When I was little, I heard the story of Ramayana sooo many times. When I got an email from illustrator Sanjay Patel about his new book, Ramayana: Divine Loophole, I was floored with his new work. I love this modern retelling of the story. The book contains over 100 brilliant illustrations along with a detailed illustrated list of the cast of characters and sketches of his work in progress. Absolutely gorgeous.

And for you all on the left coast, Sanjay will also be at Super7 in San Francisco tomorrow, February 27 starting at 6pm signing copies of his book.

I love these quirky collectible toys by Los Angeles artist Chika. Designed especially for Maher Dry Goods, these are so intricately detailed and done entirely by hand. “Details are appliquéd and embroidered including french knot pupils and eyelashes.” Lovely stuff.

Peeped these alphabet blocks over at House Industries and immediately fell in love with them. There’s something lovely about tactile, carved childrens’ toys. These are exceptionally beautiful with different suns, letters, words and a puzzle piece on each side. (The puzzle forms a cute picture of a factory inspired by the work of famed Herman Miller textile designer Alexander Girard.) Fab stuff.

Adorable baby mobiles from Flensted at Modernseed. I absolutely adore those frolicking bunnies. Such simple and classic shapes for a nursery.

I received a wonderful email from Robert Mahar of Mahar Dry Goods and after visiting the shop I had to post about it. The items available are all handcrafted by artists, designers and crafters for children. There are some really luscious things available… I especially love all the stuff that’s done in felt. One of my favorites is the Celebration Suitcase that contains a felt piece of cake, a little plush “I Eat Cake” monster from Fishcakes and a gorgeous one-of-a-kind card made from vintage children’s book illustrations. Beautiful!

Lovely & varied work from Elizabeth Hubbell Studio. Gorgeous calligraphy is letterpressed onto cards, sweet illustrations adorn baby announcements. Some really great formats here including a little baby announcement book about a little girl born in the year of the monkey. Too cute.