Purchase a set or buy them individually, either way your morning cuppa whatever is going to get a lot more interesting. $14.99 each.

A friend of mine, a third-grade teacher, was recently lamenting that school will be starting in just a few days. Call me crazy, but I’m just a little bit envious. Each year at this time, I watch moms and kids storm the stores to stock up on fresh school supplies. And I find myself looking for a reason to do the same. There’s just something appealing about freshly sharpened pencils and brand spanking new notebooks, not to mention the intoxicating smell of a new box of crayons. But if I were returning to those hallowed halls, I’d deviate just a bit from conventional supplies. I’d kick things up a notch, opting instead for this too-cool-for-school stuff:

These crayons from Spoon Sisters rock! And there’s a method behind their madness. The shape is designed to help develop fine motor skills; using them strengthens the tripod grip muscles, preparing tiny fingers and hands for handwriting. Why do I think Fred Flintstone would’ve loved ‘em?

And why settle for a yellow No. 2 pencil when you can use a Fuzzy Wuzzy, also from Spoon Sisters? They come in a rainbow of colors and their furry “skin” will flat out make you giggle. In fact, the only downside I can see is that the age-old rhyme would inevitably become an earworm: “Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair….”

The design diva in me can’t resist these hand-bound journals from Twine. Covered in vintage wallpaper, they’re not only eye candy but—thanks to the recycled aspect—they’re eco-friendly, too!

As a writer, I wouldn’t be caught dead without my dictionary. But now Twine offers a pictorial version, too! This 500-page gem of a book features 1,500 engravings originally from the pages of 19th-century Webster’s dictionaries, covering everything from acorns to zebras—a treasure trove for all lovers of visual imagery.

Call me old school, but I love chalkboards. And this one from Romp goes the extra mile by providing examples of perfect penmanship, whether you’re tackling your ABCs or your 1-2-3s. Perhaps the ideal gift for a doctor? When it comes to writing ‘scripts, can’t hurt, might help.

Last but not least, the right lunch box—or bag—can make any meal more appetizing. My vote is for this reusable lunch sack from Romp. Not only is it appealingly simple, it’s also machine washable and has a snap-in liner. And just in case you’re concerned that someone might swipe your PB&J, there’s even a place inside to put your ID:

I think any or all of these things make school a blast—as long as I wouldn’t have to face a room full of third-graders. There’s a reason my mother didn’t name me “Patience.”

Heather Paper is a freelance writer/editor who specializes in all subjects design-related. A contributing writer for Miscelaney, she’s a dog-lovin’, wine-slurpin’ resident of Atlanta who considers Seattle her second home.

Even if the economy (and a shortage of frequent flyer miles) has put the kibosh on traveling to Europe anytime soon, you can still enjoy one of the best aspects: the souvenirs.

When I’m traveling via armchair, one of the places I like to start is Touch of Europe. The company was founded on a simple idea: to provide interesting and unusual items—both old and new—from Europe, things the owners missed after living in Europe for decades. On this site, you’ll find everything from skin care and spa items to gourmet goodies, table and kitchen wares to home décor and accessories. But what I invariably head for first are the linens. Kitchen and table linens. Check. Bed and bath linens. Check check. And to-die-for vintage linens. Check check check!

Imported from France, this tea towel is printed with the classic recipe for Beef Bourguignon—in French, of course. I love the look but if it’s gonna do me any good I’ll have to brush up on my high school French or conjure up Julia Child to make the dish for me! (The latter might be easier.)

Maybe it’s the former farm girl in me, but I also love their vintage feedsacks. This purple-striped homespun hemp sack would make some gorgeous pillows.

Meanwhile, over at European Market owners Chris and Sue Ellibee travel Europe searching for unique ornaments, crafts, toys, confections, coffees, teas and accessories from artisans and small manufacturers in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Italy and Switzerland—with Turkey and France soon to be added to the list. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with their Swiss offerings because they bring back memories of a glorious summer I spent there.

High on my must-have list is this hand-carved Swiss cow. These bovines feature ears and horns made of leather, and—just like the real thing—metal bells hanging from their necks.

 And I love the bags and accessories made from recycled Swiss Army blankets. After serving their original purpose, the blankets are cleaned and reworked into totes, purses, laptop carriers, cosmetic cases and even key fobs.

But the real beauty of the items on both of these sites is that they arrive at your front door, no passport (or TSA security search) needed. That’s particularly appealing to people like me, who arrived back in the States from that aforementioned Swiss trip with an authentic Swiss cow bell hanging from my neck. And, yes, it was clanging with every step I took.

