Addendum To Yesterday's Post: Grace Gunning

A little note:

Yesterday I wrote a post on Grace Gunning and her unique, mysterious and personal handmade copper reliquary boxes.
Ironically, that was the one day, her own personal site was down. In all fairness to this artist (and to my readers), now that her site is functioning, please be sure to take a look. Her boxes make wonderful personal and unique gifts.



I was also remiss in not explaining how some of her pieces are 'interactive' games, under her site heading "Come Play With Me" (you know, where you roll the ball around until it sits in a little depression?) and I didn't point out her fabulous Changeling boxes which, when moved, images appear and disappear.



Her work ranges from kitschy (little plastic babies and googly eyes) to spiritual (angels, madonna) to retro (robots and toys).
Now that her site is up and running, be sure to visit by clicking here.

Modern Weathervanes From Italy by Dimensione Disegno.

I always felt that weathervanes, belonged atop a lovely country farmhouse- where, from the looks of most of the present designs, they belong.


above left: Traditional Rooster Weathervane, above right: Modern Rooster Weathervane

However, these modern interpretations designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa of Dimensione Disegno are so much fun, they'd complement even the most modern of homes or yards.

Made of powder coated steel and available with various mounts for either in ground or rooftop, these five colorful wind vanes are all available for purchase.






Each painted aluminium weather vane (Or wind vane as called by some) comes with a telescopic pole and stainless steel counterweight.


Above are the available bases: pole for ground, free standing and mount for fireplace.
350.42000/A pole for ground
350.42000/B free standing
350.42000/C mount for fireplace (only 1 pole H. 120 cm.)
Telescopic tube (max lenght ca. 260 cm.

About The Designers:

above: Afra and Tobia Scarpa

Afra Bianchin was born in Montebelluna in 1937 and Tobia Scarpa in Venice in 1935. They graduated at the Istituto Universitario d’Architettura in Venice and formed one of the most successful and known professional associations. In 1958 they began working in the glass field with Venini in Murano. In 1960 they started working with Gavina; the "Bastiano" sofa and the "Vanessa" metal bed – now in the Knoll International collection – being their most successful pieces.

With Cassina, where they designed furniture exclusively for the house, success came with "Soriana" armchair, which won the Compasso d’Oro award in 1970, and the "925" armchair, which is on permanent display in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 1960 they joined Flos and worked as designers with the Castiglioni. Their best known piece for B&B ITALIA are the "Coronado" and the "Erasmo". For Maxalto they designed a whole collection of very fine furniture. They did the "Torcello" system, which is still on the market today, for Stildomus.

For Molteni they did the "Morna" bed, while for Unifor the "Master" series of manager’s furniture. They were also responsible for the Benetton image in Europe and in America. In architecture they designed the Benetton woolens mill and offices in Ponzano, the Scarpa house and the Lorenzin house in Abano Terme, they restored the Villa Minelli and the Fragiacomo house in Trieste.

Their designs are on show in the principal museums of the world and have been chosen for all major international shows.

Buy any one of these great modern weather vanes here.

Grace Gunning's Gorgeous Reliquary Boxes

Grace Gunning's One-of-a-kind Reliquary Boxes

the bio and info below are from the artist:
Play and mystery are the main ingredients in the unique reliquary boxes made in Grace Gunning's studio.

After years of working primarily with glass, Grace Gunning found old 1890's metal forming machines and began to experiment with a very heavy gauge of copper, hoping to learn to form a box. It took a year or so to teach herself the techniques that are all but lost in this very modern world. In time the boxes, formed one at a time, became more than just boxes. Although the word Reliquary means 'a receptacle for treasures', Grace hopes she's created a treasure to hold your treasures.



Growing up in Blacklick, Ohio in the late 50's and early 60's as a Quaker and moving to N.Y.C. as a teenager in the later 60's gave Grace the sense that life is whackier than we can even imagine.

In her studio in upstate N.Y., along the mighty Hudson River, past meets present. Through the work of play and the play of work, and these marvelous old machines, Grace brings you her Reliquary Boxes.

Below are just a few examples, she has many more in varying themes.









