So anyways, he just put a hilarious series of drawings on his blog, roughly describing the recipe for okonomiyaki. It's worth checking out (as are his books!).
Links: Website | Blog | Books--- Comment »
Florent Chavouet's Okonomiyaki
Florent Chavouet is a French illustrator, whose work is mostly comprised of journal-like drawings of his travels in Japan. I'm a huge fan of his work and I'm at a loss to even describe how inspirational his drawings are to me. They make me feel completely energized and hopeless at the same time. Energized because his style is one of the coolest things I've come across in the past few years, and hopeless because I know I will never be able to emulate his brilliance.
So anyways, he just put a hilarious series of drawings on his blog, roughly describing the recipe for okonomiyaki. It's worth checking out (as are his books!).
Links: Website | Blog | Books
--- Comment »
So anyways, he just put a hilarious series of drawings on his blog, roughly describing the recipe for okonomiyaki. It's worth checking out (as are his books!).
Links: Website | Blog | Books--- Comment »
Book Review: 'A Collection a Day' by Lisa Congdon
OH HAI! Are you guys still there?
Yeah. Sorry about that. I'm not sure what happened there, but it seems I haven't been around much. Must be that yoga obsession I struck up the at beginning of June, or the exciting publications in Libelle and Uppercase that got me with my head stuck up in the clouds.
Anyways, I'm back and I'm here with a review of Lisa Congdon's new book 'A Collection a Day', published by Janine Vangool of Uppercase. Many of you know Uppercase Magazine and love it for its amazing design, use of typography, beautiful imagery, and original content. If you don't know about Uppercase's selection of books, however, I would urge you to check them out as they're equally wonderful. Lisa Congdon's book is no exception - it's a jewel.
WHAT IS IT?
In 2010, Lisa Congdon, an amazing San Francisco-based illustrator and painter, started a new blog called 'A Collection a Day' on which for a year she attempted to post a picture or a drawing every day of one of her many collections. The blog soon got a lot of attention due to the amazing quality and style of the photographs and the interesting collections Congdon photographed and drew. Janine Vangool noticed as well and worked with Congdon on creating the ultimate finale of the project: a book worthy of collecting.
WHY BUY IT?
For me, personally, I got this book because it's an instant collection. I know that sounds kind of silly, but after following Congdon's efforts online for an entire year, you kind of get attached to her collections and the visual abundance of them. I myself am a born hoarder, but moving several times from one place to another has left me with the habit of throwing budding collections out asap. I know everything I drag up the stairs to our apartment, no matter how small, will need to be dragged down those stairs again and, at some point, dragged up another set of stairs. So, I got this book, presented in a lovely tin case (I LOVE tin cases and would have many many many if it wasn't for above mentioned mindset) and now I have 365 collections all in one. Added to that, the book is brilliantly designed, as we've come to expect from Uppercase.
WHERE CAN I GET IT?
You can order it through Uppercase's webshop by itself, or get it as part of the Uppercase book bundle.
MORE INFORMATION?
Links: Lisa Congdon's website | 'A Collection a Day' blog | Uppercase's website
Are you a collector? And if so, what do you collect?
--- Comment »
Yeah. Sorry about that. I'm not sure what happened there, but it seems I haven't been around much. Must be that yoga obsession I struck up the at beginning of June, or the exciting publications in Libelle and Uppercase that got me with my head stuck up in the clouds.
Anyways, I'm back and I'm here with a review of Lisa Congdon's new book 'A Collection a Day', published by Janine Vangool of Uppercase. Many of you know Uppercase Magazine and love it for its amazing design, use of typography, beautiful imagery, and original content. If you don't know about Uppercase's selection of books, however, I would urge you to check them out as they're equally wonderful. Lisa Congdon's book is no exception - it's a jewel.
WHAT IS IT?
