Thursday, December 29, 2011

Apparently I like things that stack...

Newest design love discovery: stackable items as a means of saving space. I've recently been collecting pieces that I love [and know I will never find again] for my "future" home. Thought I'd share these goodies and can't wait to put them to use! [Some were gifts from my oh-so-thoughtful Mom, some were self bought and others gifts from Bailey. [Both ladies wanted me to have the entire sets of different items, must be the same birthday thing!] Also, this only further adds to my love of the product design done at Fred. My only issues so far, I wish there were more Store-M's and they clicked together a bit more firmly. The last item I picked up from the MoMa collection, and it will only further add to my love of tea-sets. And finally [okay so maybe it's not stackable, but I LOVE them!] My best friend decided I needed to have the whole set of coaster's from Anthropologie, and I must admit, I was so THRILLED to see the rest of them! Thank you ladies!

Why do I love tea sets when I maybe drink a cup of tea a week?


M-Cups, Fred

M-Spoons, Fred


Store-M's, Fred


Tea Tower, MoMa


Celestial Coaster, Anthropologie

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Got another goodie

Check this out! Couldn't be more true!


This piece was created by Craig Drauer, titled New Math

How ideal

I just fell in love with yet another product.

It's called "Burning Bank", and it's an incense burner. Now - I don't typically burn incense, but have always been intrigued by the process. Typically I'd burn a candle but this might be the deal breaker. [Now if I could just find peppermint - real true peppermint smelling incense I'd be thrilled!]





http://www.pagethirtythree.com/collection/burning-bank-incense-burner/

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Okay - so a much delayed post

It's been a busy intense few months - more about that later!

For now, check out this awesome video my boss sent me this morning!

DESIGN X EXERCISE = Get your heart racing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEH4Yum4nN4&feature=player

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Saturday, September 3, 2011

COLOR!

Here's a new little project I've been meaning to upload. Based on the bright color trends I've noticed in quite a few fashion magazines and a personal favorite, neon lighting. I went through and clipped images from some magazines and created color pages and then drew from that to create a color board.

Another side note: I really love donated magazines. If you have any old magazines please let me know! I use the images to create "sketch" pages in a color book of mine. If you have any you would like to donate to me, please e-mail me at MelissaByle@gmail.com.

ENJOY!



Monday, April 25, 2011

Sharing the Wealth

Looking for inspiration? It can be found plentiful on this site:

www.notcot.com

I sound like an ad, but my new boss has shared this site with me and I just adore it! I've spent hours looking at the information on it and looking through the various articles. Can I just say, it has opened up a whole new level of inspiration.

I'd like to apologize for my absences once again. Life just gets in the way of the internet. I'm happy to say that I'm doing well and working on multiple self driven projects most recently. With a great deal of alterations going on and hopefully a revamped portfolio as well.

Most recent interests [which are of course ever evolving and happily being embraced by myself] are:

#1: The color peach. Spring just makes this color seem all the more relevant and versatile. It's fun to pair with so many colors and is often forgotten. Let's give a round of applause for peach!













#2: Conquering the unexpected. While looking pretty and maintaining composure. Oh, and this artists work..whose name has slipped my mind...[will post when found]

#3: Print making - I had the opportunity to help my best friend print wall paper last week. Can I just say - STUNNING! I can't wait to see the final pieces in her senior show [and an early congratulations on graduation Bailey] {No, this isn't her print, her work is based on items that make her feel safe. I.E. - Sewing/Crotcheting/Needlepoint/ and the General home environment. Check it out at the CCS show if you can!]



#4 : Not Cot - It's work like this that I love discovering on this websites. I've acquired a few magazines that have inspired me so much more than I could have ever expected. This website is the internet mutual of that.












And of course so much more than that sample. Check out the site. Let me know your thoughts. Tomorrow is the big meeting with career services. Maybe they'll be able to figure out a direction for me, since my mind seems to be everywhere these days.

Oh, and I'm 25 now. I didn't spontaneously combust and my timer didn't go off.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Weddings on the Mind

I've been extremely into researching fashion lately, a wedding coming up in the family is of some assistance to that fact. To be honest, who doesn't love a reason to get all dolled up? Here's some really gorgeous pieces I found recently.  And as you scroll down you'll notice the switch to my own fantasizing for the special day when I get to indulge in wedding bliss. I can't wait to be apart of my aunts wedding! She asked my mom to be her maid of honor and I'm really excited to help them plan all the fun wedding events!

This gown is to die for:

Gown #1: Designed by Roksanda Ilincic

Gown #2: Designed by Balenciaga {in the archive}

I may just have weddings on the mind due to all the excitement of my aunts wedding, but I just love looking at all the gorgeous different styles.I'm looking forward to going wedding dress shopping next week for the first time with my aunt. I look forward to seeing what type of style she goes for! Here's a few of my favorites, starting with my own personal choice of the week {We all know I change my mind on a moments notice}:


Whether your a bride or not, it's just plain fun to check out BHLDN's site, a new branch of Anthropologie. They have an amazingly fun quiz to see what your wedding style is. I've gotten Neo Sophistacte today, but last week I was nostalgic romantic.  Which in all truths, are both right. Either way, here's a little clip of what you can expect for a response! 






