{ WORDS UP } no.9

Victoria Klein's Eco Holiday Picks

Hey howdy hey – Victoria Klein here again. I challenge anyone who says living sustainably can’t be stylish. Trying to limit this list to less than 10 items was exceptionally tough. There are so many great eco-items out there! Scroll down to check out my selection of products that you can feel sane about spending your money on … but this is just the tip of the iceberg (pun intended)

(1) DISCONSOLATOR FAUX LEATHER JOURNAL

Available in 10 different cover/strap color combinations, and 2 glittery holiday options, the covers are sturdy & easily whip clean. Carry one of these with you everywhere – you never know when inspiration will strike (even if you aren’t a writer/artist). / $25

(2) NIGHT OWL PAPER GOODS 2010 CRITTER CALENDER

Cute doesn’t even begin to describe this yearly treat! Each month, you (or your lucky recipient) are greeted with a seasonal drawing of spunky critters. The included clear display case makes this calendar perfect for any desktop or kitchen table. / $24

(3) JURLIQUE ROSEWATER BALANCING MIST

This spray filled with all-natural essential oils works with every skin tone. Anytime you feel dry, just give your skin a spritz & you’ll be refreshed instantly. / $21

(4) ALABAMA CHANIN BLOOMERS REVERSE APPLIQUE SWING SKIRT KIT

Everything you need to make a unique 100% organic cotton skirt you can wear year-round. The kit is available in 6 sizes & 8 colors – pick your favorite & create an heirloom of your own (or with a friend). / $114

(5) BAMBU MEDIUM LACQUERWARE BOWLS

Hot, cold, and anywhere in between: all foods will be happy in these non-toxic bamboo beauties. Each bowl is shaped by hand in Vietnam by workers paid a fair wage & from bamboo that is sustainably harvested. $17/each

(6) THE ORIGINAL SCRATCH LOUNGE

Any kitty on your list would be overjoyed to have this scratch-tastic spot. Made from recycled & recyclable cardboard, the center can be replaced for less than $10. Watch the video to see some very happy cats. / $25

(7) SULA PAINT & PEEL NAIL POLISH IN CHAMPAGNE CORAL

This water-based polish is free of the “big three” nasty chemicals in most nail products: formaldehyde, toluene, & phthalates. Quick-drying, easy to remove (yes, it peels right off), & in a trendy collection of colors – I’m not much for nail polish, but this is a rare exception. / $10

(8) PLOVER ORGANIC LILAC CRESCENT/GOLD WAVES QUILT

Low-impact dyes block-printed by hand on 100% organic cotton fabric, via Fair Trade practices, the entire Plover Organic line has had me swooning for years. Even better: there’s nothing plain & patterns rule the roost. / $330-396

(9) TOMS VEGAN ASH WRAP BOOT

The infamous shoe company that gives away 1 pair for every pair purchased, there’s a lot to love about Toms. Their vegan-friendly wrap boots, inspired by the equine world, come in 5 chic colors & 11 sizes. / $98

Paul Rand. A legend. One of my top 3 Creative Inspirations.

“Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple definitions, there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated.”
Paul Rand (1914 – 1996)

Paul Rand needs no introduction. He has designed countless forms such as the IBM logo and worked as the art director of Esquire-Coronet. I love his simplicity and fully understand what he says about simple being complicated. The hardest thing to do is communicate without too much noise. The best marks in design are clear and balanced in form. The best children's books get right to the point even if it takes many pages. The visuals meet the needs of the story. Rand's understanding of shape is apparent in all of his designs. Every single one uses space and shape to its advantage in order to fill the space and leave eye relief. He understood white space. He is a must to look at it if you are a designer or perhaps designing a logo for your business.

Images: Paul-Rand.com
video: Imaginary Forces

Bear Hug Love by KG+AB

I have a weak spot for polar bears and love this!

Made by Brooklyn based KG+AB, who will be at this Sunday's Bust Holiday Craftacular.

I may just need this for my computer desk.

Shop their ETSY store here.

Only a few left!

The calendars are running low. Get em while their hot! Only one edition.

