blomma finds

Update from blomma finds

So it has clearly been a LONG time since I have posted on blomma finds.  And no, I am not still in Florida on vacation.  I still spend too many hours scouring the web for Scandinavian inspired trinkets and handmade works of genius.  My obsessions for tea towels, table runners and anything constructed of linen run deeper than ever.  In reality, not much has changed except (like most of you I would imagine) I have become addicted to Pinterest.  It is SO much easier to tell you all about the things I love there... and you can see everything without having to read my drab comments (a copywriter I am not).  So come follow me on Pinterest!  Hope you are all well.

xo

blomma girl

THURSDAY - PAPER - JHILL DESIGN

So I'm off on vacation to sunny Florida... won't be back until Wednesday next week.  Looking forward to the trip SO much and who knows, when I get back I might document my travels with a map print from JHill Design.  Whether it be to Greece, Costa Rica, France, Colorado, Boston, Finland, Scotland, Rhode Island or even Florida, all your adventures can be summarized in one of her beautiful prints.  Take care all and Happy Memorial Day!

WEDNESDAY - KIDS - PICCADILLY CIRCUS DESIGNS

Piccadilly Circus Designs is the Etsy shop of a stay at home, work at home mother of 3.  Okay, I feel incredibly average.  Anyway, she creates these amazing custom t-shirts that are ideal for birthdays or family photos.  Imagine that family reunion this summer with the kids decked out in their own initial t-shirt.  Photo opp like no other.  

TUESDAY - COOK - SWEET HARVEY

 
 
 
Tea towel time again.... thanks to Etsy's front page I rediscovered one of my favorite shops, Sweet Harvey.  Their collection of hand screenprinted tea towels is tops!  The designs are printed on 100% cotton white flour sack towels which are the best for absorbency.  $12.  Lovely.

FRIDAY - WEAR - BOTICCA

Boticca, which is the French Provencal origin of the word boutique, is an online marketplace for unique jewelry and accessories from emerging artists around the world.  The marketplace is curated and edited by a group of designers, fashion experts, editors, bloggers and general design enthusiasts.  Each piece you purchase from Boticca comes to you directly from the artist and you can be sure it is one of a kind.  Manolo, a designer from London, became an instant favorite of mine.  

THURSDAY - GREEN - CONTEXTURE DESIGN

Oh what to do with reclaimed architectural veneer offcuts.... what to do.... Thanks to the clever minds at Contexture Design, they came up with the perfect solution.  Make them into a beautiful bracelet that you can easily slip off your wrist and use as a sleeve for your coffee cup.  Fashionable, practical and very GREEN.  

WEDNESDAY - KIDS - MAPTOTE

Maptote, the creator of the environmentally friendly cotton tote bag hand silkscreened with a map of your favorite city (phew, that's a mouth full), now brings you baby one piece outfits.  Yes, they are adorable.  They don't have every city but if you know a baby in Paris, LA, NYC, San Francisco, Miami or Portland, you are in luck... or your baby is in luck.  Made from 100% organic cotton, $25.  

TUESDAY - COOK - ASA SELECTION

The German company ASA Selection has the most appealing set of cups on the market.  White ceramic on the inside with a powder coat matte finish on the outside in the most scrumptious colors.  They are ideal for hot or cold food or beverages... so serve up gelato, cappuccino, ice cream, espresso, sorbet etc...  They also sell sets of ice cream spoons or cappuccino spoons to accompany your cups. This just screams summertime.  

MONDAY - HOME - GLEENA

Gleena, meaning clay is Russian, is the shop of Asya Palatov.  All of her tableware pieces are porcelain and handmade in her studio in Rhode Island. Her work is influenced by her Russian upbringing in St. Petersburg and her graphic design experiences.  Absolutely exquisite.  

SUNDAY - INDIE - SWANKY SWELL

Feeling crafty?  Got an old chair you want to refurbish or a tired pillow that is in desperate need of new cover?  Look no further than the San Francisco based interior designer/textile designer Nina Jizhar to kick start your project.  Her Etsy shop Swanky Swell features her hand screenprinted fabrics in very modern, organic shapes and patterns.  Let her creativity set you off on a course of upholstery inspiration!

SATURDAY - PAPER - BHLDN

As if the launch of Anthropologie's bridal line wasn't enough, now they have added decor to the BHLDN collection.  They now have tabletop items, stationery, keepsakes and wonderful decorations like paper garlands, paper pom poms, paper twine, paper fans and so much more.  Decorations are offered in multiple colorwyas to suit any wedding from jewel tones to elegant white.  Nicely done BHLDN.

