“Lights” by Cherry Blossom Girl
CMYKaboom will be closed for business until January 5. Me and Fiance Kaboom! will be traveling to Vermont to stay in a cabin for several days with friends, and then heading off to Philadelphia to celebrate the New Year with our great pals, Mary Beth and Ben.
In the meantime, I wish everyone a happy happy holiday, and a very festive New Year!
Winnie the Pooh illustrations by E. H. Shepard
Original Winnie the Pooh Drawings: Forget Disney – E. H. Shepard’s original illustrations of the honey-loving bear (originally named “Edward Bear”) contain a vulnerability and whimsy that strikes to the very core of the viewer. (Thanks Pat!)
6 Insane Discoveries that Science Can’t Explain: Just when you think we know everything, these archaeological and biological mysteries will leave you marveling at the amount left to understand.
How To Make an Envelope Accordion: I love anything that mixes crafting with organization, and this envelope accordion folder is the perfect way to store receipts, recipes, and a million other ephemera.
Christmas In Paris: Nothing will get you in the spirit more than Alix’s amazing pictures of Paris all decked out for the holidays.
Bubble Spinner: Do you like the game Snood? Well, this game is Snood on CRACK, and it’s as visually appealing as it is mentally engaging.
Tribute to Oscar Brown Jr.: Haven’t heard of him? Well, you should. Oscar Brown Jr. was a brilliant poet of the old storyteller tradition. His pieces contain a music that is as appealing as popping on an old blues record, and his life is fit for a fable.
John Cleese on the Muppet show: John Cleese seems made for the Muppet Show. This exchange between him an Kermit just tickles the funny bones.
Clockwise from left: kevin.allenjr, verhext, kevin.allenjr, Headshot London
1. Embrace the concept of paying it forward.
2. Give something of yourself to the world each day.
3. Take a photograph of your hands each day – after a year, see if you can watch them age.
4. Think of the nicest thing someone can give to you, and then give that thing to someone else.
5. Learn how to press flowers. Make a scrapbook of all the flowers given to you.
6. Keep a journal of how the sky looks every day.
7. Before it ends, decide what to name this last year. (ex. “The Year of the Small Gestures,” “The Year of the Red Rose”). Let the name be representative of all that this year encompassed for you, be it through a symbol, a memory, or a motto.
8. Write a holiday wish list for your soul.
9. During this season of gift giving, remember to donate to organizations that aid those that have less than you do. (Ideas include: Unicef, Kiva, Doe, Doctors Without Borders)
10. Remember regardless the gift, it represents love.
I love discovering the processes that a designer uses to create something fantastic, as marvelously quirky and brilliant as they can be. For instance, Australian designer Josh Goot created the fabric designs for his SS09 collection by sloshing watercolors directly on a flatbed scanner, and then digitally manipulating them. The result are vibrant, sleek liquid forms that seem to slip and slide across the wearer.
I love this collection because of its cleanness. The watercolor effect is surprisingly crisp and clean for being a color swirl, and the unprinted pieces have a sharpness and simplicity of form that is utterly refreshing and makes me long for the light, unencumbered clothing of spring. Also, the idea of bringing back something as modest and antiquated as a yoke in brilliant, popping colors has me itching to start chopping up garish t-shirts to mimic the effect. Such a wonderful little surprise…
If there is one thing I do not like in this collection, it is the jackets. Goot chose to add these drably formed jackets over several of the pieces, ending in awkward sleeves that are unsure whether they live below the shoulder or above the elbow. They remind me of those half sleeve cardigans old women wear to hide their unsightly arm flub. I found these unshapely additions entirely too excessive against the clean look of the collection, and found their overall effect was to make many of the wearers look matronly more than anything else.
However, even with that small misstep, Goot redeems himself to me with the brilliance of the successful pieces. This is a designer who is simply only getting better, and I continue to look forward to where his designs are heading – I like the direction very, very much. Also, getting a hold of those fabulous, fabulous shoes has become a new mission in my life.
