I can’t find the perfect (read almost free) industrial lamp for my studio space so I Googled ‘cheap industrial lamps’ and this awesome DIY popped up. I have always abhorred naked bulbs, that is until the Edison bulbs came on the scene (or should I write came back on the scene), those I can get behind, bare  bulb and all. I think these would look great in a cluster as a mock chandelier.  I took the liberty to track down some resources for all of you industrial light enthusiasts. Let me know if you make one (or twelve,) I would love to see!

Some people don’t like squirrels, I was once part of that minority. Well, let me clarify, I didn’t dislike them, I was scared of them. I went to a school that had a squirrel problem, no one addressed it.  It made me feel a bit like a loon, I would think, am I the only individual on this campus that notices that we have a squirrel to human ratio disadvantage? These squirrels were bold, I was always afraid that one of them would one day decide my ankles looked delicious. They walked with the flow of traffic right by your side, not in a friendly I am cute way, but in a ‘I know you have a sandwich in your backpack’ way. It took me a long time to get over my fear. I rarely see squirrels in Los Angeles it seems they prefer to live by the ocean, psk, who doesn’t? Squirrels are smart. I saw this photograph by Allison Trentleman and first thing I thought was ‘cute’. I even did a search for cute animals and this photograph came up, so it validated my initial thought. 

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and this week proves to be awesome.

This gorgeous Merchant & Mills retailer display was my design inspiration for my studio makeover. I wanted to take photos of the new space but I have a rather annoying light fixture that I need to tackle, the current one is way too mod (its a white chandelier-ish thing that came with the space). We are moving soon so I don’t want to invest in anything too permanent, but I can’t take photographs with this albatross in the center of my space either now can I? I have been eyeing an overhead fixture at Ikea but its been sold out at the one near me, I would like something like this. I’ll spill the beans and let you know I painted one wall with magnetic paint (total waste of time and money, doesn’t work) and over the useless magnetic paint a beautiful chalkboard paint. The paint is a winner in my book.  I originally bought the Benjamin Moore chalkboard paint which is more a dark gray than a deep black. It could of been cool if that’s what I was looking for but I wasn’t so I went back to the paint store and picked up the Rustoleum version (fabulous). Okay, I should note here that the color is rich and inky, but I don’t know how it performs as a chalkboard because I love it in it’s pristine state and don’t want to ruin it with my dusty little fingers. I will one day, but for today I love it clean and perfect. I was going to order one of Shauna Murray’s decals but trying to decide which one I wanted proved to be more decision power than I have in me at this current moment. Has anyone ordered a decal from her? If so which one?

It’s a fair assessment to say that I am obsessed with books, both the content and the organization of my copious collection. I have written about creative covers on more than one occasion and could probably dedicate my blog to the subject. Most covers are aesthetically appealing but are not very functional, which is a problem for me as my books aren’t there to hang on the arm of my bookshelf like some trophy book, but are there for my perusing pleasure. When I caught wind of this gorgeous + simple tutorial by Paislee Press, I was a goner. I loved the slight white paper, the typewriter font titles, the extra clever twill tape labels and her red border labels (a free download!). The whole scheme put together is perfect for me and my obsession. Perhaps it is good for yours as well? I think if you are short on cash this holiday, but big on motivation, this would be a welcome project for the bibliophile in your life. I know I would be eternally grateful and appreciative if someone came over and conquered my library, but I just may be giving this to myself for Christmas.

The flag labels are back in stock! Seriously, it took long enough. I have thoroughly stocked up on inventory on these babies again. Starting a new retail enterprise, one hopes to know what will sell, but honestly I had no idea what was going to. I thought the Archive labels in a classic color would be more popular than say the ones in the vintage aqua. The flag labels, well I didn’t realize these would be the belle’s of the Besotted Brand ball or I would have been ready for the onslaught of flag fever.  This was actually one of the first products I designed for Besotted Brand. That was many moons ago and a pretty hefty initial investment in something I wasn’t even sure would work.  I justified the investment by telling myself that if they didn’t sell I would be happy to have these labels in my stationery stash. I am wondering now if I should try the Archive label in another colorway? I love muted colors but they don’t always translate well.  I am thinking greige, vintage red (almost a muted pink), blush or…? I am always open to suggestions, because gosh knows I’d do just about anything for you.  I am super co-dependent that way and my world revolves around making you happy.  Healthy, right?