Library Love

I'm having a very library-accented weekend so far.

First, my dad came to visit and brought along the Three Potato Four library sign he gave me for Christmas. Despite an apartment full of books, I decided to hang it above the tv (yes, I am soo funny). Then we spent the afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago. Having a membership means I've made dozens of visits over the past year. But somehow, I never saw this amazing library ladder. I've searched online in the museum collections but can't find its maker anywhere (please tell me if you know who made it!)

I hope everyone is having a nice January weekend.

Guimarães Jazz

I've just ordered my tickets for this year's Jazz Fest and I couldn't be more excited. This will be my 5th year attending and those few days in New Orleans have really become one of the highlights of my year. Needless to say, I've had the celebration of music on my mind lately.

But that's not the only reason this 20th Year edition for Guimarães Jazz by Atelier Martion&Jana stuck out. Basically, it's just really great.

The book was packaged along with a vinyl album and cd pack, and the whole thing just has a jazz feel to it. The colors used and placement of photos seem to have that same rhythm that is so unique to jazz.

To see more work by Portugal based Atelier Martino&Jaña, including some Jazz journals, CLICK HERE.


(Found via Graphic-ExchanGE)

Owen Gatley's World of Books

I love this illustration by Owen Gatley. I have such a weakness for simple maps and this one just happens to be covered in books as well. It is essentially my bedroom decor in a single illustration.

But wait, it gets better, because the illustration was created for the cover of the Pan MacMillan catalogue of new titles for the Autumn/Winter 2011 season.

You may recognize Owen's work from publications like Think Quarterly, which I love, Urban Outfitters and more. All of these lovely illustrations can be viewed over on his very impressive website.

(All images courtesy Owen Gatley / Found via Visual News)

Perfect Gift Card

Back in September, I mentioned some notebooks created as promotional material for Anthropologie (post here). On Christmas morning, there was one under the tree for me.

The mini notebooks hold gift cards in the back. And although everything at Anthro is swoon worthy, I have to be honest, I was pretty excited about the little notebook itself.

More notebook love HERE.

(bottom images courtesy Kathryn Bernadette Fabrizio)

Golden

According to some of my non-designer friends, all the designers they know have a wardrobe consisting of black, gray and stripes. I have to admit that's not very far off. I rarely wear anything that sparkles, or anything with much color, but on New Years Eve I tend to go all out (this year especially).

I know NYE is three weeks behind us, but shiny things are still catching my eye. Which is why when I saw these Golden Book spines on Pinterest, I wanted to call home to see if my mom had held onto any of ours. I get so much light in my room and I think they'd look great on my shelves.

Plus, it's always nice to have some childhood favorites around.

(photo 1, photo 2)

Book Trade Labels

The last time I blogged (a month ago, embarrassing), I talked a little bit about the internet's latest addiction: Pinterest. Over on Pinterest, I have a board for books and a board for bookshelves, but neither are quite as cool as this board created for book trade labels.

I can't remember how I originally found this particular board (oops) but some of these vintage labels are really beautiful.

I obviously recommend following it. Big thanks to Eric Krass / funnel for curating such a unique board.