Posts from June 2008

After a great birthday weekend (despite the multiple downpours at the beginning of our cookout!), I'm ready for a slightly short work week, starting some new projects & finding great inspiration in unexpected places: like these shrinky-dink earrings from Etsy shop BrokenFingersArt. I love the great color combinations & the organic illustrations...

The Explode Earrings are probably my favorite, but I also love all of the oversized rings, too!

images c/o BrokenFingersArt.

I don't usually go for butterflies - blame it on an old roommate/subleaser with an odd obsession with the butterfly-loving Mariah Carey.

But, I saw this rug at Anthropologie and can't stop thinking about it - especially the color combination. The yellow-green is the exact color of my kitchen, and it's a difficult color to work with (as I found out after the paint dried - but kitchens are a pain to paint, so the color stayed). I like it paired here with the silvery sage, brown and black - good inspiration for color accents in that room.

Image from Anthropologie.

This weekend I saw the movie P.S. I Love You and I really liked it (especially the Irish husband...seems familiar!). However, the part that should have inspired but instead really bothered me was when Hilary Swank's character decided to ditch her boring job to open an artisanal shoe boutique. The concept was fun but the shoes she designed were completely awful.

The Eley Kishimoto shoes pictured here would have served as better inspiration for the movie plot. Each pair has such interesting line, color and detail - truly artistic, in my eyes.

Possibly I've been living under a rock, because I've never heard of Eley Kishimoto before. (I first saw the pair of shoes at the top of the post at The Coveted.) Apparently, Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto have their designer hands full with womenswear, shoes, accessories, fabrics, wallpaper, and tablewear collections, as well as more industrial applications including automotive and technology partnerships. They also serve as creative directors of Cacharel.

By the way...a selection of Eley Kishimoto footwear is available at Zappos.

Images from Eley Kishimoto.

I was born.

So, yes, it's my big 3-0 and well, mostly, I'm just really excited for the times when I get carded and I can say, "um, actually, I'm 30!"...

Other than that I'm not sure I feel that it's too big of a deal. Thoughts?

(I know this image is totally for someone else's birthday, but it was just so lovely that I had to grab it... it's from a Flickr site called lilacmoon).

Eric over at Broadway Paper sent me & B an email letting us know that he spotted our catalog over at design*sponge yesterday... sure enough, there it is atop the laptop of Summer, from the lovely, Fawn & Forest! How exciting! Eric certainly has a good eye... I don't know if I would've caught that if he hadn't pointed it out!

Check out the entire Sneak Peek of Summer's home... it's fabulous (even without our catalog ;)

thanks for the tip, E!

Retro Flower Gocco Placemats (14x18", set of 4), $20.00 at 12fifteen's Supermarket shop.

Since I will be forever obsessed with all things GOCCO, I thought you might enjoy a few GOCCO finds, via Etsy and Supermarket...

Rabbit & Flora Gocco Print (5x7" w/ white mat - fits an 8x10" frame), $28.00 at Petit Collage's Supermarket shop.

Puffer Tail print (5x7"), $15.00 at jenskelley's Etsy shop.

A Set of 4 Gocco Prints (ea. 5x7" in size), $26/set at Jess Gonacha's Etsy shop.

And, as always, if you ever have any questions about the Gocco printer: what it does, where to get one, tips on printing, etc... feel free to email me. I'm not an "expert" per se - but I have been an avid Gocco use for about 5 years now...  ;) *don't forget to check out some of OB's Gocco products, here and here.

So, we're spending the beginning of this week getting the studio in (some much needed) order. Everyone that stops in usually says something about how "organized" we are - but I guess the important thing is that we feel organized. Which, at the moment... we do not.  ;)

We'll post up some progress pics later - to, hopefully, be followed by a full studio tour, so check back soon!

image c/o e's laptop.

I'm just too excited to keep this to myself, so here's the tiniest sneak peek at the work our photographer, Peter Weisgerber is doing for our new lines.

and this is just the start of what's to come!

photo by Peter Weisgerber.