FRIDAY - HAPPY

Thought I would take a break from commerce and online shopping to focus on one of my favorite things of Spring... lilacs.  Thanks to warm weather and rain there has been an explosion of color in the garden.  I snagged these Thursday night after mowing the lawn (albeit cursing my temperamental mower) and put them on my dining room table.  Nothing like fresh cut lilacs to bring a smile (and to make me forget about the darn lawn mower).  It's the little things....  

THURSDAY - GREEN - REBINDER

Perhaps I'm a dork for finding office supplies exciting.  I blame the Trapper Keeper for the birth of that obsession... but I think your head will turn when you take a gander at these eco-friendly office products from ReBinder.  All their products are made from FSC or SFI certified sources and assembled by a local, AbilityOne certified disabled workforce. They are practical, no frills darn good office products.  And they have a quote on their site from an art director at Anthropologie who uses the rebinder and then adds fabric, silkscreens and even sews them.  See, told you they were cool. 

WEDNESDAY - PETS - SILLY BUDDY

Next special occasion, Bondo (my black lab) will  be sporting a bow tie from Silly Buddy.  I love this Etsy shop.  Based right here out of Chicago, IL, Silly Buddy is all about spoiling your dog with the finest collars and leashes.  The patterns are perfect and with a model like Buddy, how can you resist?

TUESDAY - COOK - BIG CHILL

Looking to add a little pizazz or retro flair to your kitchen, then Big Chill should be added to your sourcebook.  The company was founded in 2001 in Colorado by two guys who wanted to bring the 50's back to the kitchen. You can get refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and mini fridges in an assortment of fun colors (they also have white and black).  They might cost more than the standard Whirlpool but no fridge can come close to bringing this kind of color to your kitchen.  Their kitchen gallery provides more than enough inspiration.

MONDAY - HOME - MATTER

I've been looking at the Keil Stool designed by Daniel Heer for awhile now.  The stool is constructed of European Oak or Black Walnut and leather which is tanned in pits using a method that dates back to the 17th century.  No glue or nails were used in it's assembly.  A very functional yet elegant piece....available at Matter.  The price is beyond my budget ($2,500... yikes) but window shopping is free.  

SUNDAY - INDIE - STUDIOPATRO

It's been a few weeks since I posted about tea towels....I'll never let that happen again!  STUDIOPATRO is a new Etsy shop out of San Francisco that sells hand printed tea towels, totes and pillow covers.  The patterns are simple and the colors are clean and refreshing.  I love how they describe why they love tea towels... "the kitchen towel can become a special token and still remain its humble and hard-working self."  Well said.  Well said.

A special HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY wish to all you moms out there!  You are all very lucky to be moms and your children are equally lucky to have you.  

 

SATURDAY - OUTDOOR - A+R

The outdoor category is back!!!  The railing/balcony planter from Greenbo is the pretty thing to kick off spring planting season.  These planters, which are designed in Israel and made in Europe, are constructed of polypropylene which provides instant protection from sun and weather.  They lip on to most railings and can bring a little bit of country gardening to the urban dweller.  $28 at A+R (available in 7 colors).  

THURSDAY - GREEN - NAPA STYLE

Napa Style is known for their kitchenware and gourmet pantry supplies but you might not know that they have a pretty interesting selection of repurposed and reclaimed lighting. They have pendant lights made from old chicken feeders, burlap coffee sacks and antique key plates.  A conversation piece for sure.

WEDNESDAY - KIDS - LAYLA GRACE

Who knew that Oopsy Daisy made lamps!?  I love these... Layla Grace has about 12 different designs to choose from.  The gumball shaped ceramic vase is paired with a colorful lampshade and a coordinating pull chain.  The final piece to bring your kids' room to a vision of accessorized perfection.  Save your pennies though because they cost $138.

TUESDAY - COOK - CRATE AND BARREL

Since 1966 Crate and Barrel has always had a partnership with the Finnish design house of Marimekko.  But just last week, Crate and Barrel launched an online Marimekko shop full of pillows, kitchenware, bedding, bath accessories, bags, furniture, clothing and other accessories.  The kitchenware collection is by far the best including dinnerware, serving ware, teapots, tea towels, table linens and even paper napkins.  If you happen to live in New York City, their Broadway and Madison Ave stores have their very own Marimekko shop.

