Treat

Fun fare by Fred Flare

Inspired by Fred Astaire, Fred Flare is a boutique that believes in products that are fun and entertaining. Check out some of their other products from one of my past posts.

1. Recipe journal – This is great for holding not only recipes, but also take-out menus.

2. GIANT cupcake cake mold – A giant cupcake is great for entertaining. It's sure to get everyone's attention.

3. Typography soap – I just love how typography was used on this soap.

4. Fashion origami – I haven't tried origami in years.This could be quite fun.

5. Cupcake making kit – These cupcake liners can make your mini cakes really exciting.

6. What's cooking recipe tin – I have this tin, and it's très cute. It includes additional designed recipe cards as well as a few recipes.

My Design Youth Forum Update

Just wanted to let you know that the Design Youth Forum that took place on Friday, March 27th at UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) was a success. The students took a class in Graphic Design, Fashion, Industrial, Multi-Media, Interior Design, or Architecture with the theme being Sustainability. The students had so much fun, and I did too. It's amazing to hear the thoughts of young kids. They see ideas that older adults take for granted. So, it was refreshing to hear they're thoughts and see their brightened eyes and smiles when we exchanged ideas. So, if you ever have the time, it would be great to meet some of my Treat readers at one of the Project Osmosis events. I'll be continuing to post events in the future, so be on the look out!

Attention high school students! Design Youth Forum

Click image to view larger, or read information below.

The OSMOSIS Education Mentoring Initiative™ Design Youth Forum is a day-long event in which area high school students choose from workshops in Industrial, Multi-Media, Graphic, Fashion, Architecture, or Interior Design. Along with emersing students in a college learning environment, the Design Youth Forum provides instruction in the following:

• Basic principles of design
• Career opportunities
• A design project and critique

Students will be addressed by the college design and admissions faculty regarding the details of their particular design programs. In addition, students will be encouraged to register for candidacy in the OSMOSIS Education/Mentoring Initiative™ Mentoring Program.

STUDENTS! Register today. Walk-ins welcomed!

Space is limited. First serve basis. Giveaways and gift bags for every participant! Design Youth Forum Packets (Registration) will be mailed upon reservation.

RSVP by March 20th, 2009 to info@projectosmosis.org or call 773-779-1352

Please provide name of school, e-mail, and contact information with your reservation. 

Sponsored by Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation and AIGA.

Party planning? Kick up your e-vite style

Ok, so it's too late to use this service for Superbowl, but maybe you have another event coming up or you're hosting an Oscar party (the movies were much better this past year than they have been in years). There are two web sites that I've discovered which are design friendly to plan your next event—Pingg and Mypunchbowl.

These two websites seem to have the best choices in terms of design. Pingg has a variety of fun and lovely designs that are free as well as a Designer Series. Some of my favorite Designers at Pingg are Ashley Mills, Lenny Williams, Stephanie DosReis, and Photographer Larry Vogel.

On the other hand, Mypunchbowl.com is a central stop for complete party planning. The site not only provides you with reasons to celebrate, but you can import your contacts to create a guest list, poll your guests for the best day for the event, manage RSVPs, design and send the invite, and keep track of who's bringing what for pot-luck gatherings!

 

Some of my favorite designers on Pingg: Lenny Williams, Ashley Mills, Stephanie Dosreis, and Larry Vogel.

Party organizing site mypunchbowl.

Fred Flare

If you haven't been to Fred Flare, you've got to check it out. Fred Astaire was the inspiration behind the name of this funky online shop that prides itself on fun and entertaining design.

Raghouse International: beyond artful living

Renaissance Austin, Artistic Designer of Raghouse International, is the creator behind the fabulous collection of fashion forward knitware and jewelry you can't find anywhere else. Guys and gals don't have to be in Los Angeles to rock these fashions. You can get them at the Raghouse International Etsy shop.

All images are from Raghouse International.

Arra

Check out the abstract art by Arra. A former graduate of RISD, Arra moved to Los Angeles to work as an Architectural Designer. She combines her interest of Architecture with her passion for photography to create these colorful surreal works of art. You can find her on Etsy Artists of Color or check out her Flickr site to see more of her outstanding work.

