I came across Portland based artist Jason Borders' work when visiting the old fashioned curiosity shop Paxton Gate this week, and haven't been able to get his work out of my head since. His works include skulls, like the one above, that have been ornately carved by hand using a dremel.

Benjamin Klebba, the designer behind Phloem Studio, was practically raised to be a maker. Growing up in Michigan, Ben's father taught construction trades and also built the house that Ben grew up in. After spending some time building guitars and custom furniture, Ben moved to Portland to strike out on his own. 

Like this Small Cool 2013 contest entry? Favorite it below!

Name:

Marin

Location:

Portland, OR

Square Feet:

433

Division:

Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home:

It keeps the things we love close and forces us to part with what we don't need.

New York City — if you can make it there, you'll make it anywhere. But what if you made it there, and now you have to move?? Will you ever find a neighborhood in your new city that suits you as well as your NYC one did? 

Soon we'll spend our weekends enjoying cookouts and beach parties. Until then, let's take the time to get our homes in shape for summer entertaining. To help, here are the week's best design-centric sales and events. Check them all out in the Weekend Guide, pass it on and be sure to send us your own sale or event.

As an editor, I was drawn in by the name of this Portland shop — Noun: A Person's Place for Things. As a shopper, I'm drawn to Noun's mix of vintage finds and new and locally crafted goods.

Name: Levi (3)
Location: Portland, Oregon

Over her years of travel as a stylist and interior designer, Melissa Newirth has been a casual collector of vintage textiles. The growing collection sparked a desire to turn the textiles into modern wares. Thus, Cloth & Goods, an online shop offering a mix of new and vintage textiles and home goods, was born. 

We recently had our first 50 degree day in Chicago so I was happy to dust off my old bike and go out for my inaugural spin of the season. Now that it's warming up and I'm more likely to rely on pedal power get get around, it's time to look around for some new biking gear. 

Though our house tours span the country, as well as the globe, today we're focusing on Portland, Oregon, where the homes are as diverse as the people who live there. Here are ten inspirational homes from renters in a place known for its rain, coffee, and book stores (among other things).