Found these over-sized flash cards today at John Derian’s shop in NYC. I get a little weak in the knees when I see single words (cows and sheep notwithstanding) on oak tag. With radius corners no less.  Molly, eat your heart out!

When I travel, the first places I (and most everyone else I know) usually hit up are the local hardware stores, supermarkets, stationery shops and probably a pharmacy or two. Alisa Grifo, the proprietor of the much-beloved NYC shop Kiosk, manages to recreate this oft rewarding pursuit through a series of curated country-specific shows. I bought these Japanese clips at her store when it first opened. And while I have never been to Japan (how is this possible??) at least I get to gaze upon these fasteners daily. I know I should use them, but I can’t bear to break up the happy family.

Thought I would throw up a few more images from my rapidly expanding collection of things found and documented…together.

This basket is traditionally known as a Nantucket Lightship Basket. This particular specimen was made by my stepfather, Howard G. Jones, who was an industrial designer and model maker, and the inspiration behind much of what I do today. He could make anything — for Sea & Ski, he modeled the first “Girl Watcher” sunglasses, and for GM he lent his talent towards designing the Futurama exhibition for the 1939-1940 World’s Fair. He even turned wooden buttons during the Great Depression. At the age of 75 or so he decided that he wanted to start making baskets. Baskets…really? This is one stunning example of his endeavor. This “the one egger”, is part of a larger nest, something like the baskets featured in this link. He made every element himself…from ripping the cane, to tooling the little hinges to turning the wood bottom. Hats off to you Mr. Jones.

The creators of Things Organized Neatly are my new heroes. Their site speaks to me on every level. We’ll be back here often.