{ Posts Tagged ‘tech-free friday’ }

tech-free friday: designs by val

designsbyval tech free friday: designs by valI have a serious problem when it comes to paper — I can’t pass by an Indigo, Papyrus or Kate’s Paperie store without entering and spending oodles on pretty-pulped products.

Check out these super-cute cards from Vancouver paper princess Valerie Lau. Her online shop, Designs by Val, is a must-visit for those interested in simple and stylish notecards. The cards are printed on high quality linen stock that’s made from post-consumer recycled paper and feature adorable graphic designs created by Valerie herself. In the words of the world’s favourite cele-brat Paris Hilton, “That’s hot.”

Missing Puzzle, Cherry Lanterns and Typewriter all available at designsbyval.com

tech-free friday: typography coasters

vpr0005641 p3 tech free friday: typography coastersFor today’s tech-free Friday, I’d like to appeal to a different kind of geek — that’s right, the graphic designers. I have several friends who go ga-ga over typography (including our very own associate art director, Ashleigh Schouwerwou), so I knew these coasters would be right up their alley.

The laser-etched beauties come in a pack of 4 and feature a unique mixture of letters. The type? It’s Baskerville Semibold, which my designer buddies will knowingly smirk about (it’s so obviously Baskerville, Lauren). Even better, they’re bamboo and made right here in Canada, which means that they’re eco-friendly, too.

Price: $45

Available at: Veer.com

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tech-free friday: colourful artichoke lamps

lamps tech free friday: colourful artichoke lampsIgnoring that fact that these are bordering on sea-urchin-creepy-looking, don’t you think they’re fabulous? Channeling the artichoke, these table lamps are a serious work of art and their colourful bases and gorgeous shape make them worthy of today’s Tech-free Friday post.

These stunners are constructed from papier mache made of recycled materials, and handcrafted by Haitian artisans. The original comes with a white base, but you can also choose from 15 other colours, all available in low-VOC paints.

My biggest question: how do I pick just one?

Price: $625 US each

Available at: Straydogdesigns.com

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tech-free friday: kate spade stationery

katespade tech free friday: kate spade stationery
There’s nothing cooler than when designers spread their wings and venture into new areas of design. And no one does this better than New York-based fashion designer, Kate Spade. While she’s known for her oh-so-stylish-it-hurts handbags, Miss Spade has developed her brand to include clothing, shoes, glasses, home accessories and even stationery.

For her stationery line, Kate’s paired up with the American gods of paper, Crane & Co. to create gorgeous cards and invites dressed up in her signature simple style. My fave is the letterpressed correspondence cards above with the vibrant yellow and white awning stripe. The old-school process of letterpressing matches the history of Crane’s (they’ve been kicking since 1801, and they even make the paper for U.S. currency), while the simple design and gorgeous packaging embodies the modern all-American style of Kate Spade.

If you ask me, it’s a match made in paper heaven.

Price: $323 US per box of 50 cards and 50 envelopes
Available at: Crane.com (to learn more about the fascinating history of Crane’s, check out their website)

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tech-free friday: mosaicworks

mosaic1 tech free friday: mosaicworksOkay, okay, okay. I love blogging about awesome new tech gadgets and pretty accessories for those gadgets. However, sometimes something so amazing/non-tech related crosses my path and I feel the need to spread the word!

Have you ever heard of MosaicWorks? If you’ve been to the IDS for the past couple of years, you may have noticed a sparkly little booth hidden amongst massive displays. This little booth packs a lot of punch, though, as Karen Johnston displays her fab mosaic-tiled home decor pieces. Also available at Elliot & Ward in Toronto, these fab works of art are serious showstoppers (thus my need to write about them!). Karen creates tiled mirrors, vases, and artwork for the walls. Want a touch of bmosaic2 tech free friday: mosaicworksling for your boudoir? Ask for a mirror with a string of rhinestones embedded between the tiles. Gorgeous!

Karen is already signed up for an exhibitor booth at the IDS in 2010, but if you’re itching for one of these beauties now, check out Elliot & Ward or visit her website at mosaicworks.ca

And, as always, if you have any neat gadgets or tech accessories you want me to feature, shoot me an e-mail at
techstyle@styleathome.com