this just in...

we posted a sneak peek 2 weeks ago of some new designers coming to openhouse and they have arrived! we'd like to officially welcome blabla kids, susyjack* and virginia johnson to our family.

blabla kids is a wonderful company run by two atlanta women who use the age-old traditions of Peruvian knitters to create their adorable line of children's dolls, rattles, mobiles and finger puppets. a fair-trade company, blabla helps promote strong international relationships, improve the conditions for women in developing nations and creates heirloom quality gifts that promote sustainability. we're so excited to be a part of it.

susyjack* was a great etsy find. i was lazily "strolling the aisles" one day looking for a calendar for the new year when i came upon this talented woman. she is so inspirational in that she has talent, knew what to do with it and went for it in her business. everything openhouse strives to be ;o) her cards and journals and fun little decorative clips and pencil cups are just the whimsical touch openhouse needed. we aren't carrying her '08 calenders, but i suggest you pick one up at her etsy shop while you still can.

and lastly, but CERTAINLY not least, we introduce you to virginia johnson. virginia's designs hold a special place in my heart. she was really the first designer we stumbled across that made us think, why is there not a great place in richmond to find handmade, well-made, beautiful, contemporary items for the home? her textiles stole my heart and although she isn't doing a home line again in the foreseeable future, we did manage to nab a few (and i mean just a few) of her fabulous resort-line totes. perfect for that mid-winter trip you have planned (for real, or in your head like me) to st. barths or costa rica. large enough to hold everything you'll need for a day at the beach, these totes will have everyone wondering where you got them. these ain't no l.l. bean bags ;o)

enjoy! and happy shopping. k&m