Apparently Austin has moved into a subtropical zone, one where we receive three inches of rain in 30 minutes almost daily. It’s been a relief for our drought ridden region, except I’m starting to wonder if the sun is ever going to return or if we’re doomed to live in a mushroom forest until the end of time. Point is, I’m getting stuff done around here but I can’t take pictures because it’s pitch dark.

For starters, Ike got a new (craigslist) big boy bed that Matt is painting a creamy sooty black:

Just try to stop yourself from loving that cute bed.

Also my bedding came in from Overstock so the master bedroom is looking less crappy every day, if maybe a bit sleazy… I don’t know. That’s my next photography project so look for updates in the next few days if the rain will ever stop. This may be a little OTT, though:

Giant faux fur blanket I know you aren’t for real, but I think I might could love you anyway… maybe.

Meanwhile, swing arm sconces and new pillows are in the works for the front room.

I took the plunge and sprang for a pair of these Kelly Wearstler/Lee Jofa pillows, and now I wish I’d also gotten a pomegranate velvet cover from the same seller:

Should I?

And hey, did you know that if you buy a pair of unshaded swing arm sconces at a thrift store, a cup harp is the proper lamp fitting to connect the sconce to a real (not Ikea or clip) shade?

It looks like this. Now you know.

Also the nursery is slowly inching towards completion. To that end, I sent this chair:

To be upholstered in this fabric:

Which I scored for $4/yd including tax and shipping. Shazam!

And finally I sucked it up and bought more wallpaper for the hallway and powder room. Maybe those rooms will get done before baby comes, maybe not. Last time I papered our hall myself, but this time I’m having someone else do it for a VERY reasonable price. I will give out his info after he’s done… I ain’t got time for poaching.

What does all this add up to? Poverty. I try really really really hard to buy vintage, to use local retailers and shop small business, but I still have the stain of filthy capitalism all over me right now.

When Ben gets the Amex statement he is going to insist on putting the kids to work as child models, or at least as diamond miners.

Can’t say I’m opposed to a little mining (and hopefully smuggling). Child modeling is way creepier.

ps, that was intended to be funny.

Later, dudes. The doctor is about to poke her fingers in my special no no to see when the baby might come out…

I need two more weeks. Legs and fingers crossed!

Are you still putting off your holiday shopping like I am? If so then I am here to help… you. I’m pretty sure there’s no help for me. I have a disease and the only cure is spiked eggnog and some sort of roasted meat, unless there is a 12 step program for serial procrastinators. But, back to you. Let’s do this, shall we?

I have a specific kind of person in mind for these gifts — me. But since I have more personalities than Sybil, let’s just say that this selection of goodies appeals to my more youthful and carefree side, the side that would like to go out and get crunked until 2 am. But this side would still pull herself together the next morning to make coffee and straighten the pillows. And this side is not so youthful that she might resort to utter insanity, like wearing neon spandex leggings. Let’s call her homey with a dash of derring do.

What better to document the adventures of your inner wild child than a mini digital Rolleiflex camera? Thread a waxed leather string through the side holes and wear that sexy beast as a purse. Dance floor problems solved. Booya! $280 from Amazon.

Gotta have a hot necklace if you’re going to party. This handmade specimen by Nomoi Koru is flashy not trashy. $34 from Etsy.

But life is not all about bad 80s coverbands and overpriced drinks. Your house needs love and attention, too. 144 Empty Parking Lots by Jenny Odell (thanks to the gods of 20×200 for listening to my prayers!) will give your home that requisite touch of existentialism. I say spring for the 11×14 size if you can afford it — size matters for this piece. $50 from 20×200.

These are just damn cute, but still suggestive enough to have some edge. Kissing creamer and sugar set by Reshape Studio (ps: they have some very cute vases, too). $64 from Etsy.

You like glamor, I like glamor, and I love Art Deco. This gold beaded pillow has the holiday X factor in spades. $42 from Urban Outfitters.

And now a couple of cheap thrills before I hit you over the head and steal your wallet: this Christmas ornament with a living airplant by Tortoise Loves Donkey is sleek enough to live beyond its holiday expiration date. Mount a hook on your window and tie one on. $9.50 from Etsy.

