New York Gift Fair: La Fleur Stir

Decoupage deer found outside The Library of Flowers booth

I am XOXO-ing some of the new florals recently spied at the New York International Gift Fair. They are not traditional renderings of roses or peonies, nor realistic depictions of lilacs or sunflowers. They are folksy flowers -- a bit boho, a bit nostalgic. These whimsical, often naive specimens look like they might have decorated children's storybooks in the 60s and 70s. They are hybrids; with elements inspired by Frida Kahlo, Marimekko, and Art Deco These blooms are bigger than ditzy florals, and just as sweet, and they are putting me in the mood for spring and redoing something!

Here are a few of my fresh picks ...

1. Jardine Rug by NuLoom

2. Pochoir Pink from Vintage Smith

3. Porcelain Vase with gold floral accents from Jonathan Adler

4. Notecards and journals from Ecojot

5.  August Morgan pillows by Kate Hersch featuring vintage needlework

6. Limited edition jewelry by artist Dion Hitchings for Schmutzerland

7. Wrapping paper from  Snow & Graham

8, Quilted blankets from Utility Canvas

Then, walking back from the Javits, I saw a stenciled design on the side of a small flower stall. 

So I stopped and shot the roses!

Possibility of Paper

i am a self-confessed hoarder of blank books

 I have a sick amount of unused journals and notebooks.* Paper is my weakness...well, one of my biggest. I give blank books as gifts, but obviously not faster than I collect them. I'm no therapist, but I have an inkling that this  love stems from a desire for order and clarity.

one night i just felt like doodling some men's stuff i found in a vintage travel mag

Each pad, no matter size or design, has the potential to be a special organized spot for the busy bits of my life, sketches, and hopeful bursts of literary genius. The different covers remind me of each one's purpose.

My fave blank book makers: ecojot, carrot & stick press, and Chronicle Books.
Good places for cheap blank books: Target, Wal-Mart, HomeGoods and bookshops and art stores in other countries.

* just for the record I also have a whole bunch of blank books that are no longer blank.