Kid's artwork by guest: Suann

I'm always on the lookout for simple, ABC-themed artwork for our 2.5 year-old son. Especially anything having to do with his name (Ike) or the letter "I". Here are a couple of the things he has in his playroom.



I'm always thinking about adding more -- here are a few things I've recently spotted and would love to add.




Links:

Top photos:
Custom "I" animal print by Elephantine (I'm not sure if she does these anymore)
IKE/ABC print by me
Vintage I LIKE IKE campaign stamps from EBay

Bottom photos:
Animal spelling prints from Present and Correct
B is fo Bicycle from Paperfingers
Limited edition Alphabet Print by the black apple


That's it for me this week here at Black*Eiffel. Thanks so much, Rachel, for having me! I loved having the opportunity to guest blog and hope you'll visit me over at my little blog, simplesong. Happy weekend!

Giovanna Battaglia

Giovanna Battaglia = fashion editor of L'Uomo Vogue, model, stylist. Yes... I guess women this stylish really do exist, isn't she one of the most stylish ladies around? See more images of Giovanna's style here and here. Who's style are you inspired by?

Images by the talented: Garance Dore
via Simple Lovely (another stylish lady)

Summer Meal...

Dinner last night : greek salad and chicken with pesto. What types of meals are you enjoying this summer?

Everyday Favorite Supplies by guest : Suann

I’m always trolling my local office supply or craft store looking for simple, everyday products to incorporate in my packaging and/or every day life. I thought I’d share some of my everyday favorites and the sources. I think there’s so much you can do with these little goodies - a simple muslin bag or baker’s twine goes a long way in making a pretty package that much more special.

1. I love glassine bags and use them all the time from organizing to sending a letter
2 & 12. I keep full sheets of label paper around all the time and cut them down for all sorts of use
3. White baker's twine*
4. Mini clothespins*
5. Custom rubber stamps
6. Everyone's favorite Japanese masking tape
7. Cotton muslin bags
8. Muji square paperclips
9. Flat brown bags you can run through your printer
10. Red beading string*
11. Simple kraft tags

* available at most craft stores

Modern Kids Bedroom

Last night we moved V out a crib and into a big bed, her bed dominates the space and I wish it looked more like this minimal and playful room designed by Angie Hranowsky.

Image from Cookie via Merry Mishap. (btw... did you see her gorgeous pregnant photos?! Stunning...)

Paris day 3

Versailles was better than I expected, it was over the top, gigantic, and a bit peaceful all at the same time. I arrived super early to beat the crowds and used the complimentary Rick Steve's audio podcast on my phone which made the tour much more meaningful and educational. (I also used them for the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, just download before you go).

simplesong Business Collateral by guest : Suann

I love, love designing and creating business related products, especially business and calling cards. I particularly love business cards because its such a small piece of paper but you can still do so much and make a big impact and impression. Here are a few pieces I recently finished.

I was excited to work with Wiebke of Line + Liv as we pretty much share the same aesthetic of simple and love for white space. This is the 2-sided card I did for along with labels and tags. The other pieces are simple, classic cards that really reflected the taste of each client.

Pesto

Made some yummy pesto yesterday with basil from the garden. Do you have a favorite pesto recipe? I tried one that it is pretty classic and the same from multiple sources. Pesto is so fresh and summery, don't you think?

(photo by me)

Paris day 2.5

Repetto
Musee de l’Orangerie
Store Windows ... most every store has a sale in July in Paris!

simplesong Wedding by guest : Suann

I’m a small studio (just me) and because all the work I do is custom and I work very closely with my clients I take at most 3 - 4 custom projects per month. Two of those projects are usually wedding related. Here are a couple of wedding-related invitations I recently finished. These were particularly fun as it gave me the opportunity to stray a bit away from my normal simple aesthetic and produce something a bit more involved. The wedding suite was for a couple who is having an old-word, French-inspired fall wedding. I loved the color theme of moss green and dark brown. The second invitation was for the lovely Maria of Ritzy Bee and the bridal shower she was hosting for her sister.

You can find out more about my work on my website which is very much in need of a big update!

