The Connecticut Home of Julie and Tom Murphy in Country Living

We were thrilled to see our dear friend's Julie and Tom Murphy's 18th century home in Country Living this month! Julie, a very talented stationery and fabric designer (and co-founder of Jack and Lulu) has a great sense of style and eye for antique shop finds. Her husband Tom, a Chief Creative Officer, also enjoys homes with that rough hewn character. They both have a beautiful ability to mix vintage and old world furniture with modern pieces. This amazing home was built sometime before 1780 in Kenyon, Rhode Island. It was luckily saved from demolition in the early 2000s by a preservation architect who disassembled the home plank by plank and then had it rebuilt in Darien, CT. It's truly a beautiful home! Sadly, the magazine didn't have the space to capture their backyard brood of chickens! Click here to see the whole story.

Cody Foster and Co.

It came to our attention yesterday that one of our vendors, Cody Foster, may have "knocked-off" the designs of small, independent artists. Cody Foster has been a valued business partner for years and we wanted to speak to them before making a decision about their place in our store. We contacted the company today, but were unable to get any information related to these accusations.

In light of their reticence to respond, and the clear examples of copy-cat items that have popped up online, we have submitted a request to cancel our Holiday purchase order from Cody Foster. We don't yet know if this request will be honored. In the meantime, we have removed all of our existing Cody Foster inventory from our website. We are disappointed that Cody Foster has not issued a statement, apology or explanation in response to the numerous blog posts and stories that have been written about them in the last 48 hours.

We feel lousy about the whole situation. We need to recoup our investment in inventory, but don't want to do that on the backs of hard working, talented artists whose work has been stolen. We started this company in deference to my Grandparents who were extremely talented artists in their day. We cannot, in good conscience, continue to work with a company who steals designs from artisans. It's just not right. We hope that Cody Foster acknowledges their transgressions, apologizes and pays the artists a royalty for any past shipments.  If they do, we will consider restoring their products to our site and resume our business relationship with them.  For now, though, you won't find their products on Orange and Pear.

Jennifer Hassell
Owner
www.orangeandpear.com

2014 is just around the corner!

It's hard to believe it's that time of year already, but we have our 2014 calendars in stock!  With a variety of beautiful designs from Snow & Graham, Paper Source, Rifle Paper Co., 1canoe2, Ecka and Pecka, we have something for everyone:  your mother-in-law, your child's teacher, your babysitter, yourself!  We have wall calendars, desk calendars, write-on calendars, oversized calendars - calendars of every shape and size that will appeal to everyone on your list.  Below is a sampling; we have many more online!

Rifle Paper Co. iPhone Cases

We found Rifle Paper Co. and were thrilled because it's a boutique stationery company that specializes in whimsical, hand-painted designs. Husband and wife team, Anna and Nathan Bond, founded Rifle in November 2009 and it is now one of the most exciting brands in stationery. Their vibrant, unique and colorful products appeal to all kinds of customers who appreciate both modern and timeless designs.

We love that Rifle Paper Co. is a small company and all their products are made in the US. Not to mention their use of FSC-certified paper stocks and environmentally responsible printing methods.  

We especially love their fabulous iPhone case designs and think they make a wonderful gift!  Available in 4/4S and 5 as well as in one additional design (pink ombre).  Which will you choose?

We LOVE Lotta Jansdotter's New Melamine Collection!

We have always been a fan of Lotta Jansdotter and her new melamine collection is simply divine! The patterns are perfectly simple in colors that fit with any decor. The shapes of the plates and bowls are unique and very organic. The collection is designed with the Scandinavian aesthetic that we love. You'll want to use these everyday, or for outdoor entertaining. If you were looking for a tasteful set of plates and tumblers for your kids, this collection is perfect!

The 5 reason why we love Leatherworks Minnesota!

The 5 reasons why we love Leatherworks Minnesota.

1. It's a family run company
2. The product is handmade in America.
3. The quality is amazing.
4. The prices are great.
5. Their stuff is just darn cool!

Perfect for Father's Day!

Tea Towel Love!

I love the new line called Studio Patro. The design aesthetic is amazing, the colors are muted and gorgeous. They are beautifully made (in America) and just get better with use. Use them to dry your dishes, wrap a baguette, protect your hands when holding a hot pan, wrap a bottle of wine, or to "decorate" your stove. We love objects that are beautifully designed and useful- they make perfect gifts! Watch this great video for some ideas!

Gorgeous New Chan Luu Scarves

I love a great scarf- there is something so comforting about it! Especially when it gets chilly at night in the spring or summer or on one of those cold, rainy days. They will dress up a plain top and add just the right amount of color pop to an outfit. I fell in love with these scarves from Chan Luu because they are subtle, sophisticated and in wonderful colors. Best of all they are lightweight, so they are perfect for summer and into fall.

Meet the Kelvin.23 Ninja Tool!

For those of you who can make and build things- I applaud and admire you because sadly, I do not have that talent! Meet Kelvin.23- the coolest all in one tool that you will love to own and give. We offer it in Ninja black and pink for you lady do-it-yourselfers! They both come in a fabulous gift / storage box. The design is all around excellent! Check out the video!

Cherry Blossoms!

We have this gorgeous Cherry Blossom Tree behind our house that blooms this time of year. It is simply spectacular! I have been collecting some tears over the years showing different ways to bring cherry blossoms into your home so I thought I'd share. How about that bright pink wall? Isn't that kitchen divine?

Happy Spring!

From Domino, 2009

Jazz up Your Table!