A fainting spell comes upon me every time I look at this picture… Muhammad Ali training underwater, photographed by Flip Schulke. 24×36 poster for $2.25 from Amazon. No, that is not a typo.

Got money? Then by all means Tord Boontje for Artecnica’s completely useless (as far as I can tell) Witches Kitchen Utensil Set is the gift you must purchase… for me. Does that joke ever get old? Not really. The gargantuan price of this set is in direct proportion to my oversized obsession. $770 from Unica Home.

That’s it for today, little buddies. I hope you got some great ideas to wow your friends and loved ones. Tune in later this week for more gifts n things, and perhaps a surprise guest to school you on all the best last minute prezzies you can nab right here in Austin.

You dudes may remember that not even an entire month ago I got my act together and finally put my horse print up for sale on etsy.  Well, it was such a darn good time I’ve gone and done it again.

Lasers in General is my newest piece, printed in (ahem) METALLIC GOLD and black, he’s 26″ of pure shiny federalist awesomeness.  Limited edition prints are for sale on etsy HERE.  Why do they cost less than the horsey?  Because it’s smaller and was much easier and less expensive to print.  Bada bing.

Thank you, Erin, for your lovely photography and styling skillz.  Don’t you guys j’adore the eagle lamps with the general print?  Can I get a whatwhat?

CLICK HERE to check out Lasers in General on Etsy

And to grab one of the last horsey prints, CLICK HERE

Quite some time ago, way back in the beginning of the year 2009, I made a list of Design Crisis New Year’s resolutions.  Some of them worked out (I’m pretty sure I painted a lot of stuff gold last year); some of them are still in the pipeline (where is all that money this blog was supposed to make us?); and some of them are finally being wrapped up today.  Yes, 419 short days after last year’s new years resolutions, I’m putting some of my own work up for sale.

photo by our own lovely Erin

You dudes may remember this horse I designed way back when.  Well, I finally screen printed him and I’m trading the prints for cash-dollars.

Fun Facts:

This print is HUGE.  Monster huge.  It took me almost a month to find the 3-foot-square paper it’s printed on.  You know what that means?  You can actually have a giant piece of art without paying Michelangelo prices.

Fun Fact 2:  I only printed 30 of these.  7 of them are gone.  math math math… that means there are 23 left.

FF3:  Yes, there was only one picture in today’s post, making it relatively short, but the news is huge and that’s what matters.

FF4:  You can get your print HERE.

go forth and make momma proud, ya’ll.

Good morning everyone!  Glad to see you all survived a night undoubtedly filled with panic and nightmares after Erin’s haunted house tour yesterday.  You guys are some tough kittens and for that we would like to reward you!  How about an, um, I don’t know, maybe a GIVE AWAY???!!!

Hooray!  Everyone loves a give away.  Especially me because it makes me feel like Oprah.  We’re very similar if you divide all of her accomplishments, bank accounts and loyal followers by approximately one hundred gazillion.  Enough about me, the real Oprah in this story is a lovely gentleman called Tim who sells his affordable photography prints under the name Opart on Etsy.  He’s a rockin photographer who wants nothing more than to bring warmth and joy to your little hearts this holiday season.

Here’s how this shit’s going down:  I’ll be posting several of Opart’s pieces (I just couldn’t narrow it down) you dudes pick your favorite one and leave a shout out in the comments section.  Next Tuesday, I will pick THREE WINNERS via the magic number generator et voila each of THREE WINNERS gets their favorite piece.  Don’t worry if another winner also loves your fave, Tim is happy to print duplicates.

Here are your choices:

Carousel 1970, 8″x8″

Street Party, 8″x8″

Happy Holidays, 8″x8″

Zebra Number 3, 8″x8″

Almost a Unicorn, 10″x8″

Road King, 8″x8″

Gina, Venice Beach 1996, 8″x8″

Four Bee Eaters, 10″x8″

Five Humming Birds, 10″x8″

And just incase you can’t wait until the big reveal next Tuesday, you can buy most of these prints for $25, which includes free shipping around the world through January 2010, here.

Happy commenting!