Brooklynite Erika Somogyi has completely captivated me with her work. Building organic patterns in a kaleidoscope of supernatural, vibrating neon colors, Erica’s work explores the unreal in the natural, or to me, the surreal human heart in the midst of the great wilderness of the world.
Working primarily in watercolor and gouache, Erika’s pieces have a soft, watery atmosphere about them, that translates into a mystic haze or aura in the work itself. The amount of careful detail in her pieces is delightful and impressive – often figures and shapes are hidden until close scrutiny or a few steps back. The result are pieces that are as evocative in their details as their mood. I would surely keep this on my list of artists to acquire after I make that mint I am so desperately waiting for, but in the meantime, I will be a constant visitor to her digital wonderland…
To see Erika’s complete collection, click here.
“71/365: Stars In Sophia’s Eyes” by lancelonie
Paying It Forward: No, not the movie. The concept of loaning something to someone, with the condition that they will repay you by giving the same gift to someone else. Apparently conceived by Benjamin Franklin, i think it should be our new global credos.
Pay the Designer: Science fiction writer Harlan Ellison gives a brilliant rant on why creative professionals deserve to be paid. Preach on, brother man!
Super Obama World: Do you like our new President? Do you like Super Mario Brothers? PLAY THIS GAME.
Dress Like A Villian: I wish I had found this around Halloween, but Ivy has done a fantastic job creating outfits based on the world’s most notorious on-screen wicked women. Bravo!
Hat Parade: Hat designer Linda Pagan organized her fellow milliners into having a small parade in Manhattan. the result is a cornucopia of whimsical, wonderful head wear that will leave you itching to doff your own fine derby.
Social Color Wheel: Crowdsourcing professionals Chris Van Pelt and Lukas Biewald asked hundreds of people to name the colors they were shown. They then had some incredibly talented programmers graph the results. The final product is a “socially aware” color wheel – one not based on the actual color values, but the social weight put on each. Interesting stuff.
JCDC (Jean-Charles de Castelbajac) versus lego fashion show: Jean-Charles work seems made for the medium of LEGO. This show is utterly delightful and adorable, and entirely in the form of those iconic blocks. (snatched from bits & bobbins)
JCDC Versus LEGO from Four H on Vimeo.
Again, my lust for casual fashion has found a new outlet: and that outlet is Sopohmore. Chrissie Miller and Madeleine von Froomer have built a line that I could see myself living and sleeping in. These basics are structured more strongly than that basic behemoth, AA, and are full of lovely surprises: ie, side zippers, that wonderful “slash” neckline. I really want to get a hold of the shawl neck dress and the striped snap top and leggings (I can practically FEEL myself walking around the house in that number). I am generally not a t-shirt gal, but the peace sign tee is so iconic and well designed I am itching to get one of my own.
I also appreciate the attention to menswear in their line. I personally can’t stand it when men look like they are trying too hard when it comes to basics (ie, neon green tees, pants so tight they look like hose) and feel ideal should feel lived in and carelessly stylish, which I feel is this brands strong suit.
And I cannot get enough of the term “STAY GOLD.” I want to plaster it all over this crazy little town.
Clockwise from left: dodidoune, dodidoune, verhext, Tinta China
Strapped on what to give this season: make it yourself! This Inspiration Machine is dedicated to gifts you can give from your own 2 hands:
1. Get out your needle and thread: Sew, Mama, Sew! offers a full 30 days of easy-peasy hand sewn gift tutorials and patterns.
2. Deck the Halls: Make your own set of playing cards for your friends. Buy some pre-cut small cardstock, and make a full 52 card deck. Create your own suites, and have a blast with the face cards!
3. Gorgeous Glassware: Go to your local thrift shop, and purchase vintage glassware, and then hand paint over them with glass paint. The result will be a one-of-a-kind piece of usable art your friends will treasure.
4. Cast On: Hop over to Knitty, my absolute favorite knitting pattern website. Not only do they have HUNDREDS of free knitting patterns available online, but they categorize them by experience level, so you can pick a project that won’t leave you all tangled up.
