live. breathe. design.

i haven’t shared any nature photos in sometime. we all know how i really enjoy the natural design and beauty of nature. i find it so inspiring in my own work.

as of right now, my new favorite flower has to be the peony. they are so bold and bright – i love how this huge flower pops out of this comparatively tiny little bud. mine are spreading and i am finally getting a nice amount of them – i had to share!

next step? i think a pre-designed invitation set with gorgeous peonies – check back for updates!

this week’s “pack it up, baby!” features another vintage design. this one was a particularly unique  find (thanks again to Tom). federal meats is a local butcher shop with several locations and has been around since 1930, making it a buffalo,ny staple. this insulated paper bag looks like it was from the late 40s or 50s. the illustration is so whimsical and charming in it’s simplicity. what is particulary exciting about this find, is that my father-in-law is a long time employee and manager of federal meats. so not only is it a great piece of local graphic design history but we have a personal connection to it, too! enjoy

i love vintage ephemera, it is one of my favorite things to check out at estate sales and thrift stores. it’s so often the items that get tossed aside, that it is so exciting when you get to see some little bits here and there. my good friend, Tom Walton of Bossa Nova Bungalow came across a huge pile of mid-century decorating items. magazines, ads, paint swatches – all collected with the intention of a fabulously modern mid-century home re-do! we spent hours last night pouring through all of the fabulous goodies. i shot some photos of my favorite pieces and will be sharing them with you over the next few weeks.

i love the layout of these samples. it is so organized and easy to navigate. plus the swatches all running together have a great visual effect! from the type to the wonderfully organized layout this is a very nicely designed piece.

i really enjoy the texture in this irish linen swatches – might need to do something design with that soon!

just a little color and whimsy for your day. this bird is available on etsy.

i love the fabulous work of amy prior & carly schwerdt. they are textile designers for umbrella prints in australia. their hand screen printed fabrics are just beautiful. the color choices and the boldness of the patterns really pop and are perfect for making a statement piece. think bright pillows on a neutral palette!

photos from the umbrella prints etsy shop.