Japanese Design Love by guest : Suann

If you’ve visited my blog, its no secret I’m a huge fan (borderline obsessive) of Japanese products and design. There’s something about the simple, natural and classic style of Japanese design that really speaks to me. One of these days I hope to visit Japan experience Japanese design in person but for now I’ll continue to admire (and obsess) over from afar. Here are a few new things I have recently spotted immediately bookmarked.

First row: 1-2
Second row: 3 and 4
Third row: 5-6
Fourth row: 7 and 8

Chronicle Books Friends + Family Sale

Chronicle Books (one of my favorite publishers) is offering 35% off + free shipping during their friends and family sale. Their sale runs through August 5th. Time to stock up on amazing stuff, lots of their items I save for gifts.


Things I have my eyes on....

Pictorial Webster's : A Visual Dictionary of Curiosities

Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types

Rosie Flo's Animals coloring book

Simply Organic

365: AIGA Year in Design 29

Pentagram Marks

Paris Day 2

Drawing in the street
Musée d'Orsay : Van Gogh's paintings are even more brilliant in person.
Handwritten menu
Another lovely flower shop

Guest Blogger : Suann from simplesong

I am excited to have guest blogger Suann from Simplesong share with us this week! I have long admired her for her letterpress designs, excellent blog, and I really love her simple style. It has also been fun as we have shared quick email tidbits about our little kids who are the same age. Isn't her son adorable? Welcome Suann!



I'm thrilled to be here guest blogging for Black*Eiffel, one of my favorite daily reads. I'm Suann and I've got a little blog, simplesong, where I catalog all the pretty and inspiring things I come across. By day I'm a mom to our 2 1/2 year-old and a letterpress designer + printer based outside of Washington, DC. I've had a long-time love for all things paper and letterpress printing. After a lot of hard work, it was a dream come true to start my small letterpress studio last year. I love simple (hence the name), clean designs with a touch of whimsy and femininity. All of this is reflected in my work + the things I post on my blog. And I look forward to sharing a bit of me this week here on Black*Eiffel.

Thanks, Rachel, for having me!

Garden surprise

It was incredibly rewarding to come home to a bit of a garden harvest. Our garden has gone nuts in the last few weeks. I am finding that the small and simple things are making me smile more often ... this first year of gardening has been delightful. To all you gardeners, what are you enjoying from your garden?

Paris day 1

1: Pretty ad in the airport
2: Looking out from the Louvre.
3: Flowers in market on Île Saint-Louis
4: Winged Victory

Coldplay Strawberry Swing

Catching up on some reading I came across this playful and creative animated Coldplay Strawberry Swing video just released, directed by Shynola. Thoughts? Watch it here.

(via Stereogum)

Home

Yay! I'm back. I had a blast in France and I will be sharing highlights and photos with you throughout the next few weeks. I am glad to be home to see my little girl and husband, I missed them dearly, 2 weeks is a bit too long to be away from the ones I love so much, but really it was an incredible trip... can't wait to share with you!

Travel Journal Roundup

There are lots of fun travel journals out there to choose from. Here are few of my favorite:

Wanderlust Travel Journal $16.95
Orla Kiely Travel Journal $17.00
International Travel Journal $39.95
Destinations Travel Book $19.95
Galison Travel Journal (illustrated by Lena Corwin) $15.00
Pierre Belvédère Semikolon Small $11.00
Sukie Travel Journal £9.75
Paper + Cup Travel Journal $16.00
Places to Check Out $10.95

Bonjour!

Bonjour dear readers! I am having a most lovely time in France. I am finding it a bit tricky to access wifi in the French countryside, so in the meantime check out my photo tweets over at twitter. (www.twitter.com/blackeiffel) Hope you have a splendid weekend!

Julie Goldstein

Interesting and creative work by Julie Goldstein.

Studio Spotlight : Aimée Wilder

Intrigued by the environment of where artists and designers spend lots of their time, I want to spotlight some artist and designer's creative spaces. First up is the space of wallpaper and textile designer Aimée Wilder. Remember her cool wallpaper designs I talked about here and you can see above? Have a peek at her creative Atelier.

Inspired by Compasses....

All found on while browsing on ebay.