Basically Myra » design

Powers of Ten

nmyra — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:14:40 +0000

Need I say more? Charles and Ray Eames’ seminal Powers of Ten video is online. Incredible.

Sweet Detail

nmyra — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:43:19 +0000

Fresh. Modern. Timeless. What better way to “save the date” than to stitch it onto the inside of your wedding dress. Monograms have become so cliche as of late in wedding decor. If I see one more cake topper with initials, I might lose all remaining faith in people. Luckily, my faith is temporarily restored by this super sweet detail. I can’t help but love the incorporation of the ever-changing world of design into the deep-rooted traditions of the western wedding. My only minor tweak to this would be to model it after my (one and only) favorite calendar — the Stendig. Can we say the epitome of avant-garde chic?

robert sukrachand photography

Postage Stamps

nmyra — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:41:16 +0000

In a world of e-mails, texting and chat, the art of the handwritten letter faces near extinction. I write at least a couple of letters or cards or a week. There’s nothing better than to receive a lovely note in a pile of mail that usually consists of bills and junk mailers. I obsessively design and collect stationery. I have more pens, papers, card stock, and embossers than anyone I know. My shoe collection is jealous of my stationery collection — that’s saying a lot!

Besides practicing beautiful penmanship and modern calligraphy, the choice of postage stamp is the final detail that should never be overlooked. I have a collection of stamps that I keep on hand. There are times where you only need one single stamp. There are other occasions where an assortment of stamps related to one another (asymmetrically placed) are successful in adding that hint of vintage elegance. However, let me stress that there is NEVER a time for a U.S. flag stamp — that is, unless, it’s for a Fourth of July party. Here are some of my recent favorites:

Winslow Homer

Love him and his artwork. Beautiful choice for correspondence cards. Just recently released by the USPS — get them now before they sell out.

Baseball Theme

Great for party invitations and summer time bbq’s. Many vintage stamps are sold online. Always buy from a reputable source and make sure they are all uncanceled.

Floral Theme

Gorgeous Magnolia themed stamps. These would be beautiful for a southern wedding invitation suite. I love the craft envelopes. They add a casual handmade touch to the overall style.

Old Hollywood

I adore “Old Hollywood” — the glamor, the excess and the beautiful people that graced the silver screen. These Katharine Hebpurn stamps are a current USPS release. For bold stationery (black & white, chevrons, neutral letterpress), these stamps add a subtle punch without distracting from the overall design.

If the current USPS stamp selection doesn’t inspire you and vintage ones are too difficult to come by, may I suggest Zazzle? Yup, design or own custom stamps or choose from an assortment of user-submitted styles online. Too much fun.

Images via USPS and Elizabeth Anne Designs

Scratch-Off Map

nmyra — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:11:16 +0000

I love traveling and I love all things related to traveling. From a 360 spin suitcase to a comfortable neck pillow, I can say that I’m passionate about top-notch travel accessories! I’m also addicted to collecting transit maps from everywhere I’ve been as a memento (and to be framed at a later time). These scratch-off maps just make me smile. Scratch-off and uncover all the places you’ve been.

Via I Want One of Those

Vintage Jane Austen

nmyra — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:04:18 +0000

Just darling illustrations. I heart Jane Austen. I don’t care what anybody says.

Via Random House

We All Live in a Yellow (Tea) Submarine

nmyra — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:38:48 +0000

I’ve seen a lot of creative tea infusers lately. I love that the focus on design (or redesign for that matter) is creeping into the ordinary things in life and making them prettier. I thought the shark infuser had beautiful clean lines but this tiny yellow submarine just makes me smile — just in time for the spring.

Via swissmiss

iPouch

nmyra — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:43:48 +0000

My two favorite things: 1) iPhone (or iPod) and 2) collecting wine corks

Put them together and you get the iPouch. Ryan Frank is genius.

Is it Christmas, yet?

nmyra — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:59:51 +0000

I want this. That is all.

Via Etsy: plastique

Always On Time

nmyra — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:49:10 +0000

The On-Time Clock fast forwards 3 minutes of your time so that you’re not constantly running out the front door. It may not get you there on time but I like the design and thought. On that note, I think it’s time to listen to Time by Pink Floyd.

Via Fabrica

Heart Shaped Tea Pot Set

nmyra — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:43:23 +0000

So sweet. It’s all in the details.

Via Wide Open Spaces