Jennifer Jackson Maynard Prints

The Royal Tannebaums is one of my favorite movies and pretty much epitomizes the quirky/quaint spirit. A friend of mine recently pointed out these prints from artist Jennifer Jackson Maynard of Margot and Richie Tannebaum (aka Gweneth Paltrow and Luke Wilson). Each print measures 8.5''x11'' and is signed by the artist. $23.50 at Hella Good.

Also from Jackson Maynard, prints from: Lost in Translation and Amelie

Etsy Hairpins

Over the weekend I went searching for some hairpins for Spring and found an amazing assortment on the addictive and delightful Etsy.com. I've included some of my favorites here--the above pins made with vintage buttons are from Trinkets NH.

Summer Garden fabric pins $7 from Cutie Pie Clips

Daphne hair buttons $5 from bazaar Latino

Warm Poppies set $30 from Foundling.

Minute Muse hairpins $16 from The Intuitive Garden.

The Amazing Amy Butler

Just looking at Amy Butler's beautiful fabrics makes me happy. Her newest Midwest Modern quilting fabric collection for Rowan hits stores in April (click here to see it) and really lives up to the fun and energy of her last three collections. I've included some of my favorite patterns in this entry--above is from the "Nigella" collection and the three patterns below are from "Belle". Crafty types can download free patterns for quilts, bags, pillows and more on Amy's website. For those less inclined towards sewing, you can go here to shop her products.

Missing Stars Hollow

I'll admit it. I miss the adventures of Lorelai, Rory, and the rest of the fast-talking, wise-cracking characters from quintessential quirky/quaint show Gilmore Girls. I've recently begun watching a few seasons I missed on DVD and am getting excited for GG creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's new show "The Return of Jezebel James", which premieres March 14 at 8:00pm on Fox and stars two of my favorite actresses: Lauren Ambrose and Parker Posey.

Something Like Vintage

I'm always trolling Etsy.com for inspiration. I recently came across new shop Something Like Vintage, which sells all sorts of vintage items you can use for crafting. I love these ceramic eggs (perfect for Easter), and thought photographing them on sheet music was very clever.

Bountiful Buttons

One of my favorite things about living in New York City is the way you constantly stumble upon wonderful specialty shops. Today I wandered into Tender Buttons, a spot that sells (you guessed it) nothing but buttons. Browsing row after row, you can't help but want to sew something. Here's the nymag.com write up:

If, as Gay Talese suggested, New York is a city of things unnoticed, then Tender Buttons is its chest full of hidden treasure. Since 1968, the narrow store (143 East 62nd Street, near Lexington Avenue; 212-758-7004) has catered to designers, decorators, and detail-oriented plebeians with a button collection that numbers, according to co-founder Millicent Safro, in “the many millions or billions.” Ranging from Lucite to leather, Safro’s buttons have adorned everything from Betsey Johnson frocks to Jack Nicholson’s Joker costume. The store’s inventory also includes such rarities as buttons made for George Washington’s inauguration (known to fetch $17,000 at auction). On a more practical—and affordable—note, “we have one of the largest collections of men’s blazer buttons available,” says Safro. So no matter how deep your pockets, chances are you’ll find something to keep them closed.

Map of 143 E. 62nd Street