August can be a transitional time and one that involves catching-up. If you need to catch-up on some gift-giving, (housewarming, shower, wedding, graduation, birthday, gracious host) here are a few beautiful items that we love – from one of our sponsors, socially responsible, EarthLover Shopping.

(above) Hand-carved and Fair Trade made in Kenya, these little works of art make sweet gifts – the reclaimed olive wood heart nesting bowls are treated with food-safe Sunflower oil (largest bowl measures approximately 4 x 4.5 inches) $19/set.

(above) Using indigenous traditional techniques passed down from one generation to the next in Rwanda, this hand-woven and naturally dyed sweetgrass basket passes the test of time. Measuring 14.5 inches L x 11.5 inches W x approx 2 inches Deep, it’s ideal for use with dry items only. $36

Created by women artisans in Ethiopa, check out these awesome, hand-loomed Anything Towels – made of 100% cotton and measuring 36 x 60 inches.

They’re soft yet sturdy and versatile enough to be used as throws, sarongs, towels or beach blankets. Versatile is key…

Available in Blueberry or Cranberry stripe. $56

EarthLover Shopping offers Fair Trade, Recycled, Renewable, Organic and Handmade categories with cool items for the entire family and home … a great go-to site for gifts for you and those you love.

Recovering and reusing materials from the industrial waste stream has now become an art form: case in point, the work of French designer Francois Stanker. I’ve been following Francois’ fascinating work for a few years now, and thought I’d feature some of his more recent creations. He specializes in transforming industrial steel drums into fascinating designer furniture like his ‘Skank’ rocker (pictured above) which was created from the commingling of painted school chairs, an industrial steel drum, bed slats and some bike inner tubes.

Stanker’s ‘Bronx 9 Up!’ (above) lighting seat was created from a steel container that developed its character in its previous life as a drum played by the the techno-industrial drum band, Les Tambours Du Bronx. Oh, the seat also lights up via an energy efficient light bulb.

The ‘Ernie’ slat bench (below) is primarily constructed from one half of a steel drum and recycled bed slats. Another fine example of art meets functional furniture by Stanker Design.

related: more design finds

A is for adorable – a head-topper for the stylish alternative tot, anyone? From their Heritage Collection, you can customize this newsboy cap in vintage fabric by ordering custom initial detail to be placed on the red and white stripe. In 3 sizes, $38 @ Ameli Jo’s cargoh.com