Posts from April 2009

Though marbled papers tend to have a historical feel, some designs look truly modern to me - like these blue nonpareil (top) and green waved nonpareil (bottom) patterns.

Paper Mojo has a great profile of their bestselling marbled paper artist, Renato Crepaldi, including a step-by-step description of his process. The three papers shown above are my favorites - they are included in the new Crepaldi paper packs, which provide a sampling of different types of his papers in grouped colorways.

Images from Paper Mojo.

I'm so proud of Target for redesigning its store-brand versions of baby paraphernalia, including food, diapers and wipes. The ambiguously named "up & up" brand, sleekly packaged in bright white containers featuring happy-looking babies doing funny things ("We all have food on our heads! Hurrah!"), looks conspicuously designer.

The bullseye logo on the back is the only giveaway that parents have actually saved money by purchasing these products that, let's face it, do make parenthood slightly more glamorous. (Especially when you consider the alternative...)

Images taken by me, right before these happily went into my enormous handbag.

In our house, it's no secret that Jw hates broccoli. (So much so that, a while back, I bought him this, which hangs proudly - and uncensored - on our art wall!)

But I may have found him a different Broccoli that he won't mind at all ;) This lovely (and simplistically brilliant) card holder is the creation of Japanese designer, Akimi Shinoda... and is available in 3 colorways at PLASTICA shop.

I actually have several packets of screw posts lying around the studio that I've been dying to find a good use for. So, I may try my hand at making one of these myself! ...and I'll be sure to post the results of my efforts!

Get one for yourself here!

images c/o PLASTICA

It's official. I'm completely in love with this apartment.

This is the Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts home of designer (and AT Boston contributor), Kyle Freeman.

One year ago, Kyle submitted images of her place as part of the audition process to become a blogger for Apartment Therapy Boston. Since then, she's done a bit of adding, rearranging & sprucing up - the result of which is exhibited here, in this AT Photo Gallery...

*if the images here strike your fancy, you're gonna want to browse the entire gallery. All of the rooms (at all angles) are as lovely as these...

I especially love Kyle's "addiction to saturated color ... with injections of grounding neutrals". I'd like to think that my own interior design sensibilities fall somewhere along these same lines :: What do you think?

images c/o Apartment Therapy

image credits (top to bottom, left to right) ::

1. Paper Rainbow, Purrdy // 2. Paper, elston
3. Colorful Quilling, Carol's pix
4. Colours of the rainbow, yellowrubberduck
5. paper smile, szeretlek_ma // 6. Rainbow Wrap, Sammy68-
7. color therapy, R.bean
8. Origami Paper Cranes for Peace, scott photos
9. Jen Stark Paper Anomoly 2007, woodley park-zoo.

I was reading through the stunningly-revamped simple + pretty (formerly The Speckled Egg) when I came across this recent post from Jane about The 3/50 Project.

The idea is to commit $50 each month to locally owned businesses, total. Maybe that means rethinking where you currently invest your money, opting to pick up that birthday card or pair of jeans in a locallly owned business instead of the big box you?ve been going to. Or maybe it means eating out once a month because you realize slamming the breaks on all spending stalls economic recovery.

Genius. I love it.

I'll definitely be committing as much of my spending to small, independent & local artists, as well as community & charitable efforts. Here are just a few of the places that I will (continue to) shop at as part of my 3/50 Project ::

? Tony's Food Pantry at the corner of Lawrence & Wolcott... my go-to place for that extra gallon of milk and pint of half&half in between Peapod deliveries (!)

? The Perfect Cup on the corner of Damen & Leland, right near the Brown Line Damen stop. This is the best coffee shop... I'm really glad that it's so close to our apartment. Jw and I go here at least four times a week ;)

? Kitchenette on Ashland near Irving Park Rd... great for the perfect sushi lunch (or dinner!) And it's walkable from the OB studio, which makes it super-convenient for me!

? Zola Jones on Montrose, about a block east of Damen. Handbags, watchbands, jewelry... and (starting May 6th) Craft Night!

? Over Easy on Damen, just north of Ainslie... best. breakfast. ever I'm not kidding. Go now.

