I got a lovely email from Franziska Henning regarding her line of hand-knotted rugs called Reuber-Henning. The rugs are made in Nepal and are designed by Franziska, a trained painter who employs a very illustrative style to the designs which are inspired in part by 19th-century German cutouts and Japanese woodblock prints. I especially loved the Story line of rugs featuring silhouettes of children playing. The Scenery line is so delicately illustrated. Very gorgeous and graphic work here.

Okay guys. Seriously I have found my new favorite gift web site. Violet offers gifts for very specific types of people you know. And not just any gifts. Distinctive gifts, people. The website design is so easy to navigate, not to mention designed exquisitely. Gifts are photographed gorgeously and the selection is so amazing. I can’t stop looking through this. I hope you all love it. (Thanks Bonnie, for introducing me to your wonderful business!)

Loved these pieces from Alex Woo. The assortment of jewelry offered is amazing… from typographic pendants to iconic shapes. I especially love the filgree delicacy of these pieces and how the cord is incorporated on the second piece shown above.

Swooooon. Ted Muehling. Ohhhhh Ted Muehling. I saw his gorgeous tabletop designs in last year’s Feeding Desire exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt (and in the museum’s shop) and then came across these photos for them on E.R. Butler. Everything he does is so graceful and is inspired by the graceful forms of rocks, shells, eggs and insects. Absolutely stunning. For those of you in New York, his store is downtown on Howard Street.

I was fortunate to able to snag the above print from artist Kim Beury’s Tiny Showcase submission and wanted to share her work with you all. Her website shows more of her stuff… loved all the cityscapes (and I was happy to get the print of the Silvercup Studios sign in Long Island City… I pass that every morning on my way to work.) and use of color.

Love these charm necklaces from Jennifer Fisher Jewelry. The necklaces are available as ready-made matched sets of charms or you can completely customize your necklace order. Personalize each charm by adding an initial or a word (as long as it fits.) and string ‘em up anyway you like. Each charm is made from 14k yellow, white or rose gold. I love the rustic rough shape and stamping on the flat charms and the lovely range of sculptural charms. (Via Outblush)

I am such a fan of dramatic spaces and Kelly is the Queen of dramatic spaces. I really loved her book and recently ran across her site via Abby and am so glad she pointed me in the right direction. Just opulent, dramatic spaces in the portfolio here… Amazing use of textures and color.

Rebecca of Moontree Press is over at the Design*Sponge guest blog talking about The Handmade Wedding for the next two weeks. She’s got two posts up already and both are chock full of fantastic and creative ideas. Be sure to keep reading all week. Please also be sure to check out her own blog which showcases the amazing letterpress work she does.

Melanie Carter from Lucky Paperie sent me a sweet email today to share her letterpress studio. Lovely work, great color sense and typography. I loved the variety of styles she shows. See the invitation portfolio here.

Went out shopping last weekend with the fabulous Leora and we stalked every Marc Jacobs store on Manhattan in search of sunglasses, rain boots and other such cuteness. I ended up grabbing the tote on the left… sturdy cotton canvas, roomy interior and super duper cheap at $12. Perfect size for shopping or going to the beach or as an extra bag on vacation. I also appreciated the roundabout type on the navy tote… very funny, Mr Jacobs. The similarly cute London tote is only available in the London store. These items are part of his Special Items collection which include a variety of inexpensive accessories such as plastic bangles, charm necklaces, key rings, and purse compacts.

A peek at the next GO! International line by Patrick Robinson is up now in the Press Room at Target.com. I really like this collection… it’s full of lots of great casual looks for summer. That brown swimsuit is great as are the dresses and that cute crochet tunic. The collection hits stores this May. Next up for Target? According to Radar, it’s Libertine. (via Fashionista.)

Edit Note: This collection will be available on Sunday, May 6.

Very minimal over at the Chloé show in Paris. Very simple silhouettes with a dark color palette plus some great oranges. Loved what designer Paulo Melim Andersson had to say about this new Chloé girl: “She’s angry, but funny-angry. A girl who steals from her mother. I want this to be young-young, with no tricks. Clean, but not minimal.”