Rare Bird Finds

Hedgehog Case

If your little one is anything like mine, electronic gadgets galore are prominent on already-prepared xmas lists to Santa. This adorable felt ipod/iphone/itouch case would be the perfect companion accessory. $15 at Pipoca Handmade 

Architec ADWGDR Air Dry Wine Glass Drying System

I have one of these wine glass drying racks planted right next to my sink with a paper towel under it, but when I want it gone, I just take the top half off of the bottom half, stick the top half up the bottom half and it’s compact enough to put away.  It’s great for drying wine glasses and I don’t have to worry about them getting broken with the pots in the regular dish rack. Plus, it’s inexpensive. $14.96 at Amazon.com.

 

Red Volcano Plate

Sometimes I just wish I could paint. It's looking at hand painted items like this beautiful Red Volcano Plate that make me pine away for talent.  This is a hand thrown porcelain, hand painted plate.  I just love it and am very envious of Stephanie Kao's talent.  You can also find bowls, mugs and vases all handpainted.  This plate is $32 at Stephanie Kao. 

Little Lady Cloth Doll

 

This little lady, reminiscent of the 1920s, could use a friend: she's 19 inches tall and comes with a delightful felt pea coat (for those nights out on the town), and a face any little girl would just love to add to her unique cloth doll collection. Only $29 at Hen and Chick 
 

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Snow Owl – White Mini Pillow

The expression on this little owl pillow’s face is saying something and you must pay attention. It’s almost like a puppy saying “you don’t have to go to work, stay home with me”. $18 at mymimi.

Easy Does It Table Runner

 

We’ve seen people eating sushi off of beautiful naked women. Here’s a different take on the concept and a much more humorous one you can have at your own home. How about a hairy guy in his tighty whiteys as a table runner by artist Bart Aalbers. I think that’s pretty hilarious! 19.99 euros at Envelop.

You Are All I Need Letterpress Mini Poster

If unsentimental and straightforward is your style, or his, I think this letterpress poster pretty much says it all. It's handsome and simple. Just like him...wait...that's not what I mean...$15 at Roll and Tumble Press.

Be Amazing Build A Fort

I'm not going to deny that half the fun of building a fort is dragging out all the pillows and blankets for construction. I'm also not going to deny that putting them all away later is a pain in the neck. And I probably won't mention that yes, I have built a fort recently and no, I don't have kids. What I'm trying to say is: This fort building kit, you think it's for kids, but I promise you, if you give it to an adult...they will use it. They might not tell you...but you know they will use it. $27.99 at Cabela's.

WIN THIS! Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs

Julie Jackson, the very cool author of Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs, saw our post on RBF, and she, along with Chronicle Books, have offered to do a giveaway of this super hilarious book to TWO Rare Bird Finds readers - woo hoo!

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

To enter, 1) become a fan of the Kitty Wigs! Facebook page and 2) leave a comment in this blog post (on the Rare Bird Finds website) with your name and mailing address (in case you win!).  ALL COMMENTS WILL REMAIN UNPUBLISHED - so no one will see your addy.  Two winners who have done both steps will be randomly picked.  U.S. and Canadian readers only.  Contest ends Friday, Nov. 20, 2009.

Good luck! 

Sponsor Spot: Bellflower Textiles

 

What I love about Bellflower Textiles are the utterly adorable handmade designs for you and your kids.  The shop carries reusable, fabric coffee sleeves with sock monkeys, owls, doggies, GNOMES (oh gnome, how I love thee) and matryoshka designs. If you're looking for the perfect little gift or stocking stuffer, look no further!  These coffee sleeves make great little gifts at a great price (or a great little gift for yourself!)

My next fave are the crayon and/or make-up brush roll-ups!  YEAH!  These are an eye-catching and smile-inducing way to organize those make-up brushes you have stuffed in your bathroom drawer (oh you know who you are), and a much cuter way than a crayon box (or on the livingroom floor) to store your child's crayons.  There are many fabrics and designs to choose from, and they're all 100% well-made and delightful. 

The shop also carries zip pouches in a few different sizes to help store pencils, loose change, make-up or anything you can think of.  Definitely check out our fave, Pandas on Parade - super cute, right?

Also, a must-see are Bellflower's awesome appliqued tees and shirts for babies and toddlers.  The hand-cut appliques are breathtakingly gorgeous - like the stripey ladybug, dinosaur rampage, or, our favorite, the stripey dragon which I wish was available in an adult size because I would totally wear it!

Okay, definitely go check out the shop - it's a great place for awesome handmade designs without breaking the bank either!  Cute and affordable - who can resist?

