Git along little doggies....

Well, we hate to say goodbye but our current show, Creature Comforts, will be taken down next week. 



"Full Speed" by Tamara Thornton (sold)

We have so enjoyed just staring at the dynamic brush strokes and the exciting subjects of Tamara Thornton's oils. The vibrant action of her dogs at the beach or the nobility of her pet posed at home have brought pure joy to our little shop.

"Gustav" by Dominique McKenzie (sold)

Dominique McKenzie's watercolors with her soulful dogs and her vibrant colors were a great compliment to the show.  We love that our very own shop dogs, Meggie and Penny are right up there with her other dogs.  We have had many inquiries about Domi's commissions, and hope that some of your pets will soon be joining her portfolio of fabulous dogs (and cats as well, but we don't like to say it too loud when any dogs are around).

"Meggie", "Brutus" and "Kay" by Dominique McKenzie

Dominique (white skirt) and Cari (hat) discuss their work with interested patrons

Cari Garfield's amazing photographs of our feathered friends around Back Bay made a delightful display around our own wooden and metal birds, birdbaths and feeders.  The rich colors in her photographs created the perfect complement to our MUD Australia porcelain, and reminded us of the beautiful creatures that can be seen everyday in our own Back Bay nature preserve. 

Photo by Cari Garfield

We hate to see the work of these three exceptional artists leave us, but they are still up for one more week so leash up your pup and come to Winnow for a doggie treat.  You'll also be treated to a wonderful show.

I LIKE MY BIKE

Remember when you were a kid and your mom and dad got you a shiny new bike?  Of course it had to have a bike bell on it, and of course you would ring it, and ring it, and ring it until your thumb was tired.   The best thing was when you would ride up behind your friend and ring your bell and scare them. We  remember this all too fondly and when we saw these bicycle bells we became immediately nostalgic... 
In a world of Mr. Armstrong and titanium frames it's nice to know that some things remain the same.  From our friends at Ring I Like My Bike, these bells are great for anyone who still loves the breeze blowing through their hair, the sound of the tires running along the pavement, and that oh-too-familiar sound of the ring of a bike bell.  So hop on your best form of exercise and your too cool eco-friendly ride and head down to Winnow for a shiny new bike bell!  We'll be happy to ring one up for you!

$12.00 each

A Little Birdie Told Me.....

Little birdie baby rattles have landed and are nesting here at Winnow. They are part of a collection of adorable rattles made by hand by artisans from Yellow-Label-Kids. They are a company that supports Fair Trade Practices.  In addition to the birdies, we have all manner of goodies to temp young and old - cupcakes, doughnuts, ice cream cones, lollypops, fruits and vegetables. They are sure to make you smile.

$9 - $10 each

PUZZLING ISN'T IT?

Here's a puzzle you won't be working on all night long.  We love this accent pillow becasue it combines things we three Winnow partners love.  It's a puzzle (that's Brad's thing), it's wood (that's Linda's thing) and it's natural cotton flannel (that's Amy's thing).  This pillow will look great tucked on a chair, tossed on a bed, or nestled in a basket.  The wonderfully talented folks at Simplemente Blanco have created other pillow offerings including wooden spools, crocheted twine, and leather strings - so many choices and we love them all.  So we've solved your decorating dilema, now all you have to do is solve the puzzle of how you will make it to the shop!



Puzzle Pillow $88

Puttin' on the Dog (and cats and birds)

Well, it's not raining Cats and Dogs at Winnow but we are awash with artwork from three wonderful artists whose subjects are less than still life.  In fact we would imagine they barely sit still long enough to capture a whisker but each artist has given personality to each of their subjects.
 
Tamara Thornton has magnificently portayed the character of her canine subjects in oil - a lively and rich combination of color and brush strokes gives character and life to dogs being noble, playing catch, day dreaming, and just being pups - but these are not only for dog lovers, they would be an awesome addition to anyone's art collection (center image above).

Cari Garfield has caught on film what we all see in animals.  Their beauty and nobility, their spirit and their survival struggles.  A keen observer of the wildlife all around us in the Newport Bay area, she has captured the essence of bird and sea life, sometimes with great action shots and other times simply capturing the beauty of the moment (image at right above).

