Packaging Inspiration

by evie s. on April 8th, 2008

Great packaging aesthetic is becoming more and more common these days. And it doesn’t always belong to the power brands–a lot of new kids on the block are starting strong with an enticing look. Here are some of my fav finds from TheDieline.com, the leading packaging design blog.

From left to right:

Mary’s Chocolate with art by Mizue Hirano // Williams-Sonoma Pure & Green Collection // Nusa Kitchen Soups // Sferra 1891 Linens

Calligraphy: A Forgotten Art

by evie s. on April 7th, 2008

I’ve always appreciated the art of beautiful calligraphy. I’ve tried my hand at it many times, but I’m no expert by any means.

From left to right:

Postcard [ Via Typophile ] // 1800s Lettering Sketchbook:Journal 14 [ Via Smashing Magazine ]

For some modern calligraphers, check out B Creative and Anne Robin.

Starbucks and Beautiful Art Go Together

by evie s. on April 3rd, 2008

Whether you like them or not, Starbucks is an empire, and they have some of the best graphics and artwork representing their brand. I came across their new website, Starbucks Coffee at Home and was struck by the beautiful chalk-like illustrations of each product.

The main purpose of the site is to introduce Starbuck’s trademark flavors to coffee drinkers at home and to explore all their coffee blends. It is a fun site to wander through and you can even take a 5 question quiz to determine your perfect coffee (mine was the Costa Rica Tarrazu).

Handmade Books and Bindings

by evie s. on April 1st, 2008

Handmade books are some of my favorite things. While my husband (yes, he is creative too) was attending school at the University here in town, one of his fine arts classes required him to make a handmade book. The result was this miniature creation, entitled The Moon, complete with story and photos. The book is perfectly bound in a cardboard cover and the pages are folded in accordion style.

Inspired by this little book that I rediscovered yesterday, I did a search to find my favorite ideas in the area of handmade books and bindings.

From left to right:

Italian Recipe Book by angelaliguori - Each book is an accordion book structure, with round corner and baker twine closure. [ Via coolhunting ] // Woodgrain and Wool Journal by NightjarBooks - hand bound using reclaimed book board, covered with an off-white, woodgrain-textured paper.

The Owner of the Bow by angelaliguori - Hard cover accordion book // Map Notebook [ Via AliceCho.net ]

Pocket Journals by yellowcraftychick - All the books have been sewn through the middle with black linen bookbinding thread and tied off with a small bead in the center. // Mini Accordion Book by mame*