KO Sticks Foldable Star Sculptures

July 14, 2015July 20, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ 3 Comments

Six-Axis Star c/o KO Sticks

This foldable star sculpture may just be the most giftable item I’ve ever featured on Gifts with Bows. Why? Well it works for just about anyone on almost any occasion:

It’s office appropriate, making it suitable for work anniversaries and first days on the job.

It’s chic in the living room (gorgeous for newlyweds ready for sophisticated decor and entertaining for families with kiddos), making it a lovely housewarming gift or wedding present.

And yes, even kids can make perfect recipients. Imagine hanging a few from the ceiling in their bedroom or playroom. Or keep them in reach… because these hand made works of art are intended to be explored by hand (see the evidence in the photo story below).

But it gets even better. Not only are KO Sticks Stars a widely practical gift, they come in several sizes and materials. That means you can buy one for $24-170 hitting whatever your appropriate price point happens to be.

Note: KO Sticks is comprised of two great artisans (and mathematicians), Jane and John Kostick. Married for just over 20 years, they met at a geometry lecture and now construct geometric objects side by side. Now isn’t that an equation you’d like to support? Give KO Sticks a follow on Facebook to give your newsfeed a welcomed pop of art.

The other day I took our stars off of the living room bookshelves where they are typically on display (see above). And brought them to the park so that our three year old, Zoe could show them to her friends. Ready to see a few thoughtful and curious faces? And park adventures, too of course!

Photos: The bookshelf and park photos are my own and the product photos are by Design Within Reach, a KO Sticks retailer. A special thanks to Zoe’s pals for making their darling debuts on GWB.

Artist Credits: Featured above with the KO Sticks star, the lantern is Lauren Ritchie and the vase is Jen Gandee.

A Clean Car for Spring featuring GreenGoose

March 30, 2015March 30, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ 2 Comments

For a friend or beau or with a new car and aspirations of retaining the glorious new car smell,

Or because you so generously share your car with your aloof teen, sticky-fingered toddler, and anyone else who needs a ride.

Buy here for $30

Note: Hang this handmade, 100% cotton twill (with optional oilcloth lining) on the gearshift and make your way into spring with a litter-free car following the longest, snowiest, saltiest winter yet! It comes in dozens of lovely patterns and colors, but I wanted to show the gray so that you can picture it in a guy’s car just as well as a lady’s. GreenGoose is comprised of a husband and wife team located in Columbia, Maryland. Stephanie and Kevin adore working together, and have proudly ensured quality and care to over 5,000 pieces sold.

Vanilla by The Spice House

March 24, 2015March 20, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ 2 Comments

For the baker with a nose that knows: he or she will so appreciate the aromatic glory and deeply indulgent difference of Vanilla from The Spice House.

Also for your Starbucks or local grind junky who has an interminable weakness for Vanilla lattes.

16 oz. Madagascar “Bourban Islands” Pure Single-Strength Vanilla Extract $27.99

2.5oz Shaker of Madagascar Vanilla Powder $9.99

Note: I was introduced to the The Spice House by Chicago Food Planet Food Tours several years back, when I was living in the Windy City and my parents came to visit. The Vanilla they offer is miles away from what you can buy at a convenience grocery store. It is rich and layered and almost savory. Never in my life did I anticipate becoming a Vanilla snob, but I’ll freely and gladly take the title. When I found out The Spice House shipped its merchandise I immediately made a mental note to send a few jars to my Mom for Mother’s Day that year. It. Is. So. Good.

Either option works well for baking or coffee, but I’d recommend the liquid for the former and the powder for the latter.

If you’re ever in Chicago and you’re looking for something to do, treat yourself to a Food Tour by Chicago Food Planet. It’s brilliant fun, gets you walking, teaches you a great deal about a range of foods and restaurants, tells brick and mortar history, and comes with samples of the best tastes Chi-town has to offer. This company is so well loved that dozens upon dozens of food tour start-ups have mimicked them to find huge success in cities spanning the nation.

Beer Jelly by Potlicker Kitchen

March 19, 2015March 19, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ Leave a comment

Whether he brews at home, hangs at the corner pub, or simply enjoys a cold one after a long day– send him a pack of beer jelly to braise meats or top his toast. Perfect for groomsmen, birthday boys and Dads on Father’s Day.

Buy the Dark & Berry 3 Pack for $21

Note: Potlicker Kitchen is the delicious gem of the Northeast corner offering a full array of artisan jellies and jams one small batch at a time. Nancy and Walter Warner have mastered the art of culinary surprise featuring mash-ups such as strawberry chipotle jam, blackberry basil jelly and wild sumac jelly. They look to six nearby craft breweries to get the best local flavor canned for your enjoyment. “Like” them on Facebook to find out what’s next on the Potlicker oven rack!