CreativeOCD

Toy Stories

2011-04-22T23:12:00.013-05:00

I don't know if it's all the cold medicine making me giggle or these Toy Stories... but I think Aled Lewis was onto something when he created an illustration showing the DeLoran crashing into the Tardis. Briillant work and all too funny.

{all photos via Aled Lewis & inPRNT}

Hope for Japan

2011-03-17T21:11:00.005-05:00

Hey friends I wanted to share some love... last night I watched this heartbreaking video about two dogs in Japan via my friend UpperMetalClass - this video has touched my heart and obviously hers because she has created a remarkable piece of jewelry and 100% of the proceeds are going to one of the animal refugees in Japan. I think this is absolutely amazing and so is her work.

Please visit her etsy shop for more details.

Here's another article I found about ways you can help the animals in Japan.

{image via:: www.buzzfeed.com}

I wish I had an iPad

2011-03-13T21:14:00.010-05:00

This is app is amazing... and it makes me want an iPad.

{via: Kickstarter}

I was just thinking... merrily thinking...

2011-02-20T20:51:00.006-06:00

Today I was thinking about how wonderful it would be to go to an island, what better than one shaped like a heart.

{image via: www.heartseverywhere.com}

Basement Art

2010-06-08T21:46:00.006-05:00

So my sweet husband and I finally made some executive decisions about the art for the basement. I must say I caved a bit (ironically I'm saying caved) because in a way I'm letting him have a man-cave moment and indulge in his obsessive love for Serenity/Firefly. And don't get me wrong, I'll geek out and watch the shows and admit my love for Mel. But seeing his face the day these arrived was like watching a kid on Christmas morning.... absolutely priceless. Now if only the posters would have come in a standard frame size.

{posters via thinkgeek}

wall inspiration

2010-04-17T12:31:00.005-05:00

{thank you Keep Calm Gallery}

I take you ... to be my husband

2010-01-30T17:40:00.009-06:00

So all the wedding chaos has slowly come to an end and to be honest as much as I hear so many other brides/wives say how happy they are that it's all said and done, a part of me is so sad to see it end. (Despite that I now have the rest of my life to spend with such an adorable husband) So for my lack of posting in the past year I thought I would come back with some wedding fun and go from there. My New Year's resolution is to finally give more to my art and get my studio up and running (wherever that may be.... we're thinking of buying a house now so prepare yourself for yet another adventure in life).

I'm starting today off with some real wedding photos, but they're just a teaser, since our photographer (Justin Salem Meyer - who is amazing!) has only shown us these out of many. We took our real photos after we came back from the Bahamas, which is where a small group of friends and family gathered to watch us tie the knot. After our beachy excursion we came back to the cold icelandic temperatures of Iowa to have a reception with all the people close to our hearts. Since we were technically already married we still decided to put on our wedding gear and take some more traditional and definitely fun photos. So I'll let the photos speak for themselves, but I will say that ice skating in a dress is one of the raddest things I've never done.

{photos via Justin Salem Meyer - please ask permission before reposting or at least provide a link to this blog}

Thank you.

2009-11-26T21:17:00.007-06:00

{Image via Veer}

Thank for you your patience. Life has been a whirlwind and the wedding is almost just a month away. Time has been flying by, much too quickly. So this year I'm most thankful for time. Time to spend enjoying my friends, my family, my soon-to-be husband, and the fact that life has so many unexpected moments that it's better to make the best of them than dwell on how things could have turned out. I am so hopeful of what is to come with my art and my marriage and I'm so grateful for the possibilities.

Thank you for still reading this blog if you're out there, with any luck I'll be more productive very soon. Happy thanksgiving.

Rules of Engagement

2009-08-23T12:56:00.005-05:00

So first off, I need to apologize for my absence in the blogging world, I needed a bit of a break and I had a few major life changes, the biggest one is finally having a full-time job again (yay no more unemployment!) plus I've been getting wrapped up in some of the wedding details, but mostly just work.

With that said, I give you the real peek into my engagment photos. Our dear friend Jenny was kind enough to be our photographer and our lovely friend Bo helped out (sometime too much with the reflector). It was so much fun and I'm so glad we were able to be our goofy selves in the photos. Hope you enjoy them.

ps: if you repost these photos, please leave credit to my blog. Thank you!

Oh noos Maru is smooshed!

2009-07-31T19:08:00.003-05:00

{video via:: CuteOverload}

This is my new favorite cat (aside from Evie and Q), but this is too funny. Happy friday and packing to anyone doing that sort of thing. If only Maru could be there to help you.

