You can now find lovely limited edition art products, accessories, apparel and decor from Poketo at Target shops!

Founded in 2003 by Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo carries accessible, everyday functional products and wares that are artist-designed and affordable. Promoting the work of international artists, Poketo showcases their artwork through their fun and accessible wares. And you can now find their lovely work in Target shops.

With graphics available in a variety of prints, the talented artists contributing to Poketo have created a great mix of illustrations and designs, colors and shapes. The designs range from organic shapes to geometric elements, and cute little characters too. And you can find them on a variety of wares like bags, umbrellas, wallets, key rings, water bottles and even little cases. I am in love with the bright colors and bold geometric pattern of the gorgeous Weekender Bag designed by Mike Perry.

(images: ye rin mok for poketo)

Happy Weekend! Before we part until Monday, how would you like to journey with me to a quaint little street in Beirut to visit a lovely shop filled with gorgeous, colorful, and patterned unconventional pouffes? The shop is called Barjis, and the talented designer is Hala Habib.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit Barjis during my short stay in Beirut, and take you on a little shop tour with me because this gorgeous work deserves to be noticed! An old friend of my parents, designer Hala was so accommodating and happily allowed me to snap some photos while she told me all about her art, which began as a hobby – she just opened her shop at the beginning of this year! The name Barjis comes from an old Farsi game played on a velvet cloth with brass pegs and 5 shells.

Hala has so much drive and a great way of seeing things that translates into her work. All the pretty pouffes and pillows are handmade by the designer herself; she chooses the colors, patterns and designs, and puts them together to create different shapes and sizes. Hala speaks so passionately about her work, and oozes with positive energy, so I asked her a few questions about her work so I could share that element with you.

Please describe your process. Where do you find inspiration?
This is a little difficult to explain as it really just “happens”. But in the root of it all, it’s my love for fabrics, textures and colors that drive me. Plus my eternal interest in people’s psyche and needs, it drives me to create work accordingly. I imagine certain types of people and what would appeal to them and that inspires me to do certain designs. I hope this does not sound commercial, because it’s not at all. It’s just like a need to make people happy. And of course the comfort factor plays a big role. How can I make a set up look comfy and cozy. I used to worry that I could lose myself in that “psyche” bit and not find my own signature because of it, but I was very surprised to see that my signature is there, mainly because at the end of the day, they all truly express “me” in all my moods and tastes. And then of course, my trip to India left a big impact on me. The mix of colors so effortlessly and naturally blended together by the natives, it was amazing!

I love that the shop is decorated with the pouffes and accessories themselves, creating different focal points in the space and directing the viewer directly to the pieces. The shop itself is so inviting and full of energy and reflects the art so well, with a colorful, vibrant palette full of pattern and shapes.

What is the advantage of having a shared work studio and shop space?
First, it creates a very interactive atmosphere with the customers. My personal experience taught me that when I like something and get the chance to meet and converse with the artist/designer of that thing, and get a chance to watch how she/he work,  the thing itself would have a more personal meaning and value. It’s good to touch the spirit of the artist of the designs you buy or fancy. Second, it’s of course very practical for me as I’m running a one man show, by choice, this way I can be working and designing instead of just sitting there waiting in anticipation for customers to come in. This way, I don’t wait, I just be. And it’s a great feeling really. When a customer walks into the shop while I’m indulged in my work it gives me a boost to do more, like a good omen. So, it’s both practical and interactive to have the atelier and shop in the same place.

I absolutely love the eclectic mix of fabric, patterns and colors Hala combines in her pouffes, creating unique, creative and fun designs. I actually ordered a custom pouffe and a pillow for my home and can’t wait to see the designs and how they will liven up my space! The mix and match look of this shop is divine, and creates a fearless and exotic style.

How do you find your fabrics and materials?
I get my fabrics from different sources. Some from the local market, others I order from catalogues, some I just find by accident. So far I use mostly European high end fabrics, by makers such as Rubelli, Sahco hesslein, Dedar, Designer Guild…etc. I care a lot for quality and feel. My aim is to travel to places like Turkey, Nepal, Iran, Latin America…etc in search for ethnic fabrics and blends.

What do you hope to achieve from your designs?
I don’t know really, I just do it because I like it and enjoy it. Maybe the first thing I hope to achieve, and it’s working, is self expression and definition, plus a state of joy that I derive from the act of creativity. It’s really mostly for the sake of creativity itself. I really did not have any target in mind when I started off this business (I don’t even like to think of it as a business), but seeing the positive favorable response from Barjis admirers, I would like very much to take this project further. I just hope I will always be inspired, driven and motivated. I would like Barjis to be in every home, mostly because each piece is made with love and a certain level of spontaneity that I wish for the whole world to have. I hope this doesn’t sound too lame, but it’s really how I feel. That is why I give my pouffes names. To me they have life and I like to share that life with others.

Thank you so much Hala for your time and for sharing your beautiful work with us!

