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"Design*Sponge" - 8 new articles

1. The Nate Berkus Show
2. 2010 gift guides: monogram gifts
3. diy project: gift toppers
4. d*s scholarship reminder
5. sewing 101: tree skirt
6. diy project: vintage postcard calendar journal
7. 2010 gift guides: crafts
8. new: amy ruppel for schoolhouse electric
9. More Recent Articles
10. Search Design*Sponge
11. Prior Mailing Archive

The Nate Berkus Show

Design*Sponge was featured on the December 6th, 2010 episode of The Nate Berkus Show. Nate Berkus interviewed founder Grace Bonney on air and called the site one of his favorites, announcing it as the day’s featured “Nate’s Find”. Click here and here to view additional videos behind the scenes.

Video clip of on-air segment coming soon….

2010 gift guides: monogram gifts

I know that the novelty of owning items with my name on them probably should have worn off by adulthood, but I have to admit that I still love giving and receiving monogrammed gifts, and I don’t see myself tiring of it anytime soon. There are many great reasons to love personalized objects. Not only are individual letters such beautiful designs in their own right, but there’s also a sweetness to labeling something especially for someone you love. It’s kind of like carving their name on a tree, but without any safety hazards or environmental concerns :)

I’ve found some amazing monogram gift ideas, and I’m pleased to report that these options go far beyond the initialed towel or bathrobe. There are gifts of all sizes and shapes here; hopefully you can find the perfect gift to suit your budget and style. Enjoy! — KBP

Image above: 1. Papercut Letters, $25; 2. Petit Love Stone, $15; 3. Perch Letter Lights, $120; 4. Alphabet Letter Tote Bag, $20 5. Missus Monogram Mugs, $6; 6. Monogram Votives, $10; 7. Retro Modern Letters, $15

Image above, from left: Custom Mugs, $18; Large Letters, $125.

Image above, from left: Monogram Coir Mat, $85–$110; Custom Address Stamp $19.95

CLICK HERE for the rest of the guide after the jump!

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diy project: gift toppers

Our mother (the original BBB) set the bar pretty high with her gift wrapping each season and forever influenced the way that we paper, tape and top our presents. We admit to a little bit of (friendly) Blessing sister rivalry on the morning of December 25 when we eye each other’s creations under the tree, but this year we culled our resources and put together our favorite DIY present toppers, emptying our craft drawers and button jars to adorn each gift. We tend to recycle our papers and ribbon year after year, and if you get creative with what you use to decorate, you may not have to spend a dime! — bbbcraft sisters

CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump!

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d*s scholarship reminder

Hi everyone! I wanted to post a reminder about the 2010 D*S Scholarship! Today is the final day to turn in applications, which are due tonight at 11:59pm EST. This year, there are $10,000 in awards being given to both undergraduate and graduate students (international students are welcome). To read the full details and apply, please visit the D*S scholarship page.

A big thank you to our sponsors this year: Glos and Room & Board. Glos has kindly provided our first place prizes for both undergraduate and graduate students, and Room & Board has kindly provided our second place prizes for both undergraduate and graduate students.

In addition, we’re thrilled to announce that The Monacelli Press has generously offered to sponsor our Honorable Mention prizes for the 2010 Scholarship. The Monacelli Press publishes some of the best books about design, art and architecture- you can click here for more information on their titles.

sewing 101: tree skirt

Deck your halls DIY-style this year with an easy handmade tree skirt! In this post, I’ll show you the basics of sewing a simple round skirt, which you can adapt to any custom size to fit your tree — from a majestic 12-foot fir to an NYC-apartment-sized mini-tree like mine. The fabric you choose will make a big statement in this project, so try a graphic print for a modern look, or a velvet, brocade or vintage textile for a more traditional flavor. This skirt is fully reversible, so if you’re feeling indecisive, use a different fabric for the front and back, and flip it when you want a change. — Brett Bara

CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump!

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diy project: vintage postcard calendar journal

Growing up, I kept a daily journal. I always enjoyed looking back at previous entries to see what had changed over the course of a year. These days, I can’t seem to find the time to journal, but I do try to jot down a little note from each day on my perpetual calendar/journal. The idea is very simple — flip to the current date and at the end of the day, write down something that happened. Some days it is big things like “Annie took her first steps.” Other days it is small, like “needed more than one cup of coffee this morning.”

The first year is the least rewarding, but I imagine that in 10 years, it will be a daily treat to be reminded of what happened on that date over the last decade. I think these would make great gifts this season, not only for adults but also for older kids, baby showers, retirement parties, wedding showers and more. Enjoy! — Ashley

CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump!

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2010 gift guides: crafts

Any fellow DIY-er can attest that nothing is more thrilling than the gift of new craft supplies! We have an endless wish list, but these things are topping it right now — a couple of cool tools (A hole punch not limited to the edges of the page! The entire alphabet in one stamp!), essentials for beautiful packaging (one can never have too much twine), a workerman tote to corral it all (function meets form) and perhaps the most amazing handmade stockings ever. — bbbcraft sisters

1. X-Acto Knife Set, $23.64; 2. Scroll Mailing Label Tape, $20; 3. Rolling Alphabet Stamp, $22.99; 4. Vinyl Wall Art Alphabet Decals, $28; 5. From the Kitchen of Seal Embossing Plate, $31.50; 6. Rogues Gallery Stocking (Handmade from vintage fabrics!), $85; 7. Gingher Scissors, $36.99; 8. Wunderkammer Seahorse Crochet Kit, $20; 9. Klein Tool Bag (For toting around tools, materials and projects!), $49.94; 10. Meg Mateo Ilasco’s Crafting a Meaningful Home, $24.95; 11. Fat Cotton Piping (For large-scale crochet projects, such as Jean Lee’s doily rug in Meg’s book!), from $0.30/yard; 12. Japanese Hole Punch, $19.99; 13. Twine, $4.50

new: amy ruppel for schoolhouse electric

Amy Ruppel is one of my favorite artists (and people) around. For me, she is exactly like her work: colorful, friendly, happy and full of life. Every time I visit Portland, I relish getting to spend a few hours with her and hearing all about the exciting projects she’s doing. When I first heard about her upcoming collaboration with Schoolhouse Electric, I practically jumped out of my seat with excitement. Her work lends itself so well to lighting, and I’m thrilled to announce that the new collection is live! Her design for Schoolhouse Electric is called “Folk Birds” and is available in two colors: black or red and light blue (my favorite). Each light is hand-signed and part of a limited edition that comes with a pendant and shade together for $159. If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for someone who loves birds or just needs a little light in their lives, Amy’s new light would be perfect. Sales will start this Thursday, but you can get more information here, and bookmark the link for the launch on Thursday. Last but not least, if you’re in Portland, there will be a launch party for Amy at the Schoolhouse Electric showroom (340 Southeast Sixth Avenue) from 6 to 8pm, so stop by and check it out in person if you get a chance. xo, grace

*Full disclosure: Schoolhouse Electric is an advertiser on Design*Sponge, but did not pay for this post or receive special consideration.

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