Babar's Dream :: the concocted universe

I've been reading Edward R. Tufte's Visual Explanations this evening in search of useful tidbits on William Playfair (the inventor of the pie, bar and line graphs). The topic is as interesting as I could expect a history paper topic to be. Just as my head began to nod I flipped the page to the colorful image you see above: Babar's Dream by Jean de Brunhoff (1933). Tufte uses the watercolor to illustrate, "concocted universes, showing all at once what never has been together...an impossibly wonderful scene". This image of Babar launches me back to my childhood. I grew up with King Babar and distinctly remember accidentally finding a wind-up doll of the peaceful elephant hidden in a cupboard. It was intended to be a Christmas gift for me and I felt like such a bad girl for discovering him early. The books, stuffed elephants and even the Babar perfume...I was completely in love. (Did I mention that as a child I hoped to become an elephant doctor?) Did you grow up with Babar?

I would like to recommend Tufte's work on the basis of his sound, useful instruction to designers on the topic of information graphics, but I especially enjoyed running across the, "graceful winged elephants who chase Misfortune away...and bring back Happiness". I know they brought me a little Happiness tonight!

Starbucks Petites

Went with the coworkers today to try out Starbucks' new petite treats. I chose this precious pink cake pop to accompany my chai. Not only was it a delicious 3 o'clock pick-me-up, but it was just about the cutest thing I've seen all week. Watch out for those 170 calories though—a bit of a splurge for what amounts to two bites. Worth it? Um, yeah.
(Photo credit: Starbucks.com)

Laundry Sacks

Today my laundry sacks were printed and delivered to their new owners. Before I sent them out the door I snapped a few pics to share with you. The sacks were screen printed at Dapper Ink in teal and charcoal. I'm happy with the results and enjoyed custom wrapping each package before it went out. Check it out below:

Vintage Valentine

I wanted to share this sweet vintage valentine from my dad's collection. I think it's super cute how this one folds open for an additional message. The front reads "All in a nut shell My Valentine" and the inside says "Why nut-meet me half way". So it doesn't really make sense to me, but isn't that what makes old stuff so cool? Happy Valentines day :)

Stationery Designs @ Dapper Ink

You can now find my stationery at Dapper Ink Custom Outfitters. Drop by their shop and check it out. These little cards are so sweet for dropping a line to friends. They are blank inside so they work for any occasion you want to dream up! (Dapper Ink is located on Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greenville, SC)

Graduate Thesis Exhibition: Harris & Spalding

One week ago was the opening of my graduate thesis exhibition at Dapper Ink Custom Outfitters. Thanks to all those who came out to see my work and make the evening a special one for me! Today I installed the show in the exhibition hallway in the Sargent Art Building on Bob Jones Unversity campus (1700 Wade Hampton | Greenville). My pieces currently share the space with the breathtaking work of Jaime Spalding. In addition to her colorful paintings (one of which I am the proud new owner!) Jaime works on wood with torches and wood-burning tools. You really don't want to miss this. Come by to check out a one of a kind show. (As a side note: the piece pictured below is taller than me!)
Exhibition hall hours: M-Sat 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
For those out of town you can see snipits of our work here.

Fallen by Jaime Spalding

Some Love from Parachute.

My Typographic Pillows make an appearance in this fabulous photo shoot over at madebyparachute. Doesn't the ampersand make a great addition to this Valentine's shoot (if I do say so myself)? Be sure to snag one of these stylish tees for you and your sweetie! Photos by Matt Moreau of Dapper Ink.

Map Wrap

Remember the map design from my previous post? I've printed it up as gift wrap. The bright colors would be great for birthdays or just because.