Monday, July 11, 2011

Vintage Kitchen Finds Under $25.

Fondue forks, from The Vintage Apartment.


















Enamel sauce pans, from The Wishing Wardrobe.























Refrigerator magnet, from Vintage Woods.


















Plastic egg cup set, from Mister True.

















Griffith's milk glass spice jar set, from Suesuegonzalas.




















Are you a fan of retro, vintage awesomeness? If so, tweet us your favorite vintage Etsy finds @blackbirdtees. We love discovering new, er um, old things!

Part of our week-long "A Vintage Life" series. More vintage goodies all week!

Theme Of The Week: A Vintage Life.

I've always been drawn to vintage. In high school, argyle v-necks and shinny wingtips were my fashion weapons of choice. I was basically a 17 year-old version of Kramer. I even got my hair permed! But that's a story for another day...

The infamous "Kramer" painting.

























These days, my love for vintage is bordering on obsession. My apartment is filled with vintage treasures: office supplies, kitchen doodads and various off-the-wall furniture finds--many of which are still highly functional. To me, there's nothing better than vintage chrome, steel or faux wood. Give me something old...something with a story to tell.

Vintage Seth Thomas speed read clock, from The Fancy Lamb.




















So out with the new, in with the old! This week, we're celebrating everything vintage. We'll bring you budget-friendly finds for the kitchen, bathroom, living room, garage and more--all for under $25 bucks! We'll even share a few of our all-time favorite thrift store vintage finds. Trust us, if you're a fan of vintage, you don't want to miss a single minute!

Have you spotted an awesome vintage item on Etsy? If so, tweet us the link @blackbirdtees. We may feature it in this week's vintage series!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Shop Profile: Le Animale.

"Walralope" Moleskine notebook, from Le Animale.






















We love "Le Animale". Self-described as quirky, fun and unique, Le Animale's shop features one-of-a-kind notebooks, animal art, miniatures and more. And even if you don't know what a "walralope" is, we're pretty sure you'll find something you love. Trust us, there's awesomeness abound in this shop!

This Is Not A Test.

Guinea pig brooch, from Memo Shop.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Vintage Meow.

Vintage calico cat figurine, from My Little Thrift Store.

Theme Of The Week: Animal-Friendly Finds.

Bison necklace, from Meg J. Roberts.























Nothing deep or philosophical here, we simply love animals. Perhaps more importantly though, we're inspired by animals. Imagery of woodland creatures like owls, squirrels, birds and bunnies are prevalent within the handmade universe. And in the art world, dogs and cats are frequent, beloved subjects. Even the not-so-cute animals like alligators, armadillos and snakes make the occasional appearance.

This week, we're flipping on the instinctual switch and harnessing our inner beast. That's right, we're going all animal. It's time to celebrate the creatures and critters of the world--and more specifically, the incredible creations they inspire.

So stay tuned for our week-long lovable, enlightening (and in some cases, furry) crop of "Animal-Friendly Finds". Have a great week, everyone!

Friday, July 1, 2011

3-Day Weekend.

Station wagon photograph, from Jessi Retro.


















It's a 3-day weekend, ya'll. The sun is officially out. Time to get outta town, soak up the rays and reset your brain. So take a camping trip, shop in a nearby town, go to the pool--in short, do something relaxing this weekend!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Don't Stop.

Blind contour drawing, from Jenn Lawrence.




















Art lovers, rejoice! This blind contour drawing, from Jenn Lawrence, is about as uniquely awesome as a Kanye West song. Speaking of Kanye, he's about to release another groundbreaking album.

Part of our "Featherette Favorites" series. More fabulous finds all this week!

Coffee Table Neighborhood.

Embroidered coasters/bookmarks, from Monika Design.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Post-It-Mortem.

Chalkboard skull, from I Am Home.

Theme Of The Week: Featherette Favorites, Part VI.

Custom map portrait, from Map Portraits.




















Like any great sequel-driven movie, we're taking it one step further. Think less "Fast and the Furious" and more "Harry Potter", here... And while our "Featherette Favorites" series may not be as recognizable (and wildly successful) as J.K. Rowling's money-making machine, we do think we've stumbled upon quite a few inspirational finds.

So without further ado, we bring you Part VI of our "Featherette Favorites" series! Enjoy--and have a wonderful week!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Hit Me With Your Best Shot.

Set of 5 wooden arrows, from Verla Ivans.

And Eat It Too.

Strawberry summer cake (photo from the "Pasty Studio" blog).




















This cake looks absolutely delicious! In fact, drool is slowly trickling down our chins as we browse the "Pastry Studio" blog. Pastries, tarts, cakes, cookies, confections...oh my! And recipes to boot!

Perhaps what we love most about this particular recipe, is the attention to details--a "smidgen" of semolina (for texture), homemade ricotta (for the cream) and olive oil (to moisten the cake), to name a few.

So grab yourself a paper towel, wipe the drool off your face and pay a visit to the "Pastry Studio". Be sure to check out the recipe, here, too!

