Miss Modish- Mojo Maker

A Snowy Send-off to a Happy New Year!

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First things first, I want to give a big thank you to the UK Times Online for naming Modish as one of the Top 50 Design Blogs in the world! The world? Wow! What a great honor! Thank you so much to Lynne who compiled the list. I'm so excited to be included amongst so many of my favorites!

I hope to continue the momentum of Modish into 2010 and make it even better- more personal, more inspirational with lots more new features to come in January. I can't wait!

Well, we're off to our snowy hometown of Reno, NV next week for some Christmas family time. I decided to gift myself with a little break to take some time for myself to catch up on projects, load up the shop, read, do yoga and have some fun with my mister! I'll be around on email and working a bit behind the scenes if you need to get in touch. Otherwise, I'll be back here on the blog on January 1st to wish you all a happy new year and talk about plans for 2010!

I wish you all happy holiday time and an amazing new year! Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your 2009 with me and Modish. I'll see you back here with much more to share next year!

A BIG virtual hug to you all,

<3 jena

These are a few of my favorite things...

It's the last favorite things list of the year! Wheee! All these things are on my personal wishlist- I would love to have and hold and wear and stare at any of them, all day long. Sigh...

this super versatile circle scarf

pompoms and brass

this amazing belt that is taking every ounce of my self control not to buy right now

this pretty winterscape

this screen-printed poster of the sealife that resides on our PNW coast 

these handmade eco-friendly flats

more pompoms! big ones!

this feeder for all the little chickadees in my yard

something, anything, in this print

this fake diamond ring paired with this tiny black diamonds ring

yeah, we don't need to say anything more about that last one ;)

Jessica Snow

Jessica Snow may as well change her artist name to "happy maker", because that's certainly what she is to me:

Ah... now that's what I call total color contentment. See more of her work over on 20x200 and her own site.

Mimi Kirchner

I am totally obsessed with these dolls by Mimi Kirchner. 

They're cooler than I am. They dress better than I do. They're more eco-friendly than I'll ever be (I'm not made out of recycled materials, unfortunately). They're men with rosy cheeks, ladies with tattooed bodies and cats with sweaters, for goodness sake! I think I want to be them when I grow up. Or maybe one day, I can at least be as wonderful a creator as Mimi is.

See more dolls as well patterns for you talent filled folks who want to try a hand at making these yourselves, over in Mimi's shop.

Design des Troy

Design des Troy is home to gorgeous hand-printed cards and stationery. Take a peek at all their adorable & colorful designs for the holidays and to spread some everyday cheer. Thanks for supporting Modish, Samantha & Owen! {SHOP}

Sugar Pink Boutique

Sugar Pink Boutique's collection of trims are making me feel awfully giddy. I'm trying to figure out how I can cover my stairwell with 15 different colors of pompoms without the mister noticing...hmm...in the meantime, that tissue garland (of which there are many more colors in the shop) has New Year's Party written all over it!

The Little Ghost of Christmas Past

Abby started a flickr group to share photos of holiday past, and I thought I'd join in. I don't have a lot of old Christmas pics here in Portland with me, but I found a few to share...

Me and mom sorting my Christmas loot at Grandma's house- 1983 I'm guessing? Nice velour track suit mom! 

Christmas at Aunt Judy's house circa 1984 or 85? I got a stoller. Not sure if I was excited about that or not. That's my cousin Kenny, ready to assist. I wish had that teddy bear sweater still.

Oof. I remember taking these pictures, all decked out in what I suppose was my Christmas best. I was maybe 4 years old? And not too happy to be wearing those tights, I do remember that.

Not Christmas exactly but wintertime obviously, building a snowman with mama in our yard. I have that hat she's wearing in my closet right now. Man, I wish I had that yellow coat too!

Seems I'm more interested in the clothes in these photos than anything else. Guess I chose the right path with my shop and all ;)

Have some photos of holiday past to share? Join in!

Eco-Friendly Find: Krankpress

So, I was going to save this to post closer to New Year's because, for some reason that seemed appropriate for a calendar post. But I caved, and I'm posting it now, because I think one of these would make an awesome last-minute gift, and I bet you know someone it would be perfect for.

