creative crush: macon et lesquoy

I spotted a few of these gorgeous embroidered pins in GREER's web shop earlier this month and fell instantly in love! Macon & Lesquoy is a French design studio that creates unique, embroidered jewelry, brooches and patches. Of course the envelope brooch is currently beckoning me, but I'm equally obsessed with this tiny croissant.

In non-related, but equally exciting, news; I'm delighted to be participating as a panelist in Tradeshow Bootcamp's two day workshop in Los Angeles - it is aptly named PAPER CAMP! Be sure to check out the details if you're a fledgling stationer that has considered exhibiting at a trade show. The information and networking opportunities are invaluable. In fact, take a peek at Claudia of Fig. 2's current blog post - she perfectly sums up the reasons you need to be there!

{images via macon et lesquoy}

creative crush: modern rubbish

I find this series of cards by Modern Rubbish particularly charming. You know how some things just strike your funny bone in exactly the right way? After reading more about Charley and Pete (the geniuses behind Modern Rubbish), I'm even more smitten: "They are prone to fits of creativity such as making extravagant halloween costumes, fixing up thrift store furniture, organizing adult field trips and making cards. Flipping through her teenage journals, Charley got the idea to turn her bad poetry and melodramatic rants into cards." I so wish Charley and Pete were my neighbors.

{images via modern rubbish}

creative crush: maemae paperie

Surely you've seen Mae Mae Paperie's super lovely (and limited edition) synchronized swimmers calendar? It's definitely in my top ten favorites 2012 calendars! I'm also digging their sweet animal cards and am always a sucker for a good address stamp. Mae Mae Paperie is offering 20% off all orders until 11/30, with the promo code: FALL2011 - don't delay.

{all images via mae mae paperie}

creative crush: wolfum

In preparation for the C&C 2012 show schedule, Kimberley and I were perusing the NYIGF last week. Wolfum is one line that really stood out to me in the "At Home" section of the show. I'd pretty much like to have something from their collection in every room of my home. Though, I think the tiger bookend may be my all-time favorite!

{images via wolfum}

creative crush: little retreats

One of the many things that I learned at Alt Summit is when you combine me with Capree, Amy, Kelly and a photo booth, the funniest most awesome magic happens. I can only imagine if we'd had some of these rad paper props from Little Retreats. Part of me wants to buy some of these just to, well... you know have on hand for impromptu photo shoots. I never miss an opportunity to hop in a photo booth with or without lovely friends.

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And the winner of the Pie Bird Press calendar is:

Brandi {not your average ordinary}

{images via little retreats, found via poppytalk handmade}

creative crush: man cards

{army men card}

{foosball card}

{beer for 2 card}

{man card interior}

{back of man card}

As a card rep, one of the constant laments I hear is, "There aren't enough cards that work for guys." Enter Man Cards. This line is the ultimate match for a fine gent that is perusing for the perfect card. That's real duct tape and dymo labeling, my friends. The interior even allows you to check off boxes, if you aren't the wordy type. Just in time for the impending holiday, their Valentine cards are on sale, for a helluva steal!

{all images via man cards}

creative crush: ask alice

{set of 4 greeting cards}

{envelope set}

{paper plane mini book}

{gift tag set}

{fox hardback blank book}

I wasn't the least bit surprised to learn that Ask Alice Stationery is based in Melbourne, Australia. I've found that a great number of talented stationers and enthusiastic paperistas seem to hail from Australia. I know I'm not alone in obsessing over the Sydney based, Upon a Fold. I placed an order from them recently and am already plotting my next purchase. Coincidentally, you may find Ask Alice's adorable postcard books stocked by Upon a Fold, take a look see here...

{all images via ask alice}

creative crush: w+k studio

{'bear on bike' print}

{'the book of dan and dave' journal}

{'it's complicated' print}

{'beard-o' t-shirt}

I'm pretty crazy for W+K Studio's designs. Being an Oregonian, the "Beard-O" shirt immediately caught my eye. It's so perfectly Portland. As I went on to explore their online shop, I found item after item that struck my fancy. I'll definitely have my eye on this talented crew!

{all images via w+k studio}

creative crush: daily calligrapher

There's something about the art of calligraphy that's captured my attention from a young age. My grandmother dabbled in it and I remember the joy of watching her address envelopes followed with her signature Fleur-de-Lis wax seal. Currently, I've begun a pen pal correspondence with the lovely and talented Grace Edmands. Her work is exquisite and every time I see her handwriting in my mailbox, I can't help but grin.

The magic of Twitter recently lead me to Daily Calligraphy. Lila shares a range of quotes that she's written in different styles. The quotes are a great mix of hilarious, inspiring, plain silly and of course a few classics thrown in for good measure. She's recently started selling her work in the Daily Calligraphy Etsy shop at very reasonable prices. I had to order two myself, including one of my favorite Martin Luther King quotes above.
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In giveaway news, I've been a rather bad blogger and am announcing the Paper Bullet winner a bit later than anticipated.

Congratulations to Piddix, who quite favored the "Kiss Me Over and Over" watercolor. Many thanks to Lisa for sponsoring the giveaway.

{all images via daily calligraphy}

creative crush: fifi lapin

{Fifi Lapin's new "Vaudeville" collection for LeSportSac}

If the Easter Bunny came hopping through my front door in such stylish couture, you can bet your bottom dollar I'd be thrilled. Fifi Lapin is a fashion icon, whom also just happens to be decked out in couture at all times. Easter Bunny, eat your heart out...

{image copyright/via fifi lapin}

creative crush: decoylab

{bamboo tabletop clock}

{bamboo desktop clock and calendar}

{bamboo wall clock}

I've had my eye on Decoylab's etsy shop for the past year or so. Upon my latest visit, I discovered their super cool bamboo laser cut clocks. I think the designs are so original and dreamy. A modern clock and a calendar, uh yes. Decoylab offers other wonderful wares as well - check out their paper clocks, poster and prints here.

{all images via decoylab}

creative crush: wool & water by amy earles

{'nurse, i need you' paperdoll set}

{'little maple' paperdoll set}

{'cordial creatures' paperdoll set}

Aren't these lovelies just beckoning to live in a shadowbox? I love the idea of paperdolls as art! Wool & Water features an astounding collection of dolls and prints in their etsy shop. I also greatly enjoyed reading Amy's history of designing paperdolls over the years, found here.

{images via wool & water}
{found via portland loves: local}

creative crush: fawn&forest

{male squirrel by ryan berkley}

{knife juggler by jayme mcgowan}

{growing spring by lisa golightly}

{hare by brent wick}

I always really dig fawn&forest's monthly 'forest finds' but, I have to say I was totally blown away by their newest collaboration with 7 of my all-time favorite artists. They are exclusively selling these plywerk pieces on their site and, hold on, it gets even better... Poppytalk is hosting a giveaway, in which two winners will receive their favorite panel. Enter here, giveaway ends 9/12!

{all images via fawn&forest}