Modern Mouse

Treats for Easter Baskets!

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:29:39 +0000

Still shopping for Easter basket-worthy goodies for the little boys and girls? How ’bout some that are a) lovingly hand-designed/crafted and b) won’t cause a sugar high? Here’s a little roundup:

Easter chicks by Parami Panda

Felt hair clips by The Pickled Pumpkin

Flower Power Swirl Necklaces by favmoongirl

1" pins by steppie

Do-It-Yourself Paper Robot Kits by PIPEROIDS

Robot in the City by Alexander Shen

Animal Ears Hat by Colette Kids

And hey, didja get invited to a potluck this Easter? Try surprising your host with one of these no-cook Easter meals!

Moody Toast Pillow by Wonder-Thunder

(Easter) Ham Plush Toy by Sweet Meats

New Kid on the Robot Block

New Kid on the Robot Block

admin — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:23:01 +0000

Ritz the Robot gets to know the PIPEROIDS

PIPEROIDS paper robots have long ruled the robot block here at Modern Mouse, but they’re now joined by a new friend — Ritz the Robot from Robot in the City! Ritz (seen here talking to Hammer Rose and Muscle Joe) and the PIPEROIDS have been getting to know each other since Ritz arrived at the store yesterday in the hands of Alexander Shen (whom we’re ever so grateful to fun and faithful Modern Mouse customer Shannon for introducing us to)!

Plushie Robot Invasion!

Of course, we can’t exactly say that PIPEROIDS have been the only robots in store. 3 Fish Studios‘ Retro Robots and Lonely Robots landed on our shelves shortly before Valentine’s Day, but they really kind of just kind of keep to themselves, occasionally intermingling with the Bears in Thoughtful Repose but for the most part reclusive.

Retro Robots postcard set by 3 Fish Studios

Especially the Lonely Robots. Never a peep out of these guys, I tell ya!

Lonely Robots postcard sets by 3 Fish Studios

A Little Somethin’ for the Leaf Eaters

admin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:21:39 +0000

Herbivore Necklace by Lulu Bug Jewelry

To all my veggie-feeding shoppers: finally, a pendant just for you! We’ve just received a big fat shipment from Lulu Bug Jewelry that we’re super-excited about because it includes not only this brand spankin’ new pendant, but 10 other new designs as well!

We’re talking dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, squirrels, koalas (!), ladybugs, chickadees and…cupcakes! Ooh did we mention cat paws AND dog paws?!

Tiny Paw Necklace by Lulu Bug Jewelry

Of course we have something for our meat eaters too. We’ve always carried the Sweet Meats collection of plush hambones, t-bone steaks, pork chops and bacon. But we recently added Sweet Meats’ Mini Plush Ham Pattern and Kit. That’s right, a DIY hambone kit!

Mini Plush Ham Pattern and Kit by Sweet Meats

Remember, we add new things on a weekly basis — and often more than that! So if you haven’t been in awhile, drop by and check it out!

Artist Profile: Angelina Fong Designs

Katrina — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:03:54 +0000

The Angelina Fong Designs Story
I started my business in April of 2009 and it actually came about more by accident than out of careful planning. I’d been making handmade items for myself and as gifts to friends and family for years. People always told me “you could totally sell this!” but I always thought they were just being nice. To my surprise, around March of last year, I actually started to receive requests to buy my handmade items (mostly from coworkers and friends) and it just took off from there.

In my other life…
My past work experience is mainly in media. I’ve worked in everything from newspaper to movies to radio. I currently work full time in digital marketing.

Did you know?
People used to make fun of me in college for knitting and crocheting, calling me a “grandma”. Then it became trendy. Go figure!

Angelina Fong - Foster City, CA

Artist Profile: Melinda Mae Handbags

Katrina — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:52:15 +0000

The Melinda Mae Handbags Story
I have loved crafts since I was a little girl and had fun making various projects with my sewing machine. It wasn’t until many years later that I realized that I could make some fun handbags for myself that would help compliment my personality and show my unique style. So I started to make handbags that people could display their one of a kind personalities by using fabrics with vibrant colors and patterns. My handbags are also very functional and versatile in which I made specifically for “playful days and soulful nights”.