I knew there had to be an easier way.

Heather Paper is a freelance writer/editor who specializes in all subjects design-related. A contributing writer for Miscelaney, she’s a dog-lovin’, wine-slurpin’ resident of Atlanta who considers Seattle her second home.

Like any design-oholic worth their salt, I’m constantly looking for new products that make me sit up and take notice. An innovative wall covering? Fabulous! A new twist on on traditional design? Great! But my most recent discovery knocks it out of the park.

I was innocently looking for a new light fixture, one with more color than your typical brass-and-glass model. (Did I mention I’m a color-oholic, too?) Then I found this. It simply looks scrumptious. And, for good reason, it turns out. Jellio has “sweet spot” for gummi bears and has thus introduced the Candelier—made of 5,000 hand-strung acrylic replicas of the little guys. But if you have your heart set on one, speak now or forever hold your piece; only ten of these stunners will be made. (Understandably, as each masterpiece takes about two months to craft.)

As if this weren’t enough to chew on, Jellio’s site is chockfull of other imaginative finds such as the Rubik’s Cube Table, the Ice Cream Bench and the View Mirror (as in ViewMaster). Each and every one is guaranteed to make you smile.

Heather Paper is a freelance writer/editor who specializes in all subjects design-related. A contributing writer for Miscelaney, she’s a dog-lovin’, wine-slurpin’ resident of Atlanta who considers Seattle her second home.

It doesn’t matter whether or not the groundhog saw his shadow last week. Just for the record, Punxsutawney Phil did see his while, here in the South, General Beauregard Lee did not. Seems the North and the South still can’t agree. 

But even as record-setting snowstorms continue to pound the country, there are certain signs of spring. Specifically, birds are migrating back at a record pace. Okay, maybe not the real thing—yet. But furnishings with bird motifs are flyin’ off the shelves. Case in point is a new line of pillows from Pottery Barn. I love that these realistic renditions of fine feathered friends are hand-embroidered, against a backdrop of leaves, no less.

Proving that they’re also on top of the trend, Velocity Art and Design carries (at last check) more than 200 bird-inspired items, running the gamut from placemats and prints to a to-die-for Iannone Design Hummingbird Dresser. Among the mix is this table lamp by Thomas Paul, whose designs are always a breath of fresh air. And this one seems the perfect antidote for an already-too-long winter.

Finally, wallpaper with bird themes is nothing all that new but when’s the last time you saw a wall covering devoted to a flock of pigeons? Rare Device is one of my new fave sites; it regularly delivers cutting-edge products and this is no exception. The hand-printed wallpaper, designed by Aimee Wilder, comes in two colors but, personally, I’d be happy with either. I’d wrap a room in it and call it “The Birds,” a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Alfred Hitchcock.

This is my kind of bird watching. No binoculars needed.

Heather Paper is a freelance writer/editor who specializes in all subjects design-related. A contributing writer for Miscelaney, she’s a dog-lovin’, wine-slurpin’ resident of Atlanta who considers Seattle her second home.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by color. Don’t even ask how often I repainted my room while growing up; the walls changed almost as frequently as the seasons. Once I enrolled in college, I took as many color courses as I could find. And to this day, I distinctly remember when I was introduced to Josef Albers’ color theory. While my friends’ rock stars tended to be musical types, mine was Josef Albers.

 While Albers was best known for his geometric paintings, he applied the same precision and logic to furniture while serving as director of the Bauhaus workshop. And one of his creations, this scrumptious set of nesting tables (available at www.momastore.org), is high on my wish list. These may have been designed early in the last century but they still have a cutting-edge modern look in this one. This was a man ahead of his time.

I’d love these tables in any palette, but I’m particularly drawn to them because they incorporate my go-to hue—blue. Denim blue, robin’s egg blue, you name it. But at the top of my list is turquoise. So naturally my interest was piqued when Pantone recently announced their PANTONE® 15-5519 Turquoise as the 2010 color of the year.

According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute (and one of Seattle’s own, thank you very much), turquoise “is a color of deep compassion and healing…inspired by water and sky. Turquoise represents an escape to many, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.” I don’t know about you, but I’m instantly transported to the Caribbean every time I see this color. Not a bad place to be, even if it’s only in my mind’s eye. (Bonus: There’s no airfare involved, not to mention those nasty baggage fees.)

