A package came today from the states (I get excited when mail arrives, I finally understand it when people tell me they love getting mail from America — it’s fun!) and do you want to know who it was from? Becky. The resident Top Design guest blogger here on decor8. And I think her cheeky gift is funny because whenever she sees butterflies she thinks of Mariah Carey (in a bad way) and so she was teasing me about my butterfly on the decor8 logo. So what arrives in the mail today? BUTTERFLY STUFF. How cute is she. Brat.
And it’s from the new John Derian collection for Target. I had this big plan that once I was here in Germany I’d just order what I wanted and have it shipped to my home in New Hampshire, no big deal. Well it is a big deal because Target doesn’t ship any of the JD collection, you can only buy it in stores. And by the time I’m back in America his collection will be gone-zo-la.? ARRR. Another reason why I love Becky’s gift so much, I can enjoy a taste of John’s lovely budget collection. Thank you Becky!
I love the coasters the most, I imagine using mini plate holders and arranging them on a wall. $12.99 for 4 is great deal don’t you think?
And if I could order from this collection I would definitely purchase THIS and THIS. And okay THIS. I’m super jealous of anyone who can. People always ask me what I miss most when I’m not in the states. Target, Newbury Comics (amazing CD, DVD, etc shop), Anthropologie (though you can order from them here but the store experience is why I really shop there), Paper Source, and I miss all the healthy whole foods stuff I can find there. Oh and I really miss Domino magazine because it’s nearly impossible to find here. I haven’t seen an issue since July and I’m starting to feel a little upset about the lack of Domino in Germany. I really don’t get it because we have Real Simple and Martha Stewart Weddings… If I had Target, Antho, and some good stationery shops here… and Domino magazine, I may never go home. I love being in Germany soooo much. 
Is this collection in your local Target yet? How do you like it? Is it well made? Something you’d own?
(images from holly becker for decor8 and bottom image from target)
October 7th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Oooh, love the alphabet tray and I think I might need those file folders!
It’s been too long since I’ve been to a Newbury Comics! Rhapsody and Pandora have all but phased out CDs in my household. What a great store though.
Dianas last blog post: I Can Do Anything….
October 7th, 2008 at 9:07 am
that’s funny - I was just looking for coasters last weekend. These are fantastic! Thanks for the ideas…
Tabitha (From Single to Married)s last blog post: Photo of the Day - 10/7/08
October 7th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I’m missing Target, too. I also miss the massive supermarkets with seemingly every food imaginable. I’m also missing antihistamines. Other than that, I’m loving life in the Netherlands. Blokker isn’t quite as good as Target, but between that and Hema, I think I’ll survive.
Alisons last blog post: Functional and Fun
October 7th, 2008 at 9:33 am
SO sweet of her to send you that package…I was stalking our local target for the bird tray…and found it and I love it! It is a nice weight and exactly what you would imagine from the photo. The others are lovely and the bird picture is great up close as well. I would miss Target and Anthro too….Oh, and I love your bubbotubbo print…I got mine recently and adore it!
xo
Melissa
October 7th, 2008 at 9:33 am
I saw the John Derian stuff at Target yesterday, and to be TOTALLY honest, I thought it looked like tacky crap from Collections Etc. I don’t think anyone on design/decor blogs would be giving it a second glance if Derian’s name weren’t attached. It’s the textural aspect of Derian’s work that makes it beautiful (though admittedly not really my taste), and all of that is completely lost with the transference of the imagery to a cheap, melamine plate.
Full disclosure: I’m with Becky on the butterfly thing. The immediately bring to mind Moooriah and a woman-child-cutesy kind of feeling that makes me want to barf.
(Gee, maybe I need to be a little more forthcoming with my opinions!)
No judgments against those who like the Target collection, of course. Or butterflies.
Anna @ D16s last blog post: 1992 Anna approves!
