this just in...

new ceramics from Perch!

we have new shake-a-leg salt and pepper shakers, tiny baskets (great for ring holders or salt and pepper cellars), basket bowls and O bowls. the first grouping we had in the fall didn't last long, so be sure to get in soon and snag what you can ;o) happy shopping and happy holidays! k&m

this just in...

new work by Diana Fayt. you know, it's interesting sometimes how anticipation can often be more satisfying than that which you anticipated. not so in the case of diana fayt's objects. it's been a long, slow 6 months since we placed our order and yesterday my friendly neighborhood postman delivered the goods. i approached slowly to open the box and very careful began unraveling the bubble wrap so as not to burst my bubble to fast. but there was no need as the vase I held in my hand was every bit the glorious piece I had hoped!

it's really absolutely stunning work. images on-line do it no justice. thanks diana for all of your hard work. i know there were a number of bumps along the road to create our few beautiful pieces and we appreciate it. well worth the wait.

if you haven't heard of her or seen her work, you've got to get into openhouse this week and check it out. the process she uses is very labor intensive and can include up to 13 steps per piece from beginning to end. her work is all hand built with the use of handmade molds. all of her drawings are her own freehand originals on stoneware, using lead free materials. no two pieces are the same.

ny times mag article highlights the handmade

we just had to share this GREAT article in yesterday's New York Times Magazine about the handmade movement, something that openhouse, along with the richmond craft mafia, the bizarre market and other groups are trying to spread in richmond. it's nice to see here's a link to the original article.

and here's a reminder from handmade.org why you should by handmade this holiday season and always! support your local businesses (openhouse as well as all small businesses), support the artists and designers in your community and around the country and the world. let's get back to the basics! enjoy.

Why buy handmade?

Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.
The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that canbe seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

Buying handmade is better for people.
The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.
The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.

pre-christmas sale at openhouse

thought we'd spread the word about the great pre-christmas sale at openhouse. we've marked down most of our inventory 15% which makes for some great deals on items like Lotta Jansdotter textiles, Lorena Barrezueta ceramics, Kim Westad vases, pillows from Three Sheets 2 the Wind, Sharon Spain and PaperCloud as well tea towels, pot holders, cocktail napkins and aprons from Lu Prints, Dermond Peterson and Inleaf.

we have some lovely new designers we'll be brining in in the new year as well as more beautiful items from our current roster of artists and we just have to make some room. our little space in The Shops at 5807 can only hold do much :o)

so if you have someone on your list you just can't seem to find the right thing for, come on by and nab some sweet deals on some one-of-a-kind wares.

daily candy

just a little eye candy from one of our favorite etsy photogs, jennifer causey. i have three of her breakfast prints in my kitchen. her colors are stunning and the randomness of her still lifes are so charming.

we're just loving her newest images. too cute. enjoy! k&m

we've arrived...

we're a week late posting this and there's already a new issue on the stands. blame it on the holidays, but we've just had to much going on lately with the shop, work, school and familial obligations to really be on top of anything ;o) thanks goes out to Katherine Houstoun, a great freelance writer, for her nice little piece on openhouse in this month's homestyle. if you missed it in print, check it out online through the rest of the month.

also, in the spirit of supporting local businesses and local designers, there's a nice article actually on newsstands by Brent Baldwin. it mentions some other nice shops carrying indie designers (sadly missing openhouse) and gives you statistical data as to why buying local is better. enjoy.

Lorena Barrezueta featured seller on etsy

check out openhouse artist Lorena Barrezueta's interview on etsy today! a great way to learn more about what goes into her work. then come by openhouse and check out our selection of her gorgeous wares! enjoy your sunday! k&m

friday night's alright for...

fighting? NO! that's saturday, friday is for shopping, seeing, being seen, drinking, eating. there is so much cool stuff in richmond tomorrow night, we thought waiting until tomorrow, when everyone had their plans, just seemed silly. so here's a friday update on thursday ;o)



the Visual Arts Center will unveil its completed renovation this weekend, december 7-9, 2007! from creating a large creature from plastic bottles to viewing the significant retrospective of sculptor Elizabeth King's work to dancing the night away, Re:Open! offers something to appeal to every friend, student and supporter. Don't miss it!

come to the richmond craft mafia's HANDMADE HOLIDAY SALE, friday, december 7th at 4025 yoga & wellness center.

fourteen businesses from the richmond craft mafia will be selling their handmade items in the beautiful 4025 yoga studios located on richmond's north side. the event is also part of MacArthur's illumination festivities to kick off the holiday season. shop for jewelry, purses, children's clothes and accessories, paintings, pottery, home decor and much much more! free holiday refreshments!

for directions, visit the 4025 yoga website.

or, head on down to historic broad street for first fridays artwalk. check out the cool holiday inspired window and light displays at a number of galleries and businesses. grab a cup of coffee at Lift to keep you warm. maybe a bite at the newly expanded Tarrant's Cafe. people watch and enjoy being a part of the city. bundle up, though, it's expected to be a cold one and possibly drizzly. but why let a little bad weather keep you in on one of the most interesting nights of the month! we'll be out and about, hitting all three of these, so we'll see you. k&m

this just in...

great new graphic wrapping paper for the holidays. 5 fun designs from our newest family member, funnel paper goods. designer Eric Kass creates his original printed patterns in indianapolis on durable 60# white uncoated paper.

openhouse is featuring 5 wintry designs: color urchin, knot tied, uncle bob's pajamas, dottie's decor and rangifer tarandus:

we were charmed immediately by his description of the paper:

'the simple pleasure of ink on paper. that distinctive aroma and familiar testure tickling your fingertips. the material connection between the feelings in your heart and the smile on their face. package your endearing thoughts, well wishes and romantic longings in paper goods designed to elate.'

who knew wrapping paper could sound so sexy ;o)

come check it out before it's gone. happy shopping. k&m