Thursday, January 20, 2011

Interior Inspiration

I pretty much love everything in the new House Doctor catalogue - they really know how to do that modern country/light industrial look. And their catalogue is so darn pretty!




Vintage inspiration

Couldn't resist this sweet 1950s cake tin from Gena Loves Vintage. Yup, I thought you'd like it :-)



Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Reconnecting in 2011

One of the things that is getting me through our rather dreary winter here in BC is my big plans for our Cartolina market stall this summer. You may or may not know that at Cartolina we only sell to wholesale accounts - and because we work with distributors we only deal with a handful of buyers around the world(and then they take it from there.)
So I've decided that in 2011 I am going to reconnect with our end consumers - that would be you and your friends who buy our products in the shops. We are planning an awesome market tent for our local market(and beyond) and also we are planning to introduce a few new products that we will sell exclusively in our Cartolina Etsy shop. I love Etsy and purchase lots of great stuff from amazing shops.
I really want us to be involved in selling Cartolina in a more grass roots way. I'm thrilled that some of the most beautiful stores in the world carry Cartolina but to get out of the studio and connect with people, one on one, is my goal this year. It's all about balance - right?
I saw this vintage hanger on Etsy yesterday and it fits right in with my vintage design plans for the Cartolina market tent. By the time I had got my act together it was all ready sold but I'm on a mission to collect the coolest display props - stay tuned!



Inspiration - origami books

Isaac Salazar makes this look so easy - don't you just want to grab the closest book and start folding? I really love the giant capital letters and they'd look amazing on a shelf arranged as a word - like Cartolina for instance! You can see more of his work here! Via Recyclart.org



Monday, January 17, 2011

BUY! Oh no, wait a minute . . .

I took one look at this and almost pressed the BUY button on Etsy. I thought it was Victorian or Edwardian but it's actually fairly modern (Doug pointed out that it's a '100 year calendar' starting at 1983 - so I guess it's not an antique!) It's absolutely precious - maybe I should have it anyway! From 1001 vintage.



This is a very pretty, patterned throw from Urban Outfitters. Very "William Morris goes to India in a Gypsy Caravan" - don't you think?


The golden ticket

These people at Crank Bunny are so clever. I've featured one of their handmade cards before. They are so beautifully designed and so unique. This one has a gold leaf scratch off panel on the inside that you can personalize - which is amazing. Check out their other amazing designs.



Friday, January 14, 2011

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.


Thursday, January 13, 2011

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!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

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.


Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Inspiration - Step right up!

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




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