CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Cool Idea: Kitchen Legos

casasugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:30:11 -0800

In these tough economic times, we all have to do a little penny-pinching. For some, that means cooking at home instead of dining out, steering clear of the shopping mall, doing DIY projects on the weekends, or even making your own firestarters. But even DIY projects cost money sometimes. So, how do you make something from nothing? You look in your kid's toy box, of course. Instead of shopping for accents, Evil Mad Scientist made some kitchen accents like bowls, napkin holders, vases, and utensil holders out of Legos! Resourceful, huh? As grown-up kid, who loves Legos, Playmobil, and Barbies as much as she did when she was 6, I can't get enough of this project.

Source

Nice and New: Brocade Home Brushed Metal Vase

casasugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:00:22 -0700

We discussed last week how Brocade Home is back, but with little fanfare and no new Fall collections to show for all the time it spent on its grand vacance this Summer. But, I did notice something nice, new, and appropriate for Fall in the shop. The oversized Brocade Home Brushed Metal Vases ($129) in high-gloss bronze have a warmth that faces off with the rapidly decreasing temperatures these days. At 22 to 30 inches high, they're also statement pieces that will demand attention whether or not you fill them with fresh flowers. If bronze isn't for you, though, they're also available in silver. What do you think?

What You're Wanting Revealed: A Room For This Vase

casasugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:00:59 -0700

Since I first posted this challenge, my love for the Charles Catteau Deer Vase ($3,900) has only grown. Created in 1925 in Belgium, its brilliant colors and crackled surface are decorated with four deer. Its unusual appearance is just begging for a room to be decorated around it, don't you think? For this last What You're Wanting, I wanted to know how you'd decorate a room to complement this vase.

Cocochic designed a chic, subdued bedroom for the vase. She writes, "The ivory color of the vase is echoed in the linens with blues on the bed and in the art work. A deep purple throw and deep woods add dimension to the room. With glass and metal side tables and metal lamps with black shade, the room has a bit of glamour. I would put the vase on the dresser with some white orchids in it."

Congrats to Cocochic, who wins the CasaSugar schwag of her choice for her cool look!

For another cool look,

What You're Wanting: A Room For This Vase

casasugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:00:49 -0700

I am absolutely in love with this Charles Catteau Deer Vase ($3,900). Created in 1925 in Belgium, its brilliant colors and crackled surface are decorated with four deer. Its unusual appearance is just begging for a room to be decorated around it, don't you think?
For this week's What You're Wanting, I want to know how you'd decorate a room to complement this vase. Would you use blues? What room would you choose? What type of textiles and furniture would work with this unique vase? Add all the finds to your ShopStyle Living stylebook, and create a look tagged with the phrase deer vase. Private message me if you have any questions. Oh, and as extra incentive, I'll give some Sugar schwag away to my favorite look!
Source

Cool Idea: A Colander As a Vase

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:00:44 -0700

I recently polled you on your love for Todd Oldham's ice cream cone carnation floral arrangement, and you were pretty split on it. I on the other hand was not a fan; although in general, I feel that the world-renowned designer can do no wrong. Today is no exception to that notion, though. Oldham has created another arrangement for FTD, the Todd Oldham Green Salad ($79.99), this time using a colander as a vase. I adore this innovative use of a colander, not only for its good looks but because it is something everyone can achieve. Of course, it helps to have a vibrant, kelly green colander to perk things up, but I love it regardless of color. It's also a great housewarming gift, as the colander can be used in the kitchen once the arrangement falls by the wayside. Love it?

Steal of the Day: Signals Three Rose Vases

casasugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

I would never call Signals a go-to retailer for home décor products, but every once in a while they sweep me off my feet with a great steal. This time, it's Signals Three Rose Vases ($32, reduced from $59), three vases adorned with rose blooms in cream, chartreuse, and mint. Not only is a set of three vases for 30 bucks an incredible deal, but the vases share a remarkable similarity with the Roost Porcelain Flower Vase ($68-$96), a design I've been fawning over for some time. Each leaf and petal on the vases is hand-shaped and applied, making them very delicate and feminine, but their fresh colors keep them contemporary. What do you think?

