If you’re like us, you’re looking forward to the Memorial Day weekend. For many, the holiday means a day off of work, grilling out with friends and family or maybe just some much-needed down time. Also called Remembrance Day, it is important to also remember the meaning of the holiday: a day to honor those who lost their lives while serving in the military. This holiday may be celebrated in the states, but Americans, Finns, and Finnish Americans alike can appreciate the message all the same.

One way we have shown our respect for our fallen men and women has been by wearing a poppy. The poppy was referenced in the poem “Flander’s Fields” written by John McCrae in 1915, paying ode to the red flower that thrived even in the battlefields. Three years later an American woman named Moina Michael was touched by his words, and started the trend of wearing poppies as a way to show support. Here are some projects to proudly show you are in the know:

Creative blogger Miss Lovie shows us the DIY Memorial Day Poppy Pin she made and how you can too.

Perfect for kids, these felt poppy pins are easy and fun to make.

Fast forward half a century, and Maija Isola is designing Marimekko’s most iconic pattern: Unikko.  Marimekko’s designers were discouraged from creating floral prints, but that didn’t stop Isola from giving birth to the bold, powerful and unapologetic poppies of Unikko. Originally produced with a red blossom on a white background, the pattern is a perfect way to participate in the poppy trend while still staying true to your love of Finnish design. Here are some of our favorite Unikko-patterned things:

1. Marimekko Mouse Unikko Pad – $22

2. Marimekko Unikko Round Tablecloth – $129

3. Marimekko Mini-Unikko Bib – $21

4. Marimekko Red Cotton Shower Curtain –  $59.95

5. Marimekko Unikko Iphone 5 Case – $48

6. Marimekko Red/White Unikko Mini-Manual Umbrella – $49

7. Marimekko Pieni Unikko Throw Pillow - $48

Check out some more goodies we discounted for you as part of our Memorial Day Sale.

How do you spend your Memorial Day Weekend? Did you know the origin of the Memorial Day poppy before?

Feel free to leave comments below, we love to hear from you!

Marimekko fabric backdrop. Source: MS Weddings

It’s officially wedding season ladies and gentleman! Bring on the joyful tears, buttercream cake and the electric slide. In the U.S. alone, there are over 2 million weddings a year. Personally, I’ve already attended a few and have several more on the docket. And chances are you may have a couple on your calendar as well. This means we’ll be in shopping mode for the next several months. Wedding gift-giving can be confusing and/or challenging at times, so I’ve gathered a list of tips to help ease any upcoming gift hunting angst.

Feel free to go off the beaten path. It is a safe bet to buy something off the couple’s registry, but you don’t have to. If you’re close with the bride and/or groom and want to veer off course, use their registry as a reference guide on their tastes and needs.

Shop, then ship. I always see presents at the standard gift table, but according to etiquette experts, it’s best to have the gift shipped to the couple. It’s a win-win for you and the couple. You don’t have to worry about wrapping and transporting the gift. They don’t have to worry about lugging it home.

Give, even if you’re not attending. In situations where you cannot attend the wedding, it is in good taste to still send the couple a gift. Make sure to include a note on why you can’t attend.  Your kind gesture and thoughtfulness will go a long way.

Gift based on your (and your plus one’s) relationship with the bride and groom. Generally, a gift of $100 – $150+ is appropriate for close friends and relatives, $100+ for casual friends and $75 – $100 for co-workers or distant relatives.

If you know a fun-loving couple who appreciate modern and bold design, check out the following Marimekko gift ideas.

1. Add character to any tablescape with colorful stemware. $35

2. This teapot is perfect for the modern, stylish couple. $87

3. Why be plain when you can be bold with this bedding? $139+

4. Every bathroom should have these plush bath towels. $55

It’s that time of year again, and all of the hard work our dear scholars have put in has finally paid off. Show how proud you are of your friend, child, parent or neighbor with a Marimekko graduation gift. These gifts will help celebrate the achievement of these graduates and encourage them to pursue their dreams on the path to come. 

