For those of you checking in on the SCOOP over the weekend, I wanted to be sure to let you know that today (Sunday, May 31st) is the last day of the sale over at OrangeBeautiful's two online shops ::
at Supermarket and on Etsy.
+plus be sure to enter "FREE GIFT"" in the notes of your order so that you'll receive a little extra somethin' somethin' at no charge!
Thanks for all your orders so far, and for reading the SCOOP - it's much-appreciated!!!
Check out the great Featured Seller Interview over on Etsy! It's with illustrator, designer, and puppeteer!, hin? (pronounced "hee"-"neh")... I've coveted her lovely felt camera cases before - and I'm pretty sure this won't be the last time! ;)
The interview is a "must-read" and hin?'s shop is a must-browse (and buy)!!!
images c/o hin?
I guess it's pretty obvious how much I love typography... you could probably even say that I'm a bit obsessed.
Given that, it won't be too shocking to hear that I'm loving this Type Tray over at Veer - it's a 3/4" piece of industrial felt, laser-cut with a stunning typography design (using the fonts, Kilkenny and Cavetto, which are both for sale on Veer)... Its actual purpose is to place between your laptop and your lap, to absorb the heat from your computer's motor.
I already own this bit of genius - so I think I'd just hang my Type Tray on the wall as a piece of art!
images c/o Veer
Normally, I feel pretty inconvenienced by rainy days... I really prefer to walk to work (or at least take the train), so when it's wet outside, it makes my trip just a tiny bit less enjoyable. And it seems that my complete immunity to rain, which I developed after living in Glasgow, Scotland for a semester in college (10 years ago!), has all but disappeared.
But now, thanks to the lovely, kattyface over at designvagavond, I want one of these awesome Cappuccio capelets from Italian clothing & accessories brand, Sartoria Vico... maybe having one of these to wear with help me rekindle my love (or at least my tolerance) of inclement weather ::
I'd wear this when it wasn't even raining!
via designvagabond
Grey Dress | Never Say Goodbye to Paper Airplane, $68.00.
I adore these dresses by San Francisco illustrator & designer, Zoe Chen. And, as you might expect, I especially love the paper airplane dress (above). Wouldn't that be a lovely purchase toward my Indie Clothing Pledge?
Grey Dress | screen-printed, My Scissors, $72.00.
Grey Dress| Dusty Pink Applique, Swan, $72.00.
In her Etsy profile, Zoe states that she "hope(s) that (her) designs will make people happy". I would say she's certainly accomplished that!...
Stylish, fun & completely wearable.
Check out all of Zoe Chen's designs here.
images c/o Zoe Chen
I think I let out a little yelp when I spotted this Resin-links bracelet in the (beautiful) new J.Crew catalog. The clunkiness of the giant links and oversize toggle are fabulously lightened by the unexpected, translucent material...and the color is perfect. And I don't see how my daughter could destroy it. And hurrah, it's less than $40!
I will wear it every day.
Image from J.Crew.
...from Linda & Harriett. Similar to Rubie Green's organic cotton East Village shams I've been coveting, the Zig Zag note cards in lavender are subtly feminine yet employ such dramatic lines, as does the calligraphy (by Jenna Hein) layered over citron stripes in the Thank You card, shown below.
Images from Linda & Harriett.
Given the state of the economy, a good deal of people have been doing a lot of simplifying... myself included. When money gets tight, we often focus in on the things that really make us happy. Yes, a lot of those things involve not spending a cent, but what about those purchases that sometimes do, in fact, add a little something to your space, your work, your life...
I love these (what I'll call) "comfort" items from the Curiosity Shoppe that would perk up any living space ::
1. IT'S OK, hand-cut mahogany, $20.00, by Chicago artist, sighn -
proceeds from the sales of these pieces go to the Arbor Day Foundation!
2. & 4. Vehicle Vases, ceramic, $95.00 (by Paige Russell).
3. Whale Chalkboard, painted wood, $40.00 (by Ben Floeter).
5. Wooden Radio, $275.00 - a bit pricey, but oh-so-lovely!
Now it's time for me to head out for my own comforting evening at home!
See ya tomorrow!
(images c/o the Curiosity Shoppe)
There's only one week remaining for OB's spring sale over on Etsy - so, if there's anything you've been eyeing (like the 4pk of Motivate Prints, perhaps?), well, now's the time!
I've also added quite a bit of new product in the last week :: Eat, Drink & Be Married prints in B&W, Black on Tan and Navy Blue (above)... +plus the new Sweet Treats print in B&W, Black on Tan, Metallic Pink on White and my favorite, Cotton Candy (below).
There's also a new thank you card design (below) and a Thanks Oh So Much print in B&W, Black on Off-White, Gold on White and Gold on Eggplant (shown in the first image, above)...