MONDAY - HOME - LINOTO

I have always been a huge fan of linen and someday I hope to have a linen duvet cover.  Linoto makes their duvet covers right here in the USA (NYC to be exact) from 100% imported linen.  A linen duvet cover is always crisp, cool, soft and dry and they wash up in less time than average cotton bedding.  Linoto has about 30 different prints and solid colors to choose from (from $290).  Every single review of this product is 5 stars.  Can't go wrong!

FRIDAY - WEAR - HATS

I would be remiss to ignore the nuptials of Kate and William... I just saw them kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace and I have to admit, I got a little teary.  Needless to say, they are probably too busy today to be reading my blog (I forgive them).  In honor of their special day, here's a montage of hats!  And I'm taking the weekend off so see you Monday!

Top - Red Dragonfly AKA TOMBO on Etsy

Middle - Justine Bradley Hill on Etsy

Bottom - Pixel And Hank on Etsy

THURSDAY - GREEN - ANANSE VILLAGE

My jaw hit the floor when I saw these baskets and read that they are made from old telephone wire by women in South Africa.  Amazing.  Ananse Village sells these gorgeous baskets among other fair trade treasures. They work directly with artisans and craftsmen in various communities in Africa, ensuring that a fair trade environment is in place.  A portion of the profits goes back to these same communities to provide medical care and education.

WEDNESDAY - KIDS - STUDIO 1 AM

Handmade right here in Chicago is the Measure Me Stick by Studio 1 am.  Made from bamboo and non toxic inks this giant version of an old school measuring tape is the perfect way to plot your child's growth.  Interesting enough that you don't need to hide it behind a door but place it front and center in the family room.  Studio 1 am has a special place in my heart as their cork cuff was one of my first blog posts.... memories....

TUESDAY - COOK - GENERATE

I was browsing the site Generate (you must check it out) and came across this.... the Tate Otama by designer Mikiya Kobayashi.  Tate Otama means "standing ladle" in Japanese and that is exactly what this is.  Pure genius.  The ladle always ends up rolling around the counter top spreading broth or pasta sauce in its wake.  This is the best solution and at $25 it's worth every penny.  

MONDAY - HOME - FILIGREE CREATIONS

Filigree Creations is an Etsy shop out of Latvia that makes these amazing lampshades.  The shades are constructed of sewing thread and non toxic water based glue.  They can fit on pretty much all sorts of pendant lamp bases but they do require energy saving low heat bulbs.  Perfect way to add some pop to a living, bedroom, studio or office.  Choose a lighter shade for the brightest light.  Prices are fair at about $40.

SATURDAY - PAPER - KRISTINA MARIE

The confetti garland from Kristina Marie's Etsy shop is a great find, if I may say so.  Paper garlands have endless uses.... I have some hanging from my curtain rods right now left over from a birthday party.  They were just too pretty to take down.  Her garlands are 10 feet in length and are available in vintage papers, confetti, or paper circles and flag shapes.  Prices range from $24-$32.  

Taking tomorrow off so HAPPY EASTER everyone!

FRIDAY - WEAR - GINGHAM

My obsession with gingham has gotten a little out of control.  I am now on a never ending hunt for the best gingham shirts for men.  Some of them are pricey, some are reasonable ... but they are all beautiful.  

In order shown...

Alexander West - $105-$195

Gitman Bros Vintage Japanese Organics - Check site for stockists

Thomas Dean/Lochlane - $79.50

 

THURSDAY - GREEN - ECO CHIC

If you live in Australia, you're in luck.  If not, you can at least browse through the Eco Chic, the best eco-friendly furniture and housewares site I have seen in a long time.  Every single one of their products falls into one of the following green categories: 1) Made from renewable resources, 2) made from recycled and recyclable materials, 3) made from non-toxic and non allergenic materials, 4) made in Australia, 5) fair trade certified or 6) GECA certified.  Wish they were local....

WEDNESDAY - PETS - MODKAT

I do not have a cat so the whole litter box thing is a mystery to me.  I do know, however, that they are entirely necessary and most often they are pretty hideous and stinky.  If I owned a cat I think I would opt for the ModKat litter box.  It compliments any decor and the rooftop access to the enclosed litter box area allows privacy for those cats that don't want to perform in front of the world (can you blame them?).  There is a reusable liner that makes cleaning it a breeze and it's friendly for the environment.  Costs $180 but isn't your cat worth it?