Cafe Cartolina

2009-12-11T00:02:00.000-08:00

Found

Here's a treat. These are images of the Bergdorf Goodman holiday window displays(the 5th Ave side) from Another Normal. Based on a "Through The Looking Glass" concept, they are truly amazing - take your time and check out all the details - the depth of detail is incredible. Enjoy . . .

2009-12-11T00:04:00.000-08:00

Interiors

Here's a fun, eclectic and colourful apartment to inspire you to add some quirky style to your home this weekend - it's sort of squatter-chic!

2009-12-11T00:06:00.000-08:00

Inspiration

Doug always has amazing imagery on his table when he is working - for inspiration. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye this week - thought you might like them!

2009-12-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

Imposter?

So do they just not produce Spirographs anymore? Did your kid ask Santa for a Hypotrochoid Art Set for Christmas? This looks suspiciously like a Spirograph - it just doesn't have all the parts - so how good can it really be? If you really need to have one of these you can get it at Restoration Hardware - I wonder if Mr Spiro knows about this?

I was alerted to this by my good paper pal Molly at Artful Sentiments - thanks Molly!

2009-12-10T00:03:00.000-08:00

Found

The over all graphic effect of these pretty buttoned pieces is very appealing - the perfectly organized grid of pretty mother of pearl buttons is quite intriguing. I was drawn to them as soon as I saw them.

2009-12-10T00:04:00.000-08:00

Found

My friend Corinna at Piddix noted yesterday what a very clever use of old chandelier crystals and vintage imagery this is - I couldn't agree more! - These would make very decorative and unique holiday decorations. From The Robin and Sparrow.

2009-12-10T00:06:00.000-08:00

Mingle

Thursday night is Mingle night in Nelson this week. It's a great way to socialize with other business owners and entrepreneurs in The Kootenays - I really enjoy it every month and have met some very interesting and creative locals. If you're planning on going - then I'll see you there - I'll be there early because I have to attend another function tomorrow night right after. 5pm to 8pm at Louie's.

2009-12-10T00:08:00.000-08:00

Flickr

These wonderful images are from Suzannedudas's photostream on Flickr - so pretty! I would have jumped all over the first 2 items for sure(not sure what I would do with a picture of the lovely Mary but it's very iconic and beautiful.)

2009-12-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Short and sweet

I have officially run out of steam today - yes, I have bitten off more than I can chew and so I am cutting it short today - but short and sweet. I am going to share with you these amazing images from the Grand Ole Bestiary. I was in complete awe of these when I first saw them on Cate's blog a few months ago - I hope you find them as intriguing as I do. See you tomorrow morning bright and early.

From the Grand Ole Bestiary shop - "The Grand Ole Bestiary is a collection of faux-antique, anthropomorphic, mythological curios. Each one carefully recovered from ancient catacombs discovered buried deep inside the molten core of a metaphysical holy mountain. Touted as one of the most compelling discoveries of evidence that proves an enduring existence of these magnificent "Manimalien" creatures that had long been worshiped and damned by human civilizations throughout history." Amazing - who knew?

2009-12-08T00:07:00.000-08:00

Window Shopping

Beautiful, bold textiles and Christmas decorations from Niki Jones. You have got to love these Suzani decorations for your tree - it's the black details that makes them special . . . .

2009-12-08T00:05:00.000-08:00

Window Shopping

There are some wonderful, folksy prints, textiles and garments on this site(Gudren). Take a look and scroll through the selection of really unusual artisan pieces. You definitely have to have a certain personal style to pull of this look but it's quite fascinating! Here are some items from their home collection.

2009-12-08T00:03:00.000-08:00

Inspiration

These pieces of Shaker folk art are from Katy Elliott's blog. This first one is so inspiring - it's amazing to think it was produced in 1857. The imagery seems so contemporary.

2009-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Found

All these super cute packaging ideas are available at Nice Package. I love all these clever ideas. And it's a great concept for a store. I especially love the first one - of course!

2009-12-07T00:02:00.000-08:00

Stocking Stuffer

Here's a great little stocking stuffer - for $15. A 3" x 3" little block of lead type for your favourite typophile this Christmas(I'd like this!) From Salvage Nation - they're all different which is fun.

2009-12-07T00:04:00.000-08:00

Found

These caught my eye the other day - I thought they were clever, decorative and sort of festive. There's a kind of of spirograph feel to them that I like(and, of course, I was a spirograph champion when I was kid so I know good spiro when I see it!) From Jen Jewelry.

2009-12-07T00:06:00.000-08:00

Inspiration

I have a feeling that I may be the last person to have seen these. They are too cool to not have made the blog rounds all ready. Very clever idea using fabulous vintage colour palette. From the talented stitcher at Maranon.

2009-12-07T00:08:00.000-08:00

Inspiration

Good morning to you! Hope you had a great weekend!

I just adore this imagery from Miss Butler in Brooklyn. I love the rich Mexican colours and the Loteria images. There are lots more to choose from right here.

2009-12-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Inspiration

I used to make quite a lot of jewelry - I loved doing it. Though there were never as many great suppliers than there are now - I should pick it up again. Great supplies from place like this.

2009-12-04T00:08:00.000-08:00

Vintage

Here are a couple of really lovely 'vintage' holiday pictures from Girlhula via a great selection at Design is Mine . I'd love to have a set of vintage brush trees like those!

2009-12-04T00:06:00.000-08:00

Found

I'm sure that one of your friends or family members must have this on their wish list this christmas - a round, French ceiling painting from 1870. They'll be glad I found it for you! They didn't list the price so it must be pretty cheap!

2009-12-04T00:04:00.000-08:00

Inspiration

Here is a gorgeous wrought iron mirror. Another piece of great inspiration - a simple, wobbly, line drawing of this complicated floral design would result in a fabulous frame or cartouche for stationery or any paper project.

2009-12-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

Inspiration

I love the design on the side of this tin. It's this kind of thing that gives me lots of good ideas for shapes and colours when I'm designing. Even the scalloped circles under the lid are a pretty shape.

2009-12-03T00:04:00.000-08:00

Found

Here's a fun little stocking stuffer from Tuesday Afternoon Tea - an old fashioned paper fortune teller - great idea!

2009-12-03T00:06:00.000-08:00

Illustration

The very talented illustrator and typographer, Kate Forrester, wrote to me to tell me about her latest project. These paper cut outs were done for british department store, John Lewis for their Xmas campaign. Kate says, if you are in the UK, "Look out for these posters - currently adorning billboards, buses, underground stations and newspapers all over the UK until Christmas." Fantastic!

On Kate's blog she has a feature on the design work she did for her sister in law's wedding. The invitations etc are fabulous and so unusual - I think you will love them . . .

You can see more of Kate's work here and also on her blog. Thanks Kate!

2009-12-03T00:08:00.000-08:00

Shopping

Okay everyone get your shoes on - we're going out. We're going to take a field trip to this store in New York - Kabinett & Kammer. Better bring a packed lunch because we'll be here for a while . . . .