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Design

Get Your Vote on the Board!

July 6, 2011

Personalized Chalk Board

Becky said: “Very cool. The idea of personalized chalkboards is not only ingenious, but rustic and charming too. It’s a playful gift given at a baby shower, a stylish way to exhibit specials at a restaurant and an original, custom piece of art in your own home. I think the price is right for what it is. P.S.-My wedding is at a ranch in October, is it possible to have one made by then? “

Handmade of reclaimed wood by artist James van Kriedt, this Personalized Chalk Board is hand-lettered with the family name scrolled across the top, first names below in bold, beautiful lettering and your hometown in script. Would this board make a great wedding or housewarming gift for someone you know? Could you see this in your own home? We want to know what you think! Visit our Community Voting App to get your vote on the board, and feel free to leave a comment with your feedback, questions and suggestions. If you love the board like Becky, you can even sign-up to be notified if it’s added to our assortment!

Design

Get Comfy, Drink to Fun & Make an Impression

June 30, 2011

Independence Day is almost here, but before you ooh and awe over that fireworks display, save some of that wide-eyed wonder to gaze upon our radiant new goods. These bright ideas are just out of our Community Voting App, and we’ve got more where that came from! Read what our voters said about these wild pillows, fun flasks and printed pendants, then share your thoughts on the next batch of potential new goods!

Safari Animal Pillows

Jennifer said: “These are super fun!”

Sanriobaby said: “Love these pillows and they would work so well in a child/nursery room as decoration only.”

Handmade by HSSS Artisans in India, these pillows are soft, vibrant and 100% cotton. You loved these fun animal designs and that the set is made using traditional artisan techniques, which you can learn more about by reading the Product Story on our website.

Bottoms Up Flask



Emilie said: “Cute, and pretty good price.”

This star of this flashy flask takes the phrase “bottoms up” literally! You loved that the circus inspired illustration, the stainless steel container and that this product is made in the USA.

If you love this colorful contortionist, you might also enjoy designer Kaycee Binns’ Wingman and Holy Water flasks.

Custom Fingerprint Necklace

Brianna said: “I love this idea and would not hesitate to get it! it is so unique and special! Something I would keep forever.”

Nicole said: “This is such a beautiful, romantic concept. Can it get any more uncommon? I think not:)”

This special necklace takes personalization to a whole new level! Artist Jackie Kaufman gives you the chance to take part in her artistic process by sending you a special kit which allows you to make a mold of your unique fingerprint. After you send Jackie your mold, she creates this sterling silver heart pendant. You loved that this custom pendant is as one-of-a-kind as you can get!

Want to see more new goods and potential products? Check out other product design posts. Each week we’ll show off a few of our latest Community Approved goods, so tell us what you think, and next week your comments could be featured in our roundup!

Maker Stories

From Haiti to Your Home

June 24, 2011

We love getting customer feedback about our products, and lately we’ve had a few questions and comments on our home décor selections. The Community has spoken, and we’re glad you’re looking for fun, funky home accents like the uncommon items we have to offer!

One brand new Community Approved item, the Green Rhino Trophy Head, received some great feedback in our Community Voting App, and we’re excited to tell you more about how this terrific trophy came to be. Collaboratively conceived by Aid to Artisans designers, these paper mache heads are crafted by skilled fair trade artisans in Haiti.

Green Rhino

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Design

This or That? Unstoppable Stoppers & Cute Cups

June 23, 2011

Our City Harvest Design Challenge is going strong, and there’s still time to vote for your favorite Harvest Plate designs. While we’re waiting to find out which design is the next Plate with a Purpose ™ our buyers are tallying up your votes and contemplating your comments on last week’s Community Voting App goods.

From kids activities to cuteness for the kitchen, here are a few of the new goods you loved!

This or That? Activity Book

This or That?

Mel said:  “Another way creative idea that will have my 2nd grader really thinking outside the box and journaling as well! Just to show you how much I like it, I’ll buy it for my son!”

Jessie said:  “Why weren’t companies this smart back when I was a kid. I’m jealous of the future generations that will be so much smarter and more creative and more comfortable expressing themselves as a result of crazy, out-of-the-box-thinking companies like whoever came up with this idea. No fair…. p.s. love it.”

This imaginative book features 50 interactive pairs of illustrations prompting kids to choose “this” or “that.” Playful choices such as “Would you rather be a pirate or a ninja?” prompt kids to get creative in activities including writing poems and stories, drawing and collaging. The community agreed that this kids’ activity book is uncommonly clever.

Cartoon Door Stops

Cartoon Door Stops

Charlene said: “Would definitely buy. I am already making my list of people who would love it.”

Andrea said: “This is great! And a great price! Really cute for gifts. Affordable to give as a birthday gift.”

These delightful door stops hold the door while making a statement! You loved that they are fun, creative and affordable.

Animal Mug with Spoon

Animal Mug With Spoon

Blah said: “These are precious! The spoons are adorable.”

Valerie said: “Super cute! Great for grown ups and kids! Would make a kid drink all their milk, no problem!”

An adorable way to stir sugar in your coffee or chocolate syrup in your milk, you loved that these mug and spoon combos are not only practical, but also pretty darn cute!

Do you love these new goods? Leave a comment and let us know what you think! Each week, we’ll post roundup featuring fresh community approved items. Want to read more comments from voters like you? Check out last week’s roundup and check back soon for more This Just In!

Design

Harvest Plate Design Challenge

June 20, 2011

UncommonGoods and City Harvest are teaming up to create the next Plate with a Purpose™ with your help! We received a bounty of fantastic plate designs and the finalists are the stars of our Community Voting App this week.

The winning design will be etched on to a handmade recycled glass plate. A portion of the sales of these plates will go to benefit City Harvest and help feed New York’s hungry.

We asked our community to submit designs that reflect City Harvest’s mission and artists responded with images ranging from sweet and simple to astutely abstract. Now, we need your votes to help us pick the winning design!

Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.
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Design

Your Votes–On the Record!

June 17, 2011

From recycled records to a bowl that will make a splash, we’ve added some great new items to our Community Voting App this week. Do you agree with what our voters have said so far?

Handmade from real recycled records and other environmentally friendly materials by artist Jeff Davis, these bookends may be the next big hit.

Seneca said: “Super fun! I love it!”

Do you love these Recycled Record Book Ends? Vote now!

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