Vital Valentines

I haven't blogged in almost a year and I don't know if I have any followers left, but I wanted to share the Valentines I made for my coworkers at Vital Design. Our colors are orange and grey and it was fun to work with something other than pink and red. I have a new iphone and I'm sure there is a blogger app that might make it easier for me to post more often....

It really makes it pop.

This is our super fun PSA Essentials embosser. It's not so fun after stamping 135 letters, but the effect is beautiful. PSA only sells through retailers, but many stationery stores I've been in carry them (and similar ink stamps). I also found some at Expressionary and you can even send in your own design at Wilshire Graphic Press. Now I wish I'd done that! You can get a simple return address type at The Printers Ink.

How about some paper to go with that pen?

[image from staples.com]

[image from russellandhazel.com]

href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgy2R57IFoWKfnYU7ZIr3zxGtmWaBkGMxTP62b-LfFzzo9iRoadADvuZvYNwnLuAWl4gu5_SFB1mdGG4Cm-hkZfxNdEe4nKpW-45ms7qTco7L00cbKEskSmsVYKZAMWudMh5ptmO3b5GU/s1600-h/levenger.JPG"> [image from levenger.com]

A fresh notebook is such a great feeling. I'm always on the lookout for something unique and these are three of my favorites. At the top, Ampad Gold Fibre® Retro Memo Book from Staples. Also available in a larger size. I love the ivory paper. {Edit: Panic! I just happened to be at Staples after posting this and they have redesigned the label on the front of these notebooks. It's really quite a shame. The fun typewriter font has been replaced by three random ones and in place of the crown logo there is something nasty with a star. If you want one of the old ones, I suggest you run right out and dig to the bottom of the pile like I did. : ) }

In the middle, Composition Book from Russell+Hazel that comes in 5 fun colors.

And lastly, the Notabilia Notebook Set from Levenger that is available in a ruled or grid style. I use the grid style for sketching out comps. If you are really swanky and have the means or the desire to spend $100 on a notebook, the version with the leather cover may be for you!

If you have a cool favorite, please share!

Oh! I keep forgetting to mention that you'll want to get in on the new year of joint photo blog 3191. Last year, these 2 women did a Year of Mornings (and now it's going to be a book) and this year they are doing A Year of Evenings. Their work is beautiful and soo well-coordinated, even though I'm pretty sure it's not planned at all.

New Year, New Calendars!

My husband always uses a 2-year planner and it drives me crazy. I can barely hold out til October to get my hands on a new one. This year, my choice was this lime green one from Kinkos.


My favorite desk calendar is this letterpress & hand-painted beauty from ilee papergoods. You have to shop early snag one, but check out her shop for note cards.

The Gwen Frostic Mini Calendar has to be the best deal on the planet at just $3.00. These simple nature prints are available in cards, but I love the stickers the most.

Mail Bag

The antique store I mentioned yesterday had a whole drawer full of old postcards that were so fun to paw through. I ended up with a dance card where Arthur is clearly the favorite, a postcard from 1921 encouraging Ethel to "keep those needles as long as she needs to", and a multiple-choice postcard with a sense of humor reminiscent of today's Knock Knock products.

Peachy

I've been experimenting with collage lately. It takes some trial and error, but I'm pretty happy with how this one turned out and the techniques I'm learning. I'll share more tomorrow.

Card Making

I made this card for my neighbor who is in the hospital. The paper still wants to wrinkle—even after a night under the dictionary. Any suggestions for a good glue to use? There are so many!

The little flower accents are rub-on transfers called miniMARKS. I got them at paper*source last year, but I don't see them on the website.

You can browse the whole collection at American Crafts. There is also a page that lists online and local retailers.

Soda or Pop?

Check out these old labels I got on eBay. I love how they are each so unique. I have big plans for them, so stay tuned!

Spring Cleaning

I'm in the process of cleaning and organizing the office at home. I have *a lot* of office and art supplies, so new bins, boxes, and baskets are a good motivator to clean up. I found these really cheap silverware baskets at the drugstore and put some paper in the bottom to keep anything from falling out.

Bird Overload

My aunt has the best shop in Snohomish, Washington called Joyworks. They sell all sorts of neat decor items, clothes, accessories, and gifts. Everything is displayed by theme and arranged perfectly in unique salvaged cabinets and other vintage furniture pieces. I wish I had pictures of the store, but the last time I was there, I was too busy getting excited about all the bird and egg items for my future bedroom makeover. I've had the postcards for a while, and I was just waiting for the right use. They are from a series by Cavallini & Company, where everything is cool. Oo! I just realized they have bird stamps and labels too.

Yipes Stripes!

When we were little, my cousin had a shirt that said "Yipes, Stripes, It's Spring!" There were coordinating striped pants, of course. I just remembered that when I saw this beautiful paper designed by Amy Butler. I'm excited to play with it and perhaps experiment with some mixed-media creations.