Words to live by

I really enjoy pieces of design that have a hand made or crafted feel. That is why I love cut paper or hand drawn type posters from the 1960's. I was inspired by those posters to create a series of five posters that incorporate famous quotes that I really love. Below are two of the five posters.

All of the posters are somehow inspired by New York, not all as literally as these two. New York and it's classic architecture, rich history and constant buzz is a constant source of inspiration. Hope you like them.

Make: Coffee Sleeve

Today I want to share with you the instructions to make a rockin' coffee sleeve. With the cold weather here why not dress up your favorite warm beverage with this simple project.

You will need:

- a cardboard coffee sleeve (to use as a template)

- a scrap piece of medium density felt

- freezer paper

- fabric paint and brush

-chalk

- a punch or exacto knife to cut out your design

- sewing machine (or a needle and thread)

- iron

First, fold your felt in half and using your chalk trace the coffee sleeve and cut it out.

Next, cut or punch the design out of a piece of freezer paper that will fit on your sleeve. Iron the waxy down to adhere the freezer paper to your felt. Using your fabric paint and brush stencil in your design.

Finally, using either a sewing machine or your needle and thread, sew the two short edges together and viola a great gift for yourself or the coffee lover in your life. This is only one way to decorate your coffee sleeve - you could also embroider, stud or glitter your design so let your imagination run wild.

(Canadian) Thanksgiving : Thanks Mom

This past weekend was Thanksgiving and as usual my mom made it beautiful in an non-traditional way. I think that when people think of Thanksgiving they think of deep, dark colours, corn and turkeys but it doesn't have to be. The thoughts behind her Thanksgiving decor were fall colours, nature and natural fabrics.

The dishes are vintage Vera sunflower plates which are great for the summer when mixed with white but equally beautiful for fall when mixed with a natural linen table cloth.
The flowers are from the back yard and the leaves were picked up on a walk in the park. The flowers keep with the colour palette by using varying shades of yellow. You don't have to match colours exactly - if you keep it monochromatic it will work.
Lastly, my mom's untraditional dessert - carrot cake. But doesn't it just make sense? Carrots are a great fall vegetable in a beautiful fall colour. So next time you're planning a dinner or family gathering look to what you have in your cabinet and how you can use it in a different way. I hope that these photos inspire you to look at things in a different way.

Make: Letter Carrier

As this week is back to school and I love stationary I thought I would share with you the instructions to make an easy stationary carrier to keep for yourself or give to a friend.

You'll need:

- A piece of card stock 8.5" x 11" and another 5.5" x 5.5"

- miscellaneous stationary (cards, envelopes, papers, post cards, stickers, etc)

- a small notebook (optional)

- paper clips, binder clips

- embellishments and a label

- a sewing machine (or double sided tape)

- a utility knife and ruler

First, score the piece of 8.5" x 11" card 5.5" from the edge to aid in folding in half accurately. Use your ruler to find a pleasing angle, use your utility knife to cut the corner off of your 5.5" square to create a shape similar to one above.

Use your sewing machine to attach the pocket you created to your other piece of card. I use the longest stitch and move quickly. If you do not have a sewing machine use double sided tape, craft glue or a glue gun to affix. Next stuff the pocket with all of your bits and pieces and use the paper clips to hold stickers or notes. You can even paste an envelope to the other side to create a second pocket.

And finally, decorate the front with a label and any other embellishments you have on hand. Use a binder clip to keep your folder closed. This is a great way to keep stationary on hand in your tote bag or on vacation. I've even given these to friends and family going on vacation and loaded them with postcards, stamps and luggage tags. Have fun and write often.

Design Moment : The 60's

Inspiration can come from anywhere and lately it seems that I have been attracted to item's that are from the 60's or at least reminiscent of them - the colours, the patterns, the modern simplicity and of course the abundance of glamour.

Above are some recently collected examples:

(1) A vintage fur coat, (2) Hector and the Search for Happiness, (3) Kate Spade datebook, (4) Pete Molinari, (5) White Stripes Holga camera, (6) Sephora by OPI Only Gold for Me Top Coat, and (7) Last weeks New York Times Style Section Bee Hive tutorial.