Monday, March 21, 2011

Digital Sketch Book

 I've been pretty busy the last few days creating a special project for my portfolio.  Or I should say a special couple of projects. I really wanted to showcase my interests in Trend Forecasting, Color and Materials as well as Branding. So here's where I'm at so far. I personally love the Anthropologie project and think it's turning out great! It's a bit of a digital sketch book if you will to showcase some inspiration and where it can take me! Any in put is as always welcome!





Looking for Art?


Check it out! My brother along with a few of his friends have some great work going on their new site! http://www.36pyramids.com/

Ballet

 
This makes me miss ballet. I want to go for my birthday next month!  I want to see something live here in Detroit! I also want to go to the Toledo zoo around that time! So inspiring, the ballet and the animals. How beautiful. 

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Color Forecast!

Found a great article on Color Forecast for this summer!
http://www.examiner.com/ And can I just say - these colors couldn't be any closer to my favorites if they tried! Yay purple, teal and gold! I love this image and the way they work together here...it's eye catching and glamorous with an edge. I've been doing tons of color research and this site has been ideal for finding anything I could possibly want to find. Along with a few psychology sites I can't wait to show off my next project! 

Update

Currently I'm working on creating yet another social network site. I'm adding to my already extensive list of sites, Behance! As soon as I'm finished I'll update and show off the site. Along with that I'm working on a special portfolio to showcase a different skill set.

Is two portfolios too many? I don't want to bombard with information, but I feel that there's a skill set that I'm interested in pursuing to a different level. [Trend/Forecasting] The current portfolio of work I have shows mainly interior design with a few fine arts projects. Should I just be adding this to my original portfolio?

And on another side note! It'll be a busy couple weeks at work, getting a few displays done off-site and working at VegFest! Which should be great, and if you have the time you should stop by and say hi! [you could check out our awesome retro recycled refrigerator (that's a mouth-full)]. Here's the site with some info about the event! This is especially helpful if you are a Vegetarian, health conscious or interested in the restaurants in the metro area. http://vegmichigan.org/activities/vegfest/index.php I'll be at a booth handing out recipes for my bosses smoothie recipe and picking up info to enter our contest to win a glass prize from the shop! I'm also working on moving our gallery into a different space while we revamp the current space as well as creating some fun window displays with spring in mind!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Copy Cat

I'm going to do a bit of copying. But I think this article is worth sharing, especially for those interested in futurism or automotive design! I found this article on Lost At E Minor [p.s.  -It's more photos than writing, but a picture's worth a thousand words right?] [http://www.lostateminor.com/2011/03/18/futuristic-car-designs-from-the-past/#more-55235]



When the car designers of yesteryear sat down to envision the vehicles of today, their imaginations were clearly in overdrive. Or fourth gear. Whatever. These exotic car designs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s unfortunately never quite caught on. But it’s not too late is it, Mr Ford?




 


 And on a side note:
The last car is my personal favorite. Gives a whole new meaning to the idea of having a roll over..

Lá Fhéile Pádraig


Happy St. Patrick's day to all my fellow Irishmen and those who help celebrate!

Facts:

In every year since 1991, March has been proclaimed Irish-American Heritage Month by the US Congress or President due to the date of St. Patrick's Day. Christian denominations in the United States observing his feast day include the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Protestant Episcopal Church, and the Roman Catholic Church.[55] Today, Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike.[56] For most Irish-Americans, this holiday is both religious and festive.[57] St. Patrick's Day church services are followed by parades and parties, Irish music, songs, and dances.[58] It is one of the leading days for consumption of alcohol in the United States, as individuals are allowed to break their Lenten sacrifices for the day in order to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.[59][60] Many people choose to wear green coloured clothing and items.[61] Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched affectionately.[62]
Seattle and other cities paint the traffic stripe of their parade routes green. Chicago dyes its river green and has done so since 1962 when sewer workers used green dye to check for sewer discharges and had the idea to turn the river green for Saint Patrick's Day. Originally 100 pounds of vegetable dye was used to turn the river green for a whole week but now only forty pounds of dye is used and the colour only lasts for several hours.[18] Indianapolis also dyes its main canal green. Savannah dyes its downtown city fountains green. Missouri University of Science and Technology - St Pat's Board Alumni paint 12 city blocks kelly green with mops before the annual parade.[citation needed] In Jamestown, New York, the Chadakoin River (a small tributary that connects Conewango Creek with its source at Chautauqua Lake) is dyed green each year.
Columbia, SC dyes its fountain green in the area known as Five Points (a popular collegiate location near the University of South Carolina). A two day celebration is held over St Patrick's Day weekend. In Boston, Evacuation Day is celebrated as a public holiday for Suffolk County. While officially commemorating the British departure from Boston, it was made an official holiday after Saint Patrick's Day parades had been occurring in Boston for several decades, and is often believed to have been popularised because of its falling on the same day as Saint Patrick's Day. In the Northeastern United States, peas are traditionally planted on Saint Patrick's Day.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Ecostainableology.

