Made in the Shade

Posted by Kerstin

I've been looking for the perfect shade to paint my bedroom. However, the fluorescent lighting and middle-school gymnasium floor at the hardware store are making it somewhat dull.

I am so happy I found colourlovers.com, a site to navigate, discuss, and discover new color. Think of it as a blog and trend report rolled into one. While the site attracts designers, ad professionals, and architects, anyone can use it as a resource or inspiration point.

Browsing the thousands of user-submitted color, palette, and pattern galleries, I came across a subdued combination called “Sunny Day with You” that mixed colors like eggplant and yellow that would be lovely accents to my gray living/dining room.

"Sunny Day With You"

While my main objective was to pin down the palest shade of pink or khaki for my bedroom -- I got lost for way too long (company hours) here.

I predict you will, too.

I loved this name, "Salty"

Another perfect palette

Inspired by a kimono

Pimp Ride

Posted by Elizabeth

I have a love-hate relationship with owning a bicycle in New York City.

On one hand, I love the idea of hopping on a bike and riding all over the city until I don’t feel like it anymore. I also love the thought of not having to rent one every time the feeling grabs me.

On the other hand, I hate that I have nowhere to store a bike -- except in my apartment. So if it’s something I’m going to look at every day (and, of course use), I have to love it through and through.

I‘ve found two that I adore and can’t decide on which one.

The first is Trek’s Soho 3.0

The second is Jorg&Olif’s Scout

What do you think?

Start Your Spatulas

Posted by Bluelines

With much of the East Coast and Northwest in a rainy rut this week, it’s a perfect time to be holed up inside and baking.

And what’s better than licking that wooden spoon? Winning something for all your time and batter tasting (aka effort).

Enter the Martha's Favorite Cookie contest and you can score a signed copy of the New York Times bestselling book “Martha Stewart’s Cookies.”

The sweet prize

Here are some scrumptious baked wonders already in the running.

From slightly scary

to positively starry and many more.

Tune In

Posted by Kerstin

So, I'm ready to fulfill a dream I’ve had for a while: learn to play guitar.

My first step is to picking out an instrument.

A musician friend told me the shape of an electric model might be ideal to learn on since its neck is narrower and therefore, easier to practice the basics.

Enter the Bambusa, a electric guitar crafted from bamboo, which not only sports a clean, beautiful look, but is eco-friendly as bamboo is one of the most renewable natural resources around.

The guitar’s price tag, available from First Act, makes my wallet feel good as well. It retails for $399.

I will keep you updated on the search. And please, anyone with ideas, feel free to send them to me.

Pardon Us

Oops! Sorry for our not-quite-ready-to-go-live post this morning.

We promise to bring this fun DIY project when its good and ready.

Bluelines

See How Our Garden Grows

Posted by Shane

Last summer, my boyfriend, Addys, and I moved into a garden apartment in a Brooklyn brownstone. We had never imagined cohabitating this kind of space -- but having the garden to ourselves just outside the kitchen has been both inspiring and a quiet retreat on weekend afternoons.

Taxing Choice

Posted by Kerstin

If you are still working diligently to file your IRS return, come back and read us when you are done. If you’re finished, here are two great finds:

If you are flush with a return check, think about splurging on a pair of elegant and whimsical flats by designer Loeffler Randall for the spring.

Do you need to tighten you belt due to a looming payment to Uncle Sam? Save some cash by buying some beauty products at Trader Joe's (home of the Two Buck Chuck).

It seems an unlikely place to find pampering goods, but I recently scored a shaving cream as indulgent and effective as any at Kiehl's, as well as a hand wash that recalls a scent from the pricier Molton Brown.

If neither appeals to you, take a few minutes and listen to the Beatles. Always a solid investment.

My Friend Flickr

Posted by Lena

I've noticed a theme in my flickr "favorites".

For those who don't use the photo sharing website flickr, "favorites" is a feature where you can mark and save other flickr members photos within your profile. So while looking through my "favorites", I noticed that I'm drawn to photos of fabric hanging on clotheslines. Here are a few of my favorites, among the "favorites":

by tom_tom

by turkeyfarmtreasures

courtesy of Wheezy Sanchez

courtesy of xiu xiu

from roseandpie

 
from musterfrau

Sweet Surrender

Posted by Regan

Having recently moved from San Francisco to New York, I still toggle the coasts pretty regularly. A trip out West seems to always include a visit to Miette in Hayes Valley, a candy store that's equal parts Parisian confiserie and five-and-dime, with a dash of dressing-room girlishness that's irresistible.

