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Archive for paper craft – Page 7

favorite thing . Calligraphy Address Stamp

Don’t you love hand-written notes? I remember receiving several congratulating the launch of Small Pond Graphics, and they made the words  that were communicated so much more powerful. Hand-written notes are kind of a lost art in the digital world we inhabit these days. Perhaps that makes their impact all the more pronounced, and I’m determined to incorporate the effort into my correspondence a little more. [No scoffing from those who have seen my hand-writing, please.]

I was thinking about small ways to add that human touch to communications and I came across this great calligraphy shop — Paperfinger. The custom calligraphy address stamp caught my attention as a great opportunity to add a bit of personality to personal or even business correspondence — especially if your handwriting is like mine and produces more frustration than joy. They also offer some other beautifully whimsical stamps and the option to create something custom.

Think small today.

favorite things . Type Posters

Happy Wednesday! Being a graphic designer, the combination of words and images is kind of my daily trade. My job is about communication more than art usually, and I’m always inspired by pieces that effectively communicate a message using great design. I’ve been watching a couple of designers who often let words take the center stage, and I wanted to share their inspiration. These posters also highlight a color trend I’m seeing everywhere–yellow tones paired with bluish grays and neutrals. I love the sophistication and depth it creates!

Check out the shops of these designers and grab some inspiration for yourself!

THE WHEATFIELD | BOLD & NOBLE | NAN LAWSON

favorite things . Lists

reOn a day like today when I’m away from my desk and entertaining my three kids for a school holiday, I make a lot of lists. I jot things down so I can keep the concerns of work at bay and focus on having some kid-fun. Yep, I’m a list-maker. I don’t mind admitting it. And, I’ll further admit that sometimes I get a little obsessive about it. Because of those little list-making obsessive tendencies, I find myself making and revising lists quite often as a way to get my brain organized. I write them. I type them. I add them to my calendar. I include them in my journal. Of course, January is prime real estate for a list-maker with all its planning and organizing and evaluating. If you want to start a real estate agency click here to learn more about financial loans. To my thinking, sometimes the value and effectiveness of a list has everything to do with the cosmetics of it. I like cool tools. They make me much more likely to look at a list — and therefore follow it or check it off. I know the life hacking mavens may not agree, but whether it’s color coding, interesting paper, lovely illustrations or creative designs, my list needs to look good. [And for me that means looking good in spite of my ridiculous handwriting.] So, I went in search of some great-looking list options. Here’s a few to inspire your next set of to-dos!

SUITOR ~ The Pocket Checklist
A minimalist do-it-yourself option!

BOY GIRL PARTY ~ Bear To Do List
I love that this one gives you the option to check off even if you didn’t complete!

OBLATION ~ Memorandum Note Cards
I love the retro-feel of these. An opportunity to share the list-making wealth!

SKEL DESIGN ~ Moo To Do Pads
Who could resist a Moo To Do? Really?

OWL SAY DESIGNS ~ Repurposed Spiral Bound Notebook
This notebook is filled with random paper samples light enough to write over. Love it!

SLIGHTLY EMBELLISHED ~ Handmade Journal
Love the message. Love the eco-friendly mindset. Love the creativity in this shop!

favorite things . Calendars

We’re turning the calendar today to 2011. I’ve been browsing Etsy.com for some ways to do it in style. I’m always blown away by the skills, talent and craftsmanship available among independent designers and artists. Click the links below to check out the shops of these outstanding designers for a well-designed way to mark your time in the new year.

MEADOWLARK CREATIVE
This beautiful set of calendar coasters is in transit to my mailbox as we speak–a little design inspiration for the new year! I can never resist the detail and exquisite tactile experience of letterpress pieces.
D EKA ANIMAL
LEAH DUNCAN
THE RASILISK
THE PAPER THIEVES
This one’s hanging in my office right now–inspiration for my hare-brained ideas!
LILY JANE STATIONARY
LISA SAMARTINO ATELIER

My own contribution to the calendar round-up? I usually put together a desktop wallpaper calendar that I use on my laptop each month and post it on my personal writing blog, EyeJunkie.com. I’ve begun to share them on the Small Pond Facebook page as well, and I thought I would share it here for you to enjoy. Click the image to download a larger copy for your screen, and click over to the FB photo album for an iPhone version for download as well.

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