As it turns out, I have much in common with one of Miscelaney’s fave bloggers. Erin, at House of Turquoise, and I are of like minds—completely obsessed with the color. Her site is loaded with inspirational images that take their cue from the hue. Case in point: Does this turquoise-laced bedroom designed by Elizabeth Dinkel ooze serenity or what? What’s more, Erin provides a link to her shopping blog, called Everything Turquoise. For me, it might as well be called “Danger Zone.”

If Josef Albers only knew what he started.

Design by Elizabeth Dinkel, Photo Courtesy House of Turquoise

Heather Paper is a freelance writer/editor who specializes in all subjects design-related. A contributing writer for Miscelaney, she’s a dog-lovin’, wine-slurpin’ resident of Atlanta who considers Seattle her second home.

 Well, times have changed, baby. What was born out of necessity in our youth is now cutting-edge chic and eco-friendly design. Paper Tiger Products by Australian designer Anthony Dan has launched an environmental and temporary line of furniture, structures and lighting engineered to withstand even the most demanding of life situations. Folded forms and seamless construction are not only the inspiration to this portable line, but also the key to its functionality.

All products are flat-packs which transport efficiently and snap together quickly and easily. The products are primarily made from sustainable folded mediums of fibrous textures and feature bold, linear graphics or you can have them customized.

So Moms and Dads, if you are looking for “travel furniture” or something fun to throw in the kids room for a coupla years (there’s about a two year life expectancy) at semi-affordable prices, give the site a little looksy. If you are a business looking for an interesting branding opportunity (temporary structures are their niche) while making a social and environmental choice with your spending power, you’ve hit pay dirt. Regardless of what you are in the market for, if you have a temporary need, give ‘em a shout.
 

*prices on stools range from $49-$69 dollars each. Call for additional pricing.

For the record: Yes, my last name is Paper and, yes, I am a writer. But no, it isn’t—pardon the pun—a “pen” name. (It did, however, take me along time to find a guy with the perfect moniker I could glom onto.) It’s a little ironic, however, that I’ve always had an obsession with beautiful paper goods. Notecards, stationary, journals, you name it; I’ve spent years collecting stunning specimens. My husband calls it hoarding but, hey, tomato/tomatoe.

I’ve bookmarked so many sites that my computer is nearly out of memory (again). So, recently, I reviewed them all, thinking I could weed a few from my list. But being a hopeless romantic, I fell in love with each and every item all over again. A few that particularly piqued my interest this time around were:

Hooray for the Underdog; http://store.hoorayfortheunderdog.com/

Anyone who knows me at all is well aware that I’d rescue every dog on the planet if I could. So it’s no surprise that, as an official dog-o-holic, I’m completely enamored with Hooray for the Underdog. This series of spectacular, dog-centric images can be purchased as prints, greeting cards, notepads, folders and other gift items with 10% of the proceeds going to animal welfare groups to provide spay/neuter and adoption services, emergency relief and generally improving the quality of life for all Underdogs (and cats) across the country. How great is that?!?

Greer Chicago; http://www.greerchicago.com/

This is my go-to site for all things paper—no matter the occasion or my mood. And this card is a favorite because the image, for me, has a double meaning. It’s perfectly appropriate when I’m on fire; my creative juices are flowin’ and I can churn out well-written prose with ease. On the other hand, it’s also appropriate when I’d just as soon take a match to my typewriter/computer.

Caulfieldparcel; http://caulfieldparcel.com/shop_by_numbers.html

Although my mother is quite an accomplished artist, that particular creative gene didn’t get passed on to me. Maybe that’s why I’ve always had such an obsession for paint-by-number pieces. And why I love these notecards. This set includes a Vespa-like scooter. Soooooooooooo Seattle.

Catch & Release; http://catchandreleasedesign.com/

Catch & Release Design is run and operated by Nicole Stanton right here in Seattle. In addition to handmade cards and invitations, she creates custom posters and I’m mad for her record sketch books. She ingeniously silk-screens albums to use as front covers while pages from books (everything from best sellers to coloring books) serve up imaginative dividers.

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. And I hope to be holdin’ all of these beauties soon. If I’m gonna be accused of being a horder I darn well want to earn the title.

Photos courtesy of Hooray for the Underdog, Greer Chicago and Catch & Release.

Heather Paper is a freelance writer/editor who specializes in all subjects design-related. A contributing writer for Miscelaney, she’s a dog-lovin’, wine-slurpin’ resident of Atlanta who considers Seattle her second home.