We will have them at the Bust Fest this Sunday and the Brooklyn Lyceum December 18/19 in Park Slope.

Cherry Green

Illustration by Alessandra Genualdo
site

HELLO LOVER

manifesting these spaces in my life

from top:

photogrpahy by:
Melanie Acevedo
Jane Peters
Johnny Miller
Mark Eden Schooley

INK+WIT for fawn&forest / Wall art holiday gifts

"friends" plywerk panel by INK+WIT for fawn&forest

This print is expertly mounted on the eco-friendly bamboo plywood panels by Plywerks, who have perfected an easy and elegant way to exhibit prints of artwork without the frame or its expense.

Each panel comes ready to hang with the artwork printed on Fuji and Kodak silver-halide papers. Besides having superior color reproduction these prints also have excellent ozone resistance to ensure superior lightfastness (resistance to fading).

The sustainable panels come with a keyhole notch for easy hanging (see specs) and a beautifully finished bamboo edge which look great against any color wall.

two sizes: 5x5 and 8x8 inches

3/4" bamboo plywood panel

ready to hang!

INK+WIT at BUST Holiday Craftacular NYC / Table 160

Come visit INK+WIT at table 160 at BUST!
( we are by the food and beverage stand )

One day only!
Sunday December 6, 2009
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St, NYC
10am - 8:00pm
more info here

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

from top to bottom

photography by Daniel Farmer

Live Sign
{ Cox & Cox }

Lab Rescue. How about adopting a dog?
image via pandering to savages

Mistletoe Light Garland
{ Cox & Cox }

Granit Teapot, originally designed in 1983 by Eva Zeisel
{ DWR }

I love this dining area. Simple, and loaded with modern classics and French charm
{ dress design decor blog }

Polar Bears, my favorite. Then again, I love all animals, even the spiders. I just wish these bears to have a peaceful life.

{ polar bear fund at WWF }
image via Soft European

The Working Proof, created by Anna Corpron and Sean Auyeung, also known as Sub-Studio. 15%* of the gross sale of this print created by Yasmine Surovec, goes to Kids in Need Foundation

INK+WIT Calendar Featured in Small Magazine

And my very tiring busy day was just made very bright. Small Magazine selected INK+WIT as one of their calendar features in their new online magazine. Thank you Small. I heart you!

INK+WIT Guest Blogging Today on Pure Mamas

Check out my holiday kitchen gift list at Juli Novotny's super informative chic blog, Pure Mamas. It has staples for the raw food kitchen but would work well in any kitchen no matter what you eat or cook. I have all the items on this list and highly recommend them. They would make excellent holiday gifts. While some of them are expensive they are well worth it and you will ultimately save since you can make a lot more foods at home.

Enjoy!

Juli Novotny's Holiday Gift Picks for Baby and Child

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Juli Novotny, founder of Kookie Karma and Juli's Favorites, has generously offered a stellar chic eco baby and kids gift list. These picks are ones that will stay around for years and are durable enough to pass on and on.

Be sure to check out Juli's blog Pure Mamas. She has a ton of information on raw foods, eco living, recipes and more.

Thank you Juli!

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1. my son loves airplanes and this one is unique
http://www.fitzsu.com/playsam-jetliner-plane-silver-p-125.html

2. coco baby rocker. super sleek.
http://indierocket.com/archive/moderntots.jpg

3. really cool kids race car.
http://www.fitzsu.com/playsam-saab-roadster-rideon-black-p-129.html

4. I need a tape dispenser and i love this one.
http://www.fitzsu.com/anything-tape-dispenser-orange-p-7242.html

5. modern, minimal porta-crib
http://www.giggle.com/cc/2113/c/713/Holiday-Travel-Essentials.aspx

6. I don't even drink beer, but this opens and closes a bear bottle
http://www.dwell.com/products/hermetus-bottle-opener.html

7. I've always wanted my own home composting unit
http://www.dwell.com/products/home-composting-unit.html

8. the best portable high chair right now. the arms are small enough
to fit on a counter top.
http://www.giggle.com/p/14055/c/841/cl/2113/metoo-Portable-Highchair.aspx

