Send a Telegram

Here is some letterpressed goodness to share with you!

These vintage-inspired note cards are part of the Telegram series from Portland-based studio Oblation Papers & Press.

telegram note

telegram thank you

memorandum

certificate

I think they are so cute! I actually just sent a telegram to a friend of mine for her wedding.

Oblation Papers & Press designs and letterpresses beautiful greeting cards, wedding invitations, baby announcements, and correspondence. You can see more of their work here. If you'd like to see the note cards in person, I found them for sale at One Shot Coffee in Northern Liberties. 

Rochdale Cider

Here on the east coast, the weather is slowly turning cooler and I'm starting to think of all things fall. There's plenty of time to get into the pumpkin and Halloween spirit, but until then, it's apples that are on my mind.

Maybe that's why I am so drawn to the packaging on this Rochdale Cider.

Designed by Supply in New Zealand for the McCashin family, the goal was to "...revive Rochdale Cider, one of its original brands from the 1940s. Rochdale was, and still is, produced by a local orchard and brewery in Nelson, New Zealand. The family wanted Rochdale to represent history and tradition, but feel fresh and new within the growing cider market.  So the brand, packaging and collateral needed to communicate a "retro cheek" that referenced its heritage but captured a modern audience."

They certainly succeeded -- and were then recognized with a Third Place win in The Dieline Awards 2011.  Well done, Supply!  Now I just need to find this fabulous packaging (and I'm sure delicious drink) here in the States.

*****

quote and top images via The Dieline

bottom image via rochdalecider.co.nz

A different idea for cowhide

Jillian and I both love the color palette of gray, white, and yellow. (Yellow is also one of the things that make us happy). Doesn't it look so nice in this white room with the charcoal gray headboard and pops of yellow?

What really got my attention here though, is the metallic cowhide on the wall above the bed. I think it is terrific that designer Royce Pinkwater chose to hang it as artwork. The texture on the wall creates quite a striking effect in this room. 

I also appreciate that it's not the usual cowhide--a hint of metallic silver is just what this room needs and I love that it comes through in this piece. 

image by Thomas Loof for House Beautiful

Want more cowhide? Check out my post featuring other unique cowhide area rugs.

P.S. Don't you just love that tufted headboard? You can find it here at West Elm!

A Great Bookshelf

A well-curated library or bookshelf piled high with books is a great conversation piece and looks fantastic in a home.  I've always been a fan of big art books and pretty coffee table books but I never got around to creating a large book collection.  A few years ago, I succumbed to the fact that my home just wouldn't ever have one of those great rooms chock-full of gorgeous books.  That is, until I saw these prints on 20x200 and realized that I could take a markedly different approach...

Ideal Bookshelf 1

Ideal Bookshelf 5

Ideal Bookshelf 6

Ideal Bookshelf 42

Ideal Bookshelf 102

This series by Jane Mount is called Ideal Bookshelf.  Ideal, indeed!  Imagine a collection of these prints stacked one on top of the another.  Not only would it resemble a whole bookcase, but think what a different and beautiful conversation piece that would be.

Buff Strickland

Even though Fall is officially here--the changing leaves, pumpkins, and cozy evenings spent with friends--we are not quite ready to say goodbye to summer!

It feels like there is still so much that we want to do and the long sunny days of summer will be greatly missed.

That's why we love these images by photographer Buff Strickland. She has an incredible ability to capture the warmth of a moment and the images below feel like summer to us. Aren't they so dreamy?

We first found Buff's photography in Travel + Leisure magazine and think her work is enchanting. You can see her portfolio here and find sneak peeks and little personal stories on her blog here.

Enjoy!

Clover Market

Clover Market is a wonderful outdoor vintage market located just west of Philadelphia in Ardmore, PA. It started a couple of years ago and there a few sale dates each Spring and Fall. The vendors are all carefully curated so that their vintage and hand-made pieces (which include home accessories, furniture, jewelry, and clothing) really complement each other. 

There was just a sale this past Sunday and I have to say, it was the best Clover Market so far! There were more vendors than in past years and the shopaholic in me was so tempted! It was hard to limit myself to just a few purchases. Luckily there is another sale next month because I am regretting not buying a bunch of things that I spotted this past Sunday. What was I thinking?

One item that I did scoop up was this rotary telephone from one of my favorite vendors, Nannygoat Antiques. The phone is a really great piece--nice, heavy, and authentic. It reminds me of the telephone that my grandparents had in their house when I was little. (Yes, I remember spending the night with them and rotating the dial to call my parents--it was all very exciting at age 4!). The rotary dial on this phone doesn't work anymore which is totally fine because I plan on DIY-ing this little beauty anyway...

Do you remember Jillian's post about her favorite accessories featured in this Fall's Boden catalog? One item that she featured really caught my attention and I've been dreaming about making something like it ever since. Here it is:

Pretty great, right? I adore those polka dots. So my plan is to find a cute pattern (these polka dots maybe, or this zig zag perhaps) and decoupage my vintage telephone. I'll be sure to post photos of my "after."