In my other life…
Sexual Health Educator

Did you know?
I love reminiscing about past memories and funny moments so I am always inspired by retro prints and patterns that remind me of fun times.

I’ve also been known to answer to…
Mel, Mello, sillysunshine =)

Melinda Mae - Fremont, CA

Artist Profile: Bella Beads Originals

Katrina — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:03:55 +0000

The Bella Beads Originals Story
I started making jewelry, as a hobby, in 2003. My sister gave me some vintage beads and a beading magazine. That peaked my interest and I took some beading classes. The next thing I knew, friends were asking me to make jewelry for them. And, as they say, the rest is history.

I love the creative process of finding a beautiful strand of beads or a great pendant and creating a piece of jewelry that bring’s a smile and a little bit of happiness into someone’s life. And, I have a thing for making one-of-a-kind pieces. I think it makes people feel special to know they’re the only ones with that particular necklace, bracelet or earrings. It makes their smile even bigger!

In my other life…
My current job is my jewelry business!

Did you know?
I have a wonderful, lovable yellow lab named Schooner. She’s my furbaby and a momma’s girl!

I’ve also been known to answer to…
My husband calls me “love of my life” otherwise, no nickname!

Marguerite Irvine Payne - Alameda, CA

Gift Ideas for Anyone

admin — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:04:12 +0000

To wrap up our gift guide series, we bring you 17 gift ideas suitable for just about anyone: sweetheart, coworker, teacher, friend, family member…you get the picture!

Clockwise, from top left:

Honey Bee Mine Soap and Dish Gift Set, by Sirona Springs, $10
Roll-On Perfume, by mi SPA, $14 (now on sale for $11.20)
Deep Sea Hand Creams, by Ho’ola Kai, $15 (now on sale for $12)
Hugs and Kisses Soap, by Sirona Springs, $5
9oz Soy Tumbler Candle, by Senses and Scents, $16

Clockwise, from top left:

Panda Bums Art Print, by steppie, $14 (frame not included)
Eco-Friendly Cashmere Elephant, by buttercupbloom, $30
Hammer Rose Paper Robot, by PIPEROID, $12.95
Valentine’s Day Octopus, by Parami Panda, $25
Birds Flying Over Flowers Archival Print, by Rachel Austin, $18
Tiny Tiny Terrariums, by Tortoise Loves Donkey, $5 – $5.50
Hand-Painted Wooden Hoot Owl, by myfriendamy, $10
Vintage Silverware Garden Markers, by Monkeys Always Look, $9 each
Individual Felted Wool Bowl, by Papaver Vert, $30 each

And last but not least, we’ve got gift certificates available in any amount of your choosing!

We think they’re perfectly paired with these 2-pack Valentine’s Day gift boxes of gourmet rice crispy treats by Milk & Krunchies. Yum!

As usual, you can find these fine goods — and more! — at Modern Mouse in Alameda. Come on down! Also find fabulous gifts for yourself from this amazing set of designers while you’re there.

Photo credits: Product images in this post are courtesy of the individual artists listed above.

Gift Ideas for Her: Wearables

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:19:14 +0000

Wanna impress your girl with a stylish top or accessory she’ll actually love to wear? Grab any of the items made by the talented apparel and accessory designers in this series of our gift guides, and you’ll be good to go! Be sure to check out both sets of recommendations below, and then come on in to see what else we have in store!

Clockwise, from top left:

Bike Girl Scoop Neck, by fiftyseven-thirtythree, $34 (on sale for $28.90 through 2/14/10)
Chandra Elephant Hoodie, by Colette Kids, $28
Palm Berries Cap Sleeve Top, by stellarocco, $26
Kitty Face Scoop Tee, by WilloToons, $20
Magnolia Boatneck Top, by stellarocco, $28
Fish Bicycle Tee, by The Girl & Rhino, $24

Clockwise, from top left:

Hand-dyed Chiffon Scarf, by Swim, $18.50
Fabric-Covered Button Bobby Pins, by Cookie and The Dude, $12 per pair
Fleece Kitty Hat, by Rabbhats, $17
Fabric Headband, by Queen Puff Puff, $12
Valentine’s Day Diva Scarf, by Crickets Creations, $40
Ranunculus Cluster Brooch, by Happenstance Designs, $18.50

Coming up next in our Gift Guide series are more gift ideas for her, from some of our other departments.

