99% in Print: A Book for the Urban Curious

So it appears that every 19 months, I write a blog post. I'm doing so now, because I have to. Because something monumental has happened, and not doing so would be inexcusable. 

If you've ever read my blog, or you know me at all, you know that I love the podcast 99% Invisible. (And that I love Roman Mars.) You're probably tired of me telling you to listen to 99PI. Well, Roman and Kurt have released a book, The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design. So now I'm telling you to read 99PI.

The book is beautifully designed and perfect for anyone who is curious about the world around them. Full of tidbits and stories about intriguing design elements that you see and don't see in cities all over the world. 

So maybe you're not a podcast person, maybe you're a book person. I highly encourage you to check out 99PI in print. I stand by my claim that everything that Roman (and Kurt) say is fascinating. I've never been disappointed in an episode and I very often find myself talking about the stories later in the week. 

If you're looking for recommendations on episodes to start with, here's a blog post (from 5 years ago) that lists some of my (really old!) favorites. 

2016: Another One Bites the Dust

Halloween has passed, which means the next time I go into the store, I'll be bombarded with holiday decor. Christmas is right around the corner, followed by...[drumroll]... 2017. 

In preparation for 2017, or, to help you get your holiday shopping done early, I've released calendar designs for 2017 on Etsy. 

Designs for 2017 include:

– Black and White Abstract

– Abstract Flower Designs

– Black and White Florals

– Rainbow Florals

Each calendar is a simple, clean, modern designs, that stand in a black wooden easel. Visit fivefeettall on Etsy to see the full line and place an order. Quantities are limited!

Uncle Goose and his Bag of (well designed) Tricks

I was in Detroit when I discovered an amazing Grand Rapids-based company.

Uncle Goose makes (beautiful/intricate/creative/handcrafted/designer) wooden blocks right here in GR. The materials (fast-growing sustainable basswood) are sourced from the around the Great Lakes and everything is 100% produced in the USA. Oh, and the ink is non-toxic and child-safe too.

That's cool.

But look at these blocks you guys. THEY ARE AMAZING. I'm really just lost in wonder over them. And I'm an adult (sort of).

The first set I saw was at The Detroit Mercantile, and it was the Invisible Creature's Odd Galaxy set. You guys, I went nuts over these blocks.

This goes way beyond ABC blocks to a whole realm of stacking potential. Check out Stack and Scare Rodney, many of his pieces aren't typical square blocks. And that is awesome.

As I turned to Google I discovered the enormity of the Uncle Goose collection. In terms of basic alphabet and teachablity, they have ABC blocks in Chinese, Swahili, Ukrainian and every other conceivable language (is it still called the ABCs for other languages???)

And you can just keep on learning with Presidential blocks, USA blocks, nursery rhyme blocks, musical chord blocks, nautical flag blocks, periodic table of elements blocks, and Braille blocks. Honestly, you're going to have the smartest kids ever.

And of course the designer in me FREAKED OUT over their House Industries (type foundery) sets... including an Eames set?? No way. Is it ok for an adult to play with blocks? That wouldn't be weird.... would it?

Clearly, these blocks are for design-centric parents and not really their kiddos. But while the parents are going FLIP OUT over these blocks, the kids are going to think they're pretty cool too. The colors are stimulating, the patterns intriguing, and the possibilities endless.

I'm telling you, you guys — Get ready for a generation of smarter, cooler kids... with an appreciation for typography.

2015: The Final Countdown

Rain and wind, and blowing leaves kept us company all weekend. It's clearly fall. Which means that winter, the holiday and the new year are right around the corner.

In preparation for 2016's arrival I've released six calendar designs on fivefeettall.etsy.com.

Designs for 2016 include:

– Black and White Abstract

– Abstract Flower Designs

– Black and White Florals

– Cream and White Florals

– Rainbow Florals

– Pantone Swatches

Each calendar is a simple, clean, modern designs, that stand in a wooden easel. Visit fivefeettall on Etsy to see the full line and place an order. Quantities are limited.

Skated by the Chimney with Care

So one of my favorite things I made this Christmas was something I've wanted to do for awhile... a roller skate stocking for a dear friend (Bidi Bidi Bang Bang) from the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls derby team.

Done free form, it was a work-in-progress experiment, where I was able to use fabric, puff paint, ric rac, shoe laces and ribbon, and really just make it up as I went along. With the exception of the toe stop (which I had to ditch) it honestly came out better than I expected!!

I'm ready to unleash stocking possibilities! And I have 364 days to get it right!

