HT DESIGNS_ BE INSPIRED

FEBRUARY: Pink & Red for the Home

It’s February, which means that hues of pink and red have taken over absolutely everything- from interiors, artwork, gifts and even food! Red is usually associated with fierceness, passion and action while the color pink tends to be affiliated with sweetness and tenderness. For this month (Valentine’s Day), I’ve focused on finding products with these colors.

PRODUCTS:

1. Heart Utensils. 2. Heart Dish. Kind of like “serving your heart on a silver platter” 3. Heart Matches. First thing that popped into my head: heartburn (in a really cute way!) 4. Heart Balloons. It's true- you can't celebrate Valentine's Day without heart shaped balloons! 5. Hand Silkscreened Box. ! 6. Mini Crepe Paper Flower. What a fun DIY

 

INTERIOR:

Bright Pink Foyer. Wall is in Benjamin Moore's "Razzle Dazzle." What a first impression.

Peacock Pavillions. A whole lot of red and the same amount of white equals a well-balanced home.

So whether you like heart shaped balloons, hot pink paint, or pink pillow cushions - there seems to be enough pink + red for every romantic style.

TOP 4 BLOGS I VISIT EVERYDAY (IMAGE-DRIVEN)

DesignSponge

I have been following Design*Sponge for the past few years and I remain a loyal reader for many reasons. Grace Bonney, its founder, along with other writers, cover interior/ graphic design, design products, DIY, entertainment, city guides, home tours and design-based businesses. I love that I can go to one site for all these things. The blog is updated multiple times every day.

A couple of my favourites so far:

Before & After: Colorful Modern Office Redo

DIY Project: Old School Book Strap

We Love Typography

We Love Typography provides a great selection of typography design. Anything that has a trace of typography, you will find it on this website. I find the website’s navigation to be user-friendly; the use of the arrows to move through the page is extremely helpful especially when I`m just skimming the visuals. I also particularly like that it lets me filter my searches by colour- it lets me absorb a great dose of typography in any color, depending on my mood.

 

FFFFOUND

FFFFound, an image bookmarking site that lets users post and shares their favorite images online, is always a thrill to visit. If you want to laugh, be moved, or simply just gaze over mouth-watering imagery, then this blog is worth visiting.

My recent favorites include:

Culinaria

 

Mural by Jeff Canham

HonestlyWTF

I go to this blog for a daily dose of fashion, art, travel and DIY inspirations. The contributors behind HonestlyWTF always deliver tasty reads. I particularly enjoy their easy and super chic DIY projects. In addition, I’m also a follower of their “Cool Hunting” category in which they write about funky products from fashion to home décor.

My ultimate favorite blog posts are:

Woven Chain Bracelet

No Knit Scarf

Corporate Buzz Words

Attention CEO’s, VP’s and anyone putting together a motivational speech, PLEASE stop with the same old Buzz Words and analogies! We are entering into a new year and it is time to retire:

Summit / Base Camp / Everest
Next Steps
Synergies
Team
Outside the Box
Bandwidth
Pioneer, Etc…..

It is at the point now that I almost cringe when I hear a client talking to me about their “base camp” stories.I first heard the phrase at  retail conference about 3 years ago, and at the time I thought it was insightful and a fresh way of referring to the “start” of great things to come. Usually it was closely followed at the next meeting where the word “summit” was tossed around.

I can fully understand how corporations like to give talks that are not always about gross/revenue/dollars/budget but ladies and gentleman it is 2012. It is time to come up with new buzz words and phrases to inspire your team.

True leaders don’t need to follow gimmicks or use trendy catch phrases. True leaders influence their team through their own passions and create their own buzz words!

Blaze your own trail and motivate your staff with your original stories and analogies!

Top 12 Picks for Christmas

Although the temperature outside is not as frightful as it should be, we are still nearing Christmas Day and there is no more time for procrastinating over purchasing gifts or decorating your house. Here is a compilation of my top 12 products to give and to keep this holiday season.

1. These brass branches add a great amount of warmth and fun to a room. It's a piece that can be used as decorations during Christmas time yet funky enough to be carried on as part of your home decor for the rest of the year. What phrase would you spell out? (Anthropologie, $24.00)

2. These bold storage units are extremely handsome! I can picture these pieces everywhere, from children's playrooms to lofts. It's a great way to liven up a space of any type lover. (Set26, Check website for specific pricing.)

