So Clever

I love it when you see something and think...this is so clever and yet so simple. That is what I thought when I saw this fabulous poster by Jason Dean on For Print Only. How many logos can you identify? I scored a 21/26. I don't know if I should be proud of that or not...

Antique Railroad Cabinet

St. Louis Craigslist Antique Railroad Cabinet ($250)

I saw this piece and just had to post it. I can't begin to find a place to put this in our small two bedroom house, but someone just has to have this. You can find it here.

Bathroom Inspiration: Part 1

As I mentioned in a previous post, Jeremy and I are preparing to redo our bathroom (many updates to come, I'm sure). I have been looking everywhere for inspiration and have found some amazing ideas. I really want to play up the character of our old brick bungalow and not go too modern in our bathroom. Since a claw foot tub is out in our small space, I am looking to repurpose an old wash stand or antique piece as a vanity. This has been harder to find than I had hoped.

Ottoman: Before & After

I inherited this small stool from my grandma several years ago and just recently found the perfect fabric to cover the cushion. I found a scrap of fabric at an antique store (for $1 I might add) that I couldn't live without. After some black spray paint and a few staples, I am loving my transformed ottoman and can't quite decide which room to put it in.

Not your Grandmother's Calendar

So, now that all of the holiday craziness is over, I am realizing that I need to switch over to the new year and get a 2010 calendar. I know, I am a little behind:) A calendar is a big decision for me as a graphic designer. Last year, I had the privilege of working with Cheree Berry Paper and Lifeguard Press on a wall calendar, desk calendar and agenda for Lilly Pulitzer. We are so pleased with how they turned out! You can view them here. Now, we are already starting work on the 2011 calendars for Lilly Pulitzer and Jonathan Adler. A calendar is a massive undertaking because you have to somehow reinvent the wheel every year. I have been searching for inspiration and have discovered there are some incredible non-traditional calendars out there. These calendars are conceptually so amazing and out of the box, they are more than just calendars--they are works of art. Just as all design should be!

So, here are a few of my favorites for 2010.


Bubble Calendar, bubblecalendar.com, $29.99.
You can play with bubblewrap 365 days a year.


2010 Calendar, A little Hut, $26.
This die cut wall calendar by Patricia Zapata is simply gorgeous. Perfect to hang on a brightly colored wall.


Smallest Village Calendar, anthropologie, $24.
Sorry for yet another anthropologie plug. I know, it's an obsession. But isn't this amazing?


Pentagram 2010 Typographic Calendar, veer.com, $26 (small), $44 (large).
You might have to be a Graphic Designer to truly appreciate how amazing this calendar is. Each month features a different typeface and a bio of its designer. We just got this calendar in our office at Cheree Berry Paper and it is delightful. There's nothing like great type to start the year off right!


The Moustache Calendar, themoustachecalendar.com, $15.
Wow. My husband has threatened many times to grow a "dirty stache" because he thinks it would be funny. I agree it would be hilarious, but also extremely embarrassing for his loving wife. This calendar boasts "Every fine moustache that is featured in "SEX-CONFIDENT" was grown and groomed by current students and recent alumni of the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI." You can read all about it and even view some photos here.


Puzzle Calendar, Paper Source, $13.
You can constantly change and rearrange your calendar each month. Perfect for anyone with ADHD.



Sub-Studio 2010 Pocket Calendar, Sub-Studio, $4-$5.
This calendar is pocket size and "takes traditional fortune cookie proverbs and updates them with a modern design." Let them choose your fortune for only $4, or you can pick your fortune (lame...that defeats the purpose) for $5.

Junk in your trunk

St. Louis Craigslits Trunks ($40 for all)

I think these trunks are so fun, stacked just as they are. I love it. Repurpose them stacked as a side table or use one for a coffee table. And the best part is, they can hide your clutter. I am particularly loving the large yellow trunk. It would look amazing in a living room next to a slate gray couch or walls. I would buy them, but I already have two (and one that my husband is threatening to throw away). So, I guess you will have to snatch them up. You can find them here.

If Anthropologie was affordable: Part II

Anthropologie Conservatory Chair ($798)
Anthropologie Astrid Chair ($1298)


St. Louis Craigslist parlor chairs (2 for $600)


Alexander Henry Bolero in Pink ($8/yard)
Alexander Henry chocolate Mocca floral ($9/yard)
Amy Butler Cherry Wallflower ($10/yard)

Ok, so I know the astrid chair from anthropologie is nothing new, but it is still absolutely amazing and on my list of things I would buy if I won the lottery. The conservatory chair is also charming and bold with its large scale floral. Here are 2 craigslist chairs that could give you that "I-am-extremely-expensive-and-awesome-yet-I-kind-of-look-like-your-grandma's-furniture" look that anthropologie is so darn good at. I am trying to learn to re-upholster so that I can update some vintage chairs. My husband bought me a chair for Christmas to practice on (yay!). I will keep you posted on how that is going. But for you who may already have mastered the art of upholstery, consider these chairs and fabrics. If you find a chair that more closely resembles the oversized willy wonka style of the astrid chair, please share:)

If Anthropologie was affordable: Part I

These are the things I daydream about. I know I am not alone in this, so I thought I would post a few craigslist finds that with a little TLC could mimic a few unattainable items from the store.

Item number 1 is this craigslist dresser. Now, bare with me because I know it is need of some serious help. But start with a coat of paint combined with an antiquing glaze to give it that "not too perfect" look. Throw in some new hardware and it could start to take on the look of this overpriced dresser from anthropologie.