Lottie Loves...

Book Review in Mollie Makes

2012-01-25T18:02:00.000Z

I'm having one of those weeks where I just can't find the time to blog… However I just wanted to post this lovely review of my latest book, I Heart Stationery, which has been reviewed in Mollie Makes...

{Home} Erin Dollar Cushions

2012-01-23T09:22:00.003Z

Hello and happy Monday! Starting the week with these gorgeous cushions from LA-based Erin Dollar… More from her here...

Weekly Loves & Happy Weekending!

2012-01-20T14:23:00.001Z

Happy weekend my dear readers! I hope you all have good ones… In the mean time here are my weekly loves to send you on your way…

no.1 Fur Neil Moon Print
no.2 Circus Print from Bodie and Fou
no.3 Yellow Owl Workshop Recipe Cards
no.4 Hometown Mug
no.5 Perfect Match Postcard
no.6 Pointillism Embroidered Hoop
no.7 Feathered Heart Card
no.8 White Random Spot Pillowcase
no.9 Twisted Necklace
no.10 Envelope Journals

Blog of my week… Hello Paper...

See you Monday!

{Type} Typographic Cards from Pigeon Pie

2012-01-19T14:08:00.000Z

From Pigeon Pie Design in Perth, Australia come these fun typographic cards… I especially love the Up The Duff one! More from them here...

{Type} Knitting Tote

2012-01-19T12:00:00.000Z

Loving this knitting tote from New-York based Astor Knot… via here…

{Type} Cassette Tape Valentines

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000Z

How very lovely a gold foil stamped cassette tape valentines card… For the music loving girl or boy in your life…. From Artistry Cards...

{Paper} For Keeps Valentines

2012-01-18T14:00:00.000Z

New from Shanna Murray are these cute / cool valentines cards… Available in Gold or Neon Pink...

{Paper} Hand Painted Valentines

2012-01-18T11:00:00.003Z

More gorgeous work from the lovely Amy Marcella… This time a set of five valentines cards… Find them here...

{Paper} Mini Empire

2012-01-18T09:00:00.001Z

Love this print from Swedish shop Mini Empire… More here...

The Creative Loves of… La Rara

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000Z

This week on Creative Loves we travel Down Under to Sydney and speak to the lovely Lara of La Rara… Lara designs a fantastic range of stationery. She screen prints her designs on to cards, notebooks, gift tags etc and has recently started digitally printing some items such as postcards and calendars. Originally from London Lara went to Sydney for three months but five years on she still hasn't left… Welcome Lara!

Can you tell me about your work space? I work from home and since having a baby last year, my studio has had to turn into a nursery! So for now I am making do with the kitchen table and living room. So there are a lot of boxes and there isn’t much room to spread out so I have to be incredibly tidy. But I am lucky to live in a flat with lots of light and a lovely view of the beach so it is a great place to spend time working. I have BBC radio on in the background.

Have you always been creatively driven? I worked as a press officer for galleries and museums in London and theatres in Sydney. I was so lucky with the places I worked and I loved it. However, I decided to have a break from that and see whether I could turn my hand to something more practically creative. I’ve always enjoyed drawing and making things so I did a graphic design course, bought some screen printing equipment and so it begun…I got a stall at Bondi market and it slowly grew to being a proper online business and I haven’t looked back.

What inspires you, where do you go for ideas? I get my inspiration from lots of places. I love kikki.K, anthropologie, Liberty. Sydney has so many amazing independent shops. I love clicking through blogs and often find ones which I can never find again. If I find a particularly lovely or inspiring image then I save them on my posterous. And then everywhere from antique books to side street galleries to Japanese paper shops and Scandinavian design blogs.

Please tell us about your current Creative Loves…

Photography – Martin Parr & Julia Mortimore

Illustration – Tabitha Emma

Blogs – The Design Files, Cup of Jo & Honestly…WTF

Magazines – Real Living & Inside Out

Shops Paper 2, Follow & White Rabbit Gallery

What is a typical work day for you? I am lucky not to have one. It could be anything from sourcing new materials, designing future prints, screen printing or delivering cards to a stockist. However, I seem to be forever going to the post office, that remains constant!

What projects are you working on at the moment? I just reopened my online store after maternity leave and a break from printing and so I am busy creating everything that I have been thinking about and planning over the last year. My two 2012 calendars are out, tote bags, notebooks and even screen printed hankies! I am also now concentrating on the bespoke side of the business and launching lots of new designs for wedding invitations and birth announcement cards.

What has been the most interesting or exciting project you've worked on and why? I am always really excited about Finders Keepers. Running a business online means that you never come face to face with your customers so for a queue of them to be standing in front of you is just brilliant.

In terms of your work what couldn't you live without? My Mac and my gocco screen printer.

