Rare Bird Finds

Space Ship Emblem - Falcon: Millennium Edition

Make your hoopty ride a little less hoopty with this cool tag. Who cares if you drive an '87 Accord? No one. But they will care if you drive a Falcon: Millennium Edition. Perhaps you'd prefer the zippier X-Wing? Or maybe you are more the BSG or Starblazers type? Well, they've got you covered too. Personally, I am waiting for the Heart of Gold: Infinite Improbability Drive edition. $10 at Empira.

Moby Dick Book Poster

Moby Dick in it's entirety printed on just two sheets of paper. Granted, they are two very big sheets, but two sheets nonetheless. Toss in that nice little graphic conceit of the whale's tail and you have art you can read, my friend. Hang it on you wall and impress your friends with your taste and literary proficiency. £72.99 at Spineless Classics.

Salt & Pepper Chocolate Bar

Sea salt has long been a popular pairing with chocolate. This bar adds some black pepper into the mix to step it up a notch. Made from hand roasted cacao beans and beautifully packaged, this is not your ordinary chocolate. $5.99 at Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Co.

Star Trek Party String Lights

Well, you can now get your geek on at your next party by stringing up these Star Trek party lights.  You can choose between Captain Kirk or Spock.  You'll be the envy of all your guests.  I know I would totally dig these!  $21.95 at Ooga Lights

Wine Hourglasses

I love hourglasses, and it's not from my former addiction to Days of Our Lives.  There's something soothing about watching sand drip down as it counts off the seconds.  These wine hourglasses are super cool because they have hourglasses built into the stems.  For ten minutes, you can watch the colorful sand pour down as you sip your wine and chat with friends.  $75 for a set of 4 at Uncommon Goods

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Crafting with Cat Hair Book

I saw this book at Comic-Con last week, and the whole concept made me laugh.  Crafting with Cat Hair is a book about, well, crafts you can make with your cat's hair.  According to the book, you'll learn how to make "kitty tote bags and finger puppets to fluffy cat toys, picture frames, and more."  Sounds like outrageous fun for both you and your kitty.  Releases Nov. 1, 2011.  $9.67 at Amazon, pre-orders being taken now.

OCD Chef Cutting Board

I have OCD but for stuff like not being able to leave the house without checking and re-checking and re-checking the stove to make sure everything is turned off.  This OCD chef cutting board would be good for those who need to make sure everything is cut even.  $24.99 at Perpetual Kid

Boxing Joey Bracelet

This kangaroo kicks butt!  Wear this boxing Joey bracelet made of plastic and vintage fluted brass nailheads and you'll definitely kick up your outfit up a notch.  The shop carries a bunch of other jewelry styles worth checking out.  $32 at Mama's Little Babies

Dear Readers, if you buy from any of the merchants we've featured, please let them know that you saw it on Rare Bird Finds!

Kids' Secret Stash Cuffs

I remember as a kid I used to hide my money in my Kangaroos, but I would've totally loved these secret stash cuffs.  They look like stylish fabric cuffs but they secretly hold money, coins, keys, and emergency info.  No one will know your kid has a "stash."  Available in a variety of styles and in sizes for adults, too!  $10 - $15 at Blue Pie Designs

Devil Pinup Girl Recycled Aluminum Pin

I know a pin (or a "brooch", if you will) can be a hard sell for a guy. But this pin is different. Hot devil girl? Heck yeah! I think it would look awesome on your blazer. Or your jacket. Or your backpack. Or you could just loan it to me. And it's recycled aluminum, so you're being eco-friendly while you loan it to me. $16 at Miss Malaprop.

Ollivanders T-Shirt

I finallly went to see the last Harry Potter movie today. Then, I go online and find this awesome Ollivander's Wand Shop T-Shirt! Someone was very clever when they put this one together. Only $15 at MTheory Clothing.

