New Adventures: LambDesignGoods

 

 

After years of saying I wanted to, I've opened up an Etsy shop with a focus on digital downloadable designs. LambDesignGoods. Sometimes it takes us a while to get where we want to go ; )

With a few of my own Valentine's designs from recent holidays pretty much ready, it gave me the extra push. So I pulled them together over the last few weeks in time for this year's Valentine's Day. There is a handful of card options to purchase for digital download, but I'm hoping to expand my selection of other ideas and designs in the next few months. Stay tuned for more.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/lambdesigngoods

Room to Grow

We haven't had to do much to our little guy's room since he's transitioned from baby to active preschooler. We moved out the convertible crib and upgraded to a big boy bed, keeping it a simple platform and letting the bedding and million stuffed animals do the rest. The bold dark wall color is a great backdrop for colorful books and framed illustrations which can be updated as his interests change. Currently featured are illustrations from a close friend, Brian Fraley, who created them for our baby shower party and a Japanese calendar page of his birth date which was wrapped in a gift, a spontaneous suggestion from a small shop owner.

Book Envy: Babylit Series

As if Baby Einstein wasn't enough, you can now ensure your wee one's budding intellect with Babylit Books by Jennifer Adams and artwork by Alison Oliver. Each feature some pretty heavy reading from Romeo and Juliet to Jane Erye. All are skillfully crafted as illustrated Cliff note baby board books. Jane Erye is my favorite with a slightly dark yet playful tone.

All A-mazed

We have a bit of a maze obsession in our house lately. So I went in search of a book of them for my little guy, thinking that I'd only find black and white boring clip art styles. I was excited to buy this great inspired colorful illustration-filled version of the typical activity book, FlashKids Preschool Activities Mazes. The paths take on playful twists and turns and are highlighted by cute little characters. I might have to hide it for myself.

Cool with a K

The puffy Liddle Kiddle Kabin carrier lives at our friend's beach cabin (not with a k). Thanks to the bright 60's color palette, I found it hiding amongst the piles of legos, tea sets, ping pong paddles and the stuffed shark surrounding it. Like the Captain Kangaroo book from my earlier post, the illustrations seem a little disjointed but charming all the same. The style of the dolls feels much different than the backgrounds and animals illustrations. But the mix of 3-d and 2-d furniture really makes the toy stand out. This gem is definitely going to inspire me for future color and illustration styles.

Mini Muji Municipality

I brought this little toy city back from a trip that included a stop at Muji. After proudly showing my find to my husband, he asked, "You went all the way to New York and brought back a wooden city of London?" A fairly reasonable question, I must admit. But as he well knows, I have a soft spot for all things London. Not to mention, its building shapes had more flare and I didn't think the 3 yr old would know the difference between the BT Tower and the Empire State Building.

Each City in a Bag is packaged in a satchel (no, I don't normally use that word) featuring a continuous silkscreened line drawing of New York, London, Paris or Tokyo. The blocks themselves have a timeless design that can be both modern and vintage. Simple and beautiful. And hard to pass up.

Don't worry though, my little guy also got the requisite metal taxi cab and FDNY truck. But I trip over the City in a Bag more often than the other two.

Book Envy, Part II

Another amazing book I've been drooling over is Frank Viva's Along a Long Road. His illustrations and hand typography are beautiful and inspiring. One very special element is the vibrant yellow spot varnish road that meanders through the book. Take a close look at the detail throughout. Enjoy!

Book Envy

As a designer, one of the fun things about having a 3 year old is that you get to hunt for really great children's books on a regular basis. There is nothing like the thrill of finding one that has amazing illustration, storyline and crazy cool printing techniques.

Ghosts in the House by Kazuno Kohara has all of the above and keeps us coming back for more even though it's way past Halloween. The clever storyline turns the ghosts into everyday objects. And I love how the overprint white ink adds a chalky transparent feel to the ghosts throughout. Throw in the spot varnished blacks on the cover and I'm hooked.