Well Branded: Julian

January 27th, 2010 | 9 Comments »

A fantastic identity system for the restaurant Julian in Kansas City by Jordan Gray Creative. Named after the chef Celina Tio’s favorite cooks, her grandfather Julian and Julia Child; I’m completely inspired by the clever use of iconography pared with the refined type. The color palette  is equally appealing and the materials evoke a natural yet sophisticated feel.

Images courtesy of Jordan Gray Creative
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Well Branded




Paper Sculptures

January 26th, 2010 | 8 Comments »

I am so enthralled with these paper sculptures by Daniel Sean Murphy. Made completely from paper they seem to defy reality.

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , ,
Posted in Handmade




Color Crush: Yellow

January 25th, 2010 | 12 Comments »

I had the pleasure of attending the Alitude Design Summit in Salt Lake City over the weekend and it was a blast! The confrence was branded with all kinds of yellow so I think its cheeriness (is that a word?!) rubbed off on me. I got to meet and listen to so many talented people it’s left me a bit euphoric. Happy Monday to you all and here’s to another great week!

1.Dazzling Display Wallet from Anthropologie, 2.Fabric Thumbtacks by Fabric Farrago, 3.Glam Sign from Blog.Flickr.net via We Love Typography, 4.Tuxedo Ruffle Curtain from Urban Outfitters, 5.Rose Ring by Under 10, 6.Curvee Shelf Table from Serena & Lily
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , ,
Posted in Decorating, Etsy, Fashion




I’ve got a little personal project to share with you today! Rachel, of Elephantine, and I were put in charge of doing the holiday card for our office, Hornall Anderson. This year we wanted to do a lighthearted and fun New Years card showcasing all the great people who work there. I’m really happy with how they turned out. They’re letterpressed onto 110. lb Crane’s Lettra Letterpress cover then we inserted a digital print of everyone wearing 2010 glasses. Evolution Press did the printing and as always, did an impeccable job. There is also a companion site that you should definitly check out. Rachel and the interactive group did a great job putting it together!

Bonus: You can see what I did for 2009 here.

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Design, Letterpress, Personal Work, Print




My Heart In Stitches

January 21st, 2010 | 5 Comments »

I just love everything Karen of maggie makes does and her latest tutorial is no exception! I mean come one, how adorable are these embroidered heart kits!? There are four patterns to choose from and I know I’m going to have a hard time deciding which one to buy! She’s currently giving away one of each so hurry on over for your chance to win. Best of luck!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , , ,
Posted in DIY, Design, Handmade, Sewing




I know it’s a bit early for all these Valentine’s Day posts but I can’t resist! I had so much fun creating this new bag for all of you that I just couldn’t wait to share! Plus, I wanted you to be able to have time to get bags, print, make goodies and fill with time to spare.

Inspired by all things sweet and love related, I created this little pattern and printed onto the bag directly from my Ink Jet printer. If you don’t have an Ink Jet or if your printer doesn’t allow you to print odd formats, you could always print the label onto sticker paper (found at office supply stores) and post apply it to the bag. Fill with cookies, muffins, a handmade card, or whatever it is that your special someone will enjoy. Download the file here and enjoy! xoxo

Perfect for projects like these or for other crafts and gifts the White and craft paper bags are available through my Etsy shop here in bundles of 25.

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in DIY Freebie, Design, Handmade, Holiday, Packaging, Personal Work




Back by popular demand! These were a big hit last year and I’ve been getting tons of emails lately about them so I’ve made an updated version for 2010! Just download the file and print directly onto the paper bag. For more detailed instructions and other printing suggestions visit my previous post here. Once you’ve made the bags, fill with heart shaped brownies cut with a cookie cutter.

Last year one reader suggested that a wax paper or glassine bag be placed inside to preserve the craft bag. I loved the suggestion and incorporated it into these photos. To make the scalloped edge, simply cut tops of bags off using a rotary cutter and scalloped pinking blade.

Additionally, I now also carry the brown craft bags in my Etsy shop. Sold in packs of 25 they’re great for all sorts of crafts, gifts and little treats! Not a fan of the craft bag? I also stock them in white. I’ve got a few more Valentine’s Day goodies coming this week so be sure to check back often!

Psst! You can find those adorable straws over at Garnish! They come in red, blue and green – oh the possibilities!!!

*UPDATE! I completely spaced on the fact that the rest of the world writes their dates differently so please forgive my polarizing design. I’ve created another file which you can download here with the date 14.02.10. Apologies and please enjoy! xoxo, Kathleen

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Baking, DIY, DIY Freebie, Etsy, Print




Going Grey

January 15th, 2010 | 8 Comments »

I’ve been on the lookout for the “perfect” rug fro nearly two years now and I think I may have found the one. I came across this beauty via Residenza, a fellow Seattleite’s blog, and fell in love! I’m a sucker for bold patterns but I like the subtlety of these colors. This inspired me to rethink my entire living room and above are few pieces I wish I could own.

Circle Fret Rug by Dash & Albert, Wilshire Lamps from Restoration Hardware, Lace Cute Media Unit by Brocade Home, and SurEvolution Flower Bowl from Pottery Barn

*A BIG thank you to everyone that participated in the Twig & Thistle survey earlier this week! We have some exciting changes coming and your feedback will help immensely! Also, we are celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday on Monday here in the states so I will see you all back here on Tuesday. Have a lovely weekend everyone!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Decorating, Textiles




I have a bit of a blog crush going on today for Just Something I made. Cathe Holden’s incredible blog features some super creative craft projects ranging from paper goods to leather crafts. Located in California, Cathe’s got her hands full as a graphic designer, mom and blogger.

I’d only just begun perusing Cathe’s site when I came across her tutorial for how to make perforations useing a sewing machine. This was actually the look I wanted all along when I designed the Coat Check Tags for our wedding but  a custom die-cut wasn’t within our budget. I ended up using my Fiskars dashed perforating blade instead. Anyway, I can not wait to give this a try! Off to go brainstorm a perforated project but first I must finish devouring JSIM!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , , ,
Posted in DIY, Sewing




Charming Wooden Cutlery

January 13th, 2010 | 6 Comments »


Better Living Through Design

Kitchen Critic

Not exactly picnic weather but I couldn’t help posting these. Spotted on Happy Lady Eats, these bamboo utensils will surely dress up any event! I’ve used wood cutlery at almost every party I’ve hosted but I’ve never seen any this cute! Tuck them all into a glassine bag and voila, instant portable charm! Check out Happy Lady Eats for purchasing info.

Related Posts with Thumbnails
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Kirtsy

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Packaging, Party