Bring Me Up: Design

Fantastic Friday Links

2008-09-05T09:16:00.002-04:00

I'm too tired to do my own post, so I'm surfing around and finding some fantastic Friday links for you design people! It'll be fun, come treasure hunting with me.

So you want to display Flickr Group in Word Press? Well, Pixel2Life has a tutorial focusing on that very topic.

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Interested in learning more bout Jacascript? I know it is a daunting lesson to learn but it can be fun. I recommend this article "JavaScript classes for n00bs."

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For some reason cute vector graphics are a favorite of mine. In fact, I save them and many times print them out. It is true, my office walls are decorated with many a vector animal of cuteness. For a look at 70 Cute and Cheeky Vector Animals, click here.

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Last but not least, don't forget to head over to the CrazyLeaf Design Blog for their list of the Best Photoshop Resources from August 2008.

Making baby bellies look hot

2008-08-28T09:59:00.003-04:00

Due. It's everything she expected - and more.

My son is four years old and I am sure all the maternity clothes I owned are now either out dated or have been given away to friends who needed them.

Maternity clothes are expensive and let's face it...they are normally hideous. I mean when you are pregnant and feeling gross why in the world would you want to dress in something that cost a fortune and looks like a trash bag?

My friend was due on Saturday and she is still due. Bless her heart she is being far more patient and friendly than I would be right now. The clothes she's been wearing have definitely done her well thus far, especially given the long summer months she has endured.

I had made her a maternity top which she really liked, but she also found great maternity clothes on her own as well. One site with great options is DueMaternity.com and they focus on clothes which are comfortable without sacrificing style. Now that's what I'm talking about. =o)

Look at this Japanese Weekend dress, it's adorable, she would wear it even if she weren't pregnant. Not only is it cute but it can also be worn in four different ways so which ever was is most comfortable at the time is how you'll tie it up.

The method behind the company is, "Everything's changed. And nothing's changed. You're still you. You still want the same great styles and comfort. And now you can find what you're looking for—from stylish maternity clothes to nursing and skin care, all in one place: Due."

Brilliant!

This is a sponsored post.

Suh-ooooper design links

2008-08-26T17:33:00.000-04:00

Hate to break it to you but this article "Cross-platform Table-free Web Design," is a couple many years too late...

And so, there is a contest ongoing called "Tees for the People" and here is a link to possible Barack Obama contenders. One of which is shown here; they all have very similar features.

And then my friends, we have a link to more links with WOORK and their Daily inspiration: 10 Websites to get design inspiration.

Just in case you were wanting to speak at the Game Design Expo...they are looking for individuals to do just that.

ShaNickers

2008-08-15T09:45:00.003-04:00

One of the many brilliant designers on Etsy is Shanon1972. Shanon is an Interior Designer and along with some great pieces of home decor she has quickly become a success with her new decals.

The decals are cleverly named ShaNickers! They are repositionable wall decals. All of her copyrighted designs are UNIQUE and Handmade-you will NOT find these anywhere else in the world!!

The design you see here is called "Daises II" and the tallest of the two flowers is 70" high! Incredible! She says they are great for your kids rooms, but I like it for anywhere. I think it would be especially fantastic out in a sunroom.

All of her decals are interchangeable in color and she even offers a wood grain look if you want the design to be more subtle.

Shanon vows to constantly create new, unique things for your home, so check her Etsy store often.

The Fall 5 fashion tips

2008-07-28T10:32:00.001-04:00

With hot summer days coming to an end and chilly autumn nights on the horizon Celebrity Stylist Mark-Alan Harmon and Prime Outlets present The Fall 5, the ultimate guide to fall fashion must- haves, to keep you looking stylish and trendy this season.

According to Harmon, who has worked with some of Hollywood's hottest celebrities for more than a decade, it's just as important to have the right pieces in your wardrobe as it is to know how to wear them.

"I've found that many women shy away from the newest trends because they aren't sure how to wear them," said Harmon. "The Fall 5 tips prove that any woman can be a fashionista with just a little guidance and a few key pieces. It's all about confidence and knowing what to look for."