What do you love most about what you do? I love the calm and satisfaction you get from an afternoon screen printing. Also the validation you get when you see your own cards in shops. The whole philosophy of ‘if you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work’ thing.

What do you want to do in the future? I’d love to carry on building up La Rara so that my products are sold in shops around the world!

Where are you happiest? Anywhere with my new little family.

Thanks Lara!

{Home} My Kitchen is for Dancing

2012-01-16T13:00:00.002Z

Love this… Definitely applies to our kitchen! From the Joy of Ex Foundation… Owner Sally also makes fun totes...

{Home} Yvestown Studio & Shop

2012-01-16T09:00:00.001Z

Happy Monday all! I hope you had good weekends…. Have you seen the new Yvestown Studio and Shop on Ikea Live? Above is a little sneak peek but see here for all the images and details of the make over…. I love the colourful balls of wool on white and the mix match coloured chairs…

Weekly Loves & Happy Weekending!

2012-01-13T13:00:00.000Z

Happy friday and happy weekend… I hope you have good ones… Here are my new style Weekly Loves…

no.1 Cheers Coaster
no.2 DIY Wall Display
no.3 Painted Plate
no.4 Mimi Lou Lampshade
no.5 Mountain Bag
no.6 Sarah Abbott Illustration
no7. Evan and Zoe's Aussie Wedding
no.8 New Years Resolution from Style Cookie
no.9 Ten Patterned cards from the RK Shop
no.10 I Love You Cross Stitch Hoop

Blog of my week… A House in the Hills…

See you Monday!

{Make It} A Fabric Wallpaper Door

2012-01-13T10:00:00.001Z

Happy Friday all…. What a great weekend DIY project this is from Jessica over at How About Orange… A great way to change up the doors (or walls) in your home… Get the full how to instructions here… Thanks Jessica!

{Type} Type Tote & Mini Goals Chalkboard

2012-01-12T14:00:00.004Z

Some lovely type design for your Thursday afternoon by way of this Market Tote and Mini Goals Chalkboard from Portland-based designer and illustrator Mary Kate McDevitt… See more of her lovely type work here...

{Type} Glittery Gold Birthday Banner

2012-01-12T10:00:00.001Z

I want one of these! So pretty… They are made to order by Confetti Design Shop… More here...

{Paper} Bunting Cards

2012-01-11T14:47:00.000Z

Handmade bunting cards from Rainy Day Colours…. Don't you just love? More here...

{Paper} Retro Chair Prints

2012-01-11T11:00:00.000Z

Love these prints from by New York based designer Christa…. Available here and here….

The Creative Loves of… Satsuki Shibuya

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000Z

Creative Loves is back and we're starting the year off by bringing you the creative loves of the wonderful Satsuki Shibuya. Satsuki is a Los Angeles based product and textile designer / crafter / life aficionado! Her background is in graphic design, but she found myself longing to create things for the home and for everyday living, hence where she is today primarily making products for the home with a selection of other goods such as tote bags and business card holders. Welcome Satsuki!

Can you tell me about your studio space? I have a room dedicated to my studio in our home, which is connected to our kitchen space. It actually works out perfectly as I tend to spend the most time in these two rooms. Before moving into our new space, we lived in a loft where my 'office' was literally situated in the corner of the living room. It pretty much consisted of two tables, one being my computer desk and the other was the 'miscellaneous' table, which included everything from cutting fabric, sewing, printing, packaging orders and anything else that needed to be done. The new studio is spacious, airy with wonderful natural light and I can finally have individual stations so that there is no need to shift things around. The best part about the space is being able to display all the little things that I have been collecting over the years and being inspired by them every day. My own little wonderland of sorts. It has truly allowed me to be more creative and productive, which in turn brings on new dreams and ideas.

Have you always been creatively driven? I've always enjoyed using my hands to craft things. I remember in junior high school, we had a home economics class where they taught students how to sew and cook. I loved the class so much that I ended up taking it twice! even then, I felt it wasn't enough to satiate my cravings to learn more. My other obsession when I was younger was ceramics. I began classes at 6 and by 9, I was throwing large pots on the wheel and selling them at the monthly community pottery sale. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to continue taking classes, but I definitely would love to get back on the wheel. During college, I majored in music as I had been playing the piano since 3 and thought that it was what I wanted, but after pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter, I felt the need to create visually. After returning to college for the second time and dabbling in a bit of fine art, digital medial, interior design and fashion design, I was introduced to graphic design which ended up being the place where I (re)found my love for hand processes. Upon graduating, I knew I wanted to start my own company and decided to take the plunge and began zakka nouveau (now known as Satsuki Shibuya). It started out as a graphic/product design company, but quickly changed focus to product design as I realized how much I enjoyed that aspect of the company. I think the moment when the dots connected for me was when my mom said to me, "ever since you were young, you always loved using your hands and it's like you're going back to what you do instinctually." I must say that it feels like I am finally back home after a long journey of trying to find what it is that i wanted to do.