In 2010, Lisa Congdon, an amazing San Francisco-based illustrator and painter, started a new blog called 'A Collection a Day' on which for a year she attempted to post a picture or a drawing every day of one of her many collections. The blog soon got a lot of attention due to the amazing quality and style of the photographs and the interesting collections Congdon photographed and drew. Janine Vangool noticed as well and worked with Congdon on creating the ultimate finale of the project: a book worthy of collecting.
WHY BUY IT?For me, personally, I got this book because it's an instant collection. I know that sounds kind of silly, but after following Congdon's efforts online for an entire year, you kind of get attached to her collections and the visual abundance of them. I myself am a born hoarder, but moving several times from one place to another has left me with the habit of throwing budding collections out asap. I know everything I drag up the stairs to our apartment, no matter how small, will need to be dragged down those stairs again and, at some point, dragged up another set of stairs. So, I got this book, presented in a lovely tin case (I LOVE tin cases and would have many many many if it wasn't for above mentioned mindset) and now I have 365 collections all in one. Added to that, the book is brilliantly designed, as we've come to expect from Uppercase.
WHERE CAN I GET IT?
You can order it through Uppercase's webshop by itself, or get it as part of the Uppercase book bundle.
MORE INFORMATION?
Links: Lisa Congdon's website | 'A Collection a Day' blog | Uppercase's website
Are you a collector? And if so, what do you collect?
--- Comment »
ABC Treehouse = Awesomeness
Now, I don't usually place press releases or invites on this blog, but I wanted to let you all know about the amazing program the American Book Center 'Treehouse' in Amsterdam has for you this year. Honestly, looking at their website makes me miss Amsterdam terribly, which usually never happens. It just seems like when it comes to DIY, Holland is ahead of Belgium just a little bit - or perhaps I'm missing out on a lot of the action here in Brussels because I haven't yet been able to infiltrate the Francophone DIY community? What's DIY in French? Hmmm...
Anyways, this weekend ABC Treehouse is hosting a special event with Wallpaper editor Henrietta Thompson, who also happens to be the author of the book Remake It: Home and upcoming book Remake It: Clothes. Her lecture and book signing are a part of the Urban Art & Craft festival hosted in ABC Treehouse, where they've planned a weekend-filling program of fun DIY events.
Oh, and one more thing to prove ABC Treehouse is freaking awesome: they give weekly beginner yoga classes. There. Their awesomeness is not to be messed with.
---
Wallpaper editor Henrietta Thompson + Urban Art & Craft Festival 2011
Henrietta Thompson, former design editor of Wallpaper – now editor-at-large, has held senior editing roles at TANK, Blueprint, Dazed & Confused, Winkreative and Phaidon. Passionate about democratic design and the potential for the creative industries to create real change, Henrietta writes regularly about architecture, design and technology for publications including the Guardian, Dwell and Business Life. Henrietta has commissioned and curated several exhibitions both in the UK and abroad, and is the author of five books, most recently Remake It: Home, published by Thames & Hudson. She is currently writing a sequel, Remake It: Clothes.
Mrs Thompson will be given a talk on The New Remakers at the ABC Treehouse this Saturday July 2nd from 14:00 - 15:00. Followed by a book signing at ABC Amsterdam from 15:30 - 16:30.
The New Remakers
Designers have been rummaging in skips for materials and inspiration for as long as there have been skips to rummage in. Today, driven by the dual need to save money as well as the planet, they are rummaging more than ever before, and on a worldwide scale to produce some truly inspiring work. This talk will give an introduction to how the professionals approach upcycling, including a history of the best, most relevant and most exciting and enduring upcycling ideas we've seen to date, what's going on now, where and how, as well as an introduction to four major new trends for the future.
DIY stands for Do It Yourself, and AMS*DIY stands for the Amsterdam handmade happening with a double dose of attitude. It stands for opting out of mass-production, creating your own style, styling your own life.
AMS*DIY - the 2011 Urban Art & Craft Festival
At AMS*DIY, artists will be creating, demonstrating, and helping you DIY your life: there'll be art for sale, workshops where you can make your own art, and fun for young people too. More information and workshop reservations on their website or on Facebook.
