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New York International Gift Fair: Still Green - Part III
ART AND ROOM DÉCOR A IS FOR ART Homebase: Larchmont, NY CREATOR: Claudia Kandel. ARTISTS: The A is for Art Collective Sizes vary; Wholesale prices: $50-$149.50 Theme: "Growing up with great art" Kandel commissions artists "whose work is sophisticated, fun and original." The artists reference the animal world in bright, playful images. The works have a one-of-a-kind look, but they're created using the "Giclee" printmaking method. The technique begins with an original piece of art that's printed one at a time on canvas then hand-stretched onto a frame. Only an artist would know the finished item is a multiple. Those who want an original can commission the artist to create a piece to their specifications.
Favorites: "Jungle Party" by Stacey Wyman-Posnett draws a child into the jungle where a tea party is under way.
The simple orbs and gleeful spotted dog in "Polka Dogs" by Lisa Williams will delight a canine loving kid. Tel: 914-380-6413 E-mail: contact@aisforart.com
AMIGOS BY VACAVALIENTE Homebase: Weston, FL DESIGNER: Pedro Reissig Wholesale prices: $5.95-$37 Theme: MOMA-worthy animal shapes crafted from recycled leather - with a practical side. These simple animal shapes have pouches to hold pencils, paper clips and anything else that clutters a child's desk. They're available in several colors and textures to match the décor.
Favorites: The dog is great, but I'm just as enamored with the lizard, piggy, bunny, kangaroo…. Tel: 954-349-0389 E-mail: pbombardi@vacavaliente.com
LITTLE GLAMOUR Homebase: Buenos Aires, Argentina DESIGNER: Beatriz G. Laino Sizes: Infant to 3 years, 3 years and up; Wholesale prices: $4.99 Theme: "No more scary monsters. The Little Glamour collection gives parents and children nicer memories of their closets." Each of the 66 styles of hangers - illustrated with animals or objects - is made of eco-friendly Radiata pine, a recycled wood that releases a sweet aroma. The hangers are labeled with a concept tag and arrive in a pretty linen bag.
Favorites: The "Doggie" is especially user friendly. Bettina Garibaldi, sales representative Tel: 917-744-5286 E-mail: Bettina@littleglamour.com
MK & COMPANY Homebase: Sebastopol, CA DESIGNERS: The MK & Company design team Sizes vary; Wholesale prices: Approximately $7.95-$19.50 Theme: Whimsical keepsakes and room décor Gingham, sweet illustrations and delicate pastel coloring define this collection of photo albums, keepsake boxes and original art.
Favorites: The "Welcome New Baby Box" comes with a "clothes line" for hanging all the pertinent information: Date and time of birth, weight and height. There's plenty of room inside the frame for the gifter to write a special message. This is a "can't-go-wrong" present. Tel: 866-232-3500 E-mail: info@mkandco.com
OOPSY DAISY, FINE ART FOR KIDS Homebase: San Diego, CA FOUNDER: Karen Capp Various sizes; Wholesale prices: $18-$133 Theme: Stylish children's art by a collective of talented artisans The Oopsy Daisy collection of richly illustrated printed canvases has something for all styles of décor.
Favorites: The edgy "Speed Demon" by Aaron Christensen and Steve Haskamp's gleeful "Animal Parade" are two examples of the range of looks available. Tel: 877-640-6649 E-mail: kcapp@oopsydaisy.com
DISHWARE SKIP HOP Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNERS: Ellen and Michael Diamant Palette plate price: $42 (3-pack); extra palette bowls $12 (3-pack) Theme: The new " 'Palette Plate' makes every meal a work of art." The Diamant's products are must-haves for modern parents who want practical kids' products with contemporary flair.
Favorites: The palette shaped item has a skid-resistant base that keeps it in place at meal time. Included are three drop-in bowls with plastic cover for storage and microwaving, and there's a skid-resistant area for a cup. Tel: 212-868-9850 E-mail: info@skiphop.com
Originally published September 30, 2007
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