10 Most Creative Business Cards

-business card for a second hand store-

I look forward to the day I have to get personal business cards. For whatever reason, it's part of my adult-life fantasy. There's just something so legitimate about it. Oddee compiled a list of what they consider to be the 10 Most Creative Business Cards. I'll be sure to keep them in mind for future inspiration.

(Found via Oddee)

Mural Furniture: Lucas Rise

Everything about the work of Argentinian designer Lucas Rise impresses me. His mural furniture is incredibly detailed and one of a kind. Visit his website for more examples of his work.

(Found via Freshome)

Hello Wednesday

There are some weeks that Wednesday hits and I can't believe how fast the week is flying by. Then there's weeks when I welcome Wednesday as my first sign of relief...half way there! No matter what week you're having, happy Wednesday!

(Found via FFFFound)

Musical and Magnetic Bookshelves

If you happen to be one of my frequent readers, you know that I post about bookshelves a lot. Maybe too much? These two were just too cool to pass up.

WebUrbanist recently compiled a list of 2o Unusually Brilliant Bookcase and Bookshelf Designs. Several of their featured items were also on the Freshomes 30 Most Creative Bookshelves list I posted back in March. I was thinking maybe I needed to start a whole bookshelves blog to channel my growing obssesion, then I found the appropriately titled Bookshelf and all was right in my world. It's fascinating, check it out.

(Found via Freshome and Design Milk)

Shirts for Coders

I couldn't help but laugh at these Shirts for Coders. Sort of like this very-creative tattoo I posted a while back. Visit their website for more (slightly funnier/obscene) designs.

(Found via StyleSpion)

Bottlecap Collecting

I know few people who can't claim to collect something. Personally, I collect maps and watches. You could technically add books and vinyls to that list as well. Recently, Laura over at Quirkology posted on collections, asking readers what they have collected in the past, what they collect now, and what they hope to collect in the future. All these thoughts on the art of collecting was triggered by Bottlecaps, an impressive and extensive bottlecap collection documented on Flickr. If there is one thing to be learned from this photos, it's dedication.

(Found via Quipsologies)

J.AUSTINRyan

I'm loving the work of Marnie Vollenhals, who sells under the name J.AUSTINRyan. Her paintings are so bright and happy. I could fill my whole house with them and be guaranteed to never have a bad day. Check out her website and new blog for more of her work.

GPS Mail Logger

I remember back in my days of using AOL they had a feature that allowed you to check the status of your sent mail. The Micro GPS Mail Logger is sort of like that.

"The Mail Logger is the only GPS Tracking Device specifically designed for tracking your mail. Simply mail it in an envelope and later review where your mail has been. Save time and money by evaluating your delivery service’s reliability and efficiency.

Yes, save money. After the initial $695 purchase, of course. I like the concept, it'd be nice to know where that rent check your landlord never received ended up. But sheesh, for nearly $700 I'm just not sure it's worth it. Can anyone think of a situation where this device would be pertinent?

(Found via Sheynk Dot Com)

Wool Scultures

I couldn't knit a pot holder if my life depended on it. It's not surprising then that I'm impressed with these wool sculptures, that and they happen to be down-right incredible. I couldn't find the artist, anyone happen to know?

(Found via Crooked Brains)

Incredible Architecture: Slovenia and Spain

The Ofis Arhitekti team is responsible for these fun and colorful balconies. The building holds affordable family housing in Izola, Slovenia.

The unbelievable architecture of the Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Spain is the work of Frank O. Gehry. The luxury hotel is located in Spain's Rioja wine region and holds 43 stunning rooms.

(Found via Inspire Me, Now!)

IKEA on the Move

IKEA revamped the Kobe, Japan monorail in celebration of a new store location opening. The prints and patterns were pulled from their Spring 2008 line. Pretty wild! I think more cities should follow in their path.

(Found via Oh Joy!)

Bleeding Paint Chairs: Anna ter Haa

Impressive chairs by Anna ter Haa. The bleeding paint inspired furniture is visually unique and completely fun. You can view more and a 'making-of' video on her website.

(Found via Freshome)

Celebration of Vintage and Retro Design

Smash Magazine recently posted an interesting survey piece titled Celebration of Vintage and Retro Design. It covers categories ranging from advertising to pins and posters. While most of the selected works date from 1920 to 1980, some are more modern pieces inspired by the era.

Ten:15

I'm such a sucker for collaborative photography projects. While the emphasis can often be on concept rather than quality of content, the end result is surely unique. Ten:15 asks you to capture your life in a particular moment (10:15 am). The photographs are posted for sharing and comparing on their blog. What are you doing at 10:15 am?

(Found via bb-blog)

Papercuts: Peter Callesen

My older sister was always incredible at making paper snowflakes when we were children. I on the other hand, was not. In turn, I've always been amazed at papercut artists. The work of Peter Callesen is no exception. His art is so fragile and delicate. Above all, it's beautiful. His selected works are viewable on his website and are absolutely inspiring.