For a fresh, designer look sure to turn heads this season Harmon and Prime Outlets suggest The Fall 5 fashion tips:

1) Royal Hue - From grape to eggplant and lilac to violet, purple is the color of the season. Associated with nobility, this majestic hue is feminine, flirty and regal. Whether adding a plum handbag or lavender cocktail dress, a touch of purple is exactly what every fashionista's wardrobe needs to reign supreme this fall.

2) National Velvet - Luxurious and sleek, velvet is the fabric of desire this season. Rich and elegant, this soft, silky material is as comfortable as it is glamorous. Look for a deep blue velvet coat, a pair of red velvet shoes or a violet handbag to add texture and polish off any look.

3) British Invasion - Step off the streets of London, ladies. British style, reminiscent of the '80s, has hit the runways this year with a modern twist. For a fun, playful look pair a red and black plaid jacket with tight fitted pants because the legendary crisscross pattern is back and better than ever. Channel your inner rocker and invest in edgy, power accessories and patent leather shoes to play up this punk glamour trend.

4) Luck Be a Lady - Look every inch the lady this season by embracing the demure trend of neo-conservatism. To achieve this feminine, sophisticated look cinch the waist of a fitted knee-length shift dress with a narrow belt. For posh work wear, pair a sexy, curve-hugging pencil skirt and diaphanous silk printed blouse. Accessorize with a structured clutch and flirty, kitten heels.

5) Oversize Knits - Long, lavish knit sweaters are one of the biggest trends this season. Pair with fitted pants for a cozy, trendy look perfect for a day at the office or a Saturday afternoon. Be sure to experiment with sweaters and knit dresses in different styles, colors and fabrics, such as cashmere, mohair and wool, to find a look that best suits you.

Nature helping indoors

2008-07-17T05:39:00.002-04:00

The well known international beer, Becks, have recently run a contest in the UK to find a set of new artistic designs for their beer bottles. Design Shack has an exclusive preview of the winning bottle designs.

And in other design related news...

Now for a design that both freaks me out and amuses me all at the same time. The birds.

The birds are coming out and going into a wall, waiting for you to carry your things. Japanese designer Naoko Kanehira's clever quip is, "You will have a chat with the birds when you use them, "Oh, thank you."

Some of the showcase photos emphasizing the birds show them flying through doors and walls, but there is one photo which also shows it through a window and I think that is the one which freaks me out the most.

To further add naturesque elements to your indoor decor he cast a real branch in brass to give an ornamental look, and strength as a hook.

Apple MacBook Pro Case Design

2008-07-10T09:14:00.002-04:00

It's no shock that Apple plans to update the MacBook Pro sometime soon, and these casing designs are starting to look like the real thing. AppleInsider says that it has received confirmation that the leaked images are in fact authentic, and we can safely say that the new design will include some minor, yet welcome design tweaks. Of most interest is a release latch that provides access to both the battery and hard drive.

The photo of the new MacBook Pro's top shell is not particularly revealing, and also largely mirrors that of the MacBook Air. The recessed Apple logo contains three holes that are further recessed to the depth of the Apple logo's leaf. In the shipping product, it's speculated these holes (and the leaf) will be hollowed out so that light from the notebook's LED-backlit display can shine through and illuminate the same kind of a semi-transparent white Apple logo seen on today's models.

SOURCE

Designer clothes (close out tricks)

2008-07-02T08:45:00.003-04:00

Hmm, this isn't really design related, but I think it's very important if you like the "designer" elite clothing lines.

Now, I do like them but can never buy from them unless I get the throw away items which make it to Rugged Wearhouse. That's fine with me, but even their clothes are going up in price with our evil slumping economy.

So I just found out a trick and I'm going to share it with you.

If you go to amazon.com and type (Closeout Item) in the search field, specifying "apparel" as the product type...you'll find amazing deals. Like Banana Republic shirts for under $15!

Or this Gloria Vanderbilt Tank for only $20!!

Happy bargain shopping!

bomomo

2008-06-26T13:45:00.005-04:00

There isn't really a good explanation to what bomomo is meant for or why it was made. It is an artsy design application created by Philipp Lenssen.

