I’m not a magazine person, but I make an exception every 2 months each time there’s a new issue of frankie. I love the photography and the crafty/artist reviews, and they always seem to write about stuff I care about.

That’s how I know that I’m going to love their latest offering, the 2011 frankie diary! Pre-orders are being accepted now, and will be available in stores at the end of this month.

So much prettier than my boring old Collins Vanessa planner!

Happy Friday!

The weekend is nearly here, and the thought of it makes my heart all smiley. We’re planning to jump in our car and drive until we find some snow. We’re going to take some photos, build a snowman and return with a happy & wet dog.

Can’t wait!

What have you got planned?

How cute are these made-to-order iPhone/iPod cases? They’re made by Etsy shop owner EvelynX, who seems to have a thing for owls like I do.

This little guy is my favourite…

EvelynX also makes cute little owl plushies, and screenprinted moleskine journal covers. Find more at her Etsy shop.

(Come on, payday – I have cute things in my etsy cart!)

When I stumbled upon the portfolio of NY based artist Lauren DiCioccio, I was astounded by the intricate detail and skill involved in these little 35mm embroidered slides.  It wasn’t until I read her artist statement that I truly understood what drove her to create these beautiful little pieces, so I can’t post the pictures without the explanation.

My work investigates the physical/tangible beauty of commonplace mass-produced media-objects, most recently: the newspaper, magazines, office papers and writing pads, plastic bags, 35 mm slides. These media are becoming obsolete, replaced by the invisible efficiency of various technologies. In some cases, this transition is a good thing- faster transmission and distribution of information, streamlined systems, openness to user input, less waste. But a hole is left behind by the disappearance of these everyday objects. What will happen when we no longer touch information? When newsprint does not rub off onto our fingertips? When we no longer write longhand?
The tedious handiwork and obsessive care I employ to create my work aims to remind the viewer of these simple but intimate pieces of everyday life and to provoke a pang of nostalgia for the familiar physicality of these objects.

Lauren has tackled newspaper pages and found books with a similar technique, and recreated everyday food packaging with organza, fabric and embroidery.

It doesn’t feel right to post any more of her work here, but there is so much more to see at her website. See for yourself, and drink it all in!

I just saw this beautiful little mobile over at Tipsy Society, and wanted to share it with the rest of the world. Isn’t it the sweetest?

Handmade bird mobile, by aet2002

Nobody freak out, I’m not in baby mode. My plan is still to adopt 16-year-olds (so that they’re old enough to clean the pool) and then buy them a tent when they’re 19.

I know, I know. I’m going to be such an excellent parent some day! At least their rooms will be full of awesome etsy finds…

This beautiful installation was created by Finnish artist Johnna Pohjalainen. What a brilliant idea!

Jonna Pohjalainen worked this summer at the Environmental Art workshop of the Open Air Art Museum in Pedvale. This fine documentation of her work “Colour Pencils” shows us how the work is connected with its surroundings and how it changes during different weather conditions and times of the day.

Without sun there are no colours and life!

I’ve always loved coloured pencils – to use, and to look at. I display them where I can see them every day because they make me happy.

If only I had my own oversized installation in my garden!

A big thank you to another talented artist, Definatalie, for posting about this today (and for always gracing my RSS reader with inspiring Friday Fance!)

I’m waiting for the day that somebody offers to film me in high definition, as I leap for an airborne cupcake in open-mouthed slow motion.

What? Why is it okay for dogs and not for me?

I’ve just discovered these beautiful handmade books by Natalie Stopka, and didn’t think it was fair to keep them to myself. I love all the work that goes into this style of binding, and wish I had the skill and patience to do it myself!

Natalie is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, and makes beautiful sketchbooks and journals using vintage handkerchiefs, fabric and embroidery stitching. No two books are ever the same, and she also welcomes custom orders on her Etsy shop Natalie As Is. I was surprised to find that her prices are very reasonable.

Photographs of her works-in-progress can also be found at her flickr site.

And, as further proof that the Universe distributes talent unequitably, she just happens to be a beautiful portrait artist as well.

I would love to own one of her beautiful books, and be able to fill it with sketches like these!

You can see more of Natalie’s work at her portfolio site, www.nataliestopka.com.

Thanks to Paper Crave for this discovery!

Words can’t describe how much I love these magnets from Jailbreak Toys. There seems to be so much out there for iPhone tragics like me, but they’re not all as functional as these!

Whatever you want to do… There’s an app for that. That’s right. Whether you want to buy movie tickets, read the news, write a review, pay a tip, catch a taxi, or even train your dog, there’s an app for that. But what if you want to hang a photo on the fridge? Or leave a note on the microwave? Or save that Chinese take-out menu in a place where you can’t lose it? When it came to certain old-school tasks, the apps were coming up short. A little reverse innovation was needed. Well, good news, everyone… Now there’s an app for that, too.

Introducing the App Magnets by the Jailbreak Collective! In order to bring the magic of the iPhone into the third dimension, we asked an artist to reach into the iPhone home screen and literally pluck out the apps. Then we added a little magnetism. And best of all, we mass produced them so now you too can own your very own set of 3-D App Magnets!

My only complaint is that they don’t seem to ship outside of the US. Please consult your calendar app, Jailbreak – you appear to be stuck in 2003.

Spotted at Design Fetish.

I can’t stop staring at this beautiful idea, discovered at Design Fetish.

This staircase was designed by Imagination Metals, based in Tampa FL. It’s such an interesting idea, although I understand why the commenters at Design Fetish had some issues with its safety.

I’m such a sucker for all things trees and birds…