Rory Pond (née Williams) by way of Alphonse Mucha

I guess I've gotten known around here for my love of all things Whovian. And can you blame me when there is a beauty like this print? If Rory hadn't captured my heart by being such an awesome dude, he truly won fans over as the Lone Centurion. And I apologize if you are not a Doctor Who fan, but I am pretty sure you will still appreciate the skill displayed in this print and hope you look at the other fine work at Bill Mudron's site. $20 at Whaddaya Buyin'?

Whale Tissue Holder

A tissue blowhole!  These wooden whale tissue holders are super cute, and a fun way to liven up a room, or as the description on the shop page reads, "class to your toilet tank" - haaa.  Comes in a variety of colors.  $39.99 at Sparkly Pony

Abraham LIncoln Tie

These Abraham Lincoln sepia neckties are pretty fabulous.  Definitely not your run-of-the-mill tie, but certainly one that is attention-grabbing.  $28 at Scatterbrain Ties

Pix & Stix

Ah, Garage Band. Somehow I missed the boat on that one, but I might have to suddenly board that boat now that I have a shiny new iPad on which to play. And I can even play more naturally with these groovy electroconducive guitar picks and drumsticks. I mean, I COULD play more naturally...if I could play at all.  Maybe this would be a good way to learn? $14.95 AUD at Pix & Stix.

What I Got At Renegade

On Saturday I went to the Renegade, an outdoor craft show near downtown Los Angeles.  I was prepared for the heat - last year it was a scorcher!  But there was a nice breeze and it was a beautiful day.  Here's what I got:

 

I love these Flowering Mimosa Lace Earrings.  They are painstakingly handpainted lace that frame the face in the prettiest of ways!  I got mine in "seafoam" - a cool bluish color that does remind me of the sea - but you can pick from 18 different colors, from gold to black to eggplant.  I immediately put these on at the show and kept getting compliments throughout the day.  Made me feel like this is what Kate Middleton must feel like on a daily basis - lots of people smiling at you and telling you they love your style earrings.  $16 at Topiary Designs

 

 

 

When I sampled this black mission fig jam, I said, "Ohmygoodness, this phenomenal!" My tastebuds danced with joy and the heavens opened up.  Well, at least that's what I felt like.  It was made fresh for the show and isn't up in their Etsy shop yet, but you can just convo the creator of these fine jams and he'll help you out.  And, while you're at it, you must try the strawberry-rhubarb jam.  It won best in show at the California state fair last year and is scrumptious!  $10 (for the fig jam) at Coldwater Canyon Provisions 

UPDATE:  The shop just added the Black Mission fig jam to buy.  I was just saying to a friend, when I sampled the fig jam I got weak in the knees and knew I had to have it. Seriously.

 

 

 

I totally love this dish towel flour sack.  It's huge!  A whopping 34" x 38".  You can dry your dishes or your car! :)  It also features screenprinted artwork from the artist.  Be sure to check out the shop for their art prints.  The artist has funky, cute drawings that also evoke a wide variety of emotions.  Good stuff!  $15 at Pretty Little Thieves 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got these small cabbage rose earrings in the funkiest almost-neon pink color.  I don't see the exact pair I got currently in the shop, but she has other cute colors, like the pictured turquoise/green pair.  $8 at BobbySoxie

UPDATE: It looks like the turquoise/green earrings shown are no longer available, but there is this neat pale blue pair.

 

 

 

 

I got a really cool pet bow tie collar.  It's all fabric and it closes around your pet's neck with Velcro.  I got this cute blue tie for my dog, Ozzy.  He's ten pounds of Chihuahua tough, and he was like, "Mommy, I will not go out in public with a bow tie!"  So, my cat, Juno, stepped up and was totally cool about wearing the tie.  She wore it demurely and happily.  Now, that's my girl (and that's her pictured).  The shop that makes them makes all things bow-related.  I don't currently see the pet bow ties in the shop, but feel free to convo them.  They came in a variety of polka-dotted styles and colors, and in various sizes to fit your pet.  Juno is wearing a small.  $12 at Bows and Anchors

 

 

