Tas-ka is sold all over the world but mostly in The Netherlands and Belgium. They are inspired by Marimekko, Dutch stylist Frank Visser of Studio IJM, Apartemento and Milk magazine and additionally Paumes books that they sell in their webshop.

When I contacted this design duo via email recently, they told me that Tas-ka products are produced and made in the Netherlands — their fabric is screen printed there as well. “We think it is our responsibility to be sure that our products are made in good working conditions, we also think is important to stimulate local economy.” They also said something else about keeping their production local that I found quite interesting, “We try to support old craftsmanship as much as we can so there will be a new generation of people to transform traditional crafts and so the crafts will stay.”

If you like some of their fabrics and want to make your own products using them then good news for you! They are available by the meter here in their online shop.

Great stuff!

(images: tas-ka)

Heather’s background as a graphic designer is very evident in this line — my favorite is the numbered edition collection with a ruler on the placemat and numbered napkins and coasters in cream and black. I also like the speech bubble pillows – that’s another popular motif (the speech bubble) and typography motifs are still all the rage… Love them both!

(images: heather lins home)

It’s very rewarding to do work that gets attention from the right places but also that serves a greater good — it’s not just all about me, it’s about this community and opening more eyes up to what’s going on online. It’s such an honor to represent this community, even if in a small way in my own corner here, but it’s something and it certainly touches me quite deeply. I never imagined that I’d leave behind a corporate job and end up being successful doing work that I love. If you are pursuing work that you love, you must “get” it – it’s very rewarding stuff.

Enough about me. Time to share some inspiration. Let’s peek in on this lovely Montreal-based home and gift shop called Buk & Nola. If you are visiting Montreal anytime soon this appears to be a must-see stop. I found out it about earlier this week because artist Kim St Michel (she doesn’t have an online shop yet but you can contact Buk & Nola or email Kim to purchase directly from her bonjour AT cabane-k.com). Kim sells her handmade banners or “Les guirlandes de Fanions” at Buk & Nola and sent in photos of them in-situ. Aren’t they charming? So many seem to be creating these banners, or bunting, nowadays and I see that they have established themselves as a trend because you can even spot them in graphics — from cards to posters — and also on clothing like t-shirts as a motif. I think they’re so popular because they feel very joyous — bunting always means Party Time and who doesn’t love the festive feel of a good soiree.

I like seeing motifs that promote positivity in some way, not because I am a goody two shoes but because things haven’t always been sunshine and rainbows in my life and I’ve had tough times like everyone else but find that the only way to really rise above the muck is to focus on the good things in life. To push towards goals and dreams no matter what. I also recognize the need for social activities  — networking, parties, markets, fests, anything that can bring people together to melt away fear and jealously and to instead, foster creativity, community and an overall sense of belonging and meaning. Yeah, I get all of that out of a bunting motif (ha ha). But hey, if you really think about some of  the common motifs out there that you find yourself drawn towards, whether it be birds, rainbows, retro 80’s, whatever — if you explore why you are so drawn to them you can actually learn a lot about yourself. I like bunting because they remind me of celebrations and good times.

Do you like seeing this as a motif? What do you think?

Lovely work Kim and beautiful shop Buk & Nola!

(images: Annie Michaud)

I imagine arranging a single grouping on my windowsill with a pretty, large bloom in each… a rose, a floppy peony… Nothing complicated because often the simple things are the best things.

(images: samantha robinson)

Next week the theme is Spring — so lots of soft pastels — you won’t want to miss it!

(image: leslie shewring)

Ello There in Utah design some of the cutest wedding invitations (and posters) and save the date cards that I’ve seen… so original and definitely great for those of you who are opting for a more handmade touch to your big day. They also carry custom portraits – so fun!

Judy Kaufmann creates bold graphic prints that would attract attention in any room. I imagine them in a modern office, can you see that too?

Late Night Drawing is the result of artist Catalina in Stockholm who loves drawing with ink and who gets her creative boost at night (me too!). Are you a night owl? If so, you can relate.

Cards For Complicated People = the best! Each card is hand painted by artist Anna Fraser in Sydney — no two are alike — each completely original in pretty watercolor pastels. You have to spend some time today looking through them all because some of them will really make you laugh. I’d like to frame a few for my office.

Barbaer Shop is the work of graphic designer Jana  Kleineberg from Berlin who now lives in Finland. Jane stocks some folksy cuckoo clock prints that can be customized and some really sweet animals — the owl is great, he reminds me of a boss I once had whom I called (behind his back of course) the Steam Roller. Ever had a boss resembling this owl? Intimidating, uptight, etc. etc. etc.?

(images: linked to their source above)

There are 3 in this collection, shown above is the Nectar in Dandelion (my favorite) and also the Ruthie Seaglass which would be beautiful in a house by the sea with lots of natural wood accents and some turquoise lamps with crisp white shades. I see the Nectar in a hallway against hardwood floors. That would be a nice rug to greet guests. There is also the Zag rug, not shown but you may view it here.

“Nectar is a modern checkerboard pattern that is inspired by the birds that are busy during sunny summer days while the Ruthie pattern pays tribute to Angela’s mother with a modern home-spun vibe.”

Details: Hand-woven of 100% New Zealand wool, available in 5 sizes: 3×5′, 2.5×8′, 5×8′, 8×10′ and 9×12′ and prices range from $349–$1,950.

(images: angela adams)

Her photos capture such a nice mood — cozy, accepting, without judgment, familiar, crafting, home… I do hope you’ll visit her blog.

(images: ishtar olivera)