NSS prep + new stuff

I'm all abuzz preparing for the stationery show, the nerves have been replaced with energy. Here's a sneak peek at new stuff launching soon...a suzani tea towel, new colors in paisley and indian summer and.....my new "2 Sides 1 Story journals". They are made for lefties and righties and are bound with beautiful handmade textured papers resembling croc and slate. See me at Booth # 1652 if you will be there, I'll also have the most delicious Scottish wafers that will take all my will power to not eat myself!

Stephen Bennett

" beach baby"

"Somehow very sure"

I dropped by the magazine powerhouse building today (4 times sq) and was stopped in my tracks. The hallway was just littered with astounding color and all these wise and soulful faces looked back at me. I just had to find out who this artist was! Stephen Bennett "the portrait painter" has for 15 years sought out indigenous and traditional people to paint portraits of in over 20 countries. Seeing them in person drew me into each face...knowing I shouldn't touch but they called me...I swear they did! Anyway I'm not a big self portrait person so I will do some searching and saving because I must own one of these someday. See Seychelles series here and Namibia series here.

Secrets of an SBO

I have a small confession to make. I'm nervous as all get out...the stationery show is in 3 weeks, I'm filling orders, preparing samples, doing new designs and oh yeah...trying to combat the butterflies in my belly. I guess I'm excited too but it sure doesn't feel like that right now. *breathe*

Anyway I'm bringing along my tea towels + a new "suzani" style design, new journals that I 'm really excited about, and my cards are the same (maybe one or two new) since I've never done a show before and to the masses it's all new. I've commited myself to doing a launch of something new every 3-4 months to keep things fresh so let's see what feedback I get from the show to go forward. Phew...ok I guess I am sort of excited :)

Mood board

before

mood board (click image for large version)

So AphroChic received a reader request for help with her living room & office space and invited us all to play along. This was so much fun! City Sorbet wanted something "sexy and sophisticated, with clean lines and a sleek finish that her and her boyfriend can live with. Oh yes, and a space with just a touch of girliness. " She already has in place a couch and a table and chair in her office. Here's what I dreamed up:

Living room: Clean lines and edgy so the boyfriend doesn't feel as though he's living in a powderpuff; art and a bit of shine bring the glamour she is looking for. Anthropologie fruiteria floor lamp , Roost carved bone sunflower mirror , Etsy seller fotofiction: 8x8 or custom sizes , DWR Gas armchair , Jayson Home & Garden Mesa coffee table , Velocity Angela Adams wool rug , Hive Modern Platner side table or West Elm convex drum side table .

Office: It's a part of the living room space so nothing too farfetched, but I though it deserved a little girl power for this art director. Here is where her pink comes in with a wallpaaper that can go along the side wall to define the space. Anthropologie silvershift lamp , Ikea Spontan magnetic board , Z Gallerie ceramic hands , See Jane Work letterboxes , Design Public Graham & Brown midsummer wallpaper , Design Public Graham & Brown Serenity wallpaper .

Fieryeyed photography

How stunning are these images from Fieryeyed photography? I am thinking of lining my living room wall with photographs and I'd love to add these. Here is Jenifer's website, store, and delightful photo filled blog. I'm very happy right now :)

Vintage props

I purchased a similar easel from Olive Vintage to hold my business cards

sushipotparts

seaglassvintage

modsquad

I've been playing with the idea of using some vintage pieces to "prop" my products at the National Stationery Show. These are a few shops I really liked on etsy, but of course searching all will take a full day :) I couldn't help buying that brass easel for my business cards.

Jen Everett

While we are on the subject of styling, I just love these gorgeous compositions from prop stylist Jenn Everett.