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It all started with Colorforms. You know—the peel-and-stick vinyl pieces you played with as a kid. I was never one to be reigned in with mere coloring books. I wanted to create my own artistic masterpieces, and I think the geometric nature of Colorforms made me feel like a mini Mondrian. Or maybe I was drawn to them because I could change and rearrange any creation on a whim. (And don’t get me started on the implications that, even then, I was a non-committal type.)

Who knew that this kid-friendly pastime was created by two struggling art students looking for a way to inexpensively decorate their walls? And that—more than 50 years after they came up with their idea—wall decals would be all the rage? I wish this type of wall décor had been around when I was an apartment dweller. As it was, I had to work hard to find ways to apply paint, paper and fabric without losing my deposit at the end of each lease.

But even though I’m now a bonafide homeowner, with license to do anything I want to my interiors, wall decals still have a lot of appeal. I love the fact that you can turn bare walls into something beautiful in a matter of minutes. And then, again, there’s that non-committal thing. Truth be told, I’m a fan—to some degree—of every decorating style. So, short of owning a dozen different homes, decals let me play out those various preferences, changing things out just as often as I like.

Blik is one of my favorite lines, carried by Velocity Art and Design over at South Lake Union. One of my current favorites has (surprise, surprise) a furniture theme. “Chair Mix a Lot” lets you virtually surround a room with traditional chairs in anything-but-traditional colors. And a recent discovery is Tacky Smack, which you can find online at http://www.tackysmack.com/ or over on Capitol Hill at Retrofit Home, 1419 12th Avenue.

Locally made, this line features more than 60 uber-imaginative designs that include everything from mermaids to a gi-nor-mous pair of puckery lips. But if you really want to get your creative juices flowing, check out Dezign With a Z out of San Francisco. Simply send them a digital photo and they’ll turn it into decal for your wall—you name the size and the color.

Hmmmmmm….my shih tzu, Murphy, has always had a “big dog” attitude. I wonder how she’d look blown up six feet tall?

~~Photo courtesy of Dezign With a Z.

~~Tacky Smack How To Video from Betsy Morris on Vimeo.

Heather Paper is a freelance writer/editor who specializes in all subjects design-related. A contributing writer for Miscelaney, she’s a dog-lovin’, wine-slurpin’ resident of Atlanta who considers Seattle her second home.

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Hi. My name is Heather. And I’m a design-aholic. Lurking in every nook and cranny of my otherwise normal abode are magazines devoted to home décor. I’m not talking about a couple of back issues here; for years, I’ve hoarded these pubs like precious metals. A stash of House Beautiful here, Elle Décor there. I treasure them all. Particularly prized are those I’ve written for—including Seattle Homes & Lifestyles—and those no longer being published; I’m still mourning the demise of House & Garden and, more recently, a regional favorite, Southern Accents. Truth be told, I could open my own library devoted to home fashion mags… if I’d ever really understood that whole Dewey Decimal thing.

Lately, I’ve been reading how purple is one of the current “it” colors in home fashion. To which I say: “Been there, done that. But I’ll gladly go there again!” When my husband and I built our first house, he (no doubt regrettably) gave me carte blanche on the décor. I picked out paint colors, cabinetry, wall and floor coverings—with nary a question the entire way. Then, one day, I got a call from our contractor. “Heather,” he said, “you’ve got to come out here. They just delivered the countertops and they’re the wrong [insert your own expletive here] color.

“What color is it?” I asked. To which he replied, “it’s some weird dark purple thing.” So I pressed him a little further. “The color should be marked on the box; what does it say?”

“Let’s see…it says au-ber-gine,” he answered. That’s all I needed to hear—the eggplant-colored countertops I’d ordered had arrived.

But there came a point in the building process that even my own husband questioned my sanity. I called him one afternoon to tell him that I’d found the perfect carpet for our bedroom, going on to describe it as a “soft, dusty plum.” For a moment, there was silence at the other end of the line. Then he shrieked “You ordered [again, insert your own expletive here] purple carpet!”

Over the years, my color preferences have evolved, not quite changing as often as the seasons—but almost. Recently, though, the color purple found its way into my consciousness again. When it came time to trade cars a few months ago, I found myself partial to the Honda Fit. My dealer had every color imaginable in stock, but I was immediately drawn to one in particular—a cute little number in “Blackberry Pearl.”

That Fit is now, officially, my new ride. But its implications have my husband living in fear. Can aubergine countertops be far behind?

Heather Paper is a freelance writer/editor who specializes in all subjects design-related. A contributing writer for Miscelaney, she’s a dog-lovin’, wine-slurpin’ resident of Atlanta who considers Seattle her second home.

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