As a kid, I learned that saying “Rabbit Rabbit” on the first of the month (I think it’s actually supposed to be the first thing you say on the first of the month) is good luck. This was before Wikipedia so I wasn’t quite sure if it was a random family tradition or a “real thing.” Fast-forward a few years and BAM: Wikipedia confirmed that I wasn’t the only person in America aware of this cute little superstition. Also, my friend the Cheese Monger confirmed it to be true. In celebration of February 1st here is a cute little rabbit ring to bring you good luck. I discovered designer Emilie Thomas on Boticca, a website collection of emerging jewelry designers. Enjoy!

Also on NotCot

Hello Monday.
Today’s company goes to show you that with a little imagination and heart, dreadful can be transformed into beautiful. Fonderie47 was created by Peter Thum (of Starbucks Ethos water) and John Zapolski. Together with designers Roland Iten and Philip Cangri, they take confiscated AK-47 rifles from the Democratic Republic of Congo and transform them into beautiful cuff-links, earrings, and rings.  This up-scaling process has removed more than 6,000 assault rifles from the nation and each purchase contributes to that number (one set of cuff-links = the destruction of 100 assault rifles).
Truly a splurge you can feel good about. Not only is the cause important, the message contained in each piece is a reminder that we all have the power to create good from bad, beauty from ugly and hope from despair.
Discovered on Inhabitat

Here’s a wonderfully creative idea from Sydney born Jewelry designer Dina Ochwada: fashion that literally grows on you!

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein tells the story of the endless love and generosity of a tree for its best friend. One Luv pays tribute with this truly innovative necklace, a living miniature cactus that literally grows on you.

Each Giving Tree comes with simple care instructions and is strung on a long 18K gold plated or silver plated chain. All it needs it love, light and a little water every month and watch these little marvels grow around your neck. When they grow up and need more space, you can twist open their little capsule and replant them in a pod.

The Living Giving Tree takes the concept of a one of kind to another level…a must have for environment lovers and fashionistas alike!

Available for sale at www.oneluv.com.au Like One Luv’s facebook page for regular updates on their latest creations www.facebook.com/OneLuv9

I love these… they’d make awesome gifts too!

I have to say, I’m not the biggest fan of this time of year. It’s not quite snow-on-the-ground winter, not quite warm enough to dress otherwise, and entire days can pass where I don’t see sunlight. With fun trips, boxing lessons (like actual boxing lessons) and a good winter soundtrack (don’t you love Metric? I have them on repeat…) I am trying to adjust my outlook on these ripe-for-hibernation months.  I want this winter to POP.

Speaking of popping (bowing for the awesome transition) don’t you love these Pop-Out Earrings from Melissa Borrell Design? Awesome design from this RISD grad.

About:

Blurring the lines between art and design, Melissa Borrell’s work explores the ideas of space, perception, color and form through jewelry, innovative product designs and sculpture, challenging the definitions that divide these categories.

A native Texan, Melissa has lived in many cities around the globe.  She opened her jewelry design studio in San Francisco in 1999.  Receiving an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design in 2005, she established Melissa Borrell Design to present her unique visual style and ideas to the world.  The Austin-based studio is recognized as one of the top young design companies in the country.

I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions, but ’tis that time of year again.

I have been all over the place for the last few years for obvious, undisclosed, reasons. With all of the craziness behind me, it’s definitley time for a fresh start. I guess my goal/ focus/ resolution for 2012 is to sort of focus on what matters and downsize… the principle works just as well on the physical as it does the mental. Par example: I recently cleaned out my closet to discover I own about 15 black pencil skirts– totally unnecessary. . . <<contrast>>  I recently had a conversation with a relatively old friend who is always good for a laugh, but upon closer inspection is actually just kinda sleazy and needy. Shneedy. Bottom line? If I get rid of the skirts that don’t fit, I’ll get rid of clutter, spend less time trying on in the morning and won’t resort to wearing things that don’t don’t fit correctly. If I get rid of the shneedy friend (I seriously doubt he reads this, and even if he does, he won’t get it) I’ll have more time for the people who count.

Downsize!

Another thing I could resolve to work on next year is my general aversion commitment. Lucky for me, Tattly makes a strong argument for the temporary! I love these creative, artist driven temporary tattoos. Buy one set for $5 or get a subscription (new tats in your mailbox every month) for $60.

Your plans for 2012?

Everybody knows that your eyes are the window to your soul . . . this is especially true in the winter, as sometimes they’re the only actual part of you showing (behind puffy coats, scarves, hats, hoods, etc.) This NYE (or insert another fancy holiday occasion here ), adorn your gorgeous peepers with these cool paper eyelashes from PAPERSELF. I love these! I am always a fan of fun little accessories that make a huge impact. More about the eyelashes:

Inspired by the art of Chinese paper-cutting, Eyelashes blend an element of traditional culture with contemporary design.Intricately cut and delicately pretty, Eyelashes are now available in 11 styles, each infused with symbolic meaning rooted in Chinese culture:

Horses: symbolic of success
Peony: for happiness and good fortune
Peach blossom: a symbol of love and romance
Peacock: auspicious and lucky days
Butterfly: free, beautiful and sensitive
Clown: bring the whole happiness

Unique and expressive, Eyelashes come in two sizes: accentuate the corners of your eyes with the smaller lashes for a subtle daytime look, or make a statement with the full lashes for a special occasion.

Your thoughts?

Buy online here. I forget where I saw this first, when I remember I promise I will give credit!