rock paper scissors

keeping up with the gardner(s)

we've always thought amy was tops and not because she's our fearless leader. if you shop at rps or our sister store scarpa you know that she has an eye for design like no other; not surprisingly that keen eye carries over into her home as well. now the rest of the world can get clued in on what we've known for ages as cottage living magazine features amy's kitchen in its latest supplement "cottage kitchens". ranking as number 15 on the editors' list of the top 25 best kitchens, amy's tiny modern culinary nook is on display featuring the island built to resemble a piece of furniture and showcasing the way that the living room and kitchen flow seamlessly. we have a sneak peek for you here, but you can check out the full spread when you pick up your own copy on newsstands.

ps: you might be racking your brain thinking, "but wasn't amy's cottage featured in cottage living?" well, yes, it was. but the kitchen didn't get the attention it rightfully deserves.

Orla Kiely is finally here!!!

It's been like Christmas around here awaiting our shipment of Orla Kiely paper products, but alas, the eagle has landed! Man oh man, you need to see this stuff to believe it: Fresh and bright colors and patterns that scream happy, happy, happy! If you're familiar with her geometrical genius on totes, wallets, clothes and luggage, then you'll flip your lid when you see the same geometry play out on paper.

From perfectly sized journals (and travel journals with color-coded stickers; an INTJ 's dream) to bodacious boxed notecards and the cheeriest compostition book any school kid could ever want, I think we can all agree that Orla has done it again. But you'd better haul it in here to pick some up, or buy right now online.....because this stuff is flying out of here faster than a big gulp of Britney Spears' purple draaank at a backwoods barbeque.

a weekend off

Thanks to the lovely and generous Anna Towns, Ben and I got some quality time in the hills of Southwest Virginia last weekend. There is much to love about an old house at the end of a long road with a stream in the backyard.

The too short time was filled with hikes, naps, horseback rides, outdoor showers, good food, laughs and some quiet 'me' time. I'm one of those extroverts who enjoys some solid peace and 'don't talk to me' quiet every now and then. When I get it, and I try to sneak some each week, I usually spend some time with my journal. I've kept a journal since college, sometimes more reliably and religiously than at other times. Now that I've got Ben there's so much I find myself wanting to write about. I'm not diligent enough to keep a baby book, but I'm keeping a journal for him. I started when he was about three weeks old. I call it my Bournal (you know, Bennifer and Bradgelina - bad joke but that's what happens when you're seriously sleep deprived. You think you're funny.) Anyhoo, I spend some time each week writing to him and telling him what he's doing new, how the week went, about our first trip to the swimming pool (not such a success), that he likes to dance, I how feel about being a mom. I wonder if he'll ever want to read it.

Sometimes I opt for that true blue moleskine to get my through my need to navel gaze. To celebrate Ben, I wanted something a little more spectacular. A little more razzle dazzle jazz hands. No seriously, I wanted hable construction. I wanted a pretty thing that made me exhale when I look through my jammed bag. I put a slice of vintage ribbon in to mark my place. And I use my all time favorite pen, the AG Spaulding capless roller ball, to ink my thoughts for better or worse in that sweet book.

So if you're thinking about the experience of recording your thoughts, I say just do it. But do it with some jazz hands.

Time for champagne cocktails!

We love this man. His daughter, a lovely lady named Carol George is a frequent customer of Rock Paper Scissors. She recently purchased the bright red Nava Milano portfolio for him to use...at his courses in college! Because this dapper, graceful fellow, well past 85 (we are reluctant to reveal our own ages in this place, much less someone else's!), and he still attends college in Montana. And besides still being admirably active in the mind, we hear as the weather (too slowly) slogs into Spring, he does love to actively entertain as well, with a few champagne cocktails!

We love this man and his red portfolio. May we all be as elegant and knowledgeable as we age, like Mrs. George's father, moving fluidly into our golden years.

Have style, will travel

Meet Amy & Amy of Mimi Wedding Planning in Minneapolis, MN. These two friends from the way back design beautiful, hip weddings that will win over even the stodgiest of grandmothers. I had a chance to meet with them at their studio in beautiful North East Minneapolis to chat with them about the wedding biz. The synergy between them is immediately apparent (finishing each other's sentences and whatnot), as is their affection for their clients. Since they have such a well defined aesthetic, couples that are drawn to their website or space are typically already on the same page.

Each Amy has a background in design (Amy Red in interior design and Amy Blonde in graphic design) and they told me that it wasn't such a huge leap to designing weddings. Amy Blonde mentioned that though she might not have imagined wedding planning as a career earlier on, she thinks that she has found a perfect fit.

But it isn't all fun and games, they both said that they feel that half of their job is hauling things to and fro: "Professional Schleppers". At any rate, they seem to enjoy themselves no matter what the task and no doubt their sense of fun permeate the weddings they design. Even if you aren't in the Minneapolis area, the Amys love to travel for weddings so check them out at http://www.mimi-design.com.

it's a baby's world

Impressions of the gift show? is that kids rule. There is so much baby, kid, and family stuff out there. It's pretty remarkable. I wonder what it used to be like at the gift show, before the kid was king. Lots of scented candles, wind chimes, and jams and jellies?

We have ALWAYS HAD a "baby section" in rock paper scissors. From day 1. We had kata golda and kate spade baby books. It took 5 years and Amy having a baby of her own before people started to notice the cute baby things in the store. They think that it appeared over the time span of 9 months, magically brought by a stork. Well, those presumptions are only going to continue, because there is a bevy of kid fabulousness, baby adorableness, coming our way. It could be that sending a new mom and an expecting one to do the buying would result in this, but I think it's a combination. It is everywhere! fabulous design for families, and yes we are weak in the knees for it all, but you can't ignore it either.

We can't be the fabulous baby boutique that is petit bebe or toy store, but if it is paper AND for a little one...how could we not? and as long as it is an example of good design, we will find a spot on the shelf for it.

We love the flash cards from wee gallery, made by parents who wanted the stimulating black and white images for their new baby, but were correct in thinking that their designs might be a little more fun. they debuted a new collection of peel and stick wall graphics at the gift show that are just right for spring. Look for it on our wall as we wish for our gardens to grow again.

The soft animals and poofs from zid zid are not made of paper...but they are handmade, incredibly original and fun design, and ecologically and socially friendly. Their booth is reason enough for me to go to the gift show. They are amazingly good natured and it is so fun to see all their adorable things in one place. Of course I was happy to demonstrate the elephant poof that we couldn't resist.When that guy gets here, I think we won't be able to get anyone under age 8 out of the store.

To accomodate those children who would love to stay and play, we will have a cardboard playhouse made in Holland from recycled cardboard. It comes flat and pops up instantly, so if you just have to leave the store, you can take home your very own. Sure you can make these yourself, and you should, because everyone needs a house made from a refrigerator, stove, or washing machine box. But if you're between appliances, this house will fit the bill. Worried about the floor space you might be losing...we'll have the doll house version too.

Not made of paper, BUT it holds paper, backpacks for the short set. They are absolutely perfect, just what a backpack should be. Except that these have the cutest animals ever on them. It's impossible to pick a favorite, so check out the bunny's paws or the sharks expression on Dante Beatrix's website

Other favorites from the gift show are for furry babies: accessories for the modern pooch from mungo and maud available soon at Scarpa, of course Hable construction was so fun too. They had these lovely low couches covered in green poppy print fabric. And not about kids at all, but about our kids' future maybe...the Green Paper Company which sells cards and envelopes in bulk and by the piece, but it is RECYCLED more to come on that topic..it's too exciting.