What inspires you, where do you go for ideas? It might sound generic, but everyday happenings and nature inspire me tremendously. It may not be as direct as seeing a leaf and drawing it for a pattern design (or can be), but in the bigger scope of things, I think it is more the feeling that I get from situations. The breeze that carries the smell of fall might conjure up colors in my mind for a collection or the sun rays peeking through the clouds after a storm can bring on emotions that will be a part of a product name. I am also inspired by individuals who carry their own unique philosophies towards the work that they do and when you can actually see these thoughts in the physical world. Oh, and I'm sure it's hinted in my work, but I am enamoured by Scandinavian and Japanese design.

Please tell us about your current Creative Loves…

Photography - Dabito of Old Brand New & Jennifer Young

Illustration - Small Adventure & Darling Clementine

Graphic Design - Louise Fili & Tea Time Studio

Home / Interiors - Another Country

Blogs - Hello Sandwich & Fieldguided

Books - Lotta Jansdotter Handmade Living

Magazines- Haru-Mi & Frankie Magazine

Shops - Saana Annuka & Marimekko

What is a typical work day for you? Everyday is different. Some days I might start off jumping out of bed and hoping onto my computer anxiously trying to get some ideas down and other days I start the morning with a cup of tea and toast to allow myself some space before embarking on the day. Then it's usually a combination of sewing/processing orders/packaging up orders/working on various business matters and making sure to put time aside to catch my breath. But with everything, I try to pace myself and listen to what my heart/mind/body is telling me. If i'm feeling burnt out from the day, I stop what i'm doing and do something else completely unrelated to clear my mind. Sometimes I will even take a little nap to recharge my batteries. I've realized for myself that no good ideas come from a body that is tired, a mind that is burnt out and a spirit that is worn. Along with all that is going on, I try to make it a point to spend time with other creatives who inspire me as it helps me to see things from a different perspective.

How do you approach each project? What tools and materials do you use to create you work? For each collection I start by having a theme or story behind it. For example, my previous collection, the golden rabbit (SP/SU'11), was based on the idea that this year (2011) is of the golden rabbit, which is said to bring good fortune/luck to people, but on the flip side, balanced by natural world disasters. I wanted to create a collection based on the philosophies of this year and to visually express the thoughts swirling around the idea. With the direction in place, I begin to collect fabric samples, pull images that might have a particular color or image that might fit with the collection, sketch, and write notes. Then I step away for a few days to let all the elements gathered simmer in my mind until something concrete comes together. Once I feel that everything has settled and a clear direction emerges, i move forward. As for materials, I usually work with natural fabrics (cotton and linen) and for the fabric printing use soy-based inks.

What projects are you working on at the moment? Right now i'm in the middle of preparing for the FA/WI '11 collection that is scheduled to be released in november. I've also recently changed the name of the company from zakka nouveau to satsuki shibuya and have been working on the website/shop/blog and also other collateral related to the name change. There's always something to work on!

What has been the most interesting or exciting project you've worked on? I don't have a most interesting project as every project i've worked on since starting zakka nouveau has been fun! I tend to not be able to do any work that I don't feel 100% excited about so each project/product that i've had the chance to work on thus far as been a wonderful experience.

In terms of your work what couldn't you live without? I couldn't live not doing what I do. I feel like it is an extension of who i am as a being and a way for me to communicate with the outside world. I finally feel like i've found what I have been so desperately looking for and without it, would be lost again.

What do you love most about what you do? The best part is when I see someone using what i've created in their everyday living or shares with me their experiences in regards to the items they've purchased. The thought of my own two hands creating something from a plain, flat piece of fabric into an item that someone can breathe new life into is just amazing. With the limited resources that we have, I feel that everything created should have a purpose whether it is to bring someone happiness or function within the lives that we live. I hope to be able to create things that will be a mixture of both.

What do you want to do in the future? I would love to grow the company into more of a lifestyle brand which would include: linens sourced from natural fabrics (duvet covers and pillow cases just to name a few), ceramic & wooden goods, furniture and possibly even rendezvous into bags and clothing. I envision all the items being limited edition as I would want each piece to be created by hand with attention to craftsmanship. My dream is to one day have my own bricks and mortar shop where customers could come visit, directly interact with the products and have the space to chat over a cup of tea and some sweets (that I baked fresh in the morning). A place to connect hearts.

Where are you happiest? At home with my husband and pup skippy enjoying an afternoon lounging around while looking out the window at the blue skies overhead.

Thanks Satsuki!

