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Artist Profile: Kuro-Same Arts

May 16, 2013 – 1:40 pm | 73 views

So by this point you may have noticed that along with selling handmade goods, the staff of Modern Mouse are quite creative in their own right. However, you might not have realized that our very own Matt Ortega is the mastermind and maker behind Kuro-Same Arts–that awesome line of steampunk inspired jewelry that you’ve had your eye on! Yes, yes, it’s true! And that’s not all: between work, school, and …

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Happy Mother’s Day, Grandma!

May 2, 2013 – 1:53 pm | 164 views
From top left: Golden Gate Bridge in Tulips Eco Tote by Tomoko Maruyama; Alley-Oop Handbag by Blue Q; Necklace by Bella Beads; Clutch by Queen Puff Puff; Bird on a Branch Wall Hook by Roost;

Let’s face it, grandmas have got to be some of the awesomest people on the planet. Grandmas are the people who don’t mind spoiling you just a teeny bit. They provide perspective by telling stories that remind you the world is continually changing: people used to take their hats off when they sat down to dinner, or shine their shoes before they went to a party. Grandmas remind you of the richness of your cultural heritage. They believe in real silver cutlery and sets of china. Grandmas are sophisticated, stylish, and never seen in public without properly curled hair and belted slacks. Grandmas watch crime shows with you and talk about politics, and then cook up an enormous feast that feeds your entire extended family. Grandmas tell hilarious stories about what your parents were like at your age. They never miss a birthday or Christmas card. Grandmas make pancakes, have expensive taste in wine, and call every now and then just to make sure you’re doing okay.

What’s your grandma like, and how are you planning to celebrate her this Mother’s Day? I hope you can find something to please in our staff gift suggestions! Happy Mother’s Day, Grandma. :)

From top left: Golden Gate Bridge in Tulips Eco Tote by Tomoko Maruyama; Alley-Oop Handbag by Blue Q; Necklace by Bella Beads; Clutch by Queen Puff Puff; Bird on a Branch Wall Hook by Roost; "Love You Bunches" Card by hello!lucky; Coasters by Papaver Vert; Ring Around the Turquoise Earrings by Rosemary Dudley; Teacup Tea Towels by The Heated; Potted Succulents by Happy Little Gardens; Tetra Pitcher by Roost; Herb Terrarium by Maker's Kit; Roll On Perfume by miSpa; Forests Card Set by Lisa Congdon.

From top left: Golden Gate Bridge in Tulips Eco Tote by Tomoko Maruyama; Alley-Oop Handbag by Blue Q; Necklace by Bella Beads; Clutch by Queen Puff Puff; Bird on a Branch Wall Hook by Roost; “Love You Bunches” Card by hello!lucky; Coasters by Papaver Vert; Ring Around the Turquoise Earrings by Rosemary Dudley; Teacup Tea Towels by The Heated; Potted Succulents by Happy Little Gardens; Tetra Pitcher by Roost; Herb Terrarium Kit by Maker’s Kit; Roll On Perfume by miSpa; Forests Card Set by Lisa Congdon.

Pick a project for Sunday Crafternoon in March

February 18, 2013 – 10:24 am | 140 views
Pick a project for Sunday Crafternoon in March

What would you like to make in next month’s Sunday Crafternoon, our montly DIY craft session? Make your vote on our Facebook poll, or leave us a comment below to let us know, then join us on Sunday, March 10th, 2013 from 12-2pm!

(1) Etched Glass Jar or Drinking Glass

 

(2) Map Coasters

 

(3) Fabric-Covered

Modern Mouse is Moving, and We’re Having a Sale!

January 13, 2013 – 11:47 pm | 216 views

You heard right, Modern Mouse is moving! But fear not: our bright and shiny new space will be but a hop, skip and a jump away. Come February 1st, you’ll find us all fresh-faced and dewy-eyed in the space directly across the walkway from our current space (between Great Clips and Bon Voyage). Here are a few shots of what it looks like before we make it ours.

