minor details

holiday shopping

Check out the Minor Details Design Stop over on Amazon. You can click HERE or over on the right hand side of the blog....just up there ... under "Wanna see more?"

family style

I often look to my stack of Edition Paumes books for inspiration when starting a new kids space. I'm very happy to get the latest editions on family and kid spaces in Belgium and Paris!

 
 

 

iPhoneBook

Mobile Art Lab in Japan created a picture book using the iPhone. Genius. Genius. Genius. (thank you massi *)

candyfloss in the jungle

Dumbo is a timeless classic ... that led to the song Nellie the Elephant ... that led to the question  - "where could you buy candyfloss in the jungle?"

These very things were the inspiration behind Betsy Benn's Nelly Elephant print and i''m totally smitten.

 

twistable turnable man

Sugar Hill records is releasing a musical tribute album to the songs of Shel Silverstein. It's set to release June 8th. The line-up is fantastic! Some of the artists are My Morning Jacket, Andrew Bird,  Dr Dog, Kris Kristofferson, Lucinda Williams, Ray Price and John Prine ... among many others. 

But I have one little problem with this...just one... and rarely does anything negative come out in my posts. But why is no one talking about the cover art? Out of all the work in Shel Silverstein's repertoire, why would they choose the only piece of artwork, for a children's album, that looks like a naked man giving himself a blowjob?? Im just sayin ... perhaps from now to June 8th, they could perhaps re-work the cover??? I actually didn't even want to post the artwork ... but in the end, i did not want to censor someone's creative direction. 

 

magic chicken

Czarodziejska Kura (magic chicken) is a *stunning* new Polish children's magazine. You can purchase HERE

 

 

  
 

popville

THIS pop up book is awesome! With the turn of every page, the town grows before your very eyes. Stunning colors and finished concept! Popville is the first book by Anouck Boisrobert and Louis Rigaud.

 

 
 
 

oliver jeffers

As you guys know, I am a huge fan of his work. I'm so thrilled that his latest book, The Heart and the Bottle, just become available yesterday. Lovely work Oliver .... simply lovely. And if you ever wanted to have a peak into his world, here is a great 3 min short.....

now that's the way i like it

I love a good book on design. I especially love when the designers just so happen to be married.... with 7 children! I'm referring to Robert and Cortney Novogratz of the firm SIXX Design. I first got introduced to them via pages of the late Cookie Magazine and was instantly smitten and intrigued by their body of work ... both personal and work wise!

So, over the past couple of days, I've been working my way through their new book called Downtown Chic. I can't remember the last time that I flipped through every single page of a design book before. I would say, hands down, they are the most talented duo, who also balance a huge family, that I've ever seen. The book is filled with amazing transformations, pictures and quotes that seamlessly work so well within it's bound cover. One quote that I loved was that of Charles Eames, " The details are not the details. They make the design." (Perhaps that hits a heart string over here at Minor Details)

They have a very bold and vibrantly visual understanding of space. I suppose I'm smitten because they apply the art of family into that approach. Here are a few of the spaces that reflect just that.....

 

 

 

Here are a few pages from the book that I wanted to share as well. (yes that is a trampoline recessed into the ground)

 

 

 

As you all know, I'm a short post writer. I feel that less is more and I like the visual to aid to your own interpretations. But, I must say, the way this book chronicles the life of this duo and their approach and process, certainly makes it worth sharing...cause I wanna steal pretty much all of their ideas. More over, Robert and Cortney, are you looking to adopt a gown up? If so, call me..... I'm all yours!
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

abc ... in 3d

The most innovative pop-up book I've seen in a long time! Why hello ABC 3D.

sight unseen

If you are in the NYC area on November 19th, then I encourage you to check out The Black Book of Colors exhibit at the Children's Museum of the Arts in Manhattan. 

The Children’s Museum of the Arts will be celebrating the innovative artwork of Menena Cottin and Rosana Faria with an exhibition dedicated to their children’s book The Black Book of Colors. Winner of the 2007 New Horizons Award at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the book teaches sighted children how people without sight can experience colors through sound, smell, touch and taste. As part of the educational programming inspired by the exhibition, CMA has partnered with Lighthouse International, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing critically needed vision and rehabilitation services, to explore art projects with their Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten students. The original artwork created by the children will also be displayed at CMA.

eat your cheerios and vote!

