Louella Court

designerds, part deux

{ posted by Brooke, designer }

I couldn't resist a follow-up to yesterday's designerds post when I happened upon these decorative fire extinguishers today.

{ from Fire Design, found via Design Mom }

Although I can't understand much on the French website of Fire Design, I do know that these would be a stylish (and safety-conscious) addition to any designerd's kitchen.

designerds

{ posted by Brooke, designer }

It's safe to say that you could consider us all "designerds." Every so often we'll catch ourselves making computer jokes and having deep conversations about the newest iPhone apps. We get strangely excited when we hear about new software or the latest technology from Apple, and we've been known to have great debates over our favorite or not-so-favorite fonts (I currently have a crush on Neutraface; Terry is not a fan).

With this in mind, today I came across these pillows on Design Milk that are right up our alley:

{ from Design Milk, found via Paper + Cup }

Everyone needs some Adobe icon pillows to brighten up their home!

I also found this amazing iPhone cake that the talents at Charm City Cakes whipped up and included apps personalized for the bride and groom:

{ photo by Blonde Photo, found via ritzy bee blog }

Do you consider yourself a designerd?

Puppy Love

{ posted by Nicole, director of sales }

There is a new guy at the Dollhouse — a new puppy to be exact! His name is Leon and he is a charcoal Labrador. 

Two weeks ago my husband and I got a surprise call from T. D. Wade, our breeder, that there was a puppy available for us (we were told we were on a waiting list until August!) To avoid making an impulse decision, we decided not to bring any money and just check him out. As you can see, he was eager to join our family from the start!

We just couldn't resist this little fuzz ball and went back 3 days later to pick up our little Leon! 

From the size of his paws and his arms, we knew from the start he was going to be a big guy.  He has already grown so much in just 2 weeks!

He has already made several friends here at the Dollhouse, and loves to play in Murphy's dog bed when he is not around (shhhh! Don't tell). He would love to meet you if you are ever in Wayne, so please feel free to stop by and say hello!

That is my bag, baby!

{ posted by Maggie, senior designer }

You may have noticed that we dolls have taken up sewing.

While Amanda and I haven't started a sewing circle yet, we do exchange updates on our projects. With the trip to the HOW Design Conference in my mind, I decided that I needed a new bag. I have a zillion tote bags and I recently got a new wristlet, so I needed a different kind of bag. So I decided to make one. Specifically: a messenger bag. I've never made a bag before. In fact, I've only made a few things: PJ pants, curtains, and recently, a skirt. But this bag was going to require complicated things like a strap and a liner and — gasp — pockets! I tackled it anyway.

{notice the super cool elephant pin cushion - a birthday gift from a good friend}

Despite the pattern company's simplistic name (See & Sew), there were some acrobatics required as I neared the final steps. I also had to improvise a little (my idea of a pocket is different than theirs) but that's part of the fun, right?

{look what I made!}

{check out the fun pink lining}

I'm no seamstress, but I get better with each project... and you wanna know the best part? I had fun and got a cool bag in the process.

Austin or bust

{ posted by Maggie, senior designer }

At this time tomorrow, I will be in Austin, Texas! Myself and my fellow designers from Two Paperdolls and Louella Press will be there to attend the HOW Design Conference. For four days we will be surrounded by other designers in what is sure to be a super-inspiring environment. The speakers will cover topics on color theory, design history, e-commerce, and much more. We're all very excited to attend.

One thing I'm not thrilled about is the Austin weather. I suppose after experiencing so much rain lately (at last report, it's rained 17 of the last 22 days in Philadelphia) I should be looking forward to a change. However, 100 degree days sound like torture to me. 

On the bright side, what better place for a designer to spend a few days? By all reports, Austin is brimming with cool. Awesome music, original art and great design, and the food! I'm sure with all of the great diversions I won't even realize how hot it is (I can pretend, right?).

{photo via flickr}

'tis the season...

{ posted by Cara, marketing intern }

Since we’re in the midst of graduation season, I thought it would be nice to highlight a graduation party invitation designed by Two Paperdolls.

I love the illustration of the graduating girl in a cap and gown that she pulls of with attitude and style.  She has the perfect fun but classy look to her, which works great with the young yet sophisticated color scheme.

This August will mark the beginning of my senior year at Villanova University so my own graduation feels like it’s rapidly approaching. Maybe if I’m lucky, I’ll get my grad party invites designed here and they’ll be as fabulous as these!

doll paper

{ posted by Terry, print manager + designer }

Packing it in and moving to the suburbs from the city will be bittersweet for this doll. But one of the things to look forward to is the blank canvas of a new home, just begging to be decorated! In my obsessive search for design inspiration, I came across Flavor Paper, a custom wallpaper boutique based in NOLA. Their bright colors and bold patterns will add a punch to any room — maybe even one of my own!

{ photos from www.flavorleague.com }

summer sewing

{ posted by Amanda, VP }

My new passion... sewing. I learned the basics through a beginner course at Spool located at 1912 South Street in Philadelphia. The classes were small with only 6 people max, which allowed for a lot of one-on-one time with the instructor, Laura. Our project for the two session course was a reversible grocery tote. They also offer more advance courses like Smocked Sundresses and Corded Pillows.

I have since taken up a few projects of my own with the help of Lotta Jansdotter in her book Simple Sewing.

Some of her projects include; a bed pocket {a nifty pocket that goes between your bed and box spring and hangs down to hold your nightly reading materials} and drapes. I love having the option of picking my own bright, fun patterned fabrics to make my house complete and tie it all together in a homey sort of way. Plus, my grandmother is pretty proud that I have carried on some traits that her mother {my great-grandmother} Julia had. 

wilkintie

{ posted by Colleen, director of letterpress }

Today I stumbled upon the prints of Wilkintie, an Australia based letterpress studio. 

This is their first year in production and they are offering a 12 month subscription of their work.. Every month you will receive a new print from a different designer, or you can just check out their etsy shop and purchase one at a time. 

environments

{ posted by Chris, designer }

Recently Winnie King approached us at Two Paperdolls to design a website for her interior design company, Environments HC; we were thrilled to have the chance to work with Winnie again after recently designing her business cards.

Winne has an electric personality that makes her fun and easy to work with. During our first meeting she told us that she wanted a monochromatic site that would be simple as to not take away from the striking photos of her work. Here is a sneak peak at the first round of concepts for Winnie.... stay tuned to see which direction she goes in and what the final design will be!