We don’t anticipate …

Artist Profile: The Written Nerd

January 3, 2013 – 11:55 am | 272 views
Dewey Decimal Necklace by The Written Nerd
I don’t know about you, but I love the library. That thick musty smell of ink and paper, wandering up and down the aisles, scanning the bindings for just the right book to take home; or, checking out a teetering pile of paperbacks I know I can’t possibly read in three weeks–but I WANT to. So I was very excited when we began carrying the Written Nerd, a line of …

Love Your Little Mice!

December 18, 2012 – 4:13 pm | 282 views
From top to bottom, right to left: The Writer Onesie by All Good Living; Tupac Tee by Young Punks; Tiny Octopus Plushies by Phil Barbato; Wee Marcel Nellie over the knee socks by Sweet Marcel; Tiny Turtle Ornament by Zooguu; Reindeer Bib by Dinky Dimples; Beta Onesie by Collette Kids; My Life Rocks Journal by Mudpuppy; Believable Onesie by Tiny Teru; Little Green Monsters Sandwich Bag by Reusies; Owlman and Owlmobile Playdeco by Magnote; The Island Youth Tee by Backfloat; Magical Unicorn Lunchbag by Girls Can Tell.

Dear Santa,

I have been very very good this year, and please I would like presents from that store by the beach in Alameda–you know, the one with the awesome playtent? I think the store is called Modern Mouse. I like the clothes, I like the toys, I like aaaaaalll the stuff. I’m sending you picture of some of my favorite things.

Please and thank you and Merry Christmas!

PS. I …

Alameda’s Best Gift Shop…and Best T-Shirts!

August 7, 2012 – 9:41 am | 466 views
Alameda Magazine's Best of 2012 Issue

We’re in our 3rd year here at Modern Mouse, and you can imagine our sheer excitement and delight when we learned that we’d won not just one, but TWO of Alameda Magazine’s Best of 2012 awards! There was jumping, hand clapping and yes, even a little squealing involved. :]

Alameda Magazine's Best of 2012 Issue

From all of us at Modern Mouse, a heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your love, support …

Artist Profile: Creative Allure

July 6, 2012 – 8:00 am | 674 views
Flower Brooches by Creative Allure

Lisa Yvette launched her Oakland-based business Creative Allure in 2003 as a greeting card and bookmark business. Since then, it’s expanded to stationery, purses, t-shirts, and other gift items.

We’re super excited to have Lisa join our family!  Her sunny colors and prints are a constant reminder to look at life on the bright side.

The Creative Allure Story:

“I’ve enjoyed the art of sewing …

Show Your Studio: Vintage Vinyl Journals

July 5, 2012 – 2:08 pm | 565 views

We love having Philly-based designer Katie Pietrak Vintage Vinyl Journals in our shop!  The fun notebooks are perfect for aspiring artists, students, or people on the go. Vintage Vinyl Journals rescues the forgotten vinyl record and lovingly crafts a one-of-a-kind blank writing notebook for those who appreciate a simpler time – when albums started with a pop and a hiss as needle met groove and thoughts were recorded pen to paper. Check out …

Red, White & Blue Summer Gift Guide!

June 28, 2012 – 4:54 pm | 562 views

It’s time to dust off that grill, cover yourself in sunblock, and practice those cannonballs because summer is here!! And the best way to kick off the sunny season is with a celebration for your land of the free & home of the brave. Here’s a melting pot of goodies to dazzle everyone and let it be known that you truly love America.

 …

Artist Profile: Yoga Jewelry Shop

June 15, 2012 – 5:05 pm | 1,507 views

Martinez-based Yoga Jewelry Shop is the embodiment of Anne Manyak’s two passions: jewelry and anthropology.  Borrowing yogi philosphies & mantras, and inspiration from researched ancient accessories, Anne fashions beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry. Her bracelets with hand-stamped reminders to “breathe” and chant “om” in those moments when the yoga mat is out of reach will surely lift your spirit, align your chakras, and encourage you to practice that downward facing dog!

The Yoga