Last year, I was so touched by the gifts the kids chose for me. There were so perfect – so them, so me. This year, their presents were no less delightful and spot on. I love the unexpected theme of black birds, one from each kid. The framed one was drawn by Solvi while at “Gramma Bird’s” house. The felt crow was Oliver’s rather serendipitous choice. (Since Solvi’s bird arrived already wrapped, Olie could not have seen it.) The lavender heart sachet is mate to one I gave Solvi a year ago. She chose it also because I had another sachet that was scorched when it landed on top of a light bulb. (A victim of the kid’s pillow fight.)

Other gifts from Chad, my family “Secret Santa,” and the Remodelista Gang also reveal a consistent theme: one of texture, story, and the celebration of the every day.

When she picked the heart, Solvi did not know that it had another special layer. It was made for Pod by my friend, Jill.

Other gifts included: a vintage, indigo tote from ABR Hardware, pasta bowls by Nancy Bauch,
napkins by Auntie Oti, and a handmade, horse hair brush from Sweden.

Feeling blessed.

I love serendipitous moments – that sensation of both power and comfort that comes from the feeling that we are all connected. Not loose, adrift, but tethered by a universal bond. It seems to me that if we all paid more attention to these moments, we might be a little more generous towards those with whom we share this earth: person, plants, or beast. (But now, perhaps, I’m getting too lofty…)

This weekend, I was delighted by a surprise gift from Xenia: a beautiful bird mobile by Aline of Lonely Bird and card by Anna of Lila Ruby King. Though Xenia and I have never met in person, I know through her imagery that she is one of those truly open souls. One who perceives the beauty around her. And who considers it a gift to be shared.

My son Oliver is also one such person. Yesterday we were graced by the presence of another little red bird when a cardinal perched on the apple tree in the neighbors’ yard. I ran for my camera, but by the time I had switched to my zoom lens, our scarlet friend had abandoned his lofty perch. “Darn. I missed it.” I said. “Don’t worry, Mama,” Oliver soothed as he watched the bird land, “he’s just as beautiful against the snow.”

And thus it was that I received several little parcels this weekend. (And not even Christmas yet!) The gift of friendship from across the globe, the gift of creation from yet another inspired artist, the gift of Nature in all her glory, and the gift of a son who, at times, is even more sage than his Mama.

Beautiful! Thank you, Xenia. You can see more from Lonely Bird here.

Our little red friend against the snow.

more beautiful work from Lila Ruby King – a “Birds We Lost” matching game

chickadee cloth by Lila Ruby King

gift tags

“Birds We Lost” coloring book

I have to say, I never fail to open emails from Heidi Swanson announcing the latest from her intimate shop, Quitokeeto. Even if there is nothing new, I sometimes just like to lose myself in the serene images of her pristine, marbled kitchen.

But currently, it’s her collection of knives that has me pining for a little more discretionary income. By Coltellerie Berti from Italy and Pallarès Solsona of Spain, these elegant slicers are beautifully balanced and lithe. I especially love the warm bone and wooden handles. A soft touch against the hard steel.

Pallarès Solsona pocket knife (hand made, carbon steel blade with naturally shed deer antler handle)

Coltellerie Berti Chef’s knife (hand made, stainless steel with lucite handle)

Pallarès Solsona kitchen knife (hand fashioned, carbon steel blade with boxwood handle)

Pallarès Solsona cleaver (hand made, carbon steel blade with boxwood handle)

faded denim WWII laundry bag

Indigo is always good for fall, I think. Today I’ve been admiring these denim military bags from A Beautiful Revolution.

stenciled denim WWII laundry bag

denim WWII laundry bag

denim WWII laundry bag with yellow print

Not denim, but still fabulous…

vintage tartan bag

1940’s canvas duffle

I have to say getting back-to-school is a soul-sucking experience. Gone are the organic, free-form days of summer. Now I’m ruled by schedules, and meetings, and all that paperwork!