9. modern water filter/dispenser
http://www.puremodern.com/Kitchen-Bath/Kitchen-Accessories/Ovopur-Water-Filter-Set

10. my favorite bottles. once bpa free. now stainless. gotta get one.
http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/bottles/stainless-75L

11. i want want want this juicer. super high powered.
http://www.brevilleusa.com/juicing/dual-disc-juice-processor.html

12. love eames. need i say more.
http://hivemodern.com/pages/products.php?view=sub_product&sid=2431&cid=

INK+WIT Animal Poster Giveaway on Kenziepoo

Check out my giveaway for the Animal A-Z poster made on recycled paper with soy inks on Kenziepoo's blog.

INK+WIT giveaway on Apartment Therapys ohdeedoh site

I am so excited the INK+WIT's Aesop's Fables Hare and the Tortoise is part of Apartment Therapy's holiday giveaway this year. My poster giveaway will run on ohdeedoh from 11/27 - 11/30. More details here.

Raw Vegan Lime Custard Tartlettes

Hi everyone! Hope your pre Thanksgiving plans are going well. Breathe.

This is such a great rich desert it is almost possible a non vegan dairy lover will think it is custard. The avocados in the recipe make the texture custard like, rich, and creamy. A good food processor is necessary.

Here we go.
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• Makes 4 small tarts • No baking required
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TART CRUST
1 cup raw unsalted cashews (soaked for an hour. Wash, strain, and dry)
1 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened dry coconut
1 tablespoon lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
Seeds from 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
4 tablespoons agave nectar
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend until mixed and grated. Do not over pulse or the cashew nuts will produce more oil than you need. You do not want it smooth. It should be chunky and textural/rigid.
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FILLING
4 ripe avocados
1/2 cup agave (sweeten more as needed once blended thorough;y)
1/2 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
2 tablespoons coconut butter
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup grated fresh lime zest
Seeds from 2 vanilla beans or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Blend in food processor until creamy. Transfer to large bowl and cover while you make the crust.
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My mini tart pans do not have bottom that comes out so I use plastic wrap over the tart pans. You can press the tart crust into the mold. Just eyeball how much you need. Scoop the filling into the crust. Fold the plastic wrap up like a tea pee and twist the top. Place in freezer . Allow the tarts to gently thaw for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lime slices or vanilla ice cream.

photo: Tara Hogan / INK+WIT

Guest Holiday Post: Kirsten from Simply Grove

Hi everyone! Kirsten from Simply Grove here. I am very excited to be here on INK+WIT to show you a few of my favorite tips for Christmas decor. I am a lover of white, sparkly, natural and modern for Christmas this year. And the great thing is is that you can still make it cozy and festive!

I love the look of branches in groupings. This image is the perfect example of natural elements in a very chic environment. And branches are accessible to almost everyone.

This holiday banner is cute, crafty and so easy to make. I think it would look really glamorous in an all modern space.

I spy ornaments and vintage balls in this festive bowl. How creative and fun for the holidays!

This eclectic vingette includes pine cones, branches and vintage ornaments as well as homemade ornaments.

Clean and white is the best backdrop for spots of color. Everything just pops a little more when resting on a white surface. Even branches look so chic!

Decorating for Christmas should be fun and should always reflect who you are. I love being traditional but I think its alot of fun to think outside of the box. So be creative and have a blast!!

My Creative Idols. And the Internet Robotic Stuck inside Me!

In the midst of so much stuff... blogs, blogging, online stores, global warming, talking, moving, not enough shaking (he he), and the endless shrinking attention span of people and what stays and goes in the creative scene or any scene for that matter, I find myself digging back deep into the talents that inspired me to write, draw, paint, and sculpt as a child until now. I miss my art history classes at Syracuse University and the calm feeling of knowing we all had a longer attention span for what was in and out. I was in college from 1994-1999 and the internet was like one of those huge car phones your rich uncle used to have in the late eighties. Really strange and unattractive.

