New Dishware Sets

Colorful bowls, over-sized mugs and sweet dessert plates have just arrived in the shop -- all prettily packaged in gift sets!

New Items in the Shop

Just a few of the new pieces that have recently popped into the shop ...

Upcoming Craft Class: DIY Flower Brooches + Hair Clips

You know what's my favorite part of the end of summer? It's not the BBQs, scorching heat or glorious sunsets (although those are pretty great too). It's the back-to-school and Fall fashion previews. I know it's pretty sick to even think about layering on clothing when we're all stripping down, but there's something to be said about accessorizing and blazers, scarves, bags and cardigans that gets me psyched for the cool weather.

So in honor of transitions, Kanibal Home is thrilled to offer a craft class dedicated to flower brooches and hair clips. Wear them now, give them as gifts or stick them on sweaters. The class will demonstrate how to make both felt and fabric pieces and each participant is guaranteed to make at least TWO (however you'll be encouraged to make more for friends and family).

Here's the info:
WHAT: DIY Fabric/Felt Brooches + Hair Clips
WHERE: Kanibal Home, 213 Montgomery Street (Downtown Jersey City)
WHEN: Thursday, August 4th at 7:30pm
COST: $25 -- cash only please
RSVP: kristen (at) kanibalhome.com

This is just the preview announcement, however there are only a limited amount of spots available so feel free to RSVP in advance.

Around Town: Hudson Restaurant Week

Just a reminder that today kicks off Hudson Restaurant Week. For some reason I didn't mark this monumental event in my calendar (surprising because food usually gets priority over everything in my Filofax) and the week snuck up on me. That's OK, though, because I just spent the last hour calling friends and making reservations. I'm going to hit up Amiya, Casa Dante and Satis for sure ... what's everyone else going to taste test?

You can view the full list of participating restaurants (and stalk their menus) at: http://www.hudsonrestaurantweek.com/

Before + After: Ikat Chair

Ooo, I haven't done one of these posts in awhile! Long overdo.

BEFORE: I picked up the following chair in one of my many hunting expeditions last month. I'm always on the look-out for seating that's both functional and fun. More importantly, I'm looking for items with great bones. It doesn't need to be pretty or polished because that will come later.

This lovely lady was a perfect specimen. Around 100 years old with spindle legs and carved, delicate detailing, she was a little rough on the eyes when I first found her. The wood needed to be conditioned and a few supports needed to be fixed. Per the usual, all the fabric was gutted and the seat required some strengthening.

AFTER: But all the work was worth the final product, because -- cleaned up, conditioned and custom reupholstered -- she really is a pretty side chair. Plus how great is that ikat printed fabric? As soon as I saw it, I knew it needed to go on this chair. And, if I do say so myself, I think the final product is pretty stunning!

(This detailing is my favorite -- so special!)

(At rest inside the shop. I'm really pleased with how this turned out and, from my vantage point behind the desk, I get to start at this beauty all day.)

 

Playing with Food

I just had to share this ridiculousness.

From the lady who brought you cookie cameos, we now have embroidered toast.

Totally looks like mold, doesn't it? Crazy town.

And just because this is pretty rad too, check out the cookie cameo:

I have a feeling Judith Klausner's mom was the kind of parent who encouraged her to play with her food. I just applaud her self restraint -- I would have eaten all those cookies before they became art.

Ruminations on Work

At the shop, hidden behind rolls of ribbon next to my desk, is a torn piece of paper with a powerful quote:

"We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry." -- E.B. White, Letters of E.B. White

This particular scrap used to be in my bedroom, also next to my computer, in the early days of Kanibal Home when the store was only web-based. I'd come home from working a long day in public relations and sit down to eat (another meal) at my desk while I updated and toiled away on my pet project. Sometimes until two or three in the morning.

But it never quite felt like work. And I would often glance over at that quote and think, One day I'll be able to do this as an actual job. All day. I never thought it would really be possible. But, in the meantime, I'd keep this late night time to myself as my little bit of joy.

I now work upwards of 80 hours a week. It's not hard to believe that my friends and family roll their eyes (often and unabashedly) and aren't shy in exclaiming that I "work too much." But -- in the long run --if it gives me joy, then what's the sense in stopping or shortening or taking a break? I meet a lot of people in the shop that want to open their own business or become entrepreneurs of some sort. And, you can have all the talent in the world, but I honestly think that it comes down to this: Can you continue to find joy in your craft?

I glanced over at that quote this morning and thought: I know I do.

Listen: Adele - Set Fire to the Rain

Not my usual morning jam, but I just can't keep it out of my head. (Ignore the annoying scrolling lyrics.)

Home Sweet Home

Usually I'm not a huge big box fan, but I'm really crushing on this new butterfly shower curtain from West Elm. Dreamy, right?

New Items in the Shop

Pretty Pony

Who's the prized stallion or pretty pony in your household? Show some love with these darling award ribbon photo frames. Yippee.

Just because ...

Oh geez, this craftsman parody had me giggling today. Because haven't we all met this guy in Brooklyn? (OK, there are a few in JC too.)

"Just fucking eyeball it!"

New Vendor: Nightingale Projects

It was no accident that Nightingale Projects is Kanibal Home's newest vendor. Nicole and Adam were introduced to me by a mutual Jersey City friend and I instantly fell in love with their quirky stories, attention to detail and professionalism. Plus, they're from Newark! (Both my mother and father grew up in Newark, so I'll always hold a special place in my heart for anything that comes from this city ... especially Portuguese food.)

This particular grouping of products is from their All American Picnic series. Doesn't it make you want to go out and have a picnic in Liberty State Park?

Bomb Pop Kitchen Towel

Eat Place Mat

Lemon Napkins

Wolves with Meat Greeting Card -- Fun fact: Each piece of meat is hand-painted!

New Vendor: Ula Nice

One of the drawbacks to owning a shop is that I find it really hard to shop for myself. Either I feel guilty or -- after trolling for products and walking trade shows -- I'm just numb. So when I get so excited about something that I have to have it I know it's special.

In the case of Ula Nice's round skull pillows, I fell in love at the recent Not Yo Mama's craft fair. Rita from Rubella Jewelry and I were doing a quick walk around the show and we both became smitten. So smitten that we both walked away with a design. For one, Ula is a local Jersey City artist (which, by now, you know I love) and not only was this a skull print (which I also love), but each pillow is backed in a vintage fabric. Triple awesome. So not only did I have to have it for myself ... but I signed her up to be a new vendor in the shop too!

And the best part? These beauties are only $25!