May « 2009 « Studio Wisco

Elsie Marley

May 12th, 2009

Former Chocolatier and Baker, now blogger, mother of two (and #3 on the way), Meg “Elsie” fills her creative void sewing toys, clothes and accessories for the modern tot. One of her signature creations, kiddy messenger bags, can be purchased here, starting at just $30. Machine washable (few!), they’re perfect for your tot’s library books, matchbox cars or that stuffed animal that they can’t leave home without. Meg lives in Madison with her husband and children in a beautiful vintage/European-inspired home. Last year, thanks to Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo, Meg’s home was featured on Cookie Magazine’s Nesting blog and her children’s room was seen on Apartment Therapy’s ohdeedoh.

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Kidrobot Kraze

May 11th, 2009

Often collected by designers and once only available in NY, SF, LA or MIA, Kidrobot can now be found at MODA3, a shop striving to be the Midwest’s premier lifestyle “aka skateboard” store. With locations in Delafield and Milwaukee, you can find Kidrobot’s “Ye Olde English Dunny Series” and many others. Not familiar with Kidrobot? Founded in 2002 by designer Paul Budnitz, Kidrobot claims to be the world’s premier creator and retailer of limited edition toys, clothing, artwork & books. Budnitz’s style merges urban street trends, fashion and pop art to produce limited edition collectables while collaborating with top international artists with backgrounds in all areas of design. While these are collectables, once they’re sold out, they’re sold out, so hang on tight to yours, in hopes that they appreciate in value over time. Shop at shop.moda3.com/store.

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Oh mother!

May 8th, 2009

Mothers have the toughest job on the planet, but usually receive the least amount of praise. Dedicate this Sunday to your one-and-only by telling her how appreciative you are of all her hard-work. You can start by sending her a rad card from the greeting card and design company Cracked Designs. This Milw. based designer creates eco-friendly greeting cards, stationery, journals and wedding invitations. Their cards feature everything from hand drawn doodles to photo cut outs and can be found in retail locations throughout the states and Canada, as well as online at crackeddesigns.etsy.com. Choose one of these cards for your mama which include sayings like “Thanks for raising me”, “One hell of a mom” and “You Rock”.

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mom loves jewelry

May 7th, 2009

Looking for a unique, customized gift for your mom? Eau Claire Jeweler Richard Christianson takes your initials and/or birthstone and designs a one-of-a-kind pendant that your mother will love. This pendant above uses the initials L, M & P. See Richard’s work at jewelrybychristianson.com or visit the Artisan Gallery in Belleville.

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Keep an open mind

May 6th, 2009

Looking for a new sketchbook or perhaps a place to jot down lists and thoughts? Try one of these. Bridget and Shelly at Open Books convert vintage books into modern day journals and sketchbooks. Each book contains 80+ blank sheets nestled between hand-selected pages of the original book. See their ever-changing selection at openbooks.etsy.com or at these WI retailers.

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Ohhh Oompa!

May 5th, 2009

For the little one in your life, oompa.com is the place to find unique, natural and wooden toys. Featuring European and USA-made products, this company prides itself in finding quality gear while keeping design in mind. Their room décor, furniture and diverse organic selection are just some of the additions to toys that you’ll find. While they sell hundreds of products online, they also have a groovy retail store, located in Middleton, which showcases some of their best-selling products ready to take home today. Find this attractive Chalet Dollhouse with furniture, made from natural, chemical free rubber wood and finished with non-toxic and child friendly colors.

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Hamilton Wood Type

May 4th, 2009

Hamilton Wood Type is a printing museum in Two Rivers, WI that is the only museum dedicated to the preservation, study, production and printing of wood type. With 1.5 million pieces of wood type and more than 1,000 styles and sizes of patterns, Hamilton’s collection is one of the premier wood type collections in the world. Beginning May 22nd, this museum will celebrate their 10th anniversary with all sorts of events. The celebration begins with a sneak-preview of Kartemquin Film’s Type Face, a commemorative poster show and an open house that invites local, regional and national visitors to the area. Their anniversary celebration also includes a workshop by Jim Sherraden of Hatch Show Print for a long-weekend, May 22-24th. Jim’s work is known internationally and he regularly leads letterpress workshops throughout the country. Support this museum and check out woodtype.org.

Posted in Events, Printing | No Comments »

Return to Function

May 1st, 2009

Opening this evening, The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art’s exhibit “Return to Function” brings together contemporary artists who make functional objects that are useful. Ranging from vehicles to clothes to mobile studio units, the exhibit dissolves the line between fine art and applied art. The exhibit runs now through August 23rd and while you’re there, stop in at Fresco, MMoCA’s rooftop restaurant, to dine on seasonal ingredients and contemporary cuisine. Good art and good food… what more could you ask for?

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