Hello there, is summer really almost over! I’ve been away from my blog busy preparing for the arrival of my first child. Busy at the studio wrapping up client projects and wedding invitations before my maternity leave, oh!

I’m an admirer of Ports 1961 and came across this video on hulu. I was happily surprised at how much process and behind the scenes they shared and the wonderful ideas and genius of the then creative director Tia Cibani, enjoy!

If the video doesn’t show up above please click here!

A and I are getting things ready for the new baby :) I’ve been busy knitting my first baby blanket. I’m planning a patchwork blanket in pima cotton, its taking me a long time, hopefully it’s done by October!!

Just a few things to announce. If you haven’t checked out my client’s shop Alder & Co. here is another fantastic reason to. On August 3rd from 5-8pm they will be hosting a Design Sponge meetup! Hope to see you there.

Also check out the Alder posting on Remodelista today, (yeah Carla!) and my logo is nicely displayed!!

The simple most obvious solutions always get me. I found this comb package in a vending machine in a hotel lobby. I stared at it for a few moments, in all the color and noise of the objects being sold the simple comb really stood out, I had to have it to add to my collection of things!

The drawing is an exact replica of what is inside, genius!

I ordered a few things from Daily Candy’s Swirl sales and kept the awesome package, it was really a sweet surprise.

I’m really glad I kept these things as research! I’m doing some research for a new retail package project; all these details keep my mind spinning. I love the tissue paper alone.

The other smart thing about this package was the brochure / packet that your receipt and return information came in. The packaging was very simple but so many details made it feel like a well branded experience.

My mom is an outstanding seamstress. She custom made all of our bridesmaid dresses, thanks mom!! She went through a sock dog phase a few years ago and hand made stuffed dogs out of single pairs of socks. This little guy lives in my car and keeps me company on all my trips. Soon my sock dog will find company in a little car seat next to him, stay posted!

In the fall we were ecstatic to be featured in Martha Stewart Weddings for the “Just my type” feature. The minimal style we created in collaboration with the magazine is now a part of the 50 Great Wedding Invitations, we are so proud!!

I picked up these gold seals and foil letters at an estate sale this weekend, they seem very fitting for fourth of July party invitations. I wish I had about five more boxes of these letters!

Isn’t it amazing how something so simple as a ticket stub can be so beautiful? I wonder if we had a collection of ticket stubs from today if they would look so nice. Found via flickr.

I stumbled on the work of Stephanie Posavec and was taken by her beautiful infographics. She takes sentence diagramming to a new level. Stephanie is a book designer living in London–this piece is part of her series Writing Without Words which explores different authors and writing styles. It is worthwhile to go to her site and see her work (in larger sizes).