{Photography by Jennifer Young and John Miller}

{Home} Wooden Bread Boards

2012-01-09T16:14:00.000Z

How lovely are these chopping boards from Snug Studio, a small company based in Hannover, Germany… Love the Cloud and Caravan but they also do super cute Bear and Hippo boards… More here...

{Home} Swedish Countryside Retreat

2012-01-09T14:04:00.000Z

I am completely in love with this Swedish home… Everything about it is just perfect, especially that rocking chair :)

{via Ikea Live}

{Home} Plush Pillows from Gingiber

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000Z

Hello dear readers! I am back and kicking the year off with one of my favourite recent finds, these gorgeous plush pillows from the wonderful Gingiber who I featured on the blog last year… I love them, especially the Owl… Lots more here…

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T09:10:00.000Z

Hello! It's a bit late I know but Happy New Year dear readers! I've taken a bit of an extended break to enjoy my first holiday season with our bubba but will be back to regular posting next week… I hope you're all well… Cxo

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-21T15:15:00.002Z

Dear readers… Thanks for another year of your great readership and support...I'm signing off for the year now and will be back in early 2012 with lots of great blog posts and a new book, exciting! In the mean time I wish you all very happy and relaxed holidays wherever you are in the world and whatever you're doing… Enjoy! Cxo

{Home} Starry String Lights

2011-12-21T11:48:00.001Z

Love these...

Weekly Loves & Happy Weekending!

2011-12-16T15:00:00.026Z

Happy weekends dear readers…. Here are some fun things I've come across this week… See you Monday!

♥ Colour crush… Yellow!

♥ Win a Crimbo mixtape...

♥ Loving Neon necklaces...

♥ …and Neon decorations...

♥ Confetti cards...

♥ Crimbo present wrapping inspiration...

♥ Amazing children's bedroom makeover!

♥ Love this home in Sweden...

♥ And these Petra Borner prints...

♥ Blog of my week… Caroline Briel...

{Image by me}

{Make It} Felt Ornaments

2011-12-16T11:12:00.002Z

What a lovely DIY project from the brilliant Jordan of Oh Happy Day… Full instructions here...

Crimbo Packaging Inspiration

2011-12-16T09:56:00.001Z

Loving this packaging… By Hey Look… via here...

Gold & Silver Bakers Twine

2011-12-16T08:04:00.001Z

Just in time for all that wrapping…. Gold and Silver Bakers Twine from Knot & Bow… Get yours here… Plus some packaging ideas here...

{Little Loves Type} This Paper Book Prints

2011-12-15T10:26:00.000Z

Love these….. Which one to get though?

{Paper} Loving Gingiber

2011-12-14T10:00:00.000Z

I just discovered these delight that is Gingiber's Etsy shop… Owl Calendars, Narwhal Prints and a Calico Cat… What's not to love? More here...

{Home} Heart Zeena Lovebird Blanket

2011-12-12T10:32:00.002Z

Love this gorgeous lambswool throw! New in at Heart Zeena...

Weekly Loves & Happy Weekending!

2011-12-09T16:00:00.000Z

Happy weekends dear readers…. Here are some fun things I've come across this week… See you Monday!

♥ A bicycle skirt… Who knew?!

♥ A DIY festive wooden spool wreath...

♥ How to make glitter play dough...

♥ Love this stick art...

♥ And these bunting wall stickers...

♥ Beautiful handmade banner wedding invitations...

♥ How to make chocolate bark… yum!

♥ Lovely triangle mugs...

♥ And what a gorgeous book for the first year of a little one's life, love it!

♥ Blog of my week… Varpunen...

{Image via here}

{Make It} A Heart Garland

2011-12-09T10:00:00.000Z

Love love love this crafty garland idea… Thanks to Oh Crafts...

{Type} Seventy Tree

2011-12-08T13:17:00.000Z

Love this Good Times print from Seventy Print!

{Type} Hello Yoke!

2011-12-08T09:16:00.000Z

I've been meaning to post about these guys for a while… Yoke is made up of illustration and print duo Mark & Zoe who set up the company last month. They design and print lovely typographic stationery and textiles up in Scotland… Find out more here….

{Paper} Rie Elise Larsen

2011-12-07T10:17:00.000Z

As a someone who is obsessed with all things paper I'm so happy to have discovered these gorgeous paper goodies by Danish designer Rie Elise Larsen… Aren't they pretty? I particularly love the circus creations... More from her here… Thanks to Uppercase Magazine for the tip!

{Little Loves} Wallpapers & Print by Mimi's Circus

2011-12-05T12:00:00.001Z

Loving these super gorgeous wallpapers and print for little ones from Mimi's Circus… More here...

{Home} Hello & Wooden Rugs

2011-12-05T08:01:00.001Z

Hello dear readers! Apologies for the lack of posts this last week… Life just got the better of me :)) But I'm back, starting the week with these amazing wooden rugs by Elisa Strozyk… Aren't they just special? via here and here...