1. Time for a tea party! Marimekko Unikko Teapot - $98

2. Cheers! Get them a nice set to toast with for years to come. Marimekko “Socks Rolled Down” Flute Glass in Turquoise or Green – $39

3. What now? Help him get the job. Marimekko Ilmari Teal/Navy Tie - $99

4. Now’s the time for her to make money and save. Marimekko Helinä 2 Magenta/Beige Wallet -$115

5. Help them keep in touch with friends from school the old-fashioned and more personal way. Marimekko Assorted Unikko Postcards - $29

6. They will want to crawl into bed after cramming for finals, and many will get a new bed size (We also have twin XL sheets to fit those pesky dorm bed sizes for high school grads going off to college). Marimekko Black/White Kivet Bedding - $39.95-$169

7. No more ramen! Motivate them to cook nutritious meals for a healthy, happy life. Marimekko Black/White Lokki Chopping Board – $52

Finnair Airbus 330 donning Kristina Isola’s Metsänväki (forest dwellers) print . Image courtesy of Finnair

If you’re a Marimekko fanatic, then you’ve probably seen and heard about Finnair and Marimekko’s collaboration. Back in October 2012, the Finnish design house was commissioned to develop textiles and tableware for Finnair. At that time, a plane embellished with Maija Isola’s iconic Unikko print was released, marking the newfound partnership. Just a few days ago on May 7, a Finnair Airbus 330 donning Kristina Isola’s  Metsänväki (forest dwellers) print was unveiled to celebrate the new Marimekko-designed textiles and tableware that will be put to use beginning May 15.

Top: Spring 2013 new Marimekko for Finnair tableware in Business class. Bottom: Spring 2013 new Marimekko for Finnair textiles and tableware in Economy class. Images courtesy of Finnair

Finnair released a cool time lapse video on YouTube, which shows the custom work being done to the aircraft.

I won’t be traveling to Finland anytime soon (bummer scene), so I won’t have the opportunity to fly in high style. However, just because I can’t do it literally doesn’t mean I can’t do it figuratively. That’s why I’ve gathered a list of travel-friendly accessories that will have you jet-setting Marimekko style, no matter how or where you go.

1. The roomy, mod Viklo tote can fit all your carry-on needs. $125

2. The Lippa Unikko tablet case is perfect for storing your iPad or tablet on-the-go, all while protecting it from scratches. $75

3. The Moreeni silk scarf is the perfect, versatile accessory to bring on your next trip. Tie it around your neck or handbag, wear it as a head wrap or put it around your shoulders. $89

4. The Mini-Unikko smart bag folds up into a tiny, mobile square that can fit in any tote or bag. It’s perfect for the extra storage you’ll need after your vacation shopping excursion. $29

5. Bring along the Marimekko Classic Postcards so you can write about how fabulous your vacation is to your friends and family. $29 (set of 12)

It’s that time of year, and with the warming weather, you’ll want to take the party from the living room to the patio. Especially if you live in a climate with cold winters, you may find that your outdoor space is a bit neglected. Give your patio some TLC in the form of a Marimekko makeover.

Typically we associate throw pillows with sofas and love seats, but you’d be amazed what they can do to make an outdoor space look more cozy and inviting. Here are some of our favorites that would look lovely on a porch swing or bench.

You can’t go wrong with a nature theme when decorating outdoors:

1. Marimekko Onnen Omenapuu Green/Yellow Throw Pillow – $48

2. Marimekko Ahonlaita Yellow Throw Pillow – $48

These have a bit of a boho chic vibe:

1. Marimekko Kioto Multicolor Throw Pillow – $48

2. Marimekko Lappuliisa Throw Pillow – $48

For dining outdoors, you’ll want to set out a tablecloth. If you don’t have fancy patio furniture, don’t worry, as these can hide any flaws or imperfections. If you are fortunate enough to own a nice set, tablecloths will keep it clean and safe.

Here are some colorful choices: 

1. Marimekko Juhannustaika Tablecloth – $158

2. Marimekko Siirtolapuutarha Tablecloth – $158

Or, if you are a DIY diva, you can also make your own from any of our waterproof and easy-to-clean PVC fabrics.

You’ll also want to serve cool drinks to your guests with a pretty presentation. Easily carry appetizers or beverages from the kitchen to the patio with Marimekko serving trays, such as these:

1. Marimekko Ahonlaita Green Tray – $63

2. Marimekko Raanu Lemon/Lime Tray – $63

If it’s a pool party, first invite us, and then lay out these Marimekko towels for swimming and sunbathing:

1. Marimekko Nimikko Turquoise/Lime Beach Towel – $108

2. Marimekko Nimikko Red/Citron Beach Towel – $108

These little pops of color and print will bring life to your deck or patio to create a comfortable atmosphere for your party guests.

Really up for a patio project? Use any of our Marimekko upholstery fabrics to upholster outdoor seating with these easy tutorials:

If you’re like me and are sewing-impaired, this creative blogger shows how to make a no-sew porch swing cushion.

