This week I’m focusing on design inspired by books. I’ve written about books before; I just love books so much!
Penguin Books espresso mugs
These espresso mugs aren’t based on the content of the books, but rather on the classic Penguin book covers that are so recognizable. You know I love that little orange one! (via dress, design, decor)
This is a wonderful collection of bags by Kate Spade. There are currently 3 book of the month clutches available: Great Expectations, The Great Gatsby, and The Importance of Being Earnest. Great idea! I’d think I’d like a Jane Eyre bag. (via Design Crush)
collection of Penguin Classics cloth-bound books
Here we’ve got beautifully designed cloth covers. For the well-read and design-conscious, I’d say. They look so lovely together; they’d really spice up a bookshelf. (via Design*Sponge)
If you’d like to make your own book, cover and all, perhaps you can use this simple Japanese style binding technique. It looks like fun, no?
What are you reading now?
-April
Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.
I’ve never tried Dr. Bronner’s bar soap, but I’ve been using the liquid soap for years. I always used to get peppermint, but I just switched to the citrus scent (big surprise, right?). I like both!
Nice packaging and it’s organic; this scrub is on my list of things to test out! Have you ever used a cleansing scrub?
A classic by Phoebe Buffay. “Lather rinse repeat.”
What’s your favorite bath product?
-April
Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.
I take my daily walks pretty seriously. Maybe “seriously” isn’t quite the right word, but I do like to make sure that I take one everyday! They’re fun, and they get me out of my home office and away from the computer. Yesterday I brought my point-and-shoot with me, and I got some okay pictures that look waaaaaay cooler after polaroid-izing.
I like how these flowers are tumbling over the wall.
I’m a huge fan of snail mail (since I design note cards and all), and the Brookline USPS is one of the paces I visit most often.
Happy yellow flowers spotted on my way home.
This woman was pretty much glowing in a sunbeam of afternoon light.
I like to take photos so I can keep track of the cool things that make me smile. It’s great inspiration. Plus, when I bring my camera I make a point to look around me instead of just letting things pass by in a blur.
Welcome back to the ELM blog for another installation of Lost in Thoughts! Today I’ve got some neat-o find for you; things that make me think, “oooh, that’s cool!”
When I was little, we had bins filled with colored pencils and crayons. If we stored them like this, we probably could have filled two full walls. (via Megan Charland)
Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.
On June 18 – 20, I had the privilege of attending my first muslim wedding, and it was an absolute delight. I wrote about the events and posted photos here. Everything was new to me, super colorful, and totally inspiring. Have you figured out this week’s theme yet?
While cruising around flickr looking for photos of Muslim weddings, I stumbled upon this beauty. Wow, I just love it! The lighting, the way she’s holding her veil back with her beautifully hennaed hand, just everything. What a pretty bride. Check out Shelton Muller’s photostream here.
My friends are Pakistani, but the food is virtually the same as Indian food. It was just delicious, but also way spicier than I’m accustomed to. My mouth was on fire, but it was so worth it. Yum! Plus, it’s fund to eat such brightly colored food. See more from mycameraspeaks here.
I know you guys like to see photos of me on the blog, so here I am! My boyfriend and I are laughing because we’re doing a prom pose. Both of our outfits were made in Pakistan; I really, really love mine. It’s such a gorgeous green and it’s all silky soft. I felt a little like a princess wearing custom-made clothes! See more of my pictures from the wedding here.
The first night of the wedding, people (myself included) danced for the bride and groom. One of the dances was to a Bollywood song called Billo Rani. I have no idea what it’s about, but it is incredibly catchy. It really gets started at 00:46. Enjoy!
To learn more about Muslim and Pakistani wedding customs, check out this and this.
What is your favorite thing about weddings?
-April
Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.
Hello! Yesterday I was reading the blog Carrots ‘n’ Cake, and I loved Tina’s post about prom season. She inspired me to share pictures from my own senior prom with you!
