I just discovered a new artist while reading the online magazine, Rue.  The article was describing a tea shop in San Fransisco called Crown and Crumpet.  The photo alongside the article showed a stunning teapot made by Crate & Barrel.  The design on the teapot (now sold out) is by Yellena James.  I immediately went to her website and etsy shop and was smitten at once with her paintings and prints. Her artwork has graced everything from bath products to snowboards and a lovely silk scarf for Anthropologie (also now sold out).  

I am very tempted to buy a print from her Etsy shop!

Shop Sweet Lulu is an amazing online party shop selling everything from polka-dot balloons to fancy cupcake liners.  Cute, colorful and fun!  Some of my favorites include:

The ice cream truck filled with cups and wooden spoons for sharing yummy gelato and ice cream.

Polka dot straws!

Chevron striped favor bags!

Candy cups!

Wooden berry baskets for party favors or treats,

a gorgeous jadeite cake stand,

A tassel garland,

 and vintage style concession supplies.

You can even buy those little plastic vending machine containers to fill with toys or candy!

Shop Sweet Lulu has me dreaming of the next birthday party....

Simone Shubuck is an inspiring artist and former floral designer that I admire.  Her recent solo exhibit, "Do You Like Old Things or New Things That Look Old?"showcases her detailed mixed media pieces.

Simone utilizes pencil, crayon, paint, old drawings, antique 

photographs, and lithographs to create these memorable 

works.

She also has an amazing Chelsea garden apartment that was

featured in an article, Coveting Thy Friend's House, in the 

NYT late last year.

 

And as if that wasn't enough to elicit envy, Simone is also married to the editor in chief of Bon Appetit, Adam Rapaport.  

I occasionally read an online kid's magazine called LMNOP (www.lmnop.com.au) and they listed a company that sells equipment and supplies for schools and offices (www.worthingtondirect.com). These are furnishings that would be indestructible and perfect for the little ones at home! 

How awesome would it be to have your own library cart?! This one comes in many different bright colours.

If you are setting up a craft room these units for paper storage would keep supplies and artwork super organized. 

Funky, heavy duty chairs for the little ones in many different colours

Worthington Direct also sells metal lab stools that would be great for a desk area.

Mother's Day is fast approaching!

The perfect Mother's Day card is all pink and letterpressed and gold (from smockpaper.com). Add a bouquet of pink roses and you have the perfect gift.

A great DIY for the wall involves nothing more than branches and thin masking tape....how thrilled would you be to wake up to this on May the 12th?

An original piece of art (lisahochstein.com) or a framed print would also be a fab gift.

Cooking your mother dinner and serving it on these gorgeous plates from Anthropologie would be much appreciated.

Mother's Day usually evokes images of teacups and aprons....how about this cheeky teacup made by Yvonne Ellen (www.etsy.com/shop/yvonneellen) and a bottle of Grey Goose?

I personally want a leather morroccan pouf for the living room and thought I'd throw it into the mix :)

Also in my fantasy is a gorgeous new wool rug!

If I am stuck for a gift to give, I turn to soap.  Soap, soap, glorious, soap.  Everyone needs it.  It smells good.  Enough said.

And just as a reminder to myself to stop at two, this card would also be appropriate!

Happy Mother's Day to all you fabulous, amazing mothers!

An artist I have always loved is Jennifer Murphy (www.jmurphybears.com).  She makes handmade bears and animals that look well loved and perfectly worn.  She also makes little pom pom animals and cake toppers for weddings.  Adorable!   

If you are looking for some design eye candy check out the portfolio of photographer Seth Smoot (http://www.patbates.com/seth_smoot/).  There are several different books you can browse through on the website and I think book #2 is my fave.  Such gorgeous photos!  

(The images are much clearer if you go to the actual site).