5. Book, Covered: Got a book nerd on the gift list. Absolutely delight them with a handmade book cover. It’s a personal touch to any book gift that is sure to thrill them. Sweeten the deal with custom bookplates that you can design.
6. Clothe Them: Utterly wow your pal with a handmade shredded tee. For those friends who live on the eccentric side, offer them a pair of fantastic bleached jeans.
7. Shoe Fly: No one can have too many shoes, especially original hand-painted shoes. They’ll get quite a “kick” out of them 
8. Sketch Betch: Add a divine touch to a blank book: purchase a Moleskine blank notebook, and decoupage the cover with beautiful images. personal notes, and lovely paper. Dabble inspirational quotes and sentiments throughout the pages.
9. Sculpture, Reanimated: Go to a thrift store, and hunt out unique sculptures and figurines (you will find a wealth of owls and gnomes, I promise you). Pay special attention to form, and positively none to color. Once home, lay them out and spray paint them a uniform color (black or white looks fab: or match the color to your friend’s interior design).
10. Spice it Up: Every cook-happy pal on your list will flip over these Chinese Papercut Spice Jars. Take that extra step, and give them along with a hand-written recipe. Fill the jars with the spices necessary to make it!
Today’s inspiration machine was inspired by Avrille Lavallee. Thanks for the suggestion, Avrille!
Need some inspiration? Email me inspiration machine requests at kissandvinegar((at))yahoo((dot))com.
Ok, so I’ve told you what I want. But, Cynthia, you ask, what about everybody else?
Harumph.
Ok, ok, I suppose they DO need presents, too. So in order to help you gather up those gifts for the friends, fam, and sig others in your life, I have put together this wee little holiday guide. I have also kept the current economic environment in mind: these gifts are all under 100 macaroons. Mmmm…macaroons…
Anyway, enjoy!
HER
MEDIUM $
1. Red Croc Clutch Wallet, $38: Every lady needs a clutch. Not only is this little faux crocodile skin clutch adorable, it is affordable as all get-out. The perfect thing for a working gal: use it as a wallet during the day, then dump the frumpy-dumpy bag and sport this little number at night!
2. Ice Cream Cone Charm, $48: Charm bracelts are back in a big way. Add to your favorite ladies’ collection with this sweet little ice cream charm that looks good enough to lick. But don’t actually lick it – that would be gross, and rather creepy.
3. Cupcake Bank, $48: I like cupcakes. I like money. If only there was some way to join the two…TADA! Now there is!!!
HIGH $
4. Snow Bunny Ski Goggles, $98: Your gal a snow bunny? Keep her protected and cool on the slopes with these fab ski goggles, care of Juicy Couture.
5. Italian Leather Calf Hair Regina Gloves, $89: Everyone needs gloves all the time. Trust me – it is the guft that keeps on giving (delectable warmth, that it). These houndstooth gloves are positively beautiful, and made to last. What better way to show her you adore her?
HIM
MEDIUM $
1. Nylon Flask, $55: A flask is one of those coming-of-age gifts that never get old. But this flask is better than your average flask, because SKULL. Also, the careful embroidery is just fancy enough to say “I’m fancy” and just subtle enough to say “I am not dainty AT ALL.” It’s the tuxedo tee of the flask world.
2. Leather Cuff, $55: I am generally not a huge fan of the man-jewelry, but I always appreciate a great cuff. They are durable, and a great little accent to almost any ensemble. Besides, if you get him the man jewelry, he can’t screw it up, and come home with a diamond grill or something…
HIGH
3. Species by the thousands: bearded man sweatshirt, $76: What do you do when you favorite dood refuses to grow out his potentially awesome beard? You BUY HIM ONE, of course.