October 7th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Hi Holly! I love your blog! I’m a long time reader but have never commented before. Anyway, the John Derian line at Target is great, but it’s very hard to find the desirable pieces. I’ve probably been to various stores on at least 10 occasions since the line came out and have only seen the trays once (the paper products are easy to find). At that time I was lucky enough to get the alphabet and bird trays, but have not seen another one since. They are very nice quality by the way with a substantial weight to them, not flimsy at all. Ooh, I was also able to find the green leaf print magazine caddy and it is super cute!
Elizabeths last blog post:
October 7th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I love target.
Here we do not have target or Ikea and every thing is ultra expensive
karinas last blog post: True Beauty
October 7th, 2008 at 10:32 am
What a cute & thoughtful gift! I need to head over to my local Target to see his stuff in person… loving those little trays
(PS - If I lived abroad, MS Weddings & Domino would be top of my Miss List too!)
Nicoles last blog post: "Faux"paper (aka Fun with Stencils)
October 7th, 2008 at 10:32 am
I was just looking at this stuff on Sunday at my local Target. I love John Derian so was very happy it’s available at Target! I wanted the coaster - but they didn’t have them. The trays are really pretty - there’s one with dragon flies (I think) that I almost bought, but didn’t. I ended up buying the leaf design wrapping paper and the floral calendar, which I intend to make some kind of decoupage project out of.
Linda Merrill from ::Surroundings::s last blog post: Feng Shui Tips You Can Use
October 7th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Hi Holly,
First off - I LOVE your blog. I passed on your “lack of Domino” to the Western Sales Director so you just never know, there might be more Domino in your future!
Best,
Lee
October 7th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Oooo…I too am tickled that John Derian is now at Target. It makes special products by the top notch designers much more attainable for buyers like myself. Last trip to New York we did make our way to his store, which is now permanently embedded into my artsy brain as a favorite shop to “browse”. (and drool a bit I’ll admit!)
Jennis last blog post: Norcross Art Fest
October 7th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I haven’t seen the collection, but it’s adorable!
And where are you in Germany? I have a BUNCH of Domino magazines and my colleague is heading back to Sulzberg (via Munich) this weekend to work in our offices over there. I can have her bring you a few.
I would also miss Target if I lived in Germany. Sigh …
nicholes last blog post: Seventy and Sunny
October 7th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I bought a picture frame from him and put it on the wall with a bunch of other funky pieces. I love the coasters, but I agree– butterflies remind me of M.C. so I couldn’t purchase them.
Michelles last blog post: pumpkin spice latte
October 7th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Yes, it finally made it to some of the South FL stores I hit (in the Ft. Lauderdale area). I was lucky enough to find the alphabet tray and a little larger style tray with a butterfly on it. They are perfect for carry dinner from the grill into the house or for serving items on the patio since they are made of Melamine (and won’t break into a zillion pieces if dropped). I was quite lucky to find them since these were the last they had of them. I liked the paper goods ok, but did not purchase any of them. I was really wishing that they had some packages of vintage looking labels. I would have purchased them in a heartbeat!
Barbaras last blog post: The Reading Bug…
October 7th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Why don’t you just subscribe to Domino? It’s Conde Nast, and you can subscribe to any Conde Nast US magazine for a small fee. I subscribe to Domino and Lucky (I live in Switzerland). They cost about $45 and $35, respectively. I’m jealous about Martha, though…you must have an APO address because OmniMedia won’t ship to Europe.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Confession: I went to Target for the first time in many years this weekend and cleaned them out of their John Derian collection. I think it’s fantastic stuff and looks very close to his high-end collection. Current thought is to hang the trays on the kitchen wall. We got so many trays for our wedding that my husband scolded me for buying more - I had to justify that they were wall hangings! Anyone else have any clever ideas for these?
October 7th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Hi Holly, I just picked up the tray with the numbered color graphic last night at my local Target. I am so in love. My Target is near Portland, Oregon and almost the whole display was sold out. My guess is everything is going to go fast.
October 7th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Anon - Thanks for the subscribe tip. I want to subscribe to them but the problem is that I’m not in Germany full-time, only 5 months out of each year, so while I’m not here they’d just pile up in my mailbox. My editor at Domino was nice enough to email me today, she told me she’ll send over a few so I can have my ‘fix’.