+++++++UPDATE: AS OF 6:30pm CENTRAL TIME, ENTRIES TO THE CONTEST ARE CLOSED.  Sorry loves, come back tomorrow to find out who one and next week for a BRAND NEW CONTEST++++++++

We are experiencing a major drought here in Texas.  My once lush green lawn is now on life support and with the city’s water restrictions the prognosis isn’t good.  Everyone in the lone star state has their hands clasped together in prayer for some serious serious sky water.  So, I’m not sure if I just have rain on the brain or if there really is a lightning bolt trend happening out there in the rest of the irrigated world.

This glorious wallpaper has been in my office wall inspiration folder for some time now.  I’ve written about the magic of Minakani wallpaper before and my love for them has only grown stronger since releasing this design.  Since my office renovation is scheduled to start next week (I’m doing it myself and just took a couple days off) I’ve had this design on my mind.

Then, low and behold, I spotted this genius art piece on one of my favorite blogs Me Melodia:

If ever I had the need to have a urinal in my home, it would most certainly be this Duchamp knockoff with lightning bolts by Hellovon.

Bombarded by TWO badass lightning bolt images, I decided to super sleuth the possible trend to see what else I could find.  Here’s what I dug up:

Admittedly, much of what I found was clothing – but doesn’t fashion usually preempt home decor?  There were gazillions of lightning bolt earrings, so, assuming that you’ve probably already seen them, I excluded them and only picked the best of the best.  This Miss Miln Lightning Dress from Asos certainly takes the cake.  If I had my way I would buy it and time warp back to 199X so I could wear it to the prom, then maybe I would have had a good time.  Note to self:  find a new date, too.

This lightning bolt skirt is feeding my craving for all things bright yellow.  And short.  At only $30 from Karma Loop, I think it just may become mine.  How rad would I look in my new lightning bolt office with this skirt?  It’s totally work appropriate, right?

Don’t worry dudes, I did find a few lightning items that will dress up your den, not your booty.  Like this watercolor from Etsy user HellsSewingCircle

Or this stamp set from another etsy artist, WhimsyByJess.  Get a load of that green background, pretty rad, Aye?

This laptop cover by another etsy user MichelleChristina will trendify your mac lighning quick

And finally, one last fashion image.  Sorry, but I thought it was too cute to pass up.  Etsy user Aeon’s lightning tee

Real quick like I want to say Thanks so much to Waxyhearts for her awesome guest post yesterday and Jen for her yellow, black and white roundup on Friday!  Stay tuned this week for lots of fun and excitement:  Tomorrow Even Cleveland will be ripping your heart out with some to-die-for-designs.  I’ll pose a design question for the ages on Thursday and Friday you really really won’t want to miss:  our own Mrs. Erin will be dropping by to give you all an update on la bambino and to finally make a public reveal of his little name.  Sadly, it’s not Berin.

Kisses!

Happy Weekend and Fourth Everyone!  If you’re celebrating your independence in front of a computer, might I suggest that you flip through Etsy seller Verdigris shop:

Her confusing architectural photo collages make me proud to be American.  Ok, look, I’m trying to tie this into the holiday.  The point is, her composite prints rock and I hope your holiday does, too!

OH, PS, if you’re in Austin stop by Birds on East 6th for a cut and get a free six pack of tall boys.  holla

While kids everywhere are cheering the end of teachers, books and dirty looks, as a grown up and ex-instructor, I find myself sniffing nostalgically at the very idea of school. Because, as dorky as it may sound, there is no way to describe how much I love learning new stuff. So when Brooklyn based coop 3rd Ward emailed DC to tell us all about their awesome summer class offerings, my heart leaped at the thought of taking welding, or bookbinding, or screen printing, or — gasp!– digital textile design (wiping the drool off my face).

Damn you, 3rd Ward, why aren’t you in Austin? Well, this post will serve as a PSA for all you lucky New Yorkers, as well as inspiration for the rest of us. Don’t just waste your summer away on silly activities like booze and swimming… Learn something, already!

So, 3rd Ward offers a brazillion classes that range from Vacation Bible School cheap to summer camp in the Poconos not so cheap. Clockwise from the top left, we have Digital Textile Design, Photoshop (which is apparently taught by mimes… just kidding, but that would be awesome!), Digital Bookmaking and Thermochromatic Embroidery. Huh, what? Apparently there is such a thing as wired embroidery thread that changes colors when a switch is flipped. I like the idea of having an electronic hat very, very much.

