the OrangeBeautiful blog

Chicagoans love their hot dogs. I'm not originally from here and I grew up putting ketchup on mine. I've traded it out for a giant pickle and I'm never going back. Especially if the hot dog is holding a switchblade... then I'm for sure not going to use ketchup. In honor of warmer weather and hot dog stands... here's a few of my favorite local weiner-inspired prints.

The first is the Ode to Chicago Style Hot Dogs letterpress poster by our lovely neighbor, Starshaped Press.

Next up is the Chicago Style 1893 screen-printed poster by the incredibly talented Delicious Design League.

And finally, the Diabolical Hot Dog, which is a digital print by the delightfully imaginative Nerfect.

Domestica

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:13:55 GMT

If you love hearing about the latest in home decor news and trends in Chicago, then head right over to the blog Domestica on Chicago Home + Garden's website.

Today's feature... Craftbelly frames!

Shop News

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:33:29 GMT

It's finally starting to feel like Spring in Chicago and we've got a new window display to celebrate. This one features hand cut letters by Emily, delightful Divine Twine. and lots of lovely wrapping paper by Snow & Graham.

Paper Inspiration

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:14:20 GMT

Just some classic black and whites here from our favorite paper heaven, Paper Mojo.

Listed from top left, clockwise.

1. Leaf Print Lokta Paper - Black on Cream.

2. Mini Chevron Print Lokta Paper .

3. Plaids & Weaves - Ikat in Black & Silver.

4. Katazome-shi - Stenciled Mums in Black.

Time for a Spring Bag!

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:06:38 GMT

Now I just have to decide which one. I love all of these bags by Milkhaus. I might just have to go see her beautiful bags in person this Sunday at Dose Market!

Love Lyrics Cards and Posters!

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:36:15 GMT

Inspired by some of our favorite love lyrics, these typography prints and greeting cards are sure to bring back some memories or help you make some new ones. Emily incorporated lots of lovely hand drawn type to makes these truly original. Now available in our online shop.

This is no joke :: 40% OFF Sale!

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:13:45 GMT

This is the biggest sale we've ever had! Don't delay, 'cause the promo code (APRILFOOLS) is only good for a couple of days...

The best part is the sale even includes our newest products::

A Card For Every Occasion 44pk... 2

This awesome Mother's Day Gift Set... 3

Even our brand-new, For the Love Monthly Subscription Boxes! 4

What are you waiting for? GO NOW!

it's all here in black & white

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:30:00 GMT

1. Mountains Print 5x7", $15.00 by In Haus Press

2. Intersecting Lines Tee, $48.00 by Jessalin Beutler

3. Tree Hugger Tote, $35.00 by Nixon

4. Peregrine Journal 5x7", $7.00 by Loop

5. Deco Tights, SALE $21.60 by hansel from basel

6. Bono Monochrome Cup Set of 4, $60.00 by Poketo

7. Mini Binders, $16.00 by russell + hazel

Threshold at Target... Indie Style

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:07:23 GMT

So, I got the new THRESHOLD for Target catalog in the mail this week and it got me thinking two things: 1) sure does look like someone's trying to be Anthropologie and 2) there are some amazing INDIE items suited to this look/style that would allow you to NOT give your money to Target...

1. Lineal Floral Ball Lamp Burnt Tangelo, $550.00 by quince

2. Wooden Artwork, $50.00-$395.00 by Jane Blease Design

3. Rabbit Vase/Pitcher, $54.00 by perch!

4. Mid Century Modern Sunburst Clock, $98.00 by uncommon

5. Linen Tea Towel, $16.50 by TENandCOMPANY

6. Far East Blue & Gold Frame, $30.00-$58.00 by Craftbelly

7. Cylinder Chocolate Drops, $70.00 by Circa Ceramics

8. Toucans Pillow, $68.00 by Mengsel

Here's to supporting Independent Designers!

Wholesale Samplers!

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:21:09 GMT

Do you own a shop? Do you like cute things? Do you like to hold cute things in your hands before you order them for your shop?

Let us know if you are interested in carrying Orange Beautiful products in your shop and we'll send you a sample of our latest goodies! Just fill out our wholesale inquiry form and in the additional comments section type "SAMPLER."

CHIAOZZO | not just another shelf...

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:37:23 GMT

You could use these gorgeous, hand-built wall pieces to shelve your favorite tiny trinkets and collectibles... buy why bother? The simple structure and amazing colors of CHIAOZZO's mirrors and a-frames are beautiful pieces of art in their own right.

Check out their collection HERE...

And if you're planning a trip to Brooklyn, NYC any time soon, maybe take up temporary residence at CHIAOZZO's very own B&B, A Cabin in a Loft!