{Home} Nordic Apartment Inspiration

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000Z

I am loving this super cool city apartment... The colours, the simplicity and lovely wooden boards… via here...

{Make It} Colourful Animal Jars

2011-11-25T12:00:00.009Z

From House to Home comes this cute DIY project… All you need are some simple glass jars, a selection of plastic animals and spray paint… Full instructions here...

{Type} Le Tote & Le Cafe

2011-11-24T09:00:00.001Z

Don't you just love these? Le Tote and Le Cafe… From Oh Leander… And apologies for the lack of posts of late, I'm having another one of those busy life weeks!

{Home} Hand Painted Jars

2011-11-21T12:00:00.005Z

I love these hand painted jars… They featured as a giveaway here but I think you could also create your own quite easily :)

{Home} Little Studio Prints & Cushions

2011-11-21T09:00:00.004Z

Love these… From the wonderful Swedish store Little Studio…

Weekly Loves & Happy Weekending!

2011-11-18T19:15:00.004Z

Happy weekends dear readers…. Here are some fun things I've come across this week… See you Monday!

♥ Liking grey with pops of pink for the home...

♥ And just some plain old grey dots!
♥ Cushions for type lovers...

♥ Love this stop motion wedding...

♥ And the most gorgeous flowery wedding...

♥ Some summery prints for these wintery nights

♥ And also for these winter nights, how to make marshmallows!

♥ And this cosy fog image..
♥ What a brilliant car play mat...

♥ And kitchen makeover…

♥ Blog of my week… Caroline Briel...

{Image via here}

{Make It} Christmas Decoration Inspiration

2011-11-18T12:00:00.000Z

Last year Abby of Aesthetic Outburst created 20 handmade Christmas decorations in 20 days… Here are my faves as some inspiration for all you crafters :)

{Little Loves} Raindrop Cushions

2011-11-18T09:00:00.005Z

How very cute… Raindrop cushions for little ones by Zu… They also make lots of super sweet cloud cushions...

{Type} Lovely Print

2011-11-17T12:00:00.000Z

Oh, I love this print…. Gorgeous typography and beautiful letterpress, my favourite things! via here...

{Type} Typographic Crimbo Cards

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000Z

Love these cards… From Akimbo… Get yours here...

{Paper} Washi Tape from Lotta Jansdotter

2011-11-16T11:08:00.000Z

How pretty… I love Lotta's designs...

{Home} Make It Kits by Harvest Workroom

2011-11-14T12:00:00.004Z

Love these Make Your Own Kits from Harvest Workroom … Find them here..

{Home} A Little Desk Inspiration

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000Z

Love this little working corner… via Scandinavian Deko...

Weekly Loves & Happy Weekending!

2011-11-11T16:00:00.000Z

Happy weekends dear readers…. I hope you all have good ones… In the mean time here are some fun things I've come across this week… See you Monday!

♥ These gorgeous images of la playa Mexico make me wunderlusty...

♥ How to make Marimekko balls...

♥ Love this party in a box!

♥ And this tea pot print...

♥ New Mindy Kaling book, looks good...

♥ Flecks of gold colour crush!

♥ A black and white paper world… sweet...

♥ A Show Stopper print...

♥ Peonies and pom poms…. divine...

♥ Blog of my week… Personal Uniform...

{Image by me}

{Make It} Glass Jar Typography

2011-11-11T12:00:00.000Z

Another great DIY project from Jordan of Oh Happy Day… Love it, so simple… Full how to here..

Papery Bits from Krafty Designs

2011-11-11T09:00:00.001Z

Just for Friday are these papery bits from Krafty Designs… Aren't the jar labels cute? More here...

{Type} How Strange… by Fionn Breen

2011-11-10T14:26:00.001Z

Gorgeous work from Aussie designer Fionn Breen… More here...

{Little Loves} Typographic Loot Bags

2011-11-10T14:00:00.000Z

Love these… Found here...

{Type} Lisa Rupp Calendars

2011-11-10T09:00:00.002Z

I've featured Lisa Rupp's gorgeous floral tea towel on the blog and just spotted these two calendars she has created for 2012… Aren't they lovely…. More here...

{Paper} MT Tape Galore

2011-11-09T14:00:00.000Z

Wow don't you love this! An MT Tape Expo and amazing MT Tape exhibition… Spotted and hearted on Hello Sandwich…. All images by Hello Sandwich… Thanks for sharing Ebony :))

{Paper} Letterpress Calendars

2011-11-09T12:00:00.003Z

New in at Found are these two lovely letterpress 2012 calendars… Charlotte Trounce created the Olympic theme one and Stephie Ginger the Queen's Diamond Jubilee one… Both were printed by UK letterpress specialists Blush…. Get yours here and here…

{Paper} Ashley Le Quere

2011-11-09T09:00:00.001Z

Love these pieces by UK illustrator Ashley Le Quere… More from her here including a very nice Winter Hat Cushion :)

Weekly Loves & Happy Weekending!