I saw this amazing cabinet in a post over at automatism and well, my OCD need for little nooks to store things just went nuts! I L-O-V-E this - if this was in the OB studio, I think my heart would skip a beat every morning when I walked into work!

The piece is called Fractal 23, by Brooklyn-based, Takeshi Miyakawa Design - now I just need to find out how to get my hands on one! ;)

via automatism.

As promised, here is a second re-photographed series from Ryan Feeney. These images came from a midcentury celebrity gossip magazine; Ryan created drawings on top of the original images using colored pencil, then photographed sections of the new drawings.

Ryan's idea for the marks was to "act as distraction or a barrier, preventing the viewer from entering the image as originally intended."

It's intriguing to see the difference in application between this series and A Fortiori, posted yesterday. I love them both!

Images from Ryan Feeney.

I had to share this pretty shot from my friend Colleen's house. She collects amazing vintage items and I love the wallpaper (found on Ebay) and china layed against each other.

We got a few emails this week about that cuckoo clock (above) from L's A Merry Mishap house tour - and then I came across these cuckoo clocks by Sonic Design, available at ELSEWARES.

Cuckoo Clock, $95.00 by Sonic Design/Klaus Rosburg.

Lost Cuckoo Clock, $125.00 by Sonic Design/Klaus Rosburg.

I'm not sure which one I like more... the best thing would be to have both and hang them side by side - to really push the fact that they're direct inversions of one another.

Check out L's post on the home of Jennifer (A Merry Mishap), right here.

Photographer Ryan Feeney is doing some really interesting work with photographic "interaction" - that is, changing an image through mark making, collage, or re-photographing to discover how the new context changes the image as an object and connects past and present.

His series A Fortiori explores how time can change an image's relevance. Ryan re-photographed Life magazines from the late 60s, calling attention to the physicality of the images' surfaces, to see what the images became by removing them from their original meanings and context.

I think the results are quite beautiful - you get a sense of the original in a sort of ghostly way, and also a sense of the paper and printing. It's an interesting way to re-frame the images. I especially love the one at the top of the post.

I'll post another Ryan Feeney series tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Images from Ryan Feeney.

OrangeBeautiful's new Type Line is now available on our Etsy shop...

*and for more on all of our new lines, check out our online catalog!

images c/o OB.

Art and design has been part of my life forever; I truly can't remember a time that I wasn't drawing or crafting or creating. Therefore, I just know that my little-girl self would have adored a cardboard dwelling that I could "decorate" myself. The Italian-designed Nume house, top photo (available stateside at Pomme), with its whitewashed interior and exterior, just begs to be customized. In fact, an event called Crea il tuo spazio, or "design your own space", showcases kids' creative playhouse interpretations of the Nume structures. An alternative house design can be found at Paperpod in traditional kraft, along with other paper play spaces like rockets, teepees and a very cool-looking "den". Both companies' structures are made of recycled materials and are recyclable after use.

Interior of a Nume house from Crea il tuo spazio.

From Bluelines editor Jodi Levine comes this fun idea for younger kids: writing and illustrating blank board books (available at Romp, only $3 - $5 each). I just love the title of the book her son created, Friday Brothers!. A stack of blank board books would even make a great baby shower gift, so that creative parents could put together volumes about the baby's family history.

Images from Nume, Kidsmodern, and Paperpod.

When you get a chance, please check out this article by Kelly from Paper Stories over at the Storque (aka the Etsy "blog").

The article covers some of the ins and outs of trade shows, specifically the most recent National Stationery Show. If you scroll down, you might be as shocked as we were to see a picture of... me & B!

;) check it out!

(I just couldn't leave the post without an image, so here's a little Photoshop action for you ;)

I just adore this little blank book, entitled Little Book About Two Choices from Etsy shop, HeliS - the book comes in just under 2 inches square, but is 80+ pages (front+back). I think it would be perfect for a life's list of things that you will never do (buy an SUV, work in a cubicle, forget where you came from), alongside things you wish to do or accomplish (open a boutique, travel to Japan, learn to snow ski!)...