I usually don't ask much of my readers. All I expect is that you view my blog with an open mind and join me on a quest for well-considered design for children. However, I really want to encourage all of you to vote for something kinda cool ... for someone that really deserves it.  So I'll cut right to the chase:

Michael Ian Black wrote a hilarious picture book that Peter Brown illustrated. It's called THE PURPLE KANGAROO. The book is in a contest, and if enough people click on the following link and vote for THE PURPLE KANGAROO a mini-version of the book will be included in boxes of Cheerios cereal!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

You can actually vote once a day, as many days as you want until the contest is over on October 31...so vote often! If you hop down to the post before this one, you can learn more about the incredibly talented Illustrator and Author, Peter Brown.

creative wit and talented hand

Peter Brown is a Children's book Author and Illustrator living in Brooklyn, NY. With four books under his belt, he is hedging his way into homes across the world with books that are making everyone take notice. One of the first things I noticed about Peter's work is his incredible ability to present perspective and scale. His painted illustrations, in both acrylic and gouache, tell a story wherein words aren't even necessary. But the words he chooses and the stories he tells, are filled with clever wit and potty humor that crack me up! In his latest book, The Curious Garden, he takes on the ideal that if we just take the time to think about our environment, we can make it a better place. Bravo Peter Brown and thank you for providing me with beautifully stunning and charming books to read to my child!

Flight of the Dodo , 2005

Chowder , 2006

The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder , 2007 

The Curious Garden , 2009

 

clear visibility

Community Playthings has a very sweet and simple storage solution called The Browser Box .... and I like it!

 

 

this morning with dwr

A friend of mine pointed me to DWR's latest kid offerings. I was impressed. It's refreshing to see them coming back around on the kids front. Here are a few of pieces worth checking out :

Plus and Minus : Designed as a children’s game in 1970, Bruno Munari’s Plus or Minus is an engrossing exercise for any age. The set consist of 72 cards, each with a different image. Forty-eight cards have transparent backgrounds, allowing them to be layered over each other to create evolving and compelling scenes. Trees, clouds, bicycles, animals and more are represented. Deal the cards out and let each player add a layer, creating increasing complex stories. Suitable for ages three and up.

Basic Shapes Growth Chart : Australian designers Paul Fuog and Dan Honey used just circles, squares and triangles to render animal friends on their bright and bold Growth Chart (2008). Fun for kids and visually compelling for parents, the educational Basic Shapes Growth Chart includes memorable facts about animals like Ricco the Rhinoceros and Kendra the Koala while tracking a child’s height as they grow up.

 

Walking Elephant : From Hindu deities to Charles and Ray Eames, elephants have been a source of endless fascination. Let your child ride their very own – a rocking motion, side to side, moves this elephant forward. They’ll explore their own jungle, while learning motor skills and coordination. The eco-friendly Walking Elephant (2009) is crafted from rubber wood, which comes from trees that no longer produce latex and would otherwise be discarded. Suitable for ages three and up.

 

I Keep Changing : Originally published in 1971, I Keep Changing is a tribute to relativity from a child’s perspective. Written in the first person, a child compares himself to the world, figuring out whether he’s slow or fast, big or small, hairy or smooth. Written by renowned poet and writer Alastair Reid, its accompanying images were created by designer and illustrator Bob Gill. This version, published by Corraini Edizioni, is printed in both English and Italian.

creative print

Madame MO has some sweet Japanese Alphabet Prints as well as Coloring Books.  

blissful nostalgia

I just saw the latest trailer for Where the Wild Things Are and I am just as excited as I was when I saw the first one.

r.i.p. sons and daughters

Nooooooooooooo. My go-to gift store for everything baby and child is closing. If you are in the New York area through August 23rd then hope on over and take advantage of the closing sales of the year. 

Sons and Daughters

35 Avenue A

New York, NY 10009

creating fantasy

When it comes to the work of Russian Designer Maria Yasko, one thing comes to mind - fantasy. I really admire her Icelandic Tree shelf from the Vjunok/Bindweed series. It could play very well in a kid's space. She also did another space based on the Moomin books, by Finnish illustrator Tove Jansson, called Moomin Valley. Below is an example of the children's playspace. Quite a fantasy!

collect

There is something very playful about Normann Copenhagen's Collect Bookshelf. It would be fun to turn it into a dollhouse of sorts.

creatures

Andrew Zuckerman makes amazing animal portraitures. His book, Creatures, was huge. He has just released the Creatures 16 piece Floor Puzzle (2 double sided) and is set to release a 120 page Creatures ABC book in July. Way to take a theme and roll with it ... I totally don't mind at all! 

in the press

That's right kids, our room was featured in the current issue (June) of Cookie Magazine. Such a pleasant way to end the week!

little green riding hood

This ModernChild exclusive from wovenplay is simply beautiful. It goes smashingly with Bruno Munari's book by the same name.

spring cleaning

***Thanks to everyone who turned out for the sale this weekend. It was nice to meet some of my readers! For everyone else who was unable to make it, I will be listing everything that was not sold thoughout the week over at my Etsy shop. Click HERE to head over.

