One of the perks of being a ThisNext Maven is getting a coveted media pass to cool product related events. Our Handmade Expert Maven, girlfromnorthcountry went to the New York International Gift Fair on August 15th through the 20th and was kind enough to cover the event.  She even created a little blog/diary of her journey through the gift fair. We will be posting all of her discoveries here on the ThisNext blog! And here is her first entry ….

I had the pleasure of attending the NYIGF to introduce new products to the ThisNext.com community. To give you a sense of the enormity of this endeavor here are some stats on the “fair”.

- Approximately 30,000 retail buyers attend the show from all over the world. The wholesale exhibitors and designers are also globally represented.

- All of the exhibitors are screened and placed in eight unique design categories,with the emphasis on showing trend setting products in one of the most fashion forward cities in the world.

The categories I focused on were studio, accent on design, handmade, tabletop, and general gift.I began by going to the studio section, this was sort of an eclectic blend of handmade and high design, very beautiful. Intermixed in my wanderings were booths exhibiting accent on design, which is a designer’s dream come true. Truly innovative products that just get your juices flowing.

My number one favorite exhibitor was TOKYOMILK. A delightful booth, featuring bath, body and cosmetics, packaged exquisitely with Asian and Parisian style papers, beautiful bottles and and a space that you just wanted to linger in, you felt transformed into another world.

TOKYOMILK is a truly inspirational line of body care. There product was transformative. Margot Elena is responsible for this exquisite line of coordinating beauty,home,and apparel items designed to enhance environments with innovative formulas and signature packaging.

Margot Elena designs several different lifestyle brands, including Lollia. There is something quite intriguing about her product, it really does seduce you into a world that transports you out of your ordinary life. I think that was what kept me returning to just look and soak in everything. She has several products in the TOKYOMILK line, mini perfumed soaps,travel candles and kiss me kits.

I am featuring three of her newest items, my favorite, TOKYOMILK by Margot Elena Fine Bon Bon Bubbling Bath, in either a small or large size. They are very ‘‘Alice in Wonderland”, you want to just look at them and discover what is inside and that’s without even considering what a wonderful experience bathing will be.

Street Art, it’s literally everywhere and it’s all over the world. I guess it really has been around for a while but when I was in Naples, I saw more street art than I ever could imagine. This may be because they don’t ever paint over it, but I saw more art walking down the street than you do when you’re driving on the 10 freeway. A few nights ago, I looked through Graffiti World and found out/realized that I saw art by Blek Le Rat, Cope, Fisher, Kub, and Jaber without realizing it. Plus, I saw many more no name artists that have been strongly influenced by Banksy’s stencil art. Now, I think people are being more influenced by street art than they realize.

Shepard Fairey took it upon himself to make posters for Obama, reading “HOPE” without any intention for it to become an iconic portrait for the president. It ended up on the cover of Time Magazine for “2008 Person of the Year’ and in 2009, the image was acquired by the US National Portait Gallery. Fairey became known with his “Andre the Giant has a Posse” sticker campaign on the street and now he is one of today’s best known and most influential street artists. His “HOPE” poster is now one of many inaugural posters.

When I see an artist’s work get national recognition like this, just from having a strong politcal view, it kind of makes you think. Graffiti used to be associated with gangs and a negative connotation as it is illegal to deface property. Now, artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey, are turning things around for street art, giving it a positive view as well as influencing other artists art work. It is taking creativity to a whole different level. From Graffiti ABC Blocks , to furniture to energy drinks, street art has had an insane influence on your most basic everyday products and I found an awesome list by laurasweet to prove it.

 

Hey, Etsy, Indiepublic, and 1000 markets sellers and other Indie users, we would love for you to use our site to showcase your items and we’re always looking for the next “it” product, which may just be that hot laptop cover or the rad steam punk ring YOU made. We know you are creative, talented and the next trendsetters, and we’d love to help you connect with consumers that are out there looking for unique items.