Little book, $12.00 from HeliS's Etsy shop.

This little Lion Ring is pretty great, too!

Another NSS exhibitor that I'm a big fan of is Philly-based, Louella Press... I had their booth on my list of must-visits from day 1 and I finally got over there on the last day of the show (at least I think it was the last day... what a blur the whole show always is!) -

Just as it did the previous two years, the LP booth looked amazing: the grandeur of their above-8-feet booth, the beautiful 3D logo high above shelves of their beautiful product... all finished off with a giant wall-o-invitations (shown at the end of the post) and a bar counter where buyers could browse their beautiful engraving wedding books... Truly impressive.

The girls had quite a lot of new stuff to show off this year... their new card lines including these lovely "cool grey" birthday cards. I'm (of course) a big fan of the bright colors paired with a neutral grey!

Some new designs have been added to Louella's already stunning engraved invite book (see some examples here) - I'm a huge fan of the vintage wrangler and plume designs (shown above).

Be sure to check out the shop to get some of your very own Louella Press letterpress notecards...

and visit the LP blog for more information on their experience at the Stationery Show, as well as updates & information on their products & services.

The first two designs from OrangeBeautiful's Type Line are available in boxed sets on the OB Etsy shop: HELLO and GOODBYE... The rest of the line will be available soon!

Thanks to all of you for the interest in our new designs!

images c/o OB.

Found these pretty, elegant pieces in Forever 21's accessories line, For Love 21: Matana cuff watch, Fern pin and Bifold patent wallet...

Images from Forever 21.

I can't count how many times my patient husband has asked about getting a comfy chair for our family room - preferably, one that reclines. However...

I've never encountered a modern, budget-friendly recliner that I could live with until I stumbled upon this version. The back cushion looks somewhat funky, but the arms have nice lines and the scale appears human-sized. I think it could be dressed up with a bold, graphic pillow such as these (clockwise from top: Z Gallerie's Tango, Twinkle Living's ZigZag, Thomas Paul's Kabuki or DwellStudio's Lattice).

The other option is to hold out for one of these "wish list" recliners: DWR's Flight or Room & Board's Harper - lovely, well-made investment pieces!

Images from Wal-Mart, Z Gallerie, Twinkle Living, Pillows and Throws, and Target.

Pop Pervert / ittestudio :: pattern rendering.

After a tough week, I've been a sponge for new inspiration... here are some of my favorites from the week:

How could I not be inspired by this :: hand screen-printed album packaging for Sidedown Audio's launch albums: GMOVJ and Castrovalva.

I'm obsessed w/ hoodies :: Moto Hoodie, from Prairie Underground.

I wish my bathroom looked like this... and I love that yellow floor! :: image by photographer, Antoine Bootz via desire to inspire.

great shop | beautiful site | stunning photography :: from Cotton Idea Studio with photography by Trever Hoehne.

pieces from the Spring/Summer 08 Collection :: Janis Breslin.

lovely bookbinding work :: Angela Liguori / Carta, Inc. (left) and Bari Zaki / Ardour Bookbinding (right).

love these :: Doily Cards, 6 for $12 by Beau Ideal.

love this photo, love this couple, love those bikes :: photograph by Orange Girl Photographs.

so gorgeous :: beautiful florals by April Joy Events.

always a fan of his work :: Paperdoll VII by Dolan Geiman.

more beautiful patterns :: Pop Pervert / ittestudio :: rendering/wall covering & Nouna pattern.

a last image from Jordan at Oh Happy Day :: I just love this image... and that jacket.

Thanks for the inspiration, everyone... this will definitely get me by 'til the weekend!

You know when you come across a blogger whose likes and inspirations mirror your own? Such is the case with Jennifer from A Merry Mishap. I enjoy her blog daily - often she introduces me to design that seems tailor-made to my own tastes, and more than once we have blogged the same things! After catching a couple peeks into her home on A Merry Mishap, I couldn't help but want to see more of her fabulous decor skills. Graciously, Jennifer was kind enough to share photos of her beautifully decorated home with us.

