Tickled Pink!

With cooler temperatures around the corner for those of us in Northern United States and Canada, I've set about looking for some stylish and luxurious knits to enhance my wardrobe. I was google searching this season's fashion buzzword, "capelet," when I came across Tickled Pink Knits' Etsy shop. When I saw the Rococo Wool and Llama Shawl pictured above (available in 18 custom colors!), I fell in love.

Tickled Pink's designer and knitter Elena, shows exquisite attention to detail in her work. I love the matching ceramic button with a floral and grapevine motif that finishes off the lovely Vineyard Shoulderette. And what about the hand-crocheted flowers that adorn the tassels on Tickled Pink's Victoriana Scarflette? Made of the warmest wool and silky bamboo (a highly renewable resource), this delightful accessory can have you looking elegant and eco-friendly at the same time! I am also inspired by how multi-functional some of the designs in the shop are. Quite a few Tickled Pink's designs can be worn in a variety of ways, but this funky Rasberry Knit Headband, Scarflette, Neckwarmer, and Belt takes multi-tasking style to a whole new level!

I may need to save up some funds if I ever want a that Rococo Shawl, but I am definitely going to drop quite a few hints about this shop to my husband before holiday time rolls around. Being that I live downwind of the Great Lakes, square in snowbelt country, I hope to indulge myself in a Tickled Pink neckwarmer sooner rather than later though. Honestly, I wear neckwarmers and shawls indoors (thanks to my 1920's colonial) and out, throughout the entire winter season. The only problem is going to be which one to choose! Merino Wool? Boucle? Alpaca? It will be a tough decision. But whatever I get I'm sure I'll end up being Tickled Pink!

Consider me inspired!

I'm headed out of town today and I won't be back until Monday, but I did want to leave you guys with a post while I was gone. I'm sure almost everyone who reads this blog has heard of and is more likely also a reader of Helly Becker's fabulous blog decor8. Not too long ago I was reading a really thoughtful and neat post by Stephanie over at Design Healing, where she talked about her contributions to decor8's Inspire Me Giveaway. I was so inspired I decided to clean studio myself and send a few contributions from Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique. The stash included fabric, papers, cards and envelopes, embellishements, notions, ribbons and more. It was a joy to compile this little package and also quite fun to see some of my lace trim and peacock feathers show up in pictures on the (newly redesigned I might add) decor8 blog. After 1,060 comments/entries (can I just say WOW) the winners were recently announced. I was so thrilled to have Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique listed as a contributor, beside so many other AMAZING artists and businesses (Of course I was not surprised to see a few of you guys on that list too!). This was a great lesson to me on the VERY contagious nature of inspiration! Have a great weekend guys!

Color on the Run!

I'm a fashion fanatic, but honestly there are times when jeans and a tee are all I can muster. I love color, but can't always get it together to apply makeup before my day has to begin. Enter Kiss My Face's 3-Way Color for lips, cheeks and eyes. Whether you are a bride-to-be, a working or a stay at home mom, a busy college student or just a low-maintainance kind of girl, this little tube of sheer natural color is the one makeup tool you won't want to leave home without.

It's no secret that I love KMF face products, but it was my newly formed gym habit that finally convinced me of this particular product's charms. After my post-workout shower I no longer look clean yet extremely over-taxed and exhausted. "Ruby" is my color of choice, and with just a few swipes and some blending...my eyes are brighter, my cheeks glow and my lips look naturally flushed. Simple AND pretty. I love it when a plan comes together!

3-Way Color is scented with truly yummy natural fruit flavors (pink grapefruit, pomegranate, raspberry and white grape for example!) and is formulated with olive and mango butter. It's gentle on skin (I can attest to that. My skin is highly ornery!) and I love that it comes equipped with an all natural sunscreen (Titanium Dioxide) as well. I was surprised that this color works as well on my eyes as it does my lips and cheeks, but it's versatility makes it just right for creating custom looks. It doesn't always last long on my eyes, but that's easily remedied with primer and I'm not looking for long-term here. I just want to get me and my preschoolers from the gym to the house as quickly and happily as possible. And if we can do it with me not looking like death warmed over...even better! Kisses to everyone over in gorgeous Gardiner at Kiss My Face!

An Artist's Hotel Bar Tour In NYC: King Cole Bar Lounge at the St. Regis

As a freshman in art school I became enamored with Maxfield Parrish. A highly innovative and creative painter, Parrish also had an illustrious illustration career. You know when you've had a color named after you ("Parrish Blue" in this case), that you've pretty much made it in the art world. Not long after discovering Maxfield, I determined I needed to see his work in person. Did I head to the National Museum of American Illustration in Newport, Rhode Island (a state I used to live in no less!)? No. How about the Philadelphia Museum of Art? Nope. Instead, I waited 10 years and dragged my family on a hotel bar tour around New York City. And one freezing cold late December day, I got to warm up with a cocktail and some bar snacks, while sitting in front of Parrish's 1906 mural depicting Old King Cole. Forget summer vacation at the beach, I'll hold out for a brisk wintertime walk down 5th!