To be a successful ThisNext Handmade user we ask that you follow a few guidelines:

1. Firstly, and most importantly, recommend in a ratio of 3 to 1. Meaning you recommend three items from other sources on the web to each item of your own creation. (You may, if you would like, put your own items in lists that promote them as your own to organize your page, or you can have them throughout multiple lists.) We ask this because
a) more content on our site means more search options, higher ratings for the site - more people looking at your products.
b) users appreciate pages that are flushed out and may not be as receptive to items that appear to be completely from one site. (your page will look more organic - There is synergy in recommending a new blackberry and a great handmade blackberry holder that you made in the same space.)

2. Pimp your profile. ThisNext users get to know you and your personality, through not only your recommendations but through your profile. Your content will look better if you fill out your profile and spiff up your page (organize your items into lists). Would-be customers appreciate having a background to their handmade purchases. Including personal pics is also appreciated by customers. (Also we cannot include you in any promotions - like our newsletters - if you do not have a picture in your profile)

3. Clearly tag your items. To get your products more clearly integrated into our search, tag your items precisely and clearly. Just think, the more accurate tags the more users will be directed to your content. Remember to include tags like “etsy”, “handmade”, “unique” and colors/fabrics/materials, and obvious tags like “laptop cover”, “jewelry”, “hat”.

4. Take clear and detailed pictures of your products. This is fairly self explanatory, but white backgrounds look best on our site.

5. Clearly describe your product in the recommendation. If would-be customers can’t see or understand your product they will certainly not be actual customers. Remember while writing a description to be specific in what your product does - a poster and a t-shirt may look the same in a picture, or you might have a brilliant corkscrew that is disguised as something else, so be clear.

ThisNext wishes you luck and looks forward to seeing your items throughout our site!

Purpli-fy your life. Ok so you know purple is the “it” color right now for fashion, but did you know you can get everything in your life purple? You can wear purple, play purple, walk purple, watch purple, do purple… and if you master food coloring techniques… eat purple too (although when I try it usually come out black- which is most unappetizing - especially black creamed corn …. don’t ask)

Be at one with the purple and check out this list for your Purplification. Don’t you love how I can write purple?

ThisNext is launching our FABULOUS Myspace application today! So now you can Wish List all that you want for the Christmakwanzichah holidays… (I’m sorry “world peace” is too much of a Beauty Contestant wish, so save that for your “Q&A” section of the pageant) Browse the TN world o’ goodies, WISH LIST what you want, share it with your family and friends and all your Myspace Entourage. While you’re looking for yourself, go ahead, take notes those hot items as ideas for what to get your Friend’s Mother’s New Husband’s Podiatrist’s Dog as well.

If all you want for Christmas is your two front teeth… then go see a dentist, but if you’re looking for some fabulous gifts this holiday season all you have to do is Wish List it!



Go ahead… install it… be the first on your block to have your very own Wish List… you know you want to!

Watch design has come a long way from a strap with a round analog face. From the bling to grenades to being able to tell time on your finger nail, watches have changed dramatically over the years. In addition to telling the time and date, watches are now more valued for their artistic characteristics. In some cases, this means that the watch simply acts more as a bracelet then a timepiece. You no longer have to rely on your watch for the time, instead you can trust their to be a watch that will not only knock you off your socks, but it will still tell time.

Numerous studies have shown that napping is good for your health. You live longer, you feel better, and your overall mood improves. Europeans have long been taking siestas and reaping the benefits of an afternoon nap. So, I ask you, why haven’t we jumped on this bandwagon yet? The scientific evidence is mounting and it’s time for change. Grab your pillows, blankets, and comfortable pajamas and let’s start a napping revolution! I think it’s high time that we all draft memos to our workplace upper management demanding that we enact an official office naptime! Workers of the world unite…all we have to lose is our afternoon caffeine boost?

And speaking of offices, “Kevin Malone” from The Office was at Les Deux last night.