(images: samia kallidis for burrs & berries)

If colorful, energetic, comfortable, and patterned fabrics are what you love, then Rubie Green is the place for you. Plus, they are all eco-friendly, using 100% organic cotton proving that natural does not have to be boring.

Designer Michelle Adams has a degree in apparel and textile design from Michigan State University, and after the realization that eco-friendly textiles in classic prints could not be found anywhere, Michelle took the opportunity to combine her passions for design and sustainability to create Rubie Green in 2007.

I love Michelle’s philosophy and drive, which she describes best: “our professor taught us that if we were going to put more products onto the earth then we needed to do so responsibly. It’s a concept that has stuck with me throughout the entire manufacturing process, despite the fact that it would have been twenty times easier to manufacture in traditional ways.”

I am smitten by the bright colors and exciting patterns in Rubie Green’s collection that you can find and even order on their website! And you can use these fabrics for anything! Doesn’t the leopard print look gorgeous on that chair? You can create an eclectic home without breaking your budget by just playing with a variety of fabrics with different colors, styles and prints.

If you’re bored with your pillow cases, you can cover your pillow fillings with fresh and exciting colors, and don’t just stop there. Go ahead and create a new throw, curtains, seat covers, and place mats. Could you think of interesting ways you could use fabric to liven up your home?

(images: rubie green)

Since I missed Etsy Love last week, I’m determined to make it up to you today with a lovely set of shops featuring talented artists selling everything from fashion to mosaics.

I just recently discovered this beauiful little shop in Portugal. Kjoo is filled with gorgeous experimental textile jewelry that is designed by Maria João Ribeiro. If you love color, texture and shapes, these pieces are bound to lure you in like they did me, without hesitation!

Sigmosaics is the shop of native New Zealander and lovely designer Kerrin. Here you will find functional decorative items, and art mosaics that are made from a mix of acrylic and resin tiles, ceramic tiles, recycled tiles, stones, mirror, glass and much more! I find all these gorgeous gems so reminiscent of the Mediterranean, and Europe in general, which is actually where Kerrin sources all her acrylic and resin mosaic tiles.

New York City fashion ceases to amaze me, inspire me and captivate me, and this Brooklyn shop is no exception. Alexandra Grecco carries the sweetest pieces from hair accessories to shorts, tops, and dresses. With a style so feminine, delicate, and playful, I can’t turn my eyes away from anything in that shop.

Kim is a photographer, designer and vintage seller from Massachusetts, who does all these things at a little shop called trampoline. With a series of items salvaged from a home at 303 pleasant street between the 1930 and 1960s, vintage is ever so charming! I adore those ruffled floral sheets, doily and crochet, and silver trays. Beauty and detail is everywhere here.

(images: sources listed above)

K Studio brings together great design, green materials and social responsibility through their line of soft textiles with core competencies in design, illustration, sewing and embroidery.

Launched in 2004, K Studio products can now be found in retailers across the United States. Starting with fabric made from sustainable materials like hemp, organic cotton and recycled wool, the designs are generated in house and then embroidered, assembled, packaged, and shipped by the K Studio team.

I adore their darling pillows; my favorite is the dog illustration. Their neutral palette, with a touch of color and playful designs make the pillows so casual yet fun and modern. Whether you’re looking for a custom order or you want 2,000 pillows to fill up a hotel, K Studio will deliver. What I love most is that it doesn’t stop at textiles. They even create paintings when inspiration strikes, which you can buy from their Etsy store.

(images: k studio)

Happy Friday, friends! The past week has been very busy for me, as I have been starting to prepare for my vacation in two weeks — I will be going back to Dubai for a month and a half, and visiting Lebanon and Greece as well while I’m there. But I’m determined to write this column even if I am a little late because I really do enjoy featuring these talented independent artists and designers each week.

Mummy Sam is a lovely shop in upstate New York that sells original art from illustrations to embroidery and mixed media wall hangings. Mummy Sam’s fun and quirky drawings will lighten up and add some personality to any space!

Tuuni Design in Finland is the shop of Tuija Lommi. Using recycled and vintage materials, Tuija creates handcrafted textiles for the home and everyday use. My favorites from Tuuni are the crocheted pillows, that are intricately designed, in neutrals and happy colors.

Kelly Reid is the designer of fashion accessories brand Reid.Damnit, based in Brooklyn. Overseeing the complete process from design to production, Kelly maintains an original selection of bags with a unique way of combining unusual elements, and merging the unexpected together.

Little Sapling Toys is a toy shop in Idaho, where you will find organic wood toys, that are all natural and eco-friendly. And for every toy sold, Little Sapling Toys plants a tree! The family designs, crafts and tests quality wood toys to create beautiful and fun results that could be passed down generations.

(images: sources listed above)

It’s time to get together and look at some lovely shops over at Etsy this week! I put together a nice little selection of pretty handmade things, art inspiration and some beautiful jewelry that I’m so dedicated to get my hands on!