--- Comment »
Anyways, this weekend ABC Treehouse is hosting a special event with Wallpaper editor Henrietta Thompson, who also happens to be the author of the book Remake It: Home and upcoming book Remake It: Clothes. Her lecture and book signing are a part of the Urban Art & Craft festival hosted in ABC Treehouse, where they've planned a weekend-filling program of fun DIY events.
Oh, and one more thing to prove ABC Treehouse is freaking awesome: they give weekly beginner yoga classes. There. Their awesomeness is not to be messed with.
---
Wallpaper editor Henrietta Thompson + Urban Art & Craft Festival 2011
Henrietta Thompson, former design editor of Wallpaper – now editor-at-large, has held senior editing roles at TANK, Blueprint, Dazed & Confused, Winkreative and Phaidon. Passionate about democratic design and the potential for the creative industries to create real change, Henrietta writes regularly about architecture, design and technology for publications including the Guardian, Dwell and Business Life. Henrietta has commissioned and curated several exhibitions both in the UK and abroad, and is the author of five books, most recently Remake It: Home, published by Thames & Hudson. She is currently writing a sequel, Remake It: Clothes.
Mrs Thompson will be given a talk on The New Remakers at the ABC Treehouse this Saturday July 2nd from 14:00 - 15:00. Followed by a book signing at ABC Amsterdam from 15:30 - 16:30.
The New Remakers
Designers have been rummaging in skips for materials and inspiration for as long as there have been skips to rummage in. Today, driven by the dual need to save money as well as the planet, they are rummaging more than ever before, and on a worldwide scale to produce some truly inspiring work. This talk will give an introduction to how the professionals approach upcycling, including a history of the best, most relevant and most exciting and enduring upcycling ideas we've seen to date, what's going on now, where and how, as well as an introduction to four major new trends for the future.
DIY stands for Do It Yourself, and AMS*DIY stands for the Amsterdam handmade happening with a double dose of attitude. It stands for opting out of mass-production, creating your own style, styling your own life.
AMS*DIY - the 2011 Urban Art & Craft Festival
At AMS*DIY, artists will be creating, demonstrating, and helping you DIY your life: there'll be art for sale, workshops where you can make your own art, and fun for young people too. More information and workshop reservations on their website or on Facebook.
--- Comment »
Jillian Tamaki's Penguin Threads Deluxe Classics
I am sure you have seen these, as I've seen them pop up on many a blog, but I catch myself going back to these images almost weekly. I find these so inspiring. Illustrator Jillian Tamaki made these beautiful embroidered covers for three Penguin classics. The Penguin Threads Deluxe Classics will come out in October of this year and I simply cannot wait. Amazing.
Links: Website | Blog
--- Comment »
Links: Website | Blog--- Comment »
Craft Mondays: Mmmm...
Although I might have plenty of friends (food bloggers (x2)), brothers (professional chef), and mothers (could-be professional chef) to outshine me in this area, I do very much enjoy cooking and baking. So for today's Craft Monday's I'm featuring two simple ideas I found online, tutorial-style!
This apple braid recipe from Eat, Live, Run is pretty, delicious, and simple. I've actually tried this recipe last weekend and it was goooood. Mmmmm.
Link: Apple Braid recipe by Rachael on Eat, Live, Run.
Tartlette is one of my most favoritest food blogs out there. The recipes are always straightforward and delicious, the food original and seasonal, and the photography is just stunning. I'm trying out this radish recipe this evening. So exciting.
Link: Rosemary Roasted Radishes & Turkey Brie Panini from Tartelette
I guess this isn't really a recipe, but how awesome is this idea for turning your regular old boring eggs into heart shaped eggs. Thank you Anna The Red (who has a great blog on bento boxes and cute plush animals)!
Link: Egg Shaped Heart Tutorial on Anna The Red
Hmmmm... What are you cooking for dinner tonight? If you need even more inspiration, I urge you to check out the marvelous 'They Draw & Cook' website, full of illustrated recipes and food ideas. I am featured here with a pesto-chicken recipe!
