Inspiration

I've never done this before - uploaded the same image twice in a week. But I had to. To me it represents every category of design that inspires me - vintage illustration, muted color, simple pattern, retro styling, boldly contrasting hues, well worn patina and interesting tattered ephemera. I can't get enough of this image. So, if you are a new visitor to Cafe Cartolina, this is us, in a nutshell, right here. But it's not just me - it's all of you too who appreciate the random collection of artistic curiosities that I strive to bring you every morning. Have a great weekend - be inspired.

Market Tour

There's a nice little guide to Portobello Rd market on Decorati that you might enjoy. Here are some images from the post. Doug and I have had a few good mornings on Portobello Rd, raking through dusty old boxes looking for treasures in the way of old prints, engravings and lithographs. Click here to read the full post.

Eye Candy

Every so often I check to see what's new at The Rug Comapny. They really are such a forward thinking company that really sees the benefit of producing beautiful promotional images of their rugs, pillows and wall hangings. Everything they manufacture looks stunning in these well thought out compositions.

Fixer Upper?

This should really be posted next to our other miniature scale models from Wednesday. This funky little shack has seen better days but I just love the proportions and the red and yellow. I think it probably went with a train set. If you need this you can get it here.

Bellocchio

Have you seen this little shop in San Francisco? Bellocchio. I first stumbled on them a few years ago when I was looking for scalloped cards. They carry lots of interesting french wares and I think you might enjoy their site - or perhaps you have been to the store and can tell us all about it.

Found

Pillow perfection from Enhabiten. I simply adore this first pillow - the fabric is divine and falls into basically every design category I love. 

Miss Chatelaine

My mum called last night and said - Did you know one of your little notebooks is in Chatelaine Magazine this month? - And I did not, so that was a nice surprise. So, as it is a good mother's duty to keep on top of these things, she scanned it, sent it to me and demanded that I put it on my blog this morning! Well I am very happy to do that and I am always thrilled to see Cartolina products on the pages of a magazine - and what a pretty page it is too! Thanks Chatelaine!

Chatelaine is a Canadian institution. It has been in publication since 1928 and it also has a french Canadian version - in french!

Spotted

These caught my eye the other day. From Australian designer Becky Bean - recycled cotton bags with super pretty vintage floral prints - how sweet are these? It would be such a blast to always be on a mission to source this kind of fabric for your product in thrift stores and flea markets wouldn't it?

Design

I don't like wishy washy decor - I like bold contrasting colours with lots of punch. these interiors from country living are very simple and casual but they are definitely not wishy washy! This simple little fern ensemble has so much impact - love it!

Pattern

Well pattern junkies, hope you brought your oxygen tanks - prepare to hyperventilate. These fabulous patterns are the covers and spines of vintage Penguin books from the 60s and 70s. They look older to me but apparently not. These images are from one of my favourite books in the studio, Penguin By Design by Phil Baines. Enjoy!

Random Objects

This is so sweet from the 1920's a tiny little model of a green house - or an Auricular House as it is described right here. I love models of buildings - vintage architectural models are wonderful but even a model of a new condo building is cool.

Ephemera

Here's another model. Looks french to me from the early 1950s - love the little bouquiniste booth with the magazines hanging - how fun. I would have loved this stuff when I was kid - I'd have had an entire paper model of Paris! You can see more detail here.

Spotted

How do you fancy staying here for your vacations? A little gypsy caravan - I wonder if you need to buy a horse to pull it along?

Curiosities

A really interesting couple of pieces from Comme on Aime - looks like they are upholstered with burlap sacks?

Random Objects

Super fabulous metallic treasures from Graphic Fairy - I'm sure you can think of something wonderful to do with these.