* * *

*And remember that you can buy online and still shop local. There are hundreds of thousands of small businesses that can't afford to open a brick & mortar shop (or simply choose not to)... many of which operate online shops, either on their own, or on sites like Etsy, and they need your support, too!

To get started, be sure to check out the Shop Local search on Etsy, where you can type in your city and find sellers in your area!

What are your (3) shops? Feel free to give 'em a shout-out in the comments! (and don't forget to say where you're located!)...

images c/o The 3/50 Project

...but this guy is adorable.

I wish the creepy-crawlies in our apartment were this delightful. Or even half this delightful.

Then I wouldn't have to smash them in a tissue.

Zirma handmade wooden toy, by TARU Design of Montreal, Canada.

Over the course of the past year, I've found great comfort and inspiration in practicing yoga. If you're a fellow yogi, you can certainly relate to the feeling of centeredness and peace that yoga can bring to your life.

The latest print from OrangeBeautiful was inspired directly from my efforts to find greater purpose and focus - not only through yoga, but by trying to find greater appreciation in the people & things around me.

A lot of us have been going through quite a lot of change recently, and it's often easy to lose sight of the good things in life, and more importantly the good things in yourself.

I chose to print this newest design in Black & White (as I did with all three of the past prints :: Laugh Dream Love, Love Together Forever and Cash Money), but I also wanted to introduce two more relaxing colorways: Metallic Silver ink on Blue and Metallic Gold ink on Yellow.

I hope that yoga practitioners and non-yogis alike will enjoy the message of this print: Be Calm, Relax and... Breathe.

You can find all three prints for sale on OB's Etsy shop!

images by Jw

This beautiful necklace was created by Jennifer of A Merry Mishap, and soon I will have one just like it - I asked her to do a custom order for me! Lately she has created some fantastic pieces for her Etsy shop, and I particularly liked the subdued colors of this version. The composition is beautiful and the contrasting thread that "frames" the whole piece is my favorite little detail.

Lucky AMM readers may soon have a chance to win this beauty - watch her blog for more info!

Image from A Merry Mishap.

A year and some months since our daughter's arrival, my husband and I started looking around and realized that aside from putting together a nursery and some miscellaneous babyproofing projects, we had all but neglected our house over the past two or so years. We've decided to take one "zone" of the house at a time (so we don't get overwhelmed) and clean, paint, switch out, or add new elements where needed to make each space more efficient and appear closer to how we've envisioned.

This weekend we kick off with the laundry/mudroom, but the next "zone" following that will be the kitchen. It needs some life, and since I'm afraid of wallpaper I think I will add some pattern in with a Roman shade and draperies. I also want to recover the drum shade fixture that hangs over the kitchen table. Here are my fabric options, plus the image that inspired it all. As things begin to come together, I will be sure to post!

Fabrics, clockwise from top right: LSFabrics, Amy Butler, Thomas Paul Kabuki and Thomas Paul Flock. Kitchen designed by Tom Scheerer.

It's not too often that I write about music here on the SCOOP, but yesterday, I picked up the new Metric album (from Laurie's Planet of Sound in Lincoln Square) and it's awesome.

Now I should preface this post by saying that Metric is one of my all-time favorite bands and their sophomore album, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? is one of my all-time favorite albums...

I've only been listening to Fantasies since I got into the studio this morning (btw, Metric is great music to work to), but I'm already pretty hooked. I think I might just put the album on repeat for the whole day.

Visit www.ilovemetric.com to hear a few tracks, then head over to your local record shop to pick up (or order) a copy!

image by Norman Wong c/o FASHION

Okay, we all know that I'm a serious fanatic when it comes to Italian design brand, tokidoki... but we also all know that money's a bit tight for everyone right now - so, why do these completely awesome tokidoki-Onitsuka Tiger Lunetta flats have to come out now?!?

I want them...

bad.

images c/o tokidoki

24/7 Reusable Bag, $11.99/each and Reisenthel Nylon Shopper, $6.99/each; both available at The Container Store.

A few weeks back, at the Do It Your Own D*mn Self show, I was pleasantly surprised to see a huge amount of shoppers using reusable totes to carry their purchases. Jw and I each carry around a Reisenthel Nylon Shopper (floral version shown above, right), and we use them all the time. It's so nice to have it tucked away in your bag and use it to hold goods you've bought at a boutique, to carry grocery items, or to take home your leftovers!