GRACE GUNNING'S RELIQUARY BOXES ARE MADE OF HEAVY GAUGE COPPER USING HAND-RUN 18TH AND 19TH CENTURY MACHINES.

THE LIDS FEATURE WHIMSICAL IMAGES AND MOVEABLE PIECES CAREFULLY DESIGNED AND PROTECTED UNDER GLASS. THE BOXES RANGE IN SIZE FROM 3"x1.5"x1" TO 7"x6"x2".
(MOVE CURSOR OVER THUMBNAIL IMAGES TO VIEW DIMENSIONS)

EACH HAND SIGNED AND DATED BOX IS LINED IN VELVET TO PROTECT YOUR CHERISHED TREASURES.

Be sure to visit her own site to see all her work.

Or you can buy her boxes at any one of the several galleries below:
here(left bank gallery).
And here(Zanisa).
And here(uncommon goods).
And here(ruby lane).
And here(paddiwhack).
And here(cog and pearl).
And here(fire opal).

Funky Find Of The Week: Swarovski Studded Band-aids

Seems as though there's an endless way to incorporate swarovski crystals into consumer products. And here's the latest: Swarovski Blinged Out Band Aids!

Blinged out band aids with 4 Swarovski crystals available in three crisp colors (White, Red and Pink) and one sweet little tin. Designed by Fabian Seibert of Suelkotlett.

$12.00 a pack.

Nothing heals a boo boo like some bling!

Buy them here.

Aldo Rossi's Rugs On Exhibit in London

Some know Aldo Rossi (1931-1997) for his Pritzker Prize-winning architecture, like the San Cataldo Cemetery in Modena and the Centro Torri Commercial Centre in Parma; some for his masterful hand drawings; and others simply as one of last century's greatest Italian architects, who founded the neo-rationalist movement. Few though, would associate Rossi with carpet design; yet the Milanese architect and theorist has much more than architecture projects to show in his impressive portfolio.

Specialist antique dealers Arto and Eddy Keshishian, in association with James Bly, launch today an exhibition of Rossi's carpet designs. The 15 pieces on show were created in 1986, when Rossi was invited to design a series of traditionally woven carpets by the Zeddiani Company, inspired by Sardinian techniques and culture. The architect embraced the local, basic and schematic carpet craftsmanship tradition, which fitted perfectly with his own geometric design explorations, aiming to boost the island's textile industry.



The beautiful pieces are on show in a selling exhibition in London's Kashishian Gallery till the 24th November, along with one each by the designers Piero Lissoni, Ettore Sottsass and Jasper Morrison, and five by Patricia Urquiola, all measuring 2m by 3m.

INFORMATION

Event dates- 14 November 2007 to 24 November 2007
Telephone- 44.20 7730 8810
Address - 73 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE
source-wallpaper magazine, nov. 14

The 2008 Artist Series Beach Towels Are Here!

Earlier in 2007, Target and the Art Production Fund came out with a series of four artist-designed towels. The 2007 series (seen below) was a big hit and Target sold out of all four almost immediately. As a big Alex Katz fan, I immediately bought two of his. The towels are nice and large 60" x 70" and well worth the $50.00 for which they retail.


Above: The now sold-out Artists Series of Beach Towels from 2007

Now, Target and Art Production Fund have announced the lineup of guest artists for their second-annual collaboration of fine-art towels known as the Artist Towel Series 2008.

Above: One of this years' wonderful artist series beach towels

Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Elizabeth Peyton, and Kehinde Wiley have each created a limited-edition beach towel as part of the WOW (Works on Whatever) items designed by contemporary artists to bring art off the walls and into everyday life.


Above: Jeff Koons' Balloon Monkey beach towel


Above: Cindy Sherman's Woman In Pool beach towel

They include "Balloon Monkey," "Woman in Pool," "Sidney," and "African-American Man." The 60 x 70-inch cotton towels, which will be available starting November 19 for $50 on Target.com and worksonwhatever.com, will also be the official pool towels for André Balazs' Raleigh Hotel during Art Basel Miami Beach December 5 to 9.

 
above: Elizabeth Peyton's Sidney beach towel


above: Kehinde Wiley's African American Man beach towel

Proceeds from sales will support Art Production Fund's mission to support major civic artwork projects, while half of all proceeds generated from sales of Koons' towel will also support the Koons Family Institute, a resource of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

Buy 'em quick, they don't stay in stock for long.

