Moonrise Kingdom

Wes Anderson's latest masterpiece, Moonrise Kingdom, features hand lettered titles by Jessica Hische...who you might remember from her Daily Drop Cap Project (among other amazing work). It's fascinating and inspiring to to see what kind of work is out there for calligraphers and illustrators. As for the trailer, I want to jump in and live in this movie. I'm certain that after watching it you'll feel the same.

Instagram Magnets

With almost 2,000 pictures in my iPhone photo gallery, I always wondered what I could do besides leave them to sit there and eat up memory. So glad I found Stickygram, "a personalized printing service that turns your Instagram images into lovely little magnets."  I thought they'd make perfect little additions to Christmas gifts....except they just arrived this week. I love the way they turned out!

Peppermint Scented Christmas Cards

I was looking for a little bit of crazy to add to the Christmas card I designed, so when my art teacher friend said they reminded her of peppermint and should be scented, I was in complete agreement. There began my quest for peppermint oil (which wasn't difficult, they sell it at GNC and places like Whole Foods). I put a few dashes of the oil in a glass bowl, dipped a q-tip in, and went around the edges of each card, scenting each side. I also added a small dot to each envelope.

When I decided that wasn't enough, I left all of my stamped and addressed cards overnight in a closed freezer bag with a peppermint soaked paper towel (which was in a separate sandwich bag to prevent from leaking/spillage/panic attacks). Sadly I ran out of envelopes so my list was cut short. Hopefully I can send more out before the New Year! 

College Girl Gifting Guide

My sister and I discovered that a Pinterest wish list makes life so easy for Santa. In case you are having a hard time gifting a college girl, here's a first-hand account of what one is hoping to find under the tree this year.

1. Hearthstone snood, $50, J.Crew; 2. Book Keepers, $15, Vera Bradley; 3. Party skirt, Modcloth; 4. BareEscentuals Starter Kit, $60; 5. Signature Spade Open Spade Ring, $48, Kate Spade; 6. Mad Men Season 4, $25, Amazon.com; 7. ND Tervis Tumbler, $20, Bealls Florida; 8. Chelsea Crew Stella Bootie, $69, Urban; 9. Marc by Marc Jacobs Amy Leather Strap Watch, $150, Nordstrom; 10. Ray Ban Highstreet, $179, Nordstrom; 11. Pins and Needles Mesh Inset Blouse, $59, Urban.

Home is Where the Art is

This might be my most favorite gift idea ever. Rebekka Seale is offering gift certificates for illustrated house portraits until December 14th. As said on her blog, a gift certificate might not be quite as fun as the finished product, but it's still something special. Also great as a anniversary, birthday or housewarming gift.

Mini Gifting Guide

For the littlest ones on your list. These may not all be the most practical, but for aunties and pseudo-aunties, they're just right.

1. Bear Hat and Mitten Set, $27, Gap Kids; 2. Crib Correspondence, $15, The Social Secretary; 3. Baby Retro-X Vest, $59, Patagonia; 4. Widgeon Lined Rain Coat, $44, Zappos; 5. Big Drum, $36, Oompa; 6. Big Book of Names and Faces, $46, Pinhole Press; 7. Wheely Bug, $70, Giggle; 8. Felt Flower Headband, $8, To My Lou; 9. Minnetonka Bootie, $20, Mocassins Direct; 10. Giraffe Baby, $30, FAO; 11. Derby Plaid Bowtie, $22.50, J.Crew; 12. TOMS Classic Tiny Leopard Slip On, $29, Nordstrom.

Pen Pal Gifting Guide

For your pen, paper, or stationery pal.

1. Hanging Garden Notepad, $8, Rifle Paper Co.; 2. Cheers Notecard Set, $14, Jess LC; 3. Custom Return Address Stamp, $52, Primele; 4. Skinny Wrap Address Labels, $18+, Minted; 5. Wax Seal Kit, $60, Horchow; 6. Navajo Necklace and Chipendale Chair Stamps, USPS; 7. Holler Notecards, $20, Furbish;  8. Personalized Address Labels, $52+, Iomoi; 9. Civelettes, $6.50, GREER Chicago; 10. Calligraphy and Lettering Kit, $24, KidsDadsMoms.com.