Save 10%!  Use coupon code RAREBIRD in the "notes to seller" upon checkout and get your 10% off your entire purchase. Woohoo!

By supporting our sponsor, Bellflower Textiles, you're helping to support Rare Bird Finds. It's advertisers like Bellflower Textiles that make it possible for Rare Bird Finds to continue to offer amazing finds to you, our wonderful birdie readers. So take a moment and click through - thank you!! :)

Chainmaille Bra

Here I go, pushing my finds to the limit again but so what :-)  I'd like to know how much support I would get from this beautiful Chainmaille Bra.  I'm sure either way, my husband wouldn't care as long as I wore it.  Several styles available.  Be brave and get yours for $190 at Venus In Chains.   

Tiger Balm Toy

For me, tiger balm is one of those familiar scents from childhood.  Whenever I had a bruise or a sore muscle, my mother would hand me the little jar of tiger balm.  Sometimes I would secretly sniff the jar like an addict.  Am I crazy to think it's a sexy scent?  I guess it's a bit like being turned on by Bengay.  Anyway, this wood, tiger-shaped toy made with real tiger balm tins on the outside is super cool.  It's really a work of art.  $34 at Loran Scruggs

Owl Claw Necklace

You know how we love cute little owlies, but this owl claw necklace is for the owl lover who wants something a bit edgier.  The owl claw necklace is cast from an actual owl claw from a taxidermy shop.  The actual claw is made from recycled bullet casings.  $85 at Lux Coronette

To-Do Chalkboard

Whether you're a list-maker, need to remember to do a few things, have a couple of nagging goals to accomplish or just need for that certain little person in your life to remember to do stuff (brush your teeth! make your bed! do your homework! call mom after school!), this handy-dandy (and super cute) 9x12 inch slate chalkboard can help. Comes with 'mini goals chalk' and 'mini goals eraser'. $32 at Mary Kate McDevitt

Fly Away Porcelain Wall Pillow

Amazing ceramic talent is evident by artist Stepanka Horalkova. This is a porcelain “wall pillow” that hangs on a nail. It’s a little over 3 x 5 inches and at her site you can see how she displays several together to make quite a statement. Fantastic. $49 at Stepanka.

Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs Book

I was at the bookstore yesterday and stumbled upon Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs by Julie Jackson who I know is a Rare Bird Finds reader (hiii, Julie!).  The book is flippin' funny.  I couldn't stop giggling.  The book features 60 stylish cats, each with hilarious sayings that will get you rollin'.  $10.17 at Amazon 

Shakespeare Iambic Y'all T-Shirt

Our very own Rare Bird Finds writer Jay designed this Shakespeare Iabmic Y'all T-shirt.  Who knew iambic pentameter could be so funny?  Perfect for you Shakespeare lovers with a sense of humor.  $17.95 at Wireless

Rock Hand

The model shown here certainly looks like a woman, but the Rock Hand t-shirt is silkscreened on men's sizes, so it works both ways. Clever, different art and a nice color selection really make this tee stand out and rock on. $22 at Dowdy Studio.

Panda Pillow

Pandas are cute, peaceful, and now because of designer mymimi, they can add comfy and stylish to their repertoire of adjectives! This pillow is small enough to fit anywhere in your home that could use 7x7 inches of whimsy, and thanks to the genetic brilliance of their black and white color scheme, it goes with any décor. So take the Panda Express over to ShanaLogic and buy one today!

Rear Gear

 

Ok, maybe I've gone too far this time but I couldn't resist.  Does your dog embarrass you at the park with his dirty butt?  Are you tired of waking up with cat butt in your face?  Then you need the No More Mr. Brown Eye from Rear Gear.  You have many shapes to choose from including a disco ball and a pine tree air freshener.  Only $5 at Rear Gear. 

Customized Pacman and Pearls Necklace

When I was a kid, I loved playing Pacman. Atari ruled!  Perhaps this is why I'm so drawn to this sterling silver Pacman and fresh water pearls necklace.  The words on the silver bar can be customized.  It can also be made as a pin.  $75 at Rachel Pfeffer Designs

Reflective Bicycle Clips

 

Ohhh, these winged reflective bicycle clips are super cool.  I'd totally wear them if I knew how to ride a bike... it would make me feel like a goddess on wheels.  $18 at A + R

St. Lucy Candle/ Lucille Ball

As many people believe Lucille Ball is an icon, here she is depicted as a Saint on a Meditation Candle. Why not? I saw Vicki Berndt’s work for the first time a week ago at a show and I have to say I was really impressed by her creative ideas in doing these candles. They were somewhat silly but at the same time thoughtful. See her website for all of the other candles and offerings she has for sale. You’ll be amazed as I was. $12 at Berndt Offerings.