What's Your Canvas?: An interview with Lettering Artist Crystal Kluge

One of my favorite areas in design is handlettering. I did a lot of it when I was younger and dabble in it every now and then now. When I worked at Hallmark, I absolutely loved watching the lettering artists create their beautiful handwriting, and it was interesting matching their lettering styles to their personalities. When I discovered lettering artist and designer Crystal Kluge online, I had to find out more about her own hand lettering experiences. Check out some of her lettering and illustrations below and her fonts on MyFonts.com.

Hand lettering doesn't get the recognition it should. Why do you think this is so?
Like most handcrafted work, I think it’s gaining more recognition.  August’s issue of HOW magazine is all about handmade design, and how’s it’s influencing modern trends. That said, with the range of fonts available now, many people just don’t think of letters being created by hand.  Every month or so, I receive a inquiry about which font I used for my logo & website,  a number are surprised to find out it is handlettered – not a font.

Why do you think hand lettering is important?
I think for the same reasons drawing by hand is important. 

How did you learn to create such beautiful lettering?
I discovered a calligraphy pen at Grandma’s house when I was a 11.  It was a Sheaffer cartridge pen, I still have it.

What type of writing instruments do you use?
Simple dip pen w/ steel nibs

How would you describe the personality of your hand lettering?
Whimsical, romantic, modern

Is your natural penmanship very similar to your hand lettering?
I’m often asked this question.  When I was younger it was.  Currently, it’s not even close.  The stronger I develop my calligraphic skills, the further my regular penmanship declines.  It’s barely legible.

What inspires your lettering?
When I’m working with a client, I’m inspired by their personality, the context and special details of the project or event.  The more I know about it, the more my work will assume that spirit.

I’m drawn to expression types of lettering, kanji, arabic, vintage fashion advertising headlines & logos.  But I also respect the skill of traditional broadpen calligraphy, from old medieval texts to the amazing St. John’s Bible currently being scribed.

Any advice for those who have the gift of beautiful hand lettering?
Enjoy your gifts!

Out Da Trunk Show 2

A couple of months ago, I introduced Treat readers to Che Woo Designs', Out Da Trunk Show. The show was a fun-filled day of fashion + art + music + street culture at it finest—with R&B, Hip-Hop and Breakdancing performances by emerging Chicago talent. The show also joined Designers, Artists, EA Jeans Co, Change 4 A Dolla, custom knit designs by Zandustry, event host Che Woo Design as well as other Designers. Shoppers also enjoyed a mini fashion, free gift bags— with gifts from all show participants—and a cool t-shirt from Long Beach clothing line Alien Artifact.

Don't worry if you missed it, because it's coming again! Check it>> Out Da Trunk 2: Slumber Party, Saturday July 26th. You'll find gear that you won't find everywhere else, so this is sure to be a shopping experience unlike any other! Find great accessories and women's wear for the hip and trendy by Z2 Jean Company and Girls of Topaz. Zandustry is returning with new knitwear creations you may want to sweep up before Fall/Winter. Plus, check out the exclusive designs by host Che Woo Design as well as designs by other funky, hip, cute and quirky designs by talented Designers and Artists. There will also be a make-up station where the super talented MUA Dee, will get you glammed up before you hit the town. Additional relaxing treatments will be offered while you shop. Sip Sangria and enjoy the Live Mannequin Style Fashion Show.

For additional information and to view a complete list of Designers that will be presenting at the show, visit www.chewoodesign.com/outdatrunk. 

That's it for the week. Have a great Thursday and Friday as well as a wonderful weekend!

The King of Over the Top

I remember as a kid, I was intrigued by Liberace's over-the-top style. He always wore dozens of rings on his fingers when he played the piano. Although I'm not one for over-the-top design, if you look carefully, you can always find something interesting. Check out this interview that singer turned designer Brigette Romanek has at the Liberace house. His bedroom is particularly interesting.

Project Osmosis Carnival

As you may know, I have mentioned and supported the great work that Project Osmosis does to "further design education for underserved minority youth". For those in the Chicago area, here's an event that you should check out—Carnival. Meet other creatives, eat a little, mingle, and be a part of the auction, right here in Chicago. The event will be held at the Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center on August 30, 2008 from 7 p.m.–10:00. Admission is $35 donation at the door. You can purchase tickets in advance for $30 at www.projectosmosis.com. Guests must be 21 years or older.