Good Fun for Good Dogs. And A Good Cause

Above: Dru Barkymore and Pugnelope Cruz

Is your loving companion a good dog?
Why not reward him or her with a mouthful of Rosie O' Doggell or Brad Pittbull?
You'll not only make your dog happy, but other dogs as well. What am I talking about? Read on.

Doggin' Celebrities with Haute Diggity Dog

The other day I was surfing the net for some toys to put in my jewish dog's Chanukah stocking. (Okay, if that sentence doesn't make me sound like a crazy woman, I don't know what does.)

Nevertheless it was during this odd exercise that I came across some newly released limited edition plush dog toys on Muttropolis.com that actually made me laugh aloud. Enough to startle my dog for whom I was shopping (Indie, my 1 year old jack russell terrier) who was sleeping at my feet as I surfed the net (see below).



Puparazzi Pups are the brainchild of Pamela Reeder and Victoria Dauernheim, the ladies behind Haute Diggity Dog. And, to make it even easier to purchase these, Haute Diggity Dog announced that they will be donating a portion of profits from these Limited Edition Toys to nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping dogs rescued from HIGH KILL SHELTERS across the country under their new program HELP A DOG PLAY ANOTHER DAY!


Above: Bruce Woofless, Clint Barkwood, Angelina Grrrowlie and Doggy Depp

Upon seeing these hilarious canine versions of hip hollywood, I promptly wrote to Pamela and Victoria wanting to know more about them and where the profits would be going.


Above: Pomeranian Anderson, Biteme Spears, Bone Rivers and Brad Pittbull

How many did they make?
Where can I buy them?
Did they need to have the celebrity's permission?
Who designed them?


Above: Bark Nicholsen, Pup Doggy, Rosie O'Doggell and Sarah Jessica Barker

In a matter of minutes I received a friendly and informative reply from Pamela Reeder who was happy to tell me about this fun and benevolent project.

Coincedentally, my question about the 'permission' to create these was a timely one. Just last week Haute Diggity Dog won their second lawsuit brought against them by Louis Vuitton- LVMH (who clearly lack a sense of humor). Their toys were judged as parodies of famous objects. You can read details about the suit here.

Pamela, who designed these herself, went on to explain about the project:
"...We will be listing monthly how much money we raised that month and WHO it went to with a link for the group.Our November sales will be going to The Baja Animal Sanctuary and we will be presenting them with a check on December 6th as well as 165 rubber dog toys for the dogs for Christmas. The sanctuary is in the desert and is semi-outside with dirt floors so sending our toys would be inappropriate, so I bought rubber sturdy ones. Most of these dogs have never even had a toy in their lives. Which is the whole basis of this fund raiser...our toy sales helping other needy dogs live to play another day.

We are donating fifty cents for every toy sold at wholesale....so far this month we have sold approx 7,450 pc..so that's $3,225 already with 2 more weeks to go! Once the toys sell out that will be it for this collection and my guess is that we will be sold out by January at this rate since it is Christmas but we plan to do another collection the same way (something different) late Spring again (-: We are hoping to raise $30,000 or more from this one collection!"

You can tell from her enthusiasm and language in the above excerpt from her e-mail to me how much she and her partner really care about the welfare of dogs.


Below is some background on the fun and fashionable duo behind the luxe parody dog toys.



HAUTE DIGGITY DOG is the brain puppy of Pamela Reeder and together with partner Victoria Dauernheim, Haute Diggity Dog has quickly grown from a fun idea to a successful line of popular parody dog toys, unique collars, carry bags, and must have dog accessories. Additionally, the company's products have been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America,and CBS Early Show,Haute Diggity Dog has an extensive celebrity following and has been a featured item in gift bags to nominees and presenters at the Oscars and Emmy Awards.

PAMELA REEDER is no stranger to growing a business. She learned the ropes while owning a successful bath and body retail store. She also owned and operated a freelance floral design business, some of her clients included Spago, New Line Cinema, Disney, Glamour Magazine, Martha Stewart and president Bill Clinton. Pamela's skills were also utilized as a product manager/buyer for a major Las Vegas casino resort company. It was her great love of dogs though, that led her down the path to Haute Diggity Dog.

