Ito-ya and Gold Leaf Design Group

Ito-ya's Special Request

We love Japan. Darren's even run a marathon there. We also love Ito-ya. A magical store of paper, design, and stationery, Ito-Ya shares the same love we have for Charley Harper. For their new flagship store they wanted to create something truly special. They wanted something sleekly modern with an appreciation of the past. What better than a personalized clock featuring a glockenspiel and a one-of-a-kind Baffling Belly Charley Harper sculpture? 

We worked with Ito-ya and Seiko to upscale our Baffling Belly decorative sculpture. The originals are all hand-carved from a single piece of solid wood, but this one would have to do something the smaller models cannot do....move. This red-headed woodpecker had to turn its head and peck to mark the time. Drawings and specifications were exchanged and the model was delivered.

The next step was the movement construction and sound tests. Several materials with different resonances and tones were tested. The clapper's movement had to be synced up with the bird's movement...as you can see in these tests.

The result is a wonderful design that perfectly fits the aesthetic and feeling of Ito-Ya. We are so happy to be part of this project. Working closely with our customers to create unique pieces is one of our favorite things. And, of course, creating creatively design-forward decorative pieces is another. :-D 

If you're a retailer or interior designer, check out our Charley Harper collection or register on our site and browse all our offerings. 

Other Interhall exhibitors join us...

Darren has gotten fired up. Ever since our decision to donate 1% of our High Point sales to Equality NC, he has made it a mission to spread the word and encourage others to participate. We're pleased that many of our fellow Interhall exhibitors have agreed. Among those who have made the commitment are:

• Bungalow 5

• Aviva Standoff,

• Natural Curiosities

• Seasonal Living

• Luna Bella

• Nima Oberoi Lunares 

And more are joining every day. Just yesterday the movement spread out of Interhall with the addition of Made Goods. 

We couldn't be happier to have all of these great companies standing together and working to make a positive change. We'd also like to give an extra THANKS! to Bungalow 5 for taking such an active role and helping us stay organized and ever growing. 

Hope everyone has a great market.

Read more about the issue here.

#gldgLove - Ball Sway & Agateware

We're always on the lookout for how our creative clients use product. 

Check out this pin from our friends at Gardener's Supply Company. Striking, elegant, and resistant to rusting, these sculptural pieces are perfect for indoors and out.

Stainless Steel Ball Sway is gorgeous when installed in a flowerbed or in a poolside planter or indoors in a floor vase. It looks great in a large organic cluster or spaced linearly apart...you get the idea. The design possibilities are nearly endless with this playful accent piece, inspired by nature. 

We love to see what our friends and customers are drawn to...but of course we also have our favorites. Today our staff pick features Agateware Collection. With its three sets of three, this Farmhouse Modern series is both attractive and economical.

The unique marbling comes from the technique of mixing light and dark clays when the piece is first formed. This traditional form of pottery creates a unique pattern every time. 

This collection works in any setting, from contemporary to classic.