I am a sucker for well-made handcrafted soap.  I picked up a bar of anise-peppermint soap from this vendor.  It smells devine!  The combination of anise and peppermint is so refreshing and comforting.  I don't see it in the shop currently, but it's the blue-white soap you see pictured.  They carry a variety of soaps and body products made from organic and fair trade ingredients.  You can also get a sample pack of their soaps to see which ones you like before you buy.  $9 for a soap bar at Etta Billie

 

 

If you couldn't make it to Renegade, you can still visit the vendors!  Here's a complete list of all the vendors with links to their shop.  Since they all just came back from a 2-day show over the weekend, their shop may not be carrying all the products they normall do.  Wait a week or so for them to replenish.  You can have your own virtual Renegade party from the comfort of your home!

 

Single Serving Shaker

 

I don't want to encourage drinking alone. It's sad and can be dangerous, but let's face it, sometimes you just want to stay home and have a cocktail alone. And with this single serving shaker, you can make sure it's just a one martini lunch. They're stylish too. They're even available in three finishes. And I just noticed from the copy that they would also be handy when making drinks for several people who want different things. So, I guess I am the only person who wants that one martini lunch on my own. $15 at Click! Design that Fits.

tokidoki Marvel Frenzies

Aw, how cute is Tiny Hulk? Don't you just wanna hug him and make him angry just to see him stomp his tiny feet? Oh, wait, there's a tiny Doc Ock! And a tiny Thor. OK, these collectable cuties are blind boxed, which means you get what you get, but you might be able to afford a few because they are just $5.99 at Think Geek.

Renegade Craft Show Los Angeles - This Weekend!

Fortune and Glory Shirt

I tend to default to a lot of Star Wars merch for the "guy stuff for guys" category but, as I have said before, I am not a true Star Wars fan. I like it, but I am not...you know...THAT girl. But I do have a deep and abiding fondness for one Dr. Indiana Jones and any boy wearing this fun shirt would turn my head. It's also on sale right now for just $9.99 at StarWarsShop.com

Brain in a Jar

 

Ok, I know you're beginning to wonder about me but this is just cool. Check out this Brain in a Jar! This is all handmade with blown glass to create this miniature brain floating in a jar. A clear post connects the brain to the back of the jar so it looks like it's just floating there. You can also get a "Heart in a Jar" or a "Tooth in a Jar" or just a miniature glass jar (empty of course). This cute little "Brain" is $65 at Kiva Ford.

Quick Flick Dirty/Clean Dishwasher Sign

Everyone who owns a dishwasher needs to own one of these. I've seen these before but not this style with it's "quick flick" tab. The back is magnetized and this one is blue with yellow letters. These cool Quick Flick Dirty/Clean Dishwasher signs come in all different colors and cost $8 at Wonbien.

Gold Dipped Titanium Druzy Earrings

I'm a sucker for anything that sparkles, and these titanium druzy earrings look like they sparkle and are having their own disco party.  To top it off, they're deliciously dipped in 24-karat gold.  $79 at Sparkle Couture This week only use coupon code SALE20 to get 20% off!

Moldable Magic Chocolate Kit

I'm an adult with no kids and yet I totally want this moldable magic chocolate kit.  It comes with dark,  milk, and white chocolate that can be molded like clay to make artful creations that you can then devour.  $6.99 at Think Geek

Gummi Bear Jelly Mold

I have a friend who loves those giant gummi bears (though she did have a mild heart attack when she looked at the calorie count).  This gummi bear jelly mold post is dedicated to her - she can now have the cuteness factor of the gummi bear but can make it, say, with Jell-O for a low calorie, late night snack.  $14 at Fred Flare

Music Makes Me Invincible Shirt

If you are a fan of Patches, then you may already know and love this shirt. But even if you aren't, HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE IT? It has a habit of going out of stock, so get it while they have it, if you are so inclined. Suspenders has the right idea, rocking out there. $18.75 at Topatoco.