Once upon a time, I took a jewelry class, and for the first time in the history of my education, I hated my teacher. I would like a do over at 3rd Ward, please. Did you know you could cast jewelry from cuttlefish bones? Stinky, but fun.

I also took a welding class in grad school that changed my life. I went from confusing a socket wrench with a monkey wrench, to TIG welding like a rock star. Karlypants also took welding in school and we both agree that knowing how to use tools with confidence is totally empowering. Plus I feel that everything should be on casters, so this Welding Techniques for Sculpture and Furniture class would bring me one step closer to my plan of world domination on wheels.

For all my tool swagger, I can’t wield a brush worth a damn, so it’s unlikely I would find myself in the Oil Painting class. On the other hand, if they can teach me how to paint this sexy lady, I am so there.

Perhaps I should start with the Drawing From Chaos class… Although I am very distracted by the Handmade Skincare class. Knowing me, however, I would accidentally concoct a tincture of poison ivy instead of St John’s Wort. Doh! I used to teach bookmaking, so maybe I’d be safest in the Bookbinding class. Yeah, I know — way to stretch out of my comfort zone.

I am a very impatient lady, so I would consider taking the Extraordinary Embroidery class sponsored by Etsy to work on my sit still skillz.

This class wins the award for best title — How To Make Crappy Stuff Awesome. Love it, love the concept. In fact, this class describes my theory for decorating: Step One – Collect trash. Step Two – Shrug? Step Three – Awesome! Ok, so maybe I should take the class, as I obviously need some help filling in the particulars for Step Two.

Finally, Business Plan Boot Camp is not to be missed. Because all the awesome crafts and art in the world will not market themselves. You gotta know how to pimp your wares. When I taught art, I ALWAYS recommended for art majors to minor in business. If you missed the business boat (like I did), then this class is for you.

So remember when I chastised you for boozing your summer away instead of spending your free time learnin’ stuff? Well, if you can’t set down that case of Pabst Blue Ribbon, consider taking the very informal Drink and Draw class on a Wednesday night at 3rd Ward. Because you know your drawings always look better when viewed through a haze of drunkenness. At least mine do.

As you already know, everyday is a party here at DC headquarters.  Unfortunately, the South South Austin branch of our conglomeration is not reflecting this ideology all too well.  Enter, a trend I’ve been spotting all over the web:  Garland.  Both festive and feminine, these lovely paper cutouts say “Yeah, it’s Wednesday, why don’t you just go ahead and get your groove on?”

via Please Sir

The flag banner in it’s most basic form.  Can’t you just smell the turkey legs and screaming children?

Artist Sophie Cuvelier juxtaposes the flag banner hype with quite interiors:

The small scale of her hand cut pieces become blissfully overwhelming when produced en masse. I can see these in every single room of my house.  If only I had the patience and time it must take to assemble these suckers. 

Wedding stylist Rebecca Thuss  Brings the jamz with her large scale garland alter.  I am wondering how my husband and mother will feel if I file for divorce so that I may remarry (same man) under this insane piece.  I will not be wearing that blue dress, though.

For a totally over-powering paper cutout experience, check out the works of stylist Zoe Bradley  her garland displays are to-die-for and probably even bring window-dresser-to-the-stars, Simon Doonan, to his Burberry knees. 

Zoe combines boxes, bags, paper and bows to make a Karly-Flavored dream display

If you need to water down your garland fashion for everyday wear, perhaps something like this is a bit more your style:

This garland inspired necklace from flickr user Vera Joao creates an instant traveling party.  Perfect for running errands or taking your cats to the vet. 

One of my very favorite flag banner pieces is this print by artist Elisabeth Dunker.  It has been my desktop image for as long as I can remember, one day I will own it in the flesh but for now it cheers me up every time I hop on my computer (which is almost every second of the day).  Note:  much more inspiring than a keep calm and carry on poster/pillow/towel/trash can liner.

You may remember that I have a smallish obsession with twins, when twin brothers Marc and Ian Hundley were featured on the Selby with their garland I almost fainted.  Seriously, why don’t you just throw Christain Bale into the shot so I can be completely sent over the edge?

