The gift of nature, what could be better?
These felt snowflakes are made in Germany. Beautiful on the tree, they also make great hostess gifts! ($8 each)
Handblown glass birds from Oiva Toikka are a perennial favorite. ($160/ruby bird, $150/willow grouse)
A glass chickadee doubles as a bud vase. ($19)
Need a gift for a green thumb? Out of print since 1856, The American Gardener is perhaps the first classic work of American gardening literature. Full of practical knowledge memorably imparted with Cobbett’s gift for the indelible phrase, The American Gardener offers advice still useful today on all aspects of gardening. ($11.95)
Pair the book with a flora inspired piece of decoupage. John Derian loves nature too! (tulip details $49/each, fern oval $77, zinnia detail $64, leaf coasters $25/each, tree $112)
The curved lip salad bowl is hand turned from one piece of wood. The wood is certified by the Department of Forestry in Thailand, which insures that the product was garnered from a source that utilizes sustainable farming practices. ($145/large, $69/small)
The Meaning of Trees is a beautiful celebration of their lore and spirit, botany and history. From aspen to willow, trees are captured in 70 dramatic photographs that illustrate their brilliant seasonal transformations. ($35)
I love the Danish tradition of lighting lots of candles around the house at Christmastime. They even use real candles on the Christmas tree! I am not quite ready to try real candles on my tree (homeowners insurance is expensive in NYC!) but I definitely like the idea of lots of candlelight around the house. It’s warm and cozy and the glowing light makes everyone look beautiful.
The Loop candlesticks can stand alone or be looped together to make a centerpiece. ($30 each)
I love these wintery tea lights from iittala. (clear/light blue/dark blue: $12.50 each, frosted: $22/each)
This Joie de Noel candle from Votivo smells of cinnamon and spice. A perfect hostess gift for holiday parties! ($25)
the cow parade is the largest public art event in history. artists in cities across the world interpret the life-sized cow sculptures and then their creations are displayed in city squares, on the street and in public parks. the cows are auctioned off and have raised millions of dollars for charity. we carried these miniature versions of the cow parade cows in the spring and they flew out! we have added some new styles for the holiday including the pop art cow and the americow (representing our renewed hope for america!) They about 6″ long and are made from ceramic or resin. $17-$23
you may have noticed that we have a new feature on abitareshop.com…an online shopping cart! we are really excited that people can now shop abitare 24 hours a day! we are so pleased to welcome our new shopping cart that we are offering a special on shipping from now until christmas, $10 flat for all orders over $25. and of course, gift wrapping is free as always! if you live in the neighborhood, come by and visit us at the shop. we are open 7 days a week until christmas! happy shopping!
(our christmas tree!)
We love textile design and especially Japanese fabrics so we were thrilled when we found these pin cushions made from antique kimono fabric. They are handmade by a retired couple in Japan, the husband does the wood part and the wife does the kimono bit (she has been collecting kimonos for years). It is the perfect gift for someone who sews or someone who loves textiles.
And Katsumi Yumioka’s book, Kimono and the Colors of Japan, (pictured below) gives a beautiful visual instruction on the meaning of kimono colors in Japanese culture.
I love Frances Palmer’s story because she came to her ceramic career later in her life and it makes me feel like it’s possible to have another life as an artist! Having a hard time adjusting to life in Connecticut after moving from New York, Frances took a throwing class, got herself a kiln and started making her now sought after white tableware and accessories.
Frances offers both custom works, which she throws by hand in her studio one at a time for private clients, and her Pearl Collection (shown above), a line cast from her handmade molds by century-old Buffalo Pottery. We love the whimsical, eccentric nature of Frances’ bud vases, cake plates and serving pieces. The white color palette makes them feel modern so they fit perfectly with any decor. And they make fabulous wedding or engagement gifts!
It has been 2 1/2 years now since Joanne & I started abitare. Sometimes we work so hard I don’t take time to reflect on all that we have accomplished! But now that we’ve hired some wonderful employees, I have a little more time lately to pat myself on the back and enjoy. What brings me the most joy & fulfillment are the relationships that we have built with many incredible artists & artisans. I think because we are two women who love art and making things ourselves, we are drawn to the work of female artists. Of course we carry plenty of “man-made” products as well, but it brings me special satisfaction to feature the work of these amazing women! So over the next few weeks I will post about some of our favorite female artists.
Skinny laMinx is an illustrator, designer and writer living in South Africa. The images on these 100% cotton tea towels and aprons are screen prints of her own illustrations.
“Borrowed Spoons” in Red & Stainless Steel
This design is inspired by Skinny’s own wooden spoon collection. Tea towels $16/ea, aprons $25/ea.
“Orla” in Dark Charcoal Grey & Chartreuse
An homage to Orla Keily’s famous stem pattern. Tea towels $16/ea, aprons $25/ea.
Just when we thought they couldn’t get any better, fresh new colors of the Swedish indoor/outdoor mats arrived on our doorstep!
These bright & happy shades are available now to order. Prices range from $98 for a 2×3 mat to $310 for a 9 foot runner.
(Original post from 3/24/2008: We’re crazy about these new indoor/outdoor mats from Sweden. They’re woven from 50% recycled plastic and polyester, are resistant to rain and mold, and–here comes the best part–the smaller sized mats can be washed in the machine! We think they’re perfect for beach houses, kitchens, porches, mud rooms, gyms)
