Indie Arts Market: A Special Preview

Indie Arts Market is debuting tomorrow! Like most craft fairs, the Indie Arts Market is your chance to see (and buy up) all the fab goods that keep local artists and crafters busy past their 9 to 5's. The only hitch is that this market is running kamikaze-style, with only four quick hours to shop your indie hearts out. Should you choose to support this crafty mission, here are the details:

Saturday, May 31st, 11am - 3pm
Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport, Chicago, IL
Contact: indieartsmarket@gmail.com

And now for a sneak peek:

NEW DESIGN!: Bow Tee, by Alison Rose

Longtime Midwestern favorite, Alison Rose, is coming on strong with a new one-of-a-kind T-shirt design. They'll set up shop with a huge selection of the Bow Shirts (and Bow Tote Bags!), their classic Cut-Out tees, screened totes, and newly-conceived Art Cards.

Felted Bowls by Jelly Knits

Jelly Knits is on top of her game with her felted wool bowls. Just in time for summer, she's packing the table with brilliant colors and even a few fun-loving stripes. Other not-just-for-winter knits include eco-happy grocery totes and petal-shaped washcloths.

Lusty Switchplate Cover by Love Lights

I'm also getting in the game with my recycled Love Lights. Just a note of warning, I'm feeling this process/product going in a new direction so this may be one of the last times you can get your hands on these sexy beasts. But no pressure...just come out and have a fun time.

To check out some of the other vendors on the scene, visit the Indie Arts Market website. If you drop by, come say HI! I'll be wearing a purple Alison Rose Cut-Out tee that is such a perfect match for me that it basically leapt straight from the box onto my body. You'll see what I'm talking about when you find yours.

Bonus Bone: Ribbon Bottle Opener

Ribbon Bottle Opener, at Generate, $27

I have a bottle opener so I do not need this but - hubba hubba - does the art lover within me ever yearn for it. I can honestly say that I have never seen a prettier or more elegant beer opener in my life. I feel almost silly typing those words in combination: "art lover," "more elegant," "Heiniken," etc. Yet this small piece of steel shows me that even the small act of opening a bottle can be inexpensively elevated.

Ribbon Bottle Opener in action, at Elsewares, $25

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

A Perfect Game

Knock-Off Lamp, at shopFosters

The Knock-Off Lamp is a clever idea. When standing, the 15" plastic bowling pin glows from within. When the lamp is tipped over, the light goes out. I'm not sure how it all works but I do think it offers a zany variation on table lighting. Designer Josh Owen (for Kikkerland) acknowledges my confusion yet delight and labels the concept "Supriseutility." Indeed.

6 & 7

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: right, Porcelain; left

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

A Friendly Shot

Drinkware, at Crate & Barrel

If someone wanted to discuss this jumble of "Best Buy" stemware from Crate & Barrel, I would say that I approve of the globe glass on the right and the conversation might then be over. All of the other glasses, I feel, are either too blah or presumptuous and silly. Yet they do remind me of my good friend, Sue O., whom I can always rely upon when my life becomes "crap."

Here's to you, Sue. Enjoy a drink on me.

Weekend Flings

• Blue Lotus Has a Ton More Beauties (seen above)
• Wary Meyers Wedding
• Honest R&B
• Chianti Kitchen
• Ha, Truth!
• What's Your Laundry Horror?
• We Wish We Could Join Mike's Ballet Class
• Daydream or Nightmare?
• "...John Cusack in Say Anything...although on top of some hill...and without a boombox."

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: LAX headboard and platform bed

MASH Studios LAX wall mounted headboard and platform bed, at Design Public

The LAX bed and headboard fall right into my perfect bed category: simple, modern, and a little bit rustic (i.e. made of wood). The bed has the clean lines that I love and the wood grain of the walnut is just lovely and warm. The headboard is sleek and very handy with concealed storage. Perfect for keeping those, ahem, special tools and accessories hidden, but very close by when you need them.

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Nice Rack

Sweater Drying Rack, $8

I know I was just talking to someone about drying racks...I can't remember who that person was but I do remember she was looking for and not finding a decent sweater drying rack.

Hey, whoever you are, here is one from The Container Store! Let me know if you want me to pick one up for you next time I'm out buying ginkgo biloba.

The house from Nightmare on Elm Street

The cover of Living Etc.'s May issue featured the gorgeous home of former model/actress Angie Hill. I fell in love with the curved archways (inspired by Ugly Betty's Mode set), beautiful white interior, and the gorgeous pool. It also turns out that this was the house featured in Nightmare on Elm Street. The article included a link to Angie's Picasa albums, which had some amazingly awful before, crazy ripped-to-the-studs mid-renovation, and beautiful serene-after photos. I've snagged a few choice before and afters, but check out more of the before, middle, and after albums.