Those already familiar with Jennifer's blog know that not only does she posess a great eye for color and composition - she is a DIY devotee who graciously shares project how-tos (want to make a roman shade with some great fabric? Follow her instructions here.) She made the draperies in the photo above, pillows throughout her home, and even the headboard, pictured below.

I was most impressed with her custom-painted dresser, inspired by Iannone Design's graphic console. Jennifer created a reverse effect with white paint on a vintage piece - and I think the results are remarkable.

A sweet vignette in the kitchen...

...which is also the location of another DIY project: papering the exposed backing of the cupboards that frame the sink. (For how-to, click here.) Jennifer used Hatch gift wrap by Snow & Graham, which happens to be one of my favorite papers at the moment.

More photos of Jennifer's place will be forthcoming! In the meantime, be sure to check out her blog. Many thanks again to Jennifer for sharing.

Images from A Merry Mishap.

It's been quite busy around here, but don't worry: I didn't forget about my continuing coverage of NSS 2008. The whole show is still quite a blur...

looking back through all the photos, I'm pretty shocked at just how many booths I did get pictures of - so, hopefully, I can get to all of them in the next few weeks.

Now up is Philadelphia-based, Loop - owned & operated by Elissa Brown Barbieri (that's her, center, on the left).

I posted about Loop's work back in April, when I first saw their beautiful cards on Supermarket. Read that post here...

I was extremely happy to see Loop's beautifully set up booth just a few aisles away from us at NSS... and it was a pleasure meeting Elissa and her mom (the co-artist on the Doodlespark™ line, shown in the above 2 images).

I hope the show went well for them - and I hope they were picked up by a few stores here in Chicago, as well!!!

For more information on LOOP and all of their beautiful products, visit the site here.

images c/o OB.

Thanks to Stan (& Kusnin) over at Home Rejuvenation™ for sending me a link to their design, architecture + interiors blog... it's full of posts on really provocative and interesting dealings with space, interiors, product design & more.

The above pic is from a post on the Scraphouse, built entirely out of re-used & reclaimed materials...

Everything on the blog is great, but be sure to check out this post on the Tunnel House.

Check out all the posts on Home Rejuvenation™ right here.

We're playing quite a bit of catch-up here at the studio with custom work, orders from the show, mailing out nearly 200 catalogs (check out the digital version of that here)... not to mention just getting the place cleaned up a bit!

Over the summer, there'll be quite a revamp to both our space, as well as the website - and we'll be making all of our new product available for purchase online... but for now, here are some more images to whet your appetite!

and thanks to everyone for all of the great feedback (& orders) - we really appreciate it!

images c/o OB.

Printer print, illustration for Computer Arts magazine, by S. Hansen / ISO50.]

After being swamped with work & feeling a bit under-stimulated creatively, I'm in need of a little eye candy... these images are a bit more from Scott Hansen (aka ISO50), who is also responsible for that lovely Progress print that I posted about last week.

Find Yourself Sweeps print, illustration for CA Tourism / Southwest Airlines, by S. Hansen / ISO50.]

Colorways, illustration for Computer Arts magazine, by S. Hansen / ISO50.]

Color Bleed, illustration for Computer Arts magazine, by S. Hansen / ISO50.]

Hope these are as inspirational for you as they are for me!...

images c/o ISO50.

This weekend, I watched the following awesome movies:

Little Miss Sunshine

Lost in Translation

and a movie I'd never seen before:

Eagle vs. Shark

which stars Loren Horsley and Jemaine Clement (of Flight of the Conchords fame)... the movie is amazingly brilliant, and is now one of my favorites.

I won't attempt to give you a plot synopsis here... it's a quite indescribable film that is funny & heart-warming without being either cheesy or pretentious. (There are video games, kung fu moves, lots of sleeping bags, track suits & one seriously awesome mullet.) It's basically just good. (But if you need a summary, here you go.)

