Pack Rat don’t know nothing ’bout history, don’t know much ’bout biology, but we do know that we love crafts.

Here at Pack Rat we looooove books (coming soon, Issue #6, Reader’s Delight) and can admit when we have a crush on a fictional character or two. And one of the most enduring, lovable ficitional characters of all time is that original crime fighter, Sherlock Holmes. More satisfying than all the Law and Order type franchises combined, Holmes stands the test of time as the wiliest, slyest, most clever mastermind in literary history. And as we all know, intellegence is incredibly sexy. So we were psyched to come across these coasters inspired by the Arthur Conan Doyle books. Only $10, the set of 8 by Green Chair Press picture a liquor spritzer and this quote from Watson, “With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner.” Thus begins Watson and Holmes many adventures together. Deliciously nerdy, these are a must have for any book worm.

Photo by Green Chair Press

Like Kurosawa, Pack Rat makes mad films…okay we don’t make films, but if we did they’d have a samurai

Today I am craving the Aussie designs of Tabitha Emma. Like the love child of Edward Gorey and Martha Stewart, Tabitha Emma is able to make the most lady-like objects (cupcakes, cups of tea, and little birds) have an edge. I am especially taken with her Embroidered Cupcake Brooch.  The prim and proper pinks and florals are shaken up by graphic, bold, black outlines. Feminine and fierce at the same time. For $10 USD I’ve got to have it!

Pack Rat dances with the devil in the pale moonlight.

O.K. kids. Hopefully we are back in business, but this move to New York seems to keep taking on new dimensions, so no promises. For now, however, lets look at today’s object of desire. The jewelry by F1nneran is bright and cheerful, with colors that pop and pleasing geometric shapes. You may have noticed at this point that I have a necklace addiction, so my top pick is the Marigold on a Blue Wire Necklace pictured below for $26, but she also sells an assortment of other types of jewelry, including some luminous chandelier earrings that are worth putting on your wish list. Take a gander at the aforementioned groovy necklace below.

Pack Rat knows that you can’t go home again; but you can shop there

Has anyone ever seen that Kids in the Hall episode where Bruce McCulloch sings a song expounding on how Terriers are the best dog ever? I have a feeling the designers over at All-Mighty Clothing might have that song as their ring tones. Their adorable Boston Terrier, Mighty, is not only the mascot but also the inspiration behind many of their designs. I loved everything in their shop, but for the item du jour I chose this “Mod Mod with Pups” top. On sale for $24, this top is officially aDOGable. With its soft, tied collar, and two-tones of blue, this shirt is feminine without being cutesy, retro without being over-the-top. And the two Terrier pups in the corner are a delightful surprise. With its fine tailoring it could be considered “business-casual” but the puppies give it personality. Love it!

Pack Rat hurts less than getting kicked in the face with a golf shoe

I am a wuss when it comes to pain. Or, maybe, more accurately, I’m just very pragmatic. There’s no way that I would willingly subject myself to the feeling of a needle repeatedly being driven into my skin, no matter what the outcome. And while I love tattoos on other people, you’ll never see me sporting a butterfly or rose on my ankle. But no matter how practical I find them, tattoos are empirically pretty freaking cool. Well, co-wusses of the world rejoice along with me, because now there is a more stylish, more artistic, and less wiener-y option than sporting the temporary tattoo. Inkart 76 transfers the classic tattoo images from the Miami Ink studio on to a necklace you can take on and off at will–with no lifetime commitment. And they are super affordable, unlike the real thing. I get the sneaking suspicion that my personal favorite is apparently the designer’s top pick as well, because it is called “My Favorite Tattoo Necklace.” Just a guess, though. At $15, both your skin and your wallet will be pain free.

Pack Rat isn’t suppose eat twiglets: they make us violent

Today’s featured item is from Harrilu. Yellow is the color of summer time sunshine and this Citrus and Coral Vines Shirt for $27 is an afternoon delight. I love the length and the cute cap sleeves. Also, the way the botanical silk screen comes out of the neckline is clever. Harrilu also specializes in baby apparel. A strange coincidence with yesterday’s Item Du Jour; maybe my biological clock is trying to tell me something? Yikes!

If you’re lost, you can look and you will find Pack Rat, time after time.

Here’s one for the mamas and the papas out there. Actually, this is for anyone who loves cross stitch. Tiny Modernist is an adorable baby apparel shop that sells onsies adorned with Eames and Eero Saarinen chairs. It’s enough to make this single girl want children. But whether or not you have little ones, you can appreciate the four pattern cross stitch package, which provides the patterns for four different types of modernist chairs. $12 will get you a pdf of the whole lot, or purchase them individually for $4 each. That’s divine design to me.

How fantastic is this? Alicia and David, from Badass Custom Decals are offering a special promo for all Pack Rat readers. If you order one of their awesome wall decals before the end of July, mention Pack Rat and you’ll receive an additional 10% off on your order. It’s rare that a good thing gets even better, but there it is folks. Check out the original post for more info

Pack Rat was kung fu fighting, this cat is fast as lightening

Today’s fun time purchase comes from Snorg Tees. Most of Pack Rat nation probably loves the handmade and the homespun. And if you do, then you are going to eat up this t-shirt. For only $16.95, you can let the world know that you are a master in Mixed Martial Arts…and Crafts. I love the idea of the craft ninja. I am a craft ninja.

Pack Rat wonders how Joel eats and breathes, and other science facts

I came across online store ModCloth while I was looking for something totally unrelated last week. That just goes to show how wacky the e-web is. After drooling over almost all of their vintage/vintage-inspired offerings, I settled on these Dirty Martini Peep Toe shoes. And it’s not just because they come in my mammoth size 10 shoe size. They are subtly retro and classy, not loud and gaudy like, say, go-go boots (not that I don’t love a good go-go boot). They are office ready and dress-up friendly. What’s not to love?