Here are some shots of the sale today so you can see some of the goodies still left for purchase!

come on down!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND! I am gearing up for the sale tomorrow. Here is a shot of my dining room table to give you a peek. So many of you have asked for photos and pricing and due to our major delay in returning from our vacation, I have yet to get back to everyone. But, stop buy tomorrow or sunday for a chat or to take home some of the highlights:

child child chair (1)

casalino chairs (8)

cosco chairs (4)

bertoia chairs (4) 

vintage scooters (2)

vintage desks (2)

vintage prams (2)

vintage doll highchair

and tons more.......... did i mention old cameras as well?

That's right ... I'm doing a little spring cleaning. I've decided to put my private vintage and modern children's furniture and gear collection up for purchase. This two day event will take place at my studio on Sat, April 25th and Sun, April 26th from 12-5. The studio is located in Dumbo , Brooklyn at 10 Jay St. Studio 612A. It's just off the York Street station on the F line. There will be tons more up for purchase so stop by, you'll never know what you might find! Just double click on the image below for more details.

Cheers -Jenn.

where the wild things are

I was so excited about the first pics, now here is the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are. Due out October 16th. (thanks Greg for the reminder)

victor and susie

Victor had broken his shell. So, armed with love and a steady supply of lettuce, Susie decided to nurse him back to health. —A story about caring, mending and letting-go drawn entirely with letters and punctuation marks. 

Designed and published by Brighten the Corners (Written & illustrated by Billy Kiosoglou, Typography by Frank Philippin)  

eco-friendly home-ware

While walking the Bubble Trade Show today, I was very pleased with the new faces in the crowd. One was Smiling Planet. Freddy Deane wrote and illustrated a book called Smiling Planet and formed a company by the same name . The book that has a very simple and clear message. A message to young and old that we must respect our earth. But he did not stop there. He took that message and illustrations and took them off the page. He then applied them to plates, placemats, posters and shirts all made of recycled, organic, and environmentally safe materials and processes. I really love this product. Not to mention being a huge fan of the plates because they resemble the simple and clean lines of the stacking Heller plates.

   

 

i need light to read

I feel a bit in the dark, I had no idea the Bruno Munari designed lights as well. Designed in 1964, the Falkland lamp series is a true testament to the sheer beauty and genius of Munari. Lamps are available in 4 models w/an aluminum structure and fireproof elastic fabric shade.

Some of my favorite Bruno Munari books are Zoo and ABC.

 

lmnop 6

The latest issue of LMNOP has come out and again, I continue to be impressed with Jenny Lacey's curation and eye for design. In this issue, there is section of well-considered toys, coloring books, meal time goods, reading books, chalky tees, Hanne Larsen's amazing NYC loft with her four children, homegrown threads and a show and tell section by Janet and Stu from Three Potato Four. 

If you find your way over to page 20, you'll find my contribution. I wanted to challenge myself and take a highly designed and playfully sophisticated child's room and cheat my way to achieving this designer look for a lot less. I hope you enjoy it.

Also check out LMNOP blog.... for when you just can't wait for the next issue to come out! They dish a hearty dose of great design for children and babies.

You can download the current issue here. 

   

 

london calling

As I walked the streets of London today, I happened upon some of my favorite stores and their new offerings for children. First up is Zara Home for Kids. The new Animalitos bib, crockery set and apron are sweet. Second up is from Habitat. Some highlights were the Mini Nico desk paired with the Nerdi acrylic chair, this dope little LED rug and little safari camp. (the last two are not on the site). Third was a visit to Mamas and Papas. Man, how I wish this store was in New York. Check out this great unisex crib bumper and new Loop highchair . And last but not least, Muji had a small version of their coat rack on the floor. Oh, and I can't forget my trip to Benjamin Pollock's Toy shop, it's a must while in town. I also managed to pick up a copy of Around the world with MOUK at the Tate Modern. It's an amazing children's book about different cultures and languages of the world. 

   

  

   

 

 

c u l8tr grandma

Teach Your Granny to Text is the children’s sequel to Change the World for a Fiver, the bestseller produced by the global social change movement, We Are What We Do.It’s a movement whose aim is to inspire people - in this case children - to use their everyday actions to change the world. Their maxim is: small actions x lots of people = big change. It’s not rocket science but it does work! The thirty actions in this book will be fun and easy for children to do but will add up to making a big difference and giving them the responsibility for changing the world, one bit at a time. Available here.

end to end

 is a line of handmade leather goods for children. In the Zuny Series, there are a ton of colorful animal bookends that would work so well in a kid's room! In the Zuny Classic Series, they too offer animal bookends but with a more traditional aesthetic. Super cute. (via)

 

   

LMNOP five gift guide

Issue five of LMNOP has just come out and it's just in time for the holidays. (I put together a little gift guide over on page 29.) This issue is also packed with an amazing gift guide and as well as great photography. Jenny and Ian have such a wonderful eye. It seems as though they have found their calling..... they even started a blog!

