Love these patterns, colors, and textures – these pillows from PLYtextiles’ etsy shop need to find a home on my couch, stat! (Made from recycled sweaters, they’re eco-chic too!)

(all images from papermojo.com) from top to bottom: asian lattice print, peacock damask print, lustre print, rossi manuscript print, spirograph print, midas touch lotka print

When in need of a little inspiration, one of my favorite things to do is to swing over to one of our local stationery boutiques to browse large sheets of patterned paper. It’s no secret that Jonathan and I are serious paperphiles, and the danger of seeking inspiration at said local stationery boutiques is that I typically come home with far more than I actually need.

Online paper browsing is far less dangerous for me. Papermojo.com is one of the best online sources for fine papers from a variety of sources, and it never fails to inspire. The patterns shown above are some of my current favorites (and the gold/neutral color palette is exactly what I’ve been loving as of late).

Last week we posted about Seb Lester and his ‘Keep it Simple” poster. We couldn’t leave it at that. We had to post more of his gorgeous work. Above is his “Home Sweet Home” poster that not only is a beautiful type specimen but also uses Mirri paper which changes colors depending on the lighting conditions. See this video of the poster for the full effect – very cool!

Another great piece in metallic gold.

Similar style in metallic silver…

…and a beautiful inspirational piece, where in the artist’s own words, he said, “I like to think that almost anyone can achieve almost anything in life. It’s all about passion, focus, and commitment. I wanted to design a strong, dynamic, inspirational poster that referenced this popular self-help adage.”

A nice thing to remind ourselves every once in a while.

All the works can be found and bought at Seb’s website or at the Keep Calm Gallery. {images from here}

In thinking about our upcoming Chicago trip, I figured I should really check to see what the current exhibitions are at some of the art museums. While I always love to go spend a day at the Art Institute of Chicago, when I saw that there is currently an exhibition about industrial designer and inventor Buckminster Fuller at the Museum of Contemporary Art, I realized that if we are able to spend any time in a museum it would be fascinating to see this exhibit.

Buckminster Fuller has always intrigued me – I think because my Dad, as industrial design graduate himself, used to talk about ‘Bucky,’ his geodesic domes, and his forward-thinking designs. Many of Fuller’s designs and ideas were not only ahead for his time but are ahead even by today’s standards. Just look at his design for a high speed, fuel efficient car (30MPG) that could carry 11 – and this was in 1933!

I love the geometric details and futuristic aspects of his many of his designs. I think the retro-future look (which seems to be a favorite of mine) would be really fun to pull into a couples’ wedding stationery – all those fun geometric shapes and patterns would look amazing.

The USPS stamp that was created in his honor is great too.

Memorial day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and here in the Pacific Northwest, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful weekend. Typically Memorial Day weekend is spent indoors, since it’s usually gray, dreary, or raining (or all three) but this year we received a special treat: 3 solid gorgeous days of sunshine and mid-seventies temperatures.

Who knows how long this sunshine will last (summer is so fickle here, we could have a cold and dreary June) but after this beautiful weekend, I’m geared up for a sunny and perfect summer. These wedges scream summer to me – the combo of hot pink and braided rope is so fun (and who wouldn’t want what looks like bougainvillea blooms on their toes?!?) So even if the Seattle weather doesn’t cooperate with my wishes, at least my feet will look sunny and summery.

I’ve been drawn lately to stark patterns – I’m loving all of the zig zag I’ve been seeing in clothing, stationery, and home decor this year. Some of my favorites:

rubie green bedding

linda and harriett notepad, invitation, and greeting cards

madeline weinrib rug | twinkle living throw pillow

anthropologie dress and skirt

This is a little off-topic, but it’s too cool.

Our good (online) friend  and fellow designer Keith Bowman of The Design Bureau of Amerika is starting a project for charity he is calling The Ink Initiative. His concept for his new endeavor, in his own words, is to “Make Posters. Sell Posters. Give Profits to Charities”.

One of his first projects (see above) was inspired by another online friend Mel from Operation Nice. In this piece all the art, typography and screen printing is done by Keith himself -  done in what I am sure were Jazz (only on vinyl of course) filled late night and early mornings stints in his Bureau studio in Philly.

I just love this illustration and can’t wait to see them finally up for sale and being given out as giveaways. Keith is known for is Kbowman-isms, so to quote Keith himself in how I feel about his new work, this poster “is like a tickle fight between two CareBears in my tummy”

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you know how we feel about frenchies…so of course I’m head over heels in love with this adorable card, illustrated and letterpressed by Sycamore Street Press. Available as a single card or a set of 6 in their shop.

Attention, hostesses!

12 Too Many is a great new website from Sheena Kalso (also the Invisible Hostess and the brain behind Totally Tabletops). Here’s what it’s all about (in the words of Sheena and partner, Anna):

If you’ve just had a wedding or party that left you with “12 too many” vases, table runners, props, or other decor items, we can help you sell your stuff!

Selling? Fill out a “submit item” form and upon approval your listing will post for 2 weeks. Buying? Select the city you’re buying in and browse by category, color, or theme. You contact the seller and arrange pick up or delivery.

In a nutshell, 12 Too Many is a craigslist for all of you party planning peeps! Best of all? It’s free! It’s still fairly new, so not all cities are represented and they’re just starting to gain more of a following. If you don’t see your city, add it! And spread the word!