These new products are all sale priced, as well as everything already stocked in the shop - Enjoy!
Sale continues through May 31st... and everything in the Supermarket shop is on sale, too!
Long weekends are extremely nice, aren't they? Especially when the weather is as beautiful as it has been here in Chicago over the last few days... But more often than not, long weekends are due to the national observance of something much more important and profound than a day off work to drink beer and get the grill going. The greatest realization, though, seems to be finding the balance between strict, solemn observance and truly enjoying the freedoms that we do have because of those that have fought on our behalf throughout history.
These (now 2-year old) ending remarks from Michel Martin (via NPR), sum things up nicely, I think ::
Before Memorial Day became the day to compare notes about beach traffic, to open the pool, to catch the first summer sales, it was the day to remember those who died while in the nation's service. It was originally called Decoration Day. And while the origins of customs like this are always disputed, it seems pretty clear that the custom of setting aside a day to honor the nation's war dead started in the 1860s, around the time of the Civil War.
Maybe the families started it. Maybe it was those once-removed, who wanted to find a way to show their respect and gratitude for the sacrifice made by the few for the sake of the many. Interesting that this day of commemoration is rooted in a time of such division. Even now there is the inevitable tension and distance between the two meanings of the day: on the one hand, those who just want and need a day to relax, and those who want and need a day to mourn. There's a human need for both ? for refreshment and celebration, for pause and remembrance.
But it seems fitting that those who are not carrying the burden of grief should pause to remember those who do.
So, to the men and women who are serving around the world, to the families who support them, we thank you.
- - -
Whether you're taking the day off work to honor veterans at a community event or to relax with your friends & family - or even if you didn't take the day off at all - use this holiday as a way to pause for a moment and remember what you have and why you have it. Think positively about what is good in your life and why you are lucky... and use those feelings to be better to yourself and those around you - all year long.
(image is a composite image of me last night at Winnemac Park... Jw was playing around with long exposure shots and a new tripod... Hey, some people spend their holiday grilling out and going to parades - we spend them taking crazy photos ;)
My daughter is just about to enter the age where, for a lot of kids, creating art becomes a favorite pasttime. Some of my earliest memories involve drawing and coloring images of babies and families (likely commemmorating the arrivals of my baby brother and sister), then graduating to Spirograph and Fashion Plates, weekend art classes and trips to the art museum.
Even if my daughter doesn't catch the art bug like I did, I imagine she will love these crayon stones for her introduction to coloring. They're designed to feel good in little hands (and even promote the proper grip for penmanship!), are made of soy wax, and are simply interesting to behold.
Images from Romp.
Friends who know me well will giggle a little at the thought of my desiring any sort of sporting-related equipment. However, I might just have gone to heaven because I spotted the Madsen Cargo Bike and suddenly want to bike and tote everything. Is it the amazingly large basket? The retro styling? Yes, but I'll be honest - mostly it's the pale blue color, and the thought of taking my daughter around town "outdoors" (her new favorite word), that has me aching for this bike.
In a random association, the available colors remind me of Nigella Lawson's kitchenware collection, which I love...
My apologies if you've already seen this all over the blogs, but the chance to win one of two MADSENS is too good to pass up. Find out about it at the link below.
Image from Madsen Cycles.
In addition to its major hosting change (from Jay Leno to Conan O'Brien) on June 1st, The Tonight Show is also undergoing quite a re-brand ::
Oh, and, just for reference, here's the current logo that will be retired ::
The new one is a vast improvement, if you ask me.
+Plus, the new logo design (the "with Conan O'Brien" part) is using one of my favorite fonts, Bernhard Gothic... and "The Tonight Show" is in a typeface called Neutraface No.2 Display Inline, in case you were wondering ;)
Even better is this quote from Conan about the thought behind the new logo ::
"I wanted a logo that acknowledged the long, rich tradition of The Tonight Show while still looking good on hats, T-shirts, mugs, lawn furniture, notebooks, stemware, urns, defibrillators, water bottles, cell phones, sports equipment, pens, vacuums, chimes and our new line of unisex cologne."
Love it... Conan and the logo.
via BRAND NEW
Kimchi Blue French Prairie Highwaisted Skirt, $68.00 from UO
I've not really ever been a skirt person... I'm that kinda girl that wants to be able to run up a flight of stairs to catch the train, not to mention sit on the floor of my studio to work on a project (who needs a table? ;) But lately, I find myself being drawn to skirts more often than pants or shorts. Weird... Maybe it just took 30 years for my inner girlie-girl to speak up...