There have been a small handful of movies that we've discovered via Netflix that we end up buying... this will definitely be one of those.

I recommend this movie highly, but only if you like movies that don't suck.

I took this picture of my daughter today and I just had to share her outfit. She's wearing a Lucky Wang kimono given to her by her Aunt Molly. (It even came packaged in a sushi roll container - so cute!)

Bottom image from Lucky Wang NYC.

Sweet porcelain lamp...you are adorable! (And on sale.)

Image from Tonic Home.

About a week after I put up this post about 3 pairs of yellow shoes that I was coveting, I received a lovely email from Elaine Pow, from Seychelles/BC Footwear - makers of the yellow sandals featured in the post...

Long-story-short, I now am the lucky owner of my own pair of mustard BC Eclipse Sandals!

Whatdya think?!

I'll be the first to admit that I was applauding at the television tonight... I'm beyond ecstatic that Barack Obama has clinched the Democratic Nomination...

...now I just have to wait (im)patiently for November 4th to arrive.

*Progress poster by ISO50 / Scott Hansen... see his blog posts about the print here & here - and, follow my lead and purchase your own right here -

...proceeds go toward the campaign to seriously change this country.

If you, like me, enjoyed witnessing the rebirth of Carrie's familiar apartment in Sex and the City over the weekend, you will love reading all about the transformation in Casa Sugar's interview with Jeremy Conway, the movie's production designer.

Carrie's apartment finally represents her bold, stylish taste that has long been reflected in her fashion choices. I particularly liked the collection of framed art that visually extends the height of the headboard. Though I couldn't discern it in the movie, I also admire the symmetrical lamps and side tables that frame the dining area and divide the open space into separate zones.

Be sure to read the interview here!

Image from Craig Blankenhorn/New Line Cinema, via Casa Sugar.

California Poppies Ltd. Edition Letterpress Print, $60.00 from delphine.

I've been a big fan of Erika Firm, and her company delphine for a while now... and I'm happy to have a post-NSS-2007 interview with Erika on the SCOOP, right here.

From what I can tell, things have only grown and gotten more & more amazing for Erika, and everyone over at delphine press... I was ecstatic to see their Woodland Collection of letterpress notecards (directly below) awarded the OUTSTANDING Designer Promotion for HOW Magazine's 2007 Design Annual... well-deserved, I would say!

And the booth this year was really striking... last year's booth was orange (which I certainly approve of), but this year's was a gorgeous chartreuse, paired with a warm grey, which really stood out in the crowd.

The UNG DRILL frame from IKEA (which you might remember already seeing here and here ;) was in full force at delphine's booth - and, I gotta say, it just looks good in every color!...

Recycled Cotton Tote Bags (left of image), $29.00 each from delphine.

I love the display piece, front & center in the booth... (remember L's post about the pagoda-style shelves?) - great way of diplaying delphine's beautiful merchandise near the aisle so that buyers won't miss a thing!

Check out all of delphine's goods (+plus images & information on their stunning custom work) on their site: www.delphinepress.com!

Leopard Baseball, $39.00 and Mini-Glove Business Card Holder, $35.00 from Bergino Baseballs.

Directly across the aisle from us at the Stationery Show this year was Bergino Baseballs... and its CEO, Jay Goldberg - probably one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Bergino has previously attended several gift shows, but this was the company's first time exhibiting at NSS.

I'll be the first to admit that I am completely not into sports - but I am a fan of well-designed objects & Bergino's baseballs are really quite beautiful, and I can see them selling well at a lot of boutiques, with or without the sports connection.

Suede Word Collection, $25.00 each.

I was really excited to leave the show with a NY Times Crossword Puzzle ball (that I'm going to send to my brother ;) and, of course, a Chicago Baseball that has a map around it showing - you guessed it - Wrigleyville.

I always say that one of the very best things about shows like NSS is the people that you meet - especially when you meet nice people like Jay who make the long hours of the show go by a lot quicker.

Be sure to check out the entire line of Bergino baseballs on their site: www.bergino.com.