2011-11-08T16:00:00.002Z

Happy weekends dear readers…. I hope you all have good ones… In the mean time here are some fun things I've come across this week… See you Monday!

♥ These gorgeous images of la playa Mexico make me wunderlusty...

♥ How to make Marimekko balls...

♥ Love this party in a box!

♥ And this tea pot print...

♥ New Mindy Kaling book, looks good...

♥ Flecks of gold colour crush!

♥ A black and white paper world… sweet...

♥ A Show Stopper print...

♥ Peonies and pom poms…. divine...

♥ Blog of my week… Personal Uniform...

{Image by me}

The Creative Loves of… Painted Fish Studio

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000Z

This week we have the lovely Jen Shaffer of Painted Fish Studio on Creative Loves… Based in St. Paul, Minnesota she makes handmade books and cards as well as creating lovely photographic prints using here old Polaroid cameras...

Can you tell me about your work space? I do the majority of my work on my dining room table. The dining room feels like the biggest space in my little house. I don’t like feeling cramped, and I love natural light. I’ve got a big table, and I make neat little piles of projects and tools. If I need to use the table for dining, I can easily scoop up my piles and move them to areas where I store supplies.

Have you always been creatively driven? Mostly, yes. My mom could draw anything, and she was a gifted writer. My siblings and I grew up without a television on a hobby farm, and we had unlimited access to art supplies and books. We were encouraged to create and entertain ourselves, and my creative pursuits continued into my adult years. There have been times in my life where creativity has been put “on hold” but I’ve made it a priority for the last few years… I do not want to it to take a backseat to other areas of my life that aren’t as fulfilling.

Can you tell me how you get into what you are doing now? I’ve always wanted to do this. As a kid, I “sold” my stationery to my grandmother and neighbors. In college, I started a handmade greeting card business while taking a small business course, and my senior year I took my first bookbinding course. After college, I continued learning bookbinding techniques at Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and I built up a good-sized inventory. I was too shy to approach bricks and mortar shops to sell them… so they were stored in boxes, until a friend convinced me to open my Etsy shop in 2007. Now my work is in local shops as a result: shop owners find me through Etsy and approach me, rather then me trying to sell myself to them.

What inspires you? I’m constantly observing what’s happening around me, and I probably spend too much time online. But my best ideas happen when I’m unplugged and walking my dogs.

Please tell us about your current Creative Loves…

Photography – Flora Douville and Sandra Juto
Illustration – Sophie Blackhall and Gemma Correll
Graphic Design – I’ll take a pass on this one… I see graphic design everywhere!
Home / Interiors – Bloesem and Covent Garden
Blogs - Creature Comforts and Where the Lovely Things Are
Books – Starting from Happy, Autobiography of Alice B Toklas and The Book Thief

Magazines - New York, The New Yorker and Uppercase
Shops – Muji, Etsy! and Uniqlo

What is a typical work day for you? I work full time in IT, so my creative time is sometimes brief and sporadic. A typical day starts with a dog walk, then I’m away at my job for about 9 hours. When I get home I catch up on blogs, eat dinner, and take the dogs for another walk. Then it’s time to make: I usually pour a glass of wine, and turn on some music or stream a TV show on my computer, and get started. I love ending my day creating & making.

What projects are you working on at the moment? I’m currently working on a new series of sturdy notebooks that have punched covers. I’m hoping those will debut in the beginning of October. I’m also thinking about using color paper for my punched cards, instead of relying on the bright white paper I love. And I really must start making some new Polaroid cubes! I’ve had boards cut for over a year now, I just need to find time to focus on assembly. AND I need to prepare inventory for the upcoming holidays… I’ve got a few other ideas up my sleeve, too… My to-do list is always full.

What has been the most interesting or exciting project you've worked on and why? Last year I self-published a book with my friend Jen Victoor, called WORD. It’s the print version of a 2-year collaboration in which we’d take turns picking a word, then we’d photograph our interpretation of that word with Polaroid film. I have a background in graphic design, so I was able to put the book together and find a printer that specializes in self-published books. It was so much fun, and so exciting to see our names and photographs in print!

In terms of your work what couldn't you live without? Paper!

What do you love most about what you do? I love the excitement that builds as an idea percolates in my head, and the giddy feeling as the idea becomes a useable object. And if other people are as excited about it as I am, then my head almost explodes!

