The dynamic printmaking duo Anna Corpron and Sean Auyeung who brought you Sub-Studio have recently launched a new project called The Working Proof.  Working Proof’s mission is simple: to promote both affordable art and social responsibility in the form of limited edition prints. A new print is released each Tuesday at 1:30 PM EST and 15% of the sale goes towards a variety of charities ranging from humanitarian outreach, animal rights, the environment, and research. One of my favorite artists, Gretchen Wagoner,  has already taken part in support of the Jane Goodall Institute, and other exciting artists like Dan Funderburgh and Catherine Ryan are upcoming.  For you print lovers this is such a great way to support good causes, emerging artists and build your art collection, all for under $100! Sign up here to get first dibs at each weekly release.

I spotted these clever soaps made from vintage Victorian door knob molds on Design Sponge but it was the gorgeous packaging for The Bubble Roome’s other products that really made me a fan.  I am flying through bottles of lotion these days in the hopes of preventing stretch marks and just the sound of the grapefruit and tangerine butter cream has me practically salivating. I know, that sounds weird, but the combo of citrus and butter does strange things to a pregnant woman.  You can buy these delights online through The Bubble Roome website.

(image from Darling Dexter)

These sweet little necklaces from LuLu Bug put a smile on my face this morning.  I have been an apple eating machine lately. I’ve especially liked green apples which I’d never liked before (except in an apple pie of course), so that green apple necklace has my name on it.  The designer Sue Urquhart makes each necklace by hand using silver and concrete. Who knew concrete was capable of something so pretty?! She is clearly on an Autumn inspired kick right now and I love it! Visit her Etsy shop to see more flora and fauna necklaces.

We just had our first snow storm yesterday and there is more snow in the forecast for today.  I’ve got a warm bowl of homemade granola and milk warming on the stove for a big mug of hot chocolate. Now all I need is one of these nubby pillows and blankets to curl up with and this would be the perfect Wednesday morning!

These hand knit pillows and throws are made of thick cords of 100% Dutch wool by designer Peter Tjahjadi and are just some of the quality products made exclusively for San Francisco based Publique Living.  All of their collections are made in small batches with some limited edition lines.  Get inspired by their simple quality designs for your home at their online boutique PubliqueSHOP.

When I bought this print in December 2007 I promised that I would let you know when Dylan Fareed offered reprints of his popular letterpress print,”We Are So Good Together“.  Well it took almost two years but ReForm School has a new edition available! Ours still hangs in our home and personally I think it’s a nice reminder for the hubs and I that in fact we are so good together

I am one of those cooks that uses every conceivable pan in the kitchen to bake or cook something and I seem to spend more time cleaning up than actually cooking. Maybe one of these elegant aprons from Studiopatró will make me more precise and chef-like in the kitchen. I doubt it, but hey, I’ll look way more professional surrounded by my mess!

Studiopatró (out of San Francisco), also creates simple and modern looking tea towels from a variety of talented screen printers and sewers.  I’m really into their “use me” section, which is full of clever ways to use a tea towel besides cleaning up a messy kitchen.  Love the frame a tea towel idea! If you like, peruse their “buy me” section here.

These are my babies. A love of a city that instills in me more inspiration than an endless well all poured into each piece of jewelry. I think some of these are so amazing that they could be the answer to an engagement, commitment or promise ring.  Some of the rutilated topaz, a rare form of topaz, are 3 carats and some are as large as 25-30 carats. They have stunning red veins which are the most rare and therefore the most prized. In these economic times and for the discerning, conscious bride they are an absolutely stunning replacement for a diamond - Shamila

Minaret Stacking Rings – These stones were cut specifically for me. A shape never seen before, these minaret and lotus inspired stones are a culmination of some of my favorite symbols and cultures, from the mosques in Istanbul to the lotus of Thailand, this ring is the absolute wanderlust symbol. A series of rose quartz, lilac amethyst, flawless citrines, swiss and london blue topaz set in sterling and 14 k bands.

Rutilated Topaz Cloud Ring: Rutilated Topaz set on a hand crafted 14k gold of special alloy on a cloud shaped band of sterling silver, entirely hand made. A truly magical ring. One of a kind. Size 6.25

Whale Ring: Inspired by the Indian motifs I use on my website this bold yet delicate ring just like whales and mermaids are….is a stunner. Rutilated Quartz like never seen before. This is the only etched version I have. The etcher is the only one of his kind of such expertise in pretty much the entire jewelry community in Istanbul. This ring is a true labor of love.

