abitare

cow parade is back!

Lizzie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:42:16 +0000

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

welcome shopping cart!

Lizzie — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:39:10 +0000

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!)

sew perfect

Lizzie — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:51:35 +0000

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.

women artists-frances palmer

Lizzie — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:47:10 +0000

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!

women artists

Lizzie — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:38:48 +0000

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.

update: indoor/outdoor

Lizzie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:55:33 +0000

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)

new product alert: modern bean bag

Lizzie — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:28:50 +0000

Sustainable and chic, these 100% brushed cotton poufs are the perfect accent piece for any household! Use as an ottoman, extra seat, in a kid’s room, or anywhere you need a pop of color. The cotton covers can be zipped off and washed in the machine. The manufacturer makes every effort to use environmentally sensitive materials and processes; the filling contains no cfcs and can be recycled. Available (by special order) in 24 colors of brushed cotton and coming soon in metallic leather! $150-$375. Made in the USA.

an abitare wedding, final chapter

Lizzie — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:01:33 +0000

Thanks to everyone for being patient while we were closed last saturday for my wedding. It was exciting, exhilarating and SO MUCH FUN! Here is my favorite photo so far. More to come….

a wedding

Lizzie — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:48:16 +0000

abitare has caught wedding fever. People are ordering from our two new wedding registries every day and we have stacks of pretty wedding gifts filling our office just waiting to be picked up. And Joanne just created a beautiful wedding window to go along with the season!

Check out our homemade clothespin bride and groom! (kit available from http://www.thesmallobject.com/products/clothespinDollKit.html).

And one of our real brides, Carly. If you are looking for Carly’s registry you can click here.

the go-to gift

Lizzie — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:54:48 +0000

Looking for the perfect gift? Here are some of our tried and true favorites.

[Alessi "Pescher" trivet $82; striped bud vase $40; Renzo Piano serve set $115, glass chickadee vase $19; cotton bread basket $39; set of 13 colored shot glasses from Japan $170; Marsaiile soap $20 and body lotion $32 in summer grapefruit; hand loomed kitchen towels from Italy $32; crystal decanter $70]