--- Comment »
This apple braid recipe from Eat, Live, Run is pretty, delicious, and simple. I've actually tried this recipe last weekend and it was goooood. Mmmmm.
Link: Apple Braid recipe by Rachael on Eat, Live, Run.Tartlette is one of my most favoritest food blogs out there. The recipes are always straightforward and delicious, the food original and seasonal, and the photography is just stunning. I'm trying out this radish recipe this evening. So exciting.
Link: Rosemary Roasted Radishes & Turkey Brie Panini from Tartelette
I guess this isn't really a recipe, but how awesome is this idea for turning your regular old boring eggs into heart shaped eggs. Thank you Anna The Red (who has a great blog on bento boxes and cute plush animals)!
Link: Egg Shaped Heart Tutorial on Anna The RedHmmmm... What are you cooking for dinner tonight? If you need even more inspiration, I urge you to check out the marvelous 'They Draw & Cook' website, full of illustrated recipes and food ideas. I am featured here with a pesto-chicken recipe!
--- Comment »
Book/iPad App Review: Ink Robin - 'Will & Kate'
Time for another iPad Book Review, this time courtesy of the lovely folks over at Ink Robin - the creators of the 'Will & Kate' App for the iPad. Ink Robin is a new children's ebook production company based in Toronto.
Will & Kate: A Love Story tells the story of Prince William of England and Kate Middleton, of course. In the beautifully illustrated and interactive storybook, Prince William grows up from an ordinary little boy who always knew he'd grow up to be the king and meets Catherine, a very pretty small-town girl who used to dream of someday marrying a prince. They meet each other by chance one day and fall in love. And well... we all know how the story ends, don't we?
WHERE'S THE DRAH-MAH? The only thing I was less impressed by in this adorable app, was the story. It feels kind of flimsy. It might be that I'm just the only person in the world who hasn't been completely blown away by this royal love story - but I would have liked to see more of a storytelling arch. There's no crisis. Little Prince William isn't unhappy with his fate to become a king and little Catherine isn't lonely. There's no moment of doubt before them getting married or mention of their famous breakup because of the pressures of living a life in the limelight. I'm missing a bit of drama here, which makes the story feel like Snow White without the evil Queen.
MORE PLEASE! Other than that - this is a delightful little app and very well suited for younger readers interested in the Prince and Princess getting married soon. The story is fun and happy, the drawings are lovely, and the interactive details had me laugh out loud (especially the talking paintings). Can't wait to try out Ink Robin's other book The Lollipop Lady Mystery. Great job, guys!
Links: Ink Robin's Website | 'Will & Kate' in the iTunes store
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RELATED POST: Book/iPad App Review: Oliver Jeffers - 'The Heart and the Bottle' Comment »
Will & Kate: A Love Story tells the story of Prince William of England and Kate Middleton, of course. In the beautifully illustrated and interactive storybook, Prince William grows up from an ordinary little boy who always knew he'd grow up to be the king and meets Catherine, a very pretty small-town girl who used to dream of someday marrying a prince. They meet each other by chance one day and fall in love. And well... we all know how the story ends, don't we?
THE FUN'S IN THE DETAILS
Children can choose to have the story read to them by a charming British female narrator, or choose to read the book themselves. You move through the story by clicking the arrows back and forth in the bottom on the screen and there are enough distractions along the way to discover and play with - ancestors gasping, sheep bleating, birds chirping, fireworks popping - lovely. These interactive features are the highlight of the book, I'd say. They're incredibly witty and combined with the hilarious sound-effects and ambient background noises, they make for a very entertaining book. The application is very intuitive and it's quite easy to navigate and 'get' all the little jokes hidden within the pages.A CONTEMPORARY FAIRYTALE
The illustrations in the book are really nicely done as well. The illustrations are done by British illustrator Adam Larkum and he chose to cleverly combine Quentin Blake-esque drawings of the characters with actual photographs of historical artworks, countryside landscapes, and landmarks. This makes for a fairytale story with a contemporary feel, which, let's be honest, is what Will and Kate's story represents, doesn't it?