3. The Action Journal is created by The Behance Team. It is a notebook created specifically to organize written thoughts. The templates are not too constrained that it would restrict the creatives from freely jotting down or drawing his or her thoughts. (The Action Journal, $17.50)

4. I came across these ice cubes and I instantly thought of throwing a typography-themed party. How much fun would that be? It can be used with ice, jelly and butter. (Alphabet Ice, $29.00)

5. Every year, DesignThinkers takes place in Toronto where creative thinkers are invited to participate in a collective discussion about anything that is design related. Next year is their 12th anniversary and the discussion is “the unique insight and problem-solving processes of the designer.” (DesignThinkers, Check website for specific pricing.)

6. Thinking about throwing an unconventional Christmas this year? Wood and Wool Stool’s recycled wooden Christmas trees are absolutely quirky and different. Decorate your house with these trees that you can hang on your wall. There’s nothing conventional about that. (Wood and Wool Stool, Check website for specific pricing.)

7. Made out of Polyurethane, this manila-envelope inspired iPad case comes in 4 different colors. It has a clean, fun and functional design. The button closure adds a nostalgic touch to snail mail. (Poketo Envelope iPad Case, $48.00)

8. For all the iPhoneographers, here is the ultimate treat you can give your iPhone and your eyes. This iPhone lens dial comes with 3 lenses: telephoto, wide angle and fisheye. All three lenses are mounted on a case in which you would just simply slide you r iPhone in. It is also equipped with two tripod mounts for portrait or landscape shot styles. Changing lenses is as simple as rotating the discs. (iPhone Lens Dial, $249.00)

9. This unconventional table clock showcases clean and sleek design. As opposed to showing you time with numbers, QLOCKTWO TOUCH spells it out for you. “The time display is set using one of the most accurate precision oscillo graphs.” It’s thek ind of alarm clock that makes you think twice before waking up. (QlockTwo Touch, $599)

10. IdeaPaint PRO lets you turn anything you can paint into a dry-erase surface. It transforms an ordinary space into a collaborative and interactive one, to better widen one’s creativity. Who doesn't want to (IdeaPain Pro, $199.50)

11. If you ever had to cut or score, you would appreciate this utility knife. Its form follows the free and natural position your hand make. No more aching after cutting those home made Christmas Cards! (Art. Lebedev Studio, Check website for specific pricing.)

12. Inkling lets you draw in paper without the need to scan your artworks to turn them into digital files. Draw on any paper surface and Wacom’s new product will cut your production time immensely, bridging the gap between traditional drawing and digital development. (Inkling, $199.00)

SOURCE: Anthropologie, Set26, The Action Journal, Alphabet Ice, DesignThinkers, Wood and Wool Stool, Poketo, Photojojo, QlockTwo Touch, IdeaPain Pro, Lebedev Studio, Inkling)

Top 5 Picks for Christmas

Although the temperature outside isnot as frightful as it should be, we are still nearing Christmas Day and thereis no more time for procrastinating over purchasing gifts or decorating yourhouse. Here is a compilation of my favorite products to give and to keep!

1. TYPE LOVERS

-anthropologie :

1. These brass branches add a greatamount of warmth and fun to a room. It's a piece that can be used as decorationsduring Christmas time yet funky enough to be carried on as part of your homedecor for the rest of the year. What phrase would you spell out?(Anthropologie, $24.00)

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=21306113&catId=HOME-OFFICE&pushId=HOME-OFFICE&popId=HOME&navCount=42&color=000&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=HOME-DESK-OFFICEDECOR&templateType=subCategory

-alphabet ice: http://www.gnr8.biz/product_info.php?products_id=946\

3. I came across these ice cubes and instantly, I thought of throwing a typography-themed party. How much fun would that be? It can be used with ice, jelly and butter.

http://www.gnr8.biz/product_info.php?products_id=946

Silicone rubber ice cube trays. Packof three with 26 letters, A-Z.

Can be used with ice, jelly, butter,etc.

-type furniture : http://www.set26.ch/masse_start.phpor http://design-milk.com/alphabet-furniture/ OR

http://www.set26.ch/offen.html

2. These bold storage units are extremely handsome. I can picture these pieces everywhere, from children's playrooms to lofts. It's a great way to liven up a space of any type lovers. (Set26)

3. DF Korolev-

DF Korolev is a typeface based on “ananonymous Soviet graphic designer from the propaganda displays at the CommunistRed Square parade in 1937.” The package comes with 20 fonts in total. Iabsolutely love it in Thin and Italic Bold. The miniscule “t” is the star in this series.

