Friday Quick Links!

1. Inspiring photos from the Let’s Colour Project via Poppytalk
2. Jim Denevan’s drawings in the sand via All the Mountains
3. Classic furniture design with computerized stretching via If It’s Hip, It’s Here
4. Fabulous geometric tiles from Dwell and Heath Ceramics via Notcot
5. In love with Timothy J. Karpinski’s crocheted Technicolor dream tent via Décor 8
6. Graphic nesting dolls from Audrée Lapierre via Mint
7. Superb collages from Jacob Whibley via booooooom
8. Design your own cross-stitch lampshade via Art at Heart
9. Table design inspired by Japan’s notorious Yakuza tattoos via Creative Roots
10. Beautiful vases and tiles created by sunprinting via Design*Sponge
11. Lovely “lace” curtains made from interlocking, modular paper pieces via Oh Joy!
12. Chris Held’s ephermeral Persian rug via Designboom

June 25, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Twitter Influencer: Helen Dardik

Helen Dardik grew up around the world, creating art along the way. The talented illustrator and designer now calls Canada her home where she lives with her three little girls. Her vibrant work is praised throughout the industry and her twitter feed is just as enjoyable and approachable as her art. With an artist statement that declares, “being creative is necessary,” it’s easy to understand how her approach to life follows suit. Detailing everything from her adventures in design and amusing tales of motherhood, to the struggles of learning to drive and adjust to a new hypoallergenic diet, Helen proves herself to be not just a skilled artist but also a funny and delightfully lively read.

June 25, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-up: Aquatic Manipulations

Back in March we noticed water graphics popping up across multiple mediums. From tactile materials to type, to glossy palettes, hints of aquatic influences were showing up before it felt seasonally appropriate. Today we can say the trend has finally arrived, particularly since it’s been making the global rounds. Rob Gonzalez and Jonathan Quainton of the UK firm, Sawdust, recently designed this vector-heavy tote, Beat, for Carry Hope. The analogy, graphics and flow all compliment the message, reminding us that water circulation mirrors the heart’s blood flow. Using a hand painted wave to create an all-over pattern, Shanghai Tang, a luxury brand from China, achieves a similar goal. The romantic shape offsets the woodblock effect, proving harsh or soft, it’s possible to interpret movement, so long as it’s brand-consistent.

June 23, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Inspiring Notes from Juanita Cardenas

Back in September we interviewed Juanita Cardenas on her Polychromatico! line of clothing. This time around, we’re taking note of her chameleon-like sketchbook. Brought to our attention by Lauren Epstein, a good friend and avid PP supporter, it’s hard not to be glued to every page once you start scrolling through. The vibrant textures and raw experiments are evidence of a creative deep dive and prove our point that mood boards are the way to go when you’re in the concept-phase of a project. Take a look and tell us how you concept. What’s your favorite way to tackle a brief?

June 22, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buys: Louis Reith

A few months ago, Amsterdam-based artist, Louis Reith spun a web of admirers with his typographically inspired works on paper. His masterful merging of geometric shapes, abstract typography, vintage maps and old book pages is a reminder to all designers to take a step back from the computer every once in a while. In today’s world where so much art is digitally composed and intricately dense, the hand-rendered simplicity and obvious restraint makes Reith’s work immensely beautiful and refreshing. Little Paper Planes is presently offering four exclusive limited edition prints from the artist at a delightfully affordable price of $35 per print, with the whole set offered at $120. A lovely opportunity to get your hands on the work of a talented up and comer- take advantage!

June 21, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Friday Quick Links

1. Stunning knit backdrop installation at Creative Sydney 10 x 10 Project via Yellowtrace
2. Loving so many of these looks from West Elms fall 2010 line via Poppytalk
3. Great style in Matt Lyons new set of illustrations entitled “Locations” via Kitsune Noir
4. Interview with Deanne Cheuk via Design*Sponge
5. Who knew coasters could be so beautiful? via Oh Joy
6. Such exquisite style in Evan B. Harris’ paintings via My Love For You
7. Manué’s paintings burst with color via Hard Feelings
8. Deirdre But-Husaim’s paintings of boys covered in flowered tattoos via The Jealous Curator
9. The disco chair, created from 200 linear meters of electroluminescent wire via You Might Like This
10. It would be amazing if all subway train interiors could be taken over by art like this one via Yatzer
11. Gorgeous hand engraved Brooks bike saddles via Below the Clouds
12. Graham & Brown’s gorgeous new wallpaper really pops with color and pattern via Décor 8

Coverage by: Emily Gup

June 18, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik