A neighbour in my apartment building has two fake stuffed crows in his window that curiously peer out at me while I fill up my watering can.  At first glance, they were a bit scary … but after meeting their gaze a few times, I’ve grown to like them … a lot.  Crows get a bit of a bad wrap in our culture – like when you refer to a group of several crows, it’s called MURDER. 

That’s harsh. 

MURDER

Also, they eat garbage and that’s no good for their rep.  The other day outside of Zellers I noticed a MURDER of crows trying to bust into an entire bag of bagels with a series of teeny tiny punctures inflicted by their pointy beaks.  It seemed as though they had been working tirelessly at this for hours, so naturally I sympathized.  I bravely approached the MURDER to rip open the bag and free the yummy circles of doughy goodness and all traces of bagel disappeared within seconds. 

It was amazing.

 

Anyhoo… Apparently Charles and Ray Eames also had an affinity for the black bird (maybe not crow specific).  On one of their many travels they picked up an American folk art object … a black wooden bird and brought it home to live in the centre of their living room. 

Vitra has re-produced the Eames’ beloved pet as a beautiful smooth black bird with the very same skinny stick legs and round eye balls.  It’s elegant and endearing and makes a nice alternative to a feathered friend of the live variety.  Against a back-drop it becomes a graphic image and on the carpet in the middle of room it’s just sweet and loveable.

 

Eames house bird

MURDER of house birds

Everyone needs a coat hanger right? Why not 4….. in a row? The Eames Hang It All by Herman Miller

It may not be the most durable coat hanger on the market, but it’s definitely the most colourul! An eye catching piece that your guests will be sure to comment on.

4 Hang It Alls in a row

How cute is this!

Eames Elephant, Charles and Ray Eames 1945 by Vitra

Originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in molded plywood, this adorable child’s stool/table/toy/best friend is now produced by Vitra in several different colours of plastic.   See more about Vitra Elephant by Charles and Ray Eames.

OMG Christmas is coming! Gift shopping is easy at www.gabrielross.com – awesome, collectible, designer gifts with free shipping. Here’s my gift picks!

George Nelson clocks by Vitra such as the Ball Clock, Block Clock, Sunburst and Asterisk to name just a few. The Alessi Anna G. Corkscrew and the Alessandro Mendini Corkscrew both designed by Alessandro Mendini are so much fun with a choice of colours/patterns. Also, the Alessi toaster is like a piece of art on your countertop – designed by Giovannoni Stefano, it’s a beautiful, sleek, shiny stainless steel appliance with bun warmer! Let’s not forget the coffee fanatics with an Alessi 9090 Espresso Maker designed by Richard Sapper in 1979 . . . choose from different sizes, made of stainless steel, makes wonderful espressos on your stove top in minutes, the Italian way! Another great gift would be the Eames Hang-It-All by Herman Miller designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1947 is so much fun with it’s different colored balls and versatility. Let’s also add the Alvar Aalto Vases by Iittala made in Finland, ‘wavy’ mouth blown glass is modern and stylish for any home! And one more . . . the Viking Steak Knife sets! A gift box of four stainless steel steak knives, each knife weighted with such an amazing lightness – I love the beauty and feel of these knives! And if you really cannot decide what to get someone, send them a Gift Certificate and let them have fun choosing!!!

Dear Santa . . .