2nd and Strand

I have come across some really great new to me ways to hang artwork or display paper recently.  I thought I would share.   The first option is called Hanging Line and it is carried by Kontextur.  I like this option for it's simplicity,  the magnets that hold it up (no wall damage) it's waterproof, and the fact that it only costs $12.  

This next option, called indie mats,  just premiered on Decor8 yesterday.  I like all the colorful options, the scale, and the youthfulness of the mats.  These kits are great because they add interest, but they all go well with each other, so you have an instant gallery!  They are also a no tools needed option as they come with adhesive, it sounds like similar to 3M strips.  They come in sets, starting at $29 for 4 frames, very budget friendly!

My last discovery, is not really a discovery.  We all know how easy it is to hang artwork, lists, etc. from a binder clip that is attached to the wall.  But did you know the clips come in mondo, huge, gigantic size?  Land of Nod did it again, and at 3 clips for $16! 

Obviously all of these options are for pieces that are less precious, more temporary and light hearted.  If you want a piece of art to last you have to buy the archival mats, glass, frames, etc.  But for those times when you want an inexpensive and whimsical way to hang art, these options are fantastic!  Do you have a trick for hanging art?  We'd love to hear it.

-Andrea

Two weekends ago my husband and I found ourselves in the South End of Boston with a few hours to kill.  The South End has a lot of great design and furniture shops that I'm still discovering, so I knew exactly what I wanted to do.  I proposed window shopping with the promise that we would find some cool kitchen gadgets, Spencer is the cook in our house.  First we started with a consignment shop called, Garage Sale.  I liked this particular shop a lot as it is well edited.  There were some great pieces, everything from jewelry to HUGE dining room tables.  I also liked that they worked as a gallery, they had a lot of original art work on the walls that was not ridiculously priced.   I guess they have some artists that are exclusive to Garage Sale, so if you like the pieces but don't have the money currently, you could always go back when you've saved your pennies and find similar art.  

We turned the corner and found two other new to me stores.  Lekker Home and Addo Novo.  At Addo Novo I thought I might get to keep my kitchen gadget promise as we stumbled upon this cool rolling pin, but Spencer wants a tapered handle instead.  

I however was drooling over this desk.  So so so great.  I love the small profile, I love the pops of color, I just love it.  

They also had some really great speakers for ipods and such.  I didn't know how bad ours were until I heard their crystal clear tunes.   

It's not inexpensive, but for all of you with $1200 to burn, you should totally get this.  My favorite find of the day was at Lekker Home though.  Check out this statement piece.  It makes me want to sew.  I love the color combination, the shape, I love how geometric and unabashedly bold it is.  Nice work Lekker.  

So we went home empty handed, but totally inspired.  
 
                                                                                                                            -Andrea