Hey Little Birdie | Shopping Blog

So… maybe I am on a typography kick lately. I hope you all are not sick of it. Although because I have just self-diagnosed myself, I might now be able to move on. Isn’t that what they say… acceptance is the first step to recovery? By the way, who are they? And how did they get so profound? Maybe I will balk at their revelation and stick with my typography obsession. You know, just for spite. Growing up, I was the baby in my family and have a tendency towards bratty behavior. Just ask my sister; she can expound numerous stories of support for this statement.

Where was I? Oh yes, typography. Well, looking at this, can you blame me? They are amazing. Apartment Therapy clued me in on Jessica Hische of Daily Drop Cap, who designs a beautiful letter each day available for use on your blog for free. Which… now that I know about that… maybe I will be decorating my blog posts more frequently. But if you are looking for a unique letter to don your walls, consider these letterpress print versions. The “L” for my Lyla is perfect, but then contrast the feel of it with the “O” for our surname and you can see the variety. Awe-some. Just take a look…

Have you heard of Music Philosophy? It was started by a designer out of London who describes this project as “a weekly graphic/typographic interpretation of philosophical song quotes”.

And describes himself like this

Hi. My name is Mico. I am a designer. I like music and typography. So I combined them on this Project because I had nothing better to do.

Well… thank goodness for too much time… because the result is amazing song quotes in entertaining typographical form. You can download your favorite for your newest iPhone wallpaper, or you can purchase a poster on his etsy site, or you can buy a tshirt here. My personal fave is the one shown above… The Moldy Peaches lyrics, recently used in the movie Juno. Which would you choose?

And if you want to submit a song quote to Mico to create, you can email it to him… but you will have to let us know too.

Father’s Day is fast approaching and that means spoiling the dads in your life. But why DIY? Well because if you are like most of us, spare money is a little tight currently (and now we have to save up for the new iphone. Again.) Plus, we all know that homemade presents mean so much more! Here’s a few ideas to get you started on your Father’s Day project:

1. Custom labeled snack box- treat dad to “hero supplies” by marking his favorite foods and drinks with these fun labels. Buy his favorite beer, make his treasured cookies, throw in his beloved beef jerky and display it all in a wooden box available at any craft store. Here’s the detailed instructions and free label templates.

concept and photo by Jordan Ferney

2. Beginner’s gardening kit- maybe your guy wants to cultivate his green thumb or perhaps he loves to cook? A starter herb garden would make a perfect gift! Purchase a container (this one is a metal caddy from Target. I spotted it at the store in four colors), add small planters holding an array of his favorite herbs, and customize it with a handmade gift tag (here are the instructions on how to make this version but get creative and make up your own!) I would also toss in some gardening gloves, an herb snip, as well as label the planters with a permanent felt tip marker and include care instructions.

concept and photo by Abbie Hendrickson

3. Memory flip book- honor a special time for Dad by ordering a custom flip book of any digital video clip under 30 seconds. From your little one’s first laughs and steps to the father/daughter dance at your wedding- the possibilities are endless! Flip books are available in many sizes and covers at FlipClips. And they are affordable too!

photos by Martha Stewart

I hope these ideas help inspire you or your children to make something unique and full of love for dear old dad! If you still need further inspiration, Martha has a fabulous DIY resource with many more options here like monogrammed ties and crafted cuff links. Enjoy!

It’s official!  School is out and summer is here!  One thing I always loved in the summer was the increase of daily ice cream cones and/or popsicles (especially otter pops).

Dear My Kids has this adorable Felt Ice Cream Pattern to create your own goodies for $5.99.  Not only would these be great for pretend play during summer, but what a fun craft day with the kids!

Me: I was thinking today might be a good day for a freebie.

You: Jina, that’s a great idea! I haven’t won a giveaway yet and that has me feeling blue.

Me: Well, how about a download that would let you show that special someone how you feel?

You: Jina, you’re a genius! Tell me more…

Me: Okay…

It comes to us from Vol. 25, one of my favorite blogs. And this pay-it-forward girl loves to give away her designs. This week, she has featured her most recent creation…

Click to download.

But don’t stop there; check out her holiday gift tags and recipe cards as well. And if you feel inclined, let us know who you will be showering with 8 Days of Love Notes. If it’s me, I totally understand.