Have Your Cake.

Paper cake slice favor box, from Imeondesign.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Theme Of The Week: Summer Finds.

Red suspender sleeves, from Moon Halo.























Summer is upon us. Beaches and swimming pools await travelers. Fashion trends are morphing, as jeans are slowly being replaced with shorts and skirts. The weather is rapidly heating up. Vacations are being planned. In short, here comes the sun...

Friday, June 17, 2011

Art For The Hirsute Dad.

"The Illustrated Man", from The Black Apple.

























"The Captain" silhouette print, from The Little Chickadee.

























"Barnard", from Ashley G.

























"In My Own Way" print, from Sadly Harmless.




















Dads have hair in weird places: the back, the shoulders, even inside the ears. But we shouldn't condemn our hairy dads. Nay, I say! They are simply the victims of an evolutionary oddity. I mean seriously, why would anyone need hair on their shoulders?

It's time to honor the hirsute dads of this world! And to those dads sporting mustaches and beards for decades upon decades, we salute you. For you, my friends, are the true pioneers.

Part of our "Gifts For Dad" series. Father's Day is this Sunday--be sure to give your hairy dad a big 'ol hug!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Dad's Best Friend.

Hand-painted plate, from Jimbob Art.























Part of our week long "Gifts For Dad" series. More fatherly finds all this week!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

A Wallet For Every Dad.

The Minimalist:

Slim, wood business card holder, from Your Nest Inspired.




















The Jock:

Recycled, vinyl tennis wallet, from Mitten Maker.

























The Techie/Geek:

Carbon fiber, velcro wallet, from Ragged Edge Gear.




















The Hipster:

Custom bicycle wallet, from In Blue.




















You've seen your dad's wallet. It's that bulbous, faded, hunk of leather exploding from his back pants pocket. It's crammed with receipts, business cards and photos. Yet, somehow, it's completely void of the one thing that wallets are essentially built for: cash.

And since your dad has no cash to his name, a painful filing system in his back pocket, and an increasingly crooked spine, he desperately needs you to buy him a new wallet. Trust us--his butt, back and budget will thank you.

Part of our week long "Gifts For Dad" series. More Father's Day finds all this week!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

For The DIY Dad.

Floating "book" shelf, from Little Fish Furniture.




















A "repair" so simple, even dad can handle it...In fact, we think this would make a wonderful Father's Day gift for the DIY dad in your life--even if he technically can't do anything by himself.

Find this shelf, and other "floating" bookshelves, in Little Fish Furniture's Etsy shop.

Gifts For The Industrial Dad.

Vintage stool, from VintageSeventyFive.























Vintage radio dial belt drawer, $39.



















Vintage gas station number, $24.























Vintage cast iron train, from VintageSeventyFive.





















Let's just go ahead and admit it, we have absolutely no idea what our dad really likes. Sure, he graciously accepts the generic tie or dress shirt. And he smiles with glee whenever bags of pistachios are presented (surely this isn't just my dad, right?). But we think the dads of this world deserve something uniquely special this year, wouldn't you agree?

And we've found just the thing--vintage! More specifically, industrial vintage from VintageSeventyFive's Etsy shop. And by the way, we absolutely love this shop! Honestly, what's not to love about these potential Father's Day gems: vintage scales, numbers, trophies, storage containers, and one of our personal faves, vintage cash register flags.

Do yourself (and your dad) a favor and pay a visit to VintageSeventyFive. It's time to end the generic gift-giving cycle. Trust us, your dad will thank you!

Part of our week-long "Gifts For Dad" series. Stay tuned for more dad-centric finds all this week!

Monday, June 13, 2011

The Rocker Dad.

Keith Richards painting, from Jesse Mosher.

























Keith Richards is cool. And this Keith Richards original painting (on repurposed plywood), from Etsy artist, Jesse Mosher, is perhaps even cooler. Dads are nowhere near this cool. Nevertheless, what rocker dad wouldn't appreciate an utterly cool Father's Day gift like this?

Part of our week long "Gifts For Dad" series. More dad-centric finds all this week!

Theme Of The Week: Gifts For Dad.

"Crown Card", from Present and Correct.



















Dad. The go-to guy. Need someone to mow the grass, kill a bug, unclog the toilet, play a game of catch, walk the dog or catch a ride to the mall? How about some help buying that first car of yours? Or perhaps you need an amateur photographer to document your graduation ceremony? No worries folks, dad is here.

Memories of dad's deeds are abundant, to say the least. And despite his shortcomings (the barbecue gone awry or the numerous, embarrassing fashion disasters), dad is the constant. Seriously, what's not to love about a guy who's been wearing the same outfit since 1981?

This week, we celebrate the awesomeness of dads. We'll spotlight the coolest handmade and vintage Father's Day gifts/finds. We'll also share a few infamous dad-related tales--and believe us, there are many to be told!

Enjoy our "Gifts For Dad" week--Happy Father's Day, Dads!