Posts from great reading! (60)

A month has come and gone, and so I'm (finally!) back on the blog to announce that James Christopher arrived on August 1. He is delightful - a sweet, easygoing little boy with a tendency to make faces like the dramatic squirrel. We're adjusting quite nicely to life as a family of four!

Though my head has been slightly out of the design world, I thought I would share this beautiful, oversize board book I found shortly after James was born. Art for Baby is perfect for those early newborn days when babies stay awake for approximately 5 minutes between eating and the next nap, and can't yet see in color. Aesthetically inclined parents will appreciate the lineup of artists whose work appears on the black-and-white pages, including Keith Haring, Takashi Murakami, and Julian Opie. Even the cover is beautiful, a pearlized white background with silver block type.

Clockwise from top left: Duck by Patrick Caulfield; Together by Josef Albers; Hypovase Prazosin Hydrochloride by Damien Hirst; Black Cross by Kazimir Malevich.

(Thank you so much for all your lovely comments on James' nursery, by the way. You are so kind and thoughtful! I'm saving all the comments to show James someday!)

It seems that Country Living has decided to follow the theme of the August cover and make itself over a bit. Ever since Domino departed, I've been reading this publication a bit more. It's fresh, full of great resources and the real estate sampler kills me each month with jaw dropping deals on quaint, historic homes around the country.

There is a change in the size of the magazine (20% increase in the footprint of the mag) and a change in font type for the logo.

I remember when Dwell made some changes in 2008 and some loyal readers freaked out.

Mine arrived on the weekend and I noticed the font change right away (amazing what type can do huh?). Personally, I like the original a bit more, but change is good right?

New perspective and hopefully new readers for what is a great design resource.

It has arrived. The 5th volume of online Lonny (new life of the former Domino) is here. 239 pages of vivid color, interesting profiles and so much inspiration that I border on stimulation overload. I can't read it all in one sitting. No way. It's several days of perusing with my happy Eccolo Journal in hand, taking notes on things and people I want to look up later.

The online format strikes me as more content pure. There are certainly ads, but they are relevant, and the editors seem to have so much more overall control. My absolute favorite feature is the expanded product information. You can hover your mouse over an element of the page, and 90% of the time, it takes you to the source link.

A big hurrah for Chicago's own Jayson Home & Garden and the lovely feature (pages 32-39) on their store and design services. You can find inspiration at every turn inside there.

This orange and brown bedroom popped off the page for me (page 86 to be exact). Bold graphic designs and fresh color with natural accents that are very luxurious as well. Lee Kleinhelter is an Atlanta based designer, and owner of Pieces. The article will blow you away with photos and insight on her latest project.

I will start weeding random people's yards if I get a set of these adorable garden tools. How cute are they?! Alice Supply Co. is behind the updated version of these household staples. I love seeing a new take on timeless objects-even a broom and dustpan.

all images via Lonny

As in, the Martha.

The reason I've kept quiet on the blog about my sister's February wedding in Palm Springs is that shortly beforehand, we learned the event would appear in the Summer 2010 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings! Now that the issue is on newsstands, I'm so excited to share these images with you (by the amazing Justine Ungaro), and dish a little on the festivities.

The Moroccan-inspired hotel facade at the Parker Palm Springs welcomed you (along with K and JP) to the ultimate desert retreat.

The invitation suite, custom-designed for the couple by NEAPOLITAN - and assembled by Sandy Gordon (our mom), Jo Rettberg (our grandma!), and me.

Kristen and bridesmaids, left to right: Sara Cook, Jenima Hadjian, Laura Naples, and Kate Davis. Not pictured: the adorable Molly Naples. Kristen wore the Billie dress by Melissa Sweet. Bridesmaids wore silk taffeta Gracen and Clementine dresses by J.Crew in Barely Peach (color no longer available online). And by the way, I ended up with these shoes.

The wedding program, which carried on the marbelized paper theme from the invitations, held by ringbearer Michalle Giorgi.

The bride and groom kissed after the wedding at Our Lady of Guadalupe church in Palm Springs.