Window Seat

Posted by Lisa & Rena

Spring has begun in San Francisco, but it's still brisk out and the trees are just sprouting their blossoms and foliage.

This week, we created a window display here at Rare Device that pays tribute to the first few chilly weeks of the season as we imagine it to be in Sweden. (Maybe someday when we visit, we will see for ourselves!)

Ceramic artist Karin Ericksson lives and works there. We think the pale blue chair and bare branches go perfectly with Karin's delicate ceramic transfers of flowers and butterflies on her handmade stoneware.

Shop Etsy: Pear and Pear Alike

Posted by Scott

Another great find on Etsy’s website. Now that spring is here, I am really into natural, sculptural accents for the home; they are such a great way to add a “human touch” to any room.

Great Dane

Posted by Kerstin

Guest Blogger: Tina Dico

As if Danish-born musician Tina Dico (who has collaborated with Zero 7) didn't have enough going on today. Her "Count to Ten" album has its U.S. release and she is prepping for a tour of Germany. The singer-songwriter -- whose lovely voice and wistful lyrics fills the gamut between Joni Mitchell and the Verve -- still found time to share a few of her favorite things with us from her home base in London.

Tina's latest release

Book Club

  Posted by Lena

I thought I'd share some more images of my vintage-book collection, this time focusing on how-to craft books. I've learned a lot of technical and practical information from these tomes, and also used them for visual inspiration for my designs. I find old craft books at thrift stores, used book stores, and yard sales -- always very cheaply priced. Here are some photos of the books I pull from the shelf most often:

Forecast: Dusty

Posted by Kerstin

I am grateful for two ladies that are reviving the songs and feel of the luminous and husky-voiced British ’60s songstress Dusty Springfield.

Jump For Joy

Posted by Lisa & Rena

I remember how the conversation started. The other day I was complaining to Rena that I am destroying half of my wardrobe by working in my studio. Paint, glue, and varnish stain many of my clothes, even when I don an apron to work.

Very matter-of-factly, Rena turned to me and said, “You need to get some coveralls; you know, a jumpsuit.” I thought for a moment, agreed, and fancied myself getting one just my size, perfectly worn, for less than $10 at the local thrift store.

Not even a day later, Rena sent me this link to a gorgeous New York Times photo essay on New York Museum Installers, with an email that read: "Dude: Jumpsuits! A new trend."

feeling blue

It’s true. Jumpsuits are in. And we’re not talking about one-piece pants suits, popular at several points in fashion history. We are talking about jumpsuits modeled after traditional coveralls and aviation uniforms. Stella McCartney is making them -- along with McQ, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Anna Sui and Prada -- to name a few. Sturdy and clean looking, we love they way they look on fashion models. But even if we could afford the three and four digit price tags many of them beg, the question remains: Would you wear one?

Saturday afternoon I stopped at the thrift store and found the perfect studio jumpsuit. Thick and rugged, the grey-blue style has the perfect diagonal zippers on each breast pocket. It’s a tad big, but that’s part of its charm. Tomorrow I will christen it with my sloppy painting habits. At $15, It was more than I wanted to pay, but I love it.

Oh, and in case you are wondering: I won’t be leaving the studio in it anytime soon.

Lisa ready to work

Snap, Crackle, Gum

Posted by Kerstin

Inspired by Erin’s recent post on the virtues of White Rabbit candy , I thought I’d throw another sweet treat into the ring for ingenious design meets terrific taste: Jila Gum.

I first spotted it (also available in hard mint) at a fancy grocery store here in New York. I’ll admit the image of gleaming Chiclet-like pieces on the box is what first attracted me.

After I ripped off the clear plastic, I got the best surprise of all: A clever, hinged top that made a satisfying snap when I closed it. Truth be told, I think the sound is as enjoyable as the taste itself which is like an Altoids dressed in Chiclet clothing. Very refreshing

And really, how much more can you ask of a one-by-three-inch box of candy?

I recommend you look in your area or order your fix here.