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It’s been quite awhile since I put together a Designer’s Sketchbook. I generally like to wait until I am really truly inspired before I tackle such a post. Not that I haven’t been inspired… I just haven’t had anything specific that I could put into this format. While this one sort of breaks the rules, I thought it might be nice to show you all some of the random “fun stuff” I’ve collected over the past month of so.

Lettered Coasters :: I picked these up at Target last week because I needed something for the coffee table in our living room. So far, they haven’t left my desk. I just love the letters and numbers… so appropriate for a graphic designer, no?!

Colored Sharpies :: My mom found this huge pack of bold, colored Sharpies at her local grocery store–for only FIVE BUCKS. Score! Admittedly, I already huge a huge collection of Sharpies, but really, can one ever have too many? I think not.

Sharpie Pens :: Not to fill this post with mentions of Sharpie, but um, HELLO! These pens are the best thing since sliced bread. They are smooth, consistent and don’t bleed through the paper.

Letterpress Initials :: These were a find at a small antique shop in Hopkins, MN. I am always on the hunt for letterpress alphabets, and when I stumbled upon these I couldn’t resist. They were only a few bucks each, and the typeface is so yummy!

Metal Bottle :: I’m actually not sure if this is aluminum or stainless steel, but at any rate, it’s a welcome break from plastic. I know, I am a few months behind the curve here, but I’m pleased to say that I’ve made the switch. I can’t actually even remember the danger in plastic bottles, but I can tell you… I instantly fell for this crazy, wonderful shade of green.

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Words can’t describe my love for all things summer and anything with a seaside flair. The cottage has a Cape Cod style of architecture, and the interior is full of natural and nautical decor. Thus, this Designers Sketchbook came together quite easily for me, and I even had to stop myself from going “overboard”. Below you will find a smattering of items that inspire daydreams of sailing away on a perfect summer day.

{1} Distressed Wood Buoys :: Pottery Barn $59  |  {2} Wood Sail Boat :: Pottery Barn $179  |  {3} Sailboat Tote :: Second Wind Sails – Recycled Sail Bags $60  |  {4} Fifty Places to Sail Before You Die :: Seaside Inspired $25  |  {5} Sailboat Fresh White Slub Tee :: Target $11  |  {6} Iron Sailboat :: Crate and Barrel  $80  |  {7} Vacationing on the Bay Wood Sign :: Art.com  $30

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The mornings that I sit for breakfast at my dining room table are few are far between, but I always picture a life where I have time to linger over OJ and muffins, read the newspaper, and take a moment to carefully plan out the day ahead. To that end, I have put together a sweet little Designer’s Sketchbook on the theme of a “cottage breakfast”. I’ve highlighted just a few elements and ideas that play off the idea of all that a good breakfast should be–bright, tasty and beautiful!

(1) Breakfast Specials Sign | Three Potato Four | I really love vintage signs, and often contemplate adding one to a wall in my home.  This paperboard “breakfast specials” sign has a cheery and functional quality to it, and makes me hungry for a simple breakfast of cereal and juice.

(2) Milk Bottle Carafe | Three Potato Four | Multi-functional and entirely stylish, this 32 oz. glass carafe is a Three Potato Four original, and perfect for pouring a cup of delicious, fresh squeezed OJ. After breakfast, rinse it out, and fill it with a handful of blooms.

(3) Morning Glory Muffins | recipe from Whole Foods Market | My favorite breakfast in the world can be found at a tiny bistro in St. Paul’s St. Anthony Park neighborhood. For years, I would walk to the bistro every Sunday morning for a scrumptious morning glory muffin. I have since moved far away from the bistro, but this recipe from Whole Foods Market makes a fine substitute, and fills the house with the most incredible aromas.

(4) Egg and Toast Oil Painting | by Lynn Cyr | This lovely oil painting is perfect for any breakfast-lover, and would make a bright and happy addition to the wall of a breakfast nook or kitchen. On a late afternoon, when I happened upon this piece on Etsy, I was instantly inspired to whip up some eggs and toast (for dinner).

(5) Homesteader Tablecloth | Anthropologie | My ideal breakfast would be eaten in my sunny dining room, at my table, which would be spread with a soft and inviting tablecloth in a meriad of colors. This vintage-inspired patchwork cloth has a sweet and merry quality to it, and fits my vision for a cottage breakfast perfectly.

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I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love getting the mail and finding an envelope or package hand addressed with my name on it. I’m instantly excited by this special delivery, and brought back to the days of childhood penpals, and hand-written letters. Of course, I love email as much as the next guy, but there is nothing like the feel of paper in your hands, and the look of words scrawled hastily across a page. These were the thoughts and inklings that prompted me to dedicate my Designer’s Sketchbook entry this month to the theme of “mail”.

(1) Let’s Play Mail | from Anthropologie | Now, I don’t have children, but when I came across this felt playset from Anthropologie, I was entirely smitten. Complete with a mailbox, postcards, envelopes, stick-on messages and stamps. Seriously, I want one!

(2) Postal Service Surplus Canvas Bag | from Three Potato Four | Unfortunately, this heavy duty canvas bag from Three Potato Four is no longer available for purchase. However, that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t totally inspired to add it to my sketchbook this month. I instantly fell in love with the typeography printed on the canvas, as well as the practicality to this bag (it’s roomy and rugged enough to throw beach towels, laundry, or toys it in).

(3) Airmail Poster | image from AntiqueAirfield.com | While searching for “air mail” themed items, I happened across this vintage poster on a website dedicated to the antique airplanes. It’s classic style, and historical significance was too perfect to pass up. It’s hard to believe that there was a time when postage was 5 cents an ounce!

(4) Vintage Air Mail Envelopes | from One Good Bumblebee | Nothing reminds me of travel more than these vintage air mail envelopes. What a treat it would be to find a letter tucked into one of these envelopes, with foreign postage adhered to it. Postitively yummy! (note: One Good Bumblebee is currently “taking a break” and not open for business, and unfortunately, I could not find another source for these envelopes.)

(5) Postal Stamps Rubber Stamps Set | from Paper Source | These rubber stamps would be so fun to use to spiff up a plain white envelope or a blank note card. Simple enough to use, even the kiddies could help!

(6) International Postmarks Glass Pebble Magnets | by Daisy May Designs | The only thing about mail that intrigues me more than the hand-written/hand-delivered aspect, is the postage. As a child, I was a (somewhat fickle) stamp collector. Though I didn’t pursue the hobby in earnest, I was always interested in stamps, and I considered them tiny works of art. These glass pebble magnets beautifully showcase international postmarks and postage.

(7) Bistre Continent Vintage Stamp Necklace | by BaubleandBlush | On the same theme as the magnets, is this lovely necklace that features a vintage stamp. It is a true original, made with an authentic stamp, and set in resin. I love the well-traveled feel that this piece would add to an outfit.

(8) Vintage US Mailbox Bank | from Alida Lois | A true antique, this small bank is a metal replica of the type of US Mailbox that can be found on many a street corner. These days, they’re solid blue, and have a much more modern appearance. However, I love the bold red on this little bank, and think it would look perfect on a child’s dresser.

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