I love that reusable bag options are not only becoming more varied, but that they're also more durable & better-looking! Here are a few picks of mine for you to check out!
I already own two Zola Jones shopping totes (below), so I guess I can cross that off my list! ;)

Shopping Tote, $20.00/each from Zola Jones Designs.

Baggu Family Kit (5/pk), $35.00 at Flight001.

Organic Cotton Screen-Printed Tote, $29.00 by Night Owl Paper Goods; at Elsewares.

Reusable Shopping Totes, $18.00/each by bag the habit (on Supermarket!).

Quick question :: does anyone know of a collapsible plastic container for putting leftovers in? I almost always have the need for a 'doggy bag' after dining out, and I'd love to go eco there, as well... It'd be nice to have something that has a snap-on lid and presses flat, so I can carry it in my bag. Suggestions?

Thanks! and Happy Earth Day!

So, just when you thought Etsy couldn't get better than amazing handbags and awesome paper goods, I bring you delicious handmade treats!

Among all the craft, design & fine art items is an awesome selection of edibles :: candies, chocolate, cookies, baking mixes, canned goods & (my favorite)... handmade marshmallows!

Here's just a few of my picks... feel free to share some of your Etsy edible favorites, too! ::

1. Lavendar Vanilla Bean Fleur de Sel Caramels, $8.50 (1/2 lb.), by La Bella Caramella // 2. Earl Grey Sandwich Cookies, $9.00 (2 doz.), by whimsy&spice // 3. Pick 3 Marshmallow Sampler Pack, $9.00 from whimsy&spice // 4. Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Truffles, $8.50 (1 doz.) by Cupcakes in Jars // and 5. Cinnamon Sweet and Spicy Peanut Brittle, $8.99/lb. from Georgia Treats

Enjoy!

Initially, I think I fell in love with these bamboo & lacquer pieces from E K O B O because of their gorgeous color palette... however, when I read more about this France-based eco-design company over at The Cultivated Home, my love grew a bit deeper:

"Although located and retailing in France, (Ekobo) accessories are made by local workers in Vietnam. Ekobo's mission is to keep these artisans in their local villages... creating healthy work environments... and using locally-grown bamboo as their main material."

Find out more about E K O B O, its mission & its products by visiting their site. And if you're in the U.S., you can purchase a selection of E K O B O items online at The Conran Shop.

And if you, like me, love browsing beautiful & inspirational design blogs, definitely take an in-depth look at The Cultivated Home.

(Oh, and you should probably sign up for their Daily Mailing, too! ;)

image c/o TCH

The blush color of these flats makes flashy look so simultaneously pretty...(thanks Kristen for the link!).

Image from Nordstrom.

Lil' Lightning necklace, $45.00 from Vesper Jewelry.

Well, Saturday was gorgeous. Sunday was cold & dreary. (I was lucky enough to be inside the whole day!) And today wasn't much better...

As a bit of a pick-me-up from this rainy Monday, here are some of my picks from the great art & design site, Supermarket. Enjoy! ::

Coffeepot Cafe Mug, $14.00 from Poketo.

Laptop bags, $170.00-180.00/each from Zaum.

Hexagonal Acrylic necklace, $30.00 from brevity.

Stay Away From the Computer digital print, 12.5 x 19" from shopA.

I love this last item... I'm actually striving to be a little less attached to the computer myself. Not less blogging, of course! ;)

...more Supermarket awesome-ness here!

While reading my new issue of Cookie last night, I flipped over this beautiful home. The owner is a co-founder of Nurseryworks children's furniture, and her place includes elements tailored to her two children that add layers of warmth and interest.

The family's dining area was inspired by their tendency to request booths when dining out; it feels cozy and intimate.

The equally cozy fireplace nook off their living room functions as a game area for the kids. (I love the graphic black and white scheme here. Note to self: must find that mirror.)

Set against the backdrop of white, colorful patterns were worked into the space to mirror the lively rhythm of the family's life with their children. On a functional note, the patterns hide wear and tear from crayons and the like.