It feels like we are all locked down on this machine looking at 1000 things a day in addition to working at the same time, and are becoming sucked into a robotic force leaving less time for natural habits like walking, cooking, sleeping, etc. I do not know how many times I have read on twitter, "oh man, i really need to go to bed." while I myself was up late working, blogging, etc. And, then realizing, I need to rearrange how much I am on this machine. I am letting go of my other interests.

What is happening to us? Are we becoming robotic? Addicted to the Internet? Great, yoga for internet blogging addicts. It is so easy to just keep looking and looking and looking. I like it, do not get me wrong. I just miss the days of not needing to know everything. Because now that I know I can find all this info I can get sucked into it. It never ends. It only ends when your head hurts so bad an your leg cramps up that you get off the computer and do something else. And, are you still thinking about the Internet when you walk away? The mind is in overload. Thank God I have a meditation practice or I would be insane.

I feel, when looking at all these amazing artists shown in this post that it is time for me to attack the canvas once again and the sculpting studio. I do not know about any of you artists or designers out there who may have gotten away from these things too but there is nothing like the smell of mineral spirits, stretching canvas, staying up until 6am watching the sun come up while you scumble the last mark of Naples Yellow onto your painting. Or, finish sculpting a piece that endured hours of hard manual labor leaving behind dry worn out hands from working with plaster or stone.

Times change, people change and we either move with the times or against them. If you are a creative person, being online is almost a definite for you to network and keep up with information. Just proceed with caution and ask yourself how long you have been sitting there in that chair? Maybe time to go curl up with a good book or go to sleep. And, believe me, I am trying to follow my own advice.

Cheers! Be well! Be Creative! Be Happy! Remember what lights you up!

in order from top to bottom

Venetian Glass Workers
John Singer Sargent1880/82
Oil on canvas
56.5 x 84.5 cm
The Art Institute of Chicago
Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson Collection

Supermarket (1957)
Ben Shahn, Serigraph, 1957
Edition size unspecified, 57 known impressions

Portrait of Gerta Schiele
Egon Schiele
Oil

Albuquerque No. 4 (1951)
Richard Diebenkorn
Photo: Estate of Richard Diebenkorn

Black Peacock, 1950
Alexander Calder

HANDMADE NEW ENGLAND GIFT LIST by ECO WRITER VICTORIA KLEIN

Allow me to introduce my guest writer and dear friend, Victoria Klein. Victoria is a fabulous person and a very talented published writer. She wrote an article about me in last November's issue of Yoga Journal.

Victoria is sharing her New England Handmade Holiday Gift List. Thank you Victoria!

Illustration above by Tara Hogan, INK+WIT

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Ahoy fellow Ink+Wit fans! My name is Victoria Klein & I’m a eco/healthy living writer, blogger, hobby photographer, long-time yogi, and author of the upcoming of 37 Things to Know About Yoga.

Tara has blessed me with the chance to share my quirky finds & perspectives with you as a guest blogger. I hope you enjoy my first post, featuring handmade holiday gifts from my current home - New England.

(1) DENDRITE BROOCH (Massachusetts)A truly unique & intriguing stainless steel brooch inspired by “the aggregate growth of coral and dendrite crystals.” It can be worn at any angle or orientation.
$50

(2) SET OF 2 WHITE GOURD BOWLS (Rhode Island)
Modeled after gourds from French Guiana, both bowls are perfect for fruits, nuts, spices, or jewelry.
$40

(3) NOVA MOBILE IN TROPICAL BLOOM (Massachusetts)
This beauty is available in numerous color collections, but this one in particular caught my eye. All of Wonderland Studio’s creations are modeled after astronomical entities & can be hung anywhere in your home (babies can’t have all the fun, no?).
$56

(4) CUPCAKE KEEPSAKE BOX IN CHERRY WOOD (New Hampshire)
An adorably quaint container for your bedside, made from solid cherry wood & hand-rubbed with oil to highlight the natural grain.
$45

(5) LITTLE WOOL HOUSE NO 1 (Maine)
This charming domicile is made from recycled wool suits, plus organic cotton thread and stuffing. Other than being painfully cute & a great year-round decoration, part of the house’s cost benefits the Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community.
$66

