inpired by: pallets & fancy tables

am totally in love with the use of pallets (aka skids) in design...  when i spotted this beautiful wall made of recycled pallets over at the always-inspiring blog poppytalk, it got me thinking...  rather than doing a wall (my new landlord might not approve!), i'm going to take the same idea and build a table!

as far as a table design goes i'm undecided.  i could go quite lo-fi and basic, or i could gear up a notch and try something that looks a little more challenging...  i think the pallet shape lends itself quite well to this table that i've been coveting: the simple & functional table/desk belonging to textile designer lotta jansdotter. i do so love all that lovely storage space - not to mention her other decorating tips for small-space dwellers!

something like this will be perfect in my new space - i'm moving house tomorrow!  even in an apartment of a respectable size - 800-900 square feet and two bedrooms - finding adequate storage is always on my radar.

and there are pallet ideas for every ability and space, not to mention budget. pallets can be found many places for free or nearly free - they seem to make the perfect building material!  i might have to try these other ideas too:

rustic glassware shelves 

toddler bed

more pallet shelves

outdoor coffee table

a gussied up version

and this amazing pallet house is a concept project designed to be transitional housing for those in need. i think the basic idea would translate well to a treehouse. oh, for the want of a tree to call my own! i'll have to tackle that whole matter after the table comes to fruition!

now, to find some pallets, post haste...

lovely mondays: wooden toys

we've tried very hard to stick to wooden toys around here but more plastic sneaks in that i'd like to admit. i'm ok with duplo, but the rest of it can go. just leave us with our books, handmade stuffed animals, delightful wood toys and our art supplies and i'm happy. there are such fun, unique and handmade finds on etsy that it's easy to see the light!

and i must, must, must have that checker set. pirates vs ninjas? all kinds of awesome. all these delights, clockwise from top left:

pirates vs. ninja checker set from goose grease

vintage graphic choo-choo block puzzle from tiny giraffe

robot parade figure set from moo shoo pork

rainbow of mushrooms collection from wee wood

rainy day fun

i kind of wish it was raining today. for some reason i'm just feeling super stumped and a rainy day always seems to legitimize that loagy feeling. i just can't seem to tackle any or all of the things on my ever-growing list. many small and one large design projects, lots of crafts that i want to make for us and for my shop, home-makery things that i wish i did do and never seem to (like making dinner!) and of course all sorts other random longings... instead, i'm sitting here using up the valuable time while cole naps, stumped, and reading my favourite blogs, ogling things on etsy and looking at other folks facebook photos... well, might as well put my ogling to good use and share:

i spotted this random etsy find and thought it would make a terrific kid-friendly activity on an actual rainy day...

this design-your-own wooden nesting eggs kit from themercshop looks very promising. kit comes with the wooden eggs, a tray of paints and a lovely little bird-stamped muslin bag. how cute is that?

i can't wait until cole is old enough for making things with mama... i picture rainy days, tomato soup, a handmade painting smock and a lot of messy fun. and maybe cookies, because everyone loves cookies...