You draw and can then save your masterpiece. I know what you're thinking, what is so special about bomomo? There are plenty of sites which allow free style drawing to create your own art. However, this is the first one which gave me 20 options of drawing styles without giving me the option of color.

Though I like having a color option, this kind of liberates you, because you don't have to follow a scheme, you just go crazy, you just draw.

Try it out, pick a tool or pick them all and get to drawing. I'm posting one I did. Snazzy, huh?

Backyard Luxury

2008-06-23T08:13:00.002-04:00

Everyone put on their imagination caps for a moment. If you lack such a cap then you better be wealthy if you intend on reading the post. =o)

Design architect Scott Cohen took an empty backyard and created something divine! From pools to pavilions and circular spas it is everything luxury should be and more.

Cohen's company, The Green Scene, is one of the fastest-growing outdoor landscape design and construction firms in the Los Angeles area. I wonder if he has some sort of special scholarship plan for those who live in Delaware. hehe.

This is certainly not something my Mom would see on HGTV's "Design on a Dime." However, today Scott's work will be on HGTV for their "Sizzling Outdoor Kitchen" presentation.

I really appreciate the lighting techniques he uses in his outdoor design. Though I am not sure how one can have so many founts of electric running through their lawn, I do believe illumination can make any scene look all the more ambient and relaxing.

I've looked through a lot of the illustrations and finished spaces on The Green Scene. Man it is inspiring to see what can be done. It would be awesome to see what he could do on a smaller budget, too. Very cool.

Make your work area reflect YOU

2008-06-18T08:43:00.003-04:00

So you were hoping for a comfortable and chic cubicle? Ha. No, don't laugh, it is absolutely possible. I have the benefit of having my own office, but at one time I loved the cubicle life and oh was it mine. =o)

There is such a thing as being able to work in style no matter the surrounding environment.

You need storage AND substance. You need to organize AND stylize. Let me just tell you, not only is it possible, but it will actually make you MORE productive.

Take this desk for example: The Airia Desk and Media Cabinet gracefully bring together the needs of work and the comforts of home, combining organization and performance with warmth and beauty.

Or perhaps you have a desk, but you need a way to declutter. Well, the very same desk making realm of brilliance also makes the i/o desk organizer. The i/o Organizer is an exploration of the working desktop landscape. i/o, or input /output, consists of modular ceramic and walnut elements which can be "plugged-in" to a sectioned felt and walnut base for customization.

Brilliant!

And possibly my most favorite piece of all comes from Morgen and it is called Draw. This is a filing system with a katrillion drawers. It's awesome, I love it. It could pretty much fit anywhere, it can be a table surface and well it will just make organizing fun. The downside, it is mucho expensive and I'll never spend that kind of money on a filing cabinet.

Party Popper Light

2008-06-10T08:13:00.003-04:00

Stuart Haygarth's clients include: Porsche, Daimler Chrysler, Honda, Ernest & Julio Gallo Wines, Sony, Compaq, Patek Philippe, Natwest Bank, Norwich Union, British Midland Airways, Beggars Banquet Records, XL Records, The BBC, The Times, The Financial Times, The Economist Magazine, Mens Health Magazine, GQ Magazine, Esquire Magazine, Sainsburys Magazine, Harper Collins Publishing, Penguin Books, Hodder & Stoughton Publishing, Orion Publishing, Transworld Publishing...and more.

He says most of his design projects revolve around the collections of objects. The objects are normally collected in large quantities, categorized and assembled in a way that transforms their meaning.

One of his most ingenious designs is a massive light piece. It is called the Millennium Chandelier, and this is why, the chandelier is made of 1000 exploded Party Poppers collected January 1, 2000, after the Millennium celebrations in London.

The multi-colored type is created from blue, green, red, yellow and white poppers. There is also a black edition created purely from black poppers.

Very super cool, but I am sure it would cost a small fortune to purchase one of the 20 made editions of this chandelier. So let's just enjoy the photo.