Esme Winter Wrapping Paper

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:00:55 GMT

I love when I find beautiful wrapping paper designed by an independent designer who cares about the quality of the design as much as the production. British designer Esme Winter's line of wrapping paper, along with notecards and notebooks, are printed at a London based press using eco-friendly inks and papers. I'll pay international shipping for gorgeous wrap any day!

Our New Wholesale Catalog!

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:02:53 GMT

CLICK HERE to check it out!

Dreaming of spring...

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:00:33 GMT

I love everything by thief & Bandit. They are now making dresses and I think I need this one... Just planning ahead for when it's not 10 degrees outside!

Vendor Spotlight

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:00:33 GMT

One of our favorite new vendors in the shop is Chicago jewelry designer, Michelle Starbuck. We love her take on affordable jewelry using vintage findings and a modern design sensibility. Come by the shop to check out what we've got or visit her online shop here.

Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:40:43 GMT

Simply put, I could have only dreamed a place like this existed. This being the beautifully executed Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden in Austin, TX. Here is a place where I could probably spend an entire day, starting off with sipping coffee and munching on freshly baked baguettes in the morning. Then head downstairs to the beer garden for delicious craft beer and housemade sausage...possibly some table tennis overlooking Waller Creek. Probably at some point use the restroom... All the while drooling over their branding that is as delicious as the giant soft pretzels appear to be. The branding and collateral was designed by a studio called LAND. The rest of their portfolio is pretty great as well. They even made a van look good. Until we meet Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden, I'll be drooling.

Brooklyn to West

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:26:05 GMT

Ariele Alasko of Brooklyn to West creates absolutely gorgeous pieces out of salvaged and recycled wood. I'd kill for one of her headboards...or really anything else she makes.

Holiday Gift Guide Part 2: For the Fellas

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:34:27 GMT

Whether you're shopping for your dad, brother or boyfriend, we've got you covered! We've got a great selection of fun and unique gifts for that favorite man in your life.

1. Desk caddy from Peg and Awl.

2. Recycled liquor and beer bottle candles from Reuse First.

3. Rap Prints from Orange Beautiful.

4. Beer wrapping paper from Snow & Graham.

Holiday Gift Guide Part 1: Stocking Stuffers!

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:13:28 GMT

We decided it would be fun to put together a little gift guide for holiday shopping at Orange Beautiful. Today's post starts with small gifts that would be great for stocking stuffers or maybe a small gift exchange at work. Stay tuned for the next guide... Shopping for the Fellas!

1. Chicago Pocket Journal from Reuse First

2. Magnet Sets from Orange Beautiful

3. Stud Earrings from Isette

4. Divine Twine from Whisker Graphics

In the Shop: Squasht by Les

lizzie@craftbelly.com — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:08:01 GMT

New hats in the shop from local designer Squasht by Les You can also visit her brick and mortar shop at 2556 W Chicago Ave. in Chicago.

Renegade Holiday Picks

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:00:00 GMT

This past weekend's Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market here in Chicago was a blast (as always) - Year after year, I'm overwhelmed by all of the amazing and beautiful things that people make. +Plus, the graphic designer side of me can't help but marvel at all the thoughtful packaging and ingenious booth displays throughout the show. Indie businesses rock!

Here's just a tiny handful of the goods that I found at the show:

1. Multi Metal Chevron Necklace, by Scarlett Garnet

2. Balloon Sleeve Dress, from Squasht by Les

3. "Dave" Leather Wallet, by RobbieMoto

4. Purple & Gold Weave decorative paper frame, by Craftbelly

5. Letter "F" Giclee 11x14 Print, by Methane Studios

(Nos. 1, 2 + 3 came home with me!)

Versus/Hearts Project

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 18:10:52 GMT

Loving these adorable, iconographic illustrations of famous + fictitious rivals by designer, Dan Matutina.

Available for a limited time on Fab.com.

classy countdown

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:45:00 GMT

Mr. Jones Watches has upped the 'timepiece ante' with their new Countdown Clock: a stunningly simple analog clock keeps track of the time, while flipping tiles count down the days to one of 34 monumental events:

You set the event and the number to start the countdown at; just as simply as you set the time. (There's even a handy tool on the MJW website to help you calculate your countdown number!)

It's the perfect gift for expectant parents, an engagement party, or a student that's a just a semester or two away from that degree...

Honestly, I just want one so that I can count down the days 'til we launch our new wedding line at Indie Wed!

More on the Countdown Clock here - and check out past OB Blog posts about other MJW products here and here.

On my wish list...

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 12:42:17 GMT

I will have all of these please! Absolutely stunning work by History + Industry.

Gimme Shelter

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:50:34 GMT

Beautifully crafted bags by Shelter Protects You.

