Girly Movie Gold Collection: Enchanted

Disney ruled my childhood. I bought into the idea of princess's, sparkly dresses, and cuddly forest animals. I didn't know it at the time, but I was being influenced by the art and design of Mary Blair, among many other talented animators/illustrators. And it has stuck with me to this day. I recently caught up on two that I missed when they came out.... Anastasia and Lilo & Stitch. I will have to save the gushing about Lilo&Stitch for another post.

But today I would like to kick off the "Girly Movie Gold Collection" with Enchanted. 

Enchanted starts out with a classic disney style animation, but changes to real life when Giselle is sent to "a place where there are no happily ever afters". I love the way scenes from past disney movies are woven into the storyline. Also, keep your eyes peeled for appearances from the actresses who provided the voices for past disney princess's!!

Amy Adams is PERFECT in this role. She plays over-the-top cuteness so well. And no modern day fairytale is complete without McDreamy (or James Marsdan).

Disney aside, this movie has some slapstick humour that makes me giggle just thinking about it. Watch a clip here of "Happy Working Song". Ah ah ah ah ahhhhhhhhh!

Oh, and did I mention that there is a talking chipmunk?

Bond Girly

Everything surrounding the 007 empire intrigues me. It continually inspires and influences art, design, literature and film. 

Recently, I came across a new series design for the James Bond books that made me come to a halt (despite my frenzy of christmas shopping, and people weaving). Published by Penguin (so classic), and illustrated by Michael Gillette. Read an interview with Michael here. I LOVE the illustrations and the typography, and I wish I had half the talent of this guy. 

Previously to finding these book covers, I had really enjoyed the typography in Quantum of Solace. To see some screen shots, Doublenaut blogs about that here. Oh and check out their work too. Not Bond related, but also good.

All I want for Christmas

Forget the front teeth, I want this stuff! Some of it is no longer available, but a girly girl can dream, can't she? Make it happen Santa! 

Here are some links, as pictured counter-clockwise: Owl Mittens - originaly sold at Art Effect, Pretty Ring - not sure where I found this one, Burburry Purse - I cannot fathom paying $1495.00 for a purse but this one sure is pretty, and this Peacoat from Couture Candy. 

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a great holiday filled with warmth, love, cheer and maybe a few good presents!

Illustrator + Designer = My Hero

In an attempt to bring my blog up to speed, I am posting some excellent holiday illustrations from my newest favorite illustrator Tad Tarpenter. He is everything that I aspire to be. Check out his flickr for even more visual awesomeness. Oh, and he has a blog.

Spooky Sock Monkeys

K, I realize Halloween is over, but I just came across these Spooky Sock Monkeys and the are too cute not to share! After purchasing this Monkey n Round Blankie (from Holly at Small Potatoes) for a baby shower recently, I have had sock monkeys on the brain. Sign up for the mailing list to find out when a new batch is coming out!

Gimme More Mad Men

Just sitting at home tonight, avoiding sleep, watching "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day", (featuring wonderful performances by Amy Adams and Frances McDormand btw)  and surfing. I came across this flickr set via Drawn and I almost fell out of my couch groove! I am a huge Mad Men fan, so it was great to see someone who is so into the show that they dedicate their spare time to cranking out inspired illustrations, which capture moments in the show so perfectly! Kudos to NobodysSweetheart on her fabulous work!

Design Camp 2008

I just got back from a weekend at Design Camp in Nisswa, Minnesota. The overarching theme of the weekend revolved around the idea of change. It was all about taking chances, looking at things in new ways, and restoring the powers of the undo and redo commands. The highlights of my weekend included:

- An Adobe presentation on CS4. My friend and fellow designer Jen Young of KiK Associates who is infamous for winning Apple products, managed to win a copy of CS4, as well as winning a fish-naming contest! Long live the Red Eyed 2 Ply Southern Fried!

- Amazing, unique and inspiring speakers. We heard very different vantage points from Jen Trolio of Readymade magazine, Brain Collins of Collins Design Group, The Art of Chase and Tronic Studios (Theo Daley is our fellow Canadian from Torontonia). All though their paths are all very unique, their messages all revolved around change for a better world and the importance of following your personal convictions!

- A Silkscreen workshop with Aesthetic Apparatus! 

- Discovering my "katra" and dominating the dojo! I participated in a workshop about leveraging my strengths. I learned that I am a mouse, who can work well with a group, stays out of the limelight, and who can bring out the strengths in others. I have an opinion, but I am not quick to form one, as I like to take everyone's views into consideration.

- Morning cinnamon rolls!

- Grandview Lodge, for all of it amenities and beautiful fall surroundings. 

- All of the really cool people that I met over the weekend. There ARE other designers out there, dealing with the same things that we all deal with. We emerged from the glow of our computer screens for some much needed fresh air.

- The really cool people that I knew were cool all along. My weekend cohorts were Jen Young and Ana Morgan of KiK Associates.

-  And the mandatory stop at Target on the way home!!!!

Design Camp happens on the same weekend every year, so mark it on your calendars for 2009! I guarantee that you will have the time of your life and come back refreshed and ready to change the world with the click of your mouse!