Handpainted by Vickie Silcox

2008-06-05T08:30:00.002-04:00

Being a wine lover you would think I have fancy wine glasses, but I don't. They are simple, glass wine glasses which Brian and I received at our wedding shower. It really wasn't important what the glasses looked like as long as they held enough wine. =o)

But these Whimsical Bella Hand Painted Wine Glasses on Etsy are so gorgeous I just might have to rethink my stance.

The glasses are lead free and dishwasher safe which is a plus, but I am more curious as to how beautiful red wine would look in combination with the swirls of color on the outside of the glass.

The original artwork is done by Southern California artist, Vickie Silcox. She hand paints pretty much anything you could ask for and is always willing to do custom orders so the items match decor you already own.

From her Etsy profile: "Glass painting explores a unique and profound paradox in art. By painting glass, I want the viewer to look at the shadow of the art as well as the art itself. Glass art is unique in that the shadow contains and expresses the composition and color of the art, a reflection, if you will, as well as a shadow. Trying to find where the shadow begins and where the reflection ends leads to the wonderfully infinite paradox that is glass art."

She also makes t-shirts with original artwork as well. She is an extremely talented artist and I think it is fantastic she is so willing to share her gift with the world.

Sit in your retro chair for a design discussion

2008-06-02T08:19:00.004-04:00

This morning RetroToGo.com has a post featuring the Enzo retro swivel chair by Darlings of Chelsea. This chair is so adorable, I love it and must have it. But that will have to come at another time when there is more than lint in my pockets.

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Core 77 has a discussion going about what "design art" actually is, or isn't. Alice Rawsthorn wrote about it recently in the International Herald Tribune. "'Design-art' is a commercial phenomenon, not a cultural one. It's a label adopted by auction houses in the hope of flogging limited-edition furniture for higher prices than it would muster if relegated to the unfashionable category of 'decorative arts.' And it has been very effective, commercially at least. A new season of design sales starts Monday with the opening of the Design Miami/ Basel fair in Switzerland, followed by auctions in New York next week. Despite the purists' sneers, collectors' interest in 'design-art' is still increasing, and as the market matures, a less ditzy side to it is emerging."

Hmm, well I guess she has a strong opinion on the matter.

Snowflake Bookcase

2008-05-29T09:49:00.003-04:00

This contemporary bookcase from Dar en Art that looks like a snowflake is something really interesting, especially if you want a bookcase that has an original design.

I love it!!!

The piece has a diameter of 140cm and is available in white or black, and provides a creative method for the organization of your items. The unique design creates interesting pockets of storage providing a creative method for the organization of your items.

Another interesting design for your home is the Bubblicious fruit bowl. The bowl is comprised of varying volumes of spheres, that allows you to place fruits of different sizes, in a way that enables to position the object in a new equilibrium each time, due to the change in the center of gravity. The fruit bowl design is really innovative and can easily make your fruits look really good.

Or perhaps you'd like a bowl made of bicycle chains? This bicycle chain bowl can be a great gift for someone who love bikes. Or for someone who just likes collecting interesting home decor. Measuring 10 in diameter, this bowl is made of real recycled bicycle chains.

Pet Observation Porthole

2008-05-27T09:26:00.002-04:00

Even your pets deserve a chance to see the greener grass. If you have a wooden fence than your pets are missing out on the view. We all know how nice it is to be able to get a window seat. Well I have a feeling your pup or kitty will love this porthole view through the fence.

This clear acrylic dome opens a window to the world that helps satisfy a pets natural curiosity while maintaining safety and security. The porthole mounts easily over a hole cut into the fence and the 9 1/2" diam. dome protrudes 5" to give an inquisitive pet a panoramic view of the world beyond.

And you can buy it for under $30.

Toxiferous Design

2008-05-24T16:38:00.004-04:00

Rockabilly happens to be the "type," or fashion genre if you will, that I prefer wearing the most but probably have the least amount.

Well, on Toxiferous the writer/designer talks about psychobilly design and it piqued my interest. Her blog has this quick little description, "Steampunk, pop culture, frankenstein, art, crafts, gadgets, anime, vinyl toys, comics and books are all things that I adore."

Um, I don't know about you but all of those elements make me giddy!

