DIY Pantone Magnets

I just stumbled across these great DIY Pantone Chip magnets, and I'm LOVING them.
For a full description of how to make them yourself, click here.

Here's a closer look:

For a fun variation, how about mini polaroid pictures?

Kudos (and photo credits) go to How About Orange for this great DIY idea!

DIY Magazine Bow

I'm a last-minute kinda gal, and gifts are no exception. I usually find myself wrapping my gift minutes before leaving for a party. So when I stumbled across these sweet bows made from magazine pages, I did a double-take. Not only are they a great way to get rid of that ever-growing stack of magazines, but they use things you have on hand, and seem to be easy enough to whip up a chic bow when you can't find just the right one.

I love the idea of using old newspaper or old phone book pages for your wrapping paper
and topping it with a shot of color.





















What you'll need:

1. A single sheet of paper from a magazine, newspaper, or map.
2. Scissors
3. Stapler (glue dots or double-sided tape would also work).

Cut a magazine page lengthwise into nine strips, each approx. 3/4" wide.
Leave three of the strips full length. Cut 1" off three of the strips.
Cut two inches off 2 of the strips.
Cut the last strip down to 3 1/2" long.

Twist each strip to form a loop at both ends and staple it in the center.
Shape the last (short) strip into a circle and secure it with a glue dot. 

Layer the three longest pieces on top of each other, spacing them evenly
and securing each with a glue dot. Add the next two groups of pieces,
doing the same. And finally, stick the loop into the center. Voila!
(Credits: How About Orange)

And for some fun variations, how about using a map (great for a going away gift)
or felt (adorable for a baby shower)? This would also be a great way to top a card
and make it feel a bit more like a gift.

Happy gifting!

shifting gears

I'm in love with this silkscreened poster by Allan Peters, who created it for a poster show for bike lovers. The artist explains, "When I got this project, my wife and I had just found out that we were going to have a baby and so I wanted to do something that mixed that joy with my joy of biking." Read more about it here.

Not only are the colors DELISH, but the concept and execution are perfect. A labor of love well done.

i scream, you scream

When we purchased our house in 2008, we failed to realize the convenience (and danger) of having an icecream shop literally at the entrance to our subdivision. With chocolate peanut butter icecream at an arm's length, let's just say that we became frequent customers. All in the name of "quality family time," of course. So when we hopped on our bikes for the first time this spring to make our first annual trip to Scoopy's, our two-year-old was dismayed to see a "FOR SALE" sign in the door. Crushed, in fact. Okay, it was mom who was crushed. But the little man was a little disappointed too.

So in honor of Scoopy's, and in hopes that someone will buy the store and open its doors again before the first sound of summer crickets, I share this tasty packaging for Honey & Mackie's by Wink. Don't you just want to lick them? (the icecream, that is...)

I recently had the pleasure of doing some brand consultation and development for a client that led to my researching vintage typography and graphic design (read more about it here). I loved poring over the charming, whimsical details in 50's an 60's advertising and literature. Rather than recreating what's already been done though, the true challenge is reinterpreting it to be fresh and relevant today. Wink has done just that in their packaging below.

So if anyone's looking to venture out as an entrepreneur, might I suggest opening a Honey & Mackie's in Canton, Michigan? You'll have at least three faithful customers to help get your business off the ground!