DIY: Floral Foam Vase

casasugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0700

If you read Casa regularly, you've probably noticed that people are making vases out of almost anything these days (pipes, plastic bottles, honeycomb, light bulbs). Quite frankly, a makeshift vase (coffee can, glass bottle) is not the hardest DIY. But, when I came across a DIY from ReadyMade for a vase made from floral foam that was cheap, easy, and most importantly, water retaining, I was pretty impressed. You'll probably find most of the supplies needed for this project in your house, too; who can argue with that?
Supplies:

Floral foam
Wax pellets or standard white candles
Baking paper
Cookie sheet
Toothpicks
Long, sharp knife
Cookie cutter or jar lid
Double boiler
Coffee can, slightly flattened to form a spout
Aluminum foil

To learn the steps,

How-To: Decorating With an Ornate Vase

casasugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:57 -0700

Sometimes an ornate vase is just what an interior is asking for. The beautiful colors and patterns of this Tuscia d'Arte Vase ($165) from Emilia Ceramics are stunning on their own. But what's the best way to accessorize with such a complex ceramic object? Take a look at some of my suggestions.

Choose one accent color from the vase and pick a bouquet made up of a single color that reflects that color palette. For instance, the orange accents on this vase suggest tiger lilies as an appropriate choice.
Forgo the flowers and choose peacock feathers instead.

To see some other suggestions, and to leave one of your own,

Summer Style: Sea Urchins Vase and Votive Holder

casasugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:30:33 -0700

For many of us, what comes to mind when we think of summery décor is beach themes — shells, nautical elements, fish — the kind of Summer style that's been done before a million times, and not well. But your home needn't be a souvenir of your last vacation to Pensacola; there are sea-life accents out there that didn't actually wash up on the shore. I just came across the Global Table Urchin Votives ($12-$22), and was really won over by their life-like shapes and delicate, white, bone china. Then, I remembered the Roost Glass Sea Urchin Vases ($8-$12). I think the two would go particularly well together; I'd love to see a small arrangement of them on a side table. I also don't think they need be reserved solely for your Summer interiors; they're discreet enough to leave around the whole year through.

Cool Idea: Petal-Filled Vase

casasugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:00:20 -0700

I'm not a flower snob. Pick a couple of wildflowers from alongside the Interstate and toss them in a Starbucks Frappuccino cup, and I'll be just as happy as if you'd charged a floral masterpiece to your Black card. But I do appreciate a little innovation when it comes to flower arrangements. And sometimes, it's not thinking outside the box that brings about innovation, but rather, inside the vase. The Kartell Pantagruel Vase by Phillipe Starck ($198) was re-imagined here, filled to the brim with pink hydrangea, highlighting its feminine curves. This new genre of bouquet can be achieved with any flowering plant, dried or fresh, and works best with a clear glass vase with a nice shape. Try it with grasses for a more masculine arrangement.
Source

Love It or Hate It? Kiki Vase

casasugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Described as "surprising, surreal, and sublime," the Kiki de Montparnasse Vase ($350) is definitely, um, lady friendly. Do you love?

Love It or Hate It? Kiki Vase

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

DIY: Magnetic Vase

casasugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:30:59 -0700

I came across a DIY video for lanky magnetic flower vases on Curbly that was so magical and simple I decided to transcribe it for you. Essentially, by slipping a metal plate under your table, you can fool your dinner guests into thinking your wobbly, skinny vase (with a magnet butt) can stand up on its own. You can find all of the supplies at your local hardware store.

Supplies

One sink water line extender/thin metal pipe to use as the vase stem
A metal sheet to use as a base
A hack saw
Superglue

To learn the steps and see the video,

Etsy Find: Sara Paloma Large Bone Vase

casasugar — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 05:15:24 -0700

If you're shopping for a timeless wedding gift for a modern couple, the Sara Paloma Large Bone Vase ($150) might be just the thing. Its stacked teacup-like construction and stained brown carved edges give it a very feminine and organic appeal, while its matte white coloring guarantees it'll fit into any home. If this one's not for you, Bay Area artist Sara Paloma has a large selection of gorgeous handmade pottery including votive holders, vases, bottles, bowls, and sculptural pieces. Though certainly not something you'll find on a registry list, Paloma's stoneware pieces are sure to impress.