Mojok Rutilated Topaz Rings: A set of 6 rutilated topaz with the most stunning array of rutiles. The ring band is inspired by the Aquarian or Kova – in Turkish the water bearer. I feel like the bands are reminiscent of a byzantine water vessel. Various sizes, 14k gold and silver. Absolutely comfortable and screaming “i do”.

Sometimes I get bummed out that I’m not very crafty. I don’t know if it’s a lack of motivation or that the d.i.y. gene just passed me by.  Alas there are ways to get around this lack of craft, like these do-it-yourself Hug & Kiss tapestry sets from Emily Peacock. They are just the thing to trick myself into thinking I’m a super crafty chick.

You can buy a small or a large version of each design and either make it into a cushion or frame it for your wall.  I like the idea of framing it, kind of like the Love tapestry in Carrie’s apartment from Sex & The City.  Each kit comes with the wools and an easy to follow color chart. Those cute pom poms you’ll have to add yourself! Not in the Uk? Easily order from her Etsy shop here.

Catherine’s Animals, by photographer Catherine Ledner are so fantastic I’m not sure which one I like the best! Could it be the Porcupine who looks like he’s saying  “I’m gonna punch you sucka!”, the “I’m pooped” Pig or the “Aren’t I gorgeous?”  Yak? I love the spirit in each animal not to mention the gorgeous wallpaper background of the photo’s.  These might be another contender for nursery artwork if I win the lottery before January (they start at $250 for 11×14 prints).  Browse the rest of her wild animal kingdom here.

Lately, with my expanding middle I’m not feeling very goddess-like in clothes, especially maternity clothes.  The site of my body in the nude still gives me a little bit of a shock even as I revel in the wonder of what my body is capable of and the joy of every little movement this baby makes.   Jewelry on the other hand is so sentimental and something I can wear even after the arrival of our little boy.  I keep going back to Shopbop to visit Gorjana’s beautiful gold jewelry.  Her Willow and Vine designs look very Roman or Greek to me.  I think a piece of her jewelry might make me feel more goddess like in my current state, after all the Greek Goddess Circe is said to have planted a riverside with willow tree’s in honor of the moon which is often related to fertility.  To the hubs if you are reading this take note, if you want your pregnant wife to feel like a goddess, this jewelry would be a great place to start, wink wink.

(photo by highlitephotography)

How clever are these woody creations from London designer Matt Pugh? The wooden owls would make a cute gift and those lamps would be adorable in a child’s bedroom.  All of Matt’s playful designs are made from sustainable woods like oak, walnut and maple.  See more of Matt’s designs here.

(via Notcot)

Cody Hudson: Timewave Zero: I’ll be with you (B), Timewave Zero: I’ll be with you (A)

Justin Fines: Smile, Wind Up Bird

Andy Mueller: Happy Planet, Peace Still Works

Chris Eichenseer: Drums of Panic One, Drums of Panic Two, Drums of Panic Three

Take a look at Laura’s Etsy shop Crabby Crochet, to find the style that fits your vibrant personality or that of your little guy or girl, and then leave me a comment with your favorite. I will pick the winner out of a hat this Thursday morning and then put you in touch with Laura to create your custom hat. Happy Hat Hunting!

Growing up in Buffalo, NY I understand what it’s like to be from one of the Rust Belt cities where you often feel like you are just another sad statistic when the economy is tanking and completely left off the map when the economy is good.  I have been buoyed by some positive articles about Buffalo in the recent past and I’m hopeful for its future. Detroit, on the other hand, has had it worse than usual lately with the demise of the car industry. So I think it’s time to give them some love. What better way to support the Detroit economy than to shop one of their local boutiques, City Bird!

Siblings Andy and Emily Linn, who both have degrees in the arts from the University of Michigan, have combined their eye for design into cool Detroit themed housewares, accessories and jewelry. It makes me happy to hear about locals who understand the opportunities available in their hometown cities even if they do fall under some unfortunate statistic from time to time. By returning to the nest these locals become a part of the positive change that will give these cities the boost they need.  Visit City Bird here!