An exercise in design appreciation

Well it's Friday all ready. This is such a busy time for us at Cartolina - lots of big Xmas orders going out to retailers right now and for the next few weeks. But, at the end of a busy afternoon, producing this blog is my favourite way to wind up the day. For me it's like being the head buyer at my own wonderful department store. Every item here is chosen not because I necessarily want to own it or wear it but because it in some way represents the visual candy that feeds the part of me that really loves beautiful, bold style that's based on solid design fundamentals. Fabulous tights and gorgeous ring from Free People. Simply lovely blouse from a stunning collection at Odd Molly. {None of which I would probably wear but all of which I am drawn to for pure esthetic appreciation!}

Random Objects | Hardware

Had a nice revisit to Cleveland Art yesterday - just wanted to share these wonderful vintage steel side tables with you. The tops look remarkably like manhole covers which shouldn't really surprise you if you have checked out their brilliant website and inventory. The candle stick is from the House Doctor catalogue that I featured yesterday - strange how its Gothic styling goes so well with the mid century industrial design of the tables don't you think? The decorator in me would like to put that candle stick on that table in front of that brick wall right now!

Window Shopping | House Doctor

A lot of my UK friends swear by the mail order products from House Doctor so I thought you might like to see some fun stuff from their catalogue. All of this stuff is right up my alley - better start making a Xmas list right now! How about the horse?

Inspiration | granny chic

Great floral designs combined with some crochet and some woolly dingle balls makes for one superbly chic granny bag. 

Similar styling in these curtains - faux crewel embroidery -  all symptoms of the crafty revolution - love it!

Random Object | Blue Pot

I found this pot on World Of Good which is Ebay's new site which promotes fair global trade and positive impact on the world by turning good local ideas into worldwide social change. Take a look - I found fantastic stuff there made by crafts people from around the world. Via decor8

Illustration | Jen Rowland

These drum style lampshades from Jen Rowland have wonderful, oversized, sketchy illustrations on them. The scale and proportions works really well together don't they? They have a really broad appeal. I am sure she will do really well with these.

Illustration | Sarah Young

I remember one of my very first sewing projects when I was a kid in the UK in the 70's was sewing up a cat pillow very similar to the one that Sarah Young has illustrated here. Aren't they lovely? She has some wonderful things on her site. Via Print and Pattern.

Window Shopping | Raw Space

We get Cartolina wholesale requests from the loveliest shops. Raw Space is an Australian retailer with 3 shops and an online store too. I saw lots of things I like there and I want to show you these wall plaques which are so pretty.

Wants and Needs | the pink pouf

I rather fancy this too - love the nail head detail.

Wants and Needs | the pink dresser

I may need this dresser. I merely wanted those shoes.

Random Objects in Yellow

Hello, I'm out of town for a couple of days but I thought I might be able to keep your attention level high with these shoes from JCrew . . . yup, it appears to be working!

Wonderful yellow rug from Anthro and garden stool from Nieman Marcus. I'm not that fond of yellow really but when its grouped together, or offered in the from of a low vamp, brocade pump, I can be convinced of it's merits.

Random Object | Paper lantern II

Another gorgeous paper lantern from Pearl River.

Have a great weekend!

Have a great weekend. Jump in the car and go for a drive, its a fab time of the year to go on a road trip. Thanks for joining me this week, see you on Monday!

Picture taken by me - ha!

Inspiration | Pretty things to inspire a Friday morning.

Some very pretty things from Tracy Porter(pillow) and amazing wall paper from Fromental via Attic Mag. Believe it or not the cream coloured wall paper with the blue bird is actually embroidered!

Inspiration | Turquoise

I LOVE turquoise paired with red like this pillow. But I also like it on glazed ceramics and old peeling painted surfaces. Some of my favourite furniture has old turquoise paint on it like the wall behind that gorgeous wood stand. How do you like your turquoise?

Random Objects | Buttons and buckles

Great piece of political calligraphy from Etsy seller Gallardo Works via the Rifferaff blog Make It . Hey, I'd like to write like that!

I loved these buckles as soon as I saw them on Scoutie Girl yesterday. What a great idea - and I'm sure I haven't seen it done before. Excellent buckles from Steel Toe Studios. They have a great mix and match system for building your own belt.

Random Objects | Mercury glass accessories

Both of these items, a mercury glass mirror and the mercury glass place mats are from Ochre via My Nottinghill. I love mercury glass because everything that reflects in it instantly has a vintage patina - even your face  ;-)

Inspiration | Monochromatic tones

Enough with the wild colours for just one day. There's nothing like the drama that you can create when you design with contrasting tones of neutral colours. I'm glad to see the return of oversized patterns to upholstery - especially the pears on a pear-shaped chair. From  Anthro and CB2

Inspiration | Ephemera

This stamp is from about 1951, French. I think it might be earlier, should probably check. Do you like it? I do, I love the symmetry of the engraver's style and the slightly space age look.  Figured I hadn't featured any stamps recently so now's a good time! This stamp is actually from a series of stamps commemorating new world technology - I'll feature some of the others soon - they are quite beautiful.

Inspiration | Paper

Beautiful block printed wrapping paper at World Market. I always buy wrap at World Market they have great designs and wonderful multicultural style. They don't use shiny paper for their wrap - it's soft toothy paper, with a very handmade feeling. Feels like it came right out of a workshop in India, which it probably did!