The Deal: Sarah Finn accessories on sale at A+R

Thin veneers come to life in the hands of German designer Sarah Finn, who specializes in laser cutting intricate patterns into wood. While Finn is known for her veneer maple lamps, she also designs inexpensive accessories that can be placed in an envelope and mailed to someone for the holidays.

The two three-dimensional ornaments are engraved with “Merry Christmas" in multiple languages. Simply fold along the scored lines to create a pop-up ornament. Sold in pairs, they're on sale at the Venice design shop A+R for $10 (reduced from $19).

The napkin rings are equally malleable. Using the thinnest of veneers, Finn laser cuts with distinctive patterns. The six napkin rings arrive flat and can be curled into shape; a mini tab locks the loop into place. Re-flatten for easy storage. Normally $22, the napkin rings are on sale for $17.50.

A+R is at 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. Open daily 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (800) 913-0071.

-- Lisa Boone

Photo credit: Sarah Finn

Home tour: Expanding a little bit at a time in Atwater

This story begins nine years ago when architect Rebecca Rudolph and her designer-builder husband, Colin Thompson, bought a cottage in Atwater Village. It was cheap ($139,000) and tiny (500 square feet). Someone else might have seen a tear down, but they saw opportunity for a modest expansion.

First came a stylish 300-square-foot detached office, followed by a remodel that more than doubled the size of the house while keeping most of the yard intact. The result is a swoon-worthy home filled with lots of fresh ideas -- a wall of salvaged wood fencing in the living room, a translucent curtain that blocks UV rays but not the view, plus low-water landscaping and a green roof.

To read more about the house check out Lisa Boone's story, or click through a photo gallery of the home.

-- Deborah Netburn

Photos clockwise from top right: Rebecca Rudolph pulls a curtain that blocks UV rays; Colin Thompson waters the roof; the couple's daughter Rei Thompson watches television in the living room. Photo credit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

The Deal: ModKat offers holiday discount on litter boxes through Dec. 25

The ModKat litterbox, scoop and reusable liner caused quite a stir when it debuted at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in May and understandably so. The thoughtfully designed litter box has a simple design that will suit any room, and its enclosed base and "rooftop" entry allows for privacy. At 15 inches high, it is about the same height as most covered litter boxes, but has a smaller footprint. The perforated roof panel theoretically means you won't be stepping in any Jonny Cat.

The ModKat package also comes with an ergonomic scoop with built-in brush and a reusable liner made with commercial-strength tarpaulin. Available in black, red, white (currently on back order), yellow and blue (above), the box normally retails for $180. In honor of the holidays, however, ModKat is offering a $20 discount through Dec. 25. Simply use the discount code "modholiday" and hit apply. 

-- Lisa Boone

Photo credit: ModKat

Daily Doodle calendar: Inspiring for kids, a therapeutic reminder for adults?

Earlier this year I read about a study that found that doodling aids concentration and memory, and I immediately encouraged my children to start doodling in class. Memory-impaired myself, I also wanted to test the theory personally, only I could never remember to give it a try.

Japanese illustrator Taro Gomi’s 2010 Daily Doodle Calendar from Chronicle Books, then, might be the  perfect aid for forgetful multi-taskers who need reminders not to forget about working on their memory. Are you following me here?

Hey, wait a minute. This calendar is geared for kids "ages 3 and up"? Whatever.

The $12.99 page-a-day calendar measures 5 by 4 1/2 inches and comes with an orange stand so you can prop it up or hang it on the wall. Available at bookstores and Plastica, at  8405 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles; (323) 655-1051.

-- Lisa Boone

Photo credit: Chronicle Books

Datebook: events, classes, exhibits for the week ahead

We've listed select home and garden events below. Suggest your own via reader comments. Submissions must be fewer than 75 words and must be for one-time events with legitimate value to other readers. No store promotions and no frivolous links, please. L.A. at Home staff will determine which submissions will be made public, but we won't edit the comments.

Dec. 4: Costumed hosts will escort visitors through the Victorian homes at the Heritage Square Museum when they are illuminated for the 15th annual Holiday Lamplight Celebration. Evening tours begin at 4 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m. Adults, $20; children 12 and younger, $10. Not suitable for children under 6. 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles. Reservations required: (323) 225-2700, Ext. 223.

Dec. 4: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi and the American Community Gardening Assn. host this educational training seminar based on the association’s curriculum for leadership development. Topics: community organizing, leadership development, grass-roots fundraising, community development, communications and coalition building. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5. University of California Cooperative Extension, 4800 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles. $45. (877) 275-2242.

Dec. 5: Unique L.A. Holiday Show will include more than 300 makers of housewares such as the coffee table by Mountain Exotics shown above, artwork, ceramics, books, clothing and jewelry. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. $10. California Market Center, 110 E. 9th St., downtown Los Angeles.

Dec. 5: Bauer Pottery's annual holiday clearance sale of seconds will feature Bauer's classic ringware and Russel Wright American Modern pieces. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. Bauer Pottery showroom, 3051 Rosslyn St., Los Angeles. (818) 500-0666.

Dec. 5:  The annual Echo Park Holiday Sale and Celebration will feature Zyana Aromatherapy, Frog Dog Organic Salsas and Herbs, stockings filled with home baked dog biscuits, and Peter Shire’s pots, cups, dishes and bowls. Santa will also pose for photos with pets ($10 each or three for $20) to help fund money for Echo Park Animal Alliances. Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. Free. Echo Park Pottery, 1850 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles.

Dec. 5: Curator Jill Morganelli leads a series on how to grow fruits and vegetables organically. This week’s installment will focus on winter crops and companion planting, winter diseases, irrigation, soil building, composting and pruning fruit trees. Noon to 3 p.m. $22 to $25. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Registration: (626) 821-4623.

