Have you seen these amazing rugs by Youlka Designs of France? They are pure eye candy, and I'm sure any kids would just love to take all the pieces out (and never put them back in!). So while I'm tempted, I think it'd be a housekeeping nightmare.
But function follows form, right? Right.
I'm sitting at my desk, next to a bag full of brochures, business cards, and line sheets from both the Stationery Show and the ICFF. So just to wet your appetite with all the goodies that I will be reporting on in the coming week, I'll pick the first thing that hits my fingertips to share with you. And it's an owl lamp.
This moody light by Contra Forma is playful and elegant at the same time. It would work in a kid's space or any other for that matter.
I wonder where that wallpaper is from?
I saw this hot air balloon craft by Curly Birds on B-Kids, and it inspired me to look for more!
I love the idea of upcycling light bulbs or drink bottles into hot air balloons. These artful creations are by Souther Salazar. Found via What Possessed Me.
I love this paper folding technique and it works so well for this hot air balloon mobile. Made by Brown Accents.
I know we just passed Mother's Day and there really is no gift-giving holiday in the very near future, but I thought these wrapping ideas all using butcher paper were post-worthy.
Just brown paper or boxes and yarn. Gorgeous and amazing. Found on Oh Happy Day; from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts 
Love confetti; hate the mess. But if I got a gift wrapped like this, I'm not sure I'd even open it. From Tokketok.
Use a date stamp to make a graphic pattern on solid paper. I love the thought of stamping someone's birthday all over their package. Visit Paper, Plate, and Plane for more photos and instructions. (Colored ink might give it more pizzazz. Just sayin'.)
My standard baby gift for years has been Ida Pearle's name print (see below). The world of personalized prints has expanded before my very eyes. Here are my current faves...
When I saw these prints, I had one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments. Brilliant idea No. 1: numbers mark the child's birthday. Brilliant idea No. 2: the intersecting circles have mom and dad on top and bottom with baby in the middle. By Ruka-Ruka. Found via All the Beautiful Things I Want.
The primary colors in this alphabet print spell out the child's name. So crisp and graphic. By Made by Girl.
English Muffin Shop's name prints are punctuated with cute little animals. So sweet.
And of course here are Ida Pearle's name prints. A classic in my household.
Yes, I know it's late to be posting Christmas crafts (if yours aren't up yet, then really, just don't bother). But late is the story of my life these days with an infant.
Here are some crafts from my Christmas caroling story for the December issue of Parents Magazine.
The letters for this garland were cut from colored index cards.
Little felt florettes decorate moss wreathes. Full instructions here.
This is a great craft for even little kids. The trees are made from circle punches with clothespins as the trunks.
If you go out caroling, be sure to carry lights. These little lanterns are made from small water bottles. For reals.
Come in from the cold and stir up some hot chocolate with these handsome choco spoons.
Did anyone see this genius use of cupcake liners in the Good Things section (my fave) of the August issue of Martha? It then sent me on a quest to find other cupcake liner uses...
Better Homes & Gardens did a similar thing as above, just with a different purpose. Here the paper liner becomes the top of a gift wrap (although I'm not sure I'd drop jewelry in a clear cup to give as a gift...perhaps it's better as a party favor. Fill a cup with bright jellybeans and top with a colorful cupcake liner.).
I've seen a million garlands made from this material, but this one is different since it's interspersed with circles of vintage fabric. This garland was a lovely collaboration of Simple Suppers and 100 Layer Cake; Find a tutorial on 100 Layer Cake.
I love how light and airy this cupcake tree is, made from white cupcake liners. It could be more kid-like if done in color: the trunk could be brown, and the majority of the tree could be green with colored spots for ornaments. By Sweet Paul.
Zakka Life made this little party favor, using 2 adorable cupcake liners from Bake It Pretty.
I like this abstract and very inexpensive wall art. Found on Craft Gossip.
And now to end with Martha, I love these festive flower balls to hang above a dinner or buffet table.
Have you seen or made anything adorable with cupcake liners?
Last week I was at ABC Carpet and Home, one of the best, most magical, stores ever, and found this awesome yarn light fixture. I loved the idea of hanging a lightweight fixture in the baby's room—something as soft as he is. So as I attempt to make it, I'll post photos. For now, here are some other cool DIY light fixtures!
I love the soft glow of the light through the white yarn.
Yes, this chandelier is made from rock candy. Def not a permanent fixture, but fun for a party. Found on Once Wed.
These two lights are upcycling at their best! On the left, the pendant lamp is made from plastic bags, and the wall light fixture on the right is made from plastic bottles. By then Yale student Tyler Velton, found via MSLK Reactions.
This amazing piece by Stuart Haygarth is made up of random translucent objects. Love. Found via The Scoop.
I love the frilliness of this wedding cake chandelier by Laurie Cinotto of La La Laurie. Found on The Bride's Cafe.
It doesn't get easier than this! Pearl River has great rice paper parasols if you are in the mood. Found on Zedomax.
I love how rich and expensive this homemade bubble fixture looks. Via Apartment Therapy.
Believe it or not, this light is made from zip ties. Found via Jennifer Adams.
It's such a basic material, and even without the newly popular colored tape, you can't imagine how people can make such beautiful things with masking, packing, and electrical tape.
Two examples of the work of Mark Khaisman. Yes, these are made with translucent packing masking tape, mounted on a lightbox. Found via My Future Me.
This is a window screen made from masking tape. Yes, I promise. Found via Apartment Therapy.
Rebecca Ward amazingly transforms spaces with colored masking, duct, and electrical tape. Found via The Jealous Curator.
Korean-born artist Sun K. Kwak covered nearly 3 miles of wall space with an installation of black masking tape. Found via Creative Fluff.
Even though it was a hundred degrees, with a hundred percent humidity and a threat of tornado, I made it to the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn yesterday. After passing many a silk-screened onesie booth, here were some of my fave finds...
There is something so precious about these little book charms by The Black Spot Books.
I have always been a fan of The Small Object, so it was fun to see her whimsical products in person.
If it's embroidered these days, I love it, which is why I was so drawn to the sweet products of Coral & Tusk.
