Girly Graphics II

 

Are there colors and patterns that are distinctly "girly?"

Necklaces are practically abstracted in this image,

but they are packed with symbolism and memories.

A calender following the contemporary template of white

background, black text, and small, colorful, detailed objects.

This style reminds me a lot of natural history journals

and illuminations of the 16th century.  Apparently

timelessness is a bit girly too.

Common objects elevated to fine art.

Modern illumination of script.

A stark and colorful menu-like format that begs to be picked up.

This is my favorite image from the collection: candy-like

echoed images in motion against the air.

The cuteness of this image is undeniable and irresistible.

Check out the bunny in the mane (by the crown).

This level of detailing and whimsy is marvelous.

Girly Graphics I

Girly Graphics is a delectable taste of modern advertising.

Four theme areas of female-focused advertising and product design:

Glamorous & Gorgeous, Sweet & Fresh, Cute & Lovely,

Romantic & Fairy Tale.  This book assures me I'm a girly girl.

Plenty of colorful detailed objects on white backgrounds.

Pinks and reds are used generously.

Whimsical fantasy settings with friendly animals.


And whatever this is.


The absurd is fine, as long as its pretty.

Nature pops up everywhere,

a few more excellent examples in tomorrow's blog.

Happy Home

The second I opened Happy Home by Charlotte Gueniau,

the style felt so familiar, its the feel I'd like to achieve with my art.

White backgrounds, black touches, splashes of bold colors,

and quirky, friendly touches.

Just enough pattern to pull it all together.

I'd love my art studio to have this energetic vibe,

I can see drawing and painting at that table.

Creative touches following you everywhere,

keeping the senses stimulated and aware.

Places for the little things that can brighten every day.

Ice Cream Bliss

Last, but not least, of my design inspirations is Everything Goes with Ice Cream

by Koralee Teichroeb (who also has a wonderful blog, Bluebird Notes).

The artist's photography is a highlight on every page.

I especially like the page lay-outs: a unifying color theme (sky blue here)

and three to five design squares that share color and pattern.

 

Here is canary yellow, with sparks of vermillion highlights.

Browns with touches of green and orange floral trim.

Pretty purples and periwinkles, balanced with warm notes.

Even hot melon colors work in this seamless grid design.

 

The china pattern dresses the granola up a notch.


Just one more lick of ice cream!

Homespun Style

Continuing my style splurge, I'm oogling Homespun Style by

Selina Lake (I really like the bold pinks in Romantic Style too).

Light airy rooms with plenty of patterned and colored furnishings.

 The mix of textures and tones seems cozy to me.

I especially like all of that boldness against white walls and neutral floors.

Beauty can be found in many forms, all around us.

Find & Keep

We are living in the post generic beige-white decor era and smack dab in the

recovery phase: splashes of color against those white walls.  Beci Orpin leads

the way with the whimsical Find & Keep.

 The artist shows how a lifetime of collected favorite odds & ends

can be the starting palette for broader design.

 The second I thumbed through this book I started

adding to my drawers of ephemera.

Artists who share their happy and quirky perspectives

are worth their weight in gold!

Candy Extreme

 I haven't been to a Dylan's Candy Bar, but I adore this book.

 To be honest, I haven't read a paragraph, I keep

getting sidetracked by the mindboggling photos.

 A page of pastel sweets? Oh yeah, this is happening.

 I can practically taste the Easter frosting.

And of course the obligatory candy sundae to finish.

Pretty Pink Princess

Another design inspiration is the series of Pink Princess cookbooks

(cupcakes, ponies, fairies) by B. Beery.

 

The ideas and photography are luscious.

Each book has a slightly different theme.

If every day is a party, these books capture the spirit.

Its also impossible to resist Tiny Treasures from American Girl.

 Cute and detailed miniatures you can actually make yourself.

 This iced fluffy cake is actually a painted sponge!

My favorite piece may be a personalized shelf,

a form of self-portrait.