Louella Court

Learning to Love You More

{ posted by Jen James, designer }

Learning to Love You More is a creative project that encourages people to express themselves and react to their surroundings. The idea is very simple: finish an assignment and share it with us. The result is an online compilation of reactions to these assignments, which include "Make an Encouraging Banner", "Climb to the Top of a Tree and Take a Picture", and one of my favorites, "Make an Educational Public Plaque."

Most submissions aren't gallery-worthy, but that's not the point. Just react and record it!

{ all photos via Learning to Love You More }

Louella Press letterpress holiday card sale — buy one, get one FREE!

{ posted by Brooke, designer }

It's sale time here at Louella Press! We have decided to keep the holiday spirit going throughout the month of January as we offer a BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE sale on all of the holiday cards and gift tags in our Etsy shop!

 



This sale applies to all of our boxed photo greeting cards, boxed and individual ornament cards, and holiday gift tag sets. When you buy one item, you will receive a second (of the same item) with your order. Stock up now on lots of letterpress goodness for 2010!

Shipping and PA tax charges still apply; orders must be placed by 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2010 to qualify for this sale. Offer valid only on holiday items.

Young House Love

{ posted by Nicole, director of sales }

My husband and I just bought a new home.  We are thrilled to be moving into something that will be ours after renting all these years.  But what we are not is handy people.  Sure I have great design ideas and lofty goals of laying tile and building a patio - but I know it would not come out quite as I imagined.

Sherry Petersik and her husband John were much braver than I.  They are two energetic and brave souls who bought a 53 year old house and made it into something amazing.

The Den was my favorite transformation!

 

So here is an amazing blog and a big KUDOS to two amazing homeowners who had a dream and made it a reality!

http://www.younghouselove.com/photo-gallery-2/

Snow Pup!

{ posted by Nicole, director of sales }

I am obsessed with the Snow Pup housewares line designed exclusively for Crate and Barrel. If you are looking for a last minute gift idea for a friend or a festive entertaining set that guests will swoon over, head on over to your nearest C&B before they sell out!

These kitchen towels are so cute!

How much more delicious would your hot chocolate taste in these mugs?

Snow Pup on a spatula!

Santa — is it too late to put in a request???

a whale of a post

{ posted by Chris, designer }

If you're a faithful subscriber to our blog then I’m sure you noticed Scott's awesome post last week about Alberto Cerriteño’s letterpress print with the amazing whale illustration. He also has a few other illustrations that include whales. 

Don’t ask me why, but I’m a big fan of illustrations with whales. Shown below are some clever examples by a few other artists. Take a look!

Chad Geran

"Storm" from Studio Tuesday

Twitter Fail Whale

"Mr. Whale" from Mishmish Market

"W is for Whale" from Strawberry Luna

"Whale and Clouds" from Gooseberry Light Boxes

Daily Drop Cap

{ posted by Christina, designer }

Inspiration is everywhere. A website I hit every morning to get a dose is Daily Drop Cap. It is a project created by typographer and illustrator Jessica Hische. Part of her daily dose of inspiration is to create a fresh decorative letter for fellow bloggers or anyone to use and enjoy. Not only does her venture keep her brain fresh, it inspires my own to be better.

Find one you like, post it on your blog, print it out, pin it on your wall, or make a card for someone you love! Get into the spirit with a little inspiration!

Christmas countdown calendar

{ posted by Brooke, designer }

Each year, my mother-in-law buys my husband and me an Advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas (with chocolate, of course... is there really any other way?). Today I stumbled upon a new spin on the Advent calendar — this delightful Christmas Candy Calendar created as a promotional piece by Spanish design studio Series Nemo.

{ designed by Series Nemo, found via The Dieline } 

Festive and clever without being overly Christmasy. I love it!

How are you counting down the days?

Katalina Jewelry

{ posted by Whitney, web designer }

While doing my Christmas shopping on Etsy I came across a few things that I would not mind having for myself. There is something about handmade that you just can't match anywhere else.

My favorite at the moment? This jewelry made by Katalina Jewelry — it is so unique and beautiful. 

Her beautiful pieces are on my wish list, but I am sure you will agree that you could find something on Etsy for anyone on your list.

What is your favorite Etsy find?

NYC letterpress print winner!

{ posted by Brooke, designer }

Thanks to all who entered our first giveaway! We loved reading all about your favorite NYC moments, or hearing what those of you who have never visited the Big Apple would like to see when you get there.

There were 22 comments in all. Using Random.org, we selected a number between 1 and 22... the winning number was 12.

And the twelfth commenter was... Amanda Keenan! Amanda said:

"There are just so many things I would like to see and do in NYC! Oh I need to go to the MOMA! And I want to see central park in the fall. :)"

Congratulations, Amanda! We will email you to get your address so we can send you your print.

Nice People, Cool Things

{ posted by Jen James, designer } 

As an enthusiast of hand-drawn type, letterpress and stationery, it's easy to see why I'm a big fan of Austin-based artist and designer Will Bryant. He uses his design work as a vehicle to convey what might be his mantra: "I love nice people who make cool things." 

We do too, Mr. Bryant. And we love making cool things for nice people. All the more reason to check out gorgeous hand made letterpress holiday cards at Pressed 55 in the Piazza!