When I first got married, I purchased several sheets of Neisha Crosland wrapping paper and hung it all over the walls of our new Chicago apartment.

Since then, the paper has traveled with me, and whittled down for use in various projects. I still horde a few select sheets uncut, because I can no longer find Neisha Crosland wrapping paper anywhere.

So I am reaching out to you, friends! Do any of these patterns look familiar to you? Have you spotted sheets of this gorgeously patterned wrapping paper at your favorite stationer? Please send me any tips you might have (including sources across the pond!).

If I can ever take the plunge, at least I know that Walnut Wallpaper carries Neisha Crosland wallpaper.

But what I really want are wrapping sheets - and I'm desperate for a Neisha fix.

Help me please!

Images from Neisha Crosland.

if I was, I would have this Wedding Organizer set, by one of my all-time favorites, russell+hazel!

The $75.00 set includes an R+H Signature Binder, 12 section tabs with pockets, a planning notebook, a set of lovely post-it notes, and a slew of sheet protectors: for business cards, magazine tear-outs, invoices, guest lists, catering menus, etc.

If you're getting married any time in the near future, buy this NOW. Trust me, you'll need all the (beautiful) organization you can get! ;)

images c/o R+H.

My sister was visiting for a few days, and she left the house literally 10 minutes ago and I am already missing her so much.

She's one of the most stylish girls I know and always arrives wearing things I want to go out and buy. This time around, these bejewled sandals that cost only $25 were the coveted item...

Images from Ann Taylor Loft.

Ever since my drastic haircut, I've been searching high and low for a really great hat. All the hats I currently own look a bit odd without long hair hanging out the back (or at least that's what I've told myself) - I think I've finally found a winner: this Linen Knit Rita hat from Rocks and Salt's Etsy 1. I love that it's not just a solid color (which would be too boring for me) - and the little snap is the perfect accent to finish it off.

LOVE it.

via Scoutie Girl.

UPDATE :: Sorry, everyone. I couldn't resist. I bought the hat ;)

I admit it: I've bought more than a few books in my lifetime based solely on how well-designed the cover is... (I've also left a book that I was intending on buying on the shelf because I just couldn't bear how bad the cover was) - so, I guess that makes me a some sort of 'Cover Design Snob'?

These books (by UK fiction writer, Christopher Fowler) with cover illustrations by Sarah J. Coleman aka inkymole would easily pass my test.

The Victoria Vanishes (top left corner) is currently available in hardback.

via NOTCOT.

Thank you so much to the following blogs for their lovely posts all last week about OrangeBeautiful's new Motivate prints:

- Dear S :: I love each and every one of these.

- Coveiter :: I adore how the type is used as the corner.

- black. white. bliss :: "Need a little kick in the ass?" Yes, ladies of OrangeBeautiful, as a matter of fact I do.

- mdq / mark dudlik :: I enjoy these.

- Eli Horne :: ...for your office or thinkspace.

- claudia catalina :: I love these posters.

- elements of style :: Get it together, grouch.

- shelterrific :: Give yourself a little jolt of motivation with one of these colorful prints from OrangeBeautiful.

- domino mag :: By way of OrangeBeautiful, Shelterrific scolds me for slacking with the house decorating. Nice.

- The Frisky :: Some of us need art that features more direct encouragement (and looks prettier)...

- shoppingsmycardio :: You know you can think of at least one person at your office whose cubicle you're dying to hang one of these in... anonymously, of course.

- purethinking :: Gentle verbal abuse... now that's what I call effective.

- of paper and things :: These are fantastic, and i just couldn't wait until monday when they would likely be more relevant!

- Through the Looking Glass :: I need this on a shirt, on a bumper sticker, on a water bottle, on the sole of my shoe, tattooed on my love handles, and Brandon would like a matching tattoo on his ______.

- Apartment Therapy Chicago :: Have a friend who needs a little tough love?

We really appreciate all the mentions & kind words. It's always nice to see how people receive your work (and whether or not people get it ;) so, thanks to everyone who's ordered prints & to those whose write-ups have helped to bring so many people to the shop!!!

AND HERE'S SOME MORE:

- More Ways to Waste Time :: Because, let's be honest, we all need a little visual slap in the face sometimes.

