It's no secret I have been excited about brass lately, nor is it a secret that I'm sort of obsessed with geometric shapes, so it should be obvious that I like these brass mobiles from AMradio. This himmeli brass mobile is made from brass tubing and white string. Apparently it's based on a Finnish tradition. I'm just going to assume that tradition is being awesome, because that it was those Finns manage to do best. This 7 x 7 x 15 mobile is a great deal for $67. Other sizes and materials are available too and prices range from $45 - $170.  Also, make sure you check out the rest of the goodies AMradio has for sale…

himmeli brass mobile $67

I love these minimal Christmas decorations, especially that funny little santa guy!  Each of these lacquered wood pieces is on sale right now from West Elm--but WAIT!  Have you seen this modern DIY nutcracker our buddy Chris at Curbly made??  It looks just like the white West Elm one and is a fraction of the cost.  Check it out.  Make it.  But also pick up one of those weird santas.

Lacquered Christmas Decor from West Elm: $10 - $40

Nothing says Scandinavian like some hand carved curled birch Christmas trees. Finnish folk artist can put even the most modern of Santas elves to shame. Now if I can just figure out how to get a life sized one made...

Curled Birch Christmas Tree $26 (small 9") $34 (large 12")

I love the modern and festive simplicity of these Christmas cards from Portland-based screen print and stationery studio Merci Bleh Bleh.  They've got just the right amount of holiday flair!  But what I'm really gushing over are their super awesome everyday cards--they're like little hand-printed works of art!  Check 'em out below.

Screen printed greeting card sets by Merci Bleh Bleh: $12 - $18

Gnomes!  With gold hats!  There is absolutely nothing not to love.

Little Helper Containe by Imm Living available from Amazon: $38

P.S.  There is even a Little Helper Bottle Opener--could make a good stocking stuffer!  Just sayin'.

[via Design For Mankind]

I know I know, just because it's the day after halloween doesn't mean I should be posting anything about Christmas. But they are cool right?

Right?

Pantone Xmas Ball

I know, I know, I know... we haven't even celebrated Halloween yet.  To be fair, it's only a few days away and hey, if you're going to order stuff for Christmas, you better do it now, right?  Right??  Well, it sounds like a good plan to me, anyway.  Plus, why would you want to wait any longer than you need to to have these perfectly modern Santas in your life?  Santa mugs, Santa cookie jars, Santa pitchers, and Santa shakers... they want to be friends.  So order 'em.  Now.  Before Halloween, even.

Modern Santa Collection from West Elm: $10 - $39

For the mid-century enthusiast who has everything: a snow globe with atomic flair, complete with a Malm-inspired fireplace!  What more could you ask for?

MCM Snow Globe from CB2: $40

I love decorated packaging tape. It seems like such a fun and easy way to spice up just about anything that needs a little tapping. This original design by UK designer Joanna Rutter is absolutely fantastic. It has a great vintage + scandinavian feel to it. If you love it, you better snatch it up quick as this is the last roll from this design series.

Packaging Deco Tape $11

Jane Foster may live in the UK, but she knows a thing or two about Scandinavian design. She has an amazing collection of original art work on her etsy shop, as well as some delightful dolls and textiles that she makes with vintage fabrics. I've even made a mental bookmark to check out her Christmas stockings after Thanksgiving. They are pretty amazing.

Lots more photos after the jump, or head straight to her Etsy shop, or website http://www.janefoster.co.uk/

I'm admittedly horrible at following other design blogs, but one that I have kept tabs on over the years is Shelterrific. A few days ago they posted this fantastic paint chip Easter egg garland idea that they found on Modern Parents Messy Kids. What better way to spend an afternoon than raiding your local paint store and getting crazy with scissors and string.

DIY Paint Chip Easter Garland Tutorial

via

The cool kids at Lushpad are celebrating Valentine's Day and their love of great design by offering free MCM desktop wallpapers! They're available in red or black and the following formats: desktop, iPad, iPhone, and mobile. To download one for yourself or your design-loving Valentine, head on over to Lushpad.

