This season, we’re turning to these wooden whale tissue holders to help combat our colds and allergies (all of us at the shop have been hit with the cold that’s been gong around!). Made by hand and available in an array of spring colors, they’re just what the doctor ordered. (Plus, the boxes come in a variety of animal shapes, including elephant, dinosaur, rabbit, or pony.) Consider us cured.
Easter’s coming, and we’re well-prepared. To commemorate the special day, we’ve got chocolate chicks, a stoneware egg crate, a sassy tote bag, and a pillowcase too cute for words. Further, for those who are extra committed, we’ve found the world’s chicest backyard chicken coop, and a woven basket for collecting – what else? – Easter eggs. We think Baby Chick would approve.
“I don’t think a donkey is everyone’s first choice when it comes to creating a nursery,” says Priscila Barros, creator of Babiekins Magazine and mother to 7-month-old Cruz, whose white and gold bedroom features a custom-made clothing rack, polka dot sheets, and our very own Donkey print. “Most people might go for a softer, ‘cuter’ animal like a baby chick or a lamb – but there was just something that I loved about this donkey.”
So what was it, exactly, that drew Priscila to our pal? “When I was a little girl, I used to pass the cutest donkey while helping clean stalls on my dad’s ranch. It had bright yellow teeth, a strange patch of hair on his forehead, and a loud, screechy voice. So maybe, in a way, the donkey print reminds me of a special time in my childhood. It also reminds me to be patient and kind (like the donkey I knew) – things I hope Cruz grows up to be.”
The nursery’s array of textiles – a sheepskin throw here, personality-packed pillows by Colette Bream there – add warmth and a wink; the patterned ceiling brings depth. “The triangles are gold decals put up by our interior designer Amy Fjeldsted. She mapped out the whole ceiling so it wouldn’t be crooked, and put each up by hand. Cruz loves to stare up at the shapes,” Priscila says. “Actually, when we started the design process, I only had a few concrete elements in mind – knew I wanted some sort of design on the ceiling, and I knew that I wanted that donkey. That was about it!”
We’re thrilled he’s found such a loving home – thank you to Priscila and Cruz for sharing this room with us! Photos by Angelina Lopez.
Built from hoop pine timber, these apple-shaped wooden pendant lights by Mutated Creatures come accented in white, orange, green, or watermelon pink. We think they’d be perfect in a nursery, a living room, a dining room, a foyer – come to think of it, any room would be made better (and brighter) by their presence.
We at The Animal Print Shop are lucky enough to call sunny Southern California home, where it’s summer year-round and the beach beckons, regardless of the date on the calendar. These days, though, as we prepare for spring in our short-sleeved shirts, we’re feeling for our friends in colder climates, who are at the mercy of winter’s last, storm-ridden days. No matter, though – we’ve got a remedy. Lamb Little Darling is a sight for sore eyes on a chilly day. Inspired by her fleece (which is, of course, as white as snow), we’ve corralled a charming collection of cozy curiosities: a mobile of felted sheep; etched mirrors; a Danish pine rocker, soft as silk.
Of all the four seasons, fall wins the prize for dazzling foliage. But spring – just days away – marks the return of leaves on trees, grass underfoot, and flowers in bloom, and to celebrate, we think this leaf animal tutorial on Handmade Charlotte is just right. It’s fun for any age and doable during most times of year (you’ll just have different colored animals).
All you’ll need are some markers, embroidery thread, and a few pressed leaves in interesting shapes and shades. We love DIY-er Natalie Kramer’s frisky foxes, her proud peacock, and those cheeky, cheery fish.
What better addition to a room decorated with elephant print wallpaper than our very own (and much beloved) Baby Elephant? In this stunning New York City nursery decorated by interior design team Sissy + Marley, animals take center stage against a modern palette filled with soothing neutrals. “Our client fell in love with our Baby Elephant Walk wallpaper and the Animal Print Shop prints – she knew she wanted to work the room around these two key elements,” the designers report.
“We also love the leather hippo, and the Jonathan Adler zebra rug – they bring a playful element to the space,” they say. Add to that a sweeping view of NYC’s Central Park, and you’ve got a nursery fit for a little prince.
Nursery design by Sissy + Marley.
We’re so pleased to share the first installment of Pets and Their People. The series will invite friends of the shop to share stories about their love for animals (and their pets). We’re excited to introduce you to some of our favorite folks – and to meet their furry, feathered, and four-legged companions in the process!
Tell us about your pets, past or present.
I just lost two wonderful pugs in the last two years, Bodie and Bob, who were the loves of my life. In the months that followed Bob’s passing, I rescued another pug named Petey, and then adopted two more, Birdie and Gus. I now have my hands full, but I love having them in my life.
What’s your favorite animal? Are you a cat person, a dog person, a bird person?
I’m definitely a dog person in my day-to-day life, but really, I love all animals.
When did you first realize your love for animals? What it is that draws you to them?
I’ve always loved animals, even as a very small child – more than people, actually! I was very shy, and took comfort in my pets. I loved their loyalty and friendship. At eleven, I became a vegetarian because I loved animals so much, I didn’t want to eat them!
We’re such fans of your interior design work. Do you have any animal-related design elements in your home?
A million! I have peacock vases and orange peacock figurines; a Tibetan dragon rug; a vintage cast metal elephant cigarette dispenser. There’s also an elephant leg detail on a side table, and another peacock on top of a celluloid jewelry box.
Do you have a favorite Animal Print Shop print? What makes it your favorite?
I love them all. As mentioned, I love all animals, so I can’t really pick one over another. Every photo is so beautiful – I can’t choose just one!
Thank you, Kishani!
Photo of Kishani by Joe Schmelzer
Photos of Petey, Gus, and Birdie by Sharon Montrose
Built by an “East Coast girl with a California spirit,” these all-natural driftwood shelves are right up our alley, embodying simple, clean sophistication (minus the stuffiness). Available in three sizes, the shelves are an ideal platform for displaying treasured knick-knacks, travel souvenirs, or, perhaps, your favorite print from the Animal Print Shop. (We think Macaw would be perfect.)