In the playroom, cork was set into the wainscoting to allow the kids to display their projects and change out artwork at whim. I'd love to try out this idea eventually - many homes I've looked at recently have wainscoting in the dining room, and I've never loved the idea of an occasionally used formal dining room. I'd rather set it up as a play and project room, always full of life and imagination.

Images from Cookie.

Paper design studio Eieio has been around for several years now, but I still frequently stock up on their Flex Pink gift wrap sheets. Several reasons why I love this design: the pink is a lovely, violet/gray-tinged shade that works for either sophisticated or young recipients; the lines criss-crossing the page make additional adornment unnecessary; the finished package always looks kind of modern, kind of timeless; and the paper almost always gets "saved" for future wrapping. And now, it's on sale!

Image from Luxe Paperie.

I'm definitely a snob when it comes to invitations... and even though paper is certainly my preferred medium, I really really love a cleverly done invite printed on an oven mitt!

This is just one of many delightful unique invitations to shows at New York's Fashion Week from earlier this year.

You should check out the invitations for Paris and Milan, too.

via particular aesthetic and NY Times | the Moment

As if you needed an excuse to visit the awesomeness that is Architectural Artifacts, this Sunday would be a great time to make the trip... OrangeBeautiful and nearly 60 other artisans will be selling their wares at The Spring Show, in conjunction with AA's huge annual sale and a silent auction benefitting art programming at Holstein Park.

If you live in Chicago and you've never been, you seriously need to come out and see AA in person. I've posted about this amazing place before and this probably won't be the last mention of it here on the SCOOP. It's completely awe-inspiring, especially since it's expansion a fews back.

Just some of the vendors you'll find at The Spring Show include jewelry from Veronica Riley Martens, Susanne Siegel and Deana Rose; limited edition prints from Ariyama Studios; Chel domestic goodies; fine art photography from Megan Harrigan Cox... oh, and paper goods from OrangeBeautiful! and much, much more!

I hope to see you on Sunday... come by OrangeBeautiful's table and say hello!

CLICK HERE FOR SHOW DETAILS

photos c/o sassnasty

I think these Greek Key trims are so pretty - in addition to the classic black/white, blue/white and black/gold combinations. If you have a blank pillow, go ahead and attach some of this trim for a quick and simple makeover. They are available in sixteen colorways (these are my favorites), and through April 21 they are on sale.

Images from M&J Trimming.

To follow E's excellent post, I thought I'd share a few handmade things on my radar (that happen to look quite lovely together!):

1. Signed photograph (Peony No. 5780) by Kari Herer // 2. Hand-printed pillow cover by Kalla // 3. Peachy Keen dress by Sarah Seven // 4. Faceted votive holders by Kindling

Totally against my will, Jordan (from the taunting/lovely blog, Oh Happy Day!) forced me to buy delicious, colorful, completely unnecessary decorative tape!

Okay, so she didn't actually force me... really, it's just that I found out about happytape via her blog and then something in my brain told me that I needed to buy this Grey Grid 5/set.

I blame the colors... the beautiful, beautiful colors. Oh, and the fact that I think I should be able to figure out something awesome to do with these once they arrive... I figure the odds are in my favor ;)

images c/o happytape

I know this is gonna blow some minds (I'm talking to you, Twitter), but SONY is working on a new phone called Simplicity that is just a phone. That's right :: No texting, No camera. No living your life for you. Just calling people and talking to them directly. Actual conversations with other humans, people.

I dedicate this post to Jw, who (like me) has had the same cell phone for the last 5 years and wishes desperately that he could buy a new one that has less features. Although, I worry that even this one wouldn't make the cut... It still does that stupid flip thing.

via made sweet

1. Mother's Day Print by Dolan Geiman // 2. Camera Case by hin? // 3. Pencil Purse from madebyhank // 4. Leg Warmers by treehouse28 // 5. Tangelo Earrings by Musette // and 6. Blue & Red Clutch by Zola Jones

This morning, in re-reading the Etsy Featured Seller interview with friend, and fellow Chicago artisan, Dolan Geiman, I was struck (again) by his impromptu, and awesome, list of reasons to buy handmade ::

1) It?s handmade. This means someone actually took the time to personalize something and put their blood and sweat into it. Good luck getting authentic sweat from a robot.

