Love: Stuart Gardiner Tea Towels

I have discovered so many amazing product lines since I've been over here in the UK, and can't wait to fill you in over the coming weeks. One line that especially caught my eye, were these awesome --and educational-- tea towels from Stuart Gardiner. The seasonal food calendars are especially clever.

Wondering why I would consider the 'drop scones, not bombs' towel, educational? WELL, apparently:

"Drop Scones are a type of small pancake originating from the north. ‘Scone’ is pronounced as per ‘gone’ and not as in ‘cone’. Say it that way and you're quite wrong."

See? You learn something new everyday.

'Lost at Sea' Fiber Arts show in NYC

If you are in New York right now, I highly recommend heading over to Gallery Hanahou to check out the fiber arts "Lost at Sea" show, where the work of some of my favorite fiber artists (including Jessica Marquez of Miniature Rhino, Knitalatte and Lou Lou and Oscar) is on display.

While all of these are beyond gorgeous, I am obsessed with the pieces from Miniature Rhino, which were inspired by sailors' use of the night sky as a guide. The sampler has two layers -- the bottom piece features the constellations, and spins to match a real night sky. So brilliant. You can learn more about the inspiration behind the pieces here.

Some of the amazing pieces below.

Miniature Rhino:

Knitalatte

Lou Lou and Oscar

Want: Fabric Collages from Rachel Castle

Last week, I found myself inexplicably drawn to the room below featured on Design Sponge. I say inexplicably because, while the room is nice enough as is, there wasn't anything there I hadn't seen before. Then I realized it was the incredibly sweet artwork hanging above the bed that drew me in.

I was hooked and had to know more. A tiny bit of research led me to Rachel Castle -- an Australian jack-of-all trades who designs these touching fabric collages in addition to a line of bedding.

I know some people might look at this and say, "I can do that." Well maybe you can, and if you can, you should! Personally though, I'd much rather save up for the artist's original. I don't conceptualize it differently than I do most modern art -- sure I could paint that giant red dot in the middle of a canvas -- but I didn't. That's why the one in museum costs six figures and I wouldn't be able to sell my version for 5 bucks at a low-rent craft fair.

Get to know more about Rachel's art here. And P.S. loved ones -- I would love to see one of Rachel's pieces show up for my birthday! Hint. Hint.

Artist Spotlight: Hillary Webb

Lately I can't get enough of textile artists, and Hillary Webb is certainly one of the most talented I've seen. I love her very contemporary take on this traditional art form. Each piece is naturally dyed and hand-embroidered. Learn more about Hillary and her work here.

First discovered on Canadian House and Home

Retail Love: Loaded Trunk

It's easy to get disenchanted with the "global" look -- how often have we seen traditional crafts practiced over centuries -- amazing works of art you had to buy a plane ticket to get -- turn into mass-produced trends available at any Crate & Barrel?

Yes, the replicas can look pretty, but the specialness is gone. At the same time, there's something to be said for accessibility. That's why I completely adore Loaded Trunk, a wonderful boutique and online shop that purchases beautiful handmade goods from local artisans at a fair price, but saves you the $2000 plane ticket and three-day hike to get to them.

There's a lot to love in this shop, but my favorite things would have to be the magical Mexican bedspreads and the Turkish tinned copper.
(Mexican Bedspreads)

There are also richly dyed Turkish rugs, Indonesian ikat, vibrant Suzani pillows and cool and creepy Indonesian shadow puppets. Shop here.

(Indonesian shadow puppet, Turkish tinned copper, Thai cobra stapler, Yao ceremonial scroll)

Cute Rugs from Urban Outfitters

I am one of the biggest defenders of Urban Outfitters. I am constantly impressed by how far they have come from strictly dorm-room decor, and I constantly find the store stocked with fun, cheap and stylish products, like these affordable but fun rugs. Love the bold graphics, vibrant florals and witty designs...and with prices ranging from $18-68, what's not to love? Buy here.