 

my past contributions to LMNOP can be found here and here

someone hired the right buyer

Perhaps I'm late to the party but did you know that Old Navy is carrying a Charley Harper Line for the holidays???

  

a 365 production

Jean-Luc Fromental and Joelle Jolivet created the amazing 365 Penguins book . Now you can get the same feel with the 24 Penguins Before Christmas Advent Calendar from the Moma Store.

change

If you are in the US and can vote ... please go out and help make change. I am taking my daughter with me to vote this morning. I want her to know that her presence there is just as important as mine. (image via treasureup and Let's go to vote book by Agnes McCarthy)

for the budding nancy drew

How fun is this Secret Book Camera?

discovering a bear

In the US today, we are celebrating a national holiday for the man who discovered America known as Christopher Columbus. However, another important person to celebrate today is Paddington Bear.... who turns 50 !

the princess and the pea

Doshi Levien's Principessa Bed is a modern nod to the classic book by Hans Christian Andersen.

introducing merle's room

Here are the first shots of the CookieLiving room that I have been working. A few pics are from my iPhone and some are from the lovely Tina. Today it opened to the public and I am very thankful for everyone who helped me along the way! A majority of the items are handmade or vintage with a few brand spanking new items.... like the OTT Hooks from byproduct and Boodalee's Throw Pillows. A special highlight for me was a lovely visit today from Oliver Jeffers. he was kind enough to leave a little chalk drawing on the desk. If you're in Battery Park City over the next three weekends, please stop by and take a look. You can view more pics and get info about the items in the room here. Make sure to go upstairs and check the amazing nursery that Koko Architecture designed....simply beautiful!

animus

I was so happy to get introduced to this book a few days ago. Every page is filled with amazing beauty and the story embraced with how to stand up to your fears. Every child need Animus by Seonna Hong and Shenne Hahn.

new socks

While at a dinner party on Friday, I stumbled upon Bob Shea's New Socks. It is fantastic. There is even a video about it.

New Socks from bob shea on Vimeo.

slow posts but warm smiles

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know that I have been super busy working on projects as of late. I've got tons of goodies for you all in my virtual queue and I can't wait to post all about them. What I can tell you is that I've been asked to take part in interior design project with Cookie Magazine. The room that I am designing involves inspirations from Oliver Jeffers The Incredible Book Eating Boy, custom furniture and accessories from Minor Details, Eco Highway wallpaper from Graham & Brown, crazy vintage finds for a kids room, bold colors and dope design! The space will be on view in NYC in the month of October. More information coming soon! In the mean time, go check out Tina and Joanna's blog .... they've got the best posts in town.

LMNOP four

I know I said that I would not be back until tomorrow but the latest issue of LMNOP has come out and I could not help myself. This issue is fantastic. It's filled with amazing finds, great features and dope photography. There is a great piece on Chicago with kids as well. Make sure to hit page 17...... it's my contributing piece on Paris!

 

rule 8A - have your destination in mind

Perhaps some of you know of the Phantom Tollbooth. It was a classic book written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer in 1961.

In 1969, animation director Chuck Jones adapted The Phantom Tollbooth into a full-length feature animated film. So take a 10 minute break from whatever you are doing and take a ride.

a reading chair

Fishbol, a design atelier based in Canada , made this interesting chair called "Book Seat". It's made of bent plywood and I think this could make for a very cozy reading chair for junior. (via designboom)

LMNOP issue three plus me

Jenny Lacey, mastermind behind the on-line kids magazine LMNOP has come out with issue number three. The drive behind this issue is to celebrate animals. Packed with amazing photography by Ian Macpherson and styling by Lacey, number three does not disappoint. I am very happy to be a part of this (an introduction colulmn on page 12 and in the editor's welcome) and future issues with contributing stories. I am currently working on my story for the next issue and I'm thrilled to be on board! So head over to the site and get the latest issue of LMNOP. You download it here.

brown bear brown bear

I used to sing this to my little girl too! (thanks Jolayne) Below is sung by author Bill Martin.

no ordinary animation

Actually, it's called Scanimation. Gallop! : A Scanimation Picture Book by Rufus Butler Seder is amazing. I don't use that word often but I mean it whole heartedly here. The motion graphics are so well done and the choice of animals superb. Employing a patented new technology called Scanimation, each page in this book is a marvel that brings animals, along with one shining star, to life with art that literally moves. Complementing the art is a delightful rhyming text full of simple questions and fun, nonsense replies. Even if you don't have a baby in your house, go and get a copy asap.

momma's bag o tricks

When the kids are having a meltdown, savvy parents will keep their cool with this fun compendium of silly games, unexpected stunts, and wow-inducing facts designed to entertain little ones aged 2–7. Mama's little book of Tricks is perfect for restaurant meltdowns, supermarket tantrums and long plane rides!