Patterns and magnets- what could be a better combo? Everyone’s seen the alphabet fridge letters and the magnetic poetry kits by now, so it was quite exciting to see a departure from the norm at Mud Puppy’s booth this week. With a bit of styling help from my ShelterPop buddy, Amy Preiser, we were able to craft a new playful logo for Pattern Pulp. One of the best parts of the gift show is getting to touch and play with new product, and luckily for us, the ladies at Mud Puppy were more than generous when we hijacked their display. Be on the lookout for these decorative kits this Fall!

Skulls are everywhere. From J.Crew ties to baby carriage canopies to Stubbs and Wootton slippers, it’s clear that the punk iconography of the 80′s rock band era has earned a place in mainstream fashion today. As artists continue to reinterpret skull and bones every which way, it appears as though the trend continues to plow forward. Alexander McQueen’s most recent advertising campaign blends a slick skull into a floral background to sell women’s accessories. Sporting a similar (but more masculine) look, Pete Tong’s recent feature in Billboard Magazine proves any pattern can be applied, so long as the focal shape is acknowledged.

It’s hard not to love Barneys. From Simon Doonan’s infamous Madison Ave. windows to the snarky advertising and retail displays, this department store is one step ahead when it comes to forward fashion business practices. Once again, their warehouse sale has descended upon us and if you live in NY or LA, it’s not a bad idea to check it out. Everything from Thakoon dresses to Marni shorts to Vena Cava shirts are considerably discounted from Feb 11th – Feb 28th. Click here to find out more!

Over the next few days we’ll be rolling out various gift guides from a pattern point of view. Today we’re focusing on the little ones. Whether you’re in the market for your own kids, your friends kids or your beloved pets, we’ve got crafty ideas to inspire creative giving at every price point. Take a look and let us know what’s on your  list this holiday season!

1. ShapeMaker by Miller Goodman, $54

2. Organic Fun Dough, $15 and up

3. Doodles: A Really Giant Coloring and Doodling Book, $18.95

4. Bla Bla Tiger Doll, $36

5. And to Name but Just a Few, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, $12

6. Cheyenne Collar + Leash Set, $65 and up

7. Baby Jungle Dish Box Set, $34

8. Books to Bed: “Corduroy” PJ [...]

Over the past few months, we’ve jumped on the online sample bandwagon.  Though many of the wares from Gilt Group, Rue la la and One Kings Lane don’t necessarily bring us to hit the “purchase” button, today’s KUMA collection of teddy bears from Areaware, via One Kings Lane, have us in a buyer’s conundrum. This collection, designed by Ross Menuez, a Pattern Pulp favorite, is chock full of whimsically modern cuddly accessories.  Additionally, the collection is comprised of organic cotton and printed with soy-based ink. Aside from the markdown, ease of purchase, and environmentally friendly ethos, we’re certain these bears will put a smile on anyone’s face, young or old.

In our continued advocacy of helmet wearing, we’re spotlighting an age appropriate option for the young rider today.  This 5Boro Pigeon League helmet incorporates iconic New York imagery, specifically highlighting urban street life.  While this two color pattern translates perfectly for headgear, we strongly believe it could be used on other branded items if Triple Eight were open to expanding their product line.  We first noticed this helmet while waiting for a tune up at Metro Bikes, but it can also be found on Triple Eight’s website.

The creative work flowing from Beci Orpin’s Melbourne studio is incredible.  Just click on Orpin’s site and you’ll understand that her world of graphic design is more magical than most.  A menagerie of colorful mushrooms and fantasy-inspired silhouettes march across the screen with unabashed purpose, preparing the user for a unique mix of commercially friendly, widely applicable artwork.  While many are familiar with Orpin through her women’s clothing line, Princess Tina, she has recently closed the doors on this decade long endeavor in an effort to focus on other creative pursuits.  Check out our Q+A for a glimpse at Orpin’s creative process in addition to where you can find her creations in the coming season.

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PP:  What websites do you generally start your day with-do you have a daily routine for news/blog/information consumption?

BO: I don’t usually have [...]

So you’re talented and terrified of not staying relevant in the ever-evolving digital marketplace.  For the patternmakers out there working strictly by hand, you’re in luck if willing to expand upon your skill set. Orli Sharaby, the fashion editor for PSFK, recently forwarded us some uplifting news which she spotted on the blog, Fashion Biz Inc.  FBI just announced the launch of a brand new free program for unemployed patternmakers set to start at the end of April.  Courtesy of a grant provided by Microsoft Corporation, this special program offers free training to unemployed patternmakers who need to improve or enhance their computer skills in order to obtain full time employment.  Alternatively, if you’re a graphic designer looking to hop the fence onto the crafty side, the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn offer periodic patternmaking [...]

At the first sign of spring, bunnies start to emerge. This year’s been no exception, as countless prints and mediums have shared the unifying theme often associated with Easter.  The 2009 trend has appeared to take a refreshing left turn away from the usual pastel cuteness.  As seen in Bergdorf Goodman‘s windows last month, sophisticated gilded frames balance loose contour bunny portraits.  Jäniksen Vuosi’s rabbit toss for Marimekko‘s Autumn 09/10 collection presents a playful overlay of translucent silhouettes.

Cineplexx Picnic, a photo and design project by Pattern Pulp favorite, Alan the Gallant, collages rabbit profiles for the cover of their European music album.  Combining fantasy photography with real life story telling, Tim Walker’s UK Vouge photoshoot embraces the ideas of fertility, sexuality and femininity with the use of color, [...]

Though Pattern Pulp typically veers away from gimmicky marketing, the creative efforts made by New York’s Housing Works, shouldn’t go unnoticed.  Housing Works raises millions in yearly aid through their high-end thrift stores, selling discounted local merchandise in an effort to combat AIDS and community homelessness.  The next time your couch or sweater needs a home, consider calling this wonderful organization, as weekend sales events like Patternpalooza help keep the organizational wheels oiled.  Stop by the west village location this weekend for more info…and a cheetah sweater.