So, anyone who knows me knows that I have strong interests in sustainability. I mean, how many 10 year olds ask for a pear tree to "give back to earth"? Yes, that's right me. I'm probably the only one, and I love that. I'm not only interested in sustainability. I'm interested in the welfare of the planet. I'm not going to go on some long winded discussion about what we could all be doing. Because really, if we don't know by now...there's no hope. But what I would like to discuss is the trends in color within the sustainable movement. In the beginning for a space to be sustainable you had to walk in and see it. Now, there's a movement for sustainability to mesh right in with every day colors and materials. To me, one of the most important factors is to create environments that not only reach out to those of us who are interested in this realm, but to reach out to those of us who frankly couldn't care less. To create spaces that are appealing and an important factor, spaces that are going to last. Environmental conciousness does not end at simply using materials that are "green", this is just the beginning. It means to create spaces that are going to last generations. So much of our life has become disposable. I personally am a fan of spending a few more dolloars [yes, that means saving up for items] and not replacing them every other week.

I'm interested in items that are appealing to larger groups of people, so they can be passed on from person to person. In recycling and reusing. In items that will be around for years and not months.





Okay, all that being said. I have to say - those cheesy obvious designs that scream NATURE from the top of their lungs, are some of my favorites. For example, this charging dock.



Another really cool, interior design/furniture piece that I love is this:


In the mess of the 12 tabs I have open on Mozilla I've lost the link to whichever company designed this, but what a resourceful desk. Made of moving pallets.

It seems now a days you can find any product, in a sustainable version of itself. Cars, Furniture, heck they're even working on sustainable laptops and cell phones. I'm in heaven.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

So...someone buy this for me?

I love it. It's straight forward. Minimal yet productive. It's bold and delicate. I love it. And I would love to own one some day. I just think it would work 10,000 times better on my desk than any other lamp I've tried. I just need all the space I can get for all my magazines, pens, markers, glues, various objects [i.e. this week - needle point, ribbon, mod podge, new scarf & wooden deer] I'm overflowing and this is the storage solution. More space.



Isn't it beautiful?


http://www.goodbyeedison.com/en/

Found

Found a great new site for all things art related....

A friend recently asked if I could suggest some sites for Interior Design and I thought I'd share some more for everyone on here if your interested!

My newest find:
http://www.yatzer.com/category/interiors

Some oldie but goodies:
www.wallpaper
http://www.wallpaper.com/
www.coroflot.com [mostly student work, but some really great stuff if you're willing to dig!]
http://ffffound.com/
http://www.lostateminor.com/
http://www.graftlab.com/
http://www.ionoi.it
http://www.interiordesign.net/
http://www.dezeen.com
http://www.flipflipmeheidi.com/


Hope you enjoy the sites! I know I've found tons of useful and beautiful information on all of them. I'm always looking for new sites too! So if you have any suggestions I'm open to them!

Friday, March 11, 2011

A quick draw

So - I thought I should perhaps update a bit. Here's a few interesting things I've found this week!

#1 - Thakoon's gorgeous gowns in the Paris Fashion Show. Love Love Love the use of color.  Also, they'll be selling his dress design at Target again this year for the 5th anniversary of Go International Collection.


#2 - Dries Van Noten's elegant and edgy. A trend that I have personally associated my own design work with. I love the gorgeous lines this dress creates.


#3 - Haider Ackermann. Can I just say I love the colors of this gown. The way the fabric drapes is absolutely stunning with a slit of sheen glowing through the front of the gown. This is nothing if not eye catching.


#4 - Feathers! Love this gown by Lela Rose! So stunning! Vintage and modern is always a great way to go. 
#5 - Marchesa. This gown has such stunning lines and gorgeous structure. I huge thing I look for when shopping. Plus I really love red!


#6 - I wish hats were more common. I think they're so cute and classy with just enough of a hint of mystery. Plus I love this jacket! This piece was created by Tommy Hilfiger.


#7 - Jason Wu, can I just say. This gown would woo anyone in a the room with it. I love it. If I had the money I would buy this in a heart beat.


#8 - Wes Gordon. I love skirts. Everyone knows I love skirts and dresses. And this is one, I would personally love in my collection. I recently saw a photo of Kourtney Kardashian in a similar ensemble and just loved it. I know what pieces I'll be looking for next!


I'm ending on 8. It's been a while since I've updated but I've been sick and working on personal projects. Hopefully it won't take this long again!