Of course as the weather gets warmer, we start thinking about spring parties again! Check out some of the new items we have for "jazzing up" your table! We have these fabulous disposable placemats from Plat du Jour. They are bold and so fun! These hand made vases from Jill Rosenwald are just divine! We love the graphic pattern and the gorgeous colors. Imagine how these will look with a bouquet of peonies in the center of your table. Kitchen Papers offers a sophisticated assortment of reusable paper placemat perfect for even your finest dinner parties! Back in stock are stock these lovely Bohemian bowls from Chehoma in gorgeous patterns and colors. They are perfect for cereal, soup or berries! Keep them out on your counter, they will make you happy. Guaranteed.

Lastly, these Thomas Paul "horse themed" plates were all the rage last fall as they were featured in Country Living's gift guide but they ran out of stock! They are perfect for year round indoor or outdoor use and we are so glad they are back in stock!

Designer Spotlight: Coral and Tusk

Coral and Tusk was founded in 2007 by Stephanie Housley and her husband Chris Lacinak. The name came from her love of beautiful objects found in nature. She also loves how the name coral and tusk represents both sea and land. Stephanie was trained at RISD in textile design and has a wealth of knowledge in textiles and art.  

Stephanie is inspired by her travels. She has been influenced by the colors and lifestyle of the American west, Himalayas and India. She has a special fondness for animals- especially the owl and the fox.  She grew up as an only child and felt that she had a connection to animals. She identifies with them. She finds them funny and loves the way they interact with each other. She often finds herself imagining what they would wear if they had clothes or how they would accessorize themselves! You can see these influences in her work. Her images are both beautiful and witty at the same time. She hand draws everything and then that design is created, stitch by stitch on the computer with extremely detailed specifications that she sends to India. Some of the embroidery is done there and then it is all hand finished in their Brooklyn office. Coral and Tusk is simply a wonderful company and we are just so inspired by her art. We've selected a group of our favorite framed pieces. Each one is embroidered on 100% linen and is framed in a white frame. We think some of these will look perfect in a child's room or in an old home. However, the simplicity of the white frame makes them perfect for a modern home too. Featured in Martha Stewart Living, Country Living, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and some well-known blogs such as Design Sponge and A Cup Of Joe. They are a force to be reckoned with and we are looking forward to seeing more beautiful works of art come from their gorgeous Brooklyn office.

Introducing Simple Things!

We love throws! For cold winter nights, beach bonfires or to brighten a couch. We love to snuggle in a good throw while reading a book, magazine or watching a movie. They are just so comforting and relaxing! We've been searching for some great lines and we just fell in love with Simple Things instantly. They are designed in Ireland and made in Peru of 100% baby alpaca or a an alpaca blend. They are lightweight (perfect for year round), warm, ultra soft and just simply beautiful!

Every Southerner Should Have . . .

a  Well-Stocked Gift Closet! We so agree!

Our Roost Dainty Champage Flutes are in the March 2013 Southern Living Magazine and yes, they make a great gift! We are currently out of stock but they are due in 3/7/2013!

Loving Cool Blues and Silver

Maybe it's all the snow on the ground or the desire to be sitting in front of an aqua colored ocean- but I'm loving cool aquas and turquoise mixed with silver right now!

To find my cool aqua and silver picks:

1. Nest Candle 2. Feather Bracelet 3. Aqua Vase 4. Tai Bracelet
5. Throw 6. Izola Flask 7. Lollia Soaps
8. Roost Vases 9. Ikat Scarf 10. Bkr Water Bottle
11. RabLabs Coasters 12. Peacock Soaps
13. JohnDerian Tray 14. Silver Glazed Bowl 15. Vine Ring

John and Kira's Praline Ladybugs in Everyday with Rachael Ray

Our John and Kira absolutely delicious Praline Ladybugs are in Everyday with Rachael Ray's March Issue! Send a little luck to your Valentine! Also, check out the Lovebugs- a combination of Praline Ladybugs and Honey Caramel Bees!

Happy 100th Birthday Grand Central!

Grand Central is truly one of my favorite buildings! I commuted into it every day for over 10 years and although the commute can get to be a bit of nuisance, I loved entering this building everyday. It's simply stunning! It was almost torn down and replaced with a skyscraper but thanks to many dedicated people (Jackie Kennedy, for one) and the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission, it was saved. This article from CNN has lots of great information on this great building. Check out the video of "flash mob" of sorts when over 200 people who just froze for 5 minutes- very cool!

Designer Spotlight- Paloma's Nest- a Love Story

I love handmade! I've been known to spend an obscene amount of time exploring Etsy and when I go to the gift show in NY, I love meeting with the many designers and artists and hearing their stories and perusing the pieces they've created. Caroline Colom Vasquez and her husband, Jose Vasquez-Corbalan are two amazingly talented artists. They've been working together since they met in Austin, Texas. Caroline is from Mystic, CT and Jose is from Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was "love at first sight." While dating, they'd discuss their passion for their craft, hers - ceramic and his- wood. Their dream was to run a business someday. They settled in Austin and made this dream a reality. Paloma's Nest was founded in 2007 and is named after their first daughter (Paloma which means "dove" in Spanish). Together they create heirloom pieces that will be cherished for years to come! We have two items from them- both white ceramic bowls. One is hand stamped with "I love you" with a gold edge and the other is stamped with "I carry your heart" with a silver edge, inspired by the beautiful E.E. Cummings poem (below). They both come in a lovely little box sitting in a straw nest. These are perfect gifts for the special person in your life or a friend, mother or daughter.

[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]

BY E. E. CUMMINGS

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in

my heart)i am never without it(anywhere

i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done

by only me is your doing,my darling)

                                                      i fear

no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want

no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)

and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Valentine's Day is Coming! Send Some Love!

http://www.orangeandpear.com/For-Her-Valentine-s-Day-s/419.htm