SMITH/GREY Jewelry - Processes

Some snapshots of the duo at SMITH/GREY doing what they do best - creating cool and unique wares.  Oh lord, this sure makes me want to get my metalsmithing and lost-wax casting game on!

via.

onthelookout for: Red, orange and yellow

Hi Sun, light of my life... Where have you been?

I'm not complaining (OK, maybe a little), but it is SO gloomy and dark around these parts.  I usually love muted tones like grey and dark blue, but this is probably due to the fact that they contrast so nicely with warm, sunny yellows, juicy oranges and sultry reds.  Hence, the insatiable desire for some bright pops of warmth as seen above...

1. HA. Cute, funny, COMFY and sexy, a winning combination.
2. My favorite Nike sneakers (court forces) with a pop of red.
3. W.O.M bag.  Never mind that it costs major $$ and I can't find it anywhere.  I WANT!
4. Warm tones from a super cute animal print.
5. onthelookout Tri Necklace 001, with the most orangey-red, bright beads ever.
6. Feathers, feathers, feathers...
7. Hand-knitted socks scream LUX and FUN.
8. Hand-dyed hair ties, so girly and pretty.
9. Sunny, little bowls.
10. Cutie, winter hat for the impending 6-month long, Ohio blizzard season.

Biznass - Packaging

Now that I've got a nice assortment of goodies AVAILABLE FOR SALE in the shop, I'm turning my focus back to better branding and something most important: the packaging.  I'm a sucker for unique, fun, reusable packaging stuffs, so I'm excited to pull together all of the resources I already have (random stacks of card stock, newsprint, pretty ribbon and string) and mix with some much needed branding accessories (rubber stamps with logo, stickers for packing and little cards for securing earrings, bracelets and necklaces).

I've compiled some my favorite hang tags and wrapping ideas below and if you're looking to create unique packaging for your own creative business, this handy article by Rena Tom is on the money.

image via Don't Ruin My Wedding.

image via A Merry Mishap.

images via onthelookout pinterest and Papermash.

images onthelookout pinterest and Sandra Juto/ Wrist Worms.

Glasine bags, stickers, twist ties, string and other pretty packaging items from Pretty Tape.

images via onthelookout pinterest.

the cutest little bags from Deer in a Bottle and via The New Domestic.

no frills, cute/pretty packaging DIY using the most basic of household stuff.

...Feeling Better, Grounded.

(Woof, I guess a blog rant is good for the soul every now and then!)

After that last post, I induced foreced-relaxation on a super dark drive home from work, bear hugged my man before he went for a run, made the most amazing homemade pizza (with garlic sauteed mushrooms and broccoli and a dash of curry on top).  And I did something I rarely EVER do.  I took my time.  Finely chopped garlic, perfectly crisp veggies and a sense of calm ensued.

Anyway, I ended up happy and not overly stuffed (taking your time = not shoveling food in face = happy tummy) and in the mood for a little jewelry making.  Freebie time to make whatever, letting my mind wander and my fingers play with beads and chain.  Came up with some stuff I really like.  In the shop soon, hope you like!

Drink More Beer?

I'm always intrigued at how much time and thought goes into package/logo/product design.  But to be honest, if you're going to spend so much time creating, perfecting, investing and selling something, then the outside should look pretty damn awesome too.  I don't need much more of a reason to drink more beer, but I'll certainly use quirky illustrations, like those ones below, to as a reason to (over) consume at my own discretion.  I'll even use the tacky ones (island-themed Corona bottles, I am looking at you). Wednesday morning brew?  Why not?

Craft beers = delicious spirits and even more amazing packaging.  Drink, admire, then recycle.

all images via.

Hello Monday!

Is it weird that I actually like Monday's?

I hope you all had a great weekend.  Perfect weather, a little work, a concert, a quick road trip and LOTS of beading made mine spectacular and got me ready to take on the week ahead!

Make Something Cool Everyday

I tried to only pick a few funny ones, but I just couldn't stop myself.

Make something cool everyday?? This idea and the works that have come out of it by artist Brock Davis (you may have seen some of his work on Threadless tee's) are so nerdy and clever.  This goes to show how making art can just be a matter of being weird yourself , using your imagination and tacking on a little ingenuity.

One day, when I run an art/design program for under privileged youth, I'm going to have them do a whole bunch of renegade art like this!  How fun and hilarious would that be? Check out all 365 creations he made on the daily for a whole year right herrrr.

via Melissa.

Symmetry Goods

Have you ever seen something you wanted SO badly, immediately decided that YES, you are going to buy it and then recanted in horror when you saw the price? Yeah, sometimes scarves will make you do that.  I have a huge appreciation for handmade and unique/functional design, but no matter how much I like this, I seriously cannot buy it. Things like health insurance and gas money are more important. Things like health insurance and gas money are more important. Things like health insurance and gas money are more important (repeat as needed).

via.

Lovely prints for Stella McCartney fragrances based clothing she did for her Summer 2011 collection. The giant florals and plush colors remind me of the wallpaper in the house that my grandparents have lived in for over 40 years.  Faceted, smokey, ombre glass bottles, they're like little gems.  These have me craving a few more heavy, hot summer days; where the flowers are on full display, fat bees and butterflies flit around and light reflects vibrantly over greengreen grass. Although I do love me some fall weather ( ie. boots/jackets/sweaters). It's only been cold here for two days and I already miss the hot and the humid... See you in 9 months, Summer.

via the dieline.