All of these fine goods — and more! — are available now at Modern Mouse in Alameda. Come on down! Also find fabulous gifts for yourself from this amazing set of designers while you’re there.

Photo credits: Product images in this post are courtesy of the individual artists listed above.

Gift Ideas for Her: Bags & Purses

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:50:41 +0000

What else can a girl never have enough of? Bags! And little purses to organize the things inside our bags! Twelve ideas for you, and more colors, styles and shapes where these came from.

Clockwise, from top left:

Reversible Canvas Eco-Tote, by Green Girl, $55
Market Tote, by Queen Puff Puff, $28
French Olive Hobo, by The Enchanted Square, $64
Everyday Tote, by Planet Penelope, $75 (now on sale for $56.25)
BYOB Eco Jute Bag, by Green Girl, $28
I Am a Ninja Tote Bag, by steppie, $15

Clockwise, from top left:

Large Kyoto Kimono Organizer, by Angelina Fong Designs, $30
Lingerie Bag, by Queen Puff Puff, $20
Canvas Wallet, by Chikabird / randL, $28
Polopolo Multi Pocket Pouch, by Yokomono Studio, $28
Cherry Wallflower Pouch, by DrikaB, $29.50
Polopolo Pocket Tissue Holder, by Yokomono Studio, $15

Coming up next in our Gift Guide series are more gift ideas for her, from some of our other departments.

All of these fine goods — and more! — are available now at Modern Mouse in Alameda. Come on down! Also find fabulous gifts for yourself from this amazing set of designers while you’re there.

Photo credits: Product images in this post are courtesy of the individual artists listed above.

Gift Ideas for Her: Jewelry

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:22:42 +0000

We ladies love us some adornments, and Modern Mouse has got plenty of that to offer. From cutesy (e.g. Hello Kitty rings) to casual (e.g. ebony wood bead bracelets) to chic and sophisticated (e.g. ruby rosary necklaces), we’ve got a little bit of jewelry for just about everyone. Try a few of these on for size! Eighteen ideas for you, and much much more on our shelves!

Ladies, feel free to use one of the “Drop ‘Em a Hint” wishlist cards we’ve got in the store so that your Valentine knows exactly what you’ve got your eye on for Valentine’s Day…and beyond!

Clockwise, from top left:

Tiny Heart Stud Earrings, by Periphery Designs, $12
Love Pendant Necklace, by Everything Tiny, $20
Red Turquoise and Wood Bracelet, by Brooklyn Thread, $24
Panda Bums Ring, by steppie, $8
Peas in a Pod Necklace, by Mu Yin Jewelry, $34
Midnight Sakura Washi Necklace, by Sparkle Candy, $14

Clockwise, from top left:

Map Pendant Necklace, by Rachel Austin, $20
Game Piece Letter Pendant Necklace, by XO Handworks, $20
Circle Lovebirds Necklace, by Figs & Ginger, $45
Ruby Rosary Double-Strand Necklace, by Bella Beads Originals, $88
Hello Kitty Face Plate Ring, by Destination Design, $7
Cell Formation Necklace, by Emily P-S, $75

Clockwise, from top left:

Magenta Dahlia Laser-Cut Wool Felt Earrings, Feisty Elle, $28
Pink Heart Adjustable Ring, by Yeah Hello, $9
Anatomical Heart Pendant w/ tinted concrete, by Lulu Bug Jewelry, $56
Lovely Maidens All in a Row Necklace, by Unkamengifts, $16
Tiny Heart Fine Silver Pendant Necklace, by Lulu Bug Jewelry, $28
Vintage Heart Bracelet, by MaeBee Jewelry, $22

Looking for something other than jewelry? Coming up next in our Gift Guide series are more gift ideas for her, from some of our other departments.

All of these fine goods — and more! — are available now at Modern Mouse in Alameda. Come on down! Also find fabulous gifts for yourself from this amazing set of designers while you’re there.

Photo credits: Product images in this post are courtesy of the individual artists listed above.