{busy ness cards}

I'm on a bit of a blogging streak right now. I haven't done nearly as many posts as I would have liked recently and now I have a whole backlog of things to share!

I've been doing all kinds of research in order to design some business cards for my mother and her new business. When they're finished and the website is made all shiny and new, I'll do a whole post on it. But for now, I just want to share some of the vintage cards and modern inspirations I've collected along the way.

I must admit, the cards below made me laugh out loud when I saw them! My friend from SpeakEasyLoves described how whilst unpacking her things today, she made a box of things she couldn't bring herself to throw out because they made her laugh or cry. A Box of Things that make you Laugh or Cry! I thought that was a brilliant way of describing what I call my Tin of Sentimentalism, packed to the brim with letters, postcards and riddiculosities. So here are two cards that made me laugh, and they might just make it into my virtual Box.

{marthe armitage}

I've always known that I love floral and botany inspired wallpapers and fabrics and yet, I never seemed to find any that I like! They always seem too static, like each petal has been dipped in a harsh preserving chemicals used to keep bodies looking fresh long after they died. Either that, or the prints were inspired by fake, plastic bouquets. Not good.

I have known of Marthe Armitage's exquisite wallpapers for some time now, and she could certainly not be accused of the above. Her organic, rolling shapes and prints reveal a true understanding of the plant world in all their glory. Cobwebs, birds, thistles and seeds are all represented and they reveal the ways in which each plant can grow in every which way. These are the best nature-inspired papers I have come across and are worth drooling over (but not on).

The design shop Sigmar now stocks Armitage's work and combined with their paired back Scandinavian interiors these graphic, delicious prints sing out. A wider selection is availble via Hamilton Weston. I'm almost positive that I will paper a few of my walls in her lovely imaginative creations. They are printed on an old 19th century press that Armitage has been using since the 60s. Each of the rolls are cranked out by hand and the colours are mixed to your requirements. What could possibly be better?

{wise musings}

I'm procrastinating. I'm very much supposed to be working {it's a shame, i used to call it drawing}, but i can't seem to peel myself away from all this browsing i've been up to. Mary Ruffle has a very, very romantic, selective and charming collection of charming images. These three aren't exactly indicative of her moodboard tumblr, but i really liked the messages. Especially the first one, which i have been trying to practice more lately. Whilst an eye for detail is a blessing, it can quickly become nit-picking - an activity that does not have good associations. As for the one below - you know how i feel about cake = love. Butter biscuits are even better! And the last, well, what a good idea. Hope you agree.

were you a fat kid too?

I love love love this print by graphic designer Erin Jang, via the lovely Oh Joy!. Just looking forward to the day that I can hang this on my wall I want to eat it so much. Maybe i'd put it in the larder, right above my cake stand so that I can forever more seal my association with cake and self-love. Yes!