Monday, November 29, 2010

Holiday Gift List: Unique Products for Kids!

The holidays were meant for kids!  Here on IndieShop.com, we have wonderful, unique products especially designed for them, from toys and books to clothes and whimsical artwork to decorate their rooms.  Instead of plastic toys and mass-produced items that have been shipped across the planet, give your children gifts that are a lot of fun and made with care and quality by indie artisans who believe that good design isn’t just for adults.

Here are some great gift ideas for children, ranging from $15 - $31, ages 0 and up:

Cute Critters Art for Kids’ Quarters


Artist Kenneth Kudulis of Kudu-la creates unique prints of whimsical characters that are perfect for decorating the walls of your child’s room. Kudulis draws funny imaginary beasts, some cute, some scary, and each print is applied to a block of wood, giving it a nice, unique texture.  All of Kudu-la’s creatures are “based on people and pets I see on the streets and subways of NYC.”  In his “Mason Jar Collection,” all of the beasties are captured in the jars because “they’ve been running amuck around NYC long enough.”  Your child’s imagination will run wild too as he tries to figure out the stories behind each colorful character.  Price: $15, Ages: 0 – 110.
Kenneth Kudulis, Kudu-la, unique prints, NYC, Mason Jar Collection, whimsical artwork child’s imagination, critter, beastie



Kids Learn about Native People Across the World


Tribal Alphabet is one of those books that your kids will remember for their entire lives.  They will learn about 26 different native people around the world, including Native Americans.  This award-winning book is aimed at children 3 – 8 years old, and a percentage of the profits go to Cultural Survival, working to defend the rights of indigenous people worldwide.  Author Claudia Pearson will even send your child a personalized autographed copy. Price: $18, Ages: 3-8 years.
Holiday Gift List, Kid’s Unique products, children’s books, good design,  children gifts, Tribal Alphabet, Claudia Pearson, native people



Hippie Chic Tie-Dyes for Retro Kids


What’s more fun that picking out baby outfits? Put your groovy baby in a hippie chic tie-dyed onesie by Indie Designer Jessica Hollander.  She hand ties each tiny garment, and then dips it in a variety of colored dyes to come up with unique patterns and hues on every single piece.  The variations are beautiful and striking. Your baby will be happy in his ribbed pima cotton onesie and make people smile with his retro fashion sense.  Price: $28, Age: 1–18 months
hippie kid, tie-dyed, hippie chic, groovy baby, Retro Kids, Cotton onesie, baby outfits



All Snuggles, No Sneezes with Herbal Pals


Your kids will snuggle happily with Herb the Penguin in the evening.  He certainly is cute and soft.  He also helps relieve allergies.  The creation of Allergeze, a team comprised of a researcher in Chinese herbal medicine and a doctor of public health, Herbal Pals are designed to ease the symptoms of children’s allergies with a pouch of natural herbs that slips inside an opening on your Pal’s back.  As your child cuddles with Herb the Penguin, the pouch releases fragrant oils with curative properties to help her breathe comfortably and sleep through the night.  Price: $30.

child’s allergies, Herbal Pals, Herb the Penguin, Chinese herbs, Allergeze




Design Your Own T-Shirt - Crafts For Kids


Kids love to draw and see their artwork hanging ceremoniously on the refrigerator.  With the T-Me Design Your Own T-Shirt Kit from Poloppo, your children can actually wear their artwork on a t-shirt!  Spend some time drawing pictures together during the holidays and have your children pick their favorite creations.  Use the envelope provided to mail in the drawings.  Within a few days, Poloppo will return your child’s very own one-of-a-kind t-shirt.  These kits are also great ways for kids to hand make gifts for their siblings.  Price: $31.95, Sizes 4 - 12.


crafts for kids, T-Me, Design Your Own T-Shirt, Poloppo, crafts for kids

We have many other products created by our talented indie designers.  So have a look around the site.  You may just get ALL your holiday shopping done in one single place.

