The Fish That Got Away

As mentioned in yesterday's post, there were several nautical decor items that didn't make it into the Shopping With feature that ran in the Homes section of the New York Times yesterday.

I like nautical decor when it's not hitting you over the head (with an anchor). But instead suggests the sea in subtle, yet graphic ways. Here were my additional picks:

OK maybe the wallpaper by isn't very subtle - but it sure is fun! ‘Shore Leave’ Wallpaper ($150 per roll) by Brooklyn based Flavor Paper.

Haus Interiors in Nolita has a lovely selection of modern nautical decor. So much so that it was hard to choose. I can easily picture the Feed Stripe Throw ($178) slung over a couch and I love the Sea Grass Cube ($72), too.

Made from re-purposed fishing line woven with vines around a strong metal armature this Fishing Sphere Chandelier ($410 – 630) from Seaside Inspired evokes a images of sand dunes and surf for me.

Hand-printed organic linen tea towels ($18 each) by Madder Root available on Etsy. I love the graphics and the fact that they are made with organic materials and thread as well as solvent free water based inks.

I chose this octopus pillow ($60) by Utilitarian Franchise, another Etsy seller, also for the great contrasting colors and graphic plus the white eco friendly water based paint that they use in the process.

Down East Doormats by Maine Float Rope Company. Above is a medium hand-woven stripe doormat made from reclaimed float rope formerly used by Maine lobstermen $49.95. great background story on their site - worth a visit.

Barmaid cast iron bottle opener ($30) by Nauti and Co a NY based company looks like an artifact that you might find while beach combing ... if you're very, very lucky!

Shopping With the New York Times

I'm thrilled to be featured in todays Home Section of the New York Times. I met with (super nice) reporter Tim McKeough several weeks ago to shop for nautical decor in lower Manhattan for the Shopping With feature. There's also an interactive feature.



I had a great time creating a collection. I'll post later the lovely items that didn't make the story, but are worth a look.

G

Just G.

Fouta

One things for sure: the fouta (pronounced foo-ta) will work hard for you. It's a versatile Tunisian throw that has many uses. Throw it down for a picnic, pack it in place of your beach towel, dress your table with it or wrap it around your shoulders when the evenings temps get a little cooler. (The temps are getting a little cooler at night, aren't they?)
The fouta is promised to get better with age and at $38 each it's easy on the wallet.

Available from Fouta Lifestyle

Mast Brother's Chocolate

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I have tasted Mast Brothers chocolate and it is everything they describe it to be. This is a beautifully shot portrait by The Scout - well worth viewing in it's entirety. Bonus: there is a sailing connection!

Found via ABCD Designs

Tying the Knot

I recently shipped off this large assortment of upcycled sail luggage tags to a bride to be from Montauk, NY. She is having a nautical theme wedding (in a few weeks!) and the tags will used as place cards. Each tag has an authentic sail seam running though it and they are all finished off with a lovely blue tie (shown in knotted bundles). I love the idea of the guests keeping them and using them for travel well after the wedding.

Best Wishes!

Introducing ...

Say hello to our newest studio mate: Frances Bean. S/he was a little grungy and certainly a love child and until she is tame enough to handle and figure out if she is a she or a he, her androgynous name is perfect. S/he was a stray kitten who kept showing up at our studio door. S/he is VERY scared and very wild but is coming around slowly.

Update: Its a boy!

It a Date

Todays date: 8/9/10 Reiter8 style:

Go Ask Alice

Ho hum housework? Go ask Alice of Alice Supply Co. She's got quite a different answer. Of course I'm partial to the nautical navy and white stripes, but the bright stripes are nice, too.

Sunfish Sail

This wonderful red and white stripe Sunfish sail was recently donated and the above tote resulted as a thank you.

I learned to sail on a Sunfish while vacationing year after year on Cape Cod when I was a kid. Seeing this type of sail again brought back many happy, salty memories.

The sail is silky soft and wonderfully worn. I'm looking forward to working with it this week and creating some fun pillows from the remainder.

Did you know that if your donate a sail you will receive a tote (or set of pillows) made from your sail that will feature the sail insignia? It's a great way for you to continue to enjoy your sail and keep it out of the landfill. If you're interested in donating a sail that is not longer of use to you, please email me at info@reiter8.com for mailing instructions Be sure to include your sail weight, folded dims and address.

Blogcation

Well, I seemed to have fallen off the blog-wagon for a while there. I guess I took a little 'blogcation'. Not all that time was spent on the beach or eating lobster, but I'm lucky enough that some of my time was spent that way.

So, back to blogging. I'm looking forward to telling you about a new studio mate. Stay tuned ...