If like me your heart rate has excelled to a no-longer healthy pace and your head is spinning with visions of garland throughout your house but you find the task of construction a bit daunting, you can always visit our fine friends at Etsy:

clockwise from top left: cupcake garland by etsy user Frivolous Whimsey; Garland of Paper Flowers by Millalove; Royal Garland and Royal Garland detail by Royalbuffet; Baby Mama Papel Picado by Aymujer

While (thank god) I don’t have a use for the Baby Mama garland, I think it’s probably one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.  Millalove’s paper flowers are so delightfully perfect. I can barely fold a booklet and this gal is whipping out paper dalias like it’s nobody’s business.

I’m a pretty crafty lady, but the one quality I possess that outweighs my creativity is my aversion to tedium – I’m willing to bet a million dollars that I never knit an entire scarf – so it’s good to know that these Etsy kids have my back and are willing to bring the party while I kick back and spike the punch.

+++++

UPDATE!  2 of our lovely readers reminded us about these lovely flag banners:

Woodley Park Zoo welcomes her new Feesh flag banner style.  I dare you to find a cuter fish welcome sign.

And thank you, Anna, for reminding me about my favorite Ikea fabric (how could I forget????)!!!  

Welcome to the other side of the New Year, homies.  I know this isn’t our first post of the year but since you all were spending the better part of last week sleeping off your hangover, we’re pretending this is day one.  So, welcome ’09.  Holla.

We here at DC headquarters aren’t so big on New Year’s resolutions but we are big on lists.  We’ve made quite a catalog of goals for the upcoming 12 months and, while we may be flying too close to the Hayon Chandelier on wings of wax, we’re going to do our best to stick to them, gosh darn it.

Here’s a preview of what we have in store:

Sanders has already given you the lowdown on the best blacks, whites and grays of the Benjamin Moore Palette as well as introduced you to the color trends of 2009 but to prove his genius goes beyond broad strokes and that he truly is the King Of Paint, Sanders will become a regular consultant at Design Crisis.  Do you have a room in need of a color makeover but don’t know where to start?  Or perhaps you know the color you want but have been banging your head against a wall filled with all the wrong color samples.  No worries, you can send us your images and info on the room, we’ll program it into the Sanders-bot 3000 and boop, beep, boop, voila a perfect selection of swatches custom made for you. pssst, don’t send these to us yet, we’ll have a fancy new email adress for your submissions.

OK, admittedly, this featured artist thing won’t happen every Friday, or maybe not even on Friday at all, but we’re all geared up to bring you a bevy of fresh new designers both local and abroad.  We’ve already got 3 in the cooker that I am oh-so-excited about so put on your soft-sculpture helmet, buckle your upholstery-grade seat belt and get ready for a 100 mph ride through featured designville.

The goal closest to my heart this new year is to bring in the Benjamin’s.  See that little column to the right of this post?  Now, imagine your name in big bright lights RIGHT THERE.  Yep, we’re dressing up our advertising section with new sponsorship packages and opportunities to show off your design business.  We’ve already been lucky enough to grab a few fantastic sponsors – unveiling to come later this week – but hey, we’re not ashamed to want more.

And just to show that we’re not a bunch of bitter cast offs tearing up everyone else’s handy work, we’ll be unveiling our own small range of Design Goods over at everyone’s favorite online flea market, Etsy.  Look, if we get this one crossed off on December 31st then we will still have met our deadline.

Speaking of selling stuff on Etsy, we will also be shifting (a very small portion) of our focus from the excessively unattainable to the design-conscious small business ventures that make our hearts go pitter pat.  Our focus will not only be on the awesome products that these dudes produce but also on how they run their business complete with tips for success and how not to run your company into the ground in the first week.  

If you’re going to run a business then you just may need to know how to make something.  Enter:  Our D.I.Y. guides.  I swear to god I will finally break down and type up some of those how-tos I’ve been promising you for the last 6 months.   It can be a little daunting trying to throw sparkle and pizzazz into step by step instructions that involve a lot of math and ironing, ok?

