:: You're the Inspiration ::

Yes, like the Chicago song!

Every year I make this resolution to be an inspiration and to be inspired. For my last post of 2008, I want to share with you a website that has inspired me to become a better designer and take pride in my work.

The Touch Agency inspires me. I love how the work fills the whole page. It just shows that he does take pride in his work and isn't afraid to show it. There's even a clock on the page that tells real time!

Happy New Year to all of my friends and may you prosper in 2009!

Images from The Touch Agency

:: Charmingwall ::

Featured Print : Made of Stars by Heiko

A friend of mine stumbled upon Charmingwall and I have to say, I am in total awe. Charmingwall is a New York gallery specializing in a curated selection of open-edition fine art prints. The artists they represent come from diverse backgrounds, from traditional fine arts to comic book culture, but what they have in common is a gift for creating richly imaginative images. (from charmingwall)

The animation makes it fun to navigate and it is definitely charming! Check it out here.

Images from Charmingwall.com

Loco for Gocco!

I finally dusted off the gocco and printed it with it!!! I'm pleased with the results and I can't wait for my next project. Stay tuned...

Design hand drawn by Myra Greenlee

Music for your Christmas mood

This ain't your conventional Christmas Carols.  Enjoy this fun Christmas Mix from Romantic Air Records. Download the album for free!  Happy Holidays!

Image from Romantic Air Records.

What I Want Right Now...

The Luna Bag in Leather - Washed Black.  I saw it on a gal at the UNIQUE show this weekend.  I went up to her and asked her where she got it and she swears by it.  It's super cute and super chic!  I want one now.  Too bad I bought this pouch right before I saw her.  It's super cute also. I could have 2 of them right?  

Image from LunaBag

Gifts.com

I love the challenge of find gifts for people.  Like I said before... I HAVE NO TIME! A co-worker introduced me to gifts.com and I was intrigued.  You can do a search by personality and voila!  There's a list of gifts for you to choose from and you can buy them online.  No crowded malls.  No pressure of finding the perfect gift.  Click here to launch the gift finder.  I'm categorized as a Hipster.  So true.  Have fun shopping!

Holiday Gift Tags Galore!

This is definitely a busy time for me.  With my daughter's 2nd birthday coming up and the holidays, I can't even keep up with myself.  I love the idea of everything handmade, but who has the time to do it?  So to help you out during this busy season, I've compiled a list where you can download some free holiday gift tags.  I know, it's the least I can do.  Enjoy and Happy Holidays! 

A. Mitten Tags from Tricia Rennea | B. Various Tags from Martha Stewart | C. Chic Tags from Paper Crave | D. Handdrawn Tags from A Print a day | E. Cuteness from Amy Butler | F. Graphic Tags from Paperseed | G. Tags you can fill in from A Little Hut | H. Cute Illustrations from Kitty Genius | I. A cool collection from Delight! | J. More from Camilla Engman (not pictured)

Poladroid

Now you can make your own Polaroid pictures with Poladroid! Check out the site for the free download and amaze your friends!

Photos by C & P

::WHORANGE::

Yeah, you said it right.  The newest of the millions of blogs that I follow each day. Lovely everything!

once upon a time, a gal named tula jeng purchased a painting (see above) by artist paul kozlowski at the fake gallery in hollywood.  from that day on, her favorite color has been whorange.

in 2008, tula created WHORANGE as a way to celebrate craveable style & design in all of its splendor -- from the beautifully innovative to the gloriously gaudy.  throughout the pages of WHORANGE, you will find works by independent artists and designers, unique interiors, mid-century must haves, high brow art, low brow cravings, flea market fantasies, catwalk candy, fabulous events, ecomania, and stuff your eccentric gay uncle would love. [from whorange]

whorange.net  GO THERE

Mankind Mag Issue 6

The inspiration keeps a coming from Design for Mankind!  Issue 6 is here.  Check it out and let me know what you think. 

Online = FREE. Preview it here or download it here.
Print = $8.95. Purchase it here.

Image from Design for Mankind

Poloroid Revival?

I was reading my Daily Candy this morning and I came across this interesting camera.  Could it be the revival of the Poloroid?  I know that the genius of the Poloroid can't be replaced, but I thought that this was really interesting.  The sleek look of the Fuji Instax Camera will take you the next level of instant photography!

 Fuji's instax photo system is the next generation of instant photography! Lightweight and compact, the stylish instax mini 7 camera goes anywhere. Operation is easy - simply check the LED exposure indicator and press the shutter, a beautiful credit card-size instant color photo is ready in minutes - sharp and clear on Fuji instax film! Auto focus; auto flash; built-in lens cover; instructions included. Imported. Wipe clean.  * 5"w, 5"h, 2.5"d * Plastic, electronics * 1-year manufacturer's warranty

(Image and caption from Urban Outfitters)

UNIQUE Los Angeles

In an attempt to add something interesting to my Facebook, I stumbled upon Unique Los Angeles. (I was looking for interesting groups to join ;). )The day before the Felt Club, I was in Corona, and due to the fires, some freeways were closed. So I see this as a second chance and I will hopefully find some awesome Christmas presents!

