Winter Lighting

Irwin Weiner ASID - If you want to add a seasonal lighting accent to any room - but this would be particularly magical in a teen or child's bedroom - consider the Snow Spike lamp from Light of Mind, a Polish accessories company.

They feature do-it-yourself, put-together lighting shades made from heat-resistant plastic (but still use cooler and safer bulbs - you know the drill) that look stylish on a simple swag bulb cable. I tried to find a supplier outside of Poland, but was unsuccessful (let me know if you have better luck); in the meantime, you'll need to order direct from the manufacturer. The following video shows you how the snowflakes are put together to form an intricate shade that celebrates the season.

Alternative Holiday Cards from Egg Press

Irwin Weiner ASID - Aren't you tired of the same holiday cards year after year? I remember once opening a box of glittery Christmas tree cards at the checkout lane of Home Goods and later finding silver sparkles all over my clothes once I got into the car. I'm over the usual greetings and messages "of the season." It's like looking at a boring interior - time to change it up and get something fresher happening!

That's why I'm liking egg press, the Portland OR stationery and design company, more and more. They've been doing custom stationery and cards since 1999, but also getting into branded design ventures with home goods companies like West Elm and Schoolhouse Electric. Some of my favorite alternative egg press holiday cards are below ... and by now you know the drill - click on each picture for more information. By the way, if you get a holiday card from me this year, I'd better warn you to check your clothes for silver sparkles afterwards. (Next year, I'll go with egg press....)

CLICK HERE to see Design2Share's Favorite Holiday Decorating Trends for this year.