WHERE'S THE DRAH-MAH? The only thing I was less impressed by in this adorable app, was the story. It feels kind of flimsy. It might be that I'm just the only person in the world who hasn't been completely blown away by this royal love story - but I would have liked to see more of a storytelling arch. There's no crisis. Little Prince William isn't unhappy with his fate to become a king and little Catherine isn't lonely. There's no moment of doubt before them getting married or mention of their famous breakup because of the pressures of living a life in the limelight. I'm missing a bit of drama here, which makes the story feel like Snow White without the evil Queen.
MORE PLEASE! Other than that - this is a delightful little app and very well suited for younger readers interested in the Prince and Princess getting married soon. The story is fun and happy, the drawings are lovely, and the interactive details had me laugh out loud (especially the talking paintings). Can't wait to try out Ink Robin's other book The Lollipop Lady Mystery. Great job, guys!
Links: Ink Robin's Website | 'Will & Kate' in the iTunes store
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RELATED POST: Book/iPad App Review: Oliver Jeffers - 'The Heart and the Bottle' Comment »
Library Dork
So apparently it has become trendy to label oneself as a nerd/dork/geek, so I just want to assure you that I actually WAS a dork and I LOVED the library (whereas now I'm like 'ewww used stuff', j/k. Sorta). Like, I was the real thing. Like, I didn't have friends that lived outside of the books. Okay, maybe one. But she used to hit me with a stick during recess (to be fair - I DID bite her in the nose on our first encounter). Now, of course, the library has turned supertrendy (and rightfully so), and I'm glad to see designers taking notice.
First of all, I think I need this book, 'The Repurposed Library' by designer and artists Lisa Occhipinti. I did and still do judge books by their cover and how can a book this pretty looking possibly be sucky? It features 33 ways to repurpose old books. Now, I don't own any old books (only new, pretty books), but I am pretty sure I could get my hands on some and make my boyfriend very unhappy (he dislikes any kind of decoration I manage to sneak into the house).
Links: Buy (me) the Book | Lisa Occhipinti's Website | Blog
Also, I came across this amazing personal library kit via Pinterest and I think I should buy it for my friend D. I am pretty much borrowing all her books lately and I'm not sure she's keeping track (she's having me read science fiction for the first time in my life and I am LOVING it. Is that okay to say now that libraries are cool again?).
Links: KnockKnock
Finally, I couldn't resist showing you this cat-library by Belgian designer Corentin Dombrecht. Not because I think it's particularly beautiful, but because it's such a brilliant idea. Our Meneertje loves to sit on top of closets and high up shelves and I think he'd know exactly what to do with this one!
Links: Blog
Alright, bye for now. I need to get back to drinking herbal tea and reading my scifi book. I'm still officially bedridden. Cheers!
--- Comment »
First of all, I think I need this book, 'The Repurposed Library' by designer and artists Lisa Occhipinti. I did and still do judge books by their cover and how can a book this pretty looking possibly be sucky? It features 33 ways to repurpose old books. Now, I don't own any old books (only new, pretty books), but I am pretty sure I could get my hands on some and make my boyfriend very unhappy (he dislikes any kind of decoration I manage to sneak into the house).
Links: Buy (me) the Book | Lisa Occhipinti's Website | BlogAlso, I came across this amazing personal library kit via Pinterest and I think I should buy it for my friend D. I am pretty much borrowing all her books lately and I'm not sure she's keeping track (she's having me read science fiction for the first time in my life and I am LOVING it. Is that okay to say now that libraries are cool again?).
Links: KnockKnockFinally, I couldn't resist showing you this cat-library by Belgian designer Corentin Dombrecht. Not because I think it's particularly beautiful, but because it's such a brilliant idea. Our Meneertje loves to sit on top of closets and high up shelves and I think he'd know exactly what to do with this one!
Links: Blog Alright, bye for now. I need to get back to drinking herbal tea and reading my scifi book. I'm still officially bedridden. Cheers!
--- Comment »
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