UNIQUE LOS ANGELES is an exciting two-day shopping event that showcases independent design talent at great prices. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the event brings together over 150 of the best designers, artists and merchants. We believe in supporting the community, we thrive on individualism, and we hope to introduce independent design to the masses. Whether you’re a hipster, a soccer mom or a tween, at UNIQUE LOS ANGELES there truly is something for everyone! (from UNIQUE)

See you there?
December 13th & 14th, 11 am – 7 pm
California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles
110 East 9th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90079

$5 per ticket
(children 10 and under are free)
50% of ticket sales benefiting a local arts-based charity for kids (TBA)

image from UNIQUE

What I Want Right Now :: Squeeze Me Mittens

I want to get a pair of these! These will keep mine and Michaela's hands nice and toasty during these cold nights. You can get them here.

image via Simple Song

Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for the love and support of my family and friends. May you all have a safe and wonderful day. Save some turkey for day after Thanksgiving sandwiches!

image via flickr

What a Lovely Name

With a handful of my friends and cousins having babies it's getting more difficult to choose that perfect name for their little angel.   So now there's this website called "What a Lovely Name"

What a Lovely Name is a web application that not only helps you generate a baby name based on tags — cute, wise, quirky — and a combination thereof but it also generates a (relatively) custom logo that you can then magically export to zazzle and get all kinds of merchandise. (via quipsologies)

What do you think?  Did you have any luck coming up with the perfect name?

100 Days of Design

BAD STUDIO is documenting 100 Days of Design.  Follow it here.

image via BAD STUDIO.

oh, Hello Friend :: Patchwork Vendor

oh, hello friend was one of of the booths at Patchwork that made me come by twice.  Since I was pressed for time that day, I could only stop by each place briefly.  The fam & I went to Knott's that afternoon. So... Danni Hong is the 'lil crafty one behind this operation.  I had a little conversation about the gocco and how afraid I am of it.  (I still have to make that birthday card for my dear friend. I haven't forgotten!)   She makes the most adorable buttons and stationery.  She even has little gift packs with a little bit of everything wrapped up in one!  Everything's so tiny, just like her :)! 

So I came back again because I couldn't leave without something from her, so I picked up a little button.  Her eclectic style is what keeps me coming back for more!  

Check out her site here. oh, hello friend

image via oh, hello friend

Mahar Dry Goods :: Patchwork Vendor

One of my first posts on double-sidedtape was about a snails crochet kit from Mahar Dry Goods.  I haven't purchased it yet, but after meeting Robert and Devin, I have to buy it now!  I got the opportunity to meet these 2 gentlemen and chat it up a little bit at The Patchwork Show. Their shop is online only, so check out what else they have to offer because you'll be amazed on how much cute stuff they have!  I bought a sock monkey kit  because I couldn't walk away from them empty-handed.  Once I put it together, I'll post a pic of how I did with it :).

It was so nice to meet you Robert & Devin and I hope to see you at the next show!  

Visit them online at Mahar Dry Goods.

image via Mahar Dry Goods

Come into the Closet

It's fun and fantastic!  You gotta try it.  IKEA

Letters & Ligatures - Subliminal Gallery

I went to the opening reception for Letters & Ligatures at Subliminal Projects in LA on Saturday, November 8th. It was a small venue, but the place got packed quick. I don't recall the liquor they had at the open bar, but I quickly got buzzed off of that! I've been a fan of House Industries for years and it was awesome to be there. Not to mention that this gallery is owned by Shepard Fairey. That's him on the ones and twos! It's not too late to check out the exhibit. It ends December 5th. Visit Subliminal Projects for more info.

Patchwork Show

My dear friend Ivy from Delightful Trinkets took me to the Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival yesterday.  I have to say... I am quite inspired and get ready to see me at the next one as a vendor!  I am dedicating this week to all the wonderful people that I met yesterday so stay tuned.  I will be introducing you to some fabulous artists and sharing some of the stuff that I bought.  I couldn't resist.  

A Sippy Cup Especially for me

Me and my obsession for sippy cups.  Since Michaela is pretty much outgrowing that phase and I've collected enough to last me for 2 more kids, I found something to satisfy my "lunch container/water bottle fixation.  I was looking at getting a Sigg bottle, but I think I may have found the one to end my search.  

Introducing korwater. There's a lot of info for just this bottle, so if you wanna read more about it, check it out here.... 

You Love Me and It's Heavenly

She has a new look!  Go Carlene!!!  Thanks for your inspiring thoughts and I love the new banner.

Check out her blog here.

Mankind mag issue 5

Time flies.  It seems like she cranks these out everyday!  Check it out, it's the Handmade Issue.  Super inspiring. Get it here.

Did you vote today?

Let your voice be heard!  Vote today.  

(cupcake by me.)

I am a published photographer!

My photo was selected for inclusion in the newly released fifth edition of Schmap Napa Valley Guide!  My husband and I went on vacation up north one year and decided to visit Napa Valley.  This shot was taken at COPIA.  Which is the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts.

You Gotta Love Veer

I absolute love Veer because they love me back! Look what the UPS guy dropped off for me tonight. Just in case you're wondering what it is, it's a corduroy messenger bag. I took the photo with my photobooth. (That's why the fancy's backwards!) It came with a little note...

"We love you. Here's a little something to say thanks for sharing your creative live with us. Whenever you need a bit of sweet inspiration, we're here for you."

Awwww! Thanks Veer!

The Essense of Rabbit

Awesome post by Design for Mankind.  The Essence of Rabbit.  It's lovely being born the year of the rabbit.

No other living creature features as heavily in contemporary character design and art as the humble hare. But what exactly makes bunnies so irresistible to artists, designers and illustrators worldwide? Depending on the viewers’ cultural context rabbits can symbolise anything from insanity, alertness, defencelessness, all the way to promiscuity, magic powers and utter innocence. By condensing the endless variations of the rabbit motif into one ultimate system - a perfect bunny mandala - the true nature of the beast emerges: the eternal essence of rabbit.

Funny T-Shirts by Mike Jacobsen

These clever t-shirts made me smile.  The Star Wars one is my favorite.  Poor Chewie!  See the rest here.

What I Want Right Now...

Isn't this so divine. Ruehl Riley Bag.