With all this crap we have lined up for ourselves we’re probably going to need to have a few guest blogging editions.  This half-baked idea has not spent nearly enough time with me, erin and a bottle of vodka* so I can’t promise any amazing up-and-coming segments but I’m sure that once we get around to it, your scene-loving heads will be blown right off

*vodka for me only, Erin can’t have it for 7 more months.  ha ha

But don’t let all this talk of brew-ha-ha get you down, there will still be plenty of this:

And most definitely a lot of this:

So, that’s that.  Welcome to the Y2K9, playas.

When I was going over the photos I had gathered for today’s post, I realize that these are not so much gift suggestions for the world at large, they’re more like gift suggestions for, well, me.  Bright and colorful?  check.  Silly and ridiculous? check.  Price tag larger than my budget?  Checkity, check, check!

Yep, today is the $100(ish) edition and I’ve rounded up my fave finds – of the minute – from the world wide web.  I’ve also tossed in a few goodies that could have fallen into previous under $25 and under $50 posts because I’m cool like that.  

Let’s start today’s guide with gifts for the fellas:

Is your man super smart and loves to look like a jackass?  So is mine, that is why I am pondering any of the following for mattybear:

1.  (HANDMADE) Fool’s Gold, narrow or skinny screenprinted microfiber necktie by etsy user Toybreaker, one tie = $30  (see I told you I’d hook you up)

2.  LED Binary Watch from thinkgeek.com, (i do not pretend to understand how this works, too much estrogen) one watch, $69.99

3.  Nippon Work Gloves, available in 12 designs from Brooklyn 5 and 10, one pair, $20

4.  (for the little matt in your life) Star Wars R2-D2 backpack from Fred Flare, $65

Enough about boy stuff.  How about some ladies fashion:

1. (HANDMADE) Panda Snacks Necklace from Naughty Secretary Club.  (I have seen this bad mama jamma in person and the photo does not do it justice… making the price tag worth while), $130

2. (HANDMADE) Modern Rock Ring by Metalicious, Cast sterling “diamond” on gold-plated ring, $75

3. (HANDMADE) Summer Fashion Shoes designed by Bunka, don’t let the word “summer” scare you, these kicks rock, $47

4. (HANDMADE) necklush ultra – orange with print by etsy seller, Necklush, $65  (I am obsessed with these!!!  must. have. one)

5. (HANDMADE) tangled with bakelite necklace by t8designs, $89

6. (HANDMADE) Um Carry felt purse, $95

7. (HANDMADE) demano Marbella tote made from recycled Italian PVC banners, $72

So by know you’re probably wondering who the hell gives shoes for Christmas and that I am doing a terrible job with this guide.  I’ll pause while you scroll up and check out those wheels again.

….. See.  Moving on.

Chances are you probably have some kid you have to buy a holiday gift for.  We all do, it’s ok.  Here is what I would want if I were said child:

1. (HANDMADE) wunder toy pantonino, pantone stuffed doll  (it’s never too early to learn your pantone colors, right?) only $38

2. (HANDMADE) Baby Bunting by Brooklyn Junior.  This makes me want to move somewhere cold when I procreate, that suit is kickin.  $52

3. (ALL NATURAL!) Pony, price available from horse breeders across the country

4. Color Wheel Puzzle, from (sorry) Pottery Barn.  But how cool is that?  It’s possibly the best baby toy ever and it’s only $20

5. Labyrinth Balancing Board (David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly not included) Christmas is all about playing with stupid toys after all the presents are unwrapped.  Get this for Junior and watch Uncle Bill try to master it while the ham is roasting, $69 – $99

Don’t hang out with breeders?  Good, you won’t want any spittle next to these expensive gifts:

1. Orimono Pillow from Anthropologie, $88

2. Thomas Paul Imperial Horse Linen Pillow (incase the real pony falls through), $100

Know anyone who likes subversive home goods (ahem!)  Try one of these:

1.  Terrorist Tea Pot, this UK item might not make it before Christmas, but it’s worth the wait, 20 Euros

2. Charity Money Box (remind your recipient to save up for you next Christmas!) 20 Euros

3. (HANDMADE) A-Light South Third.  Who gives a lamp for Christmas?  Probably someone with badass shoes and great taste in lamps, $75

