I haven’t much to show for a week of toiling away in the creative space this week, pictured above. This view is in my study, to the right is the main desktop computer and behind the laptop you can see a peek of sunshine coming through which looks out onto a distracting view of the street.

The laptop has been getting a fair workout of late ~ being used for multitasking and as the portable workspace. And for some reason is the only computer in the house with some of my favourite fonts on it.

On top of it, are some in-progress projects ~ a monthly calendar for tomorrow’s friday freebie post, a 2011 calendar for the shop and notes for a possible zine. For me, it’s getting back to my roots of print design, a comfortable medium. At the moment the zine is only in the planning stages, and is only for fun, who knows what will actually be in it {submissions are more than welcome}.

Behind the scenes, there is a new header up there and I spent yesterday busily adding some new prints and the like to the shops {see >>}, above.

All in all, a productive, busy and creative week.
How was yours?

I apologise for this interruption to your regular viewing for a quick spot of BSP {blatant self-promotion}.

There are some new things in the shops including (from left to right) the new reel colour set as a 6×4 {standard photo} size {after being requested by a lovely colour, I was so taken with the way it turned out I decided to list it}, a new brownie mini-print set, I have started introducing prints from my polaroids, the planes, trains and automobiles bookmark set ~ perfect for father’s day, and some new prints.

At the moment I am using my graphic design skills to put together a calendar, perhaps a zine, and planning some more bookmarks.

$a madeit | $us etsy

Time to sharpen those pencils and get to the point. Perfect pencils finds feature in today’s paper trail.

1. Sweet smell of literary success with smencils ~ sweet smelling pencils made from newspaper
2. Make a point pencils from Paper Pastries
3. Because the pen is mightier than the sword, from You Me and The Royal We
4. Ready to start a fire ~ try these matchstick pencils
5. Handcrafted in France, wooden pencils from Kate’s Paperie
6. Let your writing take you away with a pencil wrapped in a vintage map from miss isa

{images from their respective sources}

Lately I seem to be bookmarking a lot of posts that start with the words “how to”. I guess I am always looking for those extra tips on how to come up with great ideas or manage time more effectively. I do love those inspiring moments when you think, “aah, that’s how that’s done” or a tip inspires you into action. And hey, I love a good list.

So how to:

• quit being a designer
• have better time management
• make an e-z notepad
• be insanely productive and still keep smiling
• quit the blogging comparathon

So I was surfing around for a shop for this post, it turns out I had none bookmarked, and decided to try the Shop Local feature on etsy.

That’s how I found plus one design, which is now needle vs thread, the beautiful bags, purses and accessories by Kirrily.

Among the list I saw those lovely green elephants, a click away were some great bags  and then I found the purses and that wallet.

Kirrily is obviously not only talented but has a great eye for colour and fabric too.

Check out more of her work here:

etsy | etsy | blue caravan {have you checked out blue caravan ~ an online boutique of independently designed and ethical made}

Going through my latest inspiration pins, I started to see a common theme ~ space and light. We are lucky to live in older house that features high ceilings and large windows. Sometimes I take for granted this feeling of space, sometimes, on beautiful crisp winters days filled with sunshine, I really appreciate it.

Via clockwise from top left: door sixteen; emma’s design blogg; made by girl; apartment therapy; design*sponge.

Morning Monday, you are here again far too soon. But nevermind, this morning I have some wonderful eye candy to share with you.

I found these two lovely blogs via Paperklip and Pia. As an avid blog reader with a bulging folder of daily reads, I love blogs of few words but which still pack an inspirational punch. These two blogs are simple and lovely blogs which have a philosophy of a picture is worth a thousand words.

A thing for is a collection of stunningly curated mosiacs by a New York-based fashion and graphic designer who says the focus is on the visual in the quest to inspire.

Color Collective is the work of Lauren, who creates colour palettes based on the work of various artists who inspire her. You can also see some of her work over at the guest blog at design*sponge.

Some colourful inspiration to kick off the week.

Happy Sunday all, I’m a little late posting today, I’ve been out enjoying the glorious sunshine this sunny Sunday while it lasts. But, still some fabulous finds for what’s left of the weekend.

1. Never be lost for something to do with Think-ets ~ a collection of tiny treasures {via lmnop}
2. Write your own note on the cardboard top of the chalk-late box from Askinosie {via simple+pretty}
3. Cool chopping boards from Yoostore {via design*sponge}
4. Funky block light from 25togo
5. Start off your day on sunny note with these daisy-shaped egg rings from Williams-Sonoma

{images from their respective sources}

Ahhh, the weekend. I have been looking forward to this weekend all week. I have spent the week decluttering and cleaning in small bursts and so come the weekend, I won’t be assauged by guilt by those niggling little jobs that need doing around the house. It’s amazing how decluttering also clears your mind. Plus, Hubby and I will be sans small ones tonight and free to do as we please, be spontaneous, eat in or eat out, the choice is ours. We may in face be paralysed by choice by all the things we would like to do!

Meanwhile, here’s some interesting things I have squirreled away through the week to share with you:

• Some fun photography ~ the miniature people hang out with an iPhone
• Last week I did a nature-inspired Zest post in which this wooden mouse would have been right at home.
• A new online magazine ~ Pure Green Living
• Hopefully the sun is shining wherever you are this weekend ~ so get out in it and protect your brain
• Enjoyed this read, and accompanying photos, on Gwyneth Paltrow in Vogue {via delphine ephemera}
• Great yarn bombing examples
• And check out this cute pup’s amazing feats of balance

{I snuck in a couple of extras this week.}

May your weekend be filled with sunshine.

Some lovely finds being shared around the internet this week.

1. Pretty recipe cards from Tie That Binds {via how about orange}
2. More quote cards from Perfect Sentiment
3. Striped washi tape download from Creature Comforts
4. Birthday party memory game at Oh My Handmade Goodness
5. Fabulous and inspiring art prints available at make it perfect {via kind over matter}

{images from their respective sources}