Pamela lives with her two beloved dogs Biscuit and Rusty. All three are redheads :)

VICTORIA DAUERNHEIM was one of the pioneers at FedEx and assisted the start-up company through its development years into becoming a billion dollar giant we know today. Working for FedEx and coming from a military family enabled this "Southern Belle" to travel the world. Victoria is a little bit of Champagne, a little bit of moonshine, and a whole lot of fun. She and Pam met while working for a Las Vegas casino resort chain. Victoria has a feisty Pomeranium named Fluffy.

Pam and Victoria's love of animals has been the driving force that propelled Haute Diggity Dog from dream to reality. Both are involved in charitable foundations and are big advocates and supporters of dog rescue programs.

You can contact Pam and Victoria at info@hautediggitydog.com

Some online retailers who carry Haute Diggity Dog products:
www.smalldogmall.com
www.trixieandpeanut.com
www.muttropolis.com
www.shopluckydog.com
www.inthecompanyofdogs.com
www.lushpuppyonline.com
www.barkslope.com
www.dogbar.com
www.wrapables.com
www.jakesdoghouse.com
www.hautedogboutique.com
www.tailsinthecity.com
www.glamourdog.com
www.pamperedpup.com
www.gwlittle.com
www.thepinkpaw.com
www.bestinshowsf.com
www.pawpalaceonline.com
www.moochieandco.com
www.canineranchnyc.com
www.shopthedog.com
www.wiggle-n-waggle.com
www.poshpetboutiqueandspaw.com
www.maxwelldog.com
www.busterandsullivan.com
www.michipet.com
www.funnyfur.com
www.doggievogue.com
www.diggitydogcarmel.com
www.yourdogwilldigit.com
www.foxypaws.com
www.happytailpets.com
www.fundogfred.com
www.ruffaroundthehedges.com

Funky Find Of The Week: Lantic's Pure Gold Remote Control

This new remote control by Lantic Systems is made of pure gold. That's right, gold. I dare you to call it 'the clicker'.

source-Lantic Systems' site:
Lantic Systems delivers the most expensive remote control in the world.
The Danish hi-tech manufacturer Lantic Systems, which is specialized in developing high end integrated entertainment systems, has designed a remote control in pure gold.

It is probably the world’s most expensive remote control on the market – at a price in excess of USD 30.000,- which compared to the standard remote control retailing from USD 1050,-

The new remote control – Gold RC1 – was presented Nov. 13th at the METS 2007 Exhibition in Amsterdam, Holland – the worlds biggest marine equipment trade show.

Lantic Systems is ready to deliver Gold RC1 from December 2007 and the first orders have already been received.

Modeled after the original RC1 from Lantic Systems, the Gold RC1 offers the same sleek form factor and cool metallic finish and ease of use that have made the RC1 one of the hottest remote controls on the market today.

The Gold RC1 is as well as in design as in function the centre of the Lantic Entertainment system which offers control over TV/video/dvd, music/CD, internet, e-mail, CCTV, burglary alarm, lights, curtains, air-conditioning and surveillance of navigation systems etc.

This is a unique technology which matches the other integrated state-of-the-art management and entertainment systems, which Lantic Systems is specialized in developing for the mega yachts and the exclusive homes worldwide.



To contact:
Lantic Systems A/S
Nordlandsvej 90
8240 Risskov
Denmark
E-mail:info@lantic-systems.com
Telephone: +45 8743 9090
Fax: +45 8743 9099
For more information, click here.

Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? If So, Here's 20 Great Places To Put It.

Around this time of year, people start thinking (and worrying) about their money. The holidays are coming up, year -end deductions and expenses are taken into account and chances are, most of the world is pinching their pennies.

So, If you're not gonna spend it, at least put it in something cool. Above are 20 beautiful places in which to put that spare change- if you've got any.

There's no longer an excuse for keeping pennies in a ...gasp...jar!

Just click on each piggy bank above to purchase.

Wanna see more cool and modern money boxes/piggybanks/coin boxes? Go here.