Located in the posh St. Regis Hotel (55th Street B'twn 5th and Madison), the intimate and inviting King Cole Bar Lounge is tucked away from the vaulted ceilings and gilded interior of the hotel's expansive lobby. Dark wood and dim lighting in the seating area make for cozy conversation. They serve their function and then fade into the background letting the true star in the room shine, Parrish's mural. I've heard the bar can be packed to the gills with a ritzy after work crowd, but during our visit it was quiet and subdued. Most patrons seemed to be shoppers dashing in from the cold for a quick drink or regulars chatting with the bartender. Drinks are pricey, but the family agreed this was a special occasion and the atmosphere is worth the price of admission alone.

Since I took the picture above, Old King Cole has been restored. After being taken down in January 2007, everyone's favorite merry, old, soul, was given a cleaning and returned in late Spring 2007. I can't wait to make a trip and check out his new glow. A lot has changed on my end too...the family has grown with marriages, pregnancies, new houses and moves. As a result we haven't taken another tour, but I'm already compiling my list of hotels (and lining up a sitter!). I was shocked at how my entire family, creatives and non-creatives alike, truly enjoyed this jaunt. I get lots of "when are we going to do that again!?" Hmmm...just as soon as that crisp city weather rolls in and I can line up that sitter.

Thursday, stop in for the second stop on our tour...where I had drinks in the park with one of my all time favorite authors!

Break me off a piece of that ART!: Feterie

I love words. Just look at the length of some of my posts and that should be pretty obvious! I also love, love, love me some good design. Good, old school, graphic design. Design from the mind of someone who knows their way around a trap, a kern, and some color separations. When I recently attended the National Stationery Show, I found all of that and more at Feterie. One look at the work of Feterie designer Cathe Huynh-Sison (who is also, I'm proud to say, a visitor to this blog), and it's easy to see why the company's tag line is "modern stationery and bespoken lovelies." Wow...four of my favorite words strung together with an "and." For a lover of design and writing like myself, it doesn't get better than that!

I'm always looking for something special to write on. Something cool. And for the wordy girl I am, Feterie's WordPlay Greeting Cards are perfect! I love the colors, the typographic style, and of course the sassy nod to "internetese" and how it has impacted our culture. OMG!! I can't wait 2 write some snail mail on these fab cards, LOL! See what I mean? The irony is awesome. This is also a serendipitous time for me to write about Feterie's wares as their online shop will be launching soon. I know I'm going to be first in line (or should that be ONline) to stock up on some of their original WordPlay cards, as well as their stunning Eco-Luxe gift wrap. Keep an eye on Feterie, I think there's probably lots more sassy, colorful and beautifully modern bespoken lovelies to come!

National Stationery Show Review, The Pen Pavilion

At first blush, I figured "The Pen Pavilion" would be sort of boring, and there was definitely a different vibe for the most part in the writing instrument aisles (lots more men, business suits and important looking meetings going on). But a girl who truly loves paper of course loves pens and pencils too, so I had to check it out. I am attached to my ultra-fine point sharpies (perfect for writing on stardream by the way). And I have always loved drawing with roller ball pens...I'm looking at you sad collection of almost empty Pilot Precise V5 pens in extra fine point black. You have served me well.

My husband, an engineer, also enjoys a nice pen and recently introduced me to Uni-ball's Signo Micro 207. It's spring-loaded which is not a real plus for my needs, but I'll give it a chance. My three year old did some preliminary quality testing today while doodling with "Daddy's Pen" and managed to bust the spring, but it was easily fixed...so points for that Uni-ball. I'll definitely put it into my rotation and perhaps I'll sleep easier at night knowing I can now prevent check washing and make cute illustrations with a single writing instrument.

But back to the Pen Pavillion. I put aside the above preferences and found two items of interest. One was the Yoropen, a uniquely designed pen that reduces writing strain and was a NSS Best New Product Winner in 2007. I didn't get to try one at the show, but plan to try one soon. I'm wondering if it might take some getting used writing with this very different design? I'll keep you posted, and if anyone has tested one out, feel free to comment with your thoughts on it. Offered in several lines (Standard, Superior, and Executive) and styles (ballpoint, pencil, and even crayon)...there seems to be a price point to fit almost every budget. I'm thinking one of these would be a perfect stocking stuffer for my husband since the design is advertised as beneficial to left-handers for a variety of reasons.

