Curiosities

Here are some amazing original French industrial furnishings from the 30s, 40s and 50s. I know that you all appreciate this stuff as much as I do - don't you wish you could just stumble over pieces like these in your local junk store? You used to be able to!

Random Objects

Really like the rustic texture of this metal work jewelry - there's a naive sense that it very appealing. From here.

Inspiration

I was thinking about why I find these Japanese and Chinese vintage tins so inspiring. I think it's because the designer of these tins faced the same design challenge as I do when I am designing cards  - fitting pretty imagery and a message into a defined (and confined) space. I have a lot to learn - these designers were amazing!

So here's what I can do with all my old tins. Put a glass jar inside and use them as vases for small posies - luv that idea! All of the above from High Street Market and The Fab Miss B

Catch up

Cafe Cartolina is a year old this week. And today when I started writing this post I noticed that I have 100 official Blogger 'followers' - I am so grateful - thank you all for visiting every day. Blogging has become one of my favourite jobs everyday.  And at this stage I would love to get some feedback from you regarding content. I am enjoying the way Cafe Cartolina has evolved over the last year. Basically if I love it, or if I find it inspiring in some way, then it will end up here - it's that simple. But if you'd like more Cartolina content then I'm happy to oblige! I have been very busy for the last month designing a whole new collection for Cartolina. I am excited to show you some new designs and we will have a big giveaway just as soon as all the loot is back from the printers. As many of you know designing takes a lot out of you everyday! I am very grateful for all the help I have at the studio - I don't have much time for any of the usual tasks around here when I have my designer's hat on and it's great to be able to rely on a few talented people who make my job easier. I am almost at the end of this design session - I'll get the files all off to the printer on Wednesday and then I am taking a few days off. We are heading to the Okanagan, BC's Wine Country. I am also grateful to fellow bloggers who share their content with the likes of me  - it makes it so much easier to bring you beautiful posts everyday (especially at times like this when I have very little time to spare.) Today I have some photographs from Kitty Shehan's, trip to West End Salvage in Des Moines. I discovered Kitty's blog when I started Tweeting - we obviously like all the same vintage treasures and I think you will enjoy them too . . . check out these awesome map drawers in the first image.{ Kitty are these for sale or are they full of more cool stuff?}

Kitty's blog is called Return to Bohemia and I think you will really enjoy it. One of the nice things about Twitter is that I have met some really great people over there(with great blogs) in the last couple of weeks. 

Florals 

Some super fabulous flowery new things from Anthropologie. I for one am very glad to see so many exotic and heavy florals making a comeback on the design radar - for obvious reasons  ;-)

Mirror

As I was sorting through all my inspirational interior shots I noticed so many mirrors. Do you decorate with mirrors? I certainly do - and I love this pink bedroom with the mirrored vanity(very Hollywoody!}

Random Objects

Look how pretty these are - embroidered cuffs from Waterrose. So delicate and beautifully made . . and great photography to boot. The only thing is I can't figure out if they are for wearing or for putting around your favourite coffee cup....either is fine by me!

Cartolina News

We have a couple of trade shows coming up soon - on opposite ends of the continent. So if you are a retailer in Los Angeles or in Toronto listen up! The lovely Carina, our favourite sales rep from Crow and Canary will be exhibiting lots of new goodies from Cartolina at the Los Angeles show at the LA MART this week, July 17th to the 20th, Booth No.807. And if you are heading to the CGTA Show in Toronto in August be sure and stop by to see what's new in our booth No. 3571.

Don't miss the Crow and Canary booth at the LA Show.

Ephemera

Here are some postcards available at John Derian - I think that Mr Derian and I have very similar collections of ephemera(what good taste he has!)

Oddities

A collection of curiosities available at McMaster and Storm.

Pattern

Stripes and prints from Jane Churchill. I love striped ticking - there's nothing more summery! (As seen in the previous, Friday's, post.)