What do you want to do in the future? I have dreams of opening a little shop. It wouldn’t necessarily feature my work… I think I’d rather sell work that I love that is made by others. Sometimes I think it’s the greatest idea I’ve ever had and it’s what I’m meant to do, but sometimes the thought of it is overwhelming and tiring. Right now is not the right time for me… but maybe it will happen some day.

Where are you happiest? Honestly, I am happiest when I am traveling, roaming a city with no agenda. I go to museums and galleries… I shop at boutiques… I eat in small cafes… I spend the afternoon reading with a wine glass in hand… and my mind wanders. When I’m traveling, I feel like I can do anything, be anyone I want to be, that anything is possible. I’m very fortunate that I can satisfy my wanderlust frequently and experience that happiness a few times a year.

Thanks Jen!

{Home} Flour Sack Tea Towel from Amy Marcella

2011-11-07T13:00:00.001Z

Love this… It's new in from Amy...

Mason Bags… I want!

2011-11-07T11:11:00.000Z

Canvas and leather Mason bags… Coming soon to The New Domestic shop… Want!

{Home} Gorgeous Plates from Zuppa Atelier

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000Z

I'm back! Apologies for the connection blip last week… So, I'm starting the week with these divine painted plates from Zuppa Atelier... Each is hand drawn and carefully hand painted… More here…

{via here}

Off Grid!!

2011-11-03T15:06:00.000Z

Hello dear readers! We are away at the moment and the internet connection here is RUBBISH so I've not been able to get any of my posts up this week… It's frustrating, but just one of those things, and if I'm honest it's kind of nice being off grid :) However, I hope to get it sorted for next week and get back to posting… Until then… Cxo

{Image here}

{Home} A Colouful Kitchen

2011-10-31T15:00:00.001Z

I just came across these snapshots from the kitchen of the brilliant artist, illustrator and collector Lisa Congdon… Really digging the colours… Images here and here...

{Home} Houndstooth & Spin Wheel Tea Towels

2011-10-31T13:00:00.001Z

Love these tea towels from Avril Loreti… Great colours, great patterns! More here...

{Little Loves} A Room for Two Girls

2011-10-31T09:00:00.004Z

Hello and Happy Monday! Starting the week with some home inspiration by way of this gorgeous girls bedroom… Girly without being too girly… It was created by photographer Caroline Briel… More here...

Weekly Loves & Happy Halloween Weekending!

2011-10-28T16:00:00.022+01:00

Happy Halloween weekends dear readers…. Here are some fun things I've come across this week… See you Monday!

♥ A fridge full of peonies… pretty...

♥ Pink dipped in gold… love...

♥ Stripetastic!

♥ How to make tights with patches… like this a lot...

♥ Stencil inspiration for your home...

♥ Calligraphy necklaces… I want!

♥ A sweet printable halloween garland...

♥ Sew your own Chewbacca!

♥ Brrrrrr… Cold weather comforts...

♥ Blog of my week… The Seventy Tree...

{Image via here}

P.S. A pinta costume… Genius!

{Make It} Autumnal Envelopes

2011-10-28T12:00:00.000+01:00

Love this seasonal envelope 'how to' from Oh Happy Day! Get the full instructions and downloadable PDF here...

Happy Halloween // Day of the Dead Garlands

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000+01:00

In honour of Halloween weekend, some fun Day of the Dead skull garlands… Aren't they cute? I love how they all have different expressions on their faces…

{Type} Festive Window Decals and more...

2011-10-27T12:00:00.003+01:00

A bit early for (shhhhh, Christmas) I know but I'm loving these window decals, stickers and tea towel from Attik72… Love the lettering, love the white...

{Type} Jessica Hische 'Should I Work for Free' Print

2011-10-27T08:11:00.000+01:00

New in from Jessica Hische is this lovely letterpress print of her now famous Should I Work for Free flowchart… It's a classic, get yours here...

{Paper} Watercolour Business Cards

2011-10-26T12:00:00.000+01:00

I found this here… What a genius idea… LOVE...

{Paper} Drop Prints from Seventy Tree

2011-10-26T09:00:00.000+01:00

Love these… From Seventy Tree….

The Creative Loves of… Me & Amber

2011-10-25T12:20:00.000+01:00

Today on Creative Loves we have the wonderful Me and Amber, an image-making and design business based in Sydney, Australia. Me and Amber is Karen and Amber who studied graphic design together at university and have been friends since kindergarten. While they do some freelance design work, the majority of their business is handmaking a range of products, including greeting cards, artworks, tea towels and cushions.

Hello Me and Amber… Please tell us who you are and what you do! We launched Me and Amber in 2003 out of the simple desire to work together and be creative in a more hands on way than a conventional design job could offer. Our work is mostly hand screenprinted. We love everything about this process – it’s immediacy of result, the excitement of printing a new design for the first time, the fact that it isn’t mass produced… Our designs feature simple, bold silhouette graphics, much of which is combined with typographic elements inspired by old books.