Reclaiming Ground in Easttown

Rebel Reclaimed has always been one of my favorite gift buying destinations in GR. It's a eclectic mix of handmade and vintage with an on-trend, yet unique flare. 

Until this year, they resided in a tiny tiny tiny location in a shared space with Urban Exchange on Fulton. But now, Rebel Reclaimed has moved to Robinson Road, right near Brandywine and Argos Books. The new space must be at least three times the old space, I love being able to turn around with no fear of bumping over something precious, and I also love that they now at least 3X as many treasures for me to look at. 

The store is a great mix — everything from furniture to jewelry — in a style that is only what I can describe as "exactly what i want my life to be". It's whimsical, it's light-hearted, it's sometimes sarcastic, and it's always colorful. 

The owners are two delightful gentleman who chat and share ideas with their customers. To go along with their new store, they also have a new website, and while you can't shop on the site (yet) you can get a feeling for what Rebel is all about. 

They want their store to be a happy place, and success boys, it is definitely my happy place. 

The Future is 2015

Halloween is over. Which means we're in the throes of holiday time. And holiday time means gift giving and planning for the next year.

Which is why it's so perfect that I have new calendar designs available on Etsy! It's kind of a universal gift, so consider everyone on your list taken care of ;)

There are two designs available for 2015, an abstract black and white patterned calendar with a black wooden stand, and a colorful floral design with a brown wooden stand.

Each calendar measures about 4.5" x 5.25" and comes with a wooden easel stand (with the stand, it measures about 6.5" tall, and its 4.5" wide). 

You can check them out at fivefeettall.etsy.com.

Put a Cap on It

Know some adorable kids? Well I know someone who makes adorable caps for babies and toddlers (and even some for adults). 

These caps are made from recycled t-shirts and fleece scrapes. We have animals, holiday specific caps, fruits and veggies, and even some "mad" birds.

AND—they're only $5! What a fantastic stocking stuffer! Email me, or message ScrappyLynn on Etsy for more information!

Child's Own: Bring A Child's Imagination to Life

There is nothing more sincere and precious than a child's imagination. When I discovered Child's Own, my heart swelled up and tears filled my eyes. This has to be one of the most beautiful concepts I have ever heard of.

Child's Own will take your child's original drawings and bring their world to life. What a wonderful way for a child's dreams to become real.

Orders for Holiday delivery has ceased, but they will accept new orders starting again in January 2012.

This whole idea makes me very, very happy, I don't even know what to say about it, except that I'm thankful for the people who encourage kids to dream and express themselves.

Gifts Inspired by Movies

Juno's Hamburger Phone

Croquet ala The Heathers

The Holly Golightly Sleeping Mask

Vintage Skates, Whip It Style

The SATC Cupcake Purse (for those with a bigger budget!)

A Scarf for Everyone

It's mid-November and I'm mentally preparing myself for the upcoming winter months. It's a time when I fervently question my choice of locale. But I recognize one redeeming quality in this season transitional period: Scarves!

Scarves have to be one of my favorite accessories. With some many different styles, weights, materials and ways to tie them, it's a line with endless possibilities.

Here's a selection I found while browsing online today.

Entwined Intarsia Loop from Anthropologie

Oblong Allover Rouched Scard from Target

Two Tone Scarf from ModCloth

Argyle Felted Scarf from Etsy

Hooded Scarf from ModCloth

And for those of you looking for something a little comedy from their accessories, try weird and whacky scarves such as this Toilet Paper Scarf.

Shopping for Good Design

I admit it: I like pretty things. Not sparkly pretty like diamonds, but things that look nice and uncluttered. Things that are well designed and are functional items we can use in our everyday life. Things that are practical and beautiful.

There's no catalog that exemplifies what I mean than the MoMA catalog. The MoMA store continuously offers innovative products that are fun to look at and simply make sense. This description is taken from the MoMA website.

"New York’s Museum of Modern Art is known for its extraordinary exhibitions and for presenting the world’s finest collection of modern and contemporary art. ....the MoMA Design Store exemplifies good design with a well-edited selection of products highlighting the latest in materials, production, and design concepts from around the world."

Here's a few personal favorites taken from the MoMA site:

Half Pint Creamer: It's kitsch with a purpose. There's no surprise here that I like it. Nothing says cafeteria like milk in cardboard boxes.

Collapsable Salad Spinner: Salad spinners are totally necessary. What frustrates me with these necessary kitchen items is how much cupboard space they require. Cupboards should be built like Mary Poppins' carpet bag. Million dollar idea right there. Someone make it happen. (Also I really want the dress Jane is wearing in the above clip. Make that happen too.)