These eco-friendly perpetual calendars from krankpress (Letterpress printed on heavyweight 100% PCW recycled card!) feature two extra columns for each month: one listing the yummy things it's time to plant, and one listing the yummy things that are in season at the farmer's market. Combine that with cute veggie illustrations and I'm sold! Too bad she doesn't have one for the East Coast. Pacific Northwest, Bay Area and Southern California perpetual gardening calendars available here.

 Liz Grotyohann is a co-founder of cosa verde, a marketplace for handmade, environmentally-conscious goods.

Foret

I found these lovelies by Foret via a tweet by enhabiten where she dared someone tell her that they aren't totally awesome. Well, I certainly don't dare, because I think they are totally awesome. And pretty. And so unique. And just perfect for spring/summer for those of you down under, or to wear under a pretty cardi for those of you up here in the "deep freeze" zone. Hmm...I hate to say this before it's even officially winter and all, but I think I'm ready for spring.

Tales of Light

Happy Monday! I thought I'd start off the week with these stunning photographs by Australian artist, Heidi Romano. Heidi created this series while volunteering at the School of Botany at Melbourne University. Each specimen is a little piece of history and natural beauty, some collected over a hundred years ago. I think they're so incredible, I can't stop staring at them! 

See many many more beauties in the Tales of Light shop.

I'm Dreaming of a (Black &) White Christmas

{Louise Brooks :: source}

{grace bradley :: source}

{source}

Love these vintage Christmas images of women (and one miserable-looking little girl!) I love the clothes, the way the presents are wrapped, the gaudy trees, the wreaths of holly, the wallpaper, the schtikiness, the short shorts and high heels...All from the 20's-50's, I think they're so fun to look at. Uh oh, I think I may be starting to feel festive!

{Ones without a source linked are random finds from weheartit.}

Happy Weekend!

{photo by idle type}

This weekend will be filled with decorating, cleaning, gift planning/making and working (of course. there's always working! :) I just bought 3 strings of white twinkle lights for a little inside glee and can't wait to get them up, along with the little staple of holiday decor we've been collecting over the past few years. It's so fun to unearth that box from the basement every year and rediscover the stories behind all the ornaments and decorations- to remember when you got them, where they came from, who made them...what's your favorite part about decorating for the holiday season? 

Well I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll meet you back here on Monday!

<3 jena

These are a few of my favorite things... (gift guide edition 2!)

for a hostess with the mostess, this lace doily serving platter :: $68

for your fashionista friend who already has everything, these knit stirrups :: $110

for someone who's got people to see & places to go, this attache case :: $60

for the stylish tree-trimmer, these glass bulb ornaments :: $10/each (via oh joy)

for your dear, perpetually late friend, this deer tabletop clock :: $68

for a lady who likes the classics, this wooden typewriter necklace :: $22

for a lucky little kiddo, these antique lithograph stacking blocks :: $38

for your can-be prickly other half, these pillow cases :: $24/each (via dailycandy)

for a not so fair-weather friend, these adorable rain boots :: $62

for someone you love, a little lavender sachet :: $15/set of 2

for someone you really really love, a solitaire emerald ring :: $300

for someone who could use a few wishes, these wishbones cards $20/set of 4

Good Gift Boutique: Mahar Drygoods

By far, my favorite kiddo shop on the web is Mahar Drygoods. It's filled with fantastic handmade, artisan goods that are not only interesting, fun and original, but safe too! 

From toys and craft kits, to adorable clothing and hand-crafted furniture, Mahar Drygoods is the place to find a special gift for a baby, toddler or little one who's been verrry good this year. Check out their site gift guide for some good ideas to get you started.

De*Nada

Our heating oil ran out last night. Uh oh. So I'm sitting here in my 3 layers of wool and fleece clothing, under three layers of blankets, watching the frost build up on the windows and waiting for the oil man to hopefully arrive later today. I really wish I had piles and piles of these warm toasties from De*Nada to help keep me warm... 

Oh yeah, one of their incredible scarves and a knit beanie would do me mighty fine right now, and all winter long. 

