We finally made it down to the Bakelite Exhibit at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers.   From utilitarian objects  such as phones and pencil sharpeners to jewelry, bakelite was all the rage in the 1930s and 1940s. The show was interesting in it’s technical content.  The clock to teach time and the toy car made in Czechoslovakia were cool.

Bakelite can be so stylish. I wish they asked my brother for his napkin ring collection. Always a highlight at the Thanksgiving table along side his midcentury china.  Some of the pieces look like these:

I am definitely a casual collector of bakelite.  With the exception of the ridiculous number of  enormous bakelite beads that my sister and I purchased years ago out of  an elderly lady’s  garage, my collection is tiny. I used  4 of the beads in the past 12 years they have been in my attic. They were  sewn on the tips of a window valance in my son’s  little nursery.  One day I am sure I will find another use for them.  They are just so nice.

What about all that fantastic, fun bakelite jewelry that could have been displayed at the show.

My most recent purchase is a bellhop pin I found  at a flea market last fall.

One of the nicest pieces in my tiny collection is a feeding set. I waiver between selling it in the shop or donating it to the Museum of Modern Art for it’s tremendous design.  This baby spoon and fork is silver plated with bakelite handles. It is made in the US by Napier. I believe Napier is no longer in existence.They also made some very chic costume jewelry during the mid century.

Can’t wait until flea market season starts, for the hunt to begin again.

See you

Christina

I  went to the Stark Warehouse Sale down at the Metropolitan Pavillion looking for a few things. I didn’t have much time, but I found some really cuddly, soft, yummy rugs that would be great in a nursery. Like all the blankets, stuffed animals and layettes collections in my shop,  the very first purchasing  criteria in  is the softness factor. 

This shag rug was like a cloud.

This rug looked like a pebble path, but is made completely of wool.

This rug looked like a bunch of packing peanuts.

Ok so the rugs aren’t the most practical. But given their texture and feel, they are definitely a nesting contender.

So now I am thinking soft. What are the softest things in my shop.

The softest light fixture is the one coming in the shop in April. It is a small version than what is pictured. Chihuly inspired..

Number one mobile is bla bla’s The colors are gentle and the lambs are just so sweet.

It’s really hard to pick the softest bedding, but today I think it is Lulu Dk baby bedding. 500 Thread count. That lovely cotton sheen. Really stylish and sooo soft.

I would be completely remiss if I didn’t mention Lotus Springs layette collection made from milk fiber. I don’t think there is any softer.

And finally the softest stuffed animal is by Jelly Cats Bashful Bunny:

See you.

Christina

I am working on a really fun bedroom right now. The wallpaper and purchased items are the foundation for   this room. As you enter this little girl’s room, you face a wall of windows. It’s bright! The Designers Guild wallpaper truly dictates the style of this room. It is wallpaper that grows with a child from nursery to a big girl’s  bedroom.

The client purchased some items from Cici Crib. In particular this fantastic desk chair that has a clear back. It is a new take on a classic chair.

I would like  to  use this desk. Love the Chartreuse! I also want to add some gold accents.

I purchased this chaise that desperately needs to be painted and properly upholstered. What great lines. Looks like the 1940′s.  Maybe we will use  the hot pink quilted fabric.

I don’t want to obstruct the view of the windows so I would like a very simple light fixture. I wish I could use this one, but it hangs too low. We may just reuse the chandelier  that is already in the room.

That’s it for now. We will see how this room evolves based on the big client(stylish mother) and the little client’s(sweet little girl) needs and personality.

Christina

Nature decor will definitely be a reoccurring theme in my blog. I am forever inspired by the outside natural world.

Our family’s annual ski vacation was in Stowe, Vermont this year. I was able to steal away one morning from skiing to check out some of the local shops.  I found a beautiful antique shop, Alpine Home.  Alpine Home is owned by an  energetic woman named Cheryl Shields. Cheryl shares her time between Stowe and NYC. She is a nomad shopkeeper. From Maine to the Hamptons, she finds little places to hang her sign.  Not only does she search the world for weathered antiques, but she also forages  forests to make her  creations.

I am apologizing in advance, as my photos were taken with my cell phone. My camera was left in the ski jacket.

Branch Canopy at Alpine Home in Stowe, VT

Bramble Toadstool nightlight

Dewdrop toadstool nightlight carried at Cici Crib

Happy dreams.

Christina

Recently I have been so inspired by design blogs that I finally decided to do my own. Finally I feel like I have a moment to concentrate on the fun part of running a retail/design business.

I will try to post once a week and I promised myself  not to be so intimidated by the imaginative  blogs I love to read. They will be about Cici Crib. From exciting new products to inspired interiors, to what’s going on in my life with my family.

A journey through Cici Crib….