2) Out of all the things people can purchase, art is the one thing that they will never throw away. It?s a fact. It?s not a disposable thing and so it?s better for the environment.

3) When you buy a handmade work of art, you are telling your neighbors, your friends, and your relatives that you are smart, civilized, and sensitive. When someone is filthy rich, what do they spend money on? Art, of course. So if you, an average Jane, can buy art, then that automatically elevates your status among your peers.

4) Buying handmade art usually means you are helping the artists of the world to continue their existence. More artists mean more free thinkers, more activists, more parks, and more cool events. Artists open the doors for everyone else. Look at gentrification. Who do they send in first? The artists.

5) The best part about buying handmade is that you usually get a chance to have a personal connection to the object and the artist. Buying a handmade item shows your willingness to be a part of a community and your eagerness to contribute to a greater cause.

Be sure to read Dolan's interview in its entirety here and buy handmade here.

In our home, we have a guest bedroom/office that has never really been maximized. We kind of threw some "leftover" furniture in there, hooked up the computer and just called it a day...always saying we would someday turn it into a functional and fun space.

After seeing these pics of Turquoise's latest project, I believe the time has come for us to do something about our haphazard space. I'll update on any progress as it is made...

Images from Turquoise.

It dawned on me that I really don't post enough pics of my in-progress projects here in the studio. I'm in the market for a new camera, so, hopefully, once I have a better, more suitable one, posts like this one will be much more frequent (and less blurry ;)

This is the (near-extinct) GOCCO printer in action :: a set of custom. 2-color business cards for an Etsy customer and super-adorable hockey-themed baby shower invites for one of my favorite repeat clients!

I've really gotten quite attached to my (2) GOCCO printers, so I'm not really sure what I'm going to do once my supplies run out and I can't do jobs like this anymore. The move to the in-house letterpress will be quite bittersweet...

I'm not sure how much more detail to go into here with the process, the design, custom work, or the GOCCO printer itself - so, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave them in the comments!

*There's a nice group of GOCCO-related posts here, if you're interested.

(not so great) images by me ;)

I've always been a sucker for good packaging design, which is why The Dieline has become one of my favorite new reads...

I loved this recent Studio Spotlight on South African design firm, Moag Bailie, and some of their packaging design suites...

Check out more on Moag Bailie here, and (if you also are hooked on pretty packaging), be sure to add The Dieline to your list of daily reads!

It's not often you see already well-priced, original artwork on sale. Click over to Chad Wys' Etsy shop...

The abstract painting (top, $30); the little landscape (above, $11); and the pattern concept (below, $35) are my favorites. In the first two, I am particularly drawn to the contrast of lights and darks. In all three, I think the brushstroke expression and the colors are just beautiful.

Images from cwysart.etsy.com.

I'm loving these super-saturated, layers-of-texture prints from SIDEDOWN... The (3) "Belted" designs are a follow-up to the first round of Ruritania & Friends, "Breakbeats". Before these new colors arrived, I really thought nothing could top the B&W for me, but it seems I just can't get enough of the Gold Belt (above).

I'm such a sucker for a good orange ;)

Check out all of the Ruritania prints here.

Extra Long Mail Bag Skinny Scarf

Here's yet another shop of lovely handmade clothing to add to my Indie Clothing Pledge list... (read more about that here) -

These items are by MALAM, all the way from Paris, France... I'm loving so many things in this shop that I'm not too swayed by the extra overseas transit time & cost. What do you guys think?...

