Book Review: Nest for Two

I pulled this book off the shelves this weekend to help spark some ideas on organizing and after browsing through it I knew that I had to share some of my favorite pages with you!  I bought Nest for Two way before me and Joe moved in together, mainly because I liked the way the book is divided into the different living categories of eat, sleep, work, play, and relaxing (my fav)!  But it does give some great tips on how to mesh his and hers home goods together to create a cozy and livable home. I especially love the many practical (and budget friendly) office and closet storage solutions they showcase.  Makes me want to get a jump start on my closet cleaning!  

Are you inspired like I am yet?  Any practical storage solutions you love to share?

Because I'd love to know :)

Book Review: Amy Butler Midwest Modern

 

Photographs by David Butler

Happy Monday to everyone today!!  Today I'm happy to share a book review of one of my most creative inspirational people..Amy Butler.  She is and continues to be a creative force in the fabric design, pattern, and craft world.  Constantly expanding her hard and soft lines to include everything from plates, rugs, wallpaper, bedding, patterns, and a line of stationary (just to name a few).  I received this book Midwest Modern from my brother a few years ago for Christmas and I still reference it to help me whenever I am stuck in a creative rut or just need a fresh new perspective on things.  It's more of a lifestyle book and I think that's why I keep this book within arms reach on the bookshelf at home.  My favorite section of the book is getting a tour of her interiors where she displays a lot of her fabrics and patterns as a kind of rotating gallery of products while getting a glimpse of her studio space on the lower level of her home.  How fun to be able to divide your home into a completely separate work and live space!  A girl can dream, right?!  I hope to make room for this dream someday down the road at our next place.  But for now I'm glad to have a book where I can seek new creative ideas in design, home interiors, prints, fabrics, and home/work life. 

Loving: Japanese craft books

While browsing online yesterday I came across a most lovely shop filled with paper goods, stationary, wrapping papers and much more. UGUISU SHOTEN is an online shop with goodies that are either made in Japan or designed in Japan. Simple beautiful designs that are within budget too! I couldn't stop looking at these craft book covers that are for sale. Even though I can't read the language, I sure know good inspiration when I see one :)

Clockwise from top left: Craft Making with Masking Tapes.
Masking Tape Ideas. Tokyo Handmade. and Scrapoholic.

{Book Wishlist}

I am overcome by all these great patterns & designs from the Simply Pattern book from Victionary. Its a great collection of patterns that are showcased on fabric, products, interiors and installations in this book. Which makes it a definite pick for my book wish list. Any recommendations for tasty eye candy design/type/illustration books like this one?

{Photos by Victionary.com}

{ Work Life }

“Being a professional illustrator or photographer is a full-time job that goes beyond the mainstream nine-to-five: tough deadlines mean working through the night and photo shoots might whisk you away to unexpected places. Flashes of inspiration can happen anytime, so your sketchbook is an indispensable appendage. You might spend innumerable hours secluded in your studio, or perhaps you’re a regular at the local coffeeshop. Chances are, your work and your life are one and the same and you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Work/Life is a book celebrating Canadian illustration and photography. Unlike magazine awards annuals or traditional illustration directories that are little more than picture books, this publication delves into what fuels a creative life. Participants were interviewed about their creative focus and artistic technique as well as their inspirations and aspirations. Sketchbook pages, studio shots, inspirational objects and personal photography allow us to peek into their work and their lives.

Work/Life is one of those books to help fuel you creatively and mentality for the all the ups and downs that comes with such passionate energy one has for their craft. I like how it highlights the process and some of the obstacles and joys that are intertwined into an artists daily life. A truly great piece to add to your personal collection!

Designed and written by Janine Vangool
Published and available to purchase by UPPERCASE.





{Photos by UPPERCASE}