Browsing through the current Martha Stewart Weddings issue, I happened upon a Simple Silhouettes advertisement (likely styled by the incredibly talented Rebecca Thuss). Suddenly I had simple party decor inspiration for my daughter's upcoming first birthday: paper flag streamers and marbelized balloons (only probably not black ones, though they look incredibly cool for a wedding). I'll be sure to post pics of how it turns out; we're not doing a huge party, but I still want it to be a little festive.

As an aside, how fabulous does the bridesmaid dress, above, look with those Missoni pumps!?

Images from Simple Silhouettes and Zappos.

It's been months since OB's 2009 Calendars first began... and now there are just 10 left, all wrapped up, on a work table in the studio.

If you've been holding off on picking one up, this is your absolute last chance to get one. 'Cause now, once they're gone, they're gone.

(The last batch is available right here.)

It's bittersweet, in a way, to be sending out the last of these... They've been an incredible amount of work & I'm happy that they've been so successful (better to be sending out the last of them the first week of January, than to be wondering, in March, what do with all these calendars!, right?) -

Thanks so much to all of you who've purchased a calendar already... and to those lucky 10 people who'll snatch one up in the final hours...
&
if anyone has some pics they'd like to share of their OB Calendar on display,
I'd love to see them!!!

• And just because I'm feeling generous (& I'm hungry for commenters),
  why don't we say that one lucky person who comments on this post - between now & tomorrow (Wednesday) night - will have their name drawn out of a hat, to be sent
  a FREE OrangeBeautiful 2009 Calendar!

Oh, man... am I nice, or what?!?

Cuppa, 2008; Digital Giclee Print, 13 x 16", $60.00 on Etsy.

I simply love the balanced compositions & lovely color palettes of these digital giclee prints by Australian designer & artist, Kareem Rizk... available for purchase on his Etsy shop.

Kingswood, 2008; Digital Giclee Print, 8.25 x 11.75", $24.95 on Etsy.

The Apartment, 2006; Digital Giclee Print, 8.25 x 11.75", $34.95 on Etsy.

And be sure to check out more of Kareem's work on his website!

images c/o Kareem Rizk

New Year's Greetings everyone! To echo E's post, I'm looking forward to this year and starting small with my ideas for new beginnings.

First up: gathering all the art and photos I've been meaning to frame/hang and giving them homes on our walls. This will include a print (pictured top) from photographer Ryan Feeney's "St. James the Less" series, as well as a small abstract painting (above) from Etsy seller Bluesunlight.

Images from Ryan Feeney and Bluesunlight.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Or something like that...

As arbitrary as it may seem, the switch over to a new year definitely does help us to reset, take a breath and get on with those things we've been holding back from doing.

Today, make a list of the 5 smallest things that you put off in 2008. I'm not talking resolutions to lose weight, or drastically change your exercise routine. I'm not talking about quitting your job or being more social. This list cannot contain anything too monumental.

Pick things like treating yourself to a really nice, long-lasting pair of shoes, or deciding to always immediately wash a dish after you use it, instead of putting it in the sink, half dirty. You know, things that are reasonably insignificant and relatively easy to choose to do. I sincerely believe that adjusting the tiniest of things will snowball into a sense of accomplishment that will only help to make those huge changes easier to conquer.

image from REAL SIMPLE magazine's photo gallery of front covers

Mere hours after I posted my "ran out of ideas" post (here), the lovely Laila of Looky-Loo Letterpress (that's quite a mouthful!) sent me an email about her awesome Rumi screenprinted poster (above), available on Looky-Loo's Etsy shop!

What a nice boost this would be for the OB studio!... a little friendly reminder of what all the hard work is really about!

thanks, Laila!

image c/o Looky-Loo.

Don't worry. I've certainly not "run out" of ideas... it's more that the beginning of a new year is fast-approaching (in just a few days), and the ideas that I had for 2008 are having to be drastically re-evaluated.

"Now What?" is a question that I've been asking myself a lot for the last few days (even weeks), as I'm sure a lot of you out there have. The last half of '08 has been filled with ups and downs for all of us, along with a lot of uncertainty & tentative hope for what '09 will bring...

With whatever you're re-evaluating for the new year, know that the SCOOP will do our best to give you a little something lovely to check out each day... a tidbit of inspiration, a few helpful tips here and there, a peek into our lives, and the lives of other designers, business owners, etc... all year long.