House BEFORE: Very appropriately moody looking photo

Shed BEFORE: What the hang happened here?!!

Living Room BEFORE: There's so much crap in this room. I feel really sorry for those windows!!!

Living room AFTER: Aaaaaah!! Much better!!!

Kitchen BEFORE: Dark, dingy and just sad.

Kitchen AFTER: Cover shot! Light, airy, modern, hip, and totally freakin' sweet!

Pool BEFORE: Ew! Just ew!!

Pool AFTER: SPLASH!!! (Sound of Porcelain cannonballing into the pool.)

From Neck to Knock

Gold Plated "Sex" Necklace, at SassyAngel

Wanted:
DIY instructions on how to turn this demure necklace into a front door knocker.

Use Your Words: Cindy Crawford on Kid Design

"A race-car bed is nice and the kids want it, but I don't want it in my house. Hopefully, my child won't be going to therapy because I never got him a race-car bed."

-Cindy Crawford, RedEye

Photo credit: Rooms to Go

6 & 7

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

The Human Calendar

• Not Sure, the 29th Looks a Little Sketchy... (seen above)
• Zwello Shopping = Trends for Life
• Condo Owners: An Unhappy Lot
• The Rainbow LQ at Nick's
• "Get Yourself a Round One!"
• I Can't Believe (Most) People Liked This...
• Ha ha ha ha...Eww
• Step One: Scrape Off the Bird Poop
• Stop It!

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: Apartment Therapy Wrap Parties

(l.-r.) Porcelain, Steve, AT editor SarahC, Cardboard

Last night Porcelain & I attended the Apartment Therapy Small Cool wrap party. AT is a part of our daily lives: we read the blog, I write for the blog, and we always seem to be talking about the blog. It's a integral design reference, glossary, forum, and influence but it's still just a blank space on the interwebs. All the living and breathing (ie: the stuff your computer can't do) is what makes the event parties so special.

We, as real people, have the chance to mingle and chat, finally matching faces with usernames and home tours. We also get to high-five our design pals and encounter new someones to add to that list (Hi David! Hi Justin!).

The best part, though, is being in the same room with the people behind the design we love. And listening to Maxwell, the man who started this AT madness, speak of healthy homes is as powerful as hiring your own house coach. I always leave these shindigs inspired, motivated to go home and do something more than watch TV and complain about cat hair.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Photo credit: Janel

This is Rad - pt. 2

Lucellino Table Lamp, by Ingo Maurer, $705, at Moss

It turns on/dims by squeezing the bulb and those are real goose feathers!

The part of me that wants a Pegasus (so bad!) loves the fantasy and grace of this lamp. This is not the same section of ego that balances the checkbook and other such practical things.

This is Rad - pt. 1

Black bar glasses, at Perpetual Kid

Perfect for a certain band we know and love!

(P.S. Thanks Bree for hipping us into this store.)

The Letterpress in My Brain

You know how when you have something really tough to tell someone and you have no idea how to say it...

You think about calling them but then you wouldn't be able to read their body language. Or you draft a few emails but emoticons, although handy for quick notes, are truly anti-emotional - mocking, even.

Though it may seem an impossible design, I fully believe in face-to-face. You're going to think that you'll never live through it (you will) or that you might throw up (hope you don't). But when it's done and all is said, you will feel better for being a grown-up.

If you chicken out though - if you just can't do it - keep things at least somewhat personal. Get out your pen and find the perfect card:

Some Things Just Suck, by letterarypress, $4 on Etsy

Beautiful storage

Under-sink storage, via Living Etc.

This is quite possibly the most chic under-sink storage I have ever seen. Neat, tidy, no garish packaging or labels, and right at your fingertips.

6 & 7

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

ANTM Cycle 7.5 or The Epitome of Gimage *

• You Google ANTM & See What You Find (seen above)
• Necessities for Your Next Mexican-Themed "Beer Company Holiday"
• I Have the Biggest Crush on Dave Parks
• Patio Cute
• Cherries Instead of Raisins = Yes, Please!
• A Nearly-New Kitchen (for Under $100)
• Awww, Catties...
• The Droog Strap is an Excellent Name for a Band
• "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on LSD"

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

* Gimage = Image found when stated phrase searched in Google

Bonus Bone: Bio-Degradeable Indoor Gardens

Japanese Maple, at Delight

I love Japanese Maples but those beauties can be expensive. So the next best thing is growing one from seed in a small pot. Maybe by the time we get a house, it will be big enough to plant outside.