Artist of the Day: David Wiseman

casasugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:30:48 -0700

David Wiseman works in a variety of mediums including wood, porcelain, crystal, and bronze, and is inspired by the subtleties in nature, like the texture of bark or the pattern of moss growing on a rock. His designs, which can be found on a tabletop, wrapped around a fireplace, or dangling from the ceiling, highlight these organic details, and bring a romantic, Sleeping Beauty-esque woodland quality indoors. His bronze branches, which sprout porcelain blossoms, are kindred spirits of midcentury bronze wall sculptures, but have a timeless sophistication that supersedes them. His deer head-shaped hat hangers bear the childlike playfulness of Rudolph, white still maintaining a distinct maturity. To continue your introduction and see some of his work,

Love It or Hate It? Paul Loebach Vase Space

casasugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:15:42 -0700

The Paul Loebach Vase Space (inquire for price) integrates three removable vases that flow smoothly into the table top and is said to be "inspired by American Federal furniture and the obsessive nature of neo-classicism." I personally find it enchanting, and functional! Do you love it, or is it too untraditional for you?

Love It or Hate It? Paul Loebach Vase Space

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

DIY: Rub-On Vase

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:45:29 -0700

If your kitchen cabinets can be mistaken for a 1-800-Flowers inventory shelf full of plain glass vases, it may be time to spice them up a bit and put them to work. This project will help you transform the run of the mill to something that's distinctly you (and a bit Tord Boontje, too). Or, if you're just looking for a bulk of inexpensive yet elegant vases for your wedding, perhaps, this is the DIY for you. You can pick up the supplies (vases included) at your local crafts store, and get your rub on!

Supplies:

Clear, glass vase
Glass cleaner and paper towels
Rub-on transfers (online sources: Two Peas in a Bucket and Lifetime Moments)
Scissors
Burnisher tool (popsicle stick will do)

To learn the steps,

Cool Idea: Edgy Porcelain

casasugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:00:45 -0700

If you haven't noticed, I'm anticipating a trend here, with my coverage of alternative crochet work, subversive lace, and now, edgy porcelain. It's as if a punk-rock grandchild raided her grandma's attic and added some 'tude to traditional, feminine styles.

The Brooklyn-based designer Sarah Cihat did just that when she asked metalsmith Michael Miller to dress up the hand-cast porcelain bowls and vases from her new Dirt collection. Using copper and brass chainwork, Smith's metalwork adds an unexpected touch of edginess to Cihat's designs, and I love the results.

Source

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

casasugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:29:43 -0700

. . . would you splurge for this Philippe Starck Vase Suspension Lamp ($3,260)?

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

Definitely!

Maybe, if I could find a compelling reason to hang vases from my ceiling.

No way, not me.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Bringing the Outdoors In: Bubble Wall Vases

casasugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:00:23 -0700

Once all of those flowers start blooming in your garden, you'll need a few more vases to display them. I think that this Bubble Wall Vase ($59 for a set of three) is the perfect solution for your flower decorating needs. Each glass vase is hand blown into a modern bubble shape, with a small hole on the back. Perfectly minimalistic, and perfectly pretty.

Love It or Hate It? Transglass Recycled Vase

casasugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:00:31 -0700

The Transglass Recycled Vase (starting at $38 each) was designed by Emma Woffenden & Tord Boontje, and is made from recycled wine and beer bottles. Do you love it, or does it look too much like a frat house decorating strategy to you?

Love It or Hate It? Transglass Recycled Vase

Love It

Hate it

Undecided

DIY: Self-Watering Recycled Vase

casasugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:30:22 -0700

This DIY will show you how to make a planter from nearly all recycled (and free) products which will pretty much water itself. Without giving them much attention, you can grow your own herbs, flowers, or other plants. You can continue to re-use the planter, or simply recycle it when you're finished. If you don't like the look of the plastic bottle on your windowsill, you can always cover a recycled tin with some decorative paper, and slip in the planter for a look that's more your style.