{video via:: youtube}

Sneak Peek

2009-07-27T13:11:00.007-05:00

{photo via:: CreativeOCD - (aka me and our lovely photographer Jenny McCuen)}

So yesterday Adam and I had the pleasure of taking our engagement photos. It was a blast and we owe our friend Jenny McCuen the biggest thanks in the world for taking them. I'm still sorting through all of them so here's a sneak peek for now. Enjoy friends.

I want to ride my bicycle.... la la la

2009-07-25T12:04:00.015-05:00

As my ode to the "Tour de Lance" (yes i'm a fan, deal with it) and the fact that tomorrow is the final days which is always exciting b/c it means I get to view my favorite city right from my living room. Oh how I miss the city of lights. This year's race has been quite exciting, since Lance came out of retirement, unfortunately he's being outdone by the spanard, Alberto. It'll be nice to get back to normal sleeping hours once the race is done, since I keep trying to stay up until 2 am to catch the re-caps. For now, I will think of riding my bike through the beautiful scenery in France.

So my tribute to the race is some etsy-love for some good ole' fashioned biking paraphernalia. Happy biking friends. Good luck next year team Radio Shack.

{photo via:: Etsy - BikeBurrito}

{photos via:: Etsy - ChewingTheCud }

{photo via:: Etsy - MeltBrianna}

{photo via:: Etsy - MaureenDuffy}

{photo via:: Etsy - pleasebestill}

{photo via:: Etsy - PixelThis}

{photo via:: Etsy - BreadandBadger}

{photo via:: Etsy - Barkdecor}

{photo via:: Etsy - Paperedtogether}

{photo via:: Etsy - BicyclePaintings}

Best wedding entrance.EVER.

2009-07-23T13:19:00.006-05:00

So I just saw this on Cup of Jo, one of my most favorite daily reads. And I am still cracking up. This makes me want to have a wedding party for Adam and my ceremony just to see the expression on our family's faces.... oh it would be priceless. Props to this couple, you guys are amazing and hilarious! Thanks for finding this Jo!

30 days past September...

2009-07-21T12:27:00.004-05:00

This is simply too amazing! This calendar was made by Spanish designer Oscar Diaz. Diaz designed a calendar that would cause ink to spread across the paper to reveal the date. The colors are based on a spectrum that relate to the temperature. Colors go from dark blue in December, green in the spring, to red in the summer.

Diaz's Ink Calendar will be shown at an exhibition called Sueños de un Grifo - Diseño con Alma de Agua that opens at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid from July 17th - Oct. 11th.

{all photos/info via:: Dezeen}

TITLE : INK CALENDAR
DESIGNER: Oscar Diaz ( http://www.oscar-diaz.net)
DIMENSIONS: 420 X 595 mm
MATERIALS: Paper and ink.

For the love of pictures

2009-07-21T12:08:00.005-05:00

I came across the cutest blog this morning. It's by a girl named Adie and she's only 5! She has a polaroid camera named "Polly" - which she loves, hence the name of her blog Adie loves Polly - so her parents decided to post her photos on her very own blog. It's amazing to think that even at such a young age you can inspire others just through how you see things. My favorite is the one of her sister, mostly because she called her a princess. Keep up the good work Adie!

Happy Tuesday.

{photos via:: Adie loves Polly}

foto friday - paper,scissors, awesome!

2009-07-17T18:20:00.005-05:00

MadeByJulene rocks my socks. Who knew that cutting paper could be so intricute and just plan awesome. Seriously, these are amazing.

So indulge yourself my friends in this paper goodness. I expect to see some amazing snowflakes this christmas time.

{all photos via:: MadeByJulene}

party on Garth.

2009-07-16T09:27:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite things about summer, especially here in Des Moines is the concerts - why Des Moines? well because of Nitefall on the River, it's by far one of my favorite venues to go to for live music. Nothing like packing a picnic and listening to some good tuneage. It also helps that both Matt Nathanson and Vanessa Carlton said the place reminded them of being in Paris along the Seine... and we all know how much of a sucker I am for Paris. Where's your favorite venue? I still need to get to a concert at Redrocks in Colorado, I heard it's amazing there. And I'm so jealous that my friend Sharon always tends to go to Austin City Limits. And the other great thing about concerts? ... is the posters of course. I rarely buy them but I came across this site that has some exceptional gig posters. They all seem so vintage-looking to me and tend to have the feel of letterpress. Makes me look forward to the possibilites Minnie has to offer (Minnie = my gigantor letterpress). Enjoy the summer concerts friends!

{all posters via:: poster cabaret}

Bonjour!

2009-07-13T08:52:00.006-05:00

Happy Bastille Day my fellow frenchies! As a tribute to one of my favorite places in the world, I'd like to share what some people are doing to celebrate Bastille day.

