Happy Holidays!

This is my last post for a few days. I'm looking forward to taking a well deserved break. It's been a simply amazing year here at the studio - especially the last 2 months. Cartolina will take on a whole new life in 2010 and I'm looking forward to sharing all the exciting news with you over the next couple of weeks. Preparing posts for Cafe Cartolina has become my favourite part of the day and every morning I look forward to reading your comments. I'm going to have lots more time on my hands in the New Year and I promise to update the labels list and some of the permanent image links we have on the side bars - just a little bit of housekeeping to keep the Cafe fresh! Thanks for visiting everyday and for commenting. Happy Holidays! {I'll be back here on the 29th!}

These images are from the amazing Katrin Cargill - enjoy . . . .

I'd love to know what plans you all have for the holidays. Why don't you leave me a comment - I'd love to know!

Inspiration

I think this is the third time I have featured the clever designs from Once Wed here at the Cafe. This time I found these images at Design Sponge and had to pluck them off and plop them down here. Such a simple idea done so elegantly - as usual - well done!

Found

I'm really hooked on the jeans and long boots look this winter - I bet you are too. So you have probably seen these before - I had not, until last night. What a great idea - boot cuffs! I love the colour of these too - so fun. Available at Laine Design.

Found

Super simple and striking. I want to fill my house with these for the holidays, don't you? From the clever, and I'm sure busy at this time of the year, people at Kissa Designs.

Vintage

These are fun - vintage matchbooks with novelty graphics and fun illustrated matches. Goofy but good! From here.

Vintage

I thought you might like to see these. These are known as watch papers and date from the late 19th century. I know all you typophiles will appreciate the beautifully designed type.

From here

Inspiration

YouAnother source of inspiration for me is vintage lithographed tins - especially tea tines because I love the Chinese graphics on them. The lids alone can be amazing examples of illustration and typography in a confined space. Look at this first one - see the tiny 'stitched' detail between the panels - I love that! And the black stripe on the mustard yellow - brilliant fun!

All of these can be found here

Inspiration

Amazing chinoiserie inspiration from www.tchochkes.com. What an amazing wall!

Inspiration

I'm designing new cards for the next 2 or 3 weeks - a french collection for the French Canadian and European markets. When I start designing I try to get as much diverse inspiration as possible - who knew I would find these Ukrainian eggs so exciting - just as I did the Temari balls yesterday - such a riot of pattern and colour. From here.

Found

Here's a great supplier for that wonderful Japanese washi tape - Pretty Tape.

Vintage

Oh, I get so distracted when I'm Christmas shopping - I mean, who wouldn't want a vintage circus sign for christmas?

All of these amazing old things are available at Factory 20 - but I'm warning you, you'd better have time to waste if you click on this link!

Treasures

My friend Toni told me to come over and see some vintage Christmas tree decorations that she found for me at her parent's house. I'm hoping they are a bit like these. I'll go over there later today with my finger's crossed. I'll let you know!

LON - NY

The latest issue of Lonny Magazine is now available online. I love this new mag - and I am even enjoying the online reading experience. You must check it out - it's going to be a hit(especially with bloggers!)

Vintage

These images are from the New York Times, Homes and Garden section. The NYT has one of the best online newspapers - a great read. Thanks Brittany for alerting me to these great images via Twitter.

Temari

I love these - they are called Temari and I first spotted them here. Such inspiring shapes, patterns and colours. I'm sure there must be a really good book out there on this craft - maybe from here. There are lots of beautiful images of more Temari balls on this Flickr set.

Inspiration

Doug always has amazing imagery on his table when he is working - for inspiration. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye this week - thought you might like them!

Interiors

Here's a fun, eclectic and colourful apartment to inspire you to add some quirky style to your home this weekend - it's sort of squatter-chic!

Found

Here's a treat. These are images of the Bergdorf Goodman holiday window displays(the 5th Ave side) from Another Normal. Based on a "Through The Looking Glass" concept, they are truly amazing - take your time and check out all the details - the depth of detail is incredible. Enjoy . . .

Flickr

These wonderful images are from Suzannedudas's photostream on Flickr - so pretty! I would have jumped all over the first 2 items for sure(not sure what I would do with a picture of the lovely Mary but it's very iconic and beautiful.)

Mingle

Thursday night is Mingle night in Nelson this week. It's a great way to socialize with other business owners and entrepreneurs in The Kootenays - I really enjoy it every month and have met some very interesting and creative locals. If you're planning on going - then I'll see you there - I'll be there early because I have to attend another function tomorrow night right after. 5pm to 8pm at Louie's.

Found

My friend Corinna at Piddix noted yesterday what a very clever use of old chandelier crystals and vintage imagery this is - I couldn't agree more! - These would make very decorative and unique holiday decorations. From The Robin and Sparrow.

Found

The over all graphic effect of these pretty buttoned pieces is very appealing - the perfectly organized grid of pretty mother of pearl buttons is quite intriguing. I was drawn to them as soon as I saw them.

Imposter?

So do they just not produce Spirographs anymore? Did your kid ask Santa for a Hypotrochoid Art Set for Christmas? This looks suspiciously like a Spirograph - it just doesn't have all the parts - so how good can it really be? If you really need to have one of these you can get it at Restoration Hardware - I wonder if Mr Spiro knows about this?

I was alerted to this by my good paper pal Molly at Artful Sentiments - thanks Molly!

Short and sweet

I have officially run out of steam today - yes, I have bitten off more than I can chew and so I am cutting it short today - but short and sweet. I am going to share with you these amazing images from the Grand Ole Bestiary. I was in complete awe of these when I first saw them on Cate's blog a few months ago - I hope you find them as intriguing as I do. See you tomorrow morning bright and early.

From the Grand Ole Bestiary shop - "The Grand Ole Bestiary is a collection of faux-antique, anthropomorphic, mythological curios. Each one carefully recovered from ancient catacombs discovered buried deep inside the molten core of a metaphysical holy mountain. Touted as one of the most compelling discoveries of evidence that proves an enduring existence of these magnificent "Manimalien" creatures that had long been worshiped and damned by human civilizations throughout history." Amazing - who knew?

Window Shopping

Beautiful, bold textiles and Christmas decorations from Niki Jones. You have got to love these Suzani decorations for your tree - it's the black details that makes them special . . . .

Window Shopping

There are some wonderful, folksy prints, textiles and garments on this site(Gudren). Take a look and scroll through the selection of really unusual artisan pieces. You definitely have to have a certain personal style to pull of this look but it's quite fascinating! Here are some items from their home collection.

Inspiration

These pieces of Shaker folk art are from Katy Elliott's blog. This first one is so inspiring - it's amazing to think it was produced in 1857. The imagery seems so contemporary.

Found

All these super cute packaging ideas are available at Nice Package. I love all these clever ideas. And it's a great concept for a store. I especially love the first one - of course!

Inspiration

Good morning to you! Hope you had a great weekend!

I just adore this imagery from Miss Butler in Brooklyn. I love the rich Mexican colours and the Loteria images. There are lots more to choose from right here.

Inspiration

I have a feeling that I may be the last person to have seen these. They are too cool to not have made the blog rounds all ready. Very clever idea using fabulous vintage colour palette. From the talented stitcher at Maranon.