Some of the initial sketches for the "When life gives you hands, make handmade" design by Cory Clinton. I love how they look when collaged together - so cool to see the progression of thought and style. Read more about his process over on the FRCH Creative Fuel blog.

Going to shred the gnar-gnar this weekend in West Virginia. Looks like it'll be my one and only snowboarding trip of the season. I shall return on Tuesday. Have a great weekend!

Remembering one of the most inspirational men of all time. 

Ok, found another new motto: "Too Blessed 2 Be Stressed" (designed by Reference Library). I'm a bit of a "freaker outer" when it comes to stress. I need to remind myself that it Ain't No Thing but a Chicken Wing.

"We Make Posters Poster" by UK based Telegramme. A poster about the benefits of advertising with posters. I'm sold. Buy one, or see it on the back of November's Creative Review.

(via How Design Blog)

Check out this old school double decker bus turned vintage shop! Erin Sutherland, of Portland, Oregon, is the mastermind behind Lodekka: A Double Decker Bus Dress Shop. Erin had a little extra time on her hands, after being laid off from her day job, and the idea just came to her: old bus + vintage shop = the best idea ever. Reminds me of the Double Decker Coffee Company in downtown Asheville. Doesn't it just seem so appropriate that a vintage shop exist inside a renovated 1965 Bristol Lodekka? Now if only they took the thing on tour...

(via coolhunting)

Still in need of a costume for Halloween? Bust out your dad's old record collection or head to the local thrift store for some cheesy album covers. Love this DIY mask tutorial from seablanket. And for all you vinylphiles... pretend you never saw this. 

It's overdue.

Almost two months ago I received the mysterious book (above) in the mail. When I opened the package it had Lauren Dillon all over it. She's an old friend of mine from college and is an avid indie music fan, amazing graphic designer, and phenomenal photographer. As I delved further into the book, I discovered this handmade treasure was not of her making, but a traveling artifact she was passing on to me. 

The Underground Library supports independent artists/musicians/authors/filmmakers etc who are trying to make a name for themselves. The library is the anti-Facebook. Creating hardcover books, by hand, the Brooklyn based venture is making marketing something personal, limited, special and tactile. And each book is different. 

The book Lauren mailed to me features a band called "Kissed Her Little Sister" (one of their songs is the soundtrack to video above). The pages of the book include the words to their lyrics, fun little illustrations, and two CD's (titled: High & Low). I was skeptical that music wouldn't live up to my expectations... you know, compared to the beautiful book... but to my surprise, I've downloaded the songs and rock out to them in the Saturn regularly. 

Since I'm not the model passer-on-er (I'm 6 weeks past due!), and Charlotte has closed all its libraries... sign-up to get your own heirloom mystery book at the Underground Library.