The Shabby Chic phenomenon has finally found its way into this ThisNexter’s life. One of my best friends on the planet is making the big leap and getting a place of her own in Los Angeles’ famed K-Town (Koreatown for those not in the know). But the big dilemma wasn’t finding the place, which has exposed brick and a cute radiator - vintage LA, signing the lease or any of the other usual apartment renting headaches. It was how to decorate. My bestie has a very unique sense of style and she is into roll top desks and lace. Shabby Chic style definitely describes her decorating style perfectly. How can you incorporate a little of my friend’s style into your own home decor? Easy! Check out some of the products I’ve recommended for her - we here at ThisNext know that they will look great in her home and yours!

Is it a coffee table or a trampoline? It’s both! The premise behind the design of this coffee table was, “Why have a middle on a coffee table when the drinks are placed on the edge? Might as well be a trampoline.” This reasoning is not only practical, but it’s fun and leading the way towards further dual function furniture pieces.

Sure, most families have kids where this contraption would be a recipe for disaster. But for the rest of us, a coffee table can take on a whole new meaning when it has a trampoline in the middle.

So put on some tunes, invite some friends, and bounce all of your cares away! Just make sure they sign a release form first. Happy jumping!

Systematically placing everything perfectly within a frame, Gregory Crewdson is the personification of staged photography perfection. He’s notorious for shutting down city blocks, cutting down signs he doesn’t see fit or for even bringing in his own weather. As if it was a movie set, Crewdson will use a team rivaling most small film productions and the equipment to back it up. Often, a single shot by him is the result of months of planning, staging and preparing that is all capped off with less than a few minutes of actually shooting. Like no one else, Crewdson’s precise attention to detail is what makes him one of the most respected photographers to date. Every photograph he takes is raw and real and uncut, but also spectacularly perfect. I can’t look at a Crewdson without feeling like I’m watching The Truman Show. Not because his pictures are perfect, but because they are perfectly flawed and natural. If you’re ever lucky enough to get your hands on a Crewdson print, it’d be about 8 feet tall. It wouldn’t resemble a simple print, but a window into his world.

With August 11th being the 52nd anniversary of Jackson Pollock’s death, it’s time to hit the pause button and look back at the legendary painter’s life. What I mean by look back is celebrate it. Sure, we all celebrate in different ways. For instance, this ThisNexter locked himself in his room with thirteen gallons of paint, 17 brushes, a bottle of whiskey, “The Genius of Modern Music,” by Thelonious Monk (the only album I can imagine Pollock painting to) and let loose. Three hours later I emerged with a completely “Pollockified” room, an angry roommate, a disgruntled landlord and a headache that radiated to my kneecaps. It was well worth it, but next year I think I’ll take a more traditional route and honor the man in a way that won’t cause permanent brain damage or unnecessary eviction. Next year I’ll be civilized. Next year I’ll “Pollockify” my computer at jacksonpollock.org. Next year, I’ll still be recovering from the damage the paint fumes did to my brain.

Unfortunately, violence is a part of our life. We are used to wars, gangs, and crimes. We see it on the news, television, video games, and in life. This is not a tirade about our violent culture, just an observation that we’ve started bringing it into our homes in different ways. You might not own a gun, but you could have a designer gun lamp. You might not play Metal Gear Solid but you could don a pair of rifle earrings. Perhaps you don’t live in a war torn country but a grenade oil lamp lights your living room. We’ve seen the art that comes from war eras-Dada, as well as mortal shell sculpture. But those were reactions to the violence. Perhaps we’re glorifying or just reflecting our violent culture in our home decor and fashion… perhaps those barbed wire bracelets just go with your outfit?

Today I browsed ThisNext’s collection of stencils and was ultimately impressed. There are really cool looking wall stencils out there that are so far from the typical arts and crafts “kitschy” stencils (no cat or frog stencils here, buddy) and are sure to add some cultured vibes to your place. Wall stencils are an easy way to add some “you” to your drab, white-walled apartment, or the perfect addition to an already decorated home. And, they are so easy to use. You just slap the stencil on your wall, paint over with a stencil brush, remove, and voila! Then, when you move out, you can easily paint over it to avoid fees (or for selling purposes) and re-use the stencil at your next apartment or home. A great design idea for anyone, really. Check out my list of cool wall stencils below: Another great idea is to make your own stencils. Use your own letters and images, trace them onto stencil paper and cut them out, and stencil wherever you like! You can find a list of stencil supplies, including the things needed to make your own, here!

