Ransacked Goods

Mini Maker Faire

We  braved the terrible weather over the weekend to make it to the East Bay 2010 Mini Maker Faire in Oakland. Build your own rockets, fire breathing sculptures, a lego jeep, sunflower oil pressing, gadgets galore.... good times. I love the fact that more people have been inspired to put on their own mini version of Make:'s larger faire. This really felt like it was about our community and celebrating curiosity at any age.

iPhones for Toddlers - NYTimes.com

via www.nytimes.com

Great article from the NY Times about kids and cell phones. Did you know there is a potty app, seriously? I shuddered.

Fox Pillow

This is when I wish I was an illustrator. These darling clementine pillows are so adorable. The fox seems to have taken over the owl and the hedgehog as the new cute animal to beat.

Challah Time

Cooler days around here means time for more baking. I'm pretty proud of the way my first challah bread turned out, squishy white bread goodness. This is the Chickpea's favorite especially with what she calls "puppy seeds" on top. Funny how this bread always reminds me of this t-shirt a NY friend used to wear and gives me a chuckle. I love it when a simple food becomes intertwined with memories of a single individual. Smell it, pass it in the store, read it on a menu and who ever they are flash for a moment in your mind.

Rhubarb, blackberries, lasagne, beets, milk toast, Corn Pops, ox tail, salmon dip.... 8 foods, 8 people.

 

 

Boobie Beanie by SarasStitches on Etsy

via www.etsy.com

Okay, I think only a nursing mama will get as much of a kick out of this as I do. This for all the folks who wont look you in the eyes when you're nursing, or dare I say nursing in public. And I love that the seller will customize one for your skin tone and nipple color.

tamar on Etsy

via www.etsy.com

This is one of the sweetest etsy shops I have seen in a long time. Ah, just darling.

Grandfather's WW2 Satchel (the redux)

 

Awhile back two things happened at the same time.... I was cleaning out some cupboards in the garage and found my grandfathers WW2 satchel which I had briefly used in college. Obviously it had been through a lot and I was contemplating keeping it or not since I'm trying my best to carefully consider family keepsakes that are not in use. Realistically, I wasn't going to bring it out to use again but what a connection to a man I've never met. The next day.... I was flipping through Real Simple when I noticed some lovely bags by forestbound. All of Alice Saunders utilitarian bags are created using found and salvaged material, primarily from WW2. Check out her design sponge interview here. I contacted her through her etsy shop after checking out some of the past beautiful bags she had created. And although she wasn't taking custom orders she said she would recreate the bag for me, so off it went to NY.

I'll now proudly be carrying this revitalized leather bottomed tote around town. I love that she was able to keep my grandfather's name and rank which were important to me. The rest is made from the deconstructed bag with the addition of the classic blue ticking. She even made a little pouch from some of the left over material. Check out the before and after photos on her blog.

So here's to reaching out for inspiration and collaboration, the results can be impressive. And here's to giving new life to old things instead of hiding them away.

Family Portrait Pillow

via www.garnethill.com

I'm always into personalized things, jewelry, bags, prints - it makes them, well you know, more personal. This pillow with sweet embroidery of your family members is a winner in my book. What a great gift for a family too.

Apple's Quilt

 
I don't think I ever posted a picture of how the quilt for my new baby girl turned out. This is how far I got before she was born. And as you can see she's a whole 3 months old now. All that is to be done is the binding but I can't seem to find the right fabric. There is a lovely big red polka-dot print on the back but nothing seems to fit with it. Ah, it's a good excuse to shop for fabric but I'll be happy when it's done and I can tuck her up properly in it. The quilting job sucks but it's all from Mommy's heart and that's what matters most.

Rug Shopping

via Anthropologie

We're in the market for a new carpet in our living room. And can I say that I can spend all day looking at carpets. So many styles to choose from and each has a character that completely impacts a room. What I love doing is cruising ebay for their antique Persian and Turkish carpets. There are some great deals to be had there if you're willing to buy from a photo. Most of them have dark red tones but I'm looking for something a little lighter this time around: golds, blues and greens. And a more modern or primitive pattern, not too ornate. We'll see what I find, then see what the husband and I can agree on.

via Garnet Hill

via Restoration Hardware

via Layla Grayce

Lollipop Pottery

via www.lollipoppottery.com

While on a morning walk which included window shopping today, I spotted an item that will be going on my birthday wish list (wait a minute I don't have one of those). The most adorable set of little cups from Lollipop Pottery.Perfect side for my morning espresso. I'm a big fan of pottery with hand painted illustrations, each one unique, so pretty.