Most recently the nintendo mushroom slippers were blogged about, but what caught my eye and drew me to the site was the Bloopopus octopus cuteness. The descriptor: "This cute pink octopus t-shirt design features a glossy kawaii octopus with two little octopi friends blooping around. This octopus design is available on t-shirts, stickers, buttons, stationary, mousepads, journals, mugs, panties, boxers, baby clothes, maternity wear, hoodies and many more great gift ideas! Bloop!"

So flippin' cute!

Enjoy!

Design smorgosbord

2008-05-20T08:04:00.006-04:00

Finding quality vector files online isn't always easy, but one place you can consistently go back to and know you'll find something awesome is BittBox.

What is even more awesome about BittBox is that many times you get the elements for free. Even hand drawn decorative vectors!

AisleOne is also a great site to make repeat visits to during the week. As it states on the main page, AisleOne is "an inspirational resource focused on graphic design, typography, grid systems, minimalism and modernism."

You might also enjoy Neuarmy, "A multidisciplinary creative working in print, interactive, illustration, screen printing, painting, graffiti, photography, typography, and identity." It requires a lot of hunting and clicking through the not very well designed site, but there is a lot of inspiration to be found here.

And one more site I enjoy poking through is the group94 showcase. Their site is interesting, interactive and though not so informative but definitely visually appealing. I for one think it is a good one to bookmark because they update it frequently and everything they design is funky and chique. I think you'll enjoy their blurbs that accompany each section, too. Witty and provocative.

Environmentally Friendly Gifts

2008-05-12T13:57:00.003-04:00

Etsy. Ah yes. I signed up to sell things and have been busy buying things. This is what happens when faced with amazing handmade products. You just can't pass 'em up. At least I can't. =o)

Anyway, one of their gift guides has some fantastic ideas. It is the "Environmentally Friendly" guide.

MamaVSoap has some items showcased in the guide today. One of which is Mama V Vacation Breeze Soap. The descriptions says, "Picture a warm, tropical island. Calypso music wafts seductively toward your ears while sand, surf, and SPF 30 suntan lotion merge to form your perfume." Gladly, Mama V! She makes it easy to want her soaps because they are free to ship in the US and only $4.25 a steal for an organic product!

You will also find items from Katie Sue. She makes baby clothes made out of organic materials. They are adorable! Everyone who purchases an item will receive a free organic lip balm as well! Even better, Katie Sue will customize outfits for your little one if you ask. Perfect for gifting!

Always changing, so check the guide often. Or scoop the feed.

Art & The Environment: Design Solutions

2008-05-10T03:48:00.002-04:00

If you're anywhere near Grand Rapids, Michigan this weekend then you have got to stop by this event.

"Art and the Environment: Design Solutions is an exhibition on the green design features of the new Grand Rapids Art Museum. This exhibition, designed by wHY Architecture, design architects of the new museum, will feature creative ways to present and explain the key elements of green design as they are expressed in the new museum building. Four large-scale boxes constructed from the recycled wood forms-used to mold the building's concrete walls-will become display cases. Each box will feature an environmental element: Earth, Water, Air and Light. Visitors can open the boxes and discover the internal story of museum design. They will learn about the LEED certification process and the importance of protecting the environment through innovative design and construction."

May 10, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
101 Monroe Center St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Discovery Artist's Rocker

2008-05-06T08:38:00.002-04:00

This has to be the coolest (or as Brae would say Cooliest) children's rocking chair I have ever seen!

This rocking chair made especially for your child artist has a pencil box armrest with sliding lid, a "flip-down" drawer beneath the seat for paper, markers, crayons and other art supplies and rotating color wheel at the top. The back of the chair which you sit against is also an 8 x 10 frame where your child can store their most favorite work of art for all to see (when they're not busy rocking of course).

Plus on the seat it has a cute little poem, "Apples are Red, Oceans are Blue, I love to make pictures, Especially for you! So give me some paper, I'll put on my smock, And start my next masterpiece, My Art Rocks!"

How perfectly adorable is that!?

Unfortunately it is too small for my little boy, but man he so would have had it if I had known about this a couple years ago!

Here's a link of you are interested in reading more about it!