Ann@D16 - I really appreciate your opinion. I’ve only seen the coasters in person so I have no real opinion. I love his glass decoupage plates though I don’t own any so I guess my love is only running so deep here.
Sorry butterflies make you barf too. Mariah screwed us all up for life I’m thinking. Maybe I should try a new motif for the winter now as you know how I love my seasonal changes with my templates. Now when I look at my blog I think of Mariah too. You and Becky ruined me for life!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I was thrilled to find the John Derian collection at my Target, but disappointed to find that the pieces looked like John Derian - For Target. I like that they are budget friendly, but they just seemed like cheap melamine pieces to me. I’d rather save up and buy the real thing, I guess.
Jessies last blog post: a gift that keeps on giving
October 7th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Just got back from the Target across town ten minutes ago. The swallow plate was left and marked down. Didn’t get it as the cart was already too full!!!
Denise Smiths last blog post: Decorating Dilemma #3
October 7th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Also, a tip for those who are hunting them down at Target…you can click on the items and search for their availability at stores around your zip code. I ended up going to one that was a little off the beaten path (and not in a super design-savvy area of town) in order to find a good selection.
October 7th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I was honestly very disappointed in the look of his Target pieces. Some are better than others, but most were more drab and generic looking than the look I normally associate with his work. However, YOUR new place is looking fantastic!
annechovies last blog post: A WRITER’S PORTRAIT * VICKI ARCHER
October 7th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
We don’t have Target here in Canada
but it’s one of my first stops when I visit the U.S.
Rita Vindedziss last blog post: October Giveaway is Here!
October 7th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Hello~Looks wonderful! I just LOVE butterflies!~
October 7th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I usually like all the stuff from target. However the wife has some different ideas about home decorating. In the end I prefer what she comes up with. Chippendale style mahogany antiques are usually better looking than the target/ikea sorts of things. Often if you shop around you can get them for not to much more money…although the perfect dining room table has been alluding us for some time.
Paunchinesss last blog post: Oh Thank Heaven. Obama vs. McCain at 7-Eleven
October 7th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I love Target so much! I’m heading there after work today to pick up that bird tray for sure! And I will try to resist buying everything in this new line.
October 7th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Important question!
Love the idea of displaying the coasters — but where do you GET mini plate holders?? I want to display some decorative tiles this way, but can’t find anything like the wire-and-spring holder I once got in Italy years ago for displaying a 3×3-inch tile.
Any suggestions??
October 7th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Holly, I’m so glad you got the package! I felt badly about my MC comment - didn’t mean to dis your b-flies
I’m split on the JD stuff at Target myself. I picked up a ton of wrapping paper and the last set of the card (diamond, heart, spade, club) coasters for me, as well as two wastebaskets (Including a butterfly one!). Some of the stuff in person did not hold up, like the framed prints and some of the melamine. Disclaimer: I’m not a huge fan of melamine.
I’m all for good design for all, but one thing I love about JD is the feeling of each handmade piece. I have to say I was disappointed when I went to his store this summer in P-town. I thought each piece was unique but they had stacks of the same item. It made me wonder why they are so daggone expensive - I had previously thought that each piece was a one-of-a-kind.
Oh, DOORBELL! PLEASE be my Domino book from amazon! Gotta Go!
becky
becky from hatchs last blog post: Staff Profile - Ali
October 7th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I don’t know about you guys, but I feel his designs are VERY similar to those of Cavallini and Co. They have a lot with butterfly’s etc except everything is made in Italy.
I like to stick to the real thing not the Target knock off’s but that is just me
Chicaholic
October 7th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
We also covered this much anticipated Target event on our Design Blog, http://theestateofthings.com. But I agree with some other comments - Booooo! I mean whatever. John Derian for Target - whosie whatsit!?
