tote it!

Recently discovered this new book, The Tote Bag by Jitesh Patel. A designer himself, Jitesh runs Jai Studio out of London and is also the author of the Tote Prints blog. The book is a photo survey of various tote bag designs by illustrators and designers from around the world. Even the book itself is wrapped in an actual tote bag. So cool! I ordered a copy, but in the meantime and in the spirit of toteness, here are some bags I found on etsy. Any one of these would be great for groceries, flea market finds, workout gear or hauling around art supplies. Check them out!

 Navy Kelp Tote by Zanna

 Cable Knit Tote by Justine Ellis

Passing Whales Tote by Bright Beige

Art/Punk Tote by Punk Masters

Keep it Chill Tote by Anna Tillett Designs

Dutch Tulip Tote by dutch door press

Nerd Glasses Tote by Naomi Cayne

 Red Check Tote by Rose de Borman

Gingerbread Fox Storybook Tote by Crowsmack

{Photos from top: The Tote Bag by Jitesh Patel, and Etsy shops: Zanna Printed Textiles, Justine Ellis, Bright Beige, Punk Masters, Anna Tillett Designs, dutch door press, Naomi Cayne, Rose de Borman, and Crowsmack.}

it's funfetti, ok?

A while ago, I made some confetti, otherwise known as funfetti, for a friend's birthday surprise. Funfetti is a great project and really easy to make. First, I printed both sides of regular printer paper with colorful stripes.

 Next, I cut off any white edges of the paper and then went to town with the creativity. I cut out hearts, initials and curly spirals. I also folded the paper fan style and cut out zig-zaggy strips.

 Another pal and I had cooked this surprise up, and we decorated the birthday girl's desk at work with the funfetti, balloons and a happy birthday sign.

So much fun to get crafty – I haven't done that in a while. Best of all, it was a great way to spice up her office and make the day a special one.

some pretty things

So sad to hear that Turq Jewelry is closing its shop! They designed some of the most beautiful + special pieces I own – the kind that strangers will stop you to ask where they came from. I posted a few of my favorites from their latest collection above. Check them all out here before everything is gone – all items are marked down up to 70% off! And, make sure to visit their great blog, Turq Girls – all about home design, inspiration and great ideas.

{Photos from Turq Jewelry}

oh jane!

Can't wait for the latest film version of Jane Eyre, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starring Mia Wasikowska as Jane and Michael Fassbender as the troubled and mysterious Mr. Rochester. You can read more about it here in a write-up by Charles McGrath in the NY Times. Opens Friday in a few places – hope it comes to my town soon! The lovely photos above are stills by Laurie Sparham, who has done a lot of gorgeous film photos, including The King's Speech, Brightstar, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, among many others. Check out his fantastic website here.

{Photos: Laurie Sparham for Focus Features}