Penguin & Fish .... Kitties!

Due to the holiday rush we are extremely tardy on posting these... but now that things have calmed down we wanted to be sure to get these cuties up.


Cats have been our treasured companions since the earliest days of Egypt, guarding tombs, hunting vermin, playing surrogate child, or just providing a sympathetic ear. While these fetching fabric felines, handmade by Alyssa Thomas of Penguin & Fish, won't be catching any critters, they excel at almost everything else, and there's the added bonus of no litterbox, no allergies, and no hairballs... each is unique and numbered, with embroidered features. See our collection in the webshop

Undergrowth Design - Blaue Blume Tea Set

Blaue Blume, the blue flower, is a central symbol of Romanticism, representing desire, love, and the metaphysical striving for the infinite and unreachable. We can't think of anything more romantic than Undergrowth Design's Blaue Blume Tea set - delicate porcelain with a white lace pattern and a hot pair of legs with dainty gold shoes for the handle? Here at last is a tea set even the men in your life can appreciate!

Our favorite is the 'sugar bath' - a claw foot bathtub where the legs are the spoon. Check out our assortment in the webshop.

Wonderland - Élise Lefebvre

Élise Lefebvre's "Wonderland" collection evokes in porcelain what Aesop and other great storytellers did with words; the sly inquisitiveness of the fox, the innocent naivete of the fawn, or the sweet intelligence of the piglet. These perfectly formed woodland creatures seem to have partaken of Alice's infamous shrinking "Drink Me" elixir, and are equally at home foraging on your dresser or decorating your decolletage. The only question is which one you think is cutest.

Other pieces in the Wonderland collection include the Bambi Box and no less cute, the Hedgehog Plate. Check out our assortment in the webshop.

Something's Hiding In Here - new arrivals

There are times in your life when a card really doesn't say it all, where the thousand words an image is worth aren't those you're trying to convey, or even when you've asked yourself that most painful of gift-giving queries; "What do you get for the person who has everything?" For these times and more, Shauna Alterio & Stephen Loidolt of Something's Hiding in Here have developed a charmingly eccentric range of sentimental somethings that are sure to pick up where conventional cards and gifts leave off.
Check out our assortment in the webshop.

Ibride - Reversible Double Headed Trays

Martial and Marius, Martha and Madeleine

The relation between predator and prey has always been fascinating to watch, whether it be on Animal Planet or a David Attenborough special. The cycle of life (and death) is compelling and thrilling, all the more so when paired with moving music and driving, disembodied narration. Ibride taps into this fascination with their new reversible portrait trays, artfully rendering a new and inspiring interpretation of what was, until now, only an ecological relationship.


The reversible design calls to mind playing cards, with the animal subjects portrayed in period costumes that would be at home in any 18th century games parlour. The first reversible playing cards were designed so that players were not tempted to turn cards in their hand 'right-side up' and inadvertently give clues to their opponents. With these the effect is exactly the opposite - unless you have two you'll be tempted to turn it over again and again. View our Ibride collection in our webshop.

Frédérique Morrel - Making a case for lace

We've always had a soft spot for re-purposed and recycled items, so when we saw Frédérique Morrel's trays it was love at first sight. Rescuing tapestry, needlework pieces, and patterns and then using them to make one-of-a-kind serving trays? What's not to love?


With her new trays, Madam Morrel hasn't stopped at just saving old tapestries, she's gone one better and added delightful doilies and lace to the mix. Brilliant! Who among us hasn't looked at a needlework pooch portrait or old-school tapestry scene and liked it despite the small worm of shame wiggling in our stomach, unwilling to admit even to our partners that perhaps we're developing septuagenarian sensibilities?


Thanks to Madam Morrel our predilection for petit point can come out of the closet and sit proud beneath a bevy of beverages, your tray riding shotgun on the side table, not just protecting the tabletop but providing transportation for the drinks you're serving to all your friends, who will ooh and aah as they uncover the treasures embedded beneath. We like Manhattans, if you're wondering. See the updated collection in our webshop

Vegan Wall Trophy: Update

Appealing to our love of nature - both our desire to protect it as well as frame it and place it stylishly on our walls - the designers at Cardboard Safari weren't satisfied resting on the laurels of their original collection of Stag, Moose, and Rhino.


This month saw the introduction of the American Bison, another majestic animal to add to our cardboard collection. In the wild, the bison is deceptively docile-looking and despite being an herbivore will attack if provoked. Its mild-mannered movements belie an ability to run faster than a speeding locomotive (we know the Railroad Companies didn't like the competition), and leap fences in a single bound! So if you ever see a real Bison, enjoy it from afar, confident in the knowledge that when you get home - safe and sound - you can get as close as you want to yours. Now available (big and small size) in-store and in our webshop.