5. Ampersand necklace:

I adore ampersands but what I love more about this particular one is the unexpected curl! It is laser cut and comes in bamboo. ($28.00, http://www.ponoko.com/design-your-own/jewelry/harrington-necklace-in-bamboo-6694)

2. BOOKS

- Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color

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3. ELECTRONICS/ACCESORIES

1. POKETO - http://poketo.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1506

Made out ofPolyurethane, this manila-envelope inspired iPad case comes in 4 differentcolors. It has a clean, fun and functional design. The button closure adds anostalgic touch to snail mail. ($48.00

-IcAM Camera case for Iphone - http://www.usbgeek.com/iphone-ipad-case/2206-icam-camera-case-for-iphone-4OR \

Photojojo

For all the iPhoneographers,here is the ultimate treat you can give your iPhone and your eyes. This iPhone lens dial comes with3 lenses:telephoto, wide angle and fisheye. All three lenses are mounted on a case in which you would just simply slide you r iPhone in. It is also equipped with twotripod mounts for portrait or landscape shot styles. Changing lenses is assimple as rotating the discs. (http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/iphone-lens-dial, $249.00)

3. CLOCK: http://qlocktwo.com/touch.php?lang=en

This unconventionaltable clock showcases clean and sleek design. As opposed to showing you timewith numbers, QLOCKTWO TOUCH spells it out for you. “The time display is setusing one of the most accurate precision oscillo graphs.” It’s thekind of alarm clock that makes you think twice before waking up.

4. SPRAYPAINT

IdeaPaint PRO lets you turn anything you can paint into a dry-erase surface. It transforms an ordinary space into a collaborative and interactive one, to better widen one’s creativity.

http://hackerthings.com/product/dry-erase-whiteboard-paint-100108/ http://www.ideapaint.com/work/products/

WACOM – INKLING

http://www.wacom.com/en/Products/Inkling.aspx

Inkling lets you draw in paper without the need to scan your artworks to turn them into digital files. Draw wherever and Wacom’s new product will cut your work preparation time immensely. It bridges the gap between traditional drawing and digital development.

XACTO KNIFE: http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/maketicus/

If you ever had to cut or score, you would appreciate this utility knife. Its form follows the free and natural position your hand make.

4. FOR YOUR HOME

1.Christmas Tree - https://www.velocityartanddesign.com/superstar-tree-c-1202-p-1-pr-30814.html

2.raw clock - http://spartan-shop.com/products/525-raw-clock-by-stanley-ruiz

3.antlers- http://www.etsy.com/transaction/60784737

4.White dipped spoons: http://www.ashesandmilk.com/white-dipped-spoons/

Urban glasses: http://www.cb2.com/cb2-buyer-favorites/gifts/selma-flute/f4734

Unconventional Christmas tree; http://www.woodwoolstool.com/prod_trees.html

5. SOMETHING FOR INSPIRATION

- Origami Sticky notes - http://www.thinkgeak.com/geektoys/b21b/

In the creative industry, it is important to practice activities that fuel and exercise the mind. If origami-making is not your cup of tea, these sticky notes may just be the perfect activity for that dull afternoon. Each pad has instructions for 10 different origami shapes.

- ACTION JOURNAL- http://www.creativesoutfitter.com/product/21/action-journal

The Action Journal is created by The Behance Team. It is a notebook created specifically to organize written thoughts. The templates are not too overpowering as to restrict the creative from freely jotting down or drawing his or her thoughts.

- RGD – DESIGN THINKERS 2012 tickets

Every year, Design Thinkers takes place, where creative thinkers are invited to participate in a collective discussion about anything that is design related. Next year is their 12^th anniversary and the discussion is “the unique insight and problem-solving processes of the designer.”

Although the temperature outside is not going down as it should at this time ofthe year, we are still nearing Christmas Day and for all those procrastinators outthere, I’ve put together a compilation of my favorite gifts you can give toyour loved ones.

SPARKED: VOLUNTEERING FOR BUSY PEOPLE

Sparked is an "easy, social, online volunteering for busy people." Ben Rigby and Jocob Colker founded this online platform in 2008 when they recognized a problem in the volunteering world- not everyone has enough time to give back. Volunteering at Sparked includes design, research, social media, H.R., marketing, blogging, copywriting, fundraising and so much more. This network makes it easy to get involved wherever you are and whether you've only got 10 minutes to spare or a whole hour. There is a new "challenge" requested by non-profit organizations everyday and a certain timeline is given. Challenges may include designing a banner, brainstorming, or even just asking questions to spark up conversations about improvements of the organizations.If you've been wanting to volunteer but can't seem to physically bring yourself to the location of your organization, online volunteering may just be the perfect alternative.