 

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Holiday Gift List: Five Beautiful Necklaces

Making up a holiday gift list can be exciting and fun – for some people.  Others might prefer elective dentistry to trying to figure out what to give to whom.  The best way to thrill your friends and family this season is to get them unique, handcrafted gifts that they will absolutely love.  We are posting Holiday Gift Lists each week on our blog, featuring the best of indie design and great gift ideas for everyone on your list!

We have a wonderful and diverse array of jewelry on IndieShop.com.  This week’s Holiday Gift List features five beautiful and versatile necklaces, priced between $28 and $95.


Hammered Sterling Silver Gong Necklaces


The Gong Necklace by Rebecca Shepherd has two tiny discs, one nesting on top of a slightly larger one.  You can see the raised textured dots, which arise from hammering on the inside of the disks.  It comes in several color combinations, including sterling silver, oxidized/sterling silver, and oxidized/14K gold vermeil. This dainty necklace is a perfect fashion accessory for the girls and ladies on your list.  Price:  Sterling Silver $28, Oxidized/Sterling Silver and Oxidized/Gold Vermeil $30
Sterling Silver Hammered Gong Necklace, Rebecca Shepherd, Sterling Silver, oxidized Sterling silver, Gold Vermeil

Eco-Friendly, Reclaimed Tin Necklaces


Looking for an eco-friendly gift? Eco jewelry maker Anna Johansson of Annabuilt collects tin cans of all sizes, shapes and colors and creates one of a kind jewelry by matching up the original patterns on the cans.  Her Reclaimed Tin Offset Chain piece is colorful and asymmetrical, a lovely and light statement piece.  Price: $36

Reclaimed Tin Silver Chain Necklace, eco friendly gift, eco jewelry, one of a kind, Annabuilt, Anna Johansson

Vintage-Style Lockets


Lockets are back in style.  Wink & Flip’s sweet, vintage-style lockets come in antiqued gold and silver.  Each side features a different intricate design.  Place a meaningful picture or a very special memento inside a beautiful keepsake locket for a very special person in your life this season.  Price:  $40

Silver or Gold Keepsake Locket Necklace, one of a kind gift, locket, Wink & Flip, personal style

Two Points Gold or Silver Necklaces


Lauren Haupt’s Two Points handmade necklace comes in silver and gold.  The two hand casted points are small and fine, and if you look closely, you’ll see that they are two different shapes.  Rather than making a statement on its own, this necklace will enhance the personal style of some lucky person on your list. Price in Silver: $36, Price in Gold: $45
Two Points Gold Necklace, Holiday Gift List, Lauren Haupt

African Queen Necklaces


If you’re looking for something a bit more extravagant, feast your eyes on the African Queen Necklace. Created by Saskia de Vries, this handcrafted piece is a mixture of the rich design traditions of Asia and Africa with a distinctive American style. Large focal beads are strung with Ghanaian brass orbs, Japanese seed beads, and Asian pearls.  This striking necklace comes in six shades of green, red and blue.  Price: $95
unique necklace, African Queen, African Queen Necklace, Saskia de Vries, design tradition, Asia, Africa, American Style, Asian pearls



Inspired yet?  Visit IndieShop.com to find more unique necklaces in all  shapes, colors and prices!  Come back for next week’s Indie Design  Holiday Gift List:  Great Gifts for Kids!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Looking Good and Doing Good: Fair Trade Products from Artisan Emporia

We are very excited to be partnering with Artisan Emporia not only because they bring us wonderful, unique products, but they’re also making a difference in the lives of artisans around the world.  They work to “build sustainable trading relationships based on mutual respect, cultural curiosity and shared aspirations.”  They follow the Fair Trade Federation’s standards "to ensure that the artisans we work with receive an honest and fair price for their products while sustainably preserving their cultural traditions.”  Sounds like a win-win situation to us!