- Automatism :: ...all guaranteed to stop procrastination in its tracks.

- desire to inspire :: I think I might have to pick up "Get Your Sh*t Together".

- Love It A Lot :: ...all four are equally gorgeous and would look amazing grouped together.

- pretty.pretty.paper :: I picked one up to add to my office.

- delphine ephemera :: Love this OrangeBeautiful print!

...this chapel is it.

The Leaf Chapel, designed by Klein Dytham architecture, is located in central Japan - nearby to the Japanese Alps and Mt.Fuji. The structure itself is made up of 2 separate leaves (hence the name): one made of glass & one made of steel.

The steel leaf is perforated with light-filtering holes (which also create a stunning pattern both inside & outside of the structure). At the pinnacle moment of the wedding ceremony (when the newly-married couple kiss), the steel leaf opens to reveal the outdoors...

What's even more exciting to me than actually having your wedding here is being the designer who creates the invitations for such a magical venue... I think there'd have to be some hole-punching or laser-cutting details involved to emulate that roof!

via Right Brain Terrain LLC.

Since we've been pretty much permanently logged on over at Etsy with our new Motivate Prints, we were lucky enough to catch this Etsy feature & interview with our friend, Jane (of Foxy & Winston)!!! We just love Jane and all her lovely hand-silkscreened goods...

The interview gives us a little sneak peek into her great home studio, her inspirations & where she'd like to be in 10 years (we'd love to have OB products in your shop, Jane!)... Check out the entire interview here.

Daisy Wood Panel silkscreen print (4x4"), $25 from Foxy & Winston's Etsy shop.

Harvest Mouse Collection Boxset, $21/6pk from Foxy & Winston's Etsy shop.

Be sure to check out all of F&W's product offerings - including onesies & tees, limited edition prints, and holiday cards!

images c/o F&W.

Looking at these ensembles, wouldn't you guess they were pages from the J.Crew catalog? Believe it or not, the sophisticated pieces are from Old Navy's upcoming collection (see the rest of the August preview here). I have heard that the man behind the brand's newfound fabulousness is Todd Oldham, ON's new creative director. That explains the sophisticated silhouettes with just-enough elements of exuberant color.

Images from Old Navy.

I'm one of those crazy people who tends to wear a scarf all year round (even though it's upwards of 90˚F for most of July & August around here)... I get a lot of "are you cold or something?" to which I reply, "no, I just like wearing scarves..." - but I think I've found the perfect (& super-stylish) compromise in this knit jewelry from Etsy seller, little purls:

Variegated Merino Necklace - handknit in hand-painted yarn, $46.00, from little purls.

Faux Bling Necklace - Handknit and Felted in Two Shades of Green, $62.00, from little purls.

(The chain style reminds me of a scarf I picked up at Art Effect - here in Chicago - a while back...)

Both of these could easily feed my scarf habit, while keeping me relatively cool & summery... and I could continue to wear both into the fall and winter! Hmmmm... maybe this will become a WMMG? post sooner than I thought!

Be sure to check out little purls' Etsy shop here for more awesome knitwear...

images c/o little purls.

We've been getting quite a lot of hits off of this lovely listing for our new prints over at NOTCOT.org...

Go over to check it out & while you're there, be sure to click the little heart in the lower right corner to let everyone know that you think these prints are NICE! ;)

thanks!

image & banner c/o NOTCOT.org.

The minimalist in me loves Spartan, an Austin shop for home, paper, gift, and travel items. I'm bookmarking it for my next trip to the city!

Every product looks thoughtfully chosen and, as the pictures here attest, beautifully displayed.

Perhaps best of all, the prices are very reasonable - perfect for picking out a hostess gift. The Tear Drop Sake set at the top of the post is $42, the Rustic Wine and Champagne glasses above are $12 each, the small Hayden Harnett zip pouches below are $35 each, and the Japanese glassware at the bottom of the post are $10 each.

The shop's site has not yet fully launched, but you can see Spartan's other offerings here and place orders via email or phone. Better yet, Austinites can pop into the shop and visit sister shop Bows + Arrows, which carries clothing and accessories, next door.

Images from Spartan.