Which may be why I find myself seeking refuge this week in the calm kitchenware of Speciality Dry Goods (Monday) and Mr. and Mrs. P. (today). Ahhhhh.

The “pet project” of designer and writer team, Evan and Paola Parsons, Mr. and Mrs. P. was conceived over coffee one lazy Sunday morning. (No wonder it’s so cozy and quiet.) The results are a very personal and “honest” space, reflecting the couple’s passion for sustainable style. Most of the select goods are local or handmade. All are immediately appealing: simple, tactile, warm and utterly soothing.

a chambray cotton napkin, hand-dipped in sunset pink

napkins are also available in grey and pale sea

Made from sustainable, compressed bamboo, this entire line of textured bowls and colanders is 100% biodegradable.

There is something quite alluring about the humble potholder. Often staying in the background, these useful kitchen textiles quietly preform their feats of daring, quite content to let those brash table linens take all the glory. Which is why it’s so special when one of these little workers takes the time to dress up a bit, like Cinderella going to the ball. But nothing too fancy or above their station. These proletariats are proud of their utilitarian nature. Just an extra stitch to give them some texture, or a beautiful weave that complements their tactile duties. And perhaps the boldest of these demure mitts may even don a dashing loop, as if to say, “Excuse me, but have you noticed that I might just be pretty enough to be kept out of the drawer?”

Above: Canvas potholder as mini work of art. Designer Edie Kahula Pereira of Specialty Dry Goods hand embroiders her simple, yet textured potholders from 100% natural, recycled US goods.

Above and below: Specialty Dry Goods pot holders in denim.

Above: Another maker of an understatedly lovely pot holder is Japanese designer Miyako Tsuchiya. Hand sewn from a tactile cotton, linen blend these mitts are available through Everyday Needs.

Above: Specialty Dry Goods pot holders are also available at General Store and through Alder & Co.

Also on Remodelista today is an article I wrote about Father Rabbit Limited‘s new storefront. I have long been an admirer of Claudia Zinzan and Nick Hutchinson’s online shop, which supplies simply sublime goods for the home. And I have to say, their new store, which benefits from the Claudia’s design talents, is every bit as inspiring. Housed in a weatherboard split villa in Auckland, the new shop features a showroom-style layout, so it’s as much a design tour as a shopping experience. Read more about it on Remodelista today.

I’ve also included a couple shots of a recent event for Juliette Hogan styled by Father Rabbit, because they are simply breathtaking.

Breakfast for Juliette Hogan. You can shop this collection at Father Rabbit Limited.

Discovered via Kickcan and Conkers, the serene space of the Madrid-based design concept store, Do Design, is calling to me from across the water. An integrated design space, the store features an ever-changing array of goods and exhibits in the areas of fashion, art, and design. A total immersion in design, there is even a cafe and areas for collaborative experiments.

Looking at a place like Do Design — a soaring loft of light filled with beauty, where even in photos the energy is palpable, I am reminded of just how powerful design can be. It is not trivial, it is essential to who we are. Our very ability to create art to improve our surroundings so that they inspire us to something beyond base survival, this is what marks us apart from the animal kingdom. It is culture. It is intrinsic to our nature.

Remember Aussie Kara Rosenlund’s 1956 Franklin Caravan that I featured last week? Well here it is again – this time shown in action, for a piece that Kara and I prepared for Remodelista. Once again, Kara’s “eye” for vintage Brocante, as well as her styling, are truly inspired.

How I wish this caravan could sprout wings and fly over to some flea markets here. But for now I’ll have to content myself with browsing through Travelling Wares’ online shop.

For more, see Remodelista.

All photography by Kara Rosenlund.

It’s been a while since I made an Etsy treasury. But tonight, as I was browsing for gifts for my husband, I got a little carried away by all the great things for the rugged, stylish man. In case you have one in your life, I thought I’d share.