basking in books

I've been thinking about books lately. I've always been really interested in book cover design. You know how they always say "Never judge a book by it's cover"? I have the hardest time doing that. In fact I have been known to buy books just for that reason- a fabulously designed cover. In fact some of my favourite art are blown up book covers. But what has intrigued me lately are the diverse fonts and illustration used for literature and fiction especially. Because the topics and genres are so diverse these days the cover art is reflecting that. What is your favourite book cover right now? Have you seen the penguin classics?

No, not those. Although, I am such a huge fan that it really is a tie between the classic classics and the new classics. But these new ones make me want to go out and buy them all.

**Post Update: I just came across these Penguin Children's classics! I love Robin Hood and Peter Pan! More to add to the collection!!**

A while ago I came across the work of Jimmy Tierney, he was in a class of Jessica Hische whom I am a big admirer of. He created these the most drool-worthy Jules Vern series, I was truely sad when I found out they weren't published.

Of the four books he designed in this series, each one had a brilliant cover. In Around the World in Eighty Days, he designed a spinwheel complete with illustrations of each city.In From the Earth to the Moon, there was a clever pulltab. I remember a storybook from I was little about bunnies, I can't recall anything else but I remember the pulltab! Just amazing!

I've saved the best for last! In Journey to the center of the Earth, he used translucent acetate or printed plastic vellum sheets to hide or expose all the treasures buried beneath the earth.

These covers make me wish I was an illustrator. I think I would like to add book cover to my list of projects this year. And in the manner of Jessica Hische's class, how about I create one based on a movie? Any ideas on the story I should use? Any favourite choices? See more amazing student work here: http://jessicahische.com/spendstoomuchtimeinternetting/?p=280 and jim Tierney's personal page: http://www.jimtierneyart.com/. All amazing stuff from both of these guys!

design board: dining room

I've created a quick design board for the dining room. Some of these items I already have, others are still on my list. Now, I have a direction. I will have to add my ideas for wallpaper and light fixtures as those are the biggest stumpers right now. I would really love your suggestions!! I need to add more art to create a gallery wall. I tend to like art that has a sense of humor, classic pieces with a twist that make you laugh! Like the kitty with glasses. I just love that print. And I recently came across a new shop that had this amazing Milo Baughman credenza and realized that it is - the one! What do you think? Am I missing something? Is it too stark or too Mid century? I really enjoyed doing the board, so I will have to continue this with the other rooms in our house!!!

Toppers & liners

Do you remember those cute ballerina cupcakes from when we were kids? Maybe if you are a girl! Pirates or toy soldiers if you are a boy. I remember requesting ballerinas and the Little Mermaid cakes! Well, there are loads of different toppers and even more cupcake liners. It is just so easy to pick up a few simple papers to add some sparkle to your next party! What's the next party you are planning? Or going to? I just recently ordered a few tartan liners! Now, what could I use those for?

HeyYoYo for ballerinas galore can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeyYoYo?ref=seller_info

Cupcake Social is stocked with paper liners, toppers & more here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CupcakeSocial

savy sources

My two favourite wedding blogs, that I still read each day, even though I am no longer plannign a wedding. Snippet and Ink is the colourful vision of Kathryn Storke, who recently was married herself. She puts together the most amazing and gorgeous inspiration boards. That includes, flowers, stationery, dresses, locations and more. They offer immeasurable inspiration not just for weddings, but any potential parties you might have.

http://www.snippetandink.com/

Once Wed was founded by Emily Newman back in 2008 with the intention of creating a dress listing service after attempting to sell her own dress online. The site has since gown and boasts some of the most delightful "real weddings" posts out there that are truly inspirational. The site is full of "do-it-yourself" ideas and how-to's!

http://www.oncewed.com/

sweet, sweet stationery

I thought I round out the wedding inspired posts this week with my personal favourite aspect of weddings - the stationery! I thought I might highlight what I've noticed is making waves in the design world.

The Suites - invitations are not simply a single printed sheet on white cardstock with black ink anymore. They are so much more! The stationery suite as I have seen it referred to lately, entails a much larger operation, which nowadays can include a save-the-date, maps, rsvp, envelopes, list of events, invitations to other events, the postcards, local city information, travel cards, cocktail cards, even stories about the couple and links to websites, which (occasionally) arrive all tied with string.

Invitations as storyboards.

Calligraphy has made a major comeback.

Stamps are used as artwork.

Colour is everywhere!

Letterpress or hand-drawn maps lead the way!

Don't forget about the envelope liners!

Why just invite guests to the wedding, why not first send a adorable little cards to your bridal party? With a bridesmaids card.

One of my favourite ideas - to keep everyone up on the vital info!!

Other brilliant ideas:

Stamp-style invitations.

Over-the-top monograms.

And all this before you even get to the wedding! Once there you might find:

Programs, likes these little pocket-sized and tied with ribbon.

Seating charts & escort cards:

The ever important menu!

Even the dessert bars have guides! This one is perfect!

Favours, especially those that work overtime as dual function, favor and menu card.

And amazing extras: Napkins, coasters & swizzle sticks. Oh my!

And my personal favourite and possibly the most important of the stationery pieces - the thank you note! Metallic inks and bright colours are a big hit right now. In some cases these translate nicely to new desk stationery for the newlyweds, as well!

Well, that just about wraps it up. What other stationery trends have you seen? In weddings or elsewhere? Wherever you may be, be sure to discover well-designed wedding tables all set with stationery!