{video via:: Youtube/Associated Press}

foto friday!

2009-07-10T14:12:00.004-05:00

Yay for it actaully being Friday (yes I'm efficient today) and what better than to spend the last few hours of the work week looking at some lovely photos. Fortunately for me I get to go pick out wedding bands with my dear fiance, so I just might be having one of the best afternoons ever. This evening shall be spent playing boards games with some of our uber cool friends and then tomorrow is farmers market. How are you spending your weekend? Happy Friday everyone.

{photo via:: Brooklyn Bride}

{photo via:: photocase}

{photo via:: ffffound}

{photo via:: ffffound}

If I were....

2009-07-07T23:54:00.004-05:00

{photo via:: ffffound}

If I were going to become a crazy cat lady (which I don't intend on, I promised that two is enough - Evie and Q are plenty)... but I only hope I would look like this. Goodnight friends.

These are a few of my favorite things...

2009-07-07T13:34:00.019-05:00

{photo via:: Urbanoutfitters}

I once made a list of my top ten things that make me happy. I feel like it changes pretty frequently but there's definitely some things that stay on the list. What are you favorite things? Sometimes I feel like the most simple things are the ones that make me smile the most.

Happy List #1

#1 : Evie - our new family member!

{photo via:: me}

#2 : Red doors - I really hope my studio has one someday!

{photo via:: polanoid}

#3 : Weddings... and engagements... and the fact that I get to marry Adam in 186 days!

{photo via:: polanoid}

#4 : Orchids
{photo via:: polanoid}

#5 : Snail Mail
{photo via:: Etsy - NothingElegant}

#6 : Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings
{photo via:: Etsy - Mr. PS}

#7 : Vespas (oh how I miss the one Adam and I used to have)
{photo via:: Etsy - Vital}

#8 : Sharing & having a "side"

{photo via:: Etsy - TextStyle}

#9 : Smiles.

{photo via:: Etsy - RollandTumblePress}

#10 - Adam and Q! (not pictured, but it'd be a shame not to include them on the first list)

XXX's from Tokyo

2009-06-30T19:53:00.008-05:00

I keep coming across this simply amazing film by Kevin Dart - the artwork in it is just beautiful and the storyline is great too. What more could you ask for?

This animation is a part of a promotional event about the release of Kevin's new book, "Seductive Espionage, the world of Yuki 7" which will happen at the beginning of July.

{video via:: Vimeo by Stephane Coedel }

"A Kiss From Tokyo", Theatrical Trailer (1964) - Yuki 7 dashes around the world in hot pursuit of the tantalizingly tricky Diamond Eye, who is stealing parts and plans and leaving behind a path of murdered scientists in her quest to build a missile inside her volcanic lair.

{photos via:: Kevin Dart - some of his newly screenprinted posters
for the promotion of his new book}

Hype for Type

2009-06-29T15:32:00.010-05:00

Hype for type is a great site for us typography lovers. The site pulls together a bunch of artists and gives them the chance to showcase their super awesome fonts. Who knew letters would be such great pieces of art?

BURGERMAN › JON BURGERMAN TYPE FOUNDRY

NEO DECO › ALEX TROCHUT TYPE FOUNDRY

KALGAN › OFFICIAL CLASSIC TYPE FOUNDRY

MYLD › SUBTYPE TYPE FOUNDRY

MARZO › SUDTIPOS TYPE FOUNDRY

{all photos via:: Hype for Type}

foto friday (better late than never)

2009-06-28T22:55:00.012-05:00

For lack of excuses on yet again missing out on foto friday - here it is. Better late than never. There shall be much for blogging in the near future, life has been a big hectic so you have my most sincere apologies. Hope you had a wondeful weekend!

{photo via:: Swiss Legacy}

{photo via:: Pristina.org}

{photo via:: Gigposters.com}

{photo via:: Grain Edit - made by Supercinq}

{photo via:: ffffound}

{photo via: Hand Job - The Morning News (images by Michael Perry)}

It's what's inside that counts, but sometimes it's just the cool packaging

2009-06-24T08:19:00.005-05:00

So I was on one of my favorite sites this morning Lovely Package and decided to share some of my morning inspiration. I love package design, simply because the possibilites seem endless. Designers are coming up with crazy things today (a banana peel juice box = awesome). So enjoy my friends, enjoy.

{all photos via:: Lovely Package}

AHHHHH I love printing!

2009-06-17T18:44:00.005-05:00

This is by far one of my most favorite youtube videos. I think it would be awesome to work with the peeps over at Aesthetic Apparatus, especially if you really get to scream while printing. Enjoy my fellow printers enjoy.