Snow & Graham on Fab.com

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:50:45 GMT

Only 20 more hours left to buy up "retro" Snow & Graham goods over on Fab.com.

These discontinued + highly-coveted coasters, notebooks + notecard sets are only available through tomorrow morning (or until they sell out, whichever comes first!) - so go now!

Fresh Star Wars Posters

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:00:28 GMT

by OwlThousand - right now on Fab.com!

exactly how it is...

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:36:30 GMT

This amazingly astute Venn Diagram is from Colin Harman. If you can't make out the middle text here, click here for a bigger version.

do not adjust your monitors:

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:38:38 GMT

These are actual, usable, 3-dimensional bags, made by Taipei-based, Jump From Paper...

and I'm in LOVE with them!

Check out their Fab.com Sale, going on now through Saturday!

Fab Exclusive:: Only 1 Day Left!

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:15:00 GMT

Eat Drink & Be Married FRAMED Print No.6 // FAB PRICE $80.00 ~~$125.00~~

Eat Drink & Be Married FRAMED Print No.1 // FAB PRICE $80.00 ~~$125.00~~

Eat Drink & Be Married FRAMED Print No.4 // FAB PRICE $80.00 ~~$125.00~~

Eat Drink & Be Married FRAMED Print No.7 // FAB PRICE $80.00 ~~$125.00~~

Eat Drink & Be Married FRAMED Print No.5 // FAB PRICE $80.00 ~~$125.00~~

- Sale ENDS on Tuesday, March 13th @ 10AM EST! -

fan of the ampersand

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:00:00 GMT

1. The Ampersand Collection, $48/set of (10) 9x9" prints // from 55 Hi's.

2. Large Ampersand Tote, from House Industries.

3. Mini Harrington Necklace, $25.00 by Isette.

4. Typography/Ampersand Poster Print, $55.00 by Yumalum.

5. Premium Wood Ampersand 18", $299.00 from Ugmonk.

6. Ampersand Eco-Felt Pillow, $28.00 by Diffraction Fiber.

totally obsessed right now...

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:30:30 GMT

with Instagram:

Our 2012 Desk Calendar!

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:20:00 GMT

--> Our brand-new 2012 Desk Calendar is now available on our Etsy shop!

Modeled after our super-popular Perpetual Desk Calendar, this calendar features the each month of 2012, digitally-printed on 12 different colors of French Paper Co. stock! There's room on the back of each card to fill in important dates and special events... and the cards are housed in a deliciously letterpress-printed display box, perfect for your desk, countertop or mantle!

+PLUS FREE SHIPPING for all of our blog readers: Just enter "OBLOVE" at checkout and your shipping costs will be waived! (Includes our awesome international customers, too!)

If you want both a 2012 and a Perpetual Calendar, check out this listing for a combo pack discount!

nerd alert :: lora zombie

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:45:00 GMT

I'm completely nerding out over these gorgeous pieces by Lora Zombie.

You can pick up a print or two (while supplies last!) right now, over on Fab.com!

flashy flash drives

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:30:00 GMT

Bakelite USB Key 21 (8GB) �86 (about $116.00) by Alain Berteau, available (in multiple colors!) from tamawa... via MoCo Loco

M�NCHEN bracelet (sterling silver w/ leather band), by Tonia Welter.

Four Eyes USB Drive (2GB) $32.00 by Willie Tsang, available at the Curiosity Shoppe

USB Locket (2GB) $240.00 by Emily Rothschild

Wooden USB Stick (8GB) $82.00 from OOOMS

Cl� USB (4GB) $55.00 from byAMT.

cozy up :: faux cable knit

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:15:00 GMT

It's back to being 60˚ here, so we're not quite ready to bust out the cable knit sweaters... while we wait for the inevitable freezing cold, here are some mock-cableknits to keep you thinking warm!

1. Cable Knit letterpress notecards, by elum, available at GREER Chicago, $13.00/6pk

2. Amazing Vivienne Westwood printed jacket, from Harvey Nichols, �560.00

3. Letterpress Cable Knit Coasters, by Red Bird Ink, $50.00/set of 20

4. Faux Cable Knit Scarf, from Eleventy, $20.00

5. Cable Kint Ceramic Tall Cup, by reshape studio, $28.00

6. Grey & White Cable Knit Picture Frame (4x6 opening), from craftbelly, $30.00

OB Blog Relaunch Giveaway WINNERS

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:50:10 GMT

Gold Foil Award Ribbon Stickers, from Knot & Bow

Thanks to everyone who submitted their name to our Relaunch Giveaway! I was so excited to see how many people were still checking in on the blog, even after our hiatus!