It was clearly an excellent way for John Derian to accelerate his name toward ‘house-hold’ status and us bloggers all went GaGa as according to plan, but for those of us that really do crave taste on a budget - I think we were left disappointed. But - I might be feeling differently if that green geo tray was to be found in my Target!
Betsys last blog post: A glimpse of Jonathan Adler
October 7th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I wonder why he didn’t use crockery rather than crappy melamine. I can’t believe it would have been that much more expensive. And melamine has a REALLY bad name right now.
I am not a huge fan of these plates but I understand he is trying to bring his product to the masses. Derian’s designs are strangely similar to Piero Fornasetti’s.
Charlie @ So Lovelys last blog post: Day 3 - POUL KJAERHOLM
October 7th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
funny, i posted the alphabet tray on my blog this morning and well i hope others can get their hands on it but i looked last week and have not been able to find it here in chicago!!
Goodys last blog post: a quickie..
October 7th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
this was one of those short run designer lines. it was available for six weeks starting 9/7. my local (nyc) store has had very little and frankly whatever they get in is scarfed up too quickly to get a look at. i saw one of the butterfly coasters. should have bought it for a soap dish… saw a butterfly paperweight last week but a) i don’t need one and b) it was nothing like his regular line paperweights. the paper line is fine, but not my thing. i didn’t like the cardboard wastebaskets in quality or style. the framed stuff was awfully cheap looking, especially the one with paper butterflies.
i doubt i’ll ever see the trays in person.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I’ve had my hands on that alphabet tray about three times now, and haven’t bought it. I know I’m going to regret it if I don’t pick it up the next time I’m at my Target. There’s just something about letters used for decoration that speaks to my editor’s soul.
October 8th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Does it not bother you that the alphabet tray is missing a letter? I love it and want it, but that really bugs me.
October 8th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Love the alphabet tray, but wondering what happend to the letter “J”. Is there something that I don’t know?
October 8th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Holly,
!) I also love your picks from his line.
Isn’t mail great? So sweet of Becky to send you a package. I like the coasters. I like that Target brings these lines to their stores. I also like that it’s affordable and fun. Design doesn’t have to be about the best, superb quality all the time. It’s about what brings pleasure and joy and I fully appreciate affordable lines. I’m doubting we have that line here in Australia but one never knows? Target here has less variety and seems to be more streamlined. Gaah! I miss going to Target in the States and being able to walk in and find everything under the sun in that shop.
About those butterflies. Now. What is it that MC did because I too think of her when I see glittery, sparkly butterfly images but not real butterflies or ornate, life-like ones. She really claimed that “image” or should I say branded it in a way, to be her own. I was never a big fan or anything either so obviously the marketing was effective. I don’t have anything against her, except well it seems she has trouble being fully clothed.(I don’t want to barf I just want to tell her to put clothes on!) The woman can sing though. So my point is, and yes I actually have one, butterflies are beautiful and MC didn’t create them. She just named an album after them and her marketing team shoved them in our face.
Butterflies are lovely. I like the one you have in your site design.(it is so NOT MC
collettes last blog post: knitting 101
October 9th, 2008 at 12:26 am
the aeiou tray is missing the letter ‘j’ - do you think that was on purpose, some john derian design thing?
October 10th, 2008 at 1:53 am
I laughed out loud that you miss Newbury Comics! Ahhhh nostalgia…
Alicias last blog post: from my bookmarks
November 30th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I never got to see the Target line, but regarding some of the comments about John Derian’s pricing, I agree that his pricing far exceeds the cost of materials and time involved in making each piece. I make decoupage the same exact way- it’s pretty inexpensive and simple. And yes, he uses color copies of original prints, so there are many multiples of each style…
I think that what gives his work high value is the treasure trove of unique ephemera he makes his designs from. I bet that’s what you’re really paying for when you pay $85 for a small plate… I wish I knew where he found his source materials, but my guess is he (or employees) put a lot of time and expense toward finding unusual antique prints and such. Sounds like a fun job : )
Osmundas last blog post: Mad Tea Party Ombre Painted Psychedelic Decoupage Dish Number 3