Funky fans for summertime by Kukuxumusu

Although fans are rather associated with Southern Spain, they used to be very popular all over Spain for many years until the advent of the air-conditioning. In the summertime, our grandmothers used to carry them in their bags and those fans were decorated with handpainted flowers and designs.

Fans are a great way to get some fresh air in the hotest months while we sip a drink sitting in a terrace. That is why many of us still use them, although we look for more contemporary designs. The basque firm Kukuxumusu produces fans which are fun, very casual and not expensive.  

C/Argenteria 69 by Santa Maria del Mar (El Born)
Metro Jaume I (Yellow line)

Candy glam rings by Escribà

Over 20 models of glamorous rings made of candy by Escribà, a family owned pastry in business since 1906 well known for its creativity and chocolates. An original present to surprise your sweetheart, family and friends. New models in preparation in collaboration with well known designers. 

http://www.escriba.es/candyglamrings/index2.html

Available at Escribà, Ramblas 83 (Mero Liceo, Green Line)   

The best cruet in the world: a good souvenir from Barcelona

Spain is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world, and it could be considered the backbone of our healthy Mediterranean diet.  Hence it is not surprising that the best ever cruet design is by Rafael Marquina, a catalan architect and sculptor, and it is been in the market since the early 60s.

It combines two characteristics of good lasting designs: beauty and function. In this case no dripping and no mess guaranteed. Your hands, table and table clothes will stay clean, as well as the cruet. It is probably one of the most famous Spanish industrial designs and there are many imitations around.  

The original model is the most beautiful, as it has the best proportions, is made of blown glass and comes in different sizes, smaller ones for the table and larger ones to be used in the kitchen. Expect to pay over 20 € for the smaller sizes.

The cloudy oil in my cruets comes straight from a cooperative from a village in Tarragona, south of Barcelona, and it is pure extra virgin olive oil. A toast of good bread with some extra virgin olive oil is the most delicious snack anytime.  

Cruets are on sale in houseware shops and department stores.

The tiles of Barcelona´s sidewalks on leather purses & wallets

The purses, wallets and keyrings decorated with the design of the tiles paving the sidewalks of Barcelona, which are  the symbol of the Modernism Route, are a good "souvenir" from our city. You can find them at Calpa, a shop selling handbags and luggage which was the first to have this idea and has registered its designs. They also sell purses and keyrings reproducing the hexagonal tiles designed by Gaudí for the Pedrera that you can also see on the sidewalks of the Passeig de Gràcia.  

Calpa
c/ Ferràn 53. There is also an entrance on the Carrer del Call.
Nearby the Plaça Sant Jaume, Metro: Liceo (Green Line) or Jaume I (Yellow line)
For more information about the Modernism Route www.rutadelmodernisme.com