4. PERSONAL POCKETKNIFE, $98: I am going to tell you a secret: every boy wants a pocketknife (if they say they don’t, they are FILTHY LIARS, and possibly a lady in disguise). It makes them feel part boyscout/part knife wielding Texas Ranger. You can have it engraved with their name to make it special, or show them you really love them, and have it engraved with the word “ASS.” You can thank me later…
5. Flannel Lounge Pants, $98: Who says bedtime has to make us look like frumpy louts? Get that guy some suspendered jamas, and he will look ready to party even when he is drooling on his pillow. A must-have for the campus crowd: you will stop look like the tool wandering around in your drab jammys.
THEM
LOW $
1. (PVC) Windrider Bicycle Clips, Gijs Bakker, 2007, $15: Get your favorite bicyclist these totally sweet bike clips, and save their pant legs from the maw of there wrathful ten-speed. It’s also a scientific fact that wings make you ride faster.
2. WINE BOTTLE CANDELABRA, $20: This candelabra is the perfect gift for your favorite diy couple: it’s elegance and homespun charm would make any space simply divine.
MEDIUM $
3. Jonathon Adler love/hate mug, $24: As an avid (obsessive) tea-drinker, I am always on the hunt for the perfect mug. The perfect mug must be: a.large b.good handle c.beautiful. This duo by design virtuoso Jonathan Adler meet all those requirements, and are an utterly unique and captivating addition to anyone’s cupboard.
4. SUNDANCE-MADE WINE TUMBLERS, SET OF 6, $60: Glassblowers from Guadalajara, Mexico, melt down beverage bottles and to create these beautiful tumblers. Each one is a unique piece of art, with the additional gift of reusable resources for your environmentally conscious friends.
HIGH $
5. Bronze Bird Feet Sculpture, $95: This sculpture is the kind of thing that would be an ideal addition to almost any decorative style room. It is both beautiful and whimsical, and sure to be a conversation piece for years to come.
6. “Gather” Sign, $98: This beautiful sheet steel sign created by Amish craftsmen in Lancaster County sends a beautiful message of community and family, as well as looking totally aces.
What are your favorite gift suggestions?
Well, it’s that time of year again! Time for people to lavish me with presents! I mean, time for me to lavish other people with presents, and receive a bit of compensation! Ok, I know, not the most appealing aspect of the season, but I am being realistic. The whole Christmas gift thing is a little silly, right? I much rather prefer birthdays, when people give you gifts because they honestly like you, not because they feel obligated by some jerk in a big red suit.
Anyway, the one nice thing about the holiday is I can exhibit my current obsessions to the world at large, and tadah! Here they are! So, this is my Christmas wishlist, for better or worse. Ho! Ho! Ho!
1. WORK HARD & PLAY NICE print: The folks over at Concrete Hermit whipped up this little number, and I am so totally smitten. It perfectly sums up my ideals in work and life, and looks so fly to boot.
2. BADgal blue mascara: I never thought I would fall in love with a mascara, but I have. This mascara is AMAZING. And, yes, it is blue, but believe me when I tell you it looks violet on dark lashes, and makes brown eyes pop like nobody’s business.
3. ShopBop Gift Cards: I have a problem. That problem is ShopBop, and they way they constantly taunt me with their lovely objects. Someone could help me with this problem, by feeding my addiction, and making me one happy junky.
4. Western Digital My Book Essential 1TB External Hardrive: This would be the second holiday I have asked for one of these. What can I say? As a designer, I inhale disk space. Western Digital’s drives are silent, slick, and make me feel like I am in a Stanley Kubrick film.
5. 8GB Domo X MIMOBOT: Pollyanna folks take note!! I have wanted my own little Mimobot for ages now, and boy, do I love me some Domokun. And to sweeten the deal, these little beauts are on sale!! <3! (If the 8GB is too rich for your blood, I would settle for the 4
6. Profound Beauty: Desert Sand: I received this hair product in a gift bag during New York Fashion Week, and I am officially HOOKED. It really does change the quality of your hair to an arid climate. For someone with curly hair, this is equivalent to offering an act of God, a with convenient push-pump. My supplies are sadly running out, and I need more!