Supplies:

1 plastic soda bottle (2 or 3 liter)
Newspaper, aluminum foil, or a bit of a black plastic bag
Twine
A drill or hot wire (to make a hole in the bottle cap)
Certified organic potting mix
A sharp knife (to cut the bottle)
Seeds

To learn the steps,

Casa Quickie: Sayonara Adhesive Residue

casasugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:30:06 -0700

Has the label on your brand new uterus vase left you with a sticky residue that's not so pretty? If you have one handy, you can scrape away the adhesive with a craft blade, but that could potentially scuff up your fab new home accessory. A simpler solution, though, is to rub the residue with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. That should kick the stick instantly. Then, you can focus on explaining to your guests why you bought a uterus vase in the first place . . .
Source

Love It or Hate It? Uterus Vase

casasugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:00:07 -0700

The Uterus Vase (email for price) made by The Plug and Stéphanie Rollin is a limited edition of twenty pieces, all lacquer and varnish upon a resin core. I have no words. Do you? Source

Love It or Hate It? Uterus Vase

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Steal of the Day: Birch Vases

casasugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:30:49 -0700

Get in on the latest trend by picking up these Signals Birch Vases ($32.95), which are on sale now. These vases aren't made of real birch bark; they're actually cast resin. But, they do a good job of fooling you, right? Fill them with a fresh bouquet, some dried flowers, or spray paint a handful of twigs in bright white for a permanent display. I'm not sure if this birch trend will stick (pun intended) around, but time will soon tell, huh? Luckily these vases aren't a huge investment. Not as much as, say, trendy mirrored furniture.

DIY: Etched Glass Vase

casasugar — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:59:53 -0700

If your boyfriend is a sweetheart, or just a guilty bouquet giver, you may be stuck with an army of plain glass vases that you'll never use. Don't clog up your cabinets, put 'em to work by giving them a fresh new look that you love, and drop some subtle hints to your man that they need not sit empty. This easy DIY will liven up your plain glass vases with a pattern that screams "you," not "1-800-Flowers."

Supplies:

Glass vase
Frosted-glass spray
Masking tape
Marker/pen
X-acto knife

To learn the steps,

Casa Craving Recap: Verdant Vases

casasugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:00:19 -0800

For this past week's Casa Craving Challenge, I asked you to hunt down and bookmark your favorite green vases. They could be simple and small or big and intricate. The vases didn't have to be completely green, as long as they had some green tones or green designs within the vases. I was especially fond of the small leaves vase ($65) that Mamafog bookmarked (in the picture above). Take a look at the widget below for the rest of the excellent finds.

Coolest Idea: Honeycomb Vase

casasugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:00:19 -0800

Tomás Gabzdil Libertiny did not make this vase. He "collaborated" with an army of 40,000 bees to make it. Instead of using a traditional artificial beehive, Libertiny designed a vase-shaped mold for a beehive, and gave his busy bees one week to work their sweet magic. The process, which he calls "slow protyping," pushes the boundaries of conventional design and completely reinvents something which has forever been man-made. I think my excitement over honeycomb has reached its maximum; it cannot get any better than this.

Source and Source

Casa Craving Challenge: Verdant Vases

casasugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:15:37 -0800

I'm all about the color green lately. Maybe it's because I'm excited about all of the budding trees and green vines in my neighborhood, or maybe my eyes are seeking relief from all of the gray skies that have hovered over me this Winter. Whatever the reason, I'm all about that verdant, grassy hue. And since I'm eager to prune a few more of those quince blossoms and stick them in vases, I'd like to find a few new green vases to display the branches in.

That's why for this week's Casa Craving Challenge, I'm asking you to hunt down and bookmark your favorite green vases. They can be simple and small, like the one in this photo taken by Irene Suchocki, or big and intricate. The vases don't have to be completely green, as long as they have some green tones or green designs within the vases. Just make sure they're something you like! Show me all of your fab finds by creating Casa Cravings and tagging them with the phrase verdant vases. I'll feature the results next Wednesday, Mar. 5. Please let me know if you have any questions.