Last night, I came across a set of awesome posts on UPPERCASE's blog about Living With Type... and I fell in love with this art wall (from the home of mixed media artist & illustrator, Lisa Congdon) -

It first caught my eye because of the Anthony Burrill Popular Aphorism print in the dead center, but then there's also a couple great lowercase e's (which I'm, of course, a sucker for) - and just to the left of those... is that a Dolan Geiman print I see? ;)

Oh, and don't forget the ever-popular We Are So Good Together letterpress print from I Am Still Alive... The two large type prints sure look great together!

images c/o bird in the hand's Flickr photostream...

I *heart* these Popular Aphorisms prints, by UK designer, Anthony Burrill. The messages are great by themselves, but have that perfect extra emphasis with both the striking colors and the bold (slightly generic) typeface...

(And for your letterpress-lovers - like me - check this out!)

via Simple Lovely... & originally via design is mine.

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Twinkle by Wenlan - so, it's only appropriate that I do a Carry On! post to follow L's lead.

I'm love this Siren Song dress in a grey & orange graphic print... which would also be great with jeans!

Clothes like this make me pine for the cool-down into fall... this 90˚ weather is just not conducive to my style!

There's a lot going on in this knit dress by Twinkle, but I like how the color, line and shape elements all work together. The knotted, striped sleeve cuff makes it for me. I think I'd wear the cotton-cashmere dress over jeans (perhaps inspired by Joslyn at Simple Lovely!).

Image from Candystore Collective.

I spent a good portion of the weekend reading and re-reading the August domino, which focuses on getting the most style out of your dollar (a good theme these days). In the "Scouting" section, they rounded up 10 Totally Affordable New Design Icons that include things I love: this and this.

I thought it would be fun to make a short list of my favorite high-style, smallish budget home accessories - the kind of luxe pieces that feel even more satisfying because they didn't completely break the bank.

Clockwise from top left:

Color wheel mug ($2.95), Anthropologie. These stack into each other, and I love the shiny black exterior.

Lacquer boxes ($59-$104), Lille. Okay, so these are pricey for boxes, but the beautiful color and lustre - and that sleek graphic edging - make a huge statement. Think about just one sitting atop a stack of books on a coffee table.

Noir slim beach book ($18), Paper Source. Made from woven cotton striped fabric from the south of France - just thinking about it feels luxurious. Perfect to keep at a writing desk.

Classic Century sauce boat ($47.95), Crate & Barrel. Eva Zeisel's beautiful design looks more sculpture than servingware.

Jonsberg vase ($39.99), Ikea. Hella Jongerius' contribution to design for the masses combines soft color with rich metallic botanical detailing in an oversize, stand-alone vase.

Mode de Paris stationery ($30), Greer. Said to be favored by Jackie O., these notecards by G.Lalo have pretty deckled edges, tissue-lined envelopes and come in a matching box worth displaying.

Perry Street clock ($40), Kate Spade. A small-but-mighty shot of bright yellow would work unexpectedly well with many different color palettes.

Here they are: OrangeBeautiful's line of 4-color MOTIVATE prints!

We've printed up 4 motivational messages (that have just a touch of crassness) to inspire you (or someone you'd like to encourage) in an office, studio or home.

Stop messing around and get moving! What are you waiting for?!

Get On With It Already print in burgundy, rose red & metallic lavender inks w/ gray text.

Quit Your Belly-Aching print in lime green, mustard, metallic champagne inks w/ gray text.

Do Something About It print in deep purple, periwinkle & metallic light blue/green inks w/ gray text.

Get Your Sh*t Together print in gold, marigold & coral inks w/ gray text.

All of the prints were printed by hand (in a limited edition of 100 each) on our large-format GOCCO printer. They're 8x10" in size (so, easy-as-pie to frame) - and they're available on our Etsy shop for $12/each or all four for $40!

images c/o Jw.

Here's a little sneak peek of something we've been working on for the past week...

Stay tuned for the official unveiling later today!

There's always quite a lot of music going on around my house: music-listening, composing, crazy instruments everywhere, the operating base of a new record label (!) - so, needless to say, I'm exposed to an immense amount of the "best" music (whatever that is).

Click here to see Jw's list of the Best of 2008 So Far...

We own all of these albums. And they're all the "best" ;)

Have a great weekend everyone!