Brontosaurus Loves Triceratops

I have to admit, it was the name of this scent that drew me in. But the profile seems lovely as well. Who wouldn't want to smell of bay laurel, dry grasses, white pepper, sun-weathered wood? Or just tell 'em they smell like Brontosaurus loving Triceratops and...no, wait...don't tell any one that. $14 at ZOMG Smells.

Whiskey Stone Shot Glasses

Not long ago, whiskey stones were all the rage with single malt fans who don't like to dilute their favorite bevvie. These shot glasses take it one step further. You just chill the glasses and then chill with your favorite tipple (I assume that they work equally well on the single shot serving of your choice). $38 at Cool Material. 

Sip At Your Own Risk Cup

Take a sip on the wild side with this Sip At Your Own Risk cup.  The more you drink, the more you expose the danger that lurks beneath the juice (or water or whatever your poison is).   The swimmer looks so happy, but the bottom of the glass with the words "The End" exposes her true fate.  Muhaha!  $15.99 at Mod Cloth

Wagner's Ring Playing Cards

The next time you pull out a deck of cards for a night of poker or Texas Hold 'Em, consider pulling out a deck that is not only functional but also displays miniature works of art, like the ones found in Wagner's Ring playing cards.  Wagner was a German composer, and this deck summarizes the storyline of the "Ring," with each suit representing an opera: Diamonds, Das Rheingold, Spades, Die Walküre, Hearts, Siegfried, and Clubs, Die Götterdämmerung.  Gorgeous!  $9.95 at Prospero Art Shop

Deathly Hallows Necklace

This summer marks the final Harry Potter movie, The Deathly Hallows part 2.  What better item could I post than this Deathly Hallows necklace?  Made of stainless steel, this is a dead ringer for Mr. Lovegood's own necklace that you see in the films.  This one won't cost you your life, only $20 at Fanatic Alley.

VonErickson's Original Coffin Couch

Do you have a craving for blood? A liking for ladies in flowing white night gowns? A tendency to turn into a bat? Or just look like you can? Then this plush coffin couch is for you. Hopefully you have a count title also. At $4,900 you'll need more than vampiric good looks!

Box of 12 French Macarons & Gem truffles

Have your gems and eat them too with these sparkly gem truffles. You will get 6 truffles and 6 macarons in your choice of flavors. $16 at ChewLaLa.

ArchPort Flip Flops with Hidden Storage

I think these flip-flops with hidden storage are ingenious! Well, they are until everyone gets a pair and knows where you hide your money, but until then, they are really very cool. Hidden pocket in the sole stores cash, keys...anything LEGAL that you want. $54.95 at Brookstone.

Lab Coat Bling

Wear a lab coat? Feel a little less than fashionable in it? You need some lab coat bling. Wear your nerdity proudly on your pocket...just leave room for the pocket protector. Customizable too! $18 at Shop Gibberish.

BioFreQ Vinyl Dispatch Bag

Nifty north/south bag with groovy art. How could that be bad? What makes it even better is the attention to detail. Great patterned interior and nice vinyl cutouts on the side make for a fully funky bag. Reinforced seaming and a nice webbed strap make it fully functional. $95 at BioFreaQ.

Bookends Galore

I came across a site that had some really unique bookends, and I thought I'd just share a few of the fun ones with you.  They're a bit pricey but oh so cool:

 

Falling Bookend $44

 

Escaping Bookend $44

 

Arrow Bookend $28

 

 

Welcome, Tiny Overlord Cross Stitch Kit

Haha, this Welcome, Tiny Overlord cross stitch kit made me laugh out loud.  Totally made me wish I had someone to give this to!  $12 - $20 at Subversive Cross Stitch

LitKids Art Prints

Artist Matt Hinrichs does amazing original drawings of popular characters from literature ontop of actual pages from the author's book.  Works include Tom Sawyer, Anne of Green Gables, Alice in Wonderland and more.  These prints of the artist's work would make awesome gifts for literary friends.  $12 at LitKids  Many thanks to reader Julie Jackson for the tip!