4.  Wall Mounted Candle Holder, $95

5. hand grenade oil lamps by piet houtenbos.  They’re gold.  Need I say more? $65

6. (high price alert!) Carlos Night Light.  TOTALLY worth the extra 32 clams, $132

7.  New York Delft Plate Set, They may be all over the internet, but have you seen them on a table yet?  Swoon, 5-piece place setting, $80

Here are a few more pieces to spice up your pal’s table:

1.  (HANDMADE) Large Black Holy Bowl, by etsy seller chloelepichon, $100

2.  (HANDMADE) Large urchin bowl, $95

3. (HANDMADE) Blaue Blume Tea cup -White with gold shoes (love love love!), $59

4. (HANDMADE) Blaue Blume Milk jug -White with gold shoes (still loving!), $59

And finally, I’ve got a holiday gift soup, filled with all the left overs and random good stuff that didn’t go go with any of the above pictures:

1. (HANDMADE) Plantorb, you put plants in it, silly, $104

2. (HANDMADE) Irana Douer Hair Pillow, AUD 30

3. Flower Piglet Piggy Bank, incase you think the charity bank might make your friends cry, $77

4. (HANDMADE) Hand Blown Cupcake stand, I’ve always wanted a glass cake stand, but now I want this, $60

5.  (EDITOR’S PICK)  Everyone loves booze, right?  even kids.  Give my favorite, Crios Torrontes.  Yum, it tastes like Chanel, $15 / bottle (hey, it’s not my favorite for nothin’)

6.  Carrie Bicycle Basket (is it named after the Sex in the City Carrie or the Blood Bath Prom Queen, Carrie?  Hopefully the latter).  Anyway, it’s cute:  buy it for a friend with a bike, $65

Oh my gosh I can’t believe I made it to the end.  Did you see all of those links?  Did you?  I think I am going to toss back that Editor’s Pick in celebration.  Happy Shopping.

I know, I know, you all are sick of Christmas stuff all over the entire world wide web and you were really hoping that your cynical friends over at Design Crisis would rise above it.  Sorry.  Not only am I bringing you an under $25 round-up, we’re going to be Holiday-Guiding it up all week long.  Recession woes got you down?  Today’s your day.  Save up a few grand for the holidays?  Check back mid-week.  Living off inherited cash from Daddy’s oil well?  Stop back by on Friday.

Unfortunately, I fall into the first category.  Plus, I subscribe to the one for them / one for me school of holiday shopping, so I have to keep the numbers down.  Let’s round this up already, shall we?

(I am actually writing this late sunday night, and I am as tired as can be, so, today, in exchange for snarky comments, you’re getting bullet-point links.  Sorry, and I still love you).  (also, handmade items are noted, hooray!)

1. (HANDMADE) The Middletons Plate Set  2 plates = $24

2. Areaware Pico Bunny Pillow $24 

3. Red Cross Doormat $25  (I have this and LOVE it!)

4. Areaware Pico Blue Penguin Pillow $24

1. (HANDMADE) Dot Bowl in Felted Wool one bowl, $14

2. (HANDMADE) Small Faux Bois Vessel $25

3 & 4. (HANDMADE) Skinny Laminx Tea Towels $12 each

1. Raised By Wolves organic cotton onesie $16

2. (HANDMADE) Whistle Bear, mounted paper cut out, $26 (hey, what’s one extra dollar?)

3. (HANDMADE) Naughty Secretary Club Abe Was A Babe Necklace $22

4. (HANDMADE) Play With Me Leather Earrings $26

5. (HANDMADE) Early Eve Elephant, mounted paper cut out, $26

6. (HANDMADE) Monogram Totebag (they have every letter) size small, $22

7. (HANDMADE) Baseball Cuff $25

1 & 2. Prints by William Crump at 20 x 200, $20

3 & 4. (HANDMADE) Prints by Restless Things, $4 & $17.50

(HANDMADE) 2009 Calendar  $25

1. Catalina Estrada Wallet $20 

2. Detail of Catalina Estrada Wallet

3. Seibei Strange Invaders T-Shirt $22

4. Knife Wall Hook $25

And, finally, if you want to know what to get me for under $25:

D.I.Y. Swan Ice Sculpture Kit, $20.  Booya