So, as promised, here are our winners - chosen randomly from a list of over 200 people! I used randomizer.org to randomly + unbiasedly choose our (9) Runner Up Winners and our (1) Grand Prize/Ultimate Collection Winner ::

If a last name wasn't entered, I included elements of people's email addresses, as to avoid any confusion with entrants having similar names.

I'll be sending all of the winners a direct email this weekend in order to receive your shipping addresses - and your goodies will ship out next week!

As for the rest of you who entered but didn't win - don't worry - there's a little somethin' somethin' coming your way, too!

Thanks again to everyone who entered! We're so excited to be back to blogging!!!

holiday decor � la anthro

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:27:43 GMT

I'll be the first to admit that I do not do holidays... I'm not one to decorate - even for Christmas - and, in the last 5 years, Jw and I have only had one Christmas tree, and it wasn't even a real tree: it was drawn on a chalkboard wall!

That said, I'm loving the Holiday Section over at Anthropologie. Those of you who do decorate, get over there right now!

Jessalin Beutler on Fab.com

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:59:00 GMT

I'm so excited about Jessalin Beutler being on Fab.com today!

You're gonna want to get over there before everything sells out! Sale starts this morning at 10AM!

Printworthy :: 2012 Monster Calendar

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:00:00 GMT

2012 Monster Calendar, by 55His, in collaboration with illustrator, Chris Sandlin.

Buy one here and check out 55His' blog post about the process of making these beauties.

via NOTCOT.org

preview :: new from Camper

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:40:16 GMT

images from Camper

the blog is back!

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:00:00 GMT

( ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE )

After a six-month hiatus, the SCOOP blog has gotten some rest, done a bit of re-tooling, and had its feel + focus completely revamped.

You can expect the same design perspective, addiction to style + fashion, and love of print, type + paper that you came to know with the SCOOP, but from here on out, you can call us the OrangeBeautiful Blog!

As a special welcome-back, we're going to get things started with a right proper GIVEAWAY. There will be (10) WINNERS total:

(1) Grand Prize Winner will receive the Ultimate OrangeBeautiful Collection, a package of more than $250 worth of OB's most popular products, including letterpress greeting cards, stationery, hand-bound notebooks and journals, limited edition prints & more!

the remaining (9) Winners will receive a package of $50 worth of our newest limited edition items - currently only available in our north-side Chicago shop!

If you want to ENTER the GIVEAWAY, simply follow the link below by this Wednesday, November 9th 12midnight CST - be sure to clearly enter your name & email address, so that we can easily contact you later and request your shipping information.

Thanks for reading... be sure to bookmark the blog so you won't miss a thing!

ENTER HERE

hone those time management skills...

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Tue, 17 May 2011 11:45:30 GMT

My daily to-do list only seems to be getting longer and longer these days... Rather than feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of things there are to do, I've decided to really focus in on the way I attack the list, and the tools I use to help me. Here are a few that I think could work (and look good in the process!)

1. Action Organizing Clips by Mateo Ilasco // 2. Planner Bag from Holiday Matinee // 3. The Time Timer! // 4. Susy Jack* Day of the Week Clips, available at See Jane Work // 5. Poketo! Tomorrow Planners, available at the OrangeBeautiful Studio+Shop! // 6. Wenge Series 3-C Clock by Jason Linde.

new @ Supermarket

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Wed, 04 May 2011 12:30:00 GMT

There's never a lack of fun, unique + inspiring goods from the designers selling over at Supermarket... there are just too many for me to show off all of my favorites, so here are a quick (6) for my short list ::

1. Icosahedron Acrylic Painting, $45.00 by Magna Paint // 2. Embroidered Wall Hanging, $68.00 by Neawear // 3. Dip Greeting Card, $5.00 by Milk and Cookies // 4. Chevron Pattern Notes, $9.00/10pk by In-Vita Paper Studio // 5. Neo Tribal Beaded Bar Necklace, $24.95 by Ferociter // 6. Rusty Spring Photographic Print, $30.00 (8x12") from Misha Ashton Photography

Click HERE to see the looonnnngg list...

sometimes you really have to...

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:50:00 GMT

I'm going to pick up one of these prints by designer/illustrator, Nick Agin to hang above my desk at the shop... In my opinion, it's probably one of the best pieces of advice ever.

Grab one for yourself, and/or check out more of Nick's work here.

WMMG? :: Hobo Lauren Clutch @ Rue La La

emily@orangebeautiful.com — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:15:00 GMT

Yes! After much shopping-around, and backing slowly away from the normal $100.00 price tag - I'm finally getting my hands on a sweet Lauren Clutch from Hobo International...

What made me splurge? Well, paying only $49 via a special Hobo boutique over at my new favorite place, Rue La La! That site is soooo dangerous!...