DesignMyRoom

Jesse from Swatchbox Technologies told me about a new site they've launched called DesignMyRoom that allows you to decorate a room virtually using either your own photo or one of the rooms in their library. I haven't tested it yet since I family here for a few days, and then friends coming in from Montreal so I've been running around crazy, but if you're bored at work today perhaps you can test it out and report in on what you think. I'd love to know. :)


It works like this. You first upload a photo of your own room or select an empty room from their website. Then you decorate it by adding paint, flooring, furniture, etc. You can resize, move, and rotate objects as you see fit. Then you can opt to share it with the community at DesignMyRoom for feedback. Beyond that, I'm not really sure what other features this site offers, but I'm interested in testing the waters next week when I'm back at my desk. It looks pretty cool! Thanks Jesse for the headsup!

(image from designmyroom)

Kindergallery *New* Online Gallery for Kids

Fiona wrote to me today about her online art gallery for children called Kindergallery. Fiona splits her time between her home in Sydney and Berlin and sources for her art in Australia, Europe, and in the U.S., hand selecting what catches her eye that she thinks would make a beautiful addition to a kid's space.


Her goal is to find art that children can grow with, works that will inspire the imagination and become a part of their visual vocabulary as they grow and develop. From original paintings to high quality prints, box art, and wall decals suitable for display in the modern home, there truly is something for every budget. I think these new works from Isak are the best, not only are they colorful and affordable, but I love the clean, modern design and the adorable animals. Kindergallery also carries work from Grégoire Ganter, Lorena Siminovich, Superoboturbo, Meredith Gaston, and more!


I'm so happy to hear about this great gallery for kids, thank you Fiona for opening your doors to the world - I'm sure parents everywhere will love your new store!

(images from kindergallery)

Ink Shop

The Ink Designer, or Ink Shop, is one of the best local guys on etsy in my opinion. This Boston boy (by way of Hong Kong) flat out rocks it.


Wing Ngan, the man behind the ink, is super creative and fun. He grew up in Hong Kong but relocated to Boston when he was 16 years old. He told me that he grew up watching lots of Japanese cartoons and comics, which have had a real influence on his work. By day, he works as a graphic designer at Ink Design on Newbury Street in Boston and by night, creates gocco prints, which he says, "Make me feel more alive."


I love Wing's modern design aesthetic, his bright graphics really pop off the page. (sigh) Finally, prints on etsy that you can give to yourself or your man friend because these are extremely gender friendly. I can see so many toy/action figure collectors out there that would find these prints completely irresistible. I have a small collection of Japanese toys, so even I qualify here. Great work, Wing!

(images from ink shop)

Erin Ruth Gift Wrap

I'm excited to share the launch of reader Erin Ruth's new collection of couture gift wrap, available October 1, 2007 (bookmark alert!). Each paper is available as oversized 24" x 36"sheets (great for gifts or craft projects) or rolls (2 sheets per roll) and printed on 80# text paper with a silk finish for an ultra-luxurious feel.


The paper is high quality, in fact it doesn't even crack when creased. If NYC had a signature gift wrap, I think it would be any of the papers by Erin Ruth. It just has that New York attitude, sophisticated, stylish, timeless. I can see tastemaker Kate Spade wrapping her presents in these patterns, especially Hannah, a darling black and white houndstooth.


I'm blogging this a month in advance of her store launch because a lot of shop owners read decor8 and Erin is looking for wholesale vendors nationwide as well as online retailers. She's looking for any help we can give her for this budding business.

And for readers, if you'd like to order something you see now, Erin will gladly take your order via email: contact AT erinruth.com, just tell her you saw her on decor8. Thanks Erin for telling us about your new gift wrap company - best wishes for a happy launch!

(images from erin ruth)

One Girl

This aussie crafter creates some of the prettiest things in limited batches, making them even more special. One Girl is so talented, I'm always watching her store for new things because I think some of these would make the best gifts.


Random acts of kindness are so appreciated, I remember how happy cards and flowers made me when I found them left on my desk at work. I often miss these times when I'm working from a home office now, although my husband brings me tea each day and I do appreciate that. But cards and flowers from colleagues was always such an unexpected treat.


Sadly, flowers fade and die, and with the slew of crafters online now offering their wares, why not treat a friend at work with something soft - like a totem doll - and a pretty card, wrapped in natural linen tied in red and white baker's string? I certainly would appreciate a kind gesture like that! And it's not childish, as most of the ladies I worked with would have cherished such gifts.

(image from one girl)