Look What the Stork Brought: Baby Starck Chairs

Something I'm happy to know exists, even though I'd never buy it: Kartell's version of Philippe Starck's eponymous Louis Ghost Chair re-created in "Baby" form. [Tip via Minor Details; photos via Pan-Dan]

Cutie Clothes from Kit + Lili

Nonchalant Mom summed up kids' clothing line Kit + Lili best when she said that it reminds her of the early days of Marimekko. Bold geometric patterns never go out of style. And leggings, however '80s they might seem, will always work on kids. Another plus: Many of the pieces are made from organic cotton. See the full summer line here.

Dolan Goes Damask!

It's no secret that Dolan Geiman (who I've covered before with a studio sneak peek here) is one of my fave artists. So, naturally, I'm pleased as punch to show you his new line of DG Damask Wooden Tiles. Each is 16" x 16" and comes with hanging materials (hint: they look good clustered on a wall). Look for the ready-made tiles on Etsy, or contact Dolan about custom tiles that can be matched with paint swatches. [Photos via Dolan Geiman]

Kareem Rizk : Art for a Cause

Melbourne collage artist Kareem Rizk has rolled out another series of prints -- and this time, if you buy here on BlueFlip Art, part of the proceeds go to Starlight Children's Foundation of Australia. Not a bad deal considering they cost just $24.95. [Tip via Poppy Talk; images via BlueFlip Art]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I don't do this nearly enough (er, if at all), but I want to say a big THANK YOU to all the readers of this blog. I know there is a nice community of people that make it a regular read and for that I am humbled and happy. Home Canary is a bit of a playground for me...a place where I can archive all the beautiful and innovative designs out there. And because it's "just for fun," I've decided to keep it advertisement free. I just wouldn't want to take any one's hard-earned money right now for something that's such a work in progress/brain dump. But I DO welcome your feedback--now and always. So please never hesitate to drop me a line or leave a comment with your thoughts. What would you like to see covered more often? Less often? Do you want more photos? More text? Or do I ramble on enough as it is? Yes, in fact, I think I do. So now would be a good time to end this post. Until next time! [Photo of greeting card from The Great Lakes Goods]

Biz Tip: Brooklyn Social Cards

Where was the company Brooklyn Social Cards when I launched a freelance writing business three years ago? Two Brooklyn-area letterpress printers (Breck Hostetter of Sesame Letterpress and Rebecca Kutys of Moontree Letterpress) recently launched BSC after receiving more and more requests for calling cards and business cards. Perfect for small biz owners, they can be ordered online--just choose from several lovely templates, paper stocks and inks, then submit your info. The result is so much more refined (and just nominally more pricey) then those quickie jobs your corner printer does. [Tip via A Cup of Jo; photos via Brooklyn Social Cards]

Stick With This Wrapping Paper

I normally don't cover big brands, but this new adhesive gift wrap from Hallmark caught my eye. My wrapping skills score about a zero--I either use way too much tape or end up with crinkled corners--so it would appear a real life saver. You can watch a demo on Hallmark's website on how to apply the wrap and buy select styles there (my fave: the robot pattern, hands down). [Photo via Hallmark]

Big Style at Tiny McSmall

McDonald's? Nah. I'd rather spend my money at McSmall...Tiny McSmall, that is. Leah O'Connell's online shop has a well-edited selection of clothing and accessories for kids, with a few fun decor, stationery and gift ideas thrown in for good measure. I really relate to what Leah has to say in the "Our Story" section of the site: "As a new mom, my world slowed down and I found the most pleasure and quiet beauty in the everyday with my kids. Removed from the daily reminders of the commercial world, I decided to start a company that reflected this movement toward life's simple pleasures and an appreciation of little things." [Shown above: Handknit T-rex by I Golfini Della Nonna, Twig Crayon Set, White Striped Henley by Dagmar Daley, Maggie Top by Niege, Cashmere Handknit Booties by Flora and Henri, and White Owl Lamp; photos via Tiny McSmall]

New! New! New! **Mixd**

There must be something in the (Evian) water: I've been contacted by a lot of talented Europeans these days, who are launching e-commerce design websites. The latest is Yves, a Belgian who just introduced Mixd, a site featuring rotating artists/designers creating and selling interior objects, graphic design, photography, accessories and more. Mixd's first artist is fellow Belgian Kaat Pype, who created the stunning work shown here. I'm digging the Old West theme. Good luck, Yves and Kaat! [Photos via Mixd]

Introducing L'Affiche Moderne

Francophiles, listen up: L'Affiche Moderne, a web source for posters and fine art prints by French artists, has just opened its English-language shop. Owner Mélanie Aigle sells the work of photographers, graphic designers and children's illustrators. Posters are limited to 300 editions, so a mass-market tactic this is not. I have another reason to like Aigle: We have (almost!) the same last name. Aigle means "eagle" in French, while my last name, Aiglon, means "baby eagle." Awww, ain't that très cute. [Photos via L'Affiche Moderne]