For the savvy seamstresses, these portable seating cushions are just too cute to pass up.

Voilà! You are ready for a summer of sunny soirees. We’d love to hear your tips on outdoor decoration, so feel free to leave a comment below.

Artist Jenni Tuominen puts her own twist on mod design with the simple yet powerful Twisti fabric for the summer of 2013. A chain of bright turquoise spots are linked by dashing black lines, giving the print movement and a hand-drawn appeal. In fact, Tuominen explained in an interview with Marimekko that she loves working with her hands, and will sketch out everything on paper before converting to a computer to complete the design. Personally, we love the finished product, and since this print translates so nicely to a computer screen, we wanted to make it into the May 2013 desktop calendar.

Want to take this pattern from the digital to the tangible? Use this Marimekko Twisti Fabric to make curtains, wall pieces, pillows… whatever you can twist your mind to think of!

Download in these sizes:
1280×1024, 1024×768, 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Download the desktop wallpaper

Have a request for next month’s desktop background? Send us a message with your favorite Marimekko print and we’ll feature it!

Mother’s Day is just over two weeks away and if you’re like me, you’re probably still thinking about what to get that special woman in your life. Finding the perfect gift can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve curated a list of gift ideas to make your gift hunting expedition a little easier. Marimekko’s bold and classic designs will make a fabulous gift for the woman who knows best.

1. Unikko black/white lux umbrella, $69

2. Pikku Lokki Joonatan cosmetic bag, $84.25

3. Humpaa orange/lime bracelets, $33

4. Kaivo chartreuse scarf, $115

5. Ahonlaita apron, $45

A juicy piece of Pop Art re-emerges from the late 1960′s as Maija Isola’s graphic Päärynä (pear) print refreshes the spring 2013 collection. Crisp, clean and colorful, this beautiful print delivers simple design in a scrumptious way. I’ve decided to give your desktop a bit of a break from the usual bold colors and complex patterns and try this simple parade of green pears.

Not just for desktops, grab the Marimekko Päärynä print in fabric, dinnerware and tea towels. Check AlwaysMod for more on the full collection.

Download in these sizes:

1280×1024, 1024×768, 1280×960, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Download the desktop wallpaper

Have a request for next month’s desktop background? Send us a message with your favorite Marimekko print and we’ll feature it!

Marimekko Unikko Pink Percale Bedding

Boldly patterned for the warmer season, refresh your bedding with stripes, streaks and florals as Marimekko introduces it’s beautiful Summer 2013 Bedding. Made from 100% cotton percale, choose from 6 new patterns to perfectly suit your style. Marimekko unveils the Unikko Pink, Hennika Orange, Hennika Green, Ajo Black/White Stripe, Ajo Green/White Stripe and the darling Bo Boo pattern so kid’s can get-in on the modern makeover too. Awash in hot pinks, glowing greens and citrus oranges, the famed prints by Maija & Kristina Isola, Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi and Katsuji Wakisaka have been taken to a whole new level. Visit AlwaysMod to see the whole Marimekko Bedding Collection.

Marimekko Hennika Orange Percale Bedding

Marimekko Hennika Green Percale Bedding

Marimekko Ajo Green/White Stripe Percale Bedding

Marimekko Ajo Green/White Percale Bedding

Marimekko Ajo Black/White Percale Bedding

Marimekko Bo Boo Percale Children’s Bedding

Can’t choose just one? Not to worry, this seasons patterns were specially paired to be easily mixed & matched.

Marimekko Mix & Match Bedding – Ajo Black/White Stripe Sheets & Unikko Duvet

Marimekko Mix & Match Bedding – Unikko Sheets & Hennika Duvet

Marimekko Mix & Match Bedding – Ajo Green/White Strip Sheets & Hennika Duvet

Marimekko Easter Egg Garland

Overpowering pastels and syrupy sweet style are a thing of the past, take a fresh approach to decorating this Easter and adorn your home with modern style. Check out this lovely Easter Egg Garland made from leftover Marimekko wrapping paper. Simple yet festive, blogger Anu from Nalle’s House uses unexpected shades of black, white and green to welcome Easter with a sophisticated flair.

Marimekko Easter Egg Garland

If you’d like to re-create this look at home try using Marimekko Fabrics from AlwaysMod instead of wrapping paper to create re-usable decorations. Use the same Marimekko Mini-Unikko pattern from the blog or I suggest trying out Marimekko Maalaisruusu, Lumimarja, Puistotie or Iso Satakieli.