For a list of online home stores to try,

Steal of the Day: Recycled Aluminum Bark Vases

casasugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:30:31 -0800

I love birch bark, and while it's often used rather unsuccessfully in rustic cabin decor decisions, I don't find anything unrefined about these Recycled Aluminum Bark Vases ($77-118, originally $110-169). Made by artisans who mold recycled aluminum into these nature-inspired columns, the vases are sturdy and strong, yet look as delicate as the original material they took their inspiration from. While I love the look of the flowers in this photo, I'd also want to take advantage of the vases' irregular holes, which have been intentionally cut high into the vase for displaying branches, grasses, or thin-stemmed flowers.

Love It or Hate It? Portrait of a Flower Outline Vase

casasugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:15:06 -0800

Does this vase have a place in your love shack? This Portrait of a Flower Outline Vase ($48) is an airy and clever interpretation of a vase. From the Museum of Modern Art, the vase is a unique way to display a single bloom without interrupting the space around it.

Love It or Hate It? Portrait of a Flower Outline Vase

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Etsy Find: Modern Porcelain Vase

casasugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:00:27 -0800

As Shoshona Snow says, her Modern Porcelain Vase ($2 is "modern, eye catching and just too cute to pass up." It's clearly inspired by mid-century designs, and also has a wonderful, tactile quality. I love its cool olive-y green color, clean lines and smooth curves. Perfect for your favorite fresh flowers, or as storage for that unnecessary collection of kitchen spatulas. Check out Shoshona's shop for other one-of-a-kind ceramics in vibrant turquoise, deep rose pink, cool cobalt blue, and juicy orange colors.

Steal of the Day: Crate and Barrel Red Reactive Vase

casasugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 05:03:00 -0800

The Red Reactive Vase ($7.50, regularly $14.95) will add a warm burst of color to a dark and chilly January. This small, graceful shape has an Asian-inspired design, and is coated with a unique, reactive glaze finish in fiery red and earthy browns. Made of clays, feldspar and silica, this vase is for decorative use only, but that shouldn't prevent you from filling it with dried flowers. I think some lovely strawflowers in reds and oranges would look great in this. Due to the glazing, you should hand wash this pretty little object.

Steal of the Day: Blue Circuit Vase

casasugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:30:04 -0800

On its own or paired with other vases, the simple stripes of this notNeutral Blue Circuit Vase ($6), based on the pattern of a printed circuit board, create big impact. To see my suggestions on where to put these pretty vases, just

Steal of the Day: Carlo Moretti Vase

casasugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:15:41 -0800

The Carlo Moretti Vase ($33.60) is a two-toned, hand-colored glass vase available in an assortment of colors. Each vase is unique (but about 5 inches tall) so you must specify the color scheme you're looking for. It would make a cheerful housewarming gift for a friend, or provide a much-needed punch of color in a plain vanilla room in your personal abode. I love how they look all together. What color would you choose?

Love It or Hate It? Shiva Flower Vase From Unica Home

casasugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:00:16 -0800

This is one of those home items that I feel compelled to post about — not because I think it will improve your life (I really don't think the sheep's head chair provided much enlightenment to any of you). It's just that the item is so bizarre, I can't help but tell you about it. Like this Shiva Flower Vase from Unica Home ($142). The catalog description reads as follows:

The Shiva Vase is one that will inspire conversation. This vase is one that can help break the tension in a room, and make guests wonder why you have it, where you got it, and what sort of ideas it implies. Made of a pink glazed ceramic, Shiva gets its name from the traditional destroyer of the world. You can take it from there.

Ahem. Yes. You can take it from there.

Love It or Hate It? Shiva Flower Vase From Unica Home

Love it.

Hate it.

Undecided.

Etsy Find: White Notes 3-D Flower Vase

casasugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:12:30 -0800

This White Notes 3-D Flower Vase ($19) is a much cheaper version of the Porcleain Flower Vase ($9 I've been seeing in all the design shops lately. It's handmade of fine bone china, and reinterprets vase shapes of the 1790's by using a white finish to create a modern look. I think the tulip design is so beautiful on its own that it really doesn't even need fresh flowers. Although...who can argue with fresh flowers?