My favorite writing instrument booth of all was Batle Studios. These graphite sculptures you can write with stopped me in my tracks they were so beautiful. The Olive Branch, Twisting Leaf, Wing and Thatcher Shell from their current collection are my favorites, along with the Calla pictured here. Stunningly crafted, these beauties won't rub off on your hand. Now if only I had an awesomely clean and organized workspace fit to place one on.

Got a pen or pencil you adore? Comment and let me know. I love writing of course, but I'm even more curious to know what other illustrators and designers like drawing with. As for the Pen Pavillion, I'm glad I strolled through. Not quite the rush I got (am I geeky or what!?) as toured the actual stationery aisles, but fun nonetheless.

National Stationery Show Review, Part 1

I'm going to guess I need a couple posts to share all of the wonderful, new, and interesting sights I came across during my first experience walking the National Stationery Show in New York this past week. I'm still in the process of looking through all the tons of materials I brought home with me, and I'm also mulling over the direction I'd like to take my own business in over the next year. Attending the show is extremely beneficial to aspiring stationery designers, those stationers hoping to exhibit sometime down the road, or for artists wondering where to focus their creative energies. But watch out kids, you might walk out wishing you were a retailer. For those who truly love the art of letter writing, you will certainly feel the urge to shop!!!

Perhaps the most exciting part of the show for me was meeting fellow stationery designers whose work I admire and am familiar with. In many situations it was great to finally put a face to the name and/or marvelous work. First up is Jill, from Jilly Jack Designs, who was kind enough to share a photo of her hip and stylish booth for this post. Jilly Jack's designs are fresh, eco-friendly, and manage to be bold and capture a certain softness at the same time. I'm loving the line's sweet felt folio packaging, which holds and coordinates with the enclosed note cards and envelopes. Just perfect for stashing in your desk drawer.

I'm a printmaker at heart, and while etching has long been my favorite media, I'm completely enamored with the woodblock designs from Artful Sentiments. Artful Sentiments designer Molly offers a huge selection of cards offering a wide variety of images charmingly printed in bright and catchy colors. My personal choice, her lovely desk calendars which are sure to spice up any home or workspace.

Letterpress was at the forefront of the show this year. There was lots of it! I was delighted to see a few familiar faces as I walked the rows, including fellow upstate New York locals Debbie Urbanski and Harold Kyle of Smock. Debbie and Harold are committed to printing sustainably, using fine bamboo paper and all while reducing the carbon footprint of their business and giving back to environmental causes. My favorite designs from their social collection are "horsey", "ellie" and "giraffe." Too sweet. Having had some of my own work printed with Smock's parent company Boxcar Press, I have seen first-hand this shop's love for the historic art of letterpress. With their beautiful colors and deep impressions...if there is such a thing as being gorgeously green, Smock has it down. Just scroll through the images on their home page and I'm sure you'll agree.

Whimsical preppy is how I'd describe the many deliciously colored offerings from The Paper Menu. Carried by a whole bunch of authorized online and brick and mortar retailers, you should have no problem tracking down the greetings, invitations, calling cards, and much more, that designer Marie has become known for. My favorite pick from The Paper Menu? Their gift wrap that can be personalized with a message, monogram or image. I'm definitely going to be hunting that down sometime before the holidays hit!

This is just the beginning. I promise there is more to come in a future post!

Keyed In!

I've recently decided that I am going to start carrying Lilie's A Planet 4 Creation cards around with me every time I wear her awesome Green Skeleton Key Pendant. I literally get no less than 3 compliments on it EVERY time I wear it out. And I'm wearing it more and more these days, because who doesn't love compliments? From pre-school teachers to sales clerks to neighborhood friends or visiting family members, everyone I talk to seems to have a question to ask or a kind word to say about this lovely little piece of jewelry.

Actually, it's not that little, which is one of the things I love about it. The design I own is from a previous season, but it looks similar to this beauty which is currently for sale on Lilie's site. Just switch out the stunning red heart for a lovely green glass bead. Plus this key looks like it has a history. It brings some mystery to the pendant and I think that's cool. I have been collecting found keys and wearing them around my neck since I was a teen, but Lilie's additions of czech glass and porcelain beads, or Swarovski crystals, definitely take wearing keys as jewelry to the next level. A Planet 4 Creation also carries a wide variety of key jewelry! Check out the whole section here! There are pendants that use antique numbered keys, skeleton keys, or iron replicas of treasure chest keys, and a large selection of earrings using different key charms.

A Planet 4 Creation is also celebrating a birthday this month, so take advantage of this discount code "Birthday3" for 30% off! It expires May 31, 2008. And don't forget to mention this blog, Design is Everywhere, in the Customer Referral. If you do, you'll get a free gift! Happy birthday A Planet 4 Creation...and many more to come.

Kiss My Face!

