It's show time folks!

Well it's show time again. Basically show season happens in January - Top Drawer in London, Spring Fair(NEC) in Birmingham, The Sydney Aus show and CGTA in Toronto. Then May for the National Stationery Show in NYC and August, September for Melbourne, CGTA and Autumn Fair.

So, for starts, if you are a retailer in the UK you may be heading to Top Drawer this weekend which is one of our fave shows because it's a juried show and only the best get to exhibit there. Cartolina will be at the YCUK booth - number H45. Have fun and say hi to Iain and Ian. If you'd like any more info on our show schedule or would like catalogs before you go just pop us a line and we'll take care of that for you.

Coming soon to a retailer near you - CobiStyle

Here's some great news. Cobi Ladner, who used to be the editor of Canadian House and Home is getting ready to roll out her debut collection of home and lifestyle products that promise to be classic, comfortable and chic. "Although Cobi’s vision is worldly and exciting, her friendly, down-to-earth style and creative “stamp of approval” brings confidence and guidance to homeowners. Products and ideas are designed to work now and forever – inspiring great taste that is fun and personal." Her vibrant new line of home and lifestyle products include decorative accessories, upholstered furniture, ready-to-wear drapery, and designer fabric collections. Cobi, we are so excited about your new line and can't wait to see it in Canadian stores soon. So much colour to add personality and zing to any interior - can't wait to get me some CobiStyle! For more information on CobiStyle see www.cobistyle.com

P.S. these bright velvet pieces are fab-u-lous!

Found

I think this is so pretty. A one of a kind original watercolour painting - under glass - and around your neck. Very pretty, from Heather Kent.

Sneak Peek! New Cartograms!

I couldn't resist sharing this with you this morning. A sneak peek at 1 of the 9 new Cartograms available as a free upgrade to the Cartolina iPhone app. They should be available at the app store in about 2 weeks. Hope you like!

Found - instant collection

Have you been shovelling snow like mad for the last few days? Well here's something to make you smile - an instant collection of toy tin shovels from Sushipotparts. Probably meant for a sandbox but would make a great wall display in a kids room!

Inspiration - vintage packaging

I have no qualms in saying that I am completely jealous of Christian Montone's collection of vintage crayons, paints and art supplies on Flickr. I want everyone of these - and he has so many. I think they are terrific! You must check them out asap.

Inspiration - Step right up!

Very cool vintage carnival game - great graphics and wonderful decor piece from here.

More great carnival art from here.

Very impressive carnival/carousel horse with wonderful carving and colours from here.

Folk toy prints for sale

I know we have seen some of these illustrations make the rounds on the blogs in the past - I think most of them were from a Flickr collection. These are actually FOR SALE! Etsy seller King Paper is selling the individual prints for $10/pair. These pieces are from the book Folk Toys - Les Jouets Populaires, illustrated by Emanuel Hercik, 60 years ago. They really would be fabulous framed on the wall. here are some of my faourites.

Inspiration - rainbow hues

Okay bear with me - there's something really appealing about the rainbow hues of these kitchy little doilies. They caught my eye and I filed them away under 'inspiration' - perhaps you will too. From BD Vintage.

Random object

I couldn't resist this fab little radio from here.

Doug's new illustrations

Doug has been working on some very cool illustrations recently. I specifically love this piece that he did for the Wall Street Journal. Doug's been illustrating for a long time now with clients that include the New York Times, Washington Post and LA Times. Very cool. You can see more of his new work on his site which I updated for him yesterday :-)

Found - Annie Smits illustrations

I wanted to share this holiday card with you that I got from Helen our New Zealand distributor. This card is from a line of cards she carries that reflects New Zealand heritage and culture. I love that this angel has the simple and exotic 'tribal' decoration that you might find in Maori art. Illustrated by Annie Smits.

Illustration by Annie Smits

Inspiration - printers samples

Some simply stunning examples of early 20th century printing. The skill it took to design and print these blows my mind. I am always in awe when I run across stuff like this. From Sheaff Ephemera.

Inspiration - patterns

We have seen these a few times recently but this a fab collection on Flickr - security envelope patterns.