Calligraphy Love

I have just started my first calligraphy class and am already in love. There is something about hand-lettering that is so personal and beautiful that a font just does not capture. Here are a calligraphers that motivate me to keep practicing.


Betsy Dunlap


Danae Hernandez


Bluebird Studios


Jenna Hein


Tara Jones

If Anthropologie was affordable: Part III

Atelier Chesterfield, $5,998.00, anthropologie.com

This couch is amazing. I love it. But who has $6,000 laying around? The answer: no one. If you do, please do something better with your money than blow it all on a yellow couch. If you are tempted to do so, here are 3 faux-anthropologie couches found on St. louis craigslist.


Gold Vintage Sofa on St. Louis Craigslist, $160. Buy it here.


Vintage Blue Leather Sofa on St. Louis Craigslist, $125. Buy it here.


Tufted Retro Couch on St. Louis Craigslist. Make offer here.

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.