Today is Earth Day and I have to share a few of the most well-designed (and earth friendly!) skin care products I've had the pleasure of trying. I am officially obsessed with Kiss My Face's Obsessively Organic facial care line! Why you ask? Because it WORKS. I say that these products are well designed because they excel in both form and function. From the packaging to the effectiveness of the individual formulas, this is a group of stellar products that each stand out individually while also working in perfect harmony with each other. Of course they've all got obscenely cute and catchy names, which makes me love them even more.

Currently I'm using the products geared toward normal to dry skin. I start with "Clean for a Day" creamy cleanser, which is as much a treat for my nose as it is for my skin. Scented with natural vanilla and tangerine, I always think to myself that it smells like I'm washing with a yummy smelling cream pie filling. The best part is I don't gain any weight and there's none of that stickiness! Next up is the anti-aging powerhouse serum "C The Change." I love this stuff and so would the wrinkle lines on my forehead...if they were still visible!! I am new to serum use, but over the past few weeks I cannot deny the changes I've seen in my skin. It looks and feels healthier, with less wrinkles and redness to boot. Since this is my night routine, I follow up with "Under Age" an ultra hydrating moisturizer. This is a rich cream (I use a very small bit with each application) but my skin just sucks it right up. I can't give all the credit to the serum, as I feel this moisturizer contributes a great deal to softening my skin and smoothing out fine lines as well. Of course, it's also got a lovely rose garden type fragrance. Amazingly, not perfumey or too floral, but rather fresh smelling...like a bouquet of botanicals.

There are lots more options you can add to this routine, especially if you have special concerns. There's a botanical acne gel in the line, a moisturizer with sunscreen for day use, a deep pore cleansing mask and a body scrub as well. The only extra treatment I've tried so far has been KMF's "So Refined" facial scrub. I use it once a week or whenever I need a little oomph in my complexion. Next I'm itching to try their "Eyewitness" eye repair cream and "Balancing Act" toner.

When it comes to Kiss My Face I have to admit, I might be a bit biased. They're based right next to my little hometown and I've been familiar with (and a fan of) their products since I was a high schooler. Another fact I love about Kiss My Face is that they're the only independently owned major natural personal care company. And the company is still owned and operated by the founders!

I may be a fan of beauty products, but there have been plenty of casualties over the years—products that just didn't work, moisturizers that fostered breakouts, too heavy, too smelly...the list goes on. How refreshing it is to find a line that works for me, and that works to benefit the earth as well! Happy Earth Day!

To get some of your own earth day treats check out: http://www.kissmyfacewebstore.com/

Break me off a piece of that ART!: Helena Garcia

I have a darling little 18 month old. Those are her gorgeous brown eyes up in the header there. Not long after she was born, I set about designing her room. Of course, with a big sister in the house, much of her room was decorated with hand-me-downs. Determined not to let my second child get the perennial shaft, I made sure there were a few things that are all her own—the lemon colored walls, the white sheer curtains with hot pink polka dots, and a perfect set of prints from illustrator and artist Helena Garcia.

OK, so I had my eye on Helena's work before baby #2 was even in the picture. Who wouldn't be charmed by her colorful world of cheeping birds, adorable rocker chicks, and shared sushi yumminess?! Framed and placed on my little one's walls, I knew they were a hit when my big one, who was two at the time, instantly decided..."that's me! I'm the one with the guitar!" and "Look at me, I'm walking with my music." Notice her sister wasn't mentioned at all there. Still, I'd say little sister is the one who wins out. After all, she gets to wake up with Helena's illustrations everyday.

Having spent a lot of time looking at "I Love Music" and "A Stroll" while I rocked my sleepy, sick, or just plain cuddly baby, I came to the conclusion that for me, good design is truly comforting. Throw in the additional "cute factor" of Helena's art—I mean isn't the little animal ear hat in "A Stroll" is an inspired choice?!—and I'm comforted even more so. Her saturated color choices warm me and the musical themes found throughout her illustrations speak to what it's like being a girl who loves music (which I still happen to be to this day). The flat 2-D nature of Helena's work reminds me why I love being a print designer, and her "less is more" approach makes her art very accessible to children and adults alike.

Speaking of which (my big one's new favorite phrase), I aim to choose art for my children's walls that will grow with them and I felt these prints were perfect for that. Nothing against the "nursery art" trend, I've made some nursery art myself in the past. But much the way adults converse naturally with babies to encourage receptive language and verbal skills, I want to give my daughters more than just the equivalent of visual baby talk. I want my home to be filled with art that they notice, that interests them, and that they enjoy. As I rocked my little one the other night, thinking of how she'll someday be too big to rock, she pointed to "I Love Music" and said "guitar." That's when I was reminded once again, of what a good choice I made buying Helena's prints. Oh yeah, and I was also reminded that one is never too big (or too little!) to truly RÖCK!!!

For more on Helena Garcia's rockin' illustrations check out: http://helenagarcia.com/