Patched Hat

The right hat actually can make us think better, be more creative, and definitely look good. Well, that’s been our experience. Patched Hat from Artisan Emporia is one of those hats.  It is made of soft cotton by Mayan women of the Lake Atitlan region in Guatemala.  They use flowers, bark, and leaves from in and around the mysterious lake to make the dyes for these hats. The results are 5 deep, rich colors (Ash, Graffiti, Burgundy, Moss, Flame).  The appliquéd shapes are funky and unusual, and they add insulation to make this an even warmer hat.
Artisan Emporia, patched hat, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Mayan, clothing


Infiniti Scarf

This scarf really lives up to its name.  We could only come up with a million things to do with this continuous loop of incredibly soft cotton jersey, but we’re sure the uses are indeed infinite.  It’s a shawl, a hat, a hoodie, a poncho, a baby support, and on and on.  Designer, Patrizia Pizzatti, works with the Guatemalan artisans to create this comfortable, lovely and versatile fashion accessory.
cotton scarf, shawl, Patrizia Pizzatti, fashion accessory

Chalina Necklace

Chalina actually means a scarf with a big knot tied in it.  And the Chalina Necklace from Artisan Emporia is just that, made from hand painted ceramic beads.  Look closely at the photo of this accessory - the level of detail astounding.  The women of “El Quinto Sol,” an artisan group in Guatemala, string and weave thousands of beads and semi-precious stones, much like artisans have done for hundreds of years in the region.  It’s a piece of jewelry and a work of art.
Chalina Necklace, work of art, ceramic beads, semi-precious stones

Urban Backpack

Artisan Emporia also sells a wide variety of bags: yoga bags, hobo bags, shoulder bags, and backpacks.  The Urban Backpack is that perfect combination of smart design and great style.  It holds a lot more than you’d think, and the shiny black flap is actually made from a recycled motorcycle tire flap.  It is made from organically dyed cotton with the look, feel, and durability of soft canvas.  The single shoulder strap even has a pocket especially for your smart phone or MP3 player.  It’s a great travel bag, whether you’re trekking in the mountains or making your way across NYC!
, yoga bag, hobo bag, backpack, design, style, motorcycle, tire flap, canvas, organic, shoulder strap, smart phone, MP3 player, travel bag, mountains,
You can’t get these items in any clothing boutique.  We actually met up with Artisan Emporia at the Brooklyn Flea, one of New York City’s premier flea, artisan and food markets. Their products were rich, interesting, and unlike anything else at the market.  And we loved the direct connection between our own urban markets and the artisan markets in other parts of the world.  So if you can’t get to Guatemala or Vietnam, where many of Artisan Emporia’s products are created, you might be able to get to Brooklyn.  And you can definitely get to IndieShop.com from wherever you happen to be.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Indie Winter Wonderland: Great Handmade Accessories

The winter weather is finally here, and it’s time to turn over our closet from our beloved soft tee shirt collection and sandals to our favorite sweaters and warm boots.  Looking for special gift ideas? Here are some items we would love to receive ourselves:


 
Moody Ruby

We totally have a thing for scarves because they can dress up any outfit, any time of year.  The reversible Moody Ruby Silk and Cotton Scarf designed by Juli Raja is perfect for the winter.  The black side with a dramatic hint of intense red is just the thing when you’re getting ready for a night on the town.  The reverse side is finely patterned with creams, grays and reds, a great look with a suit. This scarf is handmade by artisans in India from silk and cotton threads, making it light, warm and super soft.  No itchy scarves for us!

Cotton and Silk Scarf

Snowflakes for All Occasions

Handmade jewelry runs the spectrum of fun and funky to fine and pretty.  These Recycled Vintage Snowflake Earrings pretty much cover all of those bases, plus they are made from recycled materials.  Designer Saskia de Vries uses recycled vintage copper pieces and hypoallergenic niobium ear wires in this pair of earrings.  And they dangle from dainty chain links, so when you wear them, they move like falling snowflakes.  No matter what the weather forecast says, you will want to wear these earrings day and night.

Snowflake Antique Brass Earrings, Vintage, Saskia de Vries, Copper, Winter,

Melt Your Cold Heart

If someone or something other than winter tried to turn your heart cold, don’t keep it all inside.  Instead, sport this edgy yet dainty Cold Black Hearts Necklace made by Lauren Haupt and show the world you are completely over it.  Oxidized silver hearts stand out against the delicate sterling chain to create a dramatic effect.  Wear this necklace with a v-neck top or over a sexy sweater dress. And who knows what the season will bring to the door of your cabin in the wood, or your apartment in the city for that matter.

