Cool Stuff: Leafcutter Designs Trade Tokens

Here's a novel idea (and I know this is mighty rich coming from someone who publicly covets things all day long): Instead of another scented candle or useless tchotchke for Mom this Sunday, how about the simple promise of your time, or something made with love and your own two hands?

Based on historic "tough times tokens" (shown above), which took the place of currency when money was in short supply, these charming wooden trade tokens from Lea Redmond of Oakland-based Leafcutter Designs (aka the woman behind the equally charming World's Smallest Postal Service) offer something of infinite value: A homecooked meal, a walk together, a pep talk when you're feeling down.

As Redmond says, "Many of the best things in life don't take much money, anyway. I've created this series of trade tokens to help spread thrifty and wonderful homegrown goods and services through our culture. Give them as gifts, pass them out at potlucks, leave them around town for other people to find and circulate. Let them take on a life of their own and remind us all what true value is." Hear, hear.

The tokens are 75 cents each, or 12 for $8 right here.

Mark Your Calendar: July Events at the Curiosity Shoppe

Yet another reason to haul my butt across the Bay Bridge this weekend: The opening of The Ocean Reminds Me of Your Green Room, a new show by local painter Katie Vida at Valencia Street's Curiosity Shoppe. The reception runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, and the show will be up through August 5.

A quick look at some of Vida's previous work:

We Dance

Shannon Shaman

Horses Covered in Equations

Approaching Mountain

If Not, Winter

And on Saturday, July 19, from 2 to 6 p.m., Lea Redmond of Oakland's Leaf Cutter Designs will be in the Shoppe with her World's Smallest Postal Service.

For just $3 (three bucks!), Redmond will "transcribe a letter onto a teeny tiny piece of paper, put it in a teeny tiny envelope (packaged with a magnifying glass, of course), and send it to anyone you choose." I am totally going to stock up on our next round of tooth-fairy letters. (Shhh -- don't tell the kids!)

The Curiosity Shoppe is located at 855 Valencia Street in San Francisco. (Not in the area? Check out the store's online offerings.)