Heart Art

Love this very personal heart art. 

The Etsy site suggests doing this for couples, but wouldn't it be great with kids' fingerprints, too? Perfect for a sweet (and can never be replicated) Valentine's Day gift.

*****

Couples Valentine's Day Personalized Art by FlutterbyePrints

Vintage Inspired Flash Cards

I am still in love with the idea of decorating with flash cards (see my posts here and here) and I just found the sweetest vintage-inspired flash card designs while shopping on Etsy last night.

From Gaddie + Tood, these flash cards feature the prettiest little illustrations. I love them the most in this gray color palette. And a touch of glitter is even an option!

Wouldn't these cards be so beautiful displayed in a nursery? They would make a great gift, too! Shop for them here. 

*****

Alphabet Vintage Flash Cards from Gaddie + Tood via Etsy

John W. Golden

I first discovered John W. Golden's work a couple of years ago through The Land of Nod. His "By Order of the Management" series  is a favorite of mine.

Although this collection is meant for children, I can't help but love it and I finally ordered this print for myself. 

I think it is perfect for my office!

I also ordered this print. Love this little guy.

I would like to add these prints to my collection one day in the future.

You can check out all of John W. Golden's work on Etsy and The Land of Nod.

*****

No Jumping on the Bed via The Land of Nod
Go Ask Your Mother via The Land of Nod
By Order of the Management Series via Etsy
Inspire Someone 
Low Top Converse Style Sneakers
Limerick

David Lloyd

While checking out Etsy yesterday, I came across this print by David Lloyd. I love it – it's kind of everything that I want to be. That girl looks effortlessly chic with her hair knotted in a bun, big jacket and leather bag. You can't tell for sure where this girl is walking, but to me, it just feels like New York. Reminds me of the time I used to live there, walking crosstown to get to work each day.

See the David Lloyd Gallery Etsy shop for many more gorgeous works. Some prints are fashion, some are living spaces, others are cars and even dogs. Much to see so check it out!

*****

Figure Woman Fashion Green Coat Urban City

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my most favorite stories of all time and I like to read the book and watch the movie each year. (I'm actually in the middle of the book now.) There have been many great designs for book covers and movie posters over the years, and I am loving this version of the film poster by Claudia Varosio on Etsy. It is so sweet in this trendy color palette (also a favorite of mine). 

This piece is sold as a 12"x18" print but I would love to see it even bigger. Wouldn't it make a lovely statement as a large scale piece? Maybe in my home...

You can check out more of Claudia Varosio's delightful work here.

*****

image via Claudia Varosio on Etsy

Yellow Button Studio

I think that art should look nice but also make you feel good. I recently discovered Yellow Button Studio on Etsy and am loving these prints.

Perfect for a nursery, these would look wonderful framed side by side. I like their repetition of form and sweet little messages.

*****


I love you to the moon 8x10 print
You are my sunshine 8x10 print

Au Revoir!

My fiance Chris and I are headed to Europe tonight for a long-awaited vacation. We'll be spending the next two-and-a-half weeks visiting Amsterdam, Croatia, and Paris. Yay! I can't wait. It's been nearly 3 years since our first trip to Paris together and we haven't stopped dreaming about it since.

In honor of our trip overseas, I wanted to leave you with this sweet image.

This illustration holds a very special place in my heart. It was given to us by Jillian and her family when we got engaged. I absolutely adore it! I imagine that this is what Chris and I will look like as we stroll through Paris, although Chris is unsure about that outfit :)

I'll be posting some of our favorite photographs throughout the trip, so please stay tuned! And of course, I'll be gathering lots of inspiration for future posts...including visits to H&M Home and the Paris flea market!

xoxo,
Mindy

*****

Children's Wall Art Paris from Sarah Jane Studios via etsy

Dreaming of Paris

Dreaming of Paris with these fabulous Parisan-inspired typographic prints... 

*****

left side: Paris City of Love by The Love Shop via etsy
right side: YES (You Complete the Picture) by Trey Speegle via 20x200

It's a Good Day

Do you read DIY Magazine? I'm kind of obsessed with it. The magazine is chock full of great do-it-yourself ideas from the Better Homes and Gardens team, as well as amazing homes and projects from incredibly talented artists and DIY-ers. I am in awe, and so inspired, after reading each issue. 

Another great thing about DIY Magazine? They feature lots of Etsy sellers, and I love discovering and supporting independent artists. I thought I would share a new find from the most recent Summer issue. 

This print caught my eye. It was in the background with some other artwork in one of the magazine spreads. I googled the phrase and discovered Wicked Paper Co.—a delightful design studio with inspiring, typographic prints. I fell in love with their work and thought the print below would make a great way to end the week. 

Wishing you all a good day, and a great weekend!

See you on Monday!

*****


It's a Good Day to Have a Good Day via Wicked Paper Co.

Tied Up With String

It all started with this string...yarn actually. Walking through ACMoore one day, I spotted it at the end of an aisle and scooped it up. I consider myself to be a bit crafty but don't have any idea how to knit. I do however, like to give gifts, and decided that this unique yarn would make a lovely ribbon for a special gift. 

Paired with a couple of spiral-bound notebooks and a pen from Muji (one of Jillian's favorite stores), and a Merci greeting card from Richie Designs (one of my favorite Etsy sellers), this little collection is so sweet in its simplicity. 

Sometimes all it takes is a curated collection of a few beautifully-designed items—tied up with lovely string—to make a big impact. And just the right way to say thank you.  

