// Time Flies

Hard to believe it's been a year since I put out my first issue of Boulevard. For my twelfth issue -- and first as non-acting art directior -- I'm excited to unveil our rebrand!

 

// I Survived!

I was incredibly honoured/petrified/excited to be presenting at last week's Pecha Kucha event in Victoria. Having attended PK events for years, it was pretty surreal being on stage and trying to say something moderately inspiring/interesting to a room full of wonderfully creative people. While I found the whole experience truly terrifying, the inspiring folks I've connected with since have made getting out of my comfort zone so very worthwhile. So -- thank you PKN Victoria!

 

 

// Grace, Compassion, Courage

When I dream, I dream of living a rustic cabin in the woods with an endless library, abundant wine cellar, a big fireplace, sun-drenched studio, vast garden and big dog.
These beautiful axes by Best Made Company are the perfect accessory to my rustic cabin fantasy.

// 36 Characters | 36 Blocks

I have quite a back-log of fun projects to post about, but here is one that's a little different than my usual work! [Please pardon the dodgy iphone photos...]

Commissioned through Nyree Hazelton Arts, the client sought 36 individual pieces each baring one of the 36 characters representing the various styles of Chinese cooking. Each piece was hand sanded, stained and spray-painted with individually hand-cut stencils. (No complaints if I don't have to do that again for a little while...) The final accumulation is now mounted in the client's dining room.

// Preview

I've been feeling very blessed lately to be working on a lot of really fun, creative projects with great clients. Here's a little sneak peek of a typographic illustration I just wrapped up for a local music magazine...

// A Pantone Christmas

Oh Pantone, you certainly are making it easier and easier to buy quirky gifts for designers!
[via CuratedMag]

// Sneak Peek: Test print

[please excuse the bad iPhone photo!]
Stayed up late last night listening to records, drinking good wine and printing with my little Gocco. My own little version of heaven.

// Sneak Peek: Smooth Sea

Just a little project I'm working on... more soon!

// Bresinka

Those who know me well know that:
a) I read. A lot.
b) I'm happiest when I'm creating. Bonus points if it makes a mess. Ink. Screens. Fabric. Stains. Paper. Power tools...
and
c) I'm a bit of a music enthusiast. To put it mildly.
There, now you know me. And you likely understand why I am so drawn to the brilliantly warm, tactile work of Wayne Bresinka (whom I discovered through a friend who was raving about his Diana Krall posters/branding).

Do check out Bresinka's blog, where he documents his project from inception to completion. Makes me want to spend the weekend holed up in my apartment collaging!

// the Dears Residency Poser Series

I'm excited to announce that my posters have been selected to support the Dears residency tour, beginning at the end of the month. The shows will take place in Montreal, Toronto and New York, with all poster proceeds benefiting War Child and the Montreal City Mission. It's an honour with work with such a great band, for very worthy causes.

Huge thanks to everyone for their support!
xo
S.

// DIY Upholstery

Since embarking on my first re-upholstery adventure, I've stumbled onto some great resources and suppliers. This morning, I found this great yardage chart (view full chart here) via DIY Upholstery -- informative & beautifully illustrated!

Check out their site for amazing deals on upholstery & accessories. I found the upholstery I'm using for my chair there for $45/yard less than everywhere else. They'll even send you free samples!

// Happy Friday

Reclaimed wood wall, conceived by The Official Mfg Co., in the Ace Hotel. Stunning.

ps.
Have a great weekend!
xo

// Oooms

If I didn't my fare share of USB drives, I'd be all over these wooden USB sticks from OOOMS. Each stick is handpicked from the woods & made into a one of a kind USB just for you!

And while you're over there, check out "the Milk Maid".

// Gambling with Design

I'll admit, I'd never heard of Sophie Madeleine until being sent her latest album art, designed by the talented Dan Stiles (who has my dream job). Sure, we've entered a digital age, where sites like Bandcamp are king... but good design will always get me to check out a band, buy a book at the airport, or experiment with a bottle of wine. Sometimes we win in our little aesthetic impulses, sometimes we lose... I'm just about to find out if we win or lose with Sophie Madeleine...

// Tina Berning

Was stumbling around Linsday Brackeen's lovely blog when I discovered the incredible illustration work of Tina Berning. Check out her site... it's *full* of beautiful illustrations...

// What type are you?

I have a developed a new blog crush on The Good Life -- such a lovely mix of divine interiors & inspiring design. As a fellow typography nut, she posted a link to Pentagram's What Type are You? project. In four simple questions, the folks at Pentagram will tell you what type you are!

My assigned type was Expanded Antique, characterized by its "...bold shapes that can announce a play or match from across the street, but with extremely delicate spaces, only noticeable once you cross the street."

"Professionally [I] have to make a big impression, but personally enjoy the finer points of expression."

What Type are You??

// I want this mug!

M just sent me a link to this lust worthy Canon swag - a Canon White Lens Coffee Mug - from the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Would love to get our hands on one of these! [image]

// Baby Mania

It's been raining babies lately. In the past couple months we've welcomed five cute little additions among our family & friends. In our quest for unique, handmade baby gifts, I've fallen in love with these cozy cotton & chenille baby blankets from Bluebelle. The blankets come in a variety of patterns & colours, and some even have matching dolls. Adult sized blankets coming soon!

Check out Bluebelle's blankets, dolls & lovely illustrations at her Etsy shop.

// Learn Something New Everyday

Happy Monday! What better way to start the week, than by learning some new random facts? These quirky illustrated facts from Learn Something New Everyday are perfect conversation starters for those awkward lulls in conversation with bad first dates/in-laws/colleagues/hairdresser/etc...

// Drinking from the bottle

Who says it isn't classy to drink wine from the bottle? I'm in love with these hand cut, sandblasted wine bottle cups/containers from designer Plastolux. What a perfect, unique drinking vessel for a wine bar, restaurant... or your home.

The cups are currently sold out, but will hopefully be available here soon.