Pin it

Remember the pin art everyone seemed to have back in the early 90's? If you don't here is a refresher.

I never got bored of digging my hand in there, it was somewhat therapeutic. Anyway, Pin Art got a make over. Check it out.

Pin Pres by OOO My Design is a shelf for kids, but honestly who can stop from pushing themselves into the pins over and over again? And maybe one or two toys will even make it onto it.

Tattoo That!

Those close to me know that I have a fascination with tattoos. I watch all the shows of strangers getting inked, but I, myself, have only a few. It seems as though I am not the only one to have this fascination though, as I discovered that the tattoo world is expanding into that of home decor. Here are some of the best.

The chair, by tattoo artist Scott Campbell has to be one of my absolute favorites. Unfortunately I don't think it's for sale to the public. The plate is Ed Hardy.

Tattoo Dishes by Paul Timman

Love/Hate Decals by Pillbox Designs (Available on Etsy)

Skull Curtains by Material Nana (Available on Etsy)

Tattoo Cushion by Vintage Galleria (Available on Etsy)

Yakuza Coffee Table by Reddish

Play with your food

I love design, but when design and food combine (especially chocolate) I am in heaven. Check out these Oreo cookie cameos by artist Judith G. Klausner:

Following are some other 'food pieces' you might like:

 Cereal stitching. Why didn't I think of that? (I can't stitch)

Before you turn away in disgust look twice, that is not mold on the real bread, Judith uses thread to embroider these realistic mold and egg.

Check out more of her crazy work and the thinking behind it all on her website

You're my #1!

This is so cool I actually had to try it.

Check out how to make it on on this crafty site

It's super easy and will get a chuckle out of your significant other.

Globe Light

I can't tell you where this comes from, who designed it or where to find it; but I can tell you that it's beautiful and casts the most perfect patterns on the wall.

I am noticing that I am currently drawn to all things light, airy and with a sense of whimsy. I think this light fixtures sums it all up beautifully.

Skate Art

I haven't skateboarded since I was probably 9 years old but I still think skateboards and the whole skate/snowboard lifestyle is pretty cool. Hence the crush on cool artist Haroshi, who repurposes old skateboard decks to make impressive 3D sculptures.

Check out more of his work on http://haroshi.com/artworks/

Valentine's List

Let me start this post by saying that I do not celebrate Valentine's Day. I, like many, think of it as a Hallmark holiday made to sell cheesy cards and boost the florists' annual income. However, it is almost impossible to ignore it and everything that goes with it, even more so with a toddler in the house. Hand made wobbly, sticky cards never looked so good.

Therefore I thought I would put those (many) hours of research on the perfect craft to good use, and add a gift guide for mommy and daddy fit for the occasion.

For Her:

1. Why not spice up the usual gift of sweets with these cheeky (no pun intended) Underwear Cookies by Sugar Lane Bakeshop?

2. Silicone trivet by Le Creuset. It looks like lace and will dress up any table.

3. Want to give and get something back? She'll love this delicious book and you'll love the result even more.

4. Tight on budget? Buy second hand romantic novels and cover them with this sweet DIY solution.

5. Coasters to lighten any girls' tea time. Available on Etsy.

6. Another budget saving gift that will have her melt, a home-made jar of her favorite treats, all wrapped up with a personal note. Great gift from the kids.

7. Heard about "Breakfast at Tiffany's"? So has she. This eye mask will make her feel like Audrey every time. Available on Etsy.

8. Save the jewels for a real occasion. This beautifully whimsical necklace will still get attention. Available at the MoMa Store.

9.  With this gorgeous apron by Akiko Amelia it won't feel like doing the dishes (really it won't).


For Him:

1. Salt & Pepper shakers that say it all. MoMa Store.

2. Outset Leather apron for those sweltering grill moments.

3. Appeal to the kid inside with these Lego cufflinks, which he can build up as he pleases. On Etsy.

4. A thoughtful gift which subtly lets him know he's yours. Although the generic 'boy' & 'girl' tags keep an open mind. Available on Etsy.

5. This adorable paperclip magnet is sleek enough he can pull it off on his desk, but sweet enough he'll think of you every time he clips a document. By Alessi.

6. He won't say but he's thinking it, VS models do (most likely) look hotter than you. Appreciate his honesty and indulge him just this one time by giving him the backstage pictures to every man's fantasy. Might be thankful enough to put it away and come to bed with you instead.

7. You most probably won't be skipping down the street in these Glovers at every occasion. It will, however, be a very special occasion when you do. Available on Etsy.

8. Cushions don't immediately scream 'masculinity', I do believe he will appreciate the simple lines and humor behind these LOVE scrabble cushions. Available on Etsy.

9. Lingerie is so passee. How about body paint lingerie instead? He will not forget what day Valentine's falls on ever again. Check your local listings for body artists in your area.


For Kids:

1. This beautiful butterfly mobile's intricacy makes it so much more grown up than a simple butterfly, which will mean she will cherish it for a lot longer. Available on Etsy.

2. You've heard of chalkboard paint right? I bet you've never seen it in these gorgeous colors before. Any shade your little one desires can be mixed up to brighten up any space. Paint by Hudson Paints.

3. These adorable chalk sticks are a perfect match with the aforementioned paint, plus the message is just too cute to pass up. Available on Etsy.

4. If your kids are into coloring but want to make something more than the usual paper card, these food markers are the perfect gift. Let them go crazy on heart shape cookies to hand out at school. Available at www.cakesupplies40.com

5. This red magnatab will keep kids entertained for a long time, and you don't have to worry about refilling the paper for all those Valentine's messages. By Kid O Distribution.

6. A simple but creative solution to those many Valentine's your kid wants to give every girl in school. All you need is a lollipop and some card, then the sky's the limit.

7. Who says food is only a way to a man's heart? Your kid's heart will be all yours with this play food set by Green Toys. Also available are sandwich, bagels, and many more.

Cool Kid Furniture

The Spanish company BM makes some pretty awesome kid furniture which you don't have to get rid of every time their taste changes with age, or mood swings. They split it into age groups, but to be perfectly honest I would love to sleep in a bunk castle myself.

Baby (0-6 Years)

Kid (6-12 Years)

Junior (12-18 Years)

Youth (18-24 Years)

Paper Cut

This artist profile is unfortunately not of a friend of mine, but of someone I came across in my everyday research of all things cool and fantastic. Jeff Nishinaka is a paper artist, and if you're thinking papier mache or origami, think again. His process is so unique and his final results so clean, pure and beautiful they really stuck with me.

Before all you environmentalists out there get the wrong idea I will say that Jeff only uses recycled paper, vegetable-based inks and recycles as much as he can.

Jeff has worked with Coca-Cola, Penn State and Universal Pictures who used his paper sculptures in their displays.

To see Jeff's process in creating these works of art and to check out his final result for the Lexus launch of their CT Hybrid visit this short interview with Jeff Nishinaka.