blog GAMIL: an insider look at design » christmas

Happy New Year says the Firefly

beth — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:47:34 +0000

Happy New Year everyone! YES. We are back on track and Gamil.com will have regular stories once again now that the long series of holidays are sadly and finally over. Since the holidays are finished but the shopping season has been forced to continue indefinitely, I recommend you go out and find the Vestalife Firefly iPod dock for your shiny new iPod.

It’s beautiful, in color AND it opens and closes! I would assume it sounds good but, really, who cares?
Vestalife will be launching it at MacWorld this month. “Stay tuned.”

via MocoLoco

Naughty or Nice?

beth — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:22:42 +0000

Check out what your Christmas will look like this year! A fellow Raleigh design agency, R+M (and also friends!), put this fun li’l setting together. No matter whether you are deemed Naughty or Nice, you’ll surely be able to blow some time finding the hidden Christmas gems.

Buy local in Raleigh this Christmas!

beth — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 18:17:42 +0000

There are options everywhere this year for supporting your local community with a more homey version of commercialism.

Designbox has it’s 7th annual Brand Fandango celebration this season. The show opened First Friday, but DB has extended show hours, open on Saturdays through the 20th from 11a-4p and weekdays thru 19th from 12p-6p. Lots of unique gifts, including one-of-a-kind A.H. Peele tee-shirts made from multiple screens from his designs and commercial work. You may find a PBR logo nestled amongst some trippy flowers, or Willie Nelson’s head sticking out of some of Adams swirly vines! Also find unique and affordable art, beautiful contemporary jewelry, hip apparel, funky bags, hilarious holiday cards and more!

The 16th annual Boylan Artwalk is this Sunday, December 7 from 1p-5p. Over 100 local artists and crafts people display perfect gifts on porches and in homes throughout the neighborhood. Enjoy the walk and then walk away finished with your shopping! Whether you are looking for metal, glass, clay, wood or fiber, it’s all here.

The Rock & Shop Market, a hip urban market featuring emerging designers and live music, is Sunday, December 13 from 1p-5p at Tir Na Nog. Over 30 vendors will be selling jewelry, silkscreen stuff, ornaments, soaps and candles, bags and more – all to the sounds of Whistlestop and The Tender Fruit.

Looking for local music? Check out Holly Raleigh Christmas, a compilation CD of local musicians! The proceeds go to local charities, and the project is sponsored by local businesses, including the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association.

Give more to your favorite local music artist by buying music direct instead of through a big music store. Superfan Records is a record label where the musicians actually get the money! Really? Yes! Buy the new Kickin Grass CD (art designed by local designers – GAMIL!), Regina Hexaphone or Monologue Bombs!

Here’s a list of other great local places to shop:
Rebus Works: a gallery of NC arts and crafts, as well as framing.
Stitch: Holly Aiken’s wonderful world of bags, now on Hargett St.
Great Outdoor Provision: All the outdoor gear of a big box in a great locally owned store.
Father & Son: Vintage, Kitsch, Mid Century and other buzzwords for your offbeat gift needs.
Stuff Consignment: Taking thrift store to a whole nutha level.
FM Goods: your local source for street wear, sneakers and art with some attitude.
Nofo: locally owned store of eclectic and funky gifts with a cafe for a nice little break.

Also, check out NewRaleigh.com throughout the season. They’re always up to date on events and opportunities. Have Fun!

2008 Christmas Window Displays in NYC

beth — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:34:06 +0000

Yep. Thanksgiving is over and shopping season has begun and, with that, the unveiling of this year’s New York City holiday window displays. For those of you who won’t get the chance to stroll down 5th Ave, here’s a taste.

Macy’s Windows

Saks fifth Ave window 1: based on children’s book, “A Flake Like Mike”

Lord and Taylor windows

The blatant commercialism of the yearly “shopping season” can get really overwhelming, but I do love traditions such as these that add artistry and creativity to the craziness.

The best Christmas wreath ever and other mod goodies

beth — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:52:22 +0000

It’s hard to find Christmas decor that’s modern without going too kitschy or retro. I know because every year I go on a mad search and end up finding one or two new items to add to my collection. This year I’m lovin’ a “Mod Op Art Wreath” by Kenneth Wingard.

Or How ’bout this “Sign of the Season” wreath from a recycled sign, by Boris Bally?

This reindeer ornament is stylin.

how about a mod Christmas with this creche from Alessi?

Or a pop-art Hanukkah with this Last Match menorah?

I love your holiday sweater!

kelly — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:34:35 +0000

Still trying to get into the holiday spirit? Knit an outrageous holiday sweater! Made by the very crafty ad agency folk at Sullivan Higdon & Sink.

Tis the Season for holiday lights…

britt — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:44:52 +0000

Yes, I’m guilty. I love holiday lights. To me they are synonymous with winter chills, Christmas carols, and the tastes/smells of yummy cookies and cider. I visited a local hotspot to see the lights this year at Lake Myra Road. What an adventure. EVERYTHING… from the snow machine to the large (and small) light installations was amazing. Lake Myra Road even has it’s own FM station so you can sit in your nice warm vehicle, tune in and watch the lights dance in sync. The display spans over 3 of the neighbors yards, and I think is a must see in the Raleigh area.

If Raleigh is a little far to travel… check out ChristmasLightFinder.com they maintain a database of holiday light displays all over!