While we’re in the thick of demolition and construction, I’d like to touch on design and decor even if it’s only virtually or digitally. I’ll be doing a semimonthly column featuring goods I’ve found online.

I value things that are 1) handmade, 2) from small businesses, 3) global, 4) produced responsibly, 5) organic, 6) practical, 7) a bargain, 8) reusable replacements for otherwise disposable items, or 9) funny.

I’d like to share these things with you.

Top Row, Left to Right:
Compost Bin, 18.00 pounds, from All Things Earthy
- has a removable inner plastic bucket to ensure your hands never have to get dirty, as well as an air tight seal around the lid
- available in three colours: Cream, Clay and Vintage Green.

Kashmiri Hand Painted Folkart Tumblers, 4.00 pounds, from All Things Earthy
- available in assorted colours

Stainless Steel Straws, $18.00, from Brook Farm General Store
- set of six

Sock Monkey Magnets, $7.00, from Katie LeRoy
- six magnets made from hand covered fabric buttons

Bottom Row, Left to Right:
Handwoven Cotton Table Mat/Runner, $10.00, from Bean Lennon
- woven in a sampler style in beige and navy blue
- measures 33.5″ x 18″

Chalkboard Labels, $6.00, from Xpressions That Stick
- Large: 4″ X 3″, Medium: 3.5″ X 2.5″, Small: 3″ X 2.25, six small labels 2″ X 1″

Love Bacon Kitchen Towel, $10.00, from Koli
- any color combo is possible
- other designs are possible

Rustic Red Cedar Soap Dish, $12.95, from Our Little Mountain Cabin
- handcrafted from Eastern Red Cedar found on their land in the Virginia mountains
- assembled with natural hemp.
- measures approximately 4″ x 2.75″ x .75″ (10cm x 7cm x 2 cm).

All of these items were found on either Etsy or Big Cartel – wonderful resources for indie goods.

Notes: I’m admiring these goods from a distance – I have no experience with any of these things in person or any of these merchants. Anything that I’ve got the skill, tools, and patience for I will be making myself. I may, as we move to more advanced stages of our renovation, be purchasing some and I’ll be glad to share my feedback with you at that time. If you purchase any of these things, feel free to share your thoughts by writing to brooke@thelittleorchardhouse.com, and we’ll post ‘um here.

Also, do be in touch if you are a small business owner or craftsman who would like to either be considered for the column or sponsor a giveaway. Let’s support small businesses!