Orla Kiely Paper

Who doesn't remember the dreary design days of the 90's, when black and tan were the only acceptable colors for your home, your wardrobe, your car, your bag. Yes, I know what you would say; 'the subdued palette of the 90's was a direct reaction to garish colors representing the glaring commercialism of the 80's.' Whichever way you slice it, 90's fashion tended to be just as boring on the eyes as it was detrimental to one's design spirit.


Happily, not everyone allowed themselves to be led around like beige and black sheep, for the 90's also saw the launch of Orla Kiely's stylishly simple designs. Choosing not to do away with colors (like so many others during those drab days), with her unique design sensibility she instead reframed them using a mixture of geometry and graphic design that was at once fresh and immediately recognizable. Fast forward to present day, and we can all see (and enjoy) just how far ahead Orla was.


One of the most recent additions to her design arsenal is a paper series featuring stationary and notebooks, each sporting one of Orla's signature designs on the cover, with assorted goodies spread throughout. Our favorite is the travel journal, replete with dashing stickers for you to code each of your discoveries while on the road, whether that be a favorite restaurant, museum, or some hidden away spot that only you know. And, if you're feeling generous, perhaps a few close friends. Now available in-store and in our webshop.

House of Animals - Heather Louise

The Houses of Plantagenet, Orange-Nassau and Windsor have all had a major hand in shaping the socio-political landscape of Europe. But a new house is now rising and threatens to eclipse the radiance of them all; Heather Louise's House of Animals! With sensational stylings calling to mind the glories of both the Victorian and Edwardian eras, this collection of avian, amphibian and other forest dwellers are now taking the city and sea (or canal) by storm in fashionable frocks and classy coats that would put the dandiest dandy to shame!


Heather's felt figures are always show stoppers, and this collection will be no exception! Each doll is entirely handmade using Dutch felt, vintage fabrics and beads, and often real snail shells (although Heather assures us no snails were harmed in the process). It's no surprise that these one-of-a-kind creations have personalities all their own that speak volumes without saying a single word, each one crying out for attention and a place in your home.


But how does one choose a favorite when faced with the Swan Sea Captain in his tricorner hat or the Elegant Uncle Platypus with Monocle? And what of the Dapper Squirrel whose coat accents his baby blues perfectly, or the Country Frog Gentleman whispering (sordid?) secrets to his diminutuve Snail Friend?


Unless you have the shop to yourself, it's best to choose quickly. From the safety of the counter we've seen it all, from customers bargaining with each other to the ol' Bait-n-Switch that leaves a disconsolate someone staring at the empty place their doll used to occupy. Fur will fly and feathers fall when it's all said and done, but when finally the melee calms and the air clears, who will you be left holding? See available dolls as we update them in our webshop.

Kyoko Hashimoto - Seducing the Bowerbird

When describing inspiration for her newest collection, Kyoko Hashimoto directs our attention to an Australian native: the bowerbird. Bowerbirds show us that the metrosexual is not just a human invention. The male birds spend hours designing their nests with unique collections that are made up of everything from traditional twigs and leaves to man-made bits of fluff and any 'bling' that has been left carelessly lying around, all in an attempt to create the perfect seductive mood.


It's this synergistic blending of materials that is so evident in Kyoko's jewelry - hand cut resin is paired with wood, brass and silver to create pieces that are reminiscent of both Victorian lace patterns and vintage Art Deco jewelry. A beautiful example of this is our favorite piece; the reversible Dinner Party Necklace. Inspired by a toy car model kit and components, Kyoko's translation is playful without being childish, elegant without being fussy, and foxy without being floozy.


We first spotted Kyoko's work on Sia's blog and immediately knew that we would try to get more information. Now that Kyoko's work is in the shop we are so glad we did. Check out our assortment in the webshop.

The Little Zoo - e.soule photography

When I was a child I was obsessed with the idea of becoming as small as my toys and being able to see things from their perspective. "The Incredible Shrinking Woman" and "Fantastic Voyage" were two of my favorite Saturday Matinees, caught during their later runs on television, of course. While Elizabeth Soule may not have used the same toys that I once fantasized about, she has beautifully exhibited the world from their point of view (perhaps He-Man and She-Ra aren't able to take Tyra Banks' direction and smile 'using just the eyes' - and thus make for less than ideal subjects). Soule's "Little Zoo" series manages to capture elusive micro-wildlife in macro still-life. Each image has been mounted, UV protected and coated in a thin layer of wax-like archival sealant, ready to either hang or be stacked on that surface that's been crying out for a little decoration. The only thing better than getting one of these is stacking three. See available photos in our webshop.