Design Search Engine

2008-05-04T10:03:00.004-04:00

This is more of a geeky post than a design post, but you'll see why I out it in this section.

If you're like me you have a trillion bookmarks related to design. I have everything from an AJAX folder all the way to an inspiration and scripting folder. It's how I roll. =oP

Well I just came across this search engine Design Resources Search Engine and just as it sounds, it searches through design resources online. Like deviantArt and BittBox for example.

It's also a good place for you to venture if you would like to keep up with the latest news in the realm of design. So whether you need vector tips, photoshop tutorials or just feel like putzing around then this is a great search engine to start with.

Mad Hatter Ceramics

2008-04-30T08:37:00.006-04:00

"Mad Hatter Ceramics reflects my passion for all things whimsical. I love creating pieces inspired by Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter's Tea Party. My favorite pieces merge form and function - they are artfully designed objects that can be used in everyday life."

Once upon a time I begged my parents for a kid's pottery wheel. I made a few awful looking things and realized it wouldn't be my gift. Haha. So I am always amazed to see such fantastic ceramics made by other people. Being able to craft on a wheel and sculpt something beautiful from nothing just by using your hands is quite a gift.

Elizabeth Langsfeld is a ceramic artist working and teaching at Creative Clay Studios in Alexandria, Virginia. Mad Hatter Ceramics is her online Etsy shop.

My favorite pieces for sale in her shop right now are the button glasses and the button vase. I think they are simply adorable. They are all different vibrant colors and have been glazed. Each piece is microwave, dishwasher and food safe which is a huge plus. You can mix and match to form a set or buy just one, maybe the vase, and give it as a gift with flowers in it.

UPCOMING SHOWS:

HAR ZION CRAFT SPECTACULAR
Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Monday, May 5 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: 1500 Hagys Ford Road, Penn Valley, PA 19072

MONTGOMERY POTTERS SPRING SHOW AND SALE
Colesville Presbyterian Church
Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Location: 12800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD

BALLSTON ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET
Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Welborn Square (across from the Ballston Metro station), Arlington, VA

Restless Things

2008-04-26T20:17:00.003-04:00

For archival prints and original drawings by Olivia Jeffries, the only place to shop is at "Restless Things". Olivia Jeffries is an emerging mixed media artist from the UK.

"She is continually influenced by her fascination for used paper; she enthuses about working on a surface that has already been given a sense of purpose in a previous incarnation."

She has mini prints for sale in her shop right now and they are simply enchanting. They are only $3! Each mini print is postcard sized archival print created from an original drawing on a vintage book page titled 'Sketch for Floral... ' and is printed on lightly textured, natural white archival paper.

For those of you interested in a limited edition piece you should check out her "In the dark, do I exist" print which is exquisitely forlorn. The sketch is drawn on an old envelope which further makes it one of a kind. Even as a limited edition the print is less than $18, such a steal!

Her favorite materials are paper, ink and pencil. You certainly can't get simpler than that. Yet each sketch and print ends up looking like an antique masterpiece.

Purple Flower Designs

2008-04-22T08:13:00.003-04:00

What sold me was the "Travelling Felt and Pencil Holder in Whistle While You Work" it's cute, it's practical and it helps both parent and child learn to organize and keep things tidy.

PurpleFlowerDesign's shop currently has 55 items for sale. All handmade, all gorgeous and with fantastic colors, designs and textures to choose from. Whether a pencil holder, or a bag, pillow or sachet there are a ton of adorable items are reasonable prices.

Of course you all know I took the handmade pledge and am constantly trying to find new independent shops which have handmade items. I mean there isn't any other way to get quality products these days.

This particular female designer says, "I like to think of my handbags as functional art." You can tell exactly what she means when you look through the bags she has for sale and the bags she has already sent to lucky new homes. She takes a great pride in each item she creates and hopes it brings happiness to whomever purchases it.

Make sure to look through the shop and find her new "Daytripper" bags. She named them daytripper because they are large enough to tote everything you need for a day trip to the beach or park. Just as important as the functionality (which includes a magnetic snap) is the fantastic fabrics these bags are available in; so gorgeous!

Yay! Go shop!