small and mighty

This morning in the shower {which coincidentally is where my A.D.D. subsides a little and I think straight}, I realized that I am drawn to all things "little"... I like little collections of things, little art, little trinkets... sometimes it's the little things that really make the biggest impact.  It's also that stage in the design process that is SO hard to get to with a client, but is soooo important... the little things in a home - can totally wreck it - or - totally make it.   

Wren Handmade is one of my favorite artists.  Laura Normandin is the artist behind Wren... her blog is so inspiring... one of my favorites!  She recently posted that 1st image originally posted by the folks Purl Soho - if you are like me (I know Arre is because I just pawned a ton of my excess fabric off on her!) you have scraps of fabric laying around that you love and just can't part with... those "hoop portraits" above featuring Liberty Fabrics - just do my heart good.  Laura's painted bottles... I want a collection for my window sill in the kitchen.  And the green elephant, I wish he was on my desk.

On the same topic of - thoughts in the  shower - this was another one: the beloved Christmas stocking.  I've decided this year that I'm going to make new stockings- stay tuned - I'll feature photos when I finish.  I have a couple that I've used for awhile and every year I think "I hate these why do I still have them?".  They have sequins on them (they are rather atrocious)... I could vomit thinking about them really... ANYWAY, I'm thinking this is the year to make the stockings I've always wanted.  My thought process then went from that to... what's inside the stocking.  Again, affirmation that I do love small things.  I'd really be happy if Christmas gift giving was just about the stocking... and what's inside (and to be completely honest in addition to the stocking a few good books off my amazon wishlist wouldn't be bad either).  I've got a few practical gift ideas I think are fun stocking stuffers (I'd be glad if they were in my stocking anyway)... in addition to the the precious Wren elephant above.

For your bod':

Essie "Real Simple" 566.  Great color on everyone!

eyebobs - your eyes will love these!

For your home:

toast tongs - your fingers will love these. {also great gift with a jar of jam & homemade bread}

pot clip spoon rest (clips to side of the pot- spoon cantilevers over pot) - your countertops will love these.  also at lnt.

who knows how many cups in quart?  you will.

Restoration Hardware's Vacuum BBs.  I am in love.  Take your pick, all of their scents are fabulous!  They make vacuuming enjoyable.  Also great to slip a handful into a little sachet and tie a pretty little bow.

every home has a lamp that's not 3-way... these are the best.  dim on!

For your office &/or daily routine:

Everyone loves a zipper pouch by Drika B... lipstick, change, coupons, pen case... whatever!  If you have never bought handmade, I encourage you to do so this Christmas.  Take the pledge.

I hope you don't have one of those Office Depot desk blotter style calendars.  If you do, there is still hope.  I LOVE this calendar by ilee. Oh so fabulous.  I won't go into my obsession with letterpress.

I love good office and art supplies... it's another 'take after my father' thing.  He always had 4 or 5 cups slam full of pens (and I mean good pens) on his desk.  These are must for any designerly type. Thank you Deal Hunter.

The people behind these pads are genius!  I don't have this one yet, but I have the grocery list and packing list ones, love them!  Buy it here.

Would love to hear about your favorite stocking stuffers!

   

Comments

[Darby]

How fun would those "hoop portraits" be in the girls room? I could monogram their intiails in the middle of each hoop and hang 3 above their beds... what cha think?

[Darby]

Oh and I'd paint the "hoop" glossy white! Or pale green!

[Heather Spencer]

Great ideas! I do my best thinking in the shower also, I will say, I think I freak people out when I say "I was thinking about you in the shower...." I probably should stop that!

Heather

[Lindsay]

Good GREY-cious! I LOVE this post! Everything about it! the only think that stinks about all of your marvelous ideas is that I suck terribly at sewing of any kind! But maybe if i practice...

[arre]

i have to have the elephant - or his sold out giraffe sister...