*****

all images by The Pink Chalkboard

Speaking of Graphic Gray and Yellow...

Inspired by Jillian's gray and yellow post, I found this letterpressed love letter by Sycamore Street Press. 

A different take on the theme but so perfectly gray, yellow, and graphic. Isn't this poem sweet? So fitting for Valentine's Day week.


*****


Our story will always read...LOVE by Sycamore Street Press on etsy

Chalkboard Favorites

Last week, we started a new series called Chalkboard Favorites where we show items that we are currently loving. We're planning on doing a Favorites post every other week but we couldn't resist doing a love-themed one for Valentine's Day today. We think these posts will be a fun way to show our favorite things but we would love to hear about your top picks, too! Have a favorite item you want to share? Leave a comment and let us know about it!

*****

Jillian's pick: Kirtland House Press's Valentine's - Love via Etsy
Mindy's pick: Rifle Paper Co.'s Valentine's Day Postcard

Coni Della Vedova

We were recently introduced to the work of graphic designer, Coni Della Vedova. Her etsy shop, coniLab, is filled with lots of charming typographic designs that are all handmade screen prints. 

Take a look at Jillian's favorites...

(How sweet is that toothbrush graphic?)

And here are Mindy's favorites...

(More Beatles inspiration!)

And finally, a little inspiration for all of us to end the week...

Happy Friday!

*****

all images via coniLab

Kate Bingaman Burt

I recently came across Kate Bingaman Burt's etsy shop and instantly fell for her sweet little illustrations documenting consumption.  A bunch of cassette tapes have never been so charming!

Or if memories of mixed tapes from the 80's aren't your thing. How about something for your kitchen, craft room, or sun room?

*****

images via kateconsumption on Etsy, from top to bottom

Mixtape Poster Volume 2

Kitchen Tools

Tools for Making

Mostly Succulents

Happy News!

Oh my, do I have wonderful news to share!

On December 30th, Mindy got engaged!  Hearty congratulations, Mindy and Chris.  Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, joyous goodness, and sparkly bits.

*****

All You Need Is Love letterpress print by Durnall Designs via Etsy

Happiness

How can anyone resist the brightness and energy of this series?  Especially when you find out that it's called Happiness Series!

Seeing those vibrant colors and energetic brush strokes in my home every day would certainly make me happy.

*****

Happiness series
Series of 4 paintings
(Optimism, Happiness, Success, Flow)
image via heikesee shop on etsy.com

Speaking of fabulous florals...

Isn't this chair from Found Design Miami gorgeous?

I was immediately reminded of Jillian's Fabulous Florals post when I spotted it on Etsy. The pattern and bright colors are so beautiful.

Do you know what is even more fabulous about this chair?

The floral pattern is completely hand painted!

The ladies at Found Design Miami rescue old furniture and refinish it. In this case, they spent over 20 hours painting the floral design on upholstery-grade linen. I think the effect is absolutely amazing. Check out more of their work here!

*****

Pardon the Garden Chair via Found Design Miami on Etsy

Beautifully Baroque

Last weekend while at Lowe's checking out their ceiling medallions, I spotted this lovely chandelier hanging in the lighting aisle.  

image via Lowe's

It reminded me of Urban Outfitters' faux chandelier.

image via Urban Outfitters

(Wouldn't a cluster of either of these hanging lights look really great?)

Anyway, it also made me realize how much I love the baroque silhouette...and how designers are interpreting this style in new and fresh ways with modern materials. 

For example, this frame from Ikea is simply striking.

image via Ikea

And the Bourgie lamp designed by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell is quite enchanting.

image via Architonic

I love everything in glossy black too. But West Elm's dinnerware in white is equally eye-catching.

image via West Elm

But what if you are in the mood for some color? This cardboard chandelier silhouette in bright pink from Etsy seller Seequin may do just the trick. 

image via Seequin

Whether in color, or black and white, these contemporary takes on an antique concept would add a lot of drama and impact to any room.

Venn Diagrams

While combing through The Dieline, a wonderful package design website, I came across this packaging by Ricardo Colombo for Eyo, a cellular phone maker.

I like the layering of translucent colors and it reminded me of venn diagrams.  Venn diagrams are often colorful and simplistic, and therefore, right up my alley.  Here are two sweet ones that I've come across recently:

Unity 'You & Me' Print

You & Me Venn Diagram Perfection

And just think of the other clever messages you can use in a homemade venn diagram. Maybe for an invitation for a party thrown by two people? Or even a birth announcement? Oh, the possibilities!

Goldfish

I have had my eye on this lacquered box by Thomas Paul for a few months now. (I have a serious design crush on Thomas Paul...see my post here). I think the goldfish illustration on this box is just so cute. I LOVE orange too!

Thomas Paul Alabaster Lacquer Box in Goldfish Mandarin

It got me thinking about goldfish and what a quirky design element they can be. It turns out that there are some really great goldfish-themed home accessories available! Here are a few of my favorites.

How cool is this letterpressed clock from Two Paper Dolls?

Goldfish Clock

The print on this skirt from Anthropologie is so dreamy.

Goldfish Bowl Skirt

Here is a sweet goldfish illustration on this tea towel from Etsy seller Oh Little Rabbit.

Screen Printed Organic Cotton Goldfish Flour Sack Towel

I think the pattern on this hand-made Japanese Kozo paper from Paper Source is really beautiful. I actually have this hanging in our apartment as art. 

Yuzen Fish on Pool Fine Paper