Happy New Year!
December 30, 2009
Baby to Toddler high chair
CleverTomato started following me today on Twitter so I went to check them out. Modern kids furniture, helleluja! From the site, “We specialize in modern furniture products for babies, kids, teens and a few great things for Mom + Dad. These inventive products provide stylish work, sleep and play spaces that will inspire you as well as your kids.” From what I gather, they are based in the New York area, and don’t currently offer shipping to Canada. Unfortunately, such is often the case with many great finds I come across.
The high chair in the image above is on sale for $99. Check out this changer, the surfboard growth chart and this sweet toy box.
Baby bedding can be overwhelming to say the least. There is a fine line between fun and funny looking. Love this organic Fish and Pebbles bedding.
Fish & Pebbles bedding from CleverTomato
Categories: child star.
December 29, 2009
Best Book Design 2009
I am definitely guilty of judging a book by its cover. Here is a full list of favorite 2009 covers from The Book Design Review.
The days following the Christmas rush and preceding the New Years fatigue are perfect for picking up a new book. I’m currently reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris.
What are you reading and is the cover worthy of the contents?
Categories: it's graphic.
December 28, 2009
Harbour at Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing port on the Basque coast. Known for its architecture, sandy bay, amazing quality of light and the incredible cuisine. The streets are meant for strolling, packed with boutiques and cafes. I would imagine that Christmas in this town would be pretty spectacular.
Categories: on the road.
December 23, 2009
1250 Silk Aqueous Business cards $55
1000 3.5″ x 2″ offset super gloss stickers $99
1000 4″ x 6″ 16pt flyers $95
Files must be submitted by January 4th.
(tax not included, shipping extra)
Categories: newsflash.
December 22, 2009
Cut a magazine page lengthwise into 9 strips, 3/4″ wide.
Leave 3 of the strips full length.
Cut 1″ off 3 of the strips.
Cut 2″ inches off 2 of the strips.
Cut the last strip down to 3 1/2″.
Last minute wrapping emergency? Got a few old magazines hanging around? Turn a magazine page into a bow! I love that you can choose a less traditional colour palette and turn an old idea into a new one.
magazine gift bow instructions
Cut a magazine page lengthwise into 9 strips, 3/4″ wide.
Leave 3 of the strips full length.
Cut 1″ off 3 of the strips.
Cut 2″ inches off 2 of the strips.
Cut the last strip down to 3 1/2″.
Twist each strip to form a double loop and adhere it in the center. Shape the last, little short strip into a circle and secure it.
Place the 3 longest pieces on top of each other, spacing them evenly as you layer and securing as you go. I used a dab of glue stick and it worked like a charm. Add the next two groups of pieces in the same fashion. Final step, stick the loop into the center.
Use old maps, charts, paper bags… and get that wrapping finished! At least if the present’s not so hot, you can at least brag about making the bow.
Categories: artsy.
December 21, 2009
While I get caught up in the Christmas rush, here is a teaser for tomorrow’s tutorial. Love this Recycled Gift Bag from Chinchilla Media spotted on Design Sponge.
Categories: artsy.
December 18, 2009
It’s Friday and instead of ditching my computer for a festive evening, I’m face down in a mug of NeoCitran.
I have a feeling I’m not alone. ‘Tis the season after all.
Here’s a Holiday Happy Hour Horror recipe:
Ginger Tea
To make 4 cups of ginger tea, start with a 1 inch piece of ginger. Peel the ginger and grate it coarsely or slice thinly.
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the ginger. Reduce the heat and simmer the tea for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the strength you like.
Pour off the tea, or strain if necessary. Sweeten it with a little honey, and a squeeze of lemon.
Categories: happy hour.
December 16, 2009
I’ve received a few questions lately regarding sending event invitations by email. Although I can create an customized image for you to sendl, if you want to track responses and allow comments, you can’t beat the free online resources available. You’ve probably seen Evite.
Evite
Ahh… Evite. Full of ads, it starts with an email about a party with no information about the party, and then it leads you to a garish custom web page. It can be frustrating when you’re en route to the party and need internet access to check the address.
MyPunchbowl leaves guests a pretty informative email, but neglects to include the event location and is visually cluttered. Similar is AnyVite. A mod option is Crusher. A new invite status column in the Edit Guest List page shows you the status of each invitee’s invitation. You can even broadcast live updates from the party. If your party is cool enough to bother with that, please invite me.
Manvite
For the fellas out there, you must check out Manvite. Invite options include “drink beer”, “cougar hunting”, and “go see ninja assassin”. The home page looks promising, but once you take a few steps in it looks like it falls apart. Try it out and let me know how it works. I would imagine it probably doesn’t include directions and forgets to send the email.