So, as L and I head toward our 2-year anniversary (!), know that we love having you be a part of our blog and keep those submissions, post ideas & comments coming!

image :: PAPERgraphic by illustrator/designer, Yulia Brodskaya; via Oh Joy!.

Growing up, my mom always gave us little presents in our stockings in addition to candy and - a family tradition - oranges! Guess what - she still does, and I look forward to the stockings because, isn't it true, the best things sometimes do come in small packages. Here are some mini gifts I think would make perfect stocking stuffers.

HOME & OFFICE

1. A pretty mug, like this $4 chinoiserie version from Anthropologie (sold out online, may still be available in stores) provides something to look forward to on cold winter mornings. Fill with a bag of favorite beans!

2. Also from Anthropologie, this $16 cockle shell tumbler (actually a bath accessory) makes a sweet diminutive vase. Include a card with a bit of cash to buy some fresh blooms.

3. This $3 bowl from Target's Holiday 08 tableware collection (in stores) looks expensive and pretty sitting on a coffee table, or could function well as storage for watches and bangles on top of a dresser.

And speaking of jewelry...

ADORNMENT

1. This $6 metal cuff from Forever 21 has a rich-looking woodgrain detail and pretty loop shape.

2. Vintage fabric-covered $10 studs from Anthropologie (no longer available online, may still be available in stores) are the kind of slightly-dressy-but-wearable-everyday earrings I tend to love.

3. A vintage accessory, like this $12 faux pearl bauble ring from Etsy seller Whimsy House, makes a glam statement. (Another alternative: clip-on oversize bauble earrings, plentiful in vintage shops, will also be big next year, according to Lucky magazine's 2009 trends forecast!)

GET CRAFTY

1. Get out your double-sided tape and cover a matchbox with some pretty paper, like this adorable $4.50 Drawing Room set from Etsy seller Literati.

2. Again, take out some double-sided tape (or a Xyron machine, which works best) and recover a set of Moleskine pocket cahiers, available at many book and art supply shops. (See my previous post for instructions on how to make the paper cover versions.) Alternatively, create some cover art with a single adornment, like this fabulous $7.50 golden girl silhouette notebook from Etsy seller Cutie Pie Company.

3. Whip up a one-of-a-kind set of stationery like this lovely $15 Chocolate Patty version from Greer, using scraps of paper, blank notecards and envelopes (available at most craft stores). Use pretty ribbon or a paper band to hold together.

Looking forward to the new year (and the inevitable list of New Year's Resolutions), I've been keeping an eye out for different things that will hopefully help me to truly get in the serious habit of being together & organized. Here's just a few to get me started ::

1. Sew Chic Emergency Sewing Kits, $10/each - available at See Jane Work.

2. Leather Business Card Holders, $50/each - also available at See Jane Work.

3. WhoMi Notebooks (blank, graph & lined), $9/each - at See Jane Work!

4. Fabric Magazine Holders, $16.95/each - available at tiny living.

5. Get Your Sh*t Together 8x10" print, $12/each - OrangeBeautiful's Etsy shop.

6. 64 Compartment Storage Box (currently sold out) at Organized Living.

7. Greeting Card Organizer, $21.00 - available at Knock Knock.

Get it together, everybody!

Yesterday, I was visiting Jason over at his shop, Zola Jones (visiting and checking out the fur & leatherette bag that I've been coveting)... we were talking about business & the economy (you know, fun stuff) and he pointed out that I just need to take the next few weeks to forget all of that and "get into the holiday spirit already". And he's totally right.

So, today - my last day in the studio before the long break, I'm listening to the Holiday Challenge Album, which is FREE FOR DOWNLOAD RIGHT HERE - This album was created via the RPM Challenge Forum, where artists write & record an entire album within the month of February every year...

The holiday album is pretty great, especially if you're someone like me who
1) needs a little holiday spirit to perk them up right now, and
2) normally hates Christmas music...

I'm happy to say that I'm really enjoying listening to these versions of classic holiday songs. (I think my favorites are Greensleeves by Room 34, O Come Emmanuel by Jw (!) and Carol of the Bells by Michelangelo)...

Follow THIS LINK & click on the pink present to download the entire album.

