i’m a big fan of niche modern lighting and they’re having a HUGE sample sale this weekend. niche will be offering 50–70% off hand blown lighting and home furnishings. if you know their work you know that is one heck of a steal. so stop on by and say hi to co-founders mary welch and jeremy pyles- you can even go home with a 10% off coupon for any future lighting order. it’s a great deal so click here for more info and to get directions. [sale: december 16+17, 12-7, 258 e. third street at ave. c, 212-777-2101. cash and carry only please]

earlier this week i sat down with minhee and truman of paper + cup press. i’m a huge fan of their stationery line and was thrilled that they were able to talk to me about their company, their thoughts on running a small business, how they met and everything in between. click here to hear their full podcast. the podcast runs a bit longer than most because they had such valuable insight on running a small business and the debate between mass market and keeping things small. it’s definitely worth checking out.

[thanks so much to minhee and truman for taking the time to record the podcast!]

heather guidero’s ornaments just can’t be stopped: she’s sold out of two rounds of ornaments and she’s now produced a third and last version. the newest version is made with a variscite stone and is available right here for $26.

this is a must-visit. there’s not much more to say. if you’re in nyc tomorrow you’ve got to check out the gift on grand fair (33 grand sreet, brooklyn)- some of the greatest artists in the area will be selling home-made goods just in time for the holiday season. i’m even dragging ac, that’s how must-visit it is. click here for more info (sat, dec 15 from 11-8)…see you there!

lisa, stephanie and gerrie are setting up a wonderful online auction to benefit the kim family of doe. it’s such a thoughtful idea and a wonderful way to contribute to a good cause. there will be over 40 different artists contributing to the auction items in a wide range of media. you’ll find paintings, prints, ceramics, soft toys, jewelery, paper goods, home decor and more. 100% of the auction proceeds will go to the kim family fund. bidding begins january 3rd and ends january 7th. click here for a preview of the auction items in the coming weeks.

last week at h&g we passed around the january issue and checked out a new spread on chloë sevigny’s home. i expected lots of edge and “look at me” accessories. you know, something that said “i was in the brown bunny“. but when i opened the issue i was shocked to see a stylish, dare i say traditional connecticut-style townhouse. it turns out chloë is true to her ct roots and worked with a designer to create a classically beautiful home. there’s a gorgeous slideshow of her home (love that green wallpaper) and an even better video of the photo shoot on the h&g site. i love watching people pose so getting to see chloë toss her head back and forth while standing on a ladder was priceless. it’s definitely worth checking out- even though she lives a sort of movie-star life there are a lot of usable design tips to learn from her home.

just a quick update- heather guidero has added a few more of her branch ornaments to the d*s shop so they’re available right here for $20. also, theresa’s beautiful handmade holiday cards are available for $25 and would be perfect for those post-holiday thank yous we all have to send. and don’t forget there are 2 new versions of the a-light available from re-surface design right here for $100. click here for more information on the shop and the charity of the month, art start. happy holiday shopping!

yesterday i got an email from designer trine anderson who runs a small design company in denmark called ferm living. trine designs really beautiful wallpaper that combines bold graphic designs with bright pops of color. i’m nuts about the peacock pattern, but the entire collection is lovely. there’s plenty to see at ferm (including an adorable collection of acrylic ornaments) so click here to view the full collection. [thanks, trine!]

[i'm heading out for a bit so i'll be back with more posts at 2:30]