i’d know this burger anywhere : and other images

My favorite blogs curate images, ideas and projects for me, helping to sort through the vast collection of good things online. This image, among others, stopped me — it’s instantly recognizable. A Spotted Pig burger. Other images are purely appealing or interesting. This series on Selectism is a good example. Same goes for JRS Rules, a color-sensitive, transition-conscious parade of images.

(*Images via Tim Yu for Selectism and JRS Rules)

daily inspiration : from the daily type blog

A collective of Russian type designers maintain the blog, Daily Type, which I enjoy checking regularly for sketches, type design samples and work in progress. I particularly love the pieces involving the beautiful characters of the Cyrillic alphabet. Even their heading logo is a revolving display of different typographic expressions of the title “Daily Type.”

All images courtesy of www.dailytype.ru.

vanessa jackman photo blog: australian fashion week

I recently heard about Vanessa Jackman‘s photography blog, which is a similar format to many street-style, professional-photographer blogs. The images are large and colorful and the recent set taken at Australia Fashion Week was full of interesting get-ups and pretty people. I’ve included a few of my favorites here.

All photography courtesy of Vanessa Jackman.

oyster theme table : paperfinger collaboration with poppies & posies

As promised, I have some better photos to show you from the Illegal Wedding Fair. These are focused on the tablescape that Sierra and Juliet of Poppies & Posies developed on an oyster theme. It was beautifully done! I was so happy to walk in that morning and see the table.

We’d talked by phone before the event and they described their vision, so I went on that to create an illustrated table sign (“Fire Island” but of course), a tall oyster bar menu, individual dinner menus and place cards. Take a look and see the perfectly handcrafted oyster card holders, set in a small nest of green seaweed with fresh water pearls, which Sierra and Juliet made for the event. They are a super talented team — be sure to check out their site for more about their floral and event design services: www.poppiesandposiesevents.com.

These pics are from the awesome Kelly Prizel of the wedding blog,  So You’re EnGAYged, who I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with. The site is excellent and I’m looking forward to getting Paperfinger on their list of LGBT-Friendly Vendors. She also posted a thoughtful piece about the fair — check it out here. Thanks Kelly for the great shots, including some of the Paperfinger table!

(All images courtesy of So You’re EnGAYged)

martha stewart living ! featuring paperfinger

I had another opportunity to work with Karen Mordechai of Sunday Suppers on a shoot for Martha Stewart Living that appears as a feature story in this month’s issue!

Karen is the photographer, creator and food stylist of a delectable blog and dinner series (see an earlier post about our first collaboration) and for this special evening, I used a rustic, European, casual style of lettering for the menu pictured above and a framed sign for the party favors. The editorial team of Martha Stewart Living also asked me to contribute spot lettering for the guest list, pictured below.

It was thrilling to get my hands on a glossy copy of the June issue and see it for myself.

Congrats to Karen on her always-wonderful work and to Liz of Linda & Harriet for the spot-on design of the paper goods.

(First and last images courtesy of Karen Mordechai/Sunday Suppers)

eric carle : thoughts on the creative crisis

It’s comforting to be reminded that someone like Eric Carle–prolific, talented, original–struggles with self-doubt and creative blocks. On his blog last week, he posted the following statement about those moments of “creative crisis.” It is funny and sweet and encouraging.

Writer’s block or any kind of “creative crisis” is part of being creative; it will never disappear. I have suffered from this “creative crisis” many times, and this is what I do.

I always start working on a book with my best intentions, but then, sometimes I encounter unsurmountable mental resistance. Early in my career I despaired when this occurred, but later on I discovered how to overcome this anguish.

After sleepless nights, and days of raving against my destiny, I may call my editor and tell her that I have “lost it” and will never do a book again. I surrender to my fate. And that is exactly the point where recovery happens and creativity starts to flow again!

studiobooth and paperfinger ! at urban wed

Needless to say, I wasn’t the only one enjoying myself at Tuesday and Wednesday night’s Urban Wed event, hosted by Brooklyn Bride. As a new offering, I created custom props and signs for party-goers to use at the always-a-riot StudioBooth photo station.

I raved about StudioBooth in a previous post, but in case you don’t know, it’s a mobile photo studio that brings life and humor to any event, party or wedding. Something happens when you step into the bright (and blessedly flattering lights) — everyone ends up jumping, leaping and posing in total delight. As the party goes on, the photos are projected in random order on the wall, providing for endless entertainment.

Having a great set of props adds to the fun so I was excited to forge a new collaboration with StudioBooth and create signs like “We’re getting hitched!”, “Congratulations”, “She said Yes!” along with calligraphic mustaches and eyewear. This is a brand new offering from Paperfinger and can be custom ordered for any event. Contact StudioBooth for bookings and contact me for the props and signage.

Here are some shots from the event:

another great night ! paperfinger holds down a table at brooklyn bride’s urban wed event

I’m worn out after two amazing nights of festivity at Brooklyn Bride‘s Urban Wed series! Last night was also a big success — I had fun seeing so many of the industry folks along with chatting with friendly, engaged guests!

You can see shots of the Paperfinger table in yesterday’s post if you scroll down. For today, I have some shots of fellow vendors and the beautiful loft, Nest.

These first photos are from the gorgeous table and event design by Hatch Creative Studio director, Barb Salzman, who also owns the Nest loft.

57 Grand specializes in modern bridesmaid dresses and accessories, like the hair pins below.

Paper + Cup displayed their unique and very appealing line of stationary and invites:

Breathtaking dresses from Samuelle:

Cupcake treasures from Nine Cakes:

More vendors to highlight and more pictures to share but that’s a taste for now!

Thanks to everyone for coming.

(All photography courtesy of Jen Huang Photography)

urban wed : the first evening

Here are some shots from the Paperfinger table at the first evening of the first-ever Urban Wed event, hosted by Brooklyn Bride! It was a blast. Thanks to everyone that came, and particularly those of you who stopped by to check out Paperfinger and say hello!

Photographer Jen Huang took some wonderful shots that I’m sharing with you here. Check out more of her wedding photography at JenHuangPhotography.com.

In an exciting new collaboration, I created custom props and signs for StudioBooth, the insta-fun, fantastic, photo-booth event photographers. The various mustaches, glasses frames and signs made for some really fun photos. I’m looking forward to sharing those with you soon.

Looking forward to seeing a whole new batch of folks come by tonight for the second evening of Urban Wed!

(All images courtesy of Jen Huang Wedding Photography)

it’s not every day you find : a good luck spot

Ms. Blades and I came upon an official good luck spot on Front Street in DUMBO yesterday. Did my best to soak it up.

Does anyone know who created it?