadays it can't just hold jackets, it has to store keys, scarves, ipod accessories - the list goes on. Well UK designer Jennifer Marriott is making a valiant effort on front line of this time honored battle. Her 'Cube Rack' is simple and effective in its design, but nice enough on its own that you won't cringe at the thought of having it attached to your wall. The user just has to tuck in a corner of his/her coat, hat, mittens etc. between the cubes and voila: instant storage with style. (via The Cool Hunter)
Just spotted artist Joanna Mendicino's pretty vases at Rare Device. I am particularly fond of her cut-out designs, which include everything from shorebirds (above) to cobblestones and pin cushions. Joanna's "crafty modern" style reminds me of Jonathan Adler's work: simple, clean and above all - fun.
I mentioned the French paper artist Pierre Pozzi in a previous post and he has been nice enough to track me down to share some photos of his work. Pozzi molds, slices and even crochets(!) kraft paper to create a line of simple, elegant vessels. The bottom image, which is a table made from kraft paper, is similar in style to his wallcoverings (the piece that first caught my eye). Imagine a whole wall filled with sliced paper like this! Special thanks to Pierre for his patience (navigating the French/English shuffle) and for sharing some samples of his lovely, delicate work.
Swedish designer Sami Juhani Kallio recently took first place at the Promosedia Design Competition for his clever Stich chair. While the chair looks a little stiff (it is made from wooden panels), the bright green rope that holds the piece together also gives it unusual flexibility. The backrest can be lowered to transform your chair into a small desk. Not only does the rope add a nice aesthetic and function element, it also gives the impression that this is a unique piece and not just some factory churn out.
Well now I have to go back to Buenos Aires. Somehow I missed Martin Churba's Tramando headquarters while I was there (how could anyone miss this?). The Argentinean mastermind, who gained fame for his fashions, is now taking his design philosophy into the world of interiors. 
When you're in the depths of winter, its nice to be reminded of warmer days to come. The 'Carrie' bike basket by Marie-Louise Gustafsson for Design House Stockholm does the trick with its pop of bright green color and ornate design. Perfect for taking your picnic to the park...in a few months. Check out Marie's other great designs as well, including her 'Slacker' office chair.
There's something magical about these images. Artist Tim Knowles attaches pens to the tips of trees, allowing wind and chance to be the ultimate creator of the drawings. I love the idea of a willow tree gently doodling in the park, lumbering along as if it had all the time in the world. For more images visit the Rokeby Gallery.
Maybe it's just because I used to work for a wallpaper company - but I am constantly amazed by the new innovations in the wallcoverings world. It seems like the market went from zero to 60 in a matter of years. Which actually doesn't sound very fast using that analogy, but its meant to be! One of the more creative entries into the scene is Concrete Blond. Their 'Walled Paper' transforms that boring slab of concrete into a subtle visual display of bespoke patterns. The panels come in a variety of colors, finishes and patterns and are available for both interior and exterior purposes.
Your old mixed tapes can now rest in peace thanks to Sonic Fabric. This unique textile is woven from recycled audio cassettes and can actually be played using an altered tape head. You can purchase the fabric by the yard or buy one of the great messenger bags or dresses made by the Sonic Fabric's creator, Alyce Santoro. Now you can carry your old Poison tape with you 4-eva. 
