New Window: Willing Winter Away

I'd like to start this post with a firm statement: Don't judge me based on the shop's current window design. I know it's a little early. I know it's a bit bright. But you have to understand --- I'm freezing. I have ice water for blood. So right around now every year I start up with the Caribbean getaway fantasies.

That said, here's a look at the new shop window. I'm going to will the warm weather to come quickly.

(The initial inspiration for the March window: Umbrella tank)

(Zip back!)

(I can't get enough of this pattern)

(Cutting down the old decor and installing the new pieces ...)

(Stacking yellow decorative balls)

(If I'm going for a tank top, why not just jump head first in with a jean skirt, right?)

(View from the street: Outside looking in)

(Floral dresser / side table + vintage pitcher, bowl and glasses set)

New Window: Wild Wild Wilderness

(And it starts with a blank window.)

New month means that it's time for a new window display. Now you might be thinking that I'm about to pull a corporate move on you and vomit holiday cheer and consumerism into the window ... but I'm still digesting Halloween and not really feeling that quite yet. So you get one more month of non-holiday window gawking.

So what's the November window? Oh I guess it's my take on harvest. Or the wilderness. Here's a look at the process behind the Kanibal Home November window design:

STEP 1. Start with a clean slate (see the above image)
STEP 2. Insert in the key elements (see the object in the bottom right corner)

(Yup, that was a duck)

 

STEP 3. Hang anything on the walls that needs to go up ...

(All the bugs and butterflies are framed and put together by Jersey City-based artist Michelle Johnston. And yes, they're all for sale.)

(Tosena splendida AKA a super awesome cicada)

(A portion of the proceeds from this butterfly goes to Fount of Mercy.)

(It's a male and female monarch mounted on french paper ... perfect as a wedding or shower present.)

 

STEP 4: Cut, texture and craft a tree out of cardboard ...

 

STEP 5: Assemble!!

  

(Backside view)

(Leaf garland that took a day to make)

And it's done! Here are a few more shots (outside looking in):

Introducing ... Rubella

Sometimes Kanibal Home's window displays are a labor of love. Sometimes they're inspired by a photograph or a color or a feeling or a garment. And sometimes they're a collaborative effort.

This time it was all of the above.

I was lucky enough to partner with the lovely ladies of Rubella Jewelry Co. -- Rita and Samantha -- to pull together the October window and introduce their new line of jewelry in the shop. The full collection will be available this Sunday at Kanibal Home, but you can come take a look at the window and even preview some of their goods at this weekend's Fourth Street Art & Music Festival in Jersey City.

And now for the window unveiling:
 

 

(The ladies - hard at work)

 

(Adding just the right touches ...)

  

(Draped in custom Rubella jewelry, our mannequin is one lucky lady)

 

 

 

  

 

New Window: Back to School Cool

My mother isn't one to hold back her feelings and growing up the Scalia kids knew exactly how she felt around back-to-school time. After spending a full summer with five kids 24/7, to say she was ready for us to be gone was a gross understatement. The first week of September was her equivalent of Christmas.

Now working at the shop I see it a little different. I still feel that same excitement for change, but it's a little like looking in from the outside. But I am seeing that same enthusiasm for the school year from my friends with kids. You get a lot of "Well, it's not like I don't love little Bobby or spending time with him ... it's just that -- well -- holy god I need some ME time!"

So, to all you parents and big kids going back to school to get your learn on, have a great September. This window design is for you.

(Crafted sign made out of paint, graph paper and broken pencils. Vintage school chair and 1950's chest props.)

(Soft, smoosh-able lunch boxes)

(Fall fashion at its best: A cute cropped jacket, over-sized tunic and statement necklace.)