A round-up of gift-worthy items from some of our featured sponsors!

1. Good Timers Ceramic Mug by Kin Ship Press / 2. North Carolina Necklace by Vespertine / 3. Thunderbird Ring by Ruby Lane / 4. Zig Zag Postcards by The Change Factory / 5. Western Meadowlark Specimen Letterpress Print by Mossière / 6. Spring Court Velcro Trainers from Smallable / 7. Snow Angel Letterpress Cards from Felt & Wire / 8. Peaceful Snowflake Cards by Juniper Berry / 9. Looking for Beauty Print by Creature Comforts / 10. Hana-Hukin Kitchen Cloth from Uguisu

Thanks, all! Sponsors help make Mint possible, and I am so grateful for their support. If you’re interested in advertising on Mint, please get in touch by emailing ellie at mintdesignblog dot com, and I’ll be happy to give you all the details.

Loving the colors in this picture Brendan took at my grandparent’s house this weekend. So many sweet corners, so many sweet memories.

Lightning & Kinglyface. is a London-based company who does prop making, installation, set building and styling. In addition to their website, you can see more of their installations (and work by other artists) via the London-based artists’ agency, Mini Title. (L&K is also accepting work placements and internships!)

photo by Alexander Kent

Olga Bennett, the talented Australian photographer with a love for artist studios, has a book coming out called Environments and I can’t wait to get my hands on it! It’s currently available for pre-order (coming out in early May) and you can place yours right here.

From Olga:
I was wondering if there is a connection between the space and creative work that comes out of it and set out to explore. In December 2009 I visited a friend’s house and took photographs of her studio, surroundings and bits and pieces of her ceramic work spread around her place. I then went on photographing places where my favourite artist and designers work. While focusing on the details of the space and  behind the scenes moments, I was hoping to capture the person who works in the space, but without necessarily pointing my camera at them directly. Most of the studios captured are not decorated for display, but rather naturally come together in the way that is comfortable for a person working in it. I’ve been always inspired by documentary photography in my work and I tried to document those spaces as they are: messy, ordered, casual.

Love Anja Mulder’s work! This image was found on her blog, but there’s more on flickr and her shop.

Marianna started the blog Him in the Kitchen to showcase her boyfriend’s food photography and culinary skills, and I’m excited to share some of Armando Rafael’s work today. (The couple also has a wedding photography business, and you can see their beautiful portfolio right here).

They started off with the Fried Plum Ravioli recipe on Epicurious and added Candied Spiced Mint Leaves (recipe below).

Candied Spiced Mint Leaves

Ingredients:
Fresh Mint Leaves
Egg white, slightly beaten
3 tbsp granulated sugar
pinch of Cayenne Pepper

Directions:
1. Wash mint leaves and separate from the stem
2. Brush egg white on one side of the leaves
3. Sift sugar & cayenne pepper over mint
4. Cover with wax paper
5. Leave in a warm place until dry

Amazing! Thanks Marianna & Armando!

I love the dress, but I also really love the photo. Jules Atelier on Etsy.

You must know the feeling of finding something for the first time and feeling like you’ve been under a rock? That’s how I felt when I stumbled on Closet Visit last night. But, I hope like me you are also seeing it for the first time — if so you are in for a real treat!

Artist Jeana Sohn (blog/art) photographs stylish women in their homes, and there’s so much pattern and creativity that I could spend hours soaking it all in. (That’s Jeana’s painted egg above).

Wedding photographer Rosie Parsons has been a delight to work with! She’s so much fun, and so talented. I designed Rosie’s new blog and website. She’s lucky enough to have a web programmer for a husband, so Mr. Rosie did all the building.

I love the bright whites in this restaurant, combined with the warm wood and terrarium light boxes. Designed by Y.A. Studio with Kelly Lynn Waters.

From Kelly’s site:

“A beloved fixture in Hayes Valley lost their lease along with their prized outdoor garden. Their move next door placed them in a dark pancaked concrete shell. With a wink to their previous space the concept was to create a garden setting in a space with limited to no light, through various means, of color, live terrariums, and materiality.”

photos by Lucas Fladzinski