Strap Wrap Cameleon Shrug

Blue Tartan Fingerless Gauntlets

Oh, and turns out that I need a pair of "Gauntlets"! Who knew!?

images c/o MALAM

Love this recent "t a n g e r i n e" Treasury over at Etsy ::

by rows, starting top left:

1. Cabled Cowl Scarf, $72.00 from jannamaria

2. Reversible Hobo Bag, $48.00 from retrofied

3. Petite Mandarine Earrings, (sold out!) from Les Precieuses

4. Orange Flower Mini Brooch, $15.00 from zsb creations

5. Orange Juice Condensation Handpainted Ring, (sold out!) from Allover Art

6. Tangerine 8x8 Decoupage, $25.00 from April + August

7. Hand Knit Textured Cuff, $15.00 from helen gray designs

8. Tangerine Eyelet Letterpress Notecard, $4.00/each from sweetbeets

9. Sunshine Citrine Gold Necklace, (sold out!) from Ruby Wren Boutique

10. Tangerine Big Dots Everyday Necktie, $18.99 from Me and Matilda

11. Tangerine Necklace, $32.00 by Kathy Estep

12. Tangerine Flower Power Hair Pins, (sold out!) from 2Monkees

The curator of this Treasury, seller Musette, said that she found all these lovely items through an Etsy search for "tangerine"... and speaking of the curator, and lovely items - be sure to check out her Etsy shop, right here.

And watch out for an upcoming post featuring Musette's jewelry... I love it all!

After L's post on the Neisha Crosland notecards, I went poking around on GREERchicago.com and found these lovelies (clockwise from top left) ::

- Die-Cut Cards, $14.50/8pk by You Send Me

- Flattery Ointment Letterpress Notes, $5.25/each by typeHigh

- Star Initials Folded Card, $2.25/each from GREER

- Psychedelic Floral Letterpress Note, $15.50/6pk by elum

- Screen-printed Henna Notes, $36.50/6pk from GREER

More great finds at GREER Chicago

I was quite thrilled to find these Neisha Crosland notecards, available at Greer.

I've never before seen that chocolate-and-ivory Spin pattern, top. And the pink-and-silver Beaded Stripe is so classicly elegant.

I wish we would see more NC designs here in the states...but then again, the element of "exclusivity" makes a Neisha find all the more exciting.

Images from Greer.

This family home by M.Design proves that lots of wild, graphic pattern set against a mostly spare backdrop can work surprisingly well.

Though they vary in type, the patterns are all incredibly bold and used with gusto. It's interesting to see how they interplay from room to room.

The front entryway demonstrates that details count. Three distinct elements: the skinny red banister, vintage-looking door pulls and running rabbit doormat - hint at what's to come inside.

Images from M. Design Interiors.

I love this print. The quote is succinct and inspiring, and damn that little boat is cute! (I especially love the over-printing of the wave and the boat's hull) -

Get yours here!

I've had quite a lot of requests for more on the goods I find over at Etsy... I know it's quite a lot to sift through, so I'm hoping that these "curated" posts are helpful.

I'm loving the themed gift guides :: above are some of my picks from Etsy's Steampunk & Noir showcase.

top row :: Genteel Black Leather Messenger, from Urban Heirlooms; Petite Soeur Headband, from nanichan; Vintage Black Leather Kitten Heels, from half Caf vintage.

2nd row :: Victorian Top Hat, from Topsy Turvy Design; Machinist Clockwork Gear Pendant, from xylocopa; Velvet Rust Ribbon Neck Ruff, from Misfit Chic.

bottom row :: Old Couple Porcelain Tumbler Set, from geobub studios; Black Glamour Mohair Scarf, from MeandTex; Hidden Methodology XVII Steampunk Ring, from St Joshua.

Chunky Green Turquoise Necklace, $95.00 from Old Soul Jewelry

I'm such a huge scarf person that I very rarely wear necklaces, but I'm starting to think that I could really get into changing up my neck accessories especially if it's one of these bold, extra chunky gemstone pieces from Chicago-local, Old Soul Jewelry. Jessica (the artist) actually used to work in the same building where the OB studio is located, and she was kind enough to send along links to her new site & Etsy shop!

left: Triple Gemstone Charm Necklace, $49.00, and right: Blood Red Coral Necklace, $75.00; both from Old Soul Jewelry

I especially love the heavier raw stone pieces - like the Green Turquoise Necklace (top image) and the Aquamarine & Amazonite Necklace (below, right) - these would look great with just a solid t-shirt and jeans... or a little black dress & colored heels.

left: Huge Thai Bead & Turquoise Necklace, $75.00 and right: Aquamarine & Amazonite Necklace, $165.00; both from Old Soul Jewelry

Check out the entire shop here!