Enjoy!

So, in pulling items together for this Wish List, I realized that I may have a bit of a "tool" obsession. I'm that crazy person who definitely gets excited about a new, clever gadget - especially when it's something that will help me make a book, print a design or cut a perfect circle out of paper ;)

Some of these items could certainly fall into the "new-fangled gadget" category, while others are as old as the printed page itself. Those of you who are also into paper the way I am will probably have an extra appreciation for this list - but if anyone has any questions about any of these items, don't hesitate to leave a comment or shoot me a message!

Happy Crafting! ::

1. Letterpress Rollers, Trucks & Cores for OB's Kelsey 6x10 tabletop letterpress, available at NA Graphics.

2. Fiskars DuraSharp Recycled Steel Scissors, $4.99 at Dick Blick.

3. Scotch Paper Cutter, $4.99 at Walgreens... (perfect for cutting gift wrap!)

4. Weights for Bookbinding & Boxmaking, Brass 2x2x1 ($31) and Cast Iron 2x8" ($16.95}. Both available at Talas in NYC.

5. Circle Cutter by Martha Stewart Crafts, $14.97 at Wal-Mart (currently out of stock online}

6. Italian Cotton Ribbons, $9/5yd. in 20 different colors, from Angela Liguori - great for bookbinding projects (used as sewing tapes - see an example of that here) or these ribbons are beautiful for wrapping presents!

7. Sewing Frame, $110.00 from Hollanders - this is the tool you'd use to help you sew up a textblock using Angela's ribbons from #7! (See a sewing frame in action here: in arfried's Flickr photostream!) -

*If I had to pick one item on this list, it would be that MS Circle Cutter... you hold the outside edge down to your cutting mat & use the separate razored stylis (set into a variety of spaced holes) to cut out your circle. The inner plastic spins separately from the outer frame, which (I'm hoping) minimizing the possibility of slipping, so you can really cut a perfect circle every time!

Some years I manage to pull myself together enough to create a cohesive wrapping scheme for all my gifts. This year, in an effort to be less wasteful, I decided to mostly forego wrapping paper and instead decorate plain white (reusable) boxes with festive, not strictly "Christmas-y" colored ribbons that can also be reused. I love the color and texture palette: satiny fuschia and velvety peacock blue, gold chevron and greek key metallics, and rich mocha and latte neutrals, topped with a midnight blue nameplate calligraphed in white.

Compulsive maybe (okay definitely), but it's actually a fun and meditative creative exercise that keeps me occupied while watching Christmas specials and movies.

Here's a Wish List of things that, well... are just right up my alley ::

1. Count-The-Stars Jacket in red/orange, $178.00 at Anthropologie.

2. Scratch Pad Memo Pads by Pop Ink! / Charles S. Anderson Design, $5/2pk at French Paper.

3. Operettas in Giulia (Brown), $305 by John Fluevog.

4. Zinia Skirt (screen-printed in lt. blue), $30.00 by Ahpeele.

5. Classy Necklace by Trashy Deluxe, $50 at Supermarket.

6. Assorted Craft Books: The Handy Book of Artistic Printing, Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts Pack and Subversive Cross Stitch, all available at Chronicle Books!

Okay, everyone. We've gotten the very last batch of 2009 Calendars together & there are only about 50 left. If you'd like one, grab it up here.

Also, if you'd like more than are listed, or having any other questions... don't hesitate to contact me directly :: emily (at) orangebeautiful (dot) com. Thanks!

In honor of my undying love of all things font-related, here's my list of type-inspired items that I'd love to see under the tree this year ::

1. Colorful Luggage Tags by Pamela Barksy, $12.50/6pk at Flight 001.

2. Lorem Ipsum Cuff, $55 at Veer.

3. Bamboo Type Coasters by acd, $45/4pk at Supermarket.

4. 2009 Calendars by OrangeBeautiful (!), $28 at Etsy.
(note :: we'll be posting up the last batch of available calendars today! Check back this afternoon!)*

5. Classy Necklace by Trashy Deluxe, $50 at Supermarket.

6. Assorted Monogram Items: Cuffs, Sticky Notes & Mugs at Anthropologie.

*I guess the OB Calendar shouldn't be on my "Wish" List, but maybe on my "Glad-I-Get-To-Take-One-Of-These-Home-From-Work" List ;)

My daughter, Catherine, seems to love her first Christmas. The trees, lights, and books have all been a huge hit. Though she really needs nothing more than lots of hugs, kisses, and attention, her grandparents and great-grandparents did ask for Catherine's "wish list" for Christmas and her upcoming first birthday in January...so I had a blast putting together her "picks" (probably one of the last times I'll have control over such things!).