Flight of the Conchords...and More

Thanks to Orange Beautiful's blog, The Scoop, I discovered who did the amazing cover art for Flight of the Conchords' just-released CD. His name is Tyler Stout, and he's done poster art for numerous bands, and music and film festivals. You can buy posters on Stout's website. Before I sign off, quick plug for Flight of the Conchords: It is the best, funniest, most clever, beautifully art directed--did I mention funny?--show ever. Did I say ever? Good. Ever. [Photos via Tyler Stout]

A New (Very Worthwhile) Blog in Town

My friends at Chicago Home + Garden magazine just launched a new blog called Design Dose. It's full of inspiring finds--all of them with some relation to Chicago. (Don't let that discourage you, however, if you're not from here; you'll get links to many, many websites with e-commerce worldwide). Above are a few things I've found there that I can't stop drooling over: Urchin vases from Union Street Glass, a sleek rooftop deck designed by JW Landscapes and heirloom-inspired bedding from Leontine Linens. [Photos via Design Dose]

New at Willow: Cardboard Safari

These lovelies--3-D cardboard animal puzzles by Cardboard Safari--have been around the blog circuit a bit. But when Amy Doehla, owner of Chicago's cheery home decor boutique, Willow, wrote to tell me she had them in stock on her website, I wanted to give them a shout out. Once they're assembled (their slotted construction makes the whole process pretty easy), you can spice them up with glitter, paint, wrapping carpet and the like. I prefer them in their neutral, natural state. [Photos via Willow]

Artist to Know: Jessica Gonacha

One of Atlanta painter Jessica Gonacha's favorite artists is Egon Schiele. So is mine--which is probably why I enjoy her outline-driven work that leaves you feeling both happy and haunted. Besides boasting one of the nicest and easily navigable artist websites I've seen in a long time, Gonacha shows off an interesting range of subject matter. Among the highlights: botanical-themed drawings that are digitally reworked. Shop her Etsy site to get the full range of what's currently available. [Photos via Jessica Gonacha; tip via Bloesem]

Game On

Play ball! Croquet, that is. Introduce kiddies to the outdoor sport in a so-not-stuffy way with Alex Toys' Let's Play Croquet kit for kids three and up. It comes with six wickets decorated with frogs, ladybugs, butterflies and other creatures; four mallets; four balls; and six stakes. Buy it at Generation Orange. [Photo via Alex Toys]

Hushamok, Little Baby

Hammocks are nothing new. But one incarnation, the Hushamok, designed to lull baby to sleep, looks so contemporary, with its half-moon hanging system that just so happens to be portable. Made in New Zealand, Hushamok cradles a little bundle, providing ample padding with a hypoallergenic mattress. The product's website makes a slew of other claims, colic and acid reflux ease among them. Here's betting this is the next must-have baby gadget. Available at Tottini. [Photos via Hushamok]

Pimp Your Ride

Oh, how I would love to cruise around with this bicycle basket from Design House Stockholm. It looks so Euro...like you should stick a baguette in it, non? According to DHS's website, designer Marie-Louise Gustafsson thinks it recalls the Swedish crochet tablecloths on which her grandmother used to serve tea. Attach it to a vintage Schwinn and call it a day. [Tip via Design Mom]

Have a Refreshing Friday

Here's a cool new idea from Tea Forté. This Tea-Over-Ice system features stack-able pitchers--the top pitcher brews the tea (notice it's custom-designed to hold Tea Forté's triangle-shaped diffuser), while the bottom holds ice for flash chilling. [Photo and tip via Swiss Miss]

Pretty as a Picture: Kiki & Polly Portraits

School pictures, schmool pictures. Cute as they are, if you have kids, you'll amass enough of them in your lifetime. For something different, capture your little munchkin in a custom portrait by Kiki & Polly. Artist Lisa Golightly uses e-mailed photos to create prints in archival ink that are then transferred to vintage-inspired oval canvases. The whole process takes 4-6 weeks. The above examples are from her new Wallpaper series--they'll charm the pants off any mom, I guarantee. [Photos via Kiki & Polly]

Modern Craft in CS Interiors

The Spring issue of CS Interiors (a fresh new design magazine produced by Modern Luxury in Chicago) came out, and inside is a story I wrote about home of Jim and Kari Harbison. Jim, you might know, writes the prolific blog Modern Craft. It was fun to nose around his house (a charming mid-century modern, Scandinavian-style split level in Evanston, IL) and hear what inspires he and Kari. The magazine is now available on local newsstands. [Photos via Modern Craft; magazine photos by James Godman]

On a Collage Kick

I love nature prints. And collage. So surprise, surprise--these pendants by Artgirlx really make my day. Canadian mixed media artist Tracy Suter takes found images and literature ephemera and affixes them to painted ceramic to lovely effect. Buy them at her Etsy shop and get your choice of ball chain, leather cord, black silk cord or ribbon. [Photos copyright Tracy Suter]

Go Animal With Zid Zid Kids

There's something so Julie Taymor about these kids' masks from Zid Zid. Yet they are designed by another Julie--Zid Zid's talented Julie Klear. Each is constructed from recycled cardboard. Don't wait until Halloween--if you know a kid with a wild streak, these are great for dress-up any day. Available at Modern Mini. [Photos via Modern Mini]

Mission Accomplished!