HAWKS by Geren Ford Pocket Poof Skirt, $68.00 from UO
Kimchi Blue Floral Embroidered Skirt, $39.99 from UO
Ecote Voile Tapestry Skirt, $48.00 from UO
After L's latest post on those lovely spring shoes, I figured it would be fitting to post about some skirts to go with... I especially like the green HAWKS by Geren Ford skirt (2nd image), which would look great with those mint wedges!
All images c/o Urban Outfitters
Wow. The past two weeks have been indescribably busy, and included both the bad (a very sick - but fine now - baby), and the excellent (an insanely fun wedding and out-of-town visitors). I've had barely a moment to think about design, or blogging in general.
It's fun, now, to get my head back in the game. I must start with these amazing, mint-colored, zippered cutout wedges and perfectly proportioned sandals, in low-heeled and flat versions.
All are part of Urban Outfitters' ongoing designer collaboration series: Colonial Madness by LD Tuttle (top), and Contributor by (one of my favorites) Rachel Comey (bottom two). All are excellent. I covet each pair!
Images from Urban Outfitters.
I was stopped dead in my tracks by this post over at Grey Likes Weddings... the write-up features the awesome-ness that is Princess Lasertron (you might remember this SCOOP post from August '08) +plus the photographs, from Lara Hanlon Photography, are just exquisite!
Check out the photos from the entire GLW post... what a gorgeous wedding!!!
images c/o Lara Hanlon Photography
Before we head into the weekend (and I'm in serious need of some rest & relaxation after the week I've had!), I wanted to leave you with an update on OrangeBeautiful's Etsy shop :: two new prints!!!
Eat, Drink & Be Married and Sweet Treats are now available AND (until May 31st) will be sale priced at just $9.00/each!
Only a limited edition will be printed, so get 'em while you can! RIGHT HERE
I have never before bought postage stamps because they looked good rather than simply needing to mail something... these new King & Queen of Hearts stamps, however, are absolutely stunning.
And it's about time... I have long-suffering secret angst about custom clients being forced to put ugly postage on their beautiful invitations, announcements & stationery, but these lovelies will compliment my designs just fine (if I do say so myself! ;)
Stock up while you can... or else you're gonna be stuck with these.
images c/o USPS
It's often said that the place in the home that people splurge on the most is the kitchen... not me. When Jw and I eventually move out of our apartment and into our own place, my hard-earned money is going towards a tricked-out, super-sweet bathroom. That's right. I want an open shower, beautiful floor-to-ceiling tile, and (of course) a jacuzzi tub. Or at least a tub that's big & deep...
Here are a few drool-worthy bathrooms that I found on Flickr. If you don't already have bathroom envy like I do, these pics are sure to change your mind ::
images (top to bottom) ::
1. Apartment project, Japan | Interior Design by Genco Berk from des-sha;
2. Interior Design Show in Toronto 2008 from M2JL :: STUDIO;
3. Kenig Residence 09 from Home House Design; and
4. bath on blocks from ooh_food.
Jenny & Jason's fall wedding in Chicago...
In keeping with L's post on weddings, I thought I'd show off a few images of some of my favorite designs from the OrangeBeautiful custom portfolio ::
letterpress menu cards...
Kristine & Mike's Vegas wedding...
custom monogram for Darilyn & Steve...
ornate reception at the Drake Hotel...
View more custom work in the GOODS section of www.orangebeautiful.com
all images by Jw
My sister got engaged last weekend, so I wanted to send out my congratulations to Kristen and her fiance Jon Paul! As if that wasn't exciting enough, my brother recently proposed, so congratulations also to Doug and his fiancee, Allyson! I am already so excited for the wedding whirlwind next year will bring.
Also, a big congratulations to one of my dearest friends, Michelle, who will wed her fiance Oren this weekend. All best wishes to these special people, and now that I've got nuptials on the brain, I forsee more wedding-related posts in the future...
Top to bottom: Lexi and Jared wedding via Snippet and Ink; Jodi Levine & Fred Muench wedding from Martha Stewart Weddings; Uber Chic NC wedding via East Side Bride.
I seem to really have an affinity for les chaussures jaune...
and when did Naturalizer's get so hip?
For the rest of May (until Sunday, May 31st), every item in OrangeBeautiful's Etsy shop is on SALE!
All prints, booklets, letterpress boxed notes (including the entire LATTICE Line!) have reduced pricing... +plus all personalized stationery orders have FREE SHIPPING!
Check out the entire shop here and stock up now, cuz once June rolls around, these sale prices will be gone!
Happy Spring!
L is for Lion, O is for Ostrich, V is for Veery and E is for Elephant!
I got an email this morning from Jennifer over at JHill Design about her newest line of prints :: Animal Alphabet... aren't they adorable?!?!