Dec. 5: Steve Gerischer of Larkspur Garden Design lectures on how to simplify your approach to landscaping. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. $20 to $30. Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants, 10459 Tuxford St., Sun Valley. (818) 768-1802.

Dec. 5: Rachel Young demonstrates how to transform natural materials into holiday décor in this wreath-making workshop. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $30 to $35, includes materials. Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. (818) 949-4200.

Dec. 5: Descanso Gardens hosts a holiday craft boutique with holiday decor and garden-related gifts. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. Free with regular admission of $3 to $8. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. (818) 949-4200.

Dec. 6: Los Angeles Modern Auctions hosts an auction of art, sculpture and other designs. Highlights include sculpture by Peter Voulkos, 29 original pieces by George Nakashima, several works by George Nelson and ceramic pieces by Otto Natzler. Noon. 16145 Hart St., Van Nuys. (323) 904-1950.

-- Lisa Boone

Photo caption: Unique Los Angeles exhibitor Mountain Exotics

The Deal: Herman Miller designs on sale at Room & Board through Dec. 13

Fans of Noguchi, Eames and other midcentury designers take note: Room & Board is discounting all pieces manufactured by Herman Miller by 15% through Dec. 13. 

While that may not sound like much of a price cut these days, the reduction can translate into a substantial savings on some classic furnishings. A sampling: the Eames file drawer desk, shown above, will be reduced from $1,299 to $1,104; Isamu Noguchi's glass-topped cocktail tables will be discounted to $1,146 from $1,340; the iconic Eames leather lounger and ottoman will be reduced from $3,699 to $3,145; and the Nelson Swag leg desk will now be $1,570, down from $1,849.

Shop online or at the Culver City store, at 8707 Washington Blvd., Culver City. (310) 736-9100.  Update: Unica Home is also selling its Herman Miller pieces at 15% off through Dec. 13. For more information, click here. 

-- Lisa Boone

Photo credit: Herman Miller

The Deal: Jose Vera Antiques holiday sale

The 4,000 square-foot Jose Vera Fine Art & Antiques store features an eclectic inventory of things from Chicano artworks to American Arts & Crafts furnishings.

Its holiday sale features discounts of up to 40% on a variety of items including a reupholstered Stickley settee (originally $3,500, now $1,500), a sewing rocker by Arts & Crafts designer Charles Limbert  (marked down from $500 to $250), a set of four 1960s Hans Wegner chairs (reduced from $1,400 to $600) and a wrought-iron bench, hand-forged and inlaid with original Batchelder decorative tiles, above (reduced from $3,500 to $1,800).

Jose Vera Fine Art & Antiques is at 2012 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock. Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 am. to 6 p.m. (323) 258-5050.

-- Lisa Boone

Photo credit: Jose Vera Fine Art & Antiques

The Deal: Coffee's on at Ikea as three-day sale starts

This Bekvam Kitchen Cart is on sale for $19.99 (regularly $59.99) at Ikea's "Seize the Days" sale, which starts today. The three-day event will feature daily discount specials, including housewares, furniture, pillows, flatware and wine glasses. (Where else are you going to find six wine glasses for $1.99?)

Other great deals on Friday include the more than-6-foot-long Leksvik TV/storage bench for $99 (reduced from $179), the stained pine Leksvik corner TV bench, reduced to $89 from $119, as well as the Leksvik coffee table, reduced to $59 from $119.

As a bonus, the Swedish retailer is throwing in a free small breakfast and coffee until 10:30 a.m. for those willing to brave the lines. And for extra sustenance on Black Friday? After 11 a.m., grab yourself 10 "mouthwatering Swedish meatballs" for just $1.

For a look at other items on sale, click here.

-- Lisa Boone

Photo credit: Ikea

The Deal: Cariboo eco-friendly bassinets up to 40% off at Totsy beginning today

When today's parents were newborns, they slept in bassinets coated with lead paint. OK, maybe it wasn't that bad, but there certainly weren't "eco-friendly" handcrafted designs like the ones from Cariboo, shown above.

Cariboo's all-natural nursery products are an attempt to keep kids and the environment safe. The bassinets are made with Radiata pine harvested from sustainable sources. The New Zealand company also uses fabrics that are as natural as possible. 

And you know the drill: this eco-friendly stuff never comes cheap. But a selection of the bassinets will be discounted up to 40% beginning Thursday at Totsy, an online private sales club geared toward busy moms.

The Gentle Motion Bassinet in teak, above, is available in pink and blue prints and also comes in a mahogany finish. I like how easily it folds up, too, which gives parents more room to move should they give up and place their crying baby in bed with them. Regularly $565, the bassinet will be $339.

The Cariboo sale runs Thursday through Dec 4. (Though most sales last only 48 to 72 hours.) Don’t be put off by the members-only sale. Readers can go to www.totsy.com, enter invitation code LATimes, register and shop. 

-- Lisa Boone

Photo credit: Cariboo

Need a pre- or post-feast escape? Descanso Gardens is open on Thanksgiving

When I was an energetic little kid, my mother would dress me and my siblings in bright red jackets and have us run around Descanso Gardens for hours. Smart woman, my mother.

While I'm not suggesting you do the same, it sure seems like Thanksgiving -- with its family stresses, overwhelming carbohydrate intake and back-to-back football games -- is a good day for a visit. Heck, why not try to hike all 160 acres? You've got the calories to burn, or an appetite to build.

For, much to my surprise, Descanso Gardens is open today. In addition to offering a Patina-catered buffet at noon and 2 p.m., the public gardens will be open during regular hours, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you've never been, Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive in La Canada Flintridge. Admission is $8 and $3 for kids. Red jackets not required. 

-- Lisa Boone

Photo credit: Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times