For the past few weeks I’ve been on the hunt for something I figured didn’t exist: patterned-upholstered ironrod chairs. I was convinced I’d have to refurbish an old set and take a trip north to Mood fabrics. Low and behold, two chairs surfaced last week, setting a new standard for diningroom seating. This children’s chair from Yoya on Hudson St. in the West Village presents an adorable option for patch-worked prints. Taking it up a few notches, Eva Presenhuber, a Zurich-based gallery owner reveals her Franz West diningroom set for the New York Times Home section. Whether you’re decoupaging or reupholstering, this look is fresh for any season. Hopefully the homewear houses will take note!

The last time we saw handwork like this was from Arpana Rayamajhi of Nepal. This time around it’s from Stephanie Webb of England, thanks to Amy Borrell of the wildly popular blog, All the Mountains. Webb’s latest roll of wallpaper is part of Anthropologie’s Fall ’10 collection and is beautiful, busy tribute to owls.

Chuck Anderson is a role model and self-made man. The renowned artist and designer got his professional start with his decision to forgo college. Over a decade later, Anderson’s built a flourishing career through dedicated self-promotion and stellar art work. Anderson’s website, No Pattern, has evolved into a library of photoshop wonderment with clients ranging from Google and Nike to ESPN and Absolut. Anderson’s first book, No Pattern, showcases his signature style of vivid lights with surreal glow. His second (and most recent) book, Wandering Off Into Space, shares a similar vibe with an up-t0-date evolution of his signature style. Check it out for an inspiring dose of color and light!

1. 1. The Alphabet Pop-Up in Sydney this weekend looks like fun! via The Design Files
2. 2. Adoring Victo Ngai’s illustration style via booooooom
3. 3. Love the feel of this wall treatment by Fabio Ongarato via Design You Trust
4. 4. A lovely and colorful look at Marimekko’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection via Yellowtrace
5. 5. Gorgeous installation by Matrin Bottger via reflexdeco
6. 6. How could we not love a block printed cake via Ready Made
7. 7. Adorable laser cut birds by Cole Gerst via My Love For You
8. 8. Gorgeous aerial photography that makes earth look like abstract art via Synaptic Stimuli
9. 9. Beautiful “EYE” tabletop collection by Sebastian Bergne for GAIA&GINO via Yatzer
10. 10. Not your everyday hangers via Street Hanger
11. 11. A calendar scarf that unravels as the days go [...]

While most have tied a neat bow around the gift fair and called it a day, our wrap up wouldn’t be complete without including the Paddywax booth. Granted it’s two weeks later, the creative stories, themes and art direction behind the product make it worth sharing. Just as fashion designers make mood boards, Gretchen Hollingsworth, the creative force behind this candle brand, applies a similar process when kicking off each new collection. After choosing a theme, be it the Journey of the Bee, Woodland or Library, the ingredients are combined, stories completed and graphics made to make a cohesive commercial package.

Our favorite collection follows the Journey of the Bee. Inspired by stops along a bee’s path to pollinate, the six fragrances – Clover, Rose, Orange Blossom, Wild Blackberry, Freesia and Raw Honey are poured into black [...]

Lisa Congdon was always creative growing up, but didn’t start painting until she was 33. Three years ago, she left a career as a leader in the education nonprofit world to pursue a long-held desire to live a full-time creative life.

Painting and illustration has since become a significant part of that life, along with co-owning and curating her store and art gallery, Rare Device. Lisa also eagerly dives into creative adventures, such as her popular Collection A Day 2010 Project, among a long list of other endeavors. Her kind and jovial nature shines though as she shares her creative life and adventures through her twitter feed, allowing her many followers a glimpse into the life behind the artist.

Coming from a region where city meets country, it’s easy to see how these Pedlars sleeping bags are such a great alternative to the norm. In keeping with her consistent reel of wonderment, Joanna Goddard of, A Cup of Jo, recently featured these patterned gems. Have a look on this UK site, as the collection’s a true throw back to childhood and a conversation starter for any upcoming camping trips.