Ray Tray: The mesh of this fruit rack prevents produce from spoiling. Love that the tiers keep veggies from squishing each other or disappearing under the depths to mold in secret. Also, the technique of building up and not out allows more storage with less counter space. Appreciated.

Conceal Bookshelf: I love books. And I love the idea of stacking books from floor to ceiling. But this is an illogical desire, because how would I access the books at the bottom? Problem solved.

Hint Hint

I know it's only mid-October, but if you're at a loss as to what to get me for Christmas, may I make a suggestion?

I am absolutely freaking out over these Pantone Christmas Balls!

It doesn't matter that I don't put up a Christmas tree—these would so get hung. And then in the summer I'd use them when I go fishing!

Jam on with Ryan Gosling

I'd like to personally thank Ryan Gosling (seriously, does anyone know how I could get in touch with him?). For many winters now, I've been in search of adult-sized footed-pajamas.

Well praise be to Ryan Gosling! Thanks to his appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show, I can pad around my house in fleece-footed happiness!

Check out the many, many styles on Jumpin' Jammerz. I went with the hooded footed pajamas with pockets and thumb holes! My one complaint is there is no foot grippies—it's been quite treacherous on my wood floors.

And, if you have a couple hours to spare, check out the Ultimate Ryan Gosling Animated Gif Wall. It's a good time (but seriously don't click on it unless you're looking for a major diversion from whatever you're supposed to be doing right now).

Time to get my sweat on. Check ya later.

Smash it this Summer

Top row: Cut and paste books, bottom row: Digitally produced photo books from Blurb and Shutterfly. [click to enlarge]

Scrapbooking was always one of my favorite hobbies growing up. Still is. But now I do all my photobooks digitally on Blurb and Shutterfly. When I saw this new Smash Book on PaperSource I grew real nostaligc for the days of glue sticks and stickers.

I'm a little bummed, though not surprised, that all pieces and parts are sold separately*. But still, what a great activity for the kids... And you!

This summer, treasure all your memories. Smash it!

*Book comes with pen and glue stick.

Stripes & Plaid Forever

If you're looking for a last minute Father's Day gimmick, I've created a couple downloadable bookmarks dad might like!

Simply download the pdf, print on a heavy stock and cut out. These will work nicely tucked inside that new book you bought dad OR as a gift tag!

Have a happy day with Dad!

A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

Father's Day is June 19th. In honor of dad's everywhere, I've carved this Gentleman's Set of block prints.

Below we have (a) eyeglasses on uncoated felt stock, (b) bow tie on stardream, (c) moustache on chipboard, and (d) pipe on linen stock.

I'm hoping to have a full set of notecards ready for Etsy soon!

Ride On.

Tomorrow is National Bike to Work Day. In years past I have actually biked to work on this celebratory day (don't be too impressed—I live a flat 1.6 miles from where I used to work, a 12 minute ride door-to-door, so really I should have been biking every day). As I now live a hilly 15 miles from I work, I will NOT be pedaling in the morning.

But here's some great items to show your bike-friendly side!

1. Coptic Stitch Journal from SteelPetalPress on Etsy

2. Bike Friendly GR Tees (or locally at mintykeen)

3. Rock Glasses from Vital on Etsy

4. Bicycle Bag from ikabags on Etsy

5. Bike Necklaces on Etsy

6. Life is a Beautiful Ride print for ParadeCreations on Etsy

Is Your Mug Warm or Are You Just Happy to See Me?

When I was in grade school we got these T-shirts on one of our weekend trips to Traverse City that changed color based on the temperature of the room. I wore that shirt all the incessantly. In retrospect, while the concept may have been wildly innovative, they were incredibly cheesy (score 1 for the '90s).

While these mugs may rely on some of the same technologies as my color changing t-shirt, they are in no way whatsoever cheesy. They are awesome.

Visit thinkgeek.com for these gems and other amazing stocking stuffers.

New Shop a Grand Rapids Win!
Back in May I read about a "eclectic home decor shop" specializing "in artfully redesigned, recycled goods" that was opening in Grand Rapids.

Hmm. That sounds like something this eclectic redesigner might like.

Well it wasn't until this past Saturday that I finally found myself inside the shop, And what a holy treasure trove! The entire shop is about the size of my office, and every item in it is blissfully charming. (It's loaded with mustaches and owls!)

If you're looking for any last minute Christmas gifts head to Rebel Reclaimed at 926 East Fulton in Grand Rapids, MI 49503. It's a definite win! http://www.rebelreclaimed.com/