I am incredibly excited about this giveaway. Red Clay Home has been on my radar for a while, mostly because I have a whole lot in common with the owners: We both are passionate about sustainability and about creating beautiful spaces at home — and we are both looking for ways to make doing that easier and more affordable for the average person. So when I learned they had created a collection of gorgeous, eco-friendly ceramics, I didn’t hesitate to add them to the Green Gift Guide.

Their Peek-a-Boo vase, Incline at Sunset bowl and Bubble plate and Bulba vase are all handmade in partnership with Mudshark Studios, a sustainable ceramics studio. And I love the way Red Clay crowdsources their designs. In a nutshell, the community submits design ideas for new products, and then votes on the designs that will go into production.

Their first collection makes me eager to see what will come next! Don’t you just love the bright pops of color these products provide? As you can see in the photo above, Red Clay sent me a Peek-a-Boo vase in peacock (that’s becoming a theme around here, isn’t it?), and I used it to create my simple Christmas centerpiece. I really can’t wait to decorate the rest of the table around it.

Why It’s Green:

• Ceramics handmade in the U.S. in small-run production

Price: $29-69/ea.

Want to win?

Red Clay Home is giving away not just one, but TWO of their beautiful products! One winner will take home a Peek-a-Boo vase, and one winner will receive an Incline bowl, both in the color of their choice. How awesome is that? Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Javascript must be enabled to to see the Rafflecopter. If you still cannot see it, wait for the page to load completely, or refresh the page. The giveaway is restricted to U.S. and Canada mailing addresses only! Entry period ends at 12:01 a.m. 12/20/11.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(review)

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I can’t imagine I’d ever want to have real animal parts hanging on my walls, but there’s something about these papier-mâché animal heads that’s just…endearing.

I could see the bull head in an eclectic girl’s room, and the lion head could work for a boy’s room or a study. Either way, you’ll have a piece on your hands that’s almost guaranteed to start a conversation.

You’ve also got to love the story behind them: They are produced by an group that employs 200 talented artisans in Haiti. They are handmade from recycled materials, including cement sacks and cardboard, then sealed using glue made of arrowroot starch and covered with fabric scraps. Even the packaging is made sustainably: They come in a reusable box made of recycled newspaper.

I’m getting a little bored with square picture frames on our walls, so I may have to surprise my husband with one of these smack dab in the middle of the gallery wall we just finished (more on that soon).

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade
• Product and packaging both made of recycled materials

Price: Lion, $68; Bull, $170

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Barnyard chic meets modern in Forma Living’s collection of home furnishings. This company is committed to sustainable design with lighting, rugs, accessories, and furniture that use eco-friendly or recycled materials, or are created from salvaged pieces. Don’t you just love an online store where you can shop without having to think about whether the products you’re buying are really green?

And aren’t the Bird Cage Lamps shown above fun? The bulk of the lamps are created from Buri, the center stalk of a palm frond. I can easily picture one of these in a Moroccan-inspired nursery, or hanging over a rustic, reclaimed wood dining table.

The sophisticated pillows pictured above are part of the collection selected as Time Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Green Designs of 2009. Each pillow is hand-embroidered or handwoven using traditional techniques by women in India who gain income and independence by keeping a traditional craft alive. Also, part of the proceeds from this collection go back to the Bholu Anganwadi Project, which has now built a total of 8 pre-schools in under-privileged communities in India.

The green credentials of these pieces are not unique at Forma Living. Read below to learn more about how their products are vetted.

Why It’s Green?

• Forma Living strives to offer pieces produced in the most eco-friendly way: using recycled and natural materials, sustainable production procedures, and giving back to the communities in which the product is crafted when possible.
• In addition to being selective about the items they offer, Forma Living also considers the impact once an item has been selected. 90% of their packaging (bubble wrap, etc.) is reused materials and the other 10% are recyclable materials. All products are shipped via UPS’ Carbon Neutral Program (with the exception of Hawaii and International orders) in an effort to offset what they cannot reduce.
• Forma Living is always looking to improve the level of sustainability in what they do and invites you to challenge, educate, and share your ideas with them.

Price: Birdcage Lamps, $253-297; Pillows: $60-$99

BONUS SAVINGS! From now ’til the end of June, enter “greenyourdecor” at check-out for 10% off any order over $30!

(Sponsored post)

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Lately, I’ve had a thing for rustic wood. Imagine that. I never thought I’d hear myself say I like anything rustic, but maybe I should qualify that statement a bit. I like rustic wood — like the look of old, reclaimed wood that has character and patina — but used in modern design. The Sun Spokes mirror from Anthropologie is a perfect example of what I mean.

It is made of reclaimed wood with lots of cracks, scratches, dings, imperfections and color changes, but the overall design of the piece is modern (albeit mid-century modern). Because of this, the mirror looks more like something you’d find in a sophisticated loft or bohemian retreat than in a country lodge — which is what I tend to think of when I use the word “rustic.”

Still, I can’t say I’d be in a hurry to pony up nearly $700 for this piece, no matter how beautiful it is…

Why It’s Green:

• Made of reclaimed wood

Price: $698

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I can’t be the only one who looks forward to West Elm’s announcements that they’ve released new products. My excitement is doubled, however, because of the fact that West elm is one of the mainstream retailers of home goods that seems to be truly committed to providing greener product options for their customers. To be sure, this doesn’t apply to their entire product selection, but they consistently include products that are sustainable in some way.

Here are some of my favorite green products from their latest release:

1. Stria Bed and Storage Collection, $299-999. Made in India of  reclaimed solid saal wood drawer fronts, solid mango and acacia wood frame. The wood was reclaimed from railway trestles, and the irregular, stacked wood look is fabulous!

2. Organic Reflections Duvet Cover + Shams, $24.00 – $109.00. Made of organic cotton. Thankfully, you can also snag organic cotton comforter and pillow inserts from WE.

3. Poppy Seeds Pillow Cover, $29.00. Made of hemp.

4. Dexter Outdoor Dining Collection, $199-1295. Warmer weather means more time spent outside, and this collection of patio furniture is a beautiful incentive to do so. Made of solid FSC-certified wood.

5. Stray Dog Designs Side Table and Chandelier, $149. Handmade of papier-mâché made of recycled newpaper.

6. Organic Lily Pad Duvet + Shams, $24–$109. Made of organic cotton.

7. Recycled-Glass Stacking Vases and Votive Holders, $4-19. Made in Spain of recycled glass.

Beautiful, though not as green as I’d like

1. Jaipur Printed Dhurrie Rug, $29-199. Handwoven in India of 80% wool, 20% cotton.

2. Rainbow Napkins, $16. These are eco-friendly if they replace paper napkins, but I wish they were made of organic cotton or some other sustainable material.

There are more, but those are my picks. What do you think of West Elm’s sustainable product line? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Around this time of year, I really start longing for warm weather to return permanently — even moreso this year because my husband and I spend early mornings with our daughter waiting for the school bus in the cold. The problem with Georgia is that the weather will trick you. It’ll be 63 degrees at 6 a.m. and 75 at noon one day, and 2 days later, it’s back in the 40s. Many mornings, my daughter leaves the house wearing a coat, and when she gets off the bus in the afternoon, she’s stuffed it in her backpack because its so hot.

Etsy seller dandeedesigns has created  a brilliant product for people like me who just can’t wait for sunny skies to return: Spring in a Can.

It is exactly what it sounds like.  A little shot of greenery in a can that you can keep close by when you need a little outdoors. The can includes soil, seeds and care instructions, and you’ll have a lovely green patch of wheat grass in just 5 days.

I seriously need one of these for my desk.

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade
• Living plant

Price: $15

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There’s nothing like a sharp, graphic element to take your decorating to the next level. Chevron patterns — particularly large-scale ones — are perfect for this. Here are some of my favorite examples of eco-friendly products and projects featuring chevron patterns:

Bryn fabric AND East Village fabric by Rubie Green. Made of organic cotton. $90/yard. Bryn is shown above on curtains in Michelle Adams’ living room (image via Lonny Mag), and East Village on a vintage chair (image via Cote de Texas). I plan to recreate a similar design on my own white curtains using this tutorial from kfd designs.

Here Comes the Sun pillow by Etsy seller EarthCadets. Made of organic cotton canvas and vintage fabric and printed with eco-friendly inks. $24.

Grey and White Chevron Wood Tray by etsy seller afabulousfete. Handpainted. $50.

DIY Gold Chevron Paintings from Make Under My Life. I LOVE these, and they are so simple to make!

Chevron Note Cards from Made by Girl. Printed on 100% recycled, acid-free paper. $2.95/ea.

Madeline Weinrib Organic Blockprint Fabric. Available to the trade only by the yard or on pillows.

Chevron Balsam Fir Sachets by etsy seller SewnNatural. Handmade of a linen/cotton blend fabric. $26/set of 2 sachets.

Organic Cotton Chevron Print Tea Towel by etsy seller katherinejlee. Handmade of 100% organic cotton with non-toxic, water-based inks. $18.

Side steps fabric Patriciazapata on Spoonflower. Can be printed on organic cotton sateen or knit fabric. $27/yard.

Owl softie from Etsy seller HaleybyHand. Handmade and stuffed with environmentally conscious EcoFill (made from recycled plastic bottles), with a face made of wool felt and Eco Felt. Also available in pink. $35.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

It is very rare for me to find great deals on two brands I love as much as these two. But today, the Foundary has outdone itself with sales on both Perch! Designs’ beautiful ceramic tableware and lighting AND AphroChic’s gorgeous silk and linen pillows and textiles. I’ve rarely seen either of these brands offer sales or discounts, so this is a great opportunity.

Perch! offers a gorgeous line of whimsical, colorful ceramics, and the sale includes some of their most popular pieces. You can get your hands on their Spot bowls or Early Bird light for up to 40% off.

The AphroChic sales includes the Haze pattern, which is featured on pillows, placemats and table linens, along with the gorgeous Mandala, Reflection and Silhouette pillows. If you’re like me and you’ve had your eye on these for a long time, you don’t want to miss this opportunity. The hardest thing for me to decide is which I want first!

Why It’s Green:

• Perch! products are handmade with low impact materials and processes, non-toxic finishes and byproducts.
• AphroChich textiles are made of materials like silk, linen and organic cotton

Prices: Perch, $19-119 (up to 40% off); AphroChic, $23-140 (up to 30% off)

How to Buy:

If you’re not already a member of The Foundary, you’ll have to sign up, which is free. Once you’ve registered and signed in, look for the banners that say “AphroChic” and “Perch! Designs.”

(aff): If you sign up for The Foundary via my invitation link, I will receive a site credits if you make a purchase.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I am starting to get the itch again. You know — the one that makes you want to redo every room in the house. We finished my daughter’s room last April, and I can’t help but feeling like it’s time for a change. Of course, because we’re renters, the end of our lease is always looming to remind me that it might not be worth the effort to do a whole new design. Still, I want to do something to freshen up her room, and these cute marionette pillows and prints by Ferm Living have given me a ton of ideas.

The whimsical illustrations are done marionette style, and the characters even have names: Aristo Katt, Mr. Frank Fox, Elle Elephant and Posey Panda. They are part of Ferm’s Darling Clementine collection, and I think they would be fabulous in a child’s room or nursery, and I could even picture them in the office of a graphic designer or other creative. They are fun, but not necessarily childish. And I want at least one

Why It’s Green:

• Printed on an organic-cotton shell filled with natural down

Price: Pillows, $36/ea.; Prints, $46/ea.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

One of the things I like to do in the beginning of a new year is pay attention to all the new trends in home decorating. The Pantone Color of the year is announced, and retailers and designers often release new collections. And with the new, I have noticed two trends that seem to be sticking around: sunburst/startburst designs and Ikat patterns.

Personally, I’m happy about this, because there’s a special place in my heart for both. Here are some of my favorite eco-friendly examples of these two trends:

Viva Terra Starburst Mirror. Made from scraps of sustainably grown teak discarded by a boat builder. $239 (aff).

Navy Ikat Medallion Drum Lampshade by etsy seller StudioJOTA. Indigo and/or navy seem to be the most popular colors for ikat, and this beautiful handmade lamp shade is no exception. $89.95

Block Printed Table Runner by etsy seller HomeSweet. This runner isn’t a traditional example of a sunburst or ikat, but it is a pattern that meets somewhere in the middle. It is block printed on 100% linen by hand using water-based inks. $35.

Viva Terra Ikat Storage Ottoman. This handmade wool ottoman also serves as extra storage, and everyone could use a little of that. $789 (aff).

Wakeful Ikat Sheet Set from Anthropologie. This is definitely on the edgier and more colorful side of ikat, but still beautiful. Made of organic cotton. Imported. $48.-168.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I know I’ve been more than a little bit out of the loop over the past few weeks. But over the holidays, I decided to give myself a much needed, though completely unplanned, break. I stayed offline as much as possible, and I just enjoyed my family, and I am SO glad I did! So since I haven’t said it (or anything else) yet for the year, Happy New Year, and thank you so much for sticking with me and Green Your Decor!

This Green Steal of the Week is a great one. Shiraleah is a manufacturer of beautiful eco-friendly housewares. ALL of their products are made from sustainable materials like recycled paper, plastic, rubber, tin, computer and bike components and more. They’ve found a way to take these materials that others would quickly send off to the landfill and turn them into beautiful tables, frames, mirrors, vases, bowls,  benches and other housewares that anyone (especially me!) would be proud to display in their home.

These photos show a mere fraction of the sustainable housewares available in this sale, so be sure to check out the rest. And the best part? Everything (and I mean EVERYthing) is 50% off! But you have to act fast. The sale ends on Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. EST/8 a.m. PST.

Why It’s Green:

Shiraleah uses recycled materials in all their products, including paper, rubber, tin, plastic, wire, computer and bike components and more.

Price: $10-247.50

How to Buy:

If you’re not already a member of Haute Look, you’ll have to sign up to take advantage of the sale. Once you’ve registered and signed in, mouse over “Living” or “Men” in the top navigation menu, then click “Shiraleah.”

(aff): If you sign up for HauteLook via my invitation link, I will receive a site credit if you make a purchase.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Pure Citizen is one of those sites that you just can’t help but love. It is a “Deal a Day” site in the spirit of Groupon, Gilt Groupe and others, but with one important distinction: Pure Citizen offers only eco-friendly products. The sales generally last 24 hours, except on weekends or for special events, and the discounts are notable.

Today, Pure Citizen is having their first home sale, with a variety of housewares and products, including:

• Soy candles by Dirt Candles for 40% off
• Fair Trade pillows, coasters and wooden sculptures for up to 50% off
• Recycled glass votive candle holders and vases for up to 50% off
• Beautiful recycled glass tableware by Shiraleah for up to 40% off
• Bamboo eating utensils and stainless steel containers by T0-Go Ware
• Cleaning products from Better Life (some of my favorites! Remember this review?)

The site is worth checking out, if only out of curiosity. Even if you don’t need any of these products today, there are new sales every day, and you can always rest assured that the products available have been vetted for their sustainability. Plus, in this gift-giving season, this is a great way to save money on eco-friendly gifts.

Why It’s Green:

• Pure Citizen vets all their products as being eco-friendly in some way. You’ll find Fair Trade products, products made of recycled or otherwise eco-friendly materials, handmade items, and more!

Price: Discounts for this sale are up to 50% off (but sometimes, you’ll get up to 90% off!) (aff) Remember, the sale ends at midnight Dec. 1!

NOTE: If you’re not yet a member of Pure Citizen, you must sign up to take advantage of these deals. Signing up is free.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Call me crazy, but I am in love with these little animal figurines from Etsy seller enormouschampion! I found the fox first, but it didn’t take long for me to fall for the kangaroo, squirrels and love birds (y’all KNOW how much I love birds ). I think they’d be incredibly cute in a nursery or child’s room, and I’d love to have the company of a fox or kangaroo while sitting at my desk all day. And I DO need a paperweight (how come noone ever told me that Kindergarten comes with tons of paper brought home daily?)

Anyway, for $80, I may have to admire Mr. Fox from afar, but at a more reasonable $30, the love birds would make a great addition to my dresser.

Why It’s Green:

• Made in the USA from sustainably harvested wood.
• Stained and painted with non toxic, no-VOC water-based stain & paint.
• Hand finished and sealed with beeswax.

Price: $30-80

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

If you were planning on giving the man in your life a tie for your next gift-giving occasion (again), why not give him 12 ties instead?

You guys know that I have real thing for sunburst mirrors and clocks. But I’m not sure how I feel about this one. The concept is great, but something about it feels — I don’t know — not right. Maybe it’s the mismatched metal used for the center of the clock and arms, or maybe it’s the fact that some of the ties are just plain ugly, but this one falls slightly to the drab side for me.

I love the idea, but not the execution.

Why It’s Green:

• Ties are salvaged from Goodwill thrift shops

Price: $250 (aff)
Origin: Made in Canada and China.

So…is it drab or fab?

Would you hang this in your home, or even give it as a gift? Leave your opinion in the comments below.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I have seen my fair share of things made from recycled vinyl records. Bowls, clocks, mirrors, coasters — if it’s made from a record, I’ve probably seen it. The common thread between all of them is that they all still look like records. That’s great if you’re buying them for nostalgia’s sake, to help you remember what music sounded like on a record player or in memory of days past. But these clocks from etsy seller Kailey Hawthorn of Studio K are a far cry from their humble beginnings.

The records were used as a canvas, and the result is a collection of beautiful handpainted clocks that are unlike any I’ve ever seen. You all know that I have an affinity for bold, graphic patterns. Every single one of these is right on target. And even better? They are affordable at less than $50 apiece. Since I don’t have the skill to paint one of these myself, nor the desire to try, that sounds like a really good deal.

Kailey also offers a great selection of handpainted wooden letters. I’ve been looking for something to put on the shelf in our entryway, and I’m thinking a huge “P” (for Petersen) might do the trick.

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade
• Painted on recycled vinyl records

Price: $37-49

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.