Authentic Amazing

Ever since hearing a few years back that grunge/chick rock titan Alanis Morrisette’s record label was furnishing the singer with a stripped-down urban apartment in the hopes that such austerity might reignite the creative spirit of her early bohemian years, I’ve wondered at the lengths some artists will go to try to shake the commercial trap. In a world in which money almost invariably corrupts the creative process, it’s comforting to know that there exists, in the invisible middle earth of everyday artisans, an industry in which exceptionally talented craft professionals such as Katie, of New Zealand's In My Backyard, can make a name shaping distinctive brooches, handbags, scarves and the like in the comfort of, well, their backyards.

The charm of the ever-present bug-eyed bird caught immobilized in the logo that adorns so many of these products is really emblematic of the brand’s appeal in general. Be it the Little Bird fabric pin, the Lancewood Notebooks, the Little Bird Keyring or the Bird Zippered Pouch, the sort of items that make up this accessory line simply don’t need to fake the feel of earthiness, originality, and authenticity for which so many high-end apparel companies strive in vain by rolling out artificially distressed or “pre-weathered” merchandise. Put another way, this stuff’s audaciously, beautifully real, and that’s just one more quality that renders it special. With a little luck, you might even see this characteristic for yourself: The winner of today’s giveaway will receive a Little Bird Pin in their fabric color of choice. To qualify, visit In My Backyard, then come back here to tell us about your favorite product. Tell us in a second post if you happen to subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 11/5/08.

**We have a winner! gkstratos who said, "I like the Birdy Black Fleece Scarf."***