If you enjoy Peter Callesen's work be sure to check out these past paper-inspired posts:

• Scissor Magic: Jen Stark
• Papercuts: Robert Ryan
  
• Book Autopsies: Brian Dettmer

(Thanks Comoprozac)

Happy Weekend

Hopefully the weather is nice enough, wherever you find yourself, to ride one of these this weekend. My heart skipped a beat when I saw this photo. For more cycle inspiration, check out the rest of Kyle's (KJten22) Bikes! series on Flickr. Otherwise, have a wonderful weekend!

(Found via FFFFound)

World's Most Creative Buildings

I love lists, I don't know how many times I've said that here. It doesn't matter the type, from best-of to the to-do list, I love them all. Some of my favorite blogs lately have been of that format. Oddee has compiled a list of the World's Most Creative Buildings and I couldn't get enough. Visit their site to see all 9.

As for the spoiler pictures above: the first is the Longaberger Basket Building in Ohio, it serves as the headquarters and home offices of Longaberger Baskets (as if you couldn't have guessed). The second is the Dancing House in the Czech Republic, which I'm quite excited to see in person while living in Prague this summer.

For more amazing architecture check out a few of my previous posts:

• 9 Strange and Unique Structure
• Propeller Island Hotel
• The Church of Santa Monica
  

Turner Duckworth : Simplistic Genius

David Turner and Bruce Duckworth of Turner Duckworth have already made quite a name for themselves. The two-continental firm is responsible for such branding as Amazon and Coca-Cola. Recently, they did work for Waitrose, the UK branch of supermarkets who notably have a Royal Warrant to supply groceries to the Queen and Queen Mother. I love the simplicity of their packaging. It looks clean and healthy, two things I definitely think are key when buying food.

(Found via Graphic-Exchange)

Pile of Books: Josefin Hellström-Olsson

This may be the most amazingly-awesome nightstand I've ever seen. Designed by Josefin Hellström-Olsson, this beauty is appropriately called Pile of Books.

(Found via The Style Files)

Hyper: Denis Darzacq

I've had a reoccurring dream where I could fly. I think most people have probably had this dream. These photographs from Denis Darzacq's series Hyper completely bring those dreams to life.

(Found via Everyone Forever)

Retoucher Extrordinare: Christophe Huet

There's been a lot of buzz lately about the overzealous Photoshopping of the celebrities on some newsstand covers (see Gwyneth Paltrow on the current Vogue). On a similar/far more respectable note, check out Christophe Huet's work. He's an incredibly talented retoucher. His website allows you to not only view his portfolio, but see the making-of on several of his images.

(Found via Why Me?)

Kinda Like Spring Cleaning...

Double Takes got a makeover. If you notice anything askew, not working, or just plain looking funky, please let me know. I'd love you for it! While I've got your attention, check out Quirkology and Please Sir who also recently got a faced lift.

Clue Premier Edition

I'm not a games person. Minus scrabble, I rarely ever play. However, the Clue Premier Edition has sparked my interest. The three-dimensional version of the classic game comes in a wood-paneled box enclosing the "nine sunken rooms, each rendered in precise detail, right down to the furnishings." With a trip to Restoration Hardware and $150, this game could be yours!

(Found via Uncrate)

Inspiration Across the Nation

The Library of Congress is running a new campaign called Inspiration Across the Nation, which encourages you to "inspire others to reach their creative potential." Its concept is simple, send them your poems, essays, films, photographs, or any other creative art form you can transfer to an electronic file. With your submission, include a description of what inspired the work.. Equally as interesting as the campaign itself, are their advertisements. They're simply images of inspirational iconic figures made out of finger prints. Check out Library of Congress' website to view the gallery of submitted work or submit your own.

(Found via Pret a Voyage)

The Grass is Always Greener

There is something very sad, yet awfully cute about this sketch. I guess the grass is always greener.

(Found via Monster-Munch)

The Fabulous Garlands: Sophie Cuvelier

Sophie Cuvelier's The Fabulous Garlands makes me want to throw a party....or two.

(Found via frolic)

Inside Out: Max Lipsey

I love these aluminum tree branch coat hooks by Max Lipsey. Perfect for a cottage mud room, if I had a cottage or a mudroom. They're equally as creative, a little less hostile, but not quite as funny as these Knife Coat Hooks seen over at 95Total.

(Found via Idealist)

Scattered Images: Roberts Birze

Roberts Birze claims his photography "may not be good, but could possibly be interesting." It's most definitely good and undoubtedly interesting. His Scattered Images set is incredible and viewable via Flickr along with an explanation of his work.

(Found via Crooked Brains)

Happy Earth Day

And some related good news, Whole Foods has announced they are doing their part to end the paper vs. plastic bag debate.

"When you come to shop, bring any bags you have on hand. Really, any bag will do – old, new, paper, plastic, fabric, even backpacks or woven baskets! You’ll feel good about helping our environment and we’ll even give you a refund of at least 5 cents per bag."

Paper, plastic, canvas...it doesn't matter just reuse! What a great move! For those able to shop at the Hy-Vee chain grocery stores, they've been employing a similar tactic for some time now.

Wi-Fi Camera Umbrella

Kinda like the Polite Umbrella, but so very much cooler. The Pileus Wi-Fi Camera Umbrella allows you to not only take photographs with your umbrella, but also upload them to flickr and view them instantly. The product's capabilities don't end there either, it also serves as a GPS and digital compass.