Lola Goldstein - Teapot Friend...Limited Edition

It's the highlight of every plush friend's existence, when their hostess rescues them from the dark recesses of the closet or their perpetual naptime on the bed and takes them out on the back lawn for a tea party. But sadly, every little girl grows out of the stage when they're content to provide all sides of the conversation (at least most do) and prefers real tea and biscuits to water and air, and the stuffed menagerie are given away or forgotten. But not this little friend!

Refusing to go quietly into the night, this friend from Lola Goldstein has given itself a purpose - if it won't be offered the tea, then it will serve it! And thanks to some planning by a knitting relative (Lola's Mom), each friend has its very own hat to keep it and your tea toasty!




Also new to us from Lola: Limited edition handmade ceramic dolls. Each of these dolls come from a limited edition of 150 pieces - each is numbered, decorated with real gold, and signed by Lola. As always, cute overload! See available pieces as we update them in the webshop.

Cardboard Safari, Trophies for Vegans

No self-respecting log cabin or ski lodge would be complete without a roaring fireplace crowned with a huge mounted moose head staring down on cable-knit sweater wearing, smiling, ruddy-faced people with mugs of hot cocoa stuffed into cozy couches. But taxidermy can admittedly be a little morbid, and the more squeamish among us might even call it vulgar. No worries, Snow Bunnies! The folks at Cardboard Safari have created something to satisfy the most avid trophy hunter or hippie vegan in all of us. Not a product made from animals unfortunate enough to find themselves in the crosshairs of some testosterone-addled hunter, these trophy heads are made from environmentally friendly recycled cardboard. Flat packed for easy carriage, they provide both the satisfaction of piecing them together as well as that prized aesthetic to make your very own cozy cabin complete! Check our selection in the webshop.

Theo - feeling piggy?

The venerable pig has been forced to weather some bed press throughout the years, despite a long list of valuable attributes. Smarter than dogs and oft times just as affectionate, they make great pets, as evidenced by George Clooney's 18-year relationship with Max, the pot-bellied pig credited with saving George's life in 1994 (and Max even took a flight in John Travolta's private jet, although not in a life-saving capacity). But there's one attribute we feel has been overlooked these last few years: that of being the hallowed guardian of our loose change! Well overlook no more, with THEOsaurus! (We know, the '-saurus' makes it seem of the dino- variety, but according to its creator the name has more to do with the Latin definition of the word 'thesaurus': treasure.) Available for all you purists in plain white as well as a Blau Dresner pattern for those who enjoy the classics, THEO is available standing on fat little legs with feet made of actual cork or seated featuring a quality metal lock. You have to spend a little to save a little!

Newly hybridized wall platters from ibride

We've always been fans of animalia, whether that be old school minotaurs and harpies, or more current incarnations like Perlman's ever tragic Beast fighting for ill-fated love (Ron Perlman, not Rhea). These new rectangular platters from ibride are no exception, rather they're glowing examples of the hybridization that we love so well. With subjects ranging from the Crow Conquistador to the Gosling Governess, they're guaranteed to satisfy whether you're an ornithologist, period-drama lover, or just love people with animal heads.

Much larger than their previous oval fancy animal platters, these measure in at 63 x 43cm (approx 25 x 17 inches) and feature super fancy images. See our entire ibride collection here.

Under the Stump, 1st installment

Of course any package from Heather Louise does not disappoint. This latest box was no different - packed with so much Heather Louise Style Goodness that it bowled us over! Under the Stump (1st installment) is now taking up much of the egg mercantile window and the front of our shop! It's great! Bunny Girls, Mushroom Princesses, great big Cursing Bears, Dutch Boys, and more! We've only gotten a few of them up in the webshop thanks to some of Heather's own photos -- we'll try to put more up in the webshop in the coming week, just waiting on a little sunshine to help with the pics.

Frédérique Morrel - Vintage re-made

Frédérique Morrel was troubled by the fact that her grandmother’s needlework ended up in the trash when she passed away. Since then, she has found an interesting concept to recycle these and other un-justly, un-recognized, anonymous and devalued artifacts.


Frédérique's products have been carefully “re-made” using vintage needlework saved from oblivion in the interest of the redemption of the painstaking work involved in their original creation. Each product is one-of-a-kind, using a unique combination of tapestries or tapestry pieces, assembled in order to create an interaction between themes.

Currently we are featuring a collection of some of Frédérique's smaller goods - trays & keychains. See our available models as we update them in our webshop