The bride soaked in the desert sun on a chaise outside the Gene Autry house, which was the site of the evening's reception on the grounds of the Parker.

This same space was transformed for the evening by Artisan Events into a stylishly intimate dinner for 62. Tables showcased individual "trees" made of manzanita branches adorned with orchids and hanging votives. Each guest received a small favor card at their placesetting, which explained how a donation was made on behalf of all wedding guests to Atlanta Lab Rescue (along with silhouette portraits of the couple's two yellow labs, Halley and Lola).

The flowergirl - Catherine, me, and my little sister - the bride! Catherine and I wore matching fabric flowers in our hair.

More photos and descriptions of the event can be viewed online, or you can take a peek at the actual spread in the magazine - it's the Summer 2010 issue in the "Real Weddings" section.

A side note: I bought my first issue of Weddings when I was a senior in high school, and have collected issues ever since. The magazine had a tremendous impact on my decision to pursue design, and so for me, to see my family celebrating together in this issue is the ultimate thrill!

Congratulations again to Kristen and Jon Paul! Images by Justine Ungaro via Martha Stewart Weddings.

These are definitely a few of my favorite things! My love of paper originally sprouted in the form of gift wrap. I *love* the entire process of picking out the perfect paper, ribbon, gift tag, but most of all, the look on the recipient's face when they receive something created just for them.

Wanda Wen has created her business based upon her love of paper as well. Soolip (a Chinese word defined as "One's life destiny is to seek wisdom) is both her middle name and that of her lovely paperie and press shop in West Hollywood, CA. For the last fifteen years, her store and business have evolved into a premiere resource for paper lovers.

I had the pleasure of meeting Wanda back in 2008 when she was a guest judge for the 3M Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper in America Contest. I was thrilled to find out she's just written a new book the subject. The Art of Gift Wrapping was just released on 4/6. It's a beautiful book featuring 50 inspiring ideas, many of which utilize natural elements. The vivid photographs will surely leave you with a new appreciation for the art of wrapping a beautiful gift.

Chicago's own Greer is hosting a cocktail reception for Wanda tonight from 6-9 pm. Emily and I will be heading down to speak with her and hopefully snag a signed copy of the book. Wanda will also be back at Greer on Saturday 4/24 from 1-3 p.m. for wrapping demonstrations. She'll amaze you with clever ways to utilize ribbons, photos, and natural materials.

I'll update you all on the festivities tomorrow.

top photo c/o Soolip

bottom photo by me

As an avid reader, I'm always keeping an eye out for new, interesting eye candy. I'm a huge fan of the publishing house Chronicle Books. Offering a diverse, creative mix of titles, their books just look good with beautiful type, layout and photos. I troll their website fairly often because they list newly published books and also upcoming releases; sometimes with a pre-publish discount.

Inevitably I find something I want *now* and it leads to a few clicks on the keyboard to learn more about the author.

Today was no different. Wowza! Look at this amazing journal by Yulia Brodskaya. Originally from Russia, she now lives in the U.K. and tantalizes paper lovers and corporate clients everywhere with her illustrations and quill work.

A few more items that flipped the happy switch for me. I do really love them almost as much as tote bags. I Love Macarons.

Boy, she can do a 'Lotta' stuff. Amazing doyenne of simple, clean style, Lotta Jansdotter has a new book out on stencils.

images c/o Yulia Brodskaya, Chronicle Books

To say that I can't wait for the newest issue of UPPERCASE is a huge understatement.

After just the first three issues, I'm completely hooked... and this next issue looks like it's chock full of awesome articles, interviews + eye candy. Just like every issue!

If you don't have a subscription yet, I encourage you to get one now!

Check out the full preview of Issue No. 4 here.

The latest issue of METROPOLIS Magazine arrived at our house last week, and I knew I was in for a treat when Jw said ::

The next time we go to New York, we should stay here...

I think the first words out of my mouth were something like, "hubba, hubba"... but not only is the new Crosby Street Hotel filled with amazing & eclectic interior design (c/o owners + designers, Tim and Kit Kemp), it's also a study in environmental sensitivity & neighborhood cooperation.