1. A wooden sorting box to learn her shapes...but isn't it a beautiful object?

2. A couple of modernist, translucent Kid's Chairs for the playroom I'll set up in a few months.

3. Violet Beetle car and EMT ambulance - because her uncle is a paramedic!

4. My husband and I are getting her this large jingle ball from Etsy shop Blossom Toys.

5. She can practice her toddling with this pull along zebra companion.

6. I love the character Madeline, and this story, Madeline and the Cats of Rome, depicts her adventures in a city very dear to our family.

To follow up E's wish list...here are some items I'm hoping might show up under our Christmas tree.

1. Handmade leather flower necklace from Etsy shop Babette (this particular necklace sold out!)

2. Loops gold necklace with ivory lace from Cursive Design (original post)

3. Satin Converse flats from Target (I spotted these on clearance and snagged them as a Christmas present to myself!)

4. Celerie Kemble: To Your Taste, a detailed look at a favorite designer's rooms.

5. Anthropologie's shell pink cords (original post)

6. Handcrafted lacquer wood boxes from Lille (original post)

7. Timeless Tiaras (original post)

Since the holidays are just around the corner, L and I thought it would be fun to spend next week putting up some of our very own Wish Lists - to include that things we really want for ourselves ;) (aren't we selfish!)... and hopefully, there'll be some things in our lists that you, or your friends or family, will want, too!

Here's my first Wish List, made up of things that I've recently posted about here on the SCOOP. Enjoy!

1. Damask Screen-Printed Wood Panel Paintings - in Cream Corn on Beehive and White on Glowing Firelight, both 16" sq., $45/each at Dolan Geiman's Etsy shop. (original post)

2. Tear Stamp Earrings - in orange, $26 at Foxglove Accessories' Etsy shop. (original post.)

3. Open Sesame Password Log, $12 at See Jane Work. (original post.)

4. Secret boots by JUMP, $132 at Zappos!. (original post.)

5. Um Shoulder Bag from Josh Jakus, w/ orange zipper trimming, $135 at ELSEWARES. (original post.)

Happy Wishing, Everyone!

It's not news that I'm a die-hard fan of Minneapolis-based design company, russell+hazel - everything they make is just incredible :: well-designed, just "cute" enough & extremely practical.

And that description covers one of their newest products to a "T" - r+h's new Gift List Book (which is letterpress printed, by the way!) is just perfect for keeping track of gift ideas as they come to you (or are hinted at you) by your friends, family & co-workers.

The idea is to jot down your ideas on this numbered list, then, if necessary, take the corresponding number tab (OMG) and mark the catalog or magazine page (or even a page in your very own r+h mini binder!) to order, or find more details on the gift idea! Genius... and it looks good!

You can either pick up just the Gift List Book here or you can get a Birthday Book set, which includes the Gift List Book, a Signature 3-ring binder (your choice of color) & a set of 12-month tabs where you can also keep track of birthdays (get that set here)!

I'm going to pick up one of these for next year, then, maybe come the holidays, I won't have such a hard time getting my shopping done!

images c/o r+h

I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty tired of all the catalogs & horribly ugly mail that has been showing up at our house lately... and whenever there's a little gem of a holiday card in the pile, it really does brighten my day!

Maybe a few boxes of OB's holiday cards will give you something lovely to add to your friends' and families' mailboxes this holiday season. All styles are 3.5 x 5" folded notes with colored envelopes... blank on the inside for you to write in a personal message, include a photo & simply sign your name. Trust me, the recipients will ask you where you got 'em ;)

All of our limited edition screen-printed holiday cards are currently on SALE - ($10 for 6/pk & flat shipping) for this week ONLY - so, get 'em while you can. Browse the designs available right here!

+plus, get a better look at all the cards in the
OrangeBeautiful Holiday Card 2008 LookBook!

Thanks for looking & Happy Holidays!!!'