That's it for posts this week. I will be taking off all of next week. I will return Monday, July 21 with some really inspiring posts (I may sneak in a post before then). I hope that you have a wonderful weekend and week.

Click flyer to view larger.

The world's first Graphic Design museum

If you've ever wondered about the importance of Graphic Design, then here's a reason to look at it in a different light. On July 11 this year, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands opened the world's first museum dedicated to just Graphic Design—the Graphic Design Museum, Beyerd Breda. How 'bout that! There have been museums in the US that include a segment about Graphic Design, but there hasn't been a museum that focuses solely on Graphic Design. The museum will also act as an institute for learning, teaching, as well as a place to learn about established and emerging Graphic Designers.

No museum is complete without a souvenir to remind visitors of their discoveries. The museum also has a Graphic Design shop, but it doesn't stop there. The museum really knows how to think about design—get a taste of some culinary delights in the Graphic Design Café.

Got a case of the Mondays? Here's how you can change your mood.

I've heard that surrounding yourself around gray helps to stimulate creativity. I guess because the color is so neutral that one's instinct is to want to visualize color, movement, or anything that seems different.

A change in scenery is another way to get the creative juices flowing. If you're like most Americans right now, and your budget is shot because of high gas prices and the climbing price of food, then consider checking out the Mood-factory—a company that creates mood lighting to help improve moods. The 25W bulbs are mercury free and energy, earth, and animal friendly. "Why spend money on lighting?," you ask. "It's not a necessity." Well, in essence, it is a necessity. You have to have a variety of things to help spark your creativity. Afterall, you're a creative, and the show—"show" being whatever creative industry you work in—must go on! The world needs you to create designs and art that will help uplift people and keep businesses competitive, thriving during this economic downturn. It's a part of the cycle of improving the "all American dollar," not only in the US, but worldwide. Quality products are a must to keep these business afloat, thus design is essential right now. These mood lights are an inexpensive way to drastically change the mood of your room—and maybe even your own mood.

What do you think? Was that a good enough excuse to get one? =)

Check below for Mood-factory's simple explanations for how different colors affect your mood. If you don't already have it, you should also check out this Designer favorite: Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color by Leatrice Eisemann.

• Green is associated with growth, fruitfulness, and renewal.
• Red, being the color of blood and fire, brings feelings of warmth, excitement, and passion.
• Hot Pink is a vivacious and fun color, full of pure confidence.
• Blues, referring to the sky and lakes, are associated with spirituality, cleanliness, and tranquility.
• Yellow is the color of sunlight and fruits, and brings feelings of cheer, hope, and vitality.
• Orange, with its reference to fire and sunset, evokes feelings of energy and excitement.
• Purple, which rarely occurs in nature, is linked to spirituality, mysticism, and creativity.

from mood-factory.com

Inspiration from wedding cakes

My husband and I will be celebrating our wedding anniversary this weekend. We hadn't seen any cakes like these at that point. Aren't these beautiful? I could really see making a summer dress out of the polka dot cake. I love the intricate designs and love, love, love the colors! These cakes are fun and elegant.

1. Not Just Cheesecakes (no website yet) in Campbell, CA.  2. Have Your Cake in San Francisco.   3. Elegant Cheesecakes in Half Moon Bay, CA   4. Masse's Pastries in Berkeley, CA    5. Have Your Cake in San Francisco   6. Carolyn Wong Cakes in Berkeley, CA.  You can also find information about these cake design professionals on the by recommendation only website. 

Well, that's it for the rest of the week. Have a great weekend!

Still shots of Viva la Vida

After seeing the iTunes ad for Viva la Vida by Coldplay, I've been hooked! The song is really catchy! I love how the video works with the music! I was curious to see how it would look as still shots. Still beautiful! It's still magical, but the video really captures the energy of the song. If you haven't seen the ad or heard Viva la Vida, check it out on Apple's website or iTunes. Right now you can find it under iTunes' top songs (I'm waiting a bit so that I can get this video). I'll have to make it a part of my design inspiration collection.