Perhaps taking a page from the green movement, Toy2R has announced that (simulated) woodgrain is the colorway of choice for their 2009 art toys. We’ve already seen a preview of their fantastic woodgrain Domo Qee (coming this summer from Dark Horse). Now they’ve applied the “natural” finish to four standard Qee figures. The range includes a series of 2.5-inch figures with the China Advertising Magazine logo, made exclusively for the 2009 China Advertising and Brand Conference and two shades of woodgrain Qees with Toy2R’s logo, available now at Yoyashop. Toy2R hasn’t gone all tree-hugger on us though; they will continue to partner with top names in fashion for collaborations like the Mark Fairwhale and LUISAVIAROMA Qees we posted about last year.

With Mother’s day fast approaching, those of us who won’t be able to make it home to present mom with a box of chocolates and some fresh flowers to show how much we care in person have undoubtedly started feeling a dash of homesickness setting in. Sure, mom might not be able to hug us and let us know that everything’s going to be okay this year, yet there’s still a way we can revel in her warmth though distance may beg to differ. The caring folks at NYC Creative Agency, Mother, have come up with Mother-scented candles, so no matter how far apart you are, as long as these babies are burning bright, you can feel as though she’s in the next room preparing to tell you just how much she loves you…and how you desperately need to get a job and stop asking her for money. What does your mother smell like? Was it this good?

Check out the spot they did for them here. Because the sweetest memories, are the ones that burn. Funny.

With an aggressive yet upbeat sound, Baltimore’s Double Dagger assaulted our ears with unhinged drive through two albums and a slew of EP releases since the band’s formation in 2002. A sound labeled ‘post-punk’ could mean almost anything, so rather than obsessing over the fashionability of the genre, listen to More with an open mind. You’re bound to see beauty between the drums and the reverberating basslines. Simply constructed and intelligently delivered, the trio’s newest album conveys what could only have been concieved in a trashed B-more warehouse packed with thrashing scenesters.

Many a potential tourist lines up their very first UK visit with visions of Buckingham Palace, Stone Henge, and Big Ben dancing around in their heads, but Britain is much more than that. In addition to the fish and chips, all those limey bastards across the Atlantic have so much more to show you than royalty, a bunch of old rocks and the River Thames. You might not necessarily have seen it in your precious guide books, but that’s okay because the fine folks at Ogilvyone Worldwide Singapore have launched a site to show you “the other Britain,” the Britain of cultural innovation and much, much more. From fashion to music festivals to football, it’s all on glorious display at their alternate tourism URL that champions all things united under the Union Jack for aspiring anglophiles to eat up on their impending holiday. Enjoy, mate.

If the popular saying that one man’s trash is almost certainly another man’s treasure is true, that might make a dumpster (or skips as they’re call in the UK) the equivalent of a jewelry store. While we haven’t seen any diamond encrusted watches being peddled out refuse receptacles as of late, we think that might be a plausible undertaking for the likes of Oliver Bishop Young. The eco-conscious UK artist specializes in converting large rubbish bins to suit more enjoyable activities such as skating, swimming or just plain lounging around. So, the next time someone calls your living space a dump, you might not consider that such a bad thing.

Last November, Nike put out a line of high top vandals in three solid colors red, white and black. Every square millimeter of the shoe was red, white or black. The overdrive of one tone of color was definitely a head turner. All three original colors were in a very limited run (hint: flightclub still has some). Nylon (the magazine) took notice and has now paired with Nike to put out five new Nylon colors. I can tell right now, these are going to be controversial. But if you can pull off shoes like these, it’s amazing, but it definitely isn’t easy. I still have a soft spot for the original red shoe, but I’m curious to see someone wearing these new Nylon colors. 

via Highsnobiety

We really do love urbanism, but this isn’t just about our love of cities, it’s about an art opening. The Dalston Superstore is cutting the red ribbon with a show featuring five artist’s creating in cities around the world. Martin Wolerstam, Julia Corsado, Alex Bartolomei, Alex Nobel and Bigote Rojo (sorry no online presence) have all focused their lasers on art inspired by their urban surroundings. Very fitting for the ultra urban and uber hip Dalston district of London.

Details below:

We Heart Urban
Private View: Tuesday May 5th, 7 till 10 pm (facebook invite)
Dalston Superstore — 117 Kingsland High Street, London, E8 2PB

Russ Mills is one of our favorite artists, but has a knack for selling out his prints in less than 24 hours. It can be frustrating, but when you actually get your hands on one it’s very satisfying. He's finally released a product that hopefully won't be gone by the time you read this. Partnering with Infectious, he has lent one of his images, “Tilisis,” for you to stick on your gadgets. Only one image is available but in various sizes for Laptop (MAC & PC), iPhone and iPods. Staying constant he has kept his prices low; $30 for a laptop, $15 for iPhone/iPod.

If you've missed out on his previous print releases, this is a sure way to get your hands on a Russ Mills something. In related news, there are talks of a Russ Mills London gallery show very soon. Hopefully, we'll see some more prints soon too. We'll let you know.

In another well-curated proposal, Choque Cultural’s chronicling the art of text in Caligrafia, its latest exhibit. Jumping off from Chaz Bojorquez’s famous East L.A. tags, the show features a diverse array of styles from 40 international artists. Hardly anything is left out in this extensive visual history: Loomit’s 3-D letters, Atsuo’s glittery work, Retna’s engraved metalwork and seminal artist Billy Argel’s Brazilian skate contribution. Other big stars include L.A.’s own Saber and New York City’s KR. Media forms extend from painting to prints and photos. See a few pieces from the show online at the site. The show runs till June 27.