Canadian woodcarver, designer, and artist Amie Cunningham is the name behind the gorgeous jewelry shop Thief & Bandit. Currently based in Virginia, Thief & Bandit jewelry is all handmade, and the fabrics are handprinted in Amie’s studio. She likes to draw from book of patterns, nature and magazines with ink pens and manipulate them, burn screens and print fabric. The result is gorgeous, if you’d like to see for yourself, visit Amie’s shop.

Yangyang Pan is an abstract artist living in Toronto, inspired by plants, textures and the natural world’s plethora of color. Yangyan believes that “Through the relationship of colors, forms, and marks, through rhythm and balance, and the physical and psychological work of painting, each picture develops into a unique metaphor.”

Iviemade is a lovely shop where you will find hand sewn pillows of different colors, patterns and textures. From stripes, to printed patterns, bold colors to neutrals, bows and ruffles, crafter Elizabeth starts every project with love and kindness. Then the process turns into a love-hate one between the artist and the piece, and that’s how you know you are getting something that is made with care and effort.

Are you looking for some darling papercutting artwork and ornaments to decorate your nook? Tamara designs must b a perfectionist to be able to create these intricate and delicate handmade papercuts. I can appreciate the amount of concentration, precision this craft requires to create such great results, and a simple slip can ruin hours of work. These are gorgeous, I would love to have one of these framed letters for a child’s bedroom – what a cute addition that would be!

(images: sources listed above)

I recently announced that Burrs & Berries will be going through a re-design, and that’s where I’ve been today! I redesigned the layout a couple of weeks ago and decided to take a stab at coding the stylesheet myself last night, and voila! There’s still a bit more work to do, but I am so excited to finally reveal this new look to you, as I feel it represents Burrs & Berries giving it a more comprehensive look and feel that works well with the design content of this blog. And most importantly, I hope that it gives you, my lovely readers, a comfortable and welcoming online space and experience here every time you pay a visit.  So, let’s move on and look at some textiles and paper goods together, shall we?

Olive Manna is the shop of designer Natalie Jost and carries a wide range of lovely products including stationery goods, fabric and packaging material. You can find notebooks, stickers, gift tags, book notes, divine twine, all in an assortment of different shapes, colors and patterns! If you’d like to buy some twine or even notebooks, you can do so from her online shop here.

P.S The first ever Burrs & Berries giveaway contest began on Monday! If you’d like to own a copy of down the rabbit hole book, make sure you enter here!

(images: olive manna)

How about we stop whatever we are doing for a moment, and escape into the dreamy land of Car Möbel bedrooms? Let’s go!

I am often inspired by Car Möbel product shots, and how could you not be tempted with such gorgeous and airy interior styling and photography? They carry wonderful lines for the home, and I love the variety of their furniture and decor products.

For the bedroom, I love the look of soft tones, delicate patterns, floral, and lots of white mixed with pastels or neutrals. This combination feels so relaxed and comfortable, making the bedroom a serene and tranquil spot.

The bedroom is often overlooked when it comes to designing a home, or creating a beautiful space for yourself as it is not a common area seen by guests. But I believe that it’s the most important room to make your own, since it’s very personal. I painted my bedroom walls pale blue, and currently have plain white sheets, maintaining a soft pastel palette – and it almost feels like waking up on a fuzzy, comfy cloud.

You are always affected by your environment, and if you keep the space where you go to sleep and wake up every morning calm and organized, then you will carry those elements with you, feeling peaceful and energized.

Do you feel the same way, or not? Do you put thought and care in designing and styling your bedroom?

(images: car möbel)

It’s time to share some of my favorite Etsy goodies to share with you, and today I have some fashion, some jewelry, tea towels, and pottery to share with you and add a little color to your screen! But first, how are you doing? Are things all well?

Lorena is a fanatic of embroidery, sewing and drawing. Her gorgeous shop marañón was named after a fruit that her grandmother believes displays all colors visible to the human eye through it’s developmental stages. I couldn’t think of a better name for this shop, that carries a stunning collection of bright and colorful geometric jewelry. I am off to get me one of my own! The only problem is, which one?

Whitney Smith is a ceramicist in Oakland, California who loves flowers and organic forms in nature. She creates beautiful, soft and colorful, as well as functional ceramic pieces for the home and everyday use. You will find more of Whitney’s work if you visit her blog.

Nitca carries a lovely collection of scarves and necklaces designed by Linor in Israel. Linor is finishing her degree as a textile designer, and loves working with fibers and felting. She also authors a blog where you can see more of her recent work. With a wonderful variety from scarves to necklaces and hand warmers, you will find what you’re looking for whether it’s bright and vibrant colors or soft and neutral tones.

Megan Price uses her degree in Illustration to follow her passion for print through her Mr.PS range of tea towels, bags and mugs. Based in Salford, England, Megan screen-prints colorful original designs inspired by vintage signs, the British seaside, and her love of tea and cake. How darling are those tea towels! They would make for a perfect set at a tea party. Megan works to commission for design and illustration that she updates on her blog.

I’ve told you what catches my eye, there’s so much! What do you see that you like?

(images: sources listed above)