{video via:: youtube}

caffeine addiction

2009-06-17T09:44:00.003-05:00

So I came across this uber cool vintage coke can designs on Inspiredology - my favorite has to be the Lichtenstein-based can. mmm coke.

{photos via:: Inspiredology}

And you call yourself a designer!?

2009-06-15T15:35:00.004-05:00

How well do you think you know your fonts? Well here's your chance to waste some quality time and find out how savvy you are when it comes to knowing the difference between bembo and trajan at the Deep Font Challenge.... I warn you, it's addicting!

{photo & link via:: howaboutorange}

Mona in the buff?

2009-06-15T14:32:00.005-05:00

Museo Ideale - Leonardo Da Vinci

According to an article by Rossella Lorenzi from Discovery over at msnbc.com, Da Vinci may have been painting our beloved Mona in the nude. The image above was found within the wooden walls of Cardinal Joseph Fesch's private library. Now of course looking at the portrait here you might not think it's the real Mona, but there are quite a few similarities which could make someone wonder. I'm still coming to my own conclusion, but having seen Mona in person and walked along some of the same streets as the ever-so-famous Da Vinci, I wonder if he had some secret love affair beyond Mona's smile. What do you think?

{photo via:: msnbc.com }

I think therefore I am.

2009-06-13T09:47:00.009-05:00

So I've been slacking a bit on the posts, I blame it on Evie (our new family member/aka baby kitten) and the fact that I've been trekking up to my parents to help them move out of my childhood home and my feeble attempts at finding a job - although it's getting there, I'm feeling some good work vibes. Oh and I've been slacking b/c it has been an awesome week for concerts here in Des Moines. Thursday night we made it to Nitefall on the River - which is one of the coolest events, you get to pack a picnic, sit on the lawn and enjoy some good tune-age... what could be better than that? And then of course last night I fulfilled my destiny of seeing Coldplay live thanks to my super cool brother giving me tickets. It was AMAZING! They even through out huge yellow balloons that popped yellow confetti during "Yellow".... and they had a "secret stage set-up where they played "Green Eyes".

So in lue of my lack of posts I give you some random things to think about. I love finding random quotes and photos, ones to inspire, laugh about, and ponder on. Happy weekend everyone! And a special shout-out to all of you have started following me, it means the world to me and I hope that you continue to enjoy the bloggage. <3

{photos via:: fffound}

This side up.

2009-06-09T20:11:00.005-05:00

{photo via:: flicker}

So my parents are moving out of my childhood home in a couple weeks and I've been helping them pack up their belongings. It's a little bittersweet to say goodbye to the place that I know as "home" - but it's a new beginning for my parents and that's pretty exciting.

So what do you do when you move? Make moving announcements of course! I searched around to find some cute ones out there. Can I just tell you how much I love letterpress. I can't wait for Minnie to finally be in working condition, soon my friends, soon. Until then I shall just dream of the moving announcements I'll soon be printing.

{photo via:: Oh So Beautiful Paper}

{photo via:: Etsy - PaperedTogether}

{photo via:: Etsy - sweetperversion}

{photo via:: Etsy - Colorbutton}

oh so beautiful!

2009-06-04T10:41:00.003-05:00

I came across this gorgeous invite design via Oh So Beautiful paper, who snagged the photos from Dolce Press. I love how it's all connected together and that it's letterpress! I feel the simplicity makes it beautiful and who wouldn't love running their fingers across the type indents on the paper? Now if only I could figure out what to do for my wedding invites.

{photos via:: Oh So Beautiful Paper & Dolce Press}

lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!!

2009-06-01T10:41:00.005-05:00

enormouschampion was launched in May 2008 by the dynamic duo - Jason & Jordan. They're a husband/wife team based in Brooklyn, NY. Kingdom Animalia is one of their latest creations. The collection houses 15 different animals (all made by Jason) made of sustainably harvested wood. The packaging on these creatures is so wondeful and each boxes contains a few facts about the animal inside. These collection was designed to be a decorative product (not a toy) but would look great in a nursery or some other whimsical location.

photos via:: The Dieline

Another day at the office...

2009-05-28T21:57:00.004-05:00

.... at the best office! This is by far one of the most unique office spaces (office for Selgas Cano Madrid - for Selgas Cano Architects) I have ever seen. It's ashame that it's all the way in Madrid or I'd be sending them my resume, although I just might - I heard Spain is great in the summer. How beautiful is this place?! Definitely beats out your typical cubicle.