(6) TUFTED TITMOUSE IN SNOW 7x7 PRINT (Maine)
My heart is aflutter for this photograph (pun intended). Maybe if I hang this gem in my living room, I can evoke some hearty snowfall.
$24

(7) LARGE VEGAN WEEKENDER IN GOLDEN BROWN & BUTTERNUT (Massachusetts)
I carry a Pansy Maiden purse daily & have been lusting over adding another one of her canvas creations to my arsenal. This particular tote is truly large enough for a quick weekend trip or those uber-busy, heavy-toting weekdays.
$85

(8) SUSTAINABILITEE “PARADISE” V-NECK TEE (Maine)
Simple designs hand-printed on eco-friendly fabrics make for one very swank t-shirt collection. Add in the fact that each design supports a particular charity & you’ve for a recipe for sustainable style.
$43

(9) SET OF 4 BROWN/BLUE LEAF-PRINT COASTERS (Vermont)
There’s nothing like a cute set of colorful cork-bottom coasters to brighten up your day (and protect your furniture).
$9

holidays are here

Hi everyone! Hope you are having a great day and are filled with cheer. The holidays are upon us and often it is easy to get stressed out about food, gifts, decor, and plans. Relax, take a deep breath and be present. Be happy with loved ones and thankful for everything.

(I just did the illustration above this past weekend thinking how I much I love these Tonfisk pitchers and cups. Available at Velocity. )

BabyCakes NYC

BabyCakes NYC: Frosting Party! from BabyCakes NYC on Vimeo.

BabyCakes NYC: Some Baking Tips! from BabyCakes NYC on Vimeo.

Love those BabyCakes NYC. I can actually eat them to. Vegan, gluten free made with agave nectar. YUM!

These videos, especially the dance party one, made me laugh hysterical. These cupcakes are so good.

My Top Picks - NYC Vegan Raw Restaurants & Markets

Angelica Kitchen
212-228-2909 300 E 12th St @2nd Ave

Baby Cakes NYC
212-677-5047 248 Broome St. @ Orchard

Bonobos
212-505-1200 8 East 23rd

Caravan of Dreams
East 405 E 6th btwn. 1st & A Aves

Healthfully Organic Market
212-598-0777 98 east 4th st btwn 1st & 2nd ave

High Vibe Health and Healing
212-777-6645 138 E 3rd St @Ave A

JivamukTea Cafe
212-353-0214 841 Broadway, 2nd floor

live live and organic
212-505-5504 261 E 10th St

Organic Avenue
212-334-4593 101 Stanton St

Park Slope Food Co-op
718-622-0560 782 Union St, Brooklyn

Pure Food and Wine
212-477-1010 54 Irving Place @17th St.

Pure Juice and Take Away { One Lucky Duck }
212-477-7151 125 1/2 E 17th Street

Quintessence
646-654-1823 263 E. 10th St. (btwn. 1st and A)

Raw Soul
212-491-5859 348 W 145th btwn St. Nicholas & Edgecombe)

Souen
212-627-7150 28 East 13th St. btwn University and Fifth Ave. 212-807-7421 210 6th Ave. @Prince St.

INK+WIT Holiday Cards at Cardstore.com

My new collection of holiday cards is online at Cardstore.com. A great way to personalize your holiday greeting.

Cardstore.com is currently offering 15% off of any order minus postage or shipping.
Enter FRIEND15 (at checkout)

Lisa Cohen Photography

I love the subtle light and mood in Lisa's work. Lisa is based in Australia and has worked worldwide with photographers at British House & Garden and Vogue. Her images are solid in composition and fluid in light.

The Complex of All of These / Creating a Book

I admit, my eyes welled up while watching this video. It is such a true documentation of making a book. I have made small books before but never so many and of this size. It is a beautiful process. Making paper can also be very meditative.

This video was sent to me by my dear friend, Tim Willard, a talented writer at Trap Door Sun.

3000 photographs (-ish), 35 books, 2 months at the Women's Studio Workshop in Rosendale, NY. Ratatat made the music. www.pressejanvier.com