The Image That Keeps On Giving

I love when a page in a catalog is chock-full of pretty things and interesting ideas. Take this page, for example, from Land of Nod's latest catalog.

The glitzy doilies were the first thing to catch my eye but as I looked longer, I found more things that I liked. Here is a breakdown of the things I like most on this image that just keeps on giving.

1. glitzy doilies
They look like they were doused with silver glitter, possibly sprayed silver, too? Such an easy (and inexpensive) way to add some shimmer and texture to a wall.

2. gold lamp
It's small but perfect in that space as the focal point of the bed. I like how graceful the curve is.

3. white lights
A string of white lights hung and gathered like a curtain. It feels festive but even during non-holiday times when it is turned on, the room would feel warm and cozy.

4. fabric garland
An alternative to paper buntings, this is simple, graphic and modern.

I always enjoy looking at the styling of catalogs for ideas of things to do in my own home. Land of Nod just does it so well!

Crayon Creativity

If you like art or if you have kids, chances are you have a bunch of crayons lying around. Crayons are great, of course, when they are fresh and new but not so much after they break. What to do then with your broken crayon bits?

Leave it to the geniuses at Land of Nod to come up with something so simple and cool. This has DIY written all over it. It looks like they took a piece of corrugated cardboard, cut out a letter and then hot glued all the crayon bits to it. Don't feel like cutting out your own letter? This would work as a starting point, too.

Another fun way to play with crayons....

Never Give Up

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you have lovely plans for the weekend. 

My brother is in town with his wife for a long weekend and I'm excited for some quality family time. He is in the Marine Corps and getting ready to go away, so my post today is dedicated to him. 

A favorite quote of his by Winston Churchill, this could very well serve as my brother's philosophy on life. I am so in awe and inspired by his dedication.

Here's to a weekend full of family, heroes, and lots of hugs. See you back here on Monday!

*****

Never, Never, Never Give Up flag greeting card via This Paper Ship

Jim Oliveira

It's been a while since I've posted about an artist here but I just came across the work of Jim Oliveira and I am in love. Beautiful colors and organic shapes with just a touch of transparency. So pretty.

*****

original artwork by Jim Oliveira exclusive to Jonathan Adler
top image: patchwork #2
bottom images, clockwise from top left: patchwork #20, patchwork #7, patchwork #3, patchwork #18

Madewell's Fashion Map

This USA map from Madewell makes my heart go pitter-patter. 

Just look at these little fashion details! What a vivid way to help customers think about dressing for cooler weather. Be sure to click here to see a whimsical stop motion version of this map. 

I discovered this yesterday on Madewell Musings, the brand's super cute blog. It has become a daily must-read for me, with their content a refreshing combination of fashion and lifestyle moments. They even have some great music selections available for free download. Good stuff!

*****

image via Madewell

A Calming Kid's Retreat

I'm loving this image of a kid's room found in Dwell Studio's latest catalog. It is calming and moody and those papier mâché clouds just invite creativity. I know it's common to have a punch of bright color in a room (especially in a kid's room) but there is something so refreshing about this image. A cool gray bed against dusky blue-gray walls makes a clean backdrop for the white flag garland and puffy clouds. Relaxing yet playful. Great for a bedroom and absolute perfection in my book.

Dogs Rock

For all of you dog lovers out there, I have a special treat for you. These vintage-inspired illustrations by graphic designer and illustrator Stephen Fowler, are part of a series called Dogs Rock.

I grew up with a Scottie named Macintosh, and my mom bought the above illustration to add to her extensive collection of Scottie-inspired items. As irresistible as this little guy is, I can't help but fall in love with some of the other images (and dogs!) from the series. Take a look at these cuties.

Irresistible, really. You can view the entire collection, and all of Stephen's amazing work, here.

*****

All images via Gemini Studio Art originals by Stephen Fowler