{photos via:: Iwan Bean}

sweet somethings

2009-05-25T22:43:00.007-05:00

As a designer I love typography and I love how expressive type can be and combine that with a great image and it's a match made in heaven. I'm keeping this post simple so the words can speak for themselves. Happy Monday.

{photo via:: fffound - quoted from Grain edit}

{photo via:: Cardboard Love}

{photo via:: Keep Calm}

{photo via:: Design Crush}

{photo via:: fffound-quote from Krisatomic}

{photo via:: Keep Calm}

A very important poll

2009-05-23T09:20:00.006-05:00

Okay so this has nothing to do with design and everything to do with a moment of cuteness overload. Adam and I have had an "outdoor" cat (she just lives in our yard, not really ours) - and she had kittens.... five adorable kittens. This morning we caught one. We're calling her V (long story but it goes with the fact that we have an actual indoor cat named Q).. so the important poll. Do we keep her?

p.s. it's hard to say no to those blue eyes

photos via:: me

foto friday!

2009-05-22T10:59:00.005-05:00

Summer is coming. What's your favorite part? Mine might be the flowers and the colors.... ooh and the kittens living in my garden and of course foto fridays. Also note all photos today are from artists on Etsy. Happy weekend friends.

{ photo via:: TinaCrespo}

{photo via:: dsbrennan}

{photo via:: ellemoss}

{photo via:: TinaCrespo}

{photo via:: evesimone}

Proper meaning

2009-05-21T13:12:00.007-05:00

Cisma's "Le Sens Propre" from Cisma on Vimeo.

This video reminds me a bit of the intro to one of my favorite movies "Amelie"... nevertheless I love how they incorporate sounds, reality and graphics into one intruguing little film.

found via:: nom,nom,nom

Snail-mail love

2009-05-21T11:00:00.008-05:00

{photo via:: Green Paper Company}

There are so many days where I think I should have been born a 100 years ago. I love snail-mail. I love writing it and I love getting it (hint hint) ... a dear friend of mine always writes and we have this contest of sending the "best" snail mail cards. What's the best one you've sent? I found a few this morning that I'd love to add to my collection.

{photo via:: Screech Owl Design}

{photo via:: Paperstories}

{photo via:: Screech Owl Design}

{photo via:: Sweetiepie}

Movin' on out

2009-05-19T05:37:00.004-05:00

So for the past couple days now I've been hanging out in upstate NY on quite the moving adventure. We're only out one u-haul (luckily no one was hurt, I wish I could say the same for the u-haul.. and thankfull it wasn't packed yet.) But boy does my sister have a lot of stuff. I almost wish that the boxes had some spiffy packing tape so that I could have had more entertainment carrying them up and down the stairs last night. So as an ode to my sister's cross-country move here is some spiffy packing tape for your enjoyment. Safe travels.'

photos via:: Toxel

Can a lawnmower wear eyeliner?

2009-05-16T22:13:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I wish my fiancé was emo too.

photo via:: fffound

foto friday

2009-05-15T22:32:00.005-05:00

Happy weekend my fellow friends and readers.... here's some 'fotos' for thought. What are you plans for the weekend? I get to take a random roadtrip to NY to help my dear sister move. Good times, great oldies.

photos via:: flickr & fffound

A new "type" of element

2009-05-15T14:05:00.008-05:00

I thought this creation by Cam, found at Behance was great. A part of me still has a heart for the science side of things, since I used to be a biology major - so I can't help it when my heart flutters at the site of a good periodic table. However I'm totally smitten over this periodic table of type. Fonts are amazing and it's always interesting to see how other designers rank and rate them. One of my favorites that made an appearance - good old zapfino - it's just so graceful how can you not love it?

photos via:: Behance by Cam

Save Paste! eat tape

2009-05-14T21:16:00.007-05:00

Okay so this has nothing to do with glue, but does have everything to do with a spiffy magazine, Paste, that needs your attention. Plus if you donate you can get some sweet tunes from a variety of people, including the dear sweet Matt Nathanson. So donate now and feel good about yourself in the morning.

Photos via:: Paste

Counting the days

2009-05-13T20:37:00.005-05:00

In 240 days I'll be getting married. Time is flying by and I absolutely cannot wait to marry my best friend/favorite person in the whole world. Since I'll be counting down the days, I was thinking how great it woudl be if I had this handy calendar - it's useful and artistic! Kudos to Marc Brubaker for being so clever. Check out more of his work here and his blog. If only I had my own polaroid cam and they weren't making the film disappear.