Oh, and this would also make a lovely Mother's Day gift which (psst) is this Sunday.

For these reasons, I, Porcelain, declare this a Design Boner.

Yumbrella: Love It Despite the Name

Yumbrellas, at Design My World

The name may be rather silly but the Yumbrella Fruit Bowl is 100% sweet. I just love it - can't really elaborate anymore than that. I can tell you that I prefer the fuchsia color in the back there...or the white. Either one would be perfect in my Miami Vice themed kitchen.

A Day of Celebration!

"Works everytime..."

Today is the day when Porcelain & Hardwood celebrate 3+ years of steamy, cuddly, sexy, goofy, I-put-you-first-no-matter-what kind of love. Through my observations, I've come to see that their relationship is a romantic role model. If I didn't love them both so much, I'd want to punch them in the face. Happy anniversary, you jerks.

But what does all that have to do with a 40 oz?

Today also happens to be the birthday of a new friend of ours. The hot mess pictured above is our heartfelt gift to our new pally. We met him in dance class and, because he glides so effortlessly across the floor during the Tango (and probably picks up dust along the way), we've decided to codename him Swiffer. Happy Birthday, Swiff!

Happy Anniversary Hardwood!

Maxim's tip plate

Today is my 3rd wedding anniversary. Over the weekend Hardwood and I were killing a little time and popped into Edgewater Antique Mall to browse a little bit. Just before we were about to leave we spotted this little tip plate from Maxim's. What a happy accident! Hardwood and I had our wedding at the Maxim's in Chicago (an exact reproduction of the Paris location). We felt it was fate and bought it. We were giddy for the rest of the day.

Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart! I love you more each passing day!!!

Water Hyacinth Pillows at West Elm

Water Hyacinth Pillows, at West Elm

Gotta love that texture. I really like the natural, woven look of these pillows and I'm already using them (in my head) to decorate my imaginary outdoor oasis. Yet I wonder about their comfort level (too scratchy?) and I worry about mixing them with a glass of wine and pantyhose.

Your thoughts?

6 & 7

Here are our weekend photos. Visit flickr to see the entire 6 & 7 collection.

Cardboard: left, Porcelain: right

Original inspiration by Stephanie & Mav at 3191

Weekend Flings

• Tiny!
• "I like it when the log is at the head of the parade." (seen above)
• Epoxy!
• Nothing Cuter than a Pug in a Rug
• Hex!
• There Goes Science...Being Amazing Again
• Closets!
• A Pot Smoker's Thesaurus

If you're new around here and have no idea what this list means, click HERE for a brief and witty explanation.

Bonus Bone: "Set Piece"

Looks like a nice chair, yes? Clean, modern, a little basic, maybe, but probably well-made and expensive. This is exactly what artist and designer Peter Andersson wants you think but let's admire it from all angles, shall we?

Oh?

Hey!

Brilliant!

Generally, I've always felt that artwork that pushes me off center and pulls out a smile, a sneer, tears, or any other kind of reaction I didn't expect, is good work. Peter Andersson's "Set Piece" made me catch my breath, grin, and then nod a lot (while still grinning). So, yes, good work.

Specifically, this conceptual piece speaks to me because it also represents what we do, collectively, as design bloggers. We publish the perfect micro-moment from our homes, knowing that it's styled and looks just so. As readers, you never see the mess we moved out of the way to get that shot. I think the jumble and chaos is beautiful in its own way (as are the wispy dustbunnies and pile of unopened mail) but these are the details uncelebrated.

With "Set Piece," Peter Andersson is letting it all hang out and challenging what we think is beautiful. Do we only value the glossy end-result or is the visible strength and construction of the piece more interesting? I say that it's both. Sure, I'll enjoy the aesthetics and serenity of the completed piece (or room or recipe or hair-do or home) but I'll appreciate it more if I can see its guts.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Photo credit: Yanko Design

Kiva: Good for the Soul

Want to do something good? Pay attention...

Kiva is a really great idea. It's "...the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world." Basically, how it works is that YOU loan some money to someone in a developing country who needs a little help. Some people want to start a business, while other needs to fix their home or car. Once their loan has been completely fulfilled, they are obligated to start paying it back. In theory, you will get your money back so you can either collect it or sink it back into another worthy participant.

My sister, Bamboo, gave me a $25 gift certificate to Kiva for Christmas. I just now found my perfect family. I loaned my money to the Hernandez Garcias (seen above). They are requesting funds to simply make their home more livable and secure. It might be awhile before they receive their total requested amount but when they do, Kiva will email me with updates and their repayment schedule. And, you better believe, my meager $25 will go right back into the system.

So if you're like me and always searching for a way to reach out, look into Kiva.