Dominique McKenzie uses watercolor on non-absorbent Yupo.  Her dynamic use of color speaks to the heart of each of her subjects.  An unabashed animal lover with two dogs of her own (currently), she enjoys finding and revealing the spirit and personality of a pet.  She is available to do commissions, and the variety of her work can be seen on her website at www.myanimals.net. (image at left above)


Their work will be on exhibit at Winnow from July 16, 2011 through Labor Day Weekend.

Please join us for the Artists Reception, Saturday July 16, 2011,  4:00 - 7:00pm

She Sells Sea Shells

We're not sure what mermaids do to relax - for the most part they don't seem to have much stress...but if they did, they would probably float around and make these incredible kelp and knotted seaweed baskets.  Our friend, LA artist Leah Danberg, has turned seaweed basketry into an art form.  Her kelp baskets will make your head swim!  Each one is unique and exquisite - some are woven more simply and some appear almost crocheted - and all are adorned with something from the sea - either a shell, a pearl, or kelp pods.   So dive in and flap your fins on over to Winnow and check these out  -  and if you don't know a mermaid, we think a merman will appreciate these as well. 
  

Prices range from $40 to $125

Shake Rattle and Roll

Get down babies!  We can't decide which of our knitted baby rattles we love the best because we love them all!  Perhaps our favorite is the donuts with sprinkles on top... but then we got the wonderful birdies and well, if you have been in the shop you know our love for birds, so there you go.  The little blue owl - well he's just the best!  And our long-running favorites are the knitted fruits and vegetables - What a way to get your little tyke to love cauliflower and carrots - you'll be encouraging them to play with their food!  Above all else, we love their story - Yellow Label Kids is a member of the Fair Trade Federation which supports fair wages and safe working conditions for artisans AND is also environmentally responsible.  What more could you want to give your baby than a safe toy made with organic bamboo yarn?  So shake, rattle, and roll your way down to Winnow and check out all our toys...even if you don't have a child of your own.

One If By Land, Two If By Sea

Whether you are alerting the arrival of "overseas visitors" or simply lighting an outdoor barbque, we have the lantern that's perfect for your decor and the occasion. You can light up the patio with a grouping of our great blown glass and wire lanterns or set just one of our large rattan lanterns in the center of the table.  We see our rusted cage lanterns on each end of a mantel for a simple statement and our small black metal lanterns hanging in a Japanese garden.  You can light a path with our votive lanterns and set a festive garden table with our galvanized pillars.  We really do have a love for lanterns and can't pass up most of the ones we find - maybe it's the anticipated glow of candlelight or just the superb shape.  Whatever it is we have a lantern that fits the bill.  We might even have one or two for a belfry! 


Don't forget:  This Saturday from 9am-1pm is the Flea Market in Pelican Courtyard (immediately behind Winnow) 
Vendors include Cascas Imports, Joie de Jewels, Gail's Island Shells, Quenchwear, JillyBGreen, Simple Peace, Ellen Gladis Art and more, PLUS refreshments!
Winnow hours on Saturday will be 9-5:30. 

Rub- a -Dub - Dub

When you're having the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick-maker over for something cool, don't you get tired of serving from the same old tub?  These rattan-covered galvanized ice tubs are terrific for simply holding ice or chilling waters, wines, and sodas.  With three sizes to choose from or as a set, you will aways have enough ice containers around to keep your cool.  They dress up a casual table as you set out your iced drinks and will serve you well when your large galvanzed tub is say...holding three strange men on their way to a fair?

How Does Your Garden Grow?

 So, Mary Mary, what are you doing this Memorial Day weekend?  Well we have a suggestion - stop by Winnow on your way home from the nursery.  Move aside the pots of silver bells and cockle shells and make room for some great garden finds. Did you know that Winnow is one of the only shops in Southern California that carries the Denman's "Red Pig" hand forged garden tools?   We have trowels and weed yanks that are undoubtedly the best you have ever used.  The hand forged steel and solid hardwood handles make these the strongest garden tools on the market. 

 We also carry Tahoe work gloves.  Their genuine leather construction makes them the ideal garden glove and they come in Ladies sizes S, M, L and XL for a perfect fit. 