Y is for Yellow Jacket. framed
These 9x9" full-color prints are just $25/each (and $50, framed) - so get over there and check out the entire alphabet right now!
How cute would these be hung as a set with your kids name or initials...
or a sweet word like "LOVE"?!?
With magazine's folding right & left, I think Time Magazine (American Express Publishing) & Lexus may be on to something with their new venture, Mine.
You pick 5 magazines (from eight, and, in my opinion, too few, choices), answer a few random questions about you, your likes, dislikes, etc. and a custom magazine is put together just for you!
Jw ordered his "subscription" (keep in mind it's still, at this point, completely free!) - and received the first of 5 issues last week. I think it turned out pretty well, but, as you'll see in Jw's post, "as-is, I wouldn't pay for it"...
Read the full post & see more pics of the inside of the magazine here.
I love the ethereal colors and fabrics prevalent in Chicago-born designer Keith Lissner's collection of cocktail dresses. Shown, top: Kelly crinkle silk chiffon dress with a gorgeous crisscross back; bottom: Annie metallic silk chiffon dress with a pretty gathered detail at the shoulder.
Images from Keith Lissner.
Have you seen these wrap boots from TOMS? I can't seem to get them out of my head... I really want a pair, but I'm also a bit concerned that maybe they're not as awesome in reality as they are in theory. You know what I mean?
Basically, we're talking about a flat canvas shoe with an 'ACE-bandage-like' wrap-around piece that circles your leg and affixes at the top with velcro. The boots are totally vegan, come in 7 colors (including Olive, top & Rust, bottom) and for every pair of TOMS purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need...
+plus they're adorable.
Can anybody vouch for these shoes' actual awesome-ness? I'd love to hear someone's personal account with their own pair of wrap boots.
images c/o TOMS
I've got quite a busy week ahead of me... or maybe I'm just feeling more anxious because it's May (!) - This time last year, I was in the throws of preparing for the National Stationery Show, but we're taking a (much-needed) year off from that to re-direct the focus of our wholesale offerings. And, if you've ever exhibited at a trade show, you know how stressful & tiring they can be. I'm just not up for that right now.
I'm enjoying revamping the studio, gathering up new ideas and doing more hands-on products (like the newest GOCCO print, MIND BODY SPIRIT)... I'm also hoping to make a lot more books this year (specifically, the pocket day planner than L has been asking for! ;)
So, Happy Monday to everyone - and I hope that your day & week are super-productive... and I hope the weather where you are is as beautiful as it is here in Chicago!!!
SHOP OWNERS :: If you're a reseller that would be interested in receiving a catalog of OrangeBeautiful products (+plus a Spring Promotion Coupon!), please send your store info & address to
wholesale at orangebeautiful dot com
EVERYONE ELSE :: if you're a fan of OB products, and you'd like to receive updates and/or (awesome) mail, add yourself to our MAILING LIST!
typefaces :: Amazonian (top) and Uplink (bottom), both from Sudtipos
Round mirrors are kind of an obsession for me. For years I coveted the mirror shown below, Woodson & Rummerfield's own "Sunset", with no hope of ever owning it. Then I recently spotted a highly affordable, similar-looking version (via This Young House), top. Hurrah! Perhaps it has a place in my home?
Another round mirror to love: recently I blogged this beautiful home, from Cookie, and asked readers if anyone could source the mirror hanging above the fireplace (shown at the bottom of this post).
Reader Erin found the exact piece - the Global Views Flower mirror at Living Comforts, above. (Thanks, Erin!)
Reader "sk" also found a similar version at West Elm - thanks, sk. Options abound!
Images from More Mirrors, Woodson & Rummerfield, Living Comforts, and Cookie.
clockwise from top left ::
- Mirrored Knives - Lizzy Dish from Sew, Mama, Sew!
- Noguchi Canvas - Natural/Black from ReproDepot.com
- Aunt Grace - Blue/Yellow Squares from purlsoho.com
- Item# CP5FL155 from BOLT 44
This morning, I got a great email from Jessica (whose jewelry I posted about a month ago). She was wondering if I knew of any good places, online or otherwise, to buy great fabric... and specifically asked for "none of the schmoopie old lady quilting crap" ;) I love that!
So, Jessica, here are a few great online shops for none-schmoopie designs, along with a few pics to get your inner-seamstress salivating...
clockwise from top left ::
- Orange Boardwalk
- Red Stacks
- Blue/Green Fireworks and
- Brown/Tan Calliope
All designs by Jessica Jones (of How About Orange... fame) -
Available at jcaroline creative!
Along with these online shops, definitely don't miss Vogue Fabrics if you live in the Chicago area... there's not much they don't have there!
Hope this helps in your search for more great fabrics, Jessica!