To my delight, I received these photos from France of Camille and Thomas, who used Jessica's direction in this post to make paper butterflies. The kids put their own spin on them, though, and made hair accessories and table adornments instead of paperclips. Great idea!

Let's Have a Tee Party

Okay, so I'm breaking my unspoken rule about not posting any tee-shirts on this blog. (I've broken it before in February for the adorable stuff in this post.) I don't have anything against tees--it's just that rarely do I feel they're truly special enough to devote ink (or precious gigabytes) to. The above new tees from Chicago design company Pluto are exceptions, however. They're simple, subtle and witty--just the way I like 'em. Buy them at Pluto's Etsy shop. So far, Chicago and New York are offered; if you're not from there, drop designer Ellen Oxhorn a line and let her know how much you'd love to see your city featured. [Photos via Pluto]

Wing It

The always-creative Jessica from How About Orange posted easy directions on her blog on how to make these artful butterfly paperclips. She used origami scrap paper, but I imagine any sturdy gift wrap would do. Thanks, Jessica, for the inspiration! [Photo copyright How About Orange]

Tag, You're It

Next time you wrap a present, focus on pretty little details--like gift tags. These, from Arizona-based Etsy seller StationeryStop, are printed on acid-free card stock. Choose glittered florals for a romantic feel, or bright dots for contemporary effect (these would look great paired with striped gift wrap, no?). See all of StationeryStop's offerings here. [Photos via StationeryStop]

Good Enough to Eat (Off Of)

These plates by Jessica Rust Designs feel so spring-like. Thankfully, the season is upon us, so let the alfresco dinner parties begin! Jessica is a Minneapolis-based artist that started her business with small-batch ceramics (including bath fixtures and dinnerware) and expanded to include personalized plates and mugs for parents and children. [Photos, clockwise from upper left: Love Bird, Cherry Blossom, City Boy, Umbrella Girl; tip via Style Me Pretty]

Kice, Kice, Baby

In the wish-they-made-these-in-my-size category: New spring looks from Kice Kice, an organic clothing line designed by twin sisters Leslie Nishigawara and Karen Kice, who live in Los Angeles. Pieces have hand-appliques, color stitching and a beautiful, drape-y shape. And the colors! What a pleasant reminder that not all girls' clothing has to be cotton-candy pink or overloaded with patterns. Retailers are limited, but you can purchase online at Nonchalant Mom. [Photos via Kice Kice]

Jealous? Me? Never.

Ahhhhh. This is what I wish I was doing this weekend. [Uno Al Fresco sofa by Gandia Blasco; photo via Stylepark]

Wood You? Could You?

Today's special: A few gems from Domestic's 1.2.3. Furniture line. The French design collective (also responsible for these mirrors) calls on international designers to create items for their brand. But the 1.2.3. line taps into your talents, too. Packaged as "kits," pieces arrive as separate pieces of pre-cut birch wood; you put everything together following simple plans laid out by the designer, or follow your whim and create something totally new. Shown here are a wastebasket (left) and table tree (middle) by Matali Crasset, and vases (right) by 5.5 Designers. [Photos via Domestic]

Kids' Journal: It's a Keeper

Being a journalist, I not-so secretly hope my boys (now the tender age of eight months) will grow to enjoy writing and reading. The new This Is Me journal -- a "first" keepsake journal for kids to record memories, show off photos, and doodle in -- would appear to set kids off on just that path. It was created by mom Carrie Lundell (with input from her daughter Lucy, of course) and has 96 pages of fill-in-the-blanks and sketches to complete by coloring. Check out the above samples or go to the website to see more and buy. [Photos via This Is Me; tip via Design Mom]

Put Your Imaginary Head on My Shoulder

No more lonely nights with these wool couch covers by the French company La Tête Au Cube. Check them out here. [Photos via La Tête Au Cube; tip via Le Blog Déco de Mademoiselle; merci, Sam from France, for the link!]

Erin Ruth's a Wrap Star

Help me join the fight against flimsy and ill-designed gift wrap! We're almost in the throes of wedding and baby shower season, after all. So when you think presents, consider these beautiful wrapping papers and corresponding note cards from graphic designer/gift wrap maven Erin Ruth. Shown here are her just-released patterns: Tori, Charlotte and Alecia. Buy them online or check the list of stockists. [Photos via Erin Ruth]

Feeding Frenzy! MooMe Bibs

Up for an experiment in the power of suggestion? Buy MooMe bibs -- decorated with photos of peas, carrots, strawberries and oranges -- and see if your toddler starts to gobble these foods up. Okay, so it might be a stretch. But he or she will certainly be attracted to the bright colors (and mom and dad will love the easily washable organic cotton). They come in packs of two that resemble baby food jars. Available here at Modern Tots. [Photos via Modern Tots]

Pylones Toasters: They're Well Bread

Finally, pop art toasters worthy of your pop tarts! (Say that 10 times fast.) These plastic and metal toasters designed by Crea Crea are carried at Pylones, a gift boutique with six locations in Paris. You can also purchase them here. Thank you, loyal reader "Madeleine from Paris," for the tip! [Photos via Pylones]