New and Notable from the Pacific Northwest

We're pleased to welcome both Grain Design and Iacoli and McAllister to Ideal. We came across both while in New York last August and are honored to bring their smart designs into the shop.

We love Grain's matter-of-fact outlook on design and sustainability. Add to that great-looking, clever product design and we were hooked. Based in Bainbridge Island, Washington, Grain was founded in 2007 at Rhode Island School of Design. As founder James Minola states, "We are driven by the belief that social values and good business are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, partners."


Their Ty DIY Shower Curtain is a perfect example of their clever approach to design. Ty is a simple #2 plastic shower curtain. Unlike other shower curtains made of vinyl, Ty will not off-gas in your home. Also unlike vinyl, Ty breathes – making it less likely to grow mold and mildew. Ty is stronger than vinyl and will last a very long time, then it can be recycled. It's even machine washable! Best of all, you can draw your own customized design with the marker included.

Ty DIY Shower Curtain, $34

Draw your design...



...and voila! Instant art! Bonus - it's machine washable.



 

Also from Grain, these great Electric Love rings, made from hand-knotted, reclaimed electrical wire. Available in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and white so you can have a rainbow at your fingertips.

Electric Love Ring, $19.50

Seattle-based duo Jamie Iacoli and Brian McAllister use industrial processes and materials to make their pieces, yet their work exudes a warmth and humor that we couldn't resist. Their Frame Lights feature a powder-coated steel "shade," which casts lovely shadows. We currently have the small version (8 x 8 x 8") in either yellow or white but can special order in black or aqua, as well.

Small Frame Light, $345

In November we should have some of their amazing Mini-Pedestals in stock. Jamie and Brian take vintage brass candlestick holders, sandblast and powder-coat them, then affix a Corian top. Because every piece uses a different vintage base, each is one-of-a-kind. Jamie is currently sourcing the bases and we'll let you know as soon as we have them in stock.

Mini-Pedestals - coming soon!

Stop by soon to take a look at these and many other new designs, arriving daily!



Art Walk Friday! Trunk Show and 20% off klt:works!

This Friday, October 1 is Downtown Art Walk. We will be open until 9pm, featuring a trunk show of designs from Kristin Loffer Theiss of klt:works. Enjoy 20% off Kristin's wonderful creations for the evening. She will bring a wide range of pieces, from plush toys and mobiles to letterpress prints and screen printed t-shirts. Don't miss this opportunity to see a large selection of her work and nab it at a discount! Plus, Kristin will be here to answer questions about her work and inspirations. 

Dewey Long Legs, $40

Slug Lovey in Use

There is no shortage of sweet, soft plush toys for babies and kids. But Kristin's work stands out from the crowd in its elegance, bold design, and amazing use of fabrics. Kristin is passionate about fabric of all kinds - she even has a feature on her blog called "Fabric Friday" where she talks about the special fabric she's using or inspired by that week: http://kltworks.blogspot.com/search/label/Fabric%20Friday 



The chewable (and washable!) Slug Lovey, $25



Kristin is a wealth of knowledge about kids' products and it's always fun to hear about what she's discovered. She is a very busy person, somehow managing to make all of her wonderful creations, run her business, write insightful and frequent blog posts, keep up with all of her social media sites, and be an active and involved mother to Sayer (pictured in the owl hoodie, below). We aren't sure how she does it all, but are fortunate that she does! Hope to see you Friday night for this special event.

Sayer modeling an Owl Hoodie

Letterpress prints based on Kristin's drawings in thread




Louise the Snail, $40

Thread Drawing Mobile

Zid Zid Kids

We love finding really special pieces for children and have found that the best designs appeal just as much to grown-ups as kids. Zid Zid is one of those really wonderful partnerships that is good all the way through. After moving to Morocco, Julie Klear and her husband were inspired by their new home and all its exotic scenery and possibilities. They embarked on a new business venture, creating handmade toys and products for kids with a distinctly modern twist. We love them because not only do they make beautiful toys, they believe in fair trade, are environmentally responsible, and very conscious of safety. All Zid Zid products are handmade in Morocco by artists who support their families with their wages.

Zipper Clutches

Green Bird Clutch, $22

A simple & stylish storage solution while on the go, these Clutch Bags hold up well, carry lots of stuff, look really great, and wash easily. Fits easily under the stroller, in your office tote, in the backseat car pocket.

Just a few ideas for uses:

• Diapers and diaper necessities
• Office paperwork
• Coloring books and markers for long plane or train rides
• Little toys and books for a play date
• PJ's, book and lovey for an overnight
• Also makes for great gift wrap for almost any small present.

Front design embroidered on high-quality phalate-free vinyl from Europe.

Dimensions: 15.70 x 11.40"

Purple Airplane Clutch, $22





Orange Lion Clutch, $22



White Flower Clutch, $22

 

Pink Hippo Clutch, $22



Meet Louise and Imma. These handmade dolls each come with a one of a kind dress, cape, underwear and leg warmers. Clothing pieces are designed to encourage basics such as buttoning and tying. Both girls have long wool hair is perfect for little hands to learn braiding, brushing, and styling.  

Fabric: Brushed cotton flannel, one of a kind fabric clothing, wool yarn for hair, embroidery

Filling: PolyfilCare

Wash in cold, delicate cycle and air dry

Dimensions: 17 x 15"

Louise Doll, $31

Imma Doll, $31

Airplane and Schoolbus Backpacks

Your preschooler will be ready to roll with these clever backpacks. A good size for snacks, sippy cup, a book and toy.

Color: Silver with white piping (plane); white with white piping (bus)
Fabric: High quality, phalate-free vinyl from Europe, embroidery
Care: Cold wash delicate in cold, air dry.
Dimensions: 12.50 x 14.50"(plane); 13 x 7.5" (bus)

 

Airplane Backpack, $30





Schoolbus Backpack, $30