The Crosby will be LEED-certified and includes other eco-friendly perks like a rooftop garden that supplies produce to the kitchen. The Kemps also paid special attention to the needs of the surrounding community by regulating the placement and open hours of the outdoor spaces in the hotel, so as to not bother their SoHo neighbors.

All in all, it sounds (and looks) like an amazing place to stay... and I especially love this quote from Kit at the end of the article ::

If you?re traveling and you get homesick, or feel a bit lonely or down, you want an atmosphere that makes you feel happier. Often color and texture can do that.

I totally agree.

all images by Simon Brown; except for 1st image, by Sarah Palmer.

FULL necklace, $45.00 by Melanie Favreau.

The end of the year always has me feeling completely overwhelmed... both with work that's yet to be done, as well as with new projects, ventures & ideas for the upcoming year.

With everything that fills your brain this time of year, it can be extra-difficult to focus and let yourself feel creative and inspired. Here's some things that I'm hoping will help me ease into the New Year...

RELAX.

Sit Back... letterpress poster, 11.5x18", $18.00 by Nick Schmitz.

If you're a workaholic like me, you probably struggle with forcing yourself to relax. My brain is always overflowing with thoughts, worries, ideas, etc. (see first image ;) so, even when I have some actual down time, I find that my own mind is my worst enemy. It's important to remember that relaxing, feeling calm, and doing things that are completely non-work-related is just as helpful (if not more-so) to one's creativity than the actual work itself. So just learn to chill out.

SEEK GUIDANCE.

I Swear To Good You Are God At This, $25.00 (holiday price 'til Jan 4th) by Holiday Matinee.

There's a never-ending list of source material out there that can be used for daily inspiration and creative support: books, articles, websites, blogs,etc. One of my most recent finds is a new book by creative studio, Holiday Matinee, entitled I Swear To Good You Are God At This. The book was written "to inspire people who might need an extra push to invest in themselves, do what they love and motivate as many awesome people as possible" - that's what I'm talkin' about!

Along with written inspiration, don't forget about those awesome people that you probably interact with every day... think of someone who inspires you and ask them to join you for a cup of coffee, or email them a couple of questions. I find that other people's experiences are the ultimate inspiration.

REMIND YOURSELF THAT YOU ROCK.

Note to Self Notebook, $12.00 by Bob's Your Uncle.

Sometimes it's easier to see the negative in a situation or in yourself than it is to see the positive. Take the time to think about what you do that's amazing... why you're good at what you do... maybe even why others would find you inspiring. Giving yourself a little pat on the back every once in a while can really help to keep you moving in the right direction.

What are some ways that you find inspiration?

If you're in the Chicago area tonight, you should definitely come by Matilda's (3101 N Sheffield Ave, just 2 blocks south of the Belmont El stop!)...

OrangeBeautiful is co-hosting Meet Ups: Journeys and Journals with Sidedown and Blindsided Books to celebrate the launch of Jared Cohee's travelogue, Calm of the Niger: A Peaceful River Winding Through the Storm of Africa.

Meet the author & pick up a copy of Calm of the Niger for yourself! +Plus, we'll also have independent music, Sidedown's zine, HEY! Quarterly, as well as a limited edition batch of travel journals (made by yours truly!), all available for purchase. (Oh, and Monday night at Matilda's is $5 all-you-can-top burgers!)

And if all of that still isn't enough for you, I'm sharing with SCOOP readers only, that there will be a pre-sale of OrangeBeautiful's NEW CALENDARS at tonight's event! This will be the first time that they're available for sale (the official launch for online sales isn't until Thursday!), so if you've been itching to have one, and you're in town, drop by and get one before anyone else! (and no shipping costs!!!) -

For more information, and to see who's coming, VIEW THE INVITE.

If you can't make it, the book is available for PRE-ORDER here.
Sidedown Audio releases are available here.
and
OB's new calendars will be available this Thursday! (Sign up for a reminder)

images c/o Sidedown and Jared Cohee.