Graduating college is hard enough - who wants to leave behind the part-time jobs, the friends, and the parties? What is even more frustrating than leaving college is moving into an empty apartment and being extremely close to broke. Solution: have a housewarming party with the hope that friends will bring presents to liven up the apartment and give it that extra-special homey feel. ThisNext is providing you with a list of some great housewarming gifts. Important to any new apartment are items like picture frames, tables, and great kitchen gadgets. Housewarming gifts also provide and inspire great decorating ideas for anyone. The next time you’re invited to a housewarming party, show up with a smile (no matter how small the place is and the fact that there’s nowhere to hang your coat) and a fabulous gift.

	Click here to read more.

See Jane Work is one of my favorite spots for purchasing office supplies and it looks like it is a favorite with the ThisNext Community as well.  I got a discount code in my inbox today so I thought … hey let me share the savings.

Enjoy!  

Coffee tables are ideal spots for magazines, placing them in close proximity to a couch that is usually positioned within reach. But the more magazines you pile on, the less useful the table becomes as a surface for placing drinks, dinner, or the laptop you’re working on. With this issue in mind, the Magtable seamlessly weaves a magazine rack into the form of a coffee table.

Created by Satina Turner for Umbra, the design makes clever use of the space beneath the table that often goes unused. Magazines are allowed to hang down within this space, as the table stands 19” in height. The solid wood structure is understated and aims the focus of the design directly on its key element.

With magazines inserted, the surface of the table remains flat enough to place a variety of items. Ideal for a cramped living space, the table also negates the need for an additional magazine rack. Plus, it’s simply a cool and unique item of furniture that will add a bit of character to your space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been recommending good stuff from See Jane Work, and it seems like every week/ month they always have something new on their website. I agree with them, SeeJaneWork is “the destination for office style + organization.” Here is some of their new products:

Bella Document Envelope: It’s hand-made from Italian leather and features contrasting stitch detail. It will surely tell a good story about the person carrying it, that’s why it’s Ideal for holding resumes, presentation material and other important documents. It’s available in Black, British Tan, Lime, and Pink Hues. $48.00

Bella Pencil Cup: You can keep track of your pencil/ pens better while adding aesthetic value to your office at the same time with the bella pencil cup. $32.00 

Bella Desk Blotter: Add color and life to your working space with this desk blotter. Just like the other Bella products, the desk blotter is hand-made with Italian leather, and features contrasting stitch accents to add details. $40.00

Ever get the feeling that a candle is a candle is a candle? You’re not alone, but you are being targeted. Black & Light is taking aim at just such complacency, offering the field of candle design a sophisticated approach that incorporates eco-sensitive and reusable materials, stylish visual details and packaging, and a clean, long life span. A personalized touch to every Black & Light product makes for a little potential for a slow-burning paradigm shift.

The first thing you’ll notice about this candle is its handsome packaging. If you splurge for a little more on a candle than you might from another you can find at the drugstore, you want it protected and remaining in perfect form by the time you get home. This candle’s rigid box is an ideal cradle, but it’s also beautifully designed with a unique illustration (in this case, with a simple line drawing titled “Bring World Peas”). A removable sticker on the exterior give you the option of reusing the box, which is both handy and neatly fits into Black & Light’s green business model.

The candle itself is as beautiful as its box, featuring an engraved surface that you almost hate to see burn away. Fortunately, you’ll have a while to appreciate it, as the candle is designed to burn for up to 15 hours per inch. The burn itself is clean and unscented, as understated as its presentation. The candle comes with instructions for proper care, ensuring the candle’s long life, as well as a thank you note that puts this company’s personalized approach into perspective.