Can you tell that I’ve always been a fan of the color orange? I loved my prom dress. I felt so pretty, and that’s really a great feeling!
I’m working on a custom project that involves a lot of red paper cranes. I thought it would be fun to share this little sneak peek, since I’ve been spending so much time folding!
I was contacted about making a heart out of paper cranes, and I thought it would be an interesting challenge. My client will be giving this piece as a wedding gift, so that’s pretty exciting! I’ll share more pictures when it’s complete.
I recently designed this birthday card for Google Forums. There is a forum for each of Google’s products so that users can get their questions answered and share their experiences using the product. This year marks the 1 year anniversary (or birthday) of a few of the forums. Google will be sending these cards to the users who have been the most helpful within the forums to say thank you.
Google Forums are used in countries around the world; we wanted to embrace that, so Happy Birthday! is featured in 25 languages. The pyramid in the center of the card is the Google Forums logo, which was designed at some point last year by another designer. I’m quite pleased with the way the design turned out, and it was certainly an exciting project!
The Details ★ Folded card
★ White envelope
★ Size A2 (4 ¼” x 5 ½”)
★ Printed locally on 100% recycled paper
Oooh! Would you check out all that color. This calendar would brighten up your work space, don’t you think? I especially like the way the colors coordinate with the seasons.
It’s those two little buttons. They just won me over! The mustard + blue-grey is a great color combination and the shape of the dress would be so adorable on a little girl.
I like to see movies if Zooey Deschanel is in them. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’m completely drawn in. Maybe it’s the big eyes? She’s seems different – in a good way – and I like her style. She wears a lot of vintage clothing (I get that impression anyway), and it suits her (so does pink). Added bonus: she’s got a gorgeous singing voice. You may have heard her sing in Elf; she’s also in a delightful band called She & Him.
I recently saw Away We Go. Alexi Murdoch does the soundtrack, and his sound just works so well with the movie. Both the soundtrack and film are thoughtful and lovely.
Today’s question: What movies have you seen recently?
-April
Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.
Hey there. As I was collecting ideas for today’s inspiration post, I happened upon a number of things that struck me as bold and beautiful (now I’m thinking about a soap opera that I’ve never seen!). These are statement pieces.
Oh goodness. Please, can I have this? It’s so beautiful. It makes me want to put on a fancy dress, a silk scarf, and some mittens and spin around under the moon on a chilly winter evening. Yeah, I see all that when I look that this coat! Don’t you?
I’ve had typewriters on the brain since I saw these cool DIY housewarming party invites on Oh So Beautiful Paper. According to the product listing, this right here is the “Ferrari of typewriters.” I guess I have good taste! I love that it’s red and would really make a desk look snappy.
I doubt you’re surprised that I like a glittery orange necklace. Just look at that! Wow. This necklace makes me think of gemstone exhibits, in the very best way possible. As a kid, I used to go to the gem and precious stones show with my mom every year. This reminds me why I always loved that show!
A few weeks ago I mentioned how much I enjoy intricate paper cutouts. This commercial for the New Zealand Book Council brings the book to life with animated paper cutting. Very cool. I also like the Council’s message, so I’ll share a quote from their website:
Like no other human activity reading opens up our imagination. It enables us to understand those around us. It allows us to project the future and reach back into the past. Reading can entertain, challenge and educate. We believe that reading can transform people’s lives.
Today’s question: What are you imagining today? I’m imaging myself at a sleek, red typewriter typing up a letter to a friend overseas. Then, dressed in a knee length twirly dress and a necklace bursting with orange gemstones, I’ll don my elegant double breasted wool coat and boots so I can drop my letter in a mailbox before continuing on my way to the used bookstore to pick up a story in which I can get lost. So I’ll ask again, what are you imagining today?
Do you need some last-minute gift ideas? Check out my gift guide. I also have some holiday cards left, if you’ve waiting until the last minute!
-April
Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.