Since MTV Doesn't Play Music Anymore...

When I was younger, I remember seeing music videos all the time on MTV and VH1. Now they are consumed with scripted reality TV shows and I have to dig to discover the newest ones. I thought this interactive video by Cold War Kids was unique. It allows you to click on each member of the band during the song to turn each instrument (or the vocals) off and on. I also found that the instruments on the page change. Once you see the instruments you want to see included, press play now. There are several sound possibilities. What a great way to engage the viewer in a unique music experience.

P.S. If the video loads quickly and doesn't wait for you to press the button, load the website again and it should change the instruments automatically for you.

Felt and Wire Shop

Twitter is a beautiful thing. A letterpress firm I follow posted a link to Felt and Wire, a site I've never heard of. Maybe I am just behind on things. Like Etsy.com, it is a community of designers that create online stores to sell their merchandise. Felt and Wire is somewhat unique, seeing that it is dedicated to the art of paper goods. Brought to us by Mohawk Fine Papers, it is a hidden treasure of design bliss. Score! For quite some time now I have been working on designing my own cards, gift tags and other fun paper pieces. Eventually I will share those with you on here. This new discovery makes me that much more excited about the designs I've been working on.

Hooray for Being Productive!

I have been spending most of my waking time working on my portfolio lately. I have a great feeling about this, and I expect to be back into the creative world by early 2010. For those of you who know me well, it's about time.

This morning, rather than sharing something design related, I'm going to provide you with a hilarious website that is simply just for fun. Feeling a little stressed? Try looking at these photos from People of Walmart. Enjoy!

Thanks to Jessi...

Thanks to Jessi over at The Design Slice, our thrift store adventures have been documented. Check out her site for all the details.

My Bargain Buddy

I was visiting The Design Slice blog the other day, and Jessi was talking about some of her fabulous vintage finds. While in college, the two of us would rummage through antiques and Goodwill stores in search of buried treasures. Her posts have inspired me to share a couple of my recent buys.

First of all, I found this original woodcut artwork (signed and everything) along with this lamp at a consignment store in Carroll, Iowa. I plan on painting the lamp and of course, adding a lampshade. I'll also be on the hunt for a bargain frame for my new piece of art!

During my stay in Iowa City, Iowa a few months ago, I visited another thrift store where I found this magazine holder. It now has a spot in my office, and is home to creative goodies I get in the mail and can't stand to recycle.

Jessi will be visiting me this weekend, and we have plans to do some serious bargain-hunting. Nothing pumps me up like a coffee in hand, exploring thrift stores!