Archives

Design

Framed Felines

July 28, 2011

Last year, we introduced our dog blueprints. They were an instant hit, and we were thrilled when we started hearing from you about the breeds we should add to the collection. Thanks to feedback from you loyal pooch owners, we now offer dozens of dog blueprint breeds.

Of course, it wasn’t long before cat lovers started speaking up. We received calls, chats and emails from these feline fans, and we listened! This message from Trisha let’s us know we made the right choice:

“As soon as I received the [email] blast today I exclaimed ‘The day has come!!’ as I was very excited to see you now feature cat blueprints. I have passed around the dog blueprint link to all of my co-workers, who are architects by trade and pedigree-dog lovers by choice. They look forward to these random emails and products from me. Personally, I have a love for cats, since I don’t have space for a dog! Please keep me posted if you ever add BENGAL cats to your selection for cat blueprints. I would love love love love to have one and I know they are a hot breed so I’m sure you’d get plenty of response! I’d send a link to my breeder for sure! At the very least, I’m pleased to know that it’ll be considered whereas before I was certain you’d only highlight man’s best friend.”

Our buyers have added Bengal cats to the list of potentials new Cat Blueprints. We’re starting out with Persian, Himalayan, American Shorthair, Devon Rex, Maine Coon, Sphynx and Siamese. What feline friend would you love to see us add to our lineup?

Design

Vintage Stamp Money Clips

July 28, 2011

Michelle said: “I would have a hard time deciding which to buy!”

Our product development team is at it again and they just added their latest creation to our community voting app.

Each Vintage Stamp Money Clip features an actual United States postage stamp and a quote from the stamp’s star. Ben Franklin’s famous line: “A penny saved is a penny earned” complements an authentic used 1-cent stamp, while Harry Truman’s motto: “The buck stops here” is engraved next to a mint Truman commemorative stamp.

Would you let President Truman hold your bucks? Or, would you rather carry your cash with Mr. Frankin’s words of wisdom as a fiscal guide? Share your feedback in our community voting app and tell our product developers which clip is right on the money!

Design

Leaning Ladies

July 27, 2011

Elizabeth said: “Really attractive–I would buy this for certain!”

Jessica said: “Love them. I’d buy them for my bookshelf right now.”

Do you agree with these ladies on the Leaning Ladies Bookends? Inspired by art deco and retro-classic forms, these bookends are both elegant and durable. If you’d like to see the leaning ladies in our assortment, visit our community voting app and cast your vote!

Design

We’ve Got Mail!

July 26, 2011

Mail Case

Pam said: “very cool look… love the concept and the protective lining… especially LOVE the machine wash part!”

Mail Tote

Jen said: “Of course you can find less expensive bags out there, but if your less expensive bags are anything like the ones I’ve purchased, they wear out pretty quickly. Mail bags are known for lasting for ages. I think this is an awesome bag!”

These sturdy bags are handmade from actual repurposed mail sacks. Would you rather carry the iPad Case, the Tote or both? You don’t have to send us a letter to let us know–just stop by our community voting app, cast your votes and leave your comments.

Design

You Choose…

July 25, 2011

Packed with over 200 choices, the Vs. Journal lets you pick your favorites, then analyzes what your choices say about you. Each page features illustrations depicting the choice (for example, Fork Vs. Spoon), what each choice means (quiz style–upside down on the bottom of the page) and space for you to contemplate what you’ve just discovered.

Before this journal of choices enters our lineup, we need you to make a choice in the battle of thumbs up Vs. thumbs down in our community voting app!

Design

String Finger

July 24, 2011

Guitar String RingHand-twisted by California artist Christopher Stiles, these Guitar String Rings are made from actual guitar strings. The artist sources the upcycled strings from music stores and guitar shops in his neighborhood. After twisting the strings and fashioning the bows (a play on tying a string around your finger), he caps the tips with sterling silver-plated beads.

Would you give this ring to a musician or music lover as a reminder that you care? If you want to see this product in our assortment, visit our community voting app and let us know!

Need a gift for the guitarist in your life now? Check out the Guitar String Bracelet, Sterling Silver Guitar Pick Necklace and our new community approved Ridged Glass Guitar Picks.

Maker Stories

Sterling Silver Birds of a Feather

July 23, 2011

Next month, we’re hosting an Uncommon Jewelry Challenge, with an open call for jewelry from designers across the US. This month we’re highlighting our favorite jewelry makers. Find out more about our design challenges and learn how you can become UncommonGoods’ next favorite jewelry or accessory designer.


Artist Rhonda Wyman has always had a “do it yourself” attitude when it comes to jewelry design. The same year she graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, she married her husband, Elijah (who she calls an indie-folk singer-songwriting superhero) and they started selling Rhonda’s pieces through the independent craft scene. Although the popularity of Rhonda’s work continues to grow over the years– her Nestling Bird Necklaces being some of UncommonGoods best selling jewelry items– she still makes each piece by hand and is always finding inspiration for bold new designs.


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Maker Stories

Smell the Roses

July 22, 2011

ETA July 28, 2011: Congrats to Audi Arellano, for winning a handmade Bouquet of Roses necklace!


Next month, we’re hosting an Uncommon Jewelry Challenge, with an open call for jewelry and accessories from designers across the US. This month we’re highlighting our favorite jewelry and accessories makers. Find out more about our design challenges and learn how you can become UncommonGoods’ next favorite jewelry or accessory designer. And read on to find out how you can win one of Ellen Thurmond’s handmade necklaces.


Ellen Thurmond says she’s never been particularly “girly” or a “flowery” person, but when she was asked to create a rose necklace for UncommonGoods, she couldn’t turn down the opportunity. Instead, she thought about how to carry themes from existing designs into her new piece and looked to nature for inspiration.

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