  

Our fun and functional galvanized chalkboard garden stakes will help identify that row of pretty maids.  We have twines, clay pots, and of course our great wire door mats for when you come indoors.  Speaking of indoors, we have lots for the indoor gardener as well as great gifts for your gardening friends.  So Mary Mary don't be contrary - come on in to Winnow and let us help make your garden grow! 

Have You Any Wool?

Swan's Island Throws   $375 - $475

Imagine you are a sheep wandering around on Nash Island off Maine's Down East coast.  No humans - just seals and seabirds...shear contentment (pun intended!).  You would want your wool to go to go to the best, and our Swan's Island  blankets, throws, and baby blankets are worth the fleecing!  These luxurious blankets can be ordered in an array of sizes and colors, and come in both summer and winter weights.  All of the blankets and throws are presented in soft linen tie bags with a linen lavender sachet.  Meant to be preserved and passed along, the larger blankets come with cedar sides in the bags along with a provenance list to record each generation's use.  You will love these blankets so much you might just have to get three - one for the master, one for the dame, and one for the little boy who lives down the lane.

We're Walking, We're Walking, and Stop

Wood Walking Toys  $48

OMG we LOVE these!  Wonderfully crafted, these little wooden walking hedgehogs and elephants are the perfect pastime to break away from the high-tech world of computer games and all those Wii activities.  Simple and fun to watch, these adorable little animals "walk" down their little wooden ramps and come to a halt at the end.  They are a great addition for childen's rooms and of course adults can watch them on their desks. So "walk" on down to Winnow and pick up one of these cute little guys and see our other children's delights - we have something for the child in all of us. 

Wire not?



Wire Door Mat - $36



We can't understand why all doormats aren't wired like these!  Not only do they say Welcome they say Wipe your Feet!  Made from steel wire woven into a chain link pattern these are great by a muddy garden entrance or right at the front door.  They will not only clean the dirt off your wellies or the sand off your flip-flops they will look great while doing so.  We all have these at our own houses and the only funny thing that we see is that Penny and Meggie won't walk on them - by the way, Penny and Meggie are shop dogs here at Winnow - if you drop by to check out the doormats, they will share one of their dog biscuits. Wire not?

Tè per due

Can we just say up front that we are crazy about this pottery tea pot from Italy!?  We happened upon it while at the Paris Gift Show.  It's from a wonderful Italian vendor, Fiorira' un Giardino' and we fell in love with everything about it;  the rope handle, the squaty shape, the color, the patterning on the top - it all makes our hearts skip a beat.  Now that's amore'!  Imagine yourself by a cozy fire, wrapped up in one our Swan's Island Blankets (way better than a Snuggie!), while having tea poured from this scrumptious tea pot.  Whether it's tea for two or a momentary escape of solitude, you will want to treat yourself to tea from this gem.  And when you're not using it - it can just be there and look..oh what is the word?... Oh yeah - Magnifico! ... Did you happen to notice how we worked in the phrase "while at the Paris Gift Show"?  Beautiful teapots are not the only perks that come from Winnow!

Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave

Marana Lamp  $160

We are not going to deceive you about this one - it isn't an example of String Theory and it isn't chaos - it's simply the coolest light fixture that you will see - wonderful wood veneer webbing twists and turns into a free form hanging light fixture.  Maybe a little tribute to Mr. Gehry with a nod to Benjamin Franklin and a kite string all in knots - who knows - whatever it is,  words can not illuminate this light fixture. It needs to shine in a dark little corner of your room or right over the dining room table.  While it simply plugs in, it could be hard wired and become a more permanent addition to any room - no lie!

Pointing Out the Obvious



glasses case $20  camera case $24  pencil bag $12 
book bag $24  letter envelope $24


Sometimes you just need to let folks know where to put something - but these pouches from Thomas Paul point out the obvious in the most clever of ways. Can't find those glasses?  Here is a glass case that lets you find them everytime with out having to use a GPS inside your purse - a vintage ink drawing printed on canvas is way cooler and doesn't tell you friends you are losing your mind.  One of our favorites is the letter pouch - you can hide those old love letters in it or use it for important clever correspondence.  Or how about that romance novel you are reading?  Here's a bag for that too!  We adore the pencil pouches and think they are perfect for that college bound budding writer.  And our camera cases are just as clever with a printed old-time camera (it fits most compact digital cameras made today).  Let's face it, we all lose things but you don't have to use Post-its to point out the obvious.  Let Winnow do that for you!

