“If people are interested in learning more about what is going on with handmade goods and the scene surrounding it, I would suggest starting with [Design for Mankind] and clicking on links that appeal to you.” //

Dwell Magazine, 2009

“Launched by writer Erin Loechner, this site hosts a plethora of fodder including a brand spanking new project called Dialogue that features some of the top movers and shakers of the art/design area discussing a wide range of topics…” //
READYMADE MAGAZINE, 2009

“Design for Mankind editor Erin Loechneralways finds the most amazing things on the web.” //
LUCKY MAGAZINE, 2009

“The online magazine ‘Design for mankind’ is full of fashion ideas. Great to get some inspiration for next summer.” //
GLAMOUR MAG (Dutch Edition), 2009

Made from reclaimed goodies, this necklace is an attention hog if I’ve ever seen one. Which is perfect, because I have a thing for attention hogs.

Link:  DO NOT TOUCH

Actually, no. Keep frontin’. Because it’s time to focus on the front door (now that the mad siding chaos is complete), and I have totally jackpotted in this category. It’s true. I feel like I’m now Queen of the Internet and have found the pot of gold.

Does that make me a leprechaun, then? Perhaps.

Anyway, Crestview Doors. Go forth. Here’s the deal: You buy any old front door (fiberglass, wood, etc), or use your existing front door (we’re not doing that b/c ours is disgusting). And THEN, you buy this cute little window kit which will promptly solve all of your problems.

Why will it solve your problems, you ask? It will save your marriage. Case in point:

Husband: Erin, we have to talk about this. We need to get a storm door.
Me: No. I hate storm doors.
Husband: Yes, but you don’t want a glass front door, right?
Me: Right. Because I don’t want the mailman to be able to see me walking around in my bathrobe with my hair amess.
Husband: OK. But you love natural light.
Me: Yes.
Husband: So we need a storm door so you can keep the front door shut but still let the light in.
Me: No.
Husband: You have to decide which you need more: natural light or pride from keeping the mailman’s eyes at bay.
Me: No. Not deciding that. Go away.

And now, three weeks later, I don’t have to decide. B/c behold! The window kit that you install lets in natural light without eye contact from the mailman. B/c he can’t see in. B/c the glass is rippled or something.

Awesome, yes?

Even more awesome is the fact that these kits are so totally affordable (less than $300!) and have awesome designs. I love the Allandale or Brentwood, and Husband likes the full (go figure).

So here’s my plan: Buy a cheapie fiberglass door, dress it up with a Crestview door kit and paint it mustard yellow for a fun modern pop of color. I am so totally excited.

And then I’m going to pay the big bucks for a cool doorknob. Who will have the coolest front door on the block? THIS GIRL.

p.s.  I’m not being paid for this post, although I should be, b/c I now owe Crestview my firstborn son for solving all of my problems (and saving my marriage! And natural light! Yay!).

… Ill Studio made its debut on DFM. And eek! Plenty of new work to ogle, specifically this Buckminster Fuller tribute. It’s like a human sized hamster ball!

Link:  THOMAS SUBREVILLE on DESIGN FOR MANKIND

Holy crap. I want to do what bunnies do with this harp.

Link:  ANDREW KREPS GALLERY

Enjoy your Labor Day, friends! I wish you cheeseburgers with pickles, belly laughter and gingham tablecloths.

And then? I hope you stumble upon an old hippie bus. See you tomorrow!

Link:  IT’S SIMPLE LOVE

Happy Friday, sweet readers! If you’re new to this sort of thing, my weekend mash-up is where I take all of the week’s awesomeness and mash it up into one post. Which is why I’ve titled it “weekend mash-up.” Clever, yes? I went to college for that.

Anyway, I’ve got a super fun weekend planned, starting with a lovely wedding craft project with my good friend (and bride-to-be!) Jess. Next, I think I’ll retreat home and hop online to enter Maria’s hair portrait giveaway, browse East/West (pictured above!), listen to my idol Stefan Sagmeister and check out cute underwear.

I’ll have to save some time somewhere in there to dog-ear the pages of P.S. I Made This (would you look at her lovely home?) and Design Your Own Tees, where fashion and craft mingle and smooch. I’m sure to glean inspiration from both reads (and I’ll jot them away in my Idea notebooks!). Who knows? Maybe I’ll learn to craft more than an oversized sock monkey.

Happy weekend to you! See you Monday.