(Found via Vagabondish)

DIY: Vinyl Projects

Over on Elsewares they carry several vinyl-inspired products like the Vintage Vinyl Frame pictured above (originally seen here). I have a growing record collection and while most of the records I cherish, I've gotten a few that don't play. Inspired by Elsewares' products, I looked into a few DIY projects to find something productive to do with the records. Here's what I found (click for links):

Vintage Vinyl Card Holder

Dali Inspired Melting Clock
The Record Bowl

Does anyone else have any creative DIY projects pertaining to old vinyls? I'd love to hear about them!

Haircut Art

Aaron and Mandy Dietz are the creative minds behind the series Haircut Art, which captures the before and after portraits of customers at a local SuperCuts. Pretty darn adorable.

(found via bb-blog)

Canines On My Mind

These two canine inspired images caught my eye and made me chuckle. Growing up, my family had a dalmatian, her name was Dottie (clever right?). Luckily she never got lost in the rain.

(Found via Hello Bauldoff and FFFFound, respectively)

Mass Photography: Arthur Mole

With an 11x14-inch view camera and little more, Arthur Mole staged some incredible mass photography. His subjects were iconic national symbols around the time of WWI. Mole utilized thousands of military troops and other groups to form these bird's-eye view spectacles. You can view his entire collection online at the Library of Congress website.

(Found via Odee)

Creative Advertising from the Mumbai Police Department

This creative advertising tactic for the Mumbai Police Department is aimed at preventing drunk driving by creating an illusion that the reader is drunk. Just don't read while driving.

(Found via Notcot)

Another Bookcase

I'm posting another bookcase...weird. This one really made me smile and I couldn't resist. If I only had enough books/house space to accommodate the many cases I've desired.

(Found via FFFFound)

The Smithsonian on Flickr

The Smithsonian now has a flickr set of all 6,288 of their images.

"The site is breathtaking in scope, with imagery ranging from the historic cyanotypes of Edward Muybridge to historic photos from aviation, natural history, and many other fields. If the Smithsonian Institution is our attic, these photos are our collective scrapbook."

The images are in various albums according to their subject for easy viewing. This is what I'll be looking at for the next 2 hours.

(Found via Hello Bauldoff)

The Rolling Exhibition

Kevin Connolly is a number of things. He is a skateboarder, a photographer, a professional skier, and he is also legless. The 22-year old Montana native is no stranger to being stared at. He prefers his skateboard as a means of getting around and rarely uses a wheelchair. After winning a silver medal and cash prize in the X-Games, he decided to take a 15 country solo-tour and turn his camera on the many faces he receives stares from. Those photographs became The Rolling Exhibition. Connolly's entire gallery of documented gawkers is viewable online and (no pun intended) worth a look.

(Found via Vagabonding)

The Church of Santa Monica: Madrid, Spain

The Church of Santa Monica in Madrid, Spain is architecturally incredible. I'm not sure how I feel about the design for a church, but in generally it's impressive. Gold star for Vicens & Ramos Architects.

(Found via Notcot)

YoungMe-NowMe Project

The YoungMe-NowMe project has been popping up all over the place and I couldn't resist sharing it. The concept is simple: post a picture of you when you were young and a similar picture of you now. I clicked through every page of the gallery and felt both happy and sad. There is something about these photos that forces you to recognize the passing of time, all the while they're so fun.

(Found via A Cup of Jo)

Profound Words by Mike Monteiro

Mike Monteiro's series is profound, as well as blunt and quite funny. He says things I only wish I had the nerve to say. In his bio he claims he's "not very good with words." Mr. Monteiro, I beg to differ.

(Found via Design Crush)

I Need One of These....

I hate wearing shoes and much prefer walking barefoot. Clearly, I need one of these. Anyone know where I can get one?

(Found via FFFFound)

KissFM Advertisement

How brilliant and creative is this new advertisement for KissFM radio? I chuckled when I saw it and could totally picture it on a Treadless t-shirt.

(Found via One Floor Up)

10 Brilliant Office Interiors

(Three Rings)

(Google, Zürich)

Deputydog's latest installment, 10 Annoyingly Brilliant Office Interiors, is awesome . I'm a soon(-ish) to be college graduate, this just gives false hope to my future work place dreams. As an aspiring journalist starting at the bottom of the barrel, I don't think anywhere I'll be getting a job will look like these, but a girl can dream right?

(Found via Deputydog)

The Future of Books: Kyle Bean

Kyle Bean, student/designer/illustrator/self-proclaimed maker of things, has recently completely his project The Future of Books. Quite intriguing. It reminds me of Brian Dettmer's Book Autopsies. Check out his portfolio for other impressive and interesting work.

(Found via It's Nice That)

Cartoon Yearbook: John Martz

John Martz has redrawn the entire student body of his mother's 1968 high school yearbook (that's over 1,000 people) as cartoons.

You can see the project on his Flickr page or purchase it on his website, along with his other work.

(Found via Gawker)

Where on Earth is Waldo