You can tell instantly from Pingg’s home page that you are in safer style territory. The initial email covers all the necessary info, and you don’t even need to view the event web page if you don’t want to. This is my pick. So get goin’ and send those holiday invites!
Pingg
Categories: bits & bytes.
December 15, 2009
Images from House & Home magazine (L), and www.stylemepretty.com (R)
After this post on Friday, the colour of “escape from the everyday troubles of the world” has been popping up everywhere. Most interesting is the inclusion of last year’s orange tone in the mix. Out with the old and in with the new. Coincidence? I think not.
Image on the right from today’s post at Style Me Pretty, a daily read during my wedding planning phase. One of the best places for event planning inspiration out there.
Categories: it's graphic.
December 14, 2009
Biarritz and nearby town Espelette in the south west of France in the Pyrenees Atlantiques region known as Pays Basque (Basque country) are both worth a visit. Espelette is famous for its chilli peppers, those grown in this region even have an ‘appellation controlee’ to vouch for their authenticity. Visiting in October ensures that you will see the strings of bright red chilli peppers (or “pimente”), hanging from the traditionally red and white buildings. Completely charming and quite a contrast to the nearby coastal town of Biarritz where the principle architecture is not typically Basque, but rather a blend of 19th century city residences, large and expansive, made of local stone bricks. Here you’ll find steets lined with gourmet delights and swanky shops, all served up with a mix sandy beaches and world class surf. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying some time here.
Biarritz and nearby town Espelette in the south west of France in the Pyrenees Atlantiques region known as Pays Basque (Basque country) are both worth a visit. Espelette is famous for its chilli peppers, those grown in this region even have an ‘appellation controlee’ to vouch for their authenticity. Visiting in October ensures that you will see the strings of bright red chilli peppers (or “pimente”), hanging from the traditionally red and white buildings. Completely charming and quite a contrast to the nearby coastal town of Biarritz where the principle architecture is not typically Basque, but rather a blend of 19th century city residences, large and expansive, made of local stone bricks. Here you’ll find steets lined with gourmet delights and swanky shops, all served up with a mix sandy beaches and world class surf. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying some time here.
Categories: on the road.
December 11, 2009
Colour of the Year
Hello turquoise? Pantone has unveiled the Color of the Year for 2010: PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise. I must admit I was a little more excited about 2009′s PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa. Hopeful, sparkling, versatile, and representing both a cocktail and a beautiful tree (I have one in my yard!). What could be better?
From Pantone on Turquoise: “Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.”
Ok, I’m sold. Full story here.
In honour of my friend, Pantone 14-0848 Mimosa, I remind you of this sparkling cocktail, perfect for the holiday season. It doesn’t get any easier than this: part OJ, part bubbly, and you’re in business. Best enjoyed in your 2010 turquoise jammies.
Categories: happy hour.
December 9, 2009
The Girl Effect
Although it would be nice of one day the world would wake up to issues like global warming, poverty and suppression, good marketing doesn’t hurt. And in these cases, it really goes a long way. Meaningful words + beautiful timing + gorgeous graphics = Success. I think the goal in design is always to create a visual that conjures a thought that evokes an emotion.
Could educating women change the world? The Girl Effect is insightful and hopeful. The video is below, but I encourage you to visit the website for the full “effect”.
“There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women” – Women Empowered. Watch a video.
“Women are not the problem. They’re the solution along with men… We focus on this one because this kind of oppression feels transcendent – and so does the opportunity. Outsiders can truly make a difference.” – Half The Sky
Categories: it's graphic.
December 8, 2009
Check out the progression of Hinds Blinds logos that didn’t make the cut.
Categories: portfolio.
December 7, 2009
Hinds Blinds website, click to view
New website launched! Hinds Blinds is a family operated window coverings company based in Victoria B.C. They offer everything from blinds to shutters and drapes.
The website’s patterned background was created by using a repeating window graphic on top of a gradient. Hinds Blinds wish-list included simple photo galleries of their products, opting for a rollover feature which keeps visitors on the same page, viewing text along with images. Check out their list of testimonials.
Read more about the project here.
Categories: portfolio.
December 2, 2009
UPDATE: orders placed in the next 3 days will receive a surprise 6th card with their order!
Holiday cards are temporarily sold out. The new batch will be in next week, place your orders now to ensure yours are reserved. Contact me at info@bethcampbellcreative.com or order online.
Categories: newsflash.
December 1, 2009
December is here.
Let’s not get too excited with decorations or Christmas music just yet, but I’m thinking about what will greet my friends and family on my front door this year.
Inspiration from Design Sponge, Country Living, Apartment Therapy, Living Etc and House Beautiful.
Categories: in the house.