Go ahead, make my room

We always have so much fun discovering new artists, and one of our recent finds is Cheeky Monkey Home. Her handmade pillows are the kinds that just require one to make a whole room. And they're made with such exquisite detail, they're the kind of thing you'd expect to find in ABC Carpet or other pricy home decor boutiques. Or you know, Etsy. CMP is an rstyle affiliate. First I fell in love with artist Holly Johnson's Butterflies in Paris pillow which is a great example of how she brings childhood imagination to life in a sophisticated way. In fact, it was one of the very first things we added to our shop. Then I swooned at the handmade bunny pillow in grey (above) and shades of berry, any of which would be so gorgeous in a nursery. You can also check out her modern graphical pillows which are very cool for any decor at all--what a special hostess gift this could be for a weekend visit over the summer.     Also so great: This handmade world map pillow which I absolutely love for a kid's room.  Look closely at the hand-cut felt appliques and the custom trim--it definitely makes those of us without the crafty gene glad there's someone else out there to do it for us.  Not surprisingly, Holly is one this year's Martha Stewart American Made nominees.   As you might have guessed, they're definitely on the spendy side. (I wouldn't exactly give one to a baby to gnaw on.) But they do cost less than pillows other modern home decor brands who have them made in China; the ones from Cheeky Monkey Home are all designed, stitched and filled locally in Massachusetts by one cool, crafty mama. It would be a joy to own one of her pillows, and I know, that like a piece of art, it would make me smile every time I saw it. Find a selection of gorgeous handmade pillows by Cheeky Monkey Home on Etsy.