 

 

 

(via: Sparked)

A CARTOON UNIVERSE

Luke O'Sullivan's works fulfill my biggest dream as a kid to live in a cartoon-like universe. Isn't it intriguing to see cartoons clasing with real objects? That is exactly what Luke has done in his series titled "Triple-double Stacked." He brilliantly screenprints his own illustrations onto wood, creating objects that we are fondly aware of. What I love most about his works is the subtely of the transitions from illustrations to sculptures. This is a characteristic that is critical to graphic design. Extensions of a brand should not look forced but rather something that flows freely.

 

Out of Sorts

"Catalyst of change, instrument of power and often the basic currency of shared human experience, the book is a pivotal artifact. Out of Sorts explores the various elements of book design, from typography to cover art and features recognized Canadian book designs. The exhibit traces the history of the book and considers the future of the printed page in the wake of digitization and shifting paradigms."

On thursday I took a "field trip" downtown to check out an exhibit at the Design Exchange called Out of Sorts: An Exhibit on Print Culture & Book Design.

I saw some great design, from letterpress book covers, to a hanging book as a mobile! I had a laugh at the display that held a shelf of books that had a sign in the middle that said "JUDGE IT BY ITS COVER". Of course as graphic designers, we tend not to follow the old saying of "don't judge a book by its cover" when actually looking at book!



Another great part of the exhibit was the Johnathan Safran Foer's Tree of Codes. This was the first time I'd heard about this book but it automatically caught my attention. Safran Foer blends literature and art here by exploring the pages physical relationship to one another using diecuts to create layers of pages to form the story.

"Jonathan deciding to use an existing piece of text and cut a new story out of it. Having considered working with various texts, Jonathan decided to cut into and out of what he calls his “favourite book”: The Street of Crocodiles by Bruno Schulz."

In his quest to make this book most printers turned him down saying the book was impossible, but eventually the Tree of Codes came to life through the help of dieKeure.

"The book is as much a sculptural object as it is a work of masterful storytelling: here is an “enormous last day of life” that looks like it feels."

SOURCE: DX / VISUAL EDITIONS

TAMBINO: FURNITURES FOR KIDS

Jessica Cohen's handmade designer furnishings for kids are absolutely adorable! Her line, Tambino, includes stools, tables and bookshelves for kids ages 2-9. I love that all materials used are lead-free and phthalate-free. Even the paint used was water-based! I also like that the stools can function on their own but the buyers also have the option of pairing them up with the tables.

2-2 Stepstool in Solid Birch Plywood is my favourite! I'm loving the number 3 tucked under- I can picture the kids exploring this area. It's perfect as a stepstool  used for reaching the sink or as a bench for reading.
 

Each furniture comes with instructions for easy assembly and dimensions.

 

Now, I'm waiting for her to create a line for adults!

WAITING FOR SUPERMAN

I'm all about design for social change and education. Waiting for Superman nailed it for me. It is a heart-breaking documentary film that evaluates the failures of the American public education system. Davis Guggenheim, director of "An Inconvenient Truth" tells the story of 5 children and their ambitions to go to school. He interviews the children with so much care but juxtaposes that with harsh statistics, leaving the viewers in a somber state. It left me asking myself "Is this really happening?" and furthermore, "What can I do now that I am aware of this?"

In terms of design, I thought that the graphic motion used to promote the film was well-executed. It uses one dominating technique: the ripple effect. It is a visual representation of the negative effect that a failing education system can do to the public. On the other hand, it is also used to show the positive effect of having a proper education. This animation style is used both for promotion and for the film itself. Although I have seen this film months ago, I have not forgotten the stories of the children and I often think of them, wondering how they are doing. It just goes to show how powerful and thought-provoking the ugliest story can be when it lands on the hands of great story-tellers.

 

 

(Via: Waiting for Superman)

OFFICE SUPPLIES REINVENTED

I am absolutely in love with Poppin. They are a small company of "office supply geeks" who want to change the way we work. They are replacing the "boring and drab" office supplies with an explosion of color. The pricing is a few bucks more than the regular office supplies but for the amount of cheerful and vibrant colors I'm getting, it's absolutely worth it.

 

I particularly love this $5 ruler because of the oversized numbers (thank you!) and the friendly type they've used!

"Orange You Glad" Bundle.

  

I am getting bored of my black notebook so I am really digging these colorful ruled pages softcover notebooks with the elastic closure.

  


SOURCE: Poppin