CasaSugar

Steal of the Day: Marimekko Unikko Tray

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:30:12 -0700

If you've yet to tire of its print, you can welcome the Marimekko Unikko Tray ($29, reduced from $42) into your home for a Spring garden party, or even just breakfast in bed. I'm envisioning it serving up some fresh lemonade and cucumber sandwiches, perhaps? It would also make an eye-catching catch-all for your foyer landing strip/console, if you have one, or a perky inbox for your organized desk. Of course this bold, bright print isn't for everyone, but if it goes with your color scheme, it is quite the steal. You like?

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:25:32 -0700

Check out the amazing German water tower that's been transformed into a green home over at Inhabitat.
Get inspired by an easy and lovely home project with the DIY wine display cases on Design*Sponge.
Poppytalk has some great affordable art.
I'm loving the nature elements in Delfina Delettrez Fendi's debut jewelry collection on FabSugar.
Learn about Etsy's halloween costume contest on Craft.
Apartment Therapy: SF blogged about the re-opening of one of my favorite stores, Relish at Home. I'll have more updates on Relish when they launch their online store later this year.
Find some fall garden inspiration with this purple and gold arrangement at You Grow Girl.
Ikeahacker has a great example of DIY mood lighting that's both cheap and chic.

Source

DIY: Organic Fly Trap

CasaSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:00:13 -0700

If you don't feel like spending your endless Summer chasing flies around with a swatter, a fly trap may be more like it. I recently came across a DIY for making an organic fly trap, and since this season goes hand-in-hand with the little pests, I decided to summarize it for you. You should have most, if not all, of the supplies already in your home.

Supplies:

A two-liter soda bottle (used)
Sharp knife
A wire hanger
Match, lighter, or stove gas flame
Electric tape
Bait (like a small piece of meat or dog poo mixed with water!)

To hear the steps, read more.

Remove the bottle cap.
Cut through the bottle a third of the way down.
Place the bait in the base of the bottle (the bottom two-thirds).
Invert the top third of the bottle, and slide it into the base.
Tape the two pieces of the bottle together.
Bend some wire into a U shape (for hanging), with ends angled inwards.
Heat up the ends of the wire, and bore two holes into either side of the bottle by pressing with the hot wire.
Make sure the wire is securely hooked into the bottle.
Now, hang your fly trap and relish in fly-less, chemical-free bliss!

Source

Event Recap: DWR and Craft Magazine Host the Holidays

CasaSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:00:00 -0800

Last night I popped into the Craft Within Reach trunk show in Berkeley, California. A collaboration between Design Within Reach and Craft magazine, the event showcased many local artists and craftspeople displaying their handmade wares. DWR also featured its largest gift selection ever with many items priced under $100.

I was impressed with all of the wonderful vendors, but some of my favorite finds included the gorgeous, letterpress papercrafts from Victoria at Milkfed Press, the Japanese-inspired hide boxes from Modern-Twist, and the funky felted pebbles that Kelly, owner of Relish at Home displayed.

To see a gallery of cool finds, just read more
Despite the rainy weather, the event was packed. There was fun to be had for all, with complimentary wine from Diseno, a tempting raffle, an ornament-making workshop, and tunes spun by my favorite local bhangra DJ, Jimmy Love.

If you haven't checked out a local arts and crafts fair yet for holiday presents, definitely make plans to attend one! The prices are often very reasonable, and the goods unique, locally crafted, and well made!

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Jill's Blissful Portland Digs

CasaSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:36:11 -0700

AT: SF recently posted a house tour of artist Jill Bliss's home in Portland. Jill is one of my favorite artists, and she currently has a show up the fabulous West Berkeley home decor store Relish at Home. I love Jill's use of blue on her walls, and the natural touches that can be found in her home accessories. In the AT: SF post, she describes her home's style as consisting of "[f]ound or made items and modern design pieces [that] are slowly replacing the ubiquitous Ikea items. We like simple shapes and designs, and natural materials (especially wood), plus hints of color." This last statement also describes some of my favorite elements in Jill's artwork (and if you like Jill's work, to, you'll be happy to hear that we'll be giving away a set of her art prints later in the month for Dress Your Walls month).

To see more pictures of Jill's tranquil home, just read more

View 7 Photos ›

Weekend Links: Events Not to be Missed!

CasaSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:53:31 -0700

Casa readers in the MPLS should head down to Gallery 122 at Hang It for the phenomenal Ms. Amy Rice's first solo show in two years. Her work always leaves me buzzing with happiness.
The third annual 2007 DreamHome opens at the Merchandise Mart on September 28th and showcases nine rooms created by celebrated local designers, including James Dolenc and Thomas Riker, Sherry Koppel, and Tracy Hickman.
Tucsonites, take a look at The M Collection, original sculptures and castings by the late Marion S. DeGrazia at the DeGrazia Gallery.Opening reception is Friday, September 28, 5-7 p.m.

More events for St. Louis, the San Francisco Bay Area, Pittsburgh, Boston, D.C., Santa Barbara, Miami, and Seattle when you read more

St. Louis residents should go on this weekend's Green Homes Tour, sponsored by the Earthways Center.
Seattle residents might want to head down to the Ballard Public Library September 29 and 30 (Sat and Sun) for Swap-O-Rama-Rama, from noon to 4 p.m.
If you're in Brooklyn Friday night, Etsy Labs is hosting its Last Fridays Trunk Show with handmade jewelry, bags, and clothes, some prizes, and best of all, free booze.
If you're still in BK on Saturday, check out the Brooklyn Indie Market, a.k.a. "the awesomest shopping mecca in all of NYC."
And if that one night stand in BK became a two night stand, on Sunday, September 30th, check out the DIY Fair.
San Francisco Bay Area residents should head down to West Berkeley Saturday evening from 7-10 p.m. for the Relish at Home grand re-opening and art reception, featuring the artwork of Jill Bliss.
Santa Barbara resies who want to shop for clothing, jewelry, and home accessories from progressive LA, SB, SF & SD designers, should head down to Jill of All Trades on Saturday.
Pittsburgh peeps, make your way to I Made it to Market to sell your handmade goodies, stitch and/or bitch, eat yummy local fare, and meet people on Saturday.
Miami gals, get yourself to Kraftworks, an open-air market featuring local artisans and craftspeople on Saturday.
DC folks, check out the Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair in Adams Morgan to get your fix of handmade crafts from 100 talented vendors on Sunday.
Bostonians, this Sunday, don't miss the SoWa Open Market if you're in the market for hand-crafted accessories, original art, antiques, or just a fresh loaf of bread.