Message in a Bottle

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so here's my first post for great gift ideas! It's so easy to get sucked into the commercialism of Valentine's Day and buy flowers, candy and cheesy cards. Why not put some extra thought and time into a gift for your significant other. With that in mind, I found this simple DIY project on Design Sponge. They provide you with step-by-step instructions and the finished project is beautiful. Plus you can add your own twist, this idea is open to your interpretation and imagination!

The Atlas of Calendria

In layman's terms, this is a Calendar. A uniquely and beautifully executed calendar. I was confused at first, but the concept is "calendar-as-world," so each month is a country and the twelve countries/months make up the world of Calendria. Above you can see the illustrated Atlas of Calendria. More info here.

I wasn't totally sure what to expect when I ordered mine, but what I received in the mail was nothing short of exceptional. It's such a unique concept and no detail was left out, each month/country even has it's own coat of arms!

These are for sale at Etsy.

Brava to Electrofork, this is a great piece.

Travel In Style

Ok, I may not be carrying a Louis Vuitton bag, but if I could decipher the asian writing on this website I would be sporting the cutest passport case ever!

Days upon days, hours upon hours, I searched the internet for a passport case I would like. It's seems crazy, but I knew there had to be one out there that would suit my style! Then one day, all those wasted hours on the internet proved worthy. Only... I have no idea how to order it. So I will just admire it from afar. Dreaming of the days my passport will look less like a old, tattered blue book with stamps, and more like the fun, exciting, colorful days I spent exploring the world!!

Here is the link to check out Jakox.
Their site is riddled with cute things.

Here's to 2010!

The beginning of a new year always signals a new start. New beginnings so to say, and usually comes in the form of a New Year's resolution. So this year, to rival all other years, I've come up with an ATTAINABLE resolution. No diets and NO losing weight, to hell with all that. I don't want to feel guilty and self-loathing come February!! So this year, my resolution is to start a blog.

The name Design Frankly was inspired by the support and love of my dad "Frank", and it just so happens that I actually love the name. So I hope that Design Frankly will give you inspiration in design, in life, or just in your times of boredom!

Happy 2010 Everyone!