Can you tell me about your work space? We both work from home, so our workspaces are filled with lovely things that we’ve collected over the years - artworks that we’ve fallen in love with (many by our wonderfully creative friends), beautiful art and design books, handmade ceramics pieces, heaps of old books and magazines. While we try to keep things organised, and put everything in its right place, there are times when work overtakes the entire house (at the moment our dining table has turned into a work bench, and the hallway is an obstacle course!). so perhaps the nicest description would be… organised chaos!

Have you always been creatively driven? We have both always had a real love for art and design. at high school, art was by far our favourite subject, and we’d spend as much time as possible in the dark room and art studio. In our final year of uni we were fortunate enough to collaborate on our major project. We just loved working together, and it turned a stressful time into something really enjoyable. this got us seriously thinking about starting up a partnership, and me and amber evolved from there! The business allows us to combine our passions for art, design and making. it’s not easy to find a job that fits into all of these categories, so we created one ourselves!!! Our business gives us the freedom to be creative in a hands on way, work for ourselves (which is very appealing!) and use our design skills.

What inspires you? Inspiration comes from all over the place… old shopfront signage, an amazing window display, visiting our favourite galleries, travelling to foreign cities, vintage children’s illustration books… Old books also inspire us… the tactile quality of their worn pages, beautifully refined typography, hardback covers in more shades than you could dream of, and their sense of memory and nostalgia.

Please tell us about your current Creative Loves…

Photography – Bill Henson
Illustration – Kat Macleod, Clemens Habicht and Stormie Mills

Graphic Design – Ortolan and Frost
Home / Interiors – Cloth and Bonnie and Neil

Blogs – The Design Files and Design*Sponge
Magazines - Inside Out, Paper Runway and Frankie
Shops – Planet, Lulu and Published Art

What is a typical work day for you? We don’t really have a typical workday, it changes from day to day. some days we are just busy screenprinting orders, and other days we are more focused on creating new designs and products. Unfortunately it’s not all creative - the business side of things takes up more time than we’d like it to (and we find this quite challenging!), and we have to wear our accounting hats far too often…

What tools and materials do you use to create you work? As we handmake most of our products ourselves, we source local products and support local business wherever possible. We try to make design that will last, so our work is sustainable in a timeless sense as well as environmentally conscious. our greeting cards are hand screenprinted on 100% recycled paper. The cushions and tea towels are pure linen, which is a durable fabric that lasts a lifetime, and is far more sustainable than cotton. all of our screenprinting is done using water based inks.

What projects are you working on at the moment? An exciting collaboration with a very clever friend of ours… too early (and secret) to reveal any more!

What has been the most interesting or exciting project you’ve worked on and why? A number of years ago we worked on some business cards for the guys at ksubi to take to london fashion week. each staff member gave us a little brief, and we made personalised business cards, where no two were the same… they were sewn, illustrated, hand stamped and photocopied.

In terms of your work what couldn’t you live without? Each other…

What do you love most about what you do? Working together means it doesn’t feel like work at all, it’s more like hanging out and being creative… we are the best of friends, so we are in a really lucky situation, where we are the best bosses / work colleagues you could ever hope for! We share similar values and aesthetics, so it is really easy to bounce ideas around and we both get it.

What do you want to do in the future? Continue doing what we love, and maybe one day open our very own store.

Where are you happiest? Anywhere surrounded by family and friends, or travelling...

Thanks Karen & Amber!

{Portriat image by David Clare of First Light Photography}

{Home} Swedish Home Love

2011-10-24T12:00:00.001+01:00

How completely gorgeous is this apartment? The white walls… The pops of colour… The floor… It's divine!

{Via here and here}

{Home} House Throw by Donna Wilson

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

Love this gorgeous new House Throw by Donna Wilson… Perfect for cold winter nights :)

Weekly Loves & Happy Weekending!

2011-10-21T16:34:00.000+01:00

Happy weekends dear readers…. Here are some fun things I've come across this week… See you Monday!

♥ These look so yum!

♥ Oh to be lying on this day bed right now…

♥ A blog dedicated to washi tape...

♥ Building a loft bed… great idea, great space saver!

♥ Retro swimming caps - LOVE ...

♥ A letterpressed boombox…

♥ Inspirational colour crushing…

♥ 3191 miles apart is back… love this photography blog…

♥ Wedding favour totes, what a lovely idea…

♥ Blog of my week…. A Little More Like This...

{Image by me}

{Make It} Hello Sandwich Cheese Box

2011-10-21T12:00:00.001+01:00

This week's tutorial comes from Ebony of Hello Sandwich… Learn how to make your own cheese box… Full tutorial and print out here!