A -Tisket A -Tasket

A green and yellow basket they aren't but we bet if you wrote letters to your love and put them in these you wouldn't drop one along the way.  Or pehaps just something like lemons and limes in these excellent lidded wire baskets and there you are - green and yellow!  We filled them with scented pine cones for the holidays but they are so practical for every season.  You don't have to be a little boy to pick one of these up but they won't fit in your pocket!  All three sizes are more generous than that.  We can just picture them filled with nuts, eggs, fruits or vegetables - or okay, letters to your love ... but even just sitting there empty they still look great!  

Whichever Way The Wind Blows

Remember your childhood days running around with a pinwheel spinning in your hand?  Re-create that memory by simply letting one of these spin in your garden!  What a find these are...a delightful outdoor yard piece that can "bloom" where ever you plant it.  Made of industrial galvanized metal, these charmning pinwheels will spin around every time a nice breeze blows their way.  We picture them all over a yard like a mini wind farm or simply one by the back door catching a lazy draft.  We also think they would look great blooming in a flower pot.  Whichever way the wind blows these will be a fun addition to your favorite outdoor spot so breeze on in to Winnow and pick one up!


See the pinwheels when you come to our Open House for artists Stephanie Cunningham and Betty Haight, today Saturday March 12, 4 - 7pm.  The exhibit is called "Duets", a series of collaborative works between a figurative painter and a landscape painter, and will be in the shop until mid-May.
Do not miss it!

What A Steel

Factory Baskets - Small $85  Large $115     

Driftwood - Prices Vary 

It's not a crime to love these wonderful steel baskets with wood handles.  Place them on a hearth filled with firewood and you'll wish you could nab a couple more.  We fill them with driftwood and they become awesome arrangements on our display tables.  Roll up some magazines or stack some books in them and you've solved another decorating mystery.  They come in two sizes, are incredibly heavy duty, and can stand up to your close inspection - case closed.





And don't forget:
Winnow is having an open house/reception on March 12 from 4:00 to 7:00 for DUET artists Stephanie Cunningham and Betty Haight.  You will love their work!

Mirror Mirror




Copper-framed Mirror  $175

 

We're not saying you'll be the fairest of them all but this wonderful copper clad framed mirror will make your home fairer by far.  A small 18 inches square this mirror would be perfect in a small entry, an accent piece in a grouping, or even as a series of several hung together.  The copper molds into every curve of the frame and the frame has a handsome deep profile.  We think this mirror will temper the witch and find the Snow White in all of us.  A "must-see" in the shop!


Also, up next on our blog - your invitation to our upcoming artists reception on March 12.  Save the date!

Kissing Frogs

Prices vary  $10 - $100

We love frogs!  We picture them as useful works of art.  They don't have to just hold beautiful stems, we see them holding pens and pencils on a cluttered desk or maybe just a simple pencil holder and paper weight by the phone.  They have a lots of uses that we haven't even thought of yet.  These charming "princes" are all vintage frogs we kissed at our favorite flea markets.  Something about them spoke to us even when they were in a pond with other frogs.  We just saw a prince in each one of them.  Drop by Winnow and kiss one of these for yourself - or for that lonely princess who needs a prince charming.  She will love you for it.  
Please note: these are one-of-a-kind and we cannot guarantee what we will have in the shop at any one time....but we will have something you'll like!

Rare Bauer Two-Tone Glaze - Beautiful! 



It's A Berry Good Thing



Raspberry $12    Strawberry $20    Plum $24


Aren't these just the best!?!?  These amazing little porcelain berry baskets will simply make you smile.  We love to find everyday useful objects that have been made into something wonderful, and our berry baskets are a perfect example.  The small raspberry tub is just the right size for serving this season's fresh raspberries or blueberries on your lunch or breakfast table.  The midsize open weave basket is a white porcelain relica of the green plastic basket that comes with your favorite strawberries, so recycle the plastic and use a permanent and beautiful container that will work for both storing and serving.  The large basket with open corners is ideal for plums, cherries, and all of the smaller stone fruits that are just starting to come into season - very cool!  These are year round delights and will be a hit on any table.  Each traditional basket detail is copied in clean white porcelain.  Come in and take a flat or two home.  It's a Berry Good Thing! (sorry Martha!)