Inspiration 1.18

Via Country Living UK

Bundle Up Part 3: Cotton Herringbone Throws

How cute are these herringbone throws available at Timothy Paul on 14th Street? So perfect for snuggling on the couch with some hot cocoa and trashy TV. For those of you who don't live in the DC area, I'm pretty sure they are by Sferra and are available at Gracious Home.

H/T Washington Post

Retail Love: HenryRoad.com

Via Martha Stewart Living

The Klassy with a capital K holiday decorations at my local CVS are a sure sign that "the most wonderful time of year" is right around the corner -- and we all know what that means -- tackling the never-ending list of gifts you need to buy for family, friends and the mailman. One of my favorite sources for your fun-loving aunt or your best friend from college are the super-fun textiles and stationery available at HenryRoad.com

You can also buy bolts of fabric, table cloths, simple french candles and totebags. I adore the Koi pond and Rio Samba fabrics.

Love their stationery, notecards and journals as stocking stuffers, like this notecard which could even work as art matted and framed.

And if you're shopping for a gift for a very special someone (or yourself) check out their awesome selection of salvaged and reupholstered furniture.

Bundle Up! (Part 2) Handmade Quilts

The freezing rain in DC this week has got me blanket obsessed (I'm actually writing this on the couch wrapped in a blanket right now), so of course quilts are on my mind. I love that they are a truly American craft, the sweet sentiment of a handmade quilt, and of course, the patterns and lovely graphic punch they bring to a room.

Don't they look so hospitable stacked in a cabinet like this? My favorite types of quilts are either "feels like home" Amish quilts or completely stunning Hawaiian quilts like the ones pictured below:
For Hawaiian quilts, I love these offerings at Emmalani Hawaiian Quilts.
For a more traditional, wintery look, AmishQuilter.com has a solid selection of handmade quilts from Lancaster, Pa.
Finally, I just adore John Robshaw's selection of quilts which feel modern and bohemian at the same time:

Which ever type is your favorite, I hope you stay warm tonight!

Bundle Up! Handmade blankets from Swans Island, Maine

Via This is Glamorous

As winter approaches, I'm constantly consumed by thoughts of all things cozy. Something I would have loved to own is a family heirloom blanket, and while I do have some memories of a plaid blanket stowed in the trunk of my mom's Volvo, it was a polyester blend that probably incorporated naturally-shed squirrel fur, recycled plastic and motor oil. I don't remember anyone ever sitting near, let alone on that blanket.

For those of you who also haven't been lucky enough to inherit your grandma's well-cared for wool blanket, there is still hope. That hope is currently being hand-made in Northern Maine, where they know a thing or two about keeping warm.

Their story from the Web site:

"In the early 1990’s John and Carolyn Grace moved to Swans Island off the coast of Acadia National Park and commenced a small weaving operation using local wool. They had been lawyers in Boston and had finally realized their dream of living close to the land in Maine. They knew that many Maine islands were traditionally sheep islands, and that the wool they produced was used in textile mills that today stand idle or have found new uses. The Graces decided to create wool blankets by hand using time-honored and still-remembered traditions. They found people who raised sheep and learned to make their own dyestuffs, to weave on hand looms, and gradually discovered how to produce beautiful blankets. By 1996 Swans Island Blankets was nationally recognized and won a Smithsonian Blue Ribbon for Craft."

Not surprisingly, these blankets and throws do not come cheap -- with prices in the hundreds they definitely fall into wedding gift territory. If you want to learn more about these heirlooms, check out Katy Elliott's post about her visit to their studio, and if you're interested in buying one locally, Valerianne in Vienna, Va. has several in stock.

Inspiration: Life in Technicolor

Doesn't this home make you feel like you're Dorothy after the house has landed? Even for someone who is as color shy as me, the home of decorator and Etsy seller Tamar seems infinitely joyful. How could you walk into this house and not be happy? Particularly love the abundance of patterns, wildflowers, cozy knits and vintage china.

Check out Tamar's lovely blog Nest Decorating for more of her great style, and (it gets even better) you can actually shop this look on Etsy.