Cool Stuff: Repeat Pattern Products at Olio United

For its just-opened Repeat show, Portland's Olio United asked ten artists to create limited-edition products featuring "functional patterns." Each item is a piece of art in its own right, but can also "be used for something crafty, clever, and beautiful."

For those of us who aren't lucky enough live in Portland, Olio has made the products available on the store's website. Take a look:

Julia Rothman's Fabric Packs, $18 each

Joanna Bean's Teardrop Postcards, $5 for eight

Palindrome Press's Facets Print Poster, $45, and Facets Letterpress Card, $5

Pattern People's Under the Leaves Poster, $30

Katie Kulper's Handprinted Handkerchiefs, $10 each

Ashley Sheping's Blue Safari Card Set, $20

Katie Kirk's Packing Tape, $12 per roll

Robin Schmitt's Gocco Printed Fabric Panels, $20 each

See all of the exclusive Repeat products right here -- and if you're in Portland, be sure to swing by Olio United to check out the show in person.

Cool Stuff: Artist Series Shoes at Olio United

To help celebrate its first anniversary, Portland eco-boutique Olio United recently asked nine great local artists to customize pairs of TOMS Shoes.

The participating artists -- Amy Ruppel, Jill Bliss, Trish Grantham, Yellena James (those are her contributions, above), Ryan Rubnis, Katie Kulper, Aaron James, Erik Railton, and Max Erdenberger -- have each hand-painted several pairs of TOMS. The resulting wearable pieces of art will be auctioned off at Olio's anniversary party on Friday, August 29, from 7 to 10 p.m. The proceeds are earmarked for Transitions Cambodia, a not-for-profit that helps sex trafficking survivors from the Asian nation.

Click here for more information on the event -- and here to see the shoes for sale in Olio's webshop.