Divine Romance





handmade cards from Salmonberry Studio  $6

LOVE is in the air - everywhere!  It's that time when chocolates, roses, candy, and champagne say just about everything romantic that you want them to say - but if you want to say a little bit more, express your love on our Salmonberry block print cards.  What a perfect way to say "Be Mine" or "I Love You".  Write out your feelings on a couple of these and tuck one under the pillow or in that perfect spot where he or she will find it and be surpised.   We also have lots of little "I Love You" gifts all over the shop that would go perfectly with one of the cards - maybe  a pair of our angel candle wings or perhaps one of our white porcelain feathers will tickle their fancy - and we all like our fancy tickled! No matter what, you'll want to say..."Be My Valentine!" 



La Plume de Ma Tante

No matter how you learn to say it, your aunt will love these quill pens and so will you!   Each feather is unique and attached to a ball point pen and comes with four replacement nibs.  You will need them for all that writing you will be doing becasue these are not just fun to look at, they are fun to use!  Whether it is a Valentine to your love, the great French novela, or simply correspondence to your, er..aunt, you might just enjoy actually writing again.  No texting, no emailing,  just good old fashioned letter writing.  Pair these with one of our great letterpress cards and we're pretty sure your aunt will want her pen back.  What a romantic way to express your love than to pen something sweet for your Valentine!

I'm A Little Teapot

So, is there a better way to have a tea party with your daughter than with this delightful crochet tea set?  Truly a short and stout tea pot never shouted to you so clearly as this one will. And when you tip it over you can pour it out into two little matching tea cups and saucers. This is truly one of the sweetest sets we have seen and you can get all steamed up like we did when we saw it.  We even have some crochet cupcakes to create a total afternoon tea.  What fun!

3 Piece Tea Set   $45

A Potter with more magic than JK Rowling could write about



Prices range from $24 to $48



This is our friend Judy Jackson and while she's not a witch, she can make more magic than the "other Potter".  We fall under their spell every time we get an order of her "bottles".  They're not alive but we swear when they are grouped together they take on personalities and individually they will charm anyone as a gift.  We love everything about these vases - the glazes, the colors, the shapes and sizes.  The bottles come in all sizes but we always have what Judy calls tiny, small, and tall.  Come in to the shop and be spellbound. 

What's Your Bag?

Some people say we have a bag fetish!  They may be right but we just can't help ourselves!

Dash & Albert Rug Bag   $58

Our Dash & Albert cotton bags are so soft and yet so durable and hold just about everything including the kitchen sink - seriously these are great bags for toting.  They come in multi-color stripes and with their durable leather handles and bottoms they may just become your favorite carry-all, all year long! 






And did we mention our felt bags?  These purses are made locally from industrial grade wool felt and also have leather handles and bottoms.  Dress them up or kick around casual you will love these purses.  They are a great size and feature a snap closure and two inside pockets.  Some natural and some colorful, Graf and Lantz has outdone themselves in designing these bags.  




Graf & Lantz Felt Bags 


And don't be caught in the checkout line without our "Recycler" from Italy!  The perfect size to hold all of your groceries from those nasty liter plastic bottles to garden fresh veggies. Natural beige cotton with "Recycler" written in different languages it all translates to good practce - what's good for the planet is good for Winnow!




Italian Recycler Bags 













We have more bags but we don't we don't want to spoil the experience of coming into the shop - that's where you'll find your bag too!

Au Pear a Day

Ceramic Pear  $32

According to Wikopedia, au pair comes from the French meaning "on a par" or "equal to" -  Well, according to Winnow we think these pears are equal or better than any you will see. These delightful hand thrown clay pears are from a wonderfully wacky Canadian artist named Marie-Joel.  Each hand made pear has unique designs pressed, etched, or scribed onto the surface and are all very textural.  At the top of each one is a small hole for the "stem"  of your choosing (we use branches found right outside the shop).  These are perfect hostess gifts and we are certain that we can find research that says "A pear a day...." (By the way we have some of her apples too!) - We think you will want to make these pears a part of your family along with your au pair!