Oxidized silver hearts, Lauren haupt, sterling chain, sterling silver necklace, sweater dress, cabin in the wood, show the world

Crystal Calm Persuasion

If you love the winter as much as some of us do, you’ll be happy to go outside with the ice and snow.  Although if you’d rather be sunning yourself on a Caribbean Island than skiing down a mountain at Breckenridge, we do understand that too.  Either way, the energizing beauty of the Crystal Calm Bracelet by Cynthia Rybakoff will give you just the lift you need this season.  This bracelet is made of chunky natural crystals strung on knotted grey silk with a sterling silver toggle clasp.  Every crystal is slightly different from the next, and so each bracelet is distinctly unique.  Just like snowflakes.

Changes in seasons and wardrobes can be a challenge each year, but with the right accessories you can add a bit of that holiday spirit to every outfit, even on the coldest winter day.

Crystal bracelet, chunky bracelet, Cynthia rybakoff, winter, ice jewelry, holiday accessories

Monday, November 1, 2010

Pretty Puppies and Doggy Decor

Our pets are a part of our family.  There are no two ways around it.  The days of the family dog living out in the backyard all year round are long gone.  At IndieShop.com, we love our four-footed, two winged, and even scaled friends with long tails.  Here are some products from our indie designers that are practical and, well, not so practical but quite fabulous.


The Elegant Dog Crate Cover


We understand the value of a dog training crate for our puppies to give them a sense of security at night.  But we don’t have to like the looks of it. So we went searching for a cover up to spring our dogs from their small jail cage.  Luckily BowhausNYC designs beautiful crate covers that turn those ugly metal bars into a boudoir.  Whether you have a beach house or a mod urban pad, this bold cabana stripe crate cover is also a great decorating idea. Get a cushiony matching bed, and this luxury dog "haus" is sure to become your little BFF’s favorite napping spot.  And all this elegance is easy-to-care-for; simply pop the 100% cotton cover and bed case into the washing machine.  (See? Practical.)
Pet, IndieShop.com, Indie Designers, fashion design, puppies, dog training, cage, decorating idea, toile fabric, pup, training crate

The Stylish Dog Carrier for Your Pup


BowhausNYC also makes a rich, stylish toile fabric dog carrier  for the pup on the go.  These sturdy tote bags feature 100% cotton canvas surrounded by a natural leather trim that’s only going to look better with time and use.  The bag is fully lined, has reinforced bottom and holds dogs up to 15 lbs. The comfy 14” shoulder straps help make long journeys easier. A safety hook makes your pouch secure. So attach your keys to the handy BowhausNYC logo ring and hit the avenues.
fashion design, puppies, decorating idea, toile fabric, pup,  leather, dog carrier, BowhausNYC

The Cute Dog Outfit & Harness




Designer Ada Nieves holds a certificate in dog fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (eat your heart out, Tim Gunn).  Dress up your dog in this tiny red polka dot outfit, perfect for a day on the town.  Pluck your pup out of the damask carrier,  and she’s ready for tea at the Ritz.  However, it is also a comfortable dog harness so that your dog can breathe easily and stay close by as you shop together at Saks.  It comes with a matching leash, naturally.
Ada Nieves, dress up, polka dot, tea, The Ritz, harness, Saks

The Dog Shaped Dome Bed



On a slightly different note is the unique and funny Doggy Dome Bed.  It is actually a high-tech dog bed that uses Japanese nano technology to create a clean, fresh sleeping environment for your dog.  This bed won’t match your sofa (hopefully), but it will be a conversation starter in your home.  It comes in several equally fun shapes, but we like the idea of a dog sleeping inside of a dog, like furry Russian nesting dolls. 
Prima Dog, dome dog bed, dog bed, nano technology, Russian nesting dolls

Bling Dog Collar


For the finishing touch on your pampered pooch, we suggest the Bling Collar from BowhausNYC, made from fine Italian leather and covered with crystal rhinestones, each one carefully placed by hand.
BowhausNYC, rhinestone, crystal, dog collar, leather


 Over the top, you say? Absolutely, my dear. Nothing but the best for our family..