gathered: chart smart

Friends, let me tell you a little something. I am obsessed with charts. Something about the visual/verbal combination really gets me going. Maybe they make me nostalgic for elementary Science and US History class, or they remind me of teen magazine quizzes. Who knows. I just think they're great, which is why I decided to do a little Gathered round up on some of the educational and equally beautiful charts of the internet.

I'll start off today's gathered with The Perfect Pour coffee guide from Plaid Creative, which actually inspired this post. A combination of my two loves, coffee and bold, minimalistic design. And how great does an Eiskaffee sound?

This Les petites douceurs print from French-Canadian illustrator Eva Juliet is so sweet. I love the soft, watercolor pastels and calligraphed descriptions... it would be great hanging in a cute little bakery or even a little girl's room. 

Cats of the World print by illustrator Gemma Correll available at L'affiche Moderne: linguistically educational and freaking cute. 

I'll probably be asking for the Splendiferous Array of Culinary Tools poster from Pop Chart Lab for my birthday, if I don't get it before then. The simple, midcentury modern feel would look good framed in almost any kitchen. Pop Chart Lab has a ton of awesome posters -- chart is their middle name, after all.

This fun Outlaws of the Wild West print from 1Canoe2 is letterpressed. Yes please.

There are so many vintage charts available on Etsy. I love this 1930s star-mapping one from sandmarg.

Similar to vintage charts, Etsy also offers a ton of creative alphabet posters. I really love this Animal Alphabet poster from Decoylab. It's cute for a nursery but cool enough to last through adolescence. I know I'd hang it in my house. 

Being half Australian, I'm partial to this oh-so-educational Bird Eggs of Australia chart from Cake With Giants. I love the scripty font and soft, speckled colors. And now I know what a Chiming Wedgebill egg looks like.

If you're not feeling overwhelmed and over-educated yet, here are few more chart links for your clicking desires:
   --Pork Meat Market Cuts from YeeHaw
   --Super cute Save the Date Flow Chart
   --Lucile has an entire shop full of cute, illustrated charts!
   --This Kitchen Conversions chart would be handy next to the stove
   --The blue and brown combo of this Mushroom Print is wonderful
   --I love Bold & Noble's "Around Britain" series, especially this leaf print
   --Lovely watercolor Seaweed Botanical print from Studio Tuesday
   --And to finish things up, old school Smokey the Bear nature posters via Unruly Things

gathered: heaps of hearts

I've been working on putting together a column for gathered heart featuring lots of lovely things from around the web. As I was working on this particular post, I thought, what better title for this column than "gathered"? And of course, what better item to gather for my first post than hearts?

I've honestly never been a big fan of hearts. They generally seem too cutesy, girly, or overly Valentines Day-ish. I was very hesitant to name my blog after the shape. Lately, however, I've found myself drawn to them more and more -- specifically the non-pink kind. Perhaps it has something to do with being a newlywed... but here are a few of the heart-items that have stolen my own heart:

1. The dappled light shining through this simple garland from Oh So Crafty is oh so pretty.  2. I've been in love with these heirloom-quality heart measuring spoons from Beehive Kitchenware for over a year now, but I just can't bring myself to spend $44 on spoons!  3. My friend Abby can bake up a storm. And I want one of her super cute butter cookies asap.

Have you heard of the England-based company Bombus? They're doing great things with decoupage, vintage maps, and shadow boxes. I love the colors in this particular heart, and if you're feeling crafty, it would be a simple and fun DIY project.

1. The paper-cut details of Famille Summerbelle's Love Bug print are wonderfully graphic, especially that open leaf pattern.  2. This teeny heart pendant by Mon Cadeau is so delicate and pretty.  3. West Elm will donate a portion of all profits from their papier-mache hearts to the Hand/Eye Haiti Relief fund. 

1. Gigantic heart-shaped chalkboard from Urban Outfitters.  2. This paper heart- and moss-filled Gnome Home from Samantha Lamb has the feel of a terrarium without living plants (perfect for those of us with black thumbs.)  3. Share the love with one of these heart notecards from Hocus.

I realize I haven't written anything about the ongoing tsunami crisis in Japan, but my heart and prayers go out to those who are suffering and in need. I think it is amazing that so many artists and creatives have donated their time and talents to help, like This Paper Ship. 90% of the sales from their Cherry Blossom Heart print will be donated to the Red Cross's disaster effort in Japan. A beautiful print for a beautiful cause. Or, if you'd like, you can donate directly to the Red Cross here. 

1. I know this image made its way through the blