Urchin Seattle | Blog

Farewell

2008-07-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we have made the tough, emotional decision to close Urchin. Our last day will be Saturday, August 2nd. We're having a closing sale; everything is discounted at 20% or more. Our website is still up and running, and any products left in the store after our last day will still be available online.

Click here to read the announcement sent to our mailing list.

Revised Store Hours

2008-06-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Effective Monday June 9, Urchin's hours are:

11-6 tuesday - saturday
12-5 sunday
closed monday

We look forward to seeing you then!

Vote for Urchin in NWsource.com's People's Picks!

2008-05-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Support Urchin in this year's NWsource.com's People's Picks poll 2008! Show the Urch some love by clicking on the NWsource logo or web address below.

http://www.nwsource.com/peoplespicks/

Amy Hevron Art Update

2008-05-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Budding Seattle artist Amy Hevron has four new original paintings showing at Urchin. By using wood panels and layers of acrylic paint, Amy achieves an organic look-and-feel in each of her unique, one-of-a-kind paintings. Starting at just $225, this is gorgeous art your back pocket can afford.

New Arrivals: Scarves + Wraps

2008-05-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was gorgeous and hot, but let's face it: the rain's coming back as this week cools down. Don't be bummed out! You can still look chic, while staying warm, in a lightweight cashmere wrap from Yarnz.

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts

2008-05-07T15:47:00.001-07:00

Still haven't found that "Ah ha!" gift for Mom? Have no fear, Urchin has everything she'll love. Here are twenty fierce items under $100.

1. Envirosax Reusable Shopping Bags $9
2. Xenia Taler Tiles from $24
3. Graphic Image Leather Photo Brag Book $24
4. Unitea 14oz Glass Teapot $30
5. Anne Black Mini Vase $32
6. Kobo Soy Candle $34
7. J. Mendicino Vases from $35
8. Designer's Guild Leather Passport Wallet $38
9. Lotta Jansdotter Tang Place Mat Set $40
10. Mon Bijou Swarovski Oval Earrings $48
11. Aram 13" Luna Platter $53
12. Bahari Porcelain Kiss Vase $55
13. Adina Silver Tiny Rectangle Necklace $56
14. Rachel Austin Paintings from $70
15. Alora 16oz Reed Diffusers $80
16. Amy Sacks Reading Glasses $85
17. Dreamsacks Silk Throws $85
18. Cero Dark Walnut & Silver Cuff $88
19. Mud 16" Porcelain Tray $90
20. Konzuk Tiny Hoop Earrings $95

Bonus: we also have cards and gift wrap!

New Arrivals: Envirosax

2008-05-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

Envirosax reusable shopping bags are spreading the environmental message with style! Challenging the lack of fashionable eco-friendly reusable shopping bags available, Envirosax has succeeded in providing an answer - producing bags, printed with exciting, stylish graphics.

We're proud to offer you bags from the Retro and Mikado collections at $9, and organic bamboo bags at $27.

Baby Fever!

2008-04-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and baby shower season has officially begun! Stock up on hip, unique and stylish gifts for parents to be and/or their child. We regularly carry uber fun blankets from Rugged Idea, soft cotton outfits from Tea and Lotta Jansdotter and colorful knit toys from Blabla. Bonus: This month enjoy up to 50% off selected Skip Hop diaper bags, Nature Baby clothing, Flensted mobiles and bath and body goods from Erbaviva and Little Twig.

New Arrivals: Art

2008-04-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Beautify your surroundings for spring with new art! We have just received beautiful new mixed-media encaustics from local multi-tasker (she's an artist, designer and architect) Christine Chaney. Her haunting minimalist pieces elicit a powerful personal and meditative response. Come experience them in person today!

Gifts Under $50

2008-03-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

Need a fab gift that won't break the bank? Check out 25 of our favorite items under 50 dollars.

1. Polli Stainless Steel Earrings from $47
2. Xenia Taler Tiles from $24
3. Acme Keyrings $26
4. Simrin Nature Table Runner now $20 (50% off)
5. Alora To Go Sets $45
6. Envirosax Bamboo Bags $27
7. Lotta Jansdotter Elephant Baby Blanket $28
8. Designer's Guild Travel Accessories from $19
9. Mon Bijou Pave Rings $44
10. Acme Rollerball Pens now $32 (40% off)
11. Saikai Unitea Tea Collection from $9
12. Blabla Knit Rattle Set $35
13. Anne Black Mini Vases $32
14. Mud Handmade Porcelain Salt Dishes $13
15. Tea Collection Lotus Knit Baby Bodysuit $22
16. Cero Wood Bracelets from $30
17. Wooden Salad Servers from $28
18. Lisa B. Men's Suede Slippers now $27 (50% off)
19. Acme Card Cases $32
20. Little Twig Baby Bath Products from $11
21. Kobo Soy Candles $34
22. Anne Black Tilt Plates and Bowls, now from $18 (30% off)
23. Lotta Jansdotter Napkin Pair, Tang $28
24. Snow & Graham Coasters $13
25. Rugged Idea Waterproof Baby Blankets from $39

Spring Cleaning Savings!

2008-03-14T15:04:00.001-07:00

Pre-Valentine's Day Sale

2008-02-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

We've come out of blog hibernation with a bang! This weekend, save 10% on all jewelry in our store for Valentine's Day. Enter code "sweetheart" during online checkout to save on all jewelry on urchinseattle.com.

**discount does not apply to special order items. please call us to verify the item you want is in stock and not a special order to get the discount **

New Arrivals: Furniture

2007-12-18T16:57:00.000-08:00

The "Maude Credenza" by Urbancase was created to provide a clean and simple storage solution. The unique construction uses an aluminium frame, plywood exterior and blum stainless steel drawer system with an amazing soft close system. The credenza requires no joinery, ships flat, and can be assembled on site which makes it a perfect solution for location challenges. It is available in 4', 6', or 8' lengths with a variety of cabinet and drawer options. The "Maude Credenza" can be ordered in maple, vg fir, teak, or walnut and is finished with conversion varnish and satin clear.

Open House this Saturday

2007-12-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

Champagne Saturdays!

2007-12-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

Greetings to our friends and family!

Just a quick note to let you know that every Saturday in December, we will be celebrating the holidays with champagne, treats, and special one-day-only discounts. This blustery Saturday save 15% on all of our cozy blankets, gloves and scarves. Choose from our wide selection of colorful Alpaca blankets from Elvang, lush Dreamsacks throws, modern quilts from Denyse Schmidt, Unison's organic duvet covers, and cashmere accessories from Yarnz.

Also, please save the date for our Holiday Open House celebration on Saturday, Dec 15. We'll be sending you an event invitation next week so keep an eye out in your inbox!

Did you know...

2007-12-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

that Urchin offers:

- gift registry,
- free gift wrapping with purchase,
- gift cards available in any denomination,
- shipping services,
- and a mailing list announcing exclusive sales and events?

A "Lotta" New Accessories!

2007-12-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

Fresh table textiles, bags, pouches, baby jumpers, and blankets from Lotta Jansdotter (one of our all-time favorite designers) have arrived! Hooray! We love her pieces' old world feel, simple construction, and splendid functionality. We are confident that you will too.

John Kelly Floor Models Drastically Reduced!

2007-11-30T16:28:00.000-08:00

Turn your bedroom into an oasis of relaxation and simplicity with the "Tau" collection by John Kelly. Presently, we are selling our "Tau" floor models at a significant 50% off discount. Hurry down!

Tau Bed with Drawers, Espresso Finish
Queen Sized 36" x 62" x 85"
Original Price $3020. Sale $1510

Tau Night Table, Espresso Finish
22" x 22" x 22"
Original Price $845. Sale $422

Tau Horizontal Chest, Espresso Finish
31" x 60" x 22"
Original Price $2335. Sale $1168

Tau Mirror, Espresso Finish
36" x 54" x 2"
Original Price $715. Sale $358

Vote for Urchin 2007!

2007-11-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Urchin has been nominated for the "Best of Citysearch Shopping Poll 2007," by the Citysearch community in Seattle! Show the Urch some love by voting for us at the web address below.

http://seattle.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/accessories

Holiday Details

2007-11-24T16:38:00.000-08:00

This season, be as meticulous with the outside of your presents as you were shopping for the gift inside. Opt to wrap with Snow & Graham's stunning papers. We stock a variety of prints at just $6.50 a roll! After the holidays are over, you can incorporate leftover wrapping paper pieces into collages, use it to line drawers, or cover the bottom of gift baskets. Snow & Graham's papers are so beautiful that you may even want to frame sections of them...

New Arrivals: Textiles

2007-11-24T14:51:00.000-08:00

From graphic prints to organic fabrics, Unison uncovers new, affordable ways to bring modernism into the home...

Unison makes soft, textured throws you can really nestle into. The medium "Honey" blanket (50 x 72 inches) pictured here is only $72!

Unison's duvets utilize understated stripes for a calming effect and snap closures for a clean look. The "Tatami" queen sized duvet (pictured above) is just $220!

New Arrivals: Jewelry

2007-11-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

Put down the leftovers! Pull yourself out of that tryptophan haze and head down to Urchin to check out the fab new jewelry line Marie Chavez. Her stunning and original, Asian inspired pieces tastefully balance rich colors and textures. Most of her necklaces are priced at just $88, making them the perfect chic, yet affordable holiday gift.

The Perfect Holiday Table

2007-11-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

Looking for a comfortable, stylish place for your guests to rest their tushes and devour your delicious cookings this holiday season? Desiron's Madison dining set fits the bill. Oh, did we mention this gently-used floor model set is 45% off?! Have chairs already? Purchase any piece individually at 30% off.

1. Madison Table - W72" x L35" x H30"
Regular: $3300, 30% off: $2310, 45% off: $1815

2. Madison Bench- W60" x L14" x H18"
Regular: $1250, 30% off: $875, 45% off: $688

3. Madison Chair with Upholstered Back - W17" x L18.5" x H32"
Regular: $530, 30% off: $371, 45% off: $292

4. Madison Chair - W17" x L18.5" x H32"
Regular: $450, 30% off: $315, 45% off: $248
*note: this set includes two Madison Chairs with non-upholstered backs

5. Turner Arm Chair - W19" x L19" x H32"
Regular $700, 30% off: $490, 45% off: $385

Whole set:
Regular: $6680, Sale: $3676 !

New Arrivals: Textiles

2007-11-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

Denyse Schmidt's partnership with Sarita Handa Exports has provided her with the opportunity to create her most affordable quilt collection ever! Denyse brings her fresh design approach and unique color sensibility to the entire collection. The quilts are then expertly hand-crafted by Sarita Handa Exports, one of the leading manufacturers in India today. Schmidt's warm and contemporary textiles begin at just $280!

New Arrivals: Art

2007-11-10T11:59:00.001-08:00

Stop boring yourself with blank, white walls! Spice up your life with art by Amy Hevron, Lian Ng, and Karen Deans.

Archival Prints by Amy Hevron
Amy is inspired by plants, animals, and Japanese block prints. She incorporates a sense of storytelling in her work by showcasing quirky characters. Prints are 11" x 14" ($40) and 5" x 6" ($30).

Stitched Veneer Art by Lian Ng
This intriguing veneer art is created by stitching multiple color threads onto natural wood veneer. By hand embroidering each piece, no two are exactly alike. Available in 16 different combinations. Each piece is 20" x 20" ($180) and includes the frame.

Karen Deans Limited Edition Wooden Tiles
Each wooden tile is an archival print taken from original oil paintings by Deans, who draws inspiration from vintage textiles, contemporary design, and patterns in nature. Tiles are 8" x 8" and are $75 each.

New Arrivals: Bags

2007-11-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

Mandarina Duck fall shipment -- IN! We just received a wide range of bags in stylish, casual fabrics, colors and textures. Unisex designs too! Tell your boyfriend...

New Arrivals: Baby

2007-10-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

This just in! Bodacious bounty for your beautiful, bouncing baby!

Blabla
Lovable "sock style" animals by Blabla are so whimsical, soft and cuddly that children cannot help but become inseparable from their new friend. Blabla's line also includes 100% cotton, hand knit baby, infant and toddler clothing and toys. Their delightful baby booties, hats and dolls make fabulous baby gift items that will be treasured for years to come.

Little Twig
Developed with the advice of pediatricians and real-life parents, Little Twig products provide families with a safe and natural bath time alternative. They utilize the most effective organic and botanical ingredients in their simple recipes for pure and gentle personal care. Each product is an example of their commitment to quality, and that is why they completely guarantee each product.

Rugged Idea
Baby changing blankets roll up to fit into your diaper bag and keep your baby dry and comfy in difficult to change places. Perfect for Seattle babies, the weatherproof blankets tie to stay in place and shield your child from the elements.

New Arrivals: Alpaca/Wool Blankets

2007-10-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

Cozy up this winter with a cup of cocoa and our new alpaca and wool throw blankets from Elvang! Soft, strong wool of the South American alpaca is combined with the simplicity of Scandinavian design to create the perfect throw. Since they come in many colors (red, grays, browns, and more) and are hypoallergenic (alpaca wool is lanolin free), these blankets make great holiday gifts.

That's Entertainment

2007-09-23T14:32:00.001-07:00

Party season is just around the corner! Do your guests a favor by refusing to serve their festive drinks in ubiquitous glassware. Liven up your fluids with some pieces from Molo Design's "Float" collection.

Float is a line of thermally resistant glassware designed with simple forms and clean lines to emphasize the expressive colors and charms of the tea, scotch, juice, etc., served within. The suspended bowl design of each piece creates a lens of liquid color that projects a play of colored light onto the table top.

These simple elegant forms belie sophisticated technical innovations and a high level of skill. Each piece of float glassware is crafted by master glassblowers in the Czech Republic from the finest water-clear German borosilicate glass, an extremely pure and chemically inert material that is resistant to thermal shock.

New Arrivals: Tabletop and Home Accessories

2007-09-22T14:09:00.001-07:00

Superb wooden bowls, servers, rice dishes, vases and lighting by Bahari have just come in! Bahari products offer a fusion of Asian tradition and modern pragmatism. Moderate pricing, meticulous attention to detail, original designs, and practical adaptations of traditional crafts.

New Arrivals: Home Accessories

2007-09-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

Fresh out of the kiln, gorgeous Xenia Taler tiles! For those of you that are not familiar with the duo and their wares, please find a primer below:

Who: Partners Xenia Taler and Steven Koblinsky. Xenia designs the tiles, Steven crafts the clay and glazes.
Where: In their Toronto studio.
When: Since 1996.
How: Tiles are pressed in molds made of wood, or extruded. Glazes are mixed from scratch. All tiles are decorated by hand.
Why: Because they hope that one day, a long, long time from now, not only will your children fight mercilessly over the wonderful tiles you had so wisely purchased, but even when humankind is forced to venture off this world and fend amongst the stars, those lovely tiles will be the second or third item on a strict ten item list which your descendants feel they must take along with them on their arduous journey.

New Arrivals: Art

2007-09-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

Lush, vibrant, new oils by emerging artist Rachel Austin have arrived! Austin is an Oregon native who currently resides in Portland. She strives to evoke a sense of innocence and simplicity through shape and color in her work. Themes of flight, isolation, and growth are prevalent in her paintings.

In addition to the oils, we recently received several new mixed media collages from Austin's popular "Map Series." Austin creates these works by adhering portions of maps to wood panels, then applying layer after layer of acrylic paint to gain a waxy, encaustic-like texture. She finishes the pieces with frames made of reclaimed wood pallets and names them after a location from the map in the painting.

Design with Conscience

2007-09-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Artecnica's Design With Conscience projects employ production methods that are human and environmentally friendly. They denounce child labor, promote safe, toxic-free environments, and use purchasing criteria that prevent labor and environmental exploitation. Their vision is to promote self-sustaining communities of skilled artisans in underdeveloped countries. They believe design can be used to advance living standards worldwide. Through design with conscience, Artecnica hopes to inspire others, promote global awareness, and help generate a better and more humane world.

At Urchin, we regularly stock the following Design With Conscience projects:
Transglass: Lovely earth toned vases, carafes and cups made from recycled glass bottles. Prices range from $18 to $63.

Ivy: Tord Boontje’s verdant gardens tumble across the panels of Ivy, the dreamy flora cut in plated steel to transform walls, windows, and space. The six panels per set hook together easily for modular configuration. Build curtains, decorative panels, and dividers.

Until Dawn Curtain: Elaborate flora-and-fauna panels play with light, creating intriguing shadows and textures in any environment, as a curtain, screen, or wall hanging. Made of Tyvek, a super-resistant synthetic paper material, Until Dawn also comes with Velcro-closure loops and holes to hang from hooks or poles.

New Arrivals: Jewelry

2007-09-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

We have just received a collection of precious earrings, necklaces and rings made from cast antique buttons and lace by local designer Jill Renae! On a trip to Hawaii, Renae began admiring hand-made jewelry by local artisans. She bought some beads and cord and stared making her own wares. Her hobby turned into a full blown obsession and part time career. Multi-tasking Renae designs and creates jewelry in addition to owning beloved Fremont clothing boutique Horseshoe. She strives to create pieces that are bold and simplistic.

In Our Windows

2007-09-04T13:03:00.001-07:00

1. Summer is over! Get ready for fall with Tray 6 umbrellas. $56
2. Save space in a stylish manner with Gus Design Group's "Pawn Stools." $357
3. Anne Black's "Green Circle Vase" will light up any room. $95
4. Lotta Jansdotter's rustic linen runner in "Pricka" adds instant warmth to your table. $50

1. Utilitarian bags can be chic! Unisex "Touch" laptop bag by Mandarina Duck. $225
2. Dress up your walls for fall with one of Rachel Ann Austin's gorgeous map paintings. $100
3. Illuminate gracefully with Bahari 's porcelain "Star" lamp. $170
4. Enjoy Artecnica's multi-tasking metal "Ivy." Hang to add instant flair to your windows or divide your space. $59
5. Give the earth a break with David Brunicardi's reclaimed ash "Swamp Thing" bench. $570

New Arrivals: Tabletop

2007-08-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Attention Japanese design enthusiasts, we have just received a shipment of sleek, minimal, well crafted wares from Saikai. The collection includes heat resistant glass tea accessories, porcelain soy pots and party platters, teak veneer coasters, trays, strip platters, AND, the piece de resistance -- the sexiest garbage receptacle we have ever seen! Come down to our showroom prepared to fall in love.

Summer Sale Starts Today

2007-08-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoy up to 50% off of many fantastic items as we make way for Fall arrivals! The sale will be online and in the showroom. Sale items include (but are not limited to):

Skip*Hop bags and select Flensted mobiles
Molo fritted tea sets, Alora soy candles, and Amenity bedding
"Fauna" veneer art by Lian Ng at Publique Living
Select jewelry by Adina, Sarah Pauli, Heather Moore, and LaLoop
Acme rollerball pens and cufflinks
Mandarina Duck's "Work" bags and Ro's laptop bags
Aviva Stanoff vases, votive holders, trays, pillows, and lavender sachets
Babette Holland hand-spun aluminum vases

Check out our showroom for more savings! Sale ends after Labor Day.

New Arrivals: Bags for Fall

2007-08-08T14:32:00.001-07:00

We are starting to receive new Fall items, and among the first to arrive are bags from Israeli Designer Yael Rosen's Kisim, and Italian phenom Mandarina Duck.

KISIM
Kisim's "Cube" bags are made with butter-soft leather in a variety of colors, available in grained and non-grained leather. Check out our small and medium cubes in the store. We also have black and gray palladium messenger bags which are the perfect travel companion.

MANDARINA DUCK
Our newest line of Mandarina Duck is the unisex "Touch," made with synthetic fabric for a satin-like feel. Available in muted colors such as black, brown, and olive green, Touch is perfect for fall. Laptop bags are lightweight, comfortable, and have removable laptop sleeves, while smaller shoulder and body bags are great for travel or everyday use.

Check out all of these stunning bags in our showroom! As always, we gladly accept special orders for Kisim and Mandarina Duck.

Welcome!

2007-08-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

We've launched a blog!

Our blog is here for you to stay up-to-date with all things Urchin, from new product arrivals to exclusive sales. Check back soon!