Thinking about product packaging.

One of the things I've been thinking about lately is how to creatively package miscellaneous stationery items in a way that is creative, environmentally responsible, and stands out from the crowd. There are so many great ideas out there. I've been going crazy over design*sponge's National Stationery Show coverage this past week (maybe next year I'll actually be able to go?) When I met Grace (of d*s fame) in Chicago a few months ago at the Biz Ladies Meetup, she said that honestly it's kind of unnecessary to attend, as so many blogs and sites have such great coverage, and really do all of the sifting for you. Still - so many paper products - all in one place...sounds sort of heavenly. I know- so dorky! Plus - I get overwhelmed when there is too much selection. But I would just love to see how the booths are styled, how the products are bundled, and personally meet some of the vendors I would potentially be using to stock my shop. Here are just a few cute ideas - I especially love the one with the textile/burlap-ish bag. That's sustainable, right? If you are recycling discarded bags? Love it.

Color Coordination

I love color coordination. Don't these photographs (found of Susan Gower's Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods via decor8) just make you want to dig? I think I normally first know the color of something I envision or need, and want to hunt from there. That's why I love the search by color feature on etsy, for example. And I love when stores organize their clothing by hue - so easy, so organized, so convenient! Some stores (Forever 21, for starters) - make my head want to explode. Too many items - too little order. I walked past my image in a mirror while shopping with my dear Allison there one time and saw a deep crease embedded in my forehead - shopping like that literally gives me wrinkles! So - I'm making a mental note now; thoughtful, planned store organization. Seems logical.

It's been awhile...

...so I will just use this opportunity to clear out my inspirational eye-candy folder on my desktop. My good friend Laura and I are talking about sharing a booth at the next upcoming Art vs. Craft show, and since she is working with re-purposed clothing for her end of the deal, I'm thinking a lot about fabric and other vintage materials for a stationery series. I love all of these pieces, by different artists (all found on etsy) - I think it's time to start hitting up the local thrift and vintage shops in town to hunt for some eye-catching fabrics!

Treasures from the weekend...

The teacups are from Goodwill - I can always find something I 'need' from there. And meet Arnold, Beatrice, and Tom - our new friends who came to add to my already fierce bird obsession. :)

Splashy Storefront

Although I would rethink the colors and actual design for myself, isn't this a fun, attention grabbing storefront? Very unique and a great way to hide an unsightly exterior. From Henry Road in LA.