Introducing: Cricket Leather Co.

The belts from Cricket Leather Co. out of Northern California may be the last belt you ever have to buy. Constructed from English Bridal leather sourced from Wickett & Craig Tannery (est. 1867 in PA), you can expect a quality product that will last a lifetime.  The leather undergoes a "hot-stuffing process in which all natural oils, waxes and tallows are used."  Each belt is cut from 8-10 oz. of pure, drum-dried leather and made to specifications. Every piece is hand-cut, stitched and dyed.  The buckle is made of solid brass and is locally powder coated. These belts just wont die, and you'll never want them to.

Looking for a handsome, quality belt for yourself, a lucky friend, or family member?  Cricket Leather Co. is about to launch their kick off special on November 29, 2013.  50 belts, $50 a piece. Just in time for the holidays! #StockingStuffers

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Still Summery at Taylor Stitch

It's still feeling like Summer here in Philly. The balmy mornings bog down my morning commute and the hot and heavy evening air keeps Muffin planted in front of the living room fan.  Then there are the confusing couple of days that require light sweaters.  Your best bet is to find one more shirt for the Summer that fully embraces the laid back style of the last couple of months.  My suggestion is the Taylor Stitch California Aloha shirt. Fun pattern, high quality stitching, soft fabric and ~cool~ in so many ways. And, while we are on the subject of cool, it's also a great time to treat yourself to a giant Franklin Fountain ice cream cone too...see ya there.

Winter Things

The Lost Christmas Gift

Sixty years after his father left to be a mapmaker in the war in Europe, Emerson Johansson received a package that had been lost in the mail for decades. An exquisite book, lovingly handmade by his father, details an extraordinary adventure they shared together just months before his departure.  Take a peak inside the cover over at ISSUU.  You may purchase The Lost Christmas Gift from Princeton Architectural Press (Papress) here ($30). 

Handmade iPhone Cases: Blythe King

Admiring Wood-N-Arts

In general, I feel that the majority of Marine life is scary as all heck.  Why do fish need to be THAT BIG?  Whales, squids, dolphins, sharks, octopus, sea snakes...I could go on!  Despite this overarching negative feeling about sea monsters, I can still appreciate the serenity of the sea and the beauty that lives inside (yay coral) and around the shore. 

So somehow today I was directed to Greg Pezzoni's wonderful wood carvings of fish and other animals.  Thankfully most of the fish are fresh water and I can deal with that, but some were of the sea variety and man, I think he is turning my negativity around.  These are stunning pieces of art and are painted beautifully.  There's so much detail in every stroke of the brush.  Check out his work on his Etsy page, and remember, Christmas is just around the bend.  And to end my post about fish fear, it's never too late to have your mind changed for the better.  Greg's Pinterest page.

How WOOD-N-ARTS came to be. (taken directly from Etsy)

While a caregiver for my father in 2009 I was on E-bay browseing catagories when I came accross fish chainsaw carvings which I really liked. Needing something to fill the time, since I was there 24 hours a day 4-5 days a week. I thought maybe I could try something like that, but on a smaller scale. I purchased a dremel tool, wood and started experimenting. I had always excelled at art from an early age and wildlife had always been my prefered subject matter.Although I hadn't done anything artisticly in probably 15 years. I soon developed a passion for this media and realized this was what I wanted to do full time.

Woodcut by Bryan Nash Gill

Consider for one moment the changes that a tree goes through and all that they overcome to morph from a tiny seed into a tree towering above you.  Drought, harsh weather, strong winds, animals, invasive species, disease, many succumb others hold fast and grit through the harshest environments and thrive.  These stages are captured in each print, a canvas symbolizing the tree's changes by it's rings.  Woodcut is beautifully done.

Bryan Nash Gill's original prints vary in size but some measure to 4 FEET.  Now, for those of you interested in the work of Gill, consider the book as a small glimpse into the actual world of cross-section tree/wood printing.  This book is 10''x10''inches apprx. and is about a half an inch thick.  Chock full of meticulous prints of various wood species and text to accompany the pages.  I would consider this to be one of those books that I always wanted but never pulled the trigger.  Thanks to my sister for the great birthday present, I look forward to going through each page slowly but surely.

One review sums it up, "If you want to grasp the special sense of time and change held in the hearts of trees, buy this book."  

The Clangers

The Clangers is a lovely 70's BBC show set in a far-away planet to resemble the moon.  A series about a family of knitted aliens living out a threadbare existence on a bleak and cold world. The Clangers are small, pink mouselike persons who live under their planet's surface in caves protected by saucepan lids. The noise of the lids being closed (to protect their home from falling space debris, of course) gave the Clangers their name.With space exploration becoming increasingly popular (the moon landing only 4 months prior to the creation and realization of The Clangers), the show was a hit.  Find a bunch of them on YouTube...or read more!

Moulton Bicycle Company: Handmade Since 1962

F-Frame; Truss-like frame

Made in England is a short film providing some insight into the Moulton Bicycle Company.  Nice write up over at Core77, do take a look!  Now in my opinion these aren't the most stylish looking duds, but I can agree that the engineering and design behind the little-wheeled-guys are top-notch.  Also, I love to see folks riding little bikes really fast, especially down 26th street by the Perelman.  #amirite?

Style Update: Spring Edition

A.P.C.--"Post-Poo Drops" Here  |   F.S.C. Barber Candle Here  |   3 Sixteen Waxed Canvas Tote Here  |   Naked and Famous Denim; avail. Barney's  |   3 Sixteen Dbl Wrap Bracelet Here  |  Fred Perry Shoes  |  Braun Watch; avail. Amazon  |

Courtesy of The Scout  you can catch a glimpse of Joshua Vogel's workshop, his woodwork and a little about the man himself, creator of BLACKCREEK MERCANTILE & TRADING, CO.  I came across this recently and thought to share it, woodworking is awesome!

Also, check this guy out: Hog Eat Hog