In the meantime, please be sure to check out Clover Market! The next sale is on Sunday, October 16th. You can find all about the Market here on their site and our blogger friend Susan from Fleurishing posted some great photos from Sunday here. (Hi Susan!)

Hope to see you in October at the next Clover Market!

*****

top image by The Pink Chalkboard

bottom image via Boden

Cupcakes and Chocolate

I've mentioned before that I am a big fan of cupcakes (here, for example). Yes the cake and icing is yummy, but that's not their only appeal.  I actually just think that cupcakes are kind of fun -- a perfect, pretty package of cake goodness and cuteness.

Baked by Melissa takes cupcake cuteness, though, to a whole new level. 

These literally bite-size beauties are absolutely delicious.  If you are in New York City, you have to stop by one of their locations.  The tie-dye cupcake with it's colorful sweetness is my favorite but cookie dough is a close second.    

And check out the newest member of the Baked by Melissa family -- cupcakes dipped in chocolate!  

I haven't tried them yet (yet being the operative word) but their packaging alone makes them purchase-worthy.  With their colorful graphic pattern, and knowing the rest of the Baked by Melissa products, I'm sure these are equally, if not more, delicious.

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

Zentangle and Doodles

Have you heard of Zentangle?  It is apparently the newest craze. Their website describes it as the following:

Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being.

Here is an image from the Zentangle website:

I haven't tried it yet myself, but it reminds me an awful lot of the drawings that my father has been doing for years.  His self-described "doodles" were his activities through years of college, law school, and meetings in years since.  They are a study in patience and detail and are lovely little works of art.  Here are some of my favorites:

*****

top image via Zentangle.com

all remaining images by Joe Danziger

Thank you, Pottery Barn

We think it's nice when stores treat their clientele more like friends and less like customers. That's why we were so touched to see that Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids are offering a 15% off discount to those whose homes were affected by the recent hurricane and downpours that have been happening.  Thank you, Pottery Barn and PB Kids.  Your discount is quite thoughtful to those in need and we appreciate that.  Here are some of our favorite items in their stores:

Hanging Clipper Airplanes

Critter Chairs

Cubby and Open Base Set 

Decorative Pendants

Framed French Iconic Prints

Germain Arched Mirror and Whitney Fluted Glass Task Floor Lamp

Exeter 16-Jar Pendant

Linen Pinboard

Fashionable Reads

I spotted this ad for Macy's that features their latest designer collaboration--Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse. 

I just love that this rich, vibrant background is composed entirely of books. I find myself carefully studying the image over and over to see if I recognize any of the titles. Do you see any of your favorites? 

I think this ad is so beautifully styled!

Oh, and I'll take a pair of those shoes too, please...

Pretty Lights

Here at The Pink Chalkboard, we like a lot of twirly, swirly things.  We've written about that kind of stuff here and here but I just came across something I've never seen before --- twirly light bulbs!  

Aren't these fun and so unexpected?  A little twist on an everyday item.

*****

images via anthropologie.com

My Favorite Dining Room

I am kind of obsessed with this dining room that was featured in the January 2010 issue of Canadian House & Home magazine. I adore every single element...especially the pendant light and the curvy metal chairs. Did you notice the painted ceiling? It is original to the house!

photographed by Per Kristiansen for House & Home

Owned by Matt Carr (designer at housewares brand Umbra) and Joyce Lo (co-director of the Drake Hotel General Store), their home is a fantastic example of industrial chic. You can see a full video tour of their house here.

Re-Sails

Over Labor Day weekend, I travelled to Newport, Rhode Island for a friend's wedding.  It was a wonderful affair set against a gorgeous scenic background.  Newport is known for its coastal scenery, architecture, delicious seafood, and for the hundreds of sailboats that dot their coastline. While I took in the beauty of the town and engaged heartily in the eating department, I did not take advantage of the sea-faring opportunities.  Unfortunately, boats and I don't get along very well.

I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the boats, though, and was delighted to come across these bags and products made from recycled sail cloth by the company Re-Sails.

The Original Recycled-Sail seabags

Recycled Sail Garment Bag

The bags below aren't made of sail cloth but carry the same graphic punch. I especially like the idea of having a different initial bag for each person in your household. Talk about personalizing your bags in a bold way!

Alphabet Tote

Square Duffel with Sail Number

Here's what the collection looked like in the store I spotted them in.  Aren't they super fun?

They feel perfectly nautical and Newport-y to me.  What a great way to keep the memory of a very fun weekend close at hand.

*****

all images except bottom image via resails.com
bottom image via Jillian Moskovitz for The Pink Chalkboard

hello friend!

Loving this collection of images that capture such a sweet phrase.

greeting card by Durhamhouse on etsy

homepage for design studio hello-friend.com

greeting card from Invita Paper Studio on etsy

gift tag from 3 creative sisters on etsy

greeting card from Vivian and Rose on etsy

greeting card from Spoon and Sailor on etsy

greeting card from Anemone Letterpress on etsy

Happy Monday, friends!