Photo via:: Marc Brubaker - ClickWindRepeat

Make Grandma proud

2009-05-12T22:09:00.006-05:00

I couldn't resist showing you this blanket made by Sandra over at smosch. It's simply amazing to me. I just started crocheting and doing one color in a blanket can seem like a challenge. I love the patterns in this blanket and the colors are just so beautiful. Maybe I'll get there some day, for now I just hope to finish my first blanket.

Photos via:: Smosch

Writing in the sky

2009-05-11T18:22:00.005-05:00

In Japanese, kusho means "writing in the sky". Shinichi Maruyama is the artist that creates these amazing pieces. He does this by literally throwing water and ink into the air and the art is created when they meet. How fantastic are these images? I think Jackson Pollock and Shinichi would make great friends.

photos via:: Graphic Exchange

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T21:44:00.004-05:00

An ode to all the mothers.... happy day mom (and to my sister/sis-in-law since they're such wonderful mothers to my nieces and nephew).

Love you mom.

photo via:: flickr

foto friday!!!

2009-05-08T22:53:00.008-05:00

So I've decided to start a new occurance on the good ole' blog. I love photos (polaroids especially) and I feel they deserve some face time. I love to surround myself with pictures and I feel you can really be inspired by them. I truly love old photos and of course I'm a sucker for any that involve the lovely city of Paris. So every Friday I'm giving photos some face time. Some random pics to start you off on a lovely weekend. Enjoy my blog-reading friends.

It's only 246 days until Adam and I get married!!! (sorry had to put a beach wedding photo in since we're going to be tying the knot in the Bahamas)

Photos via:: (from top to bottom) fffound, polanoid - revivfy, fffound, polanoid - czuczy, polanoid - emilie79

Learn to Kern

2009-05-06T17:49:00.012-05:00

Photo via: Knowledge Rush

What is kerning you ask? Well according to a small group of my friends it's when we cluster together and talk design stuff, but the real definition according to Knowledge Rush...

"Kerning is the process of altering the space between specific pairs of letters in a proportional font.
The goal of kerning is to improve the overall balance and space between letters."

So I decided to scour the web and see what fun kerning stuff is out there. There's some pretty sweet products. Who knew typography could be so fashionable? P.S. my birthday is in September. Happy Kerning everyone!

I should start mowing the lawn like this. I bet my neighbors might give me funny looks, unless of course some of them are uber cool designers.

Photo via: r-echos

Photo via:: Ilovetypography

I love this jacket, I've been wanting it for years now. It cracks me up every time I see it and it's just super cute. Veer has such clever ideas.

Photo via: Veer

Another reason why I need to get an iphone

Photo via:: Technabob

I guess if designers every got into street fights they could wear these instead of brass knuckles. Very clever nonetheless.

Photo via: Ponoko

April showers bring May flowers

2009-05-04T19:54:00.012-05:00

Photo via:: Flickr - Avigailba

Photo via:: Flickr - Capsule Design

Photo via:: Design Work Life - Imagehaus
Photo via:: Business Week

Yesterday and today have been busy bees planting all of our veggies and flowers for the garden and flower beds. I love flowers and the idea of having a superb garden - but it's a lot of work. I don't know how many incredibly long dandelions I had to pull out from between the bricks in the garden but soon they shall be gone and hopefully beautiful roses and ripe tomatoes replace them. In the spirit of Spring and gardening I searched for some spiffy looking seed packages. There's so much creativity in packaging for flowers. I especially love the clever use of symbols out of grass in the Homebase packaging.

Photos via:: BusinessWeek, Design Work Life, & Flickr

Mr. Clean will pump you up!

2009-05-03T13:36:00.005-05:00

So I came across Toxel's site and there was an article about 20 unusual and creative packaging designs. I love almost all of them, especially the Mr. Clean dumbells and the milk jug. And the juice boxes, and the anti-theft lunch bags (although, even if it were my lunch the mold might freak me out a little too). Definitely worth checking out.

Photo via:: Toxel

Happy May Day!

2009-05-01T21:25:00.004-05:00

Once there was a woodland elf
Who said to himself
It's the 1st of May, what shall I do?
Why I'll bring flowers fresh for you.
And when they're done a seed or two.
For summer flowers to see you through!