Valentines Day is here, and love is in the air. Or you are feeling a little extra lonely today and acutely aware of your single status. No worries. Either way we can still be valentines. I even got you a few things. Check out the delightful miniature moveable valentines dolls from Hollands Worth's shop on Etsy. (shown above)

In case you are wondering what to get me, head on over to Curbly for some ideas. They have a huge roundup of goodies in their handmade says I love you section, including several printable cards and other last minute ideas you procrastinators can still pull off.

Don't have anyone to give a gift to? Send yourself some chocolates and coffee from the Full Circle Exchange and enjoy the sweet taste of knowing they matched your purchase dollar for dollar with a donation to CARE.

Most of all, know that GRM loves you!

I went to a great slow food event last night called SLC Bites. Now today for some reason I'm feeling a little food obsessed. So I figured I'd share some links for my favorite food group. Chocolate. Besides, Valentines day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your affection for that special someone than some chocolate. Of course if that special someone is a designophile, not just any box of chocolates will do. May I suggest a box of chocolates from Valerie Confections in LA. The Commune Chocolates were a collaboration between Valerie Confections and Commune Design the brainchild behind the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs and The Standard in New York. A box of 49 pieces will only set you back $49, and I guarantee it will be much more enjoyable than some cliched roses.

Commune Chocolates from Valerie Confections

More chocolate coated ideas after the jump.

Continuing in the chocolate theme is Richart chocolates which promise to be equally beautiful and delicious. They are almost so beautiful I wouldn't want to eat them. Almost.

Richart Chocolate (photo via)

Speaking of eating good chocolate, I've got to give some much deserved attention to the best chocolate I've ever eaten. Amano. They have won multiple international awards for their chocolate bars, and I was absolutely floored to learn that they are made right here in Utah. Do yourself a favor and pick up a bar or two to taste.

Amano Artisan Chocolate

Last and certainly not least is another plug for a local business. Here in Salt Lake City we have a great market and deli called Tony Caputo's. Rumor on the block is that they will be having a special Valentines Day tasting of Artisan du Chocolat a London based chocolate maker. Umm. Yes please.

Artisan du Chocolat chocolates

What do you get when you combine a grey merino throw from CB2 with my favorite chair? Just my favorite Christmas present I got this year, that's all. While I got some wonderful gifts from chocolate to cheese, the one that killed it was from my dear mother. She got her craft on and added a little personalization to an already stellar throw. Perfection. In fact I'm off to go snuggle some more with my new blanky.

Grey Merino Throw from CB2 $40

Hand LCW stitching. Priceless

Christmas came a little late at my loft, so while you are reading this, I'm still enjoying ripping open presents with my two kids. While the tornado of wrapping paper is settling I'd love to know what Santa brought everyone?

Image via Chic Geek

I discovered Aluminum Christmas trees this year, and was lucky enough to pick up a nice 7' Evergleam and color wheel for my place. I came across this fantastic How To on decorating your aluminum Christmas tree at AluminumChristmastrees.net. It's worth a read even if you don't have an aluminum tree. Check out the rest of the guide after the jump.

Via AluminumChristmasTrees.net

Happy Holidays and a very Merry (mod) Christmas, GRMers! I don't know about you, but I'll be keeping my eye on the sky for any inexplicable rocket ship activity tonight.

Image: calsidyrose

If you've missed the boat on sending out holiday cards this year, don't dismay! An eCard is better than no card and fortunately for you, Fossil's got a whole collection of sweet, retro designs just waiting to be shot through the ether and into someone's inbox. Like magic. They're free, they're cool, and did I mention they're free? Check out all the designs here.

For those kickin' back with the knowledge that their holiday greetings are already making their way through the postal system - or better, are sitting on their recipient's mantle - celebrate with one of Fossil's holiday desktop wallpapers.

And, of course, Happy Holidays!

[via Creature Comforts]

I've seen some pretty good modern and MCM gingerbread houses before, but I think this one takes the cake.

Thanks to Ron from The Green Ant for the tip.

Via Whorange