Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Pretty Packages

I've mentioned before that I am a complete sucker for packaging, especially when it comes to making wine selections, but it certainly holds true for food items, ok, pretty much all items, as well. Present me with a product that has a lovely package design, and I will likely want to purchase it.

As I said yesterday, Louise Fili's website is full of beautiful work, and what follows are some of my favorite pieces from their packaging portfolio.







Monday, March 30, 2009

Typophilia

There has been a bit of buzz around the blogosphere regarding the new website for Louise Fili Ltd., a firm specializing in the design of restaurant identity and food packaging, and for very good reason-- the website is chock-full of the creative work of this talented firm.

I fell especially hard for this logo for Rusk Renovations, Inc.; the vintage-feeling ruler and typography completely did me in.


I also am head over heels for what looks to have been an amazing issue of the Italian magazine, Un Sedicesimo. The issue was devoted to the Italian and French script typefaces from Louise Fili and Steven Heller's collections, and it looks like it would provide endless inspiration.






Finally, I adore this image from Louise Fili's sneak peek on Design*Sponge. The vintage tin is gorgeous, and I love that it is used to display some of the matchbooks and business cards from restaurants for which they have designed logos.


Stay tuned for more from this accomplished firm, as tomorrow I will be sharing some of my favorite packaging work from their portfolio.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Let the Rain Fall Down

It's dark and stormy outside and opposed to wishing the weather away, I am wishing for a grander location to enjoy such a downpour. This seaside house in Scotland looks like the perfect place to watch an onslaught of wind and rain.

I can imagine watching the waves crash furiously upon the beach from this window seat, a spot that seems made for daydreaming.


The rest of the Blackett House and Estate doesn't look too shabby either...








Also, while I wouldn't actually want to make use of the dogs for hunting, I am thrilled to see that the house comes equipped with Hunt Kennels-- you know of my love for dogs.

Photos Courtesy of Dixcot Locations

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

{Stolen} Moments- In Cars

We've looked at {Stolen} Moments as part of the Moments series, but this week we're looking at a more specific type of {Stolen} Moment-- those in cars. I love these images; they are sweet and romantic and make me wish that E and I had a photo like these from our wedding day!

Julie & Jay- Jose Villa




Tuesday, March 24, 2009

They Nailed It

I'm crazy for the door leading into this library and workroom. It's one part glamorous with a smidge of edgy thrown in the mix, and it certainly makes my standard interior doors look dreadfully boring and unadorned.

Traditional Home

I love the idea of a door covered with fabric and nailhead trim- it feels luxurious and, in the right place, it would make such a wonderful statement.

Friday, March 20, 2009

So, Sew Pretty

I have documented my love for sewing notions, including buttons, thread, patterns and fabric, and the inspiration to be drawn from them. I always find myself saving photos that highlight these pieces, and when I discovered this photo by Shanon Gass, available as one of the new spring wallpapers available from Kindred, brainchild of EZ and Holly, I was beyond ecstatic!


The variety of colors and shapes illustrates what I love about buttons, and the image is sure to make for a happy new desktop wallpaper. I may, however, decide I also want the photo for my real-life walls as well...

And some more sewing notions eye-candy. Enjoy!




Thursday, March 19, 2009

Pretty Maids All in a Row

While these surely aren't the lovely flowers in Mary's garden*, my heart gave a little flutter of excitement over these Zenith staplers. I have mentioned my love of office and school supplies before, but, I know, such excitement over a stapler! Still, I can't help but love its stylish lines and the variety of colors in which it is available-- I would have a hard time deciding on only one shade.


*Wow, it is always disturbing to see possible explanations behind childhood nursery rhymes; it's like when I was in sixth grade and first heard that "Ring Around the Rosie" was said to be referring to the bubonic plague!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Be Still My Beating Heart


I love maps, which those of you who've been reading for a while will probably remember from Map Week. As I was looking for items for a theme week I was planning (I did those once, right? Yes, I know it has been a while...) I stumbled across Etsy shop BananaStrudel.


BananaStrudel has a large collection of original antique maps as well as other other amazing antique prints, including architectural plans and details, illustrations of animals and insects, and diagrams of many other things that made me giddy with excitement.


As I looked through the extensive collection of affordable maps and prints, I found one piece after another that I wanted for me, for E, and for many of the people I know and love.


If antique maps and prints are up your alley, BananaStrudel is a shop that's certainly worth a look.