Some of our close friends and their adorable children just showed up at our door with May Day baskets. I think it's a great idea - it seems to be the day that can make anyone smile. I also love all the ideas of things you can do with a may day basket - from candy to flowers to your very own doodles. Oh and not only is it May day, but it's also Q's 3rd birthday - our baby kitty is growing up so fast.

photo via:: Mamaroots

Say "Cheese"

2009-04-29T21:07:00.003-05:00

So I am in need of a new camera... my tiny digital fugi is probably on his 9th life. Maybe it's from taking 3000 photos in France or being dropped in multiple countries, either way he has had a good life and now has this nifty feature of being blurry the second you turn it on unless you adjust the zoom button. How do you choose a new camera? Now there's just too many options to pick from.

photo via:: fffound

Cleaning the letterpress aka "Minnie"

2009-04-28T21:01:00.015-05:00

Tomorrow I am going to start the great clean-up of "Minnie" - my lovely gigantic C&P 8x12 new series press. She's been neglected for who knows how many years and being the neat freak I am, she needs a bath and some new oil. I figure this is a good way to start the process to getting her up an running. My new dilemma is that I need to get a printing apron at some point (this is secretly one of my favorite things about being a printer - I get to wear an apron) and since I love etsy I just spent the last while scouring it for some unique handmade aprons, so many wonderful ones. My favorite? Cherry tart and of course the one with the eiffel towers. Which one would you pick?

photos via:: Etsy: 1) BellaBeeDesigns - 2) agentindigo - 3) AnniesAttic -
4 ) Summergirl80 - 5) Summergirl80 - 6) BellaBeeDesigns

Designers going green

2009-04-27T21:17:00.005-05:00

I love Veer and just the other day I received this spiffy mailer, it has photocromic! (of course it arrived in time for Earth Day). I love how so many designers/companies are finding ways to be green and bring awareness to the subject. It makes me wonder what I can do to be a "green" letterpress'er and designer. Specific paper maybe? Oooh I could maybe hook up an exercise bike to my press rather than the motor .... yeah we'll think about that one. What do you do to be green?

Happy World Graphic Design Day!!

2009-04-27T18:23:00.013-05:00

Happy World Graphics Day everyone! This fabulous holiday has been celebrated since 1995 all across the world. Feel free to impress your fellow coworkers with talk of kerning and letting and wear your favorite color (C,M,Y or K)! Find out more about World Graphics day at Icograda's site. And go out and be creative!

photos via:: Veer (cmyk & tie) and Etsy (&-tee, tie) - please click on photos to visit vendor sites and prepare yourself for next year's design day!

Happy Sunday

2009-04-26T16:28:00.008-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone. It was pouring this morning, unfortunately the storming stopped, although maybe it'll let me get my gardening started tomorrow. I have so many things on my to-do list. Does anyone else make lists? I make them for everything, to-do lists for my to-do lists. There's just something about writing things down on a piece of paper only to cross them off later and feel the accomplishment of getting something finished.

Today's list:

blog something - check
clean, clean, and clean (see I am a neat freak) - check
start posting etsy products (get excited, my store is about to be up and running)
email a friend back.
dinner & wii fun with friends

photo via fffound

tweet tweet

2009-04-25T11:40:00.006-05:00

CreativeOCD has learned to tweet - follow us at http://twitter.com/CreativeOCD

Luxury litterbox

2009-04-24T18:39:00.006-05:00

My fiancé, Adam just found this great story about the 2009 World Sand Sculpture. Our favorite was Australia's (shown above). I can't believe how detailed all of them are.

Photos c/o Pink Tentacle

Rawr

2009-04-21T13:01:00.005-05:00

Photo c/o Like Cool

I came across this photo when reading some of my blogs Mer Mag posted it awhile back.... I couldn't help but laugh. How great would this be to have on a camping trip?

Where fore art thou spring?

2009-04-20T20:18:00.006-05:00

Brooke Reynold's over at Inchmark had the sweetest idea to bring spring to anyone if they're still stuck in the cold or just down or just like yellow. I love this idea - now I just need to think of a friend living somewhere super freezing. Or someone that likes yellow a lot. Photo c/o Inchmark.

Papershaping = Amazing

2009-04-20T20:05:00.011-05:00

This exhibit would have been AMAZING to see. Who knew that you could create such remarkable pieces out of just paper. I can't even begin to imagine how steady Hunter Stabler's hand is, I'm sure he'd make a great surgeon if he ever decides to stop cutting out paper. And the best thing about the piece I came across - it's an octopus (yes I have a weird liking for squid/octupus type creatures, mind you I never ever want to eat them). Feel free to click on the photo to check out more images from the exhibit.

Photo c/o NotCot

Metro Muses

2009-04-18T10:39:00.007-05:00

And this is why I wish my city had a metro system. This sure beats the puppet shows I used to see in Paris.

here kitty kitty

2009-04-16T22:39:00.019-05:00

So Adam and I already have a cat, Q (who's turning 3 soon) - however for the past 6 months or so we've also "taken in" an outdoor cat - aka we can't catch her but we feed her and she's been living under our porch and roaming the neighborhood for months now. Adam's decided to name her Tigra and she has an identical brother names Liono - I think he just wants to be able to yell "Thundercats HO!" when they're around. As much as I'd love for Tigra to walk through the front door, I wonder if maybe she just needs and outdoor home - I came across some really modern/fun homes. It's amazing what people think of.