And you know "de nada" is a way of saying "you're welcome" in Spanish. I suppose they're named that because they know if you wear a de*nada design, you'll be saying "thank you."

Good Gift Boutique: SITE

SITE is an awesome little shop with an even more awesome collection of inspired gifts. Everything is handmade, vintage or artfully designed which means you have lots of "Wow! Where'd you get this?" gift recipient reactions ahead. You're sure to find something for everyone here, from the kiddos on up to grand-dad, in a range of prices. 

Some of my favorite gift ideas are those you see here, but be sure to check out their online shop for lots and lots more. And NYC residents can shop in person in their Queens location, or order online and pick-up in store!

Eco-Friendly Finds: Gifts for Her

Here are a few of my favorite sustainable gift ideas from around cosa verde and elsewhere—snap these up for a sister of friend... she'll be sure to love them!

Clockwise from top left: vintage button necklace made with recycled silver from Elisa Shere Jewelry ($68); awesome shirt from repurposed material from supayana ($59); for the gardener: garden markers from vintage silver spoons from monkeysalwayslook ($8); for the knitter: cruelty-free, hand spun and dyed yarn from knoxfarmfiber ($18); sweet recycled glass bowls from FoxandClover ($58); Jute and bamboo bag from iragrant sacsbio ($78)

And don't forget that we're giving away 33 gifts over on cosa verde! And if you'll be in the NYC area this weekend, there will be some great holiday shopping at the One of a Kind Show. Happy gift-giving!

 Liz Grotyohann is a co-founder of cosa verde, a marketplace for handmade, environmentally-conscious goods.

A $4.40 Bag of Christmas Joy

I picked up this random bag of Christmas goodies a few weeks ago at a thrift store and thought it was high time to see exactly what's in there. Let's break it open and take a peek, shall we? 

ooh look, there's some perfect animal taunting garland in silver and gold...

some kitsch-tastic ornaments that will definitely find a place amongst the decorations this year...

a climbing Santa that seems to smell like tuna...

the ever essential Christmas Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...cowabunga, dude!

some creepily fantastic hand-painted wooden ornaments. Cats on rocking chairs! Score!

and my favorite thing, a kitty cat torturing device!

looks like it works on dogs too.

Well then I guess it's official- let the decorating begin! I'll have to show off more pics around the house once we get some stuff up.

Have you started on your holiday decorations yet? Have sad looking dressed up animals of your own? ;) I'd love to see some pics! Feel free to leave links in the comments.

Good Gift Boutique: Nest

I thought this week I'd profile some great boutiques that carry handmade, unique and original things so you can find a gifts for almost everyone on your list, all in one spot.

I had to start with the amazing non-profit shop, Nest. Nest's mission is to provide women in developing nations with interest free micro-loans so that they can start their own art/craft based business and hopefully break the poverty cycle. The Nest boutique carries an array of beautiful goods handmade by these women.

They also carry a great selection of goods made by domestic artists and designers, who you may recognize, that agreed to donate a percentage of their profits back to Nest to help fund the loans.

It's artists helping artists. And you could help these artists too, as your purchase from the shop would go directly to help fund these women's dreams as they work to build sustainable businesses. It's a great place to find gifts for people that give back. You can find the story behind each artist and where they're from on each item listing in the shop- what a lovely note that'd be to include with a thoughtful gift.

Handmade Holiday Goodness

Are you making your presents and decorations this year? I think this is something normal for a lot of you readers out there, since this is a crafty lovin' blog and all. But I feel like this year especially, people are turning more to diy and less to big-box-cheapo to add a little festive flair to the holidays. Here's a look at some ways people are crafting their way to a happy holiday season, along with links to some great tutorials at the end!

{holiday sashiko}

{Christmas quilts}

{clove oranges}

{acorn mushrooms}

{holiday bird}

{origami ornaments}


{forest pixie}

{gingerbread house}


{fabric ornaments}

{diy snowglobes *how-to tutorial!}

{paper bow *how-to tutorial!}

{pompom wreath *how-to tutorial!}

Happy crafting! What kinds of things are you making this year?