 

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If you love Rare Bird Finds, take a moment to visit our sponsor.  Thank you, birdies!

Miss Bear Skirt

 What girl doesn't want a few new little outfits?  This darling brown corduroy skirt comes with a detachable bear pin which can be used to accessorize an accompanying top or jacket, and even has a bit of gold tulle embellishing the bottom! In sizes 4t to 6t. $25 at Two Squirrels and a Nut

Pasta La Vista Sponges

Say arrivaderci to dirty dishes while cleaning them with these ravioli shaped sponges. I think these would be a perfect for someone with an Italian style kitchen. Combine that with a cute kitchen towel (check Etsy.com) and there’s your completed gift for not much money at all. Set of 6 compressed sponges $12.99 at ModCloth.

Fridge Locker Personal Food Security System

I know what you’re thinking. So many ways you could use this locking device, right? You could put your favorite snacks you buy and when you turn around your brother ate them? I’m thinking of getting this and giving the key to my husband and telling him not to let me have any of the chocolate because I have no will power. The possibilities are endless. It doesn’t have to be for the fridge. It can be for the pantry or the freezer too. You can use it at work or even in a dorm. $19.99 at Perpetual Kid.

Customized Bookplates

 

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, us Birdies have you on our radar when it comes to great gifts. These retro-inspired Silly Sally bookplates are uniquely suited to that adorable little bibliophile on your list. Set of 32 adhesive-backed and customizable bookplates. $24.99 at The Paper Princess 

Sponsor Spot: Metal Rocks

Oh boy, if you're the type who loves unique jewelry that is the perfect balance between whimsy and edginess, then you must check out Metal Rocks.  Their high-quality jewelry is so eye-catching that you'll definitely be showered with oooh's and ahhh's.  Some of our favorites include the sterling silver A Pair of Squares earrings, which look like some kind of magical device; honestly, folks will wonder how you got these 3-D cubes in your ears!  Of course, we just love the 14K gold fill Spiral earrings.  They are sophisticate, feminine, and utterly breathtaking in design - again, a real head-turner!  For those who want sweet but with a rock-n-roll edge, we highly recommend you take a look at the solid silver Shooting Stars earrings - they are perfect for you rock stars out there!  (Pssst..and if you have a rock star boyfriend, consider the hammered silver guitar pick) Another fave is the Goddess Tears Falling Behind earrings - an elegant way to liven up your daily outfits.  Plus, every piece in the store is expertly handmade.

Metal Rocks carries handcrafted earrings, necklaces and bracelets made with metal and/or stone.  They even carry items for men! 

Best of all - all their head-turning jewelry is affordable!  Check them out - they make the perfect gift for yourself or that creative type in your life.

RBF READER SPECIAL!  Get a free pair of silver stud earrings with purchase just by entering RBF in the message to seller box during checkout - woohoo!

By supporting our sponsor, Metal Rocks, you're helping to support Rare Bird Finds. It's advertisers like Metal Rocks that make it possible for Rare Bird Finds to continue to offer amazing finds to you, our wonderful birdie readers. So take a moment and click through - thank you!! :)

Stacked Presidential Mugs

These Presidential mugs are functional works of art.  Currently you can choose from LBJ, Obama, and Lincoln.  Each piece is made entirely by hand. Dishwasher and microwave safe. $70 at Rothshank Artwork

Custom Wedding Cake Toppers

What a cute idea - these hand-painted wedding cake toppers are made to look like the bride and groom. Very modern and chic without being over the top (except on top of a cake!)  $80 at Goosegrease

"Favorite" Your Favorite Products!

We just added a new feature to each of our posts on Rare Bird Finds.  On the post footer you'll now see a Favorite button.  It's easy - just press the button! - and it'll be your way to give praise and appreciation without having to come up with a witty rejoinder.

Your input will also help shape the blog to find those products that you - our wonderful birdie readers - would most like to discover.

So take a moment, find a few products on the page that you love, and just press the button!

Chemistry Cocktail Set

This Chemistry Cocktail Set would have been a cool Halloween pick...but it's not Halloween anymore. But I say indulge your inner cocktail chemist all year long and you are bound to have some interesting experiments! $44 at Revolve Clothing.

Sci-fi Journal

 

Did you know that the girls from tomorrow apparently look exactly like Ann Margaret from Bye Bye Birdie?Or that one day the world will be overtaken by giant Prairie Dogs? Well you would if you perused the over 30 reproduced 1950’s sci-fi book covers that adorn these 160 page journals. It’s a kitsch-licious way to organize your plans for world domination...or the days shopping list. $12.49 at Antiqueweird.