Photos c/o (from top to bottom): CribCandy (Olive's home), Velocity - Elizabeth Paige Smith Kittypod, YouTube - Thundercats HO! - click on photos to go to sites.

my grandmother's trade

2009-04-14T16:45:00.003-05:00

I've decided to start crocheting again, something I haven't done since my grandmother was still alive. I wasn't very good at it when I first started and I still have a long ways to go but I am determined to finish my dark orange blanket. I definitely need a place to put my needles though, since I know the more I do crocheting and knitting the more needles I'll acquire. How great is this case by Ecogeneration? Definitely check out their esty site here or look them up through Cosa Verde (this great site that links up a bunch of eco-friendly sellers)

the dress

2009-04-14T10:11:00.007-05:00

So my wedding dress has finally arrived and today I get to go try it on - I'm excited and nervous at the same time. All the dresses I tried on were so beautiful, this one was funny b/c I actually had to "hunt" it down. I kept seeing photos of it in a magazine but very few shops actually carried it, I guess I owe my sister a thanks for picking it out because it ending up being my favorite. I can't wait to try it on. I'd love to show you what it looks like but Adam tends to read the blog so I'd hate to ruin a good surprise. For now I'll leave you with one of my favorite photographers I've come across in all the wedding mayhem - Audrey Hannah. She has a wonderful photo blog too.

(photo above c/o Audrey Hannah)

Hush little baby....

2009-04-13T19:33:00.014-05:00

I am so estatic, my dear friends Katie and Kevin are starting their family tonight. So as an ode to them and all my other friends populating the world I have been checking out baby sites for great gifts and ideas.

Fawn&forest has great stuff, very modern and I love the color palettes they use. I love the Rockabye Baby cds - definitely a new spin on your traditional lullabies (my favorites, Coldplay and The Beatles). Or the oh so cute "Build-a-Bot" onesie. Little Circus has some adorable baby gift ideas as well. I love all the little knit booties they offer. Why is everything so cute when it's 10 times smaller?

Welcome to the world Collin.

YES, man I would suggest you watch this movie

2009-04-12T21:33:00.008-05:00

Allison: Are you stalking me?
Carl Allen: No, i would never do that.
Carl Allen: Oh by the way, the new furniture looks great from the yard.

This movie rocked my socks. The really cool socks, with the stripes and the individual toe-hole things. Adam (the fiancé) and I just finished watching this rad movie, of course while drinking Spumanté with pomegranate juice - this could very well be our new signature wedding drink, if we were truly yuppies. Speaking of weddings, I'll announce it now for those of you who dont' know me - we're getting married, next January 9th aka 272 days from now. So feel free to get excited with us b/c I'm sure I won't stop talking about it anytime soon.

So back to the movie, it was hilarious. Go rent it. If you don't laugh then maybe you should watch Marely & Me b/c that movie will let you cry your eyes out and maybe then allow you to enjoy some random humor. Oooh and this is one of our favorite parts ... watch it here

What's in a name?

2009-04-12T18:44:00.003-05:00

So now that I've finally taken the steps to naming my press (yes it's still named Minnie)... I keep getting a debate about how it could be Thor. And now it has me thinking, how do people decide on names? What's your critera? So many of my dear friends are starting their families, not with letterpresses but with real babies - many of them have decided to find out the gender early, which lets them choose names pretty easily (they only have to go with one gender rather than deciding between two). Where do you start? Will the names that our grandmothers had/have become popular again or is the trend of naming your baby after food going to continue?

Also I've finally taken photos with my new "family" ... aka Minnie. She shall be up and running soon, mark my words.

Happy Easter. And happy birthday to my niece.

The beginning

2009-04-09T09:47:00.005-05:00

And so it starts (kind of like the beginning of a Land Before Time movie). Creating my own business is a process. A big tedious process. I finally purchased my first press and of course I pick the kind that I know the least about - but what fun would it be to know everything right away? This way I get to tinker and work out the kinks and really learn to love my press. I call her Minnie, named after my great aunt, who was a lot like a grandmother to me. She's delicate, and smart, creates beautiful things, and will have a good life - much like my aunt. My fiance wanted me to name the press Thor, yeah that was rejected rather quickly. Bless his heart.

So brace yourself - this is going to be quite the life changing experience, at least that's what I'm hoping for. Next step is to get my etsy site going and the real website. I'll keep you posted.