Big P, little P,
What begins with P?

Playful Paste pieces (by local artist Denise Fiedler, of course).

The ABC’s spring to life (and onto nursery and playroom walls) via clever collages, assembled with little more than glue, copyright-expired vintage books, and a deft eye. Her subjects, which include dogs, famous landmarks, and furniture, are framed in simple black or white.

But a closer look reveals intricate connections: kanji (Japanese text) in a portrait of a shih tzu puppy, a castle scissored from a Tolkien novel.

Big spenders will adore custom kid portraits or pieces accented with antique gold foil. Our faves are the far-out faces, guaranteed to open little eyes to the wonders of letters.

Literally.

Available at Nest, 2300 Fillmore Street, between Clay and Washington Streets (415-292-61990 or nestsf.com); George, 2411 California Street, between Fillmore and Steiner Streets (415-441-0564 or georgesf.com); online at pastesf.com.

SHOP
Honeys & Heroes Annual Sale
What: Hefty markdowns (up to 50 percent) on all fall and winter duds for minis.
Why: It’s a hipster happening.
When: Starts today.
Where: 3366 Sacramento St., b/t Walnut & Presidio Sts. (415-567-6780); 855 El Camino Real, Town and Country Village, ste. 120, Palo Alto (650-326-1899).

POUND
Mochitsuki Mochi Pounding Ceremony
What: Celebrate the Japanese New Year by making sweet rice cakes (mochi) and drawing fortunes for 2010.
Why: Kinga shinnen.
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: Asian Art Museum, Samsung Hall Education Studios, 200 Larkin St., at Fulton St. (415-581-3500).

CREATE
Coastal Art & Poetry Contest
What: Artists and poets ages 5 and up vie for fame and prizes by submitting their California Coast-themed masterpieces to the Coastal Commission.
Why: The coast is clear.
When: Due Jan. 30.
Where: Mail to Coastal Art and Poetry Contest, California Coastal Commission, 45 Fremont St., b/t Market & Mission Sts., ste. 2000. For more info, call 415-904-5200 or e-mail coast4u@coastal.ca.gov.

Photo: Courtesy of Pastesf.com