Calendar Time

I'm gearing up my studio for 2010 already with these two cool calendars that I just bought. The first, by Driscoll Design I love because it it the perfect small size to add some color and sweet artwork to the walls. Each date has a neat little line to write in a birthday/anniversary or special memory. Not too much commitment!

Secondly, I found this Susy Jack desktop version a few weeks ago - I know I don't really need any more cute paper goods or a second calendar, but I'm seriously in love with all the colors and patterns. If you haven't had a chance to see their paper goods in person, I urge you to buy some online. The quality is superb and the colors are divine. The patterns are so fresh and happy and I love that their products are a fun way to make a statement with your paper goods!

each of the months shown at-a-glance...

...and in their desktop display

For more great options, be sure to visit Oh So Beautiful Paper for her great 2010 Calendar choices. See them all here and here.

And while you're browsing around, check out Susy Jack's blog, Hey Susy. It's a great find!

Clearly Modern Invitations

Spotted this incredibly innovative and sleek wedding invitation over at Oh So Beautiful Paper. I love the unexpected materials and modern design.

When the two pieces are laid a top on another, the full invitation is revealed. Simply Brilliant!

Tetris Takeover

There's this little holiday that I took part in last weekend - called Halloween with some pretty funny results.

Yes, that's right kids. 17 of us were Tetris pieces. I'm a purple piece smack-dab in the middle.

It was so much fun - I have tons of videos, photos and behind-the-scenes madness to share with you. Until I get some more time to post the photos, you can visit our Facebook page for a little more eye candy into the crazy antics.

Hope everyone got lots of candy and had a great time trick-or-treating!

1739 Plan de Paris Map

I'm so overly excited to share this project with all of you. A couple of years ago, JC and I were in Chicago and spotted this jinormous map of Paris on a shop wall. Designed in 1739 by Etienne Turgot, it details every single building, house, church farm and street of Paris. Overall it's about 96" by 60".

Photo of Mary Jane Russel alongside Turgot's Plan de Paris MAP (Harper's Bazaar, Oct '51)
by Louise Dahl-Wolfe. Found via Little Augury.

Image from Apartment Therapy

Each panel framed separately (as shown above), the map was one of those show-stopping pieces of decor I tend to be drawn to. Unfortunately, the price tag nor to size made the piece anything I could every hope to own and it was soon forgotten.

Image via Pigtown* Design from Southern Accents Magazine

Fast forward to this summer. We're in Chelsea shopping in this lovely all-things French home decor shop and what do they have on the wall, but THE MAP! I was instantly smitten with it again. This time, in addition to it for sale pre-framed, they also had a set of 25 folio prints available for sale. The price was still too high, but like the relentless internet shopper I am, I was lucky enough to find the same exact unframed folio set on Barnes & Nobel for under $60! With my readers discount card, I got it for $54!!

So next step is to measure all the folio pieces and order frames. I found a supplier where the frame should run about $25/each. At a total cost just shy of $700, it's still a big investment, but it's such a grand piece and we have a perfect place for it - slated just over the couch!!

Image found Little Augury via Katie Did

The more research I did into trying to find the map led me to a wonderful set of bloggers who were also smitten with it's size and possibilities. Along the way, the following people gave me countless inspiration;  Pigtown Design placed it on the wall with post-it-note glue, Pat mounted it to a curved wall and The Corinthian Colunmn used a section to cover a window panel in their guest bathroom.

Stay tuned for more - once we have the map framed its definitely picture taking time!!

Cake Toppers by The Small Object

These cake toppers from The Small Object are simply too cute for words!

They can be customized with your choice of hair color, flower color, skin tone and dress color. Additional elements can be added (pets, dress details, etc. for a small fee). Grooms get their say in the matter too - they can customize hair color, tie pattern/color, suit color and a hat.

Too see all the past toppers created, check out The Small Object's Flicker page. And to keep up with the latest designs, be sure to visit creator Sarah Neuburger's blog, Stenopad.

I'm exited to meet Sarah at the upcoming IndieWed - she's going to be showing off her work there and so will our team!!