Source

Love It or Hate It? Bic Pen Vase

casasugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:00:25 -0700

You've heard of blown glass, but how about blown plastic? These Giffin' Termeer Daisy vases ($19) are made from upcycled Bic pens that are heated until their plastic becomes malleable, and then blown into a bulbous shape.Source

Love It or Hate It? Bic Pen Vase

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Crave Worthy: Fluke Love Is Blind Vase

casasugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:39:47 -0700

I love having fresh flowers in my house, and I prefer to display them in simple vases so as not to overpower the natural beauty. Not only does this Fluke Love Is Blind Vase ($87) have a stunning, understated grace, but it's also cleverly and subtly romantic. Designed by Jessica Lertvilai, the earthenware vessel features text from love letters etched in Braille on the sides.

Love It or Hate It? Growing Together Shelf with Tube Vases

casasugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:54:48 -0700

There is a lot going on in this Growing Together Shelf with Tube Vases at Wrapables ($68.95). The wall shelf, designed to hold books or CDs, features three bud vases being "watered" by figures of a man and woman.

Love It or Hate It? Growing Together Shelf with Tube Vases

Love It

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Definition: Urn

casasugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:05:55 -0700

Do you put your vase on a pedestal? If so, it might be an urn instead. An urn is essentially an over-sized vase that's mounted on a stand.

Different types of urns are used in a number of ways in home decorating: Very ornate designs are often displayed as art, and they can also be used as planters both inside and outside. You'll also find urns in buffet lines and dining rooms; when equipped with spigots, they are used to serve coffee and other beverages.

Source

Crave Worthy: Serralunga Missed Tree Vase

casasugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 07:35:53 -0700

Similar to the Interior Weeds Planter, this clever vase replicates an iconic image from nature and brings it indoors to your table top. Striking a silhouette reminiscent of a cypress tree, the Serralunga Collection Missed Tree Vase, designed by Jean Marie Massaud, comes coated in red, white, or black lacquer. I personally love the clean look of the white, though you'd have to find the perfect plant to fill it.

via Notcot

Love It or Hate It? Michael Anastassiades Bronze Ball Vase

casasugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:56:43 -0700

I am a pretty terrible bowler, but this Michael Anastassiades Bronze Ball Vase ($2,500) is a bowling ball I can get behind. The sculptural piece is made from weighty bronze and offers a very dramatic way to display a single flower. What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Michael Anastassiades Bronze Ball Vase

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Love It or Hate It? Interior Weeds Planter

casasugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:54:20 -0700

This tabletop planter, created by Dutch designer by Arwin Caljouw, is designed to echo the look of weeds growing through the cracks in a sidewalk. I think it's incredibly clever and also very chic. What do you think?via Labour of Heart

Love It or Hate It? Interior Weeds Planter

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Crave Worthy: Uma Chalkboard Vase

casasugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:52:09 -0700

Since you guys like the idea of decorating with chalkboard paint so much, I have to share these great Uma Chalkboard Vases ($40) I just found. Available in three sizes (with chalk included!), the playful containers let you scribble messages or draw pictures on the sides. I could see myself using them in the guest room to offer welcome messages along with the fresh flowers I set out. How would you use them?

via Uncrate

Love It or Hate It? Richard Swanson Gemini Vase

casasugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:30:55 -0700

This limited-edition Richard Swanson Gemini Vase ($770) nods to "the twins" Zodiac sign in smooth terracotta. I like the concept but not the execution. Even if it weren't a rare (only 22? am I reading that right?) and expensive piece, I don't think I'd buy it. What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Richard Swanson Gemini Vase

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Crave Worthy: Urban Peel Vase2Face

casasugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 06:00:24 -0700

You know that famous optical illusion, where two profiles combine to form the shape of a vase? If so, you'll chuckle at this Urban Peel Vase2Face ($32). Look closely, and you'll see that the curvy lines of the vase form the outline of a face in profile. It's so utterly cool I can't believe the ceramic piece is such a bargain.

For about $150, you can also turn any profile of your choosing — yours, your grandma's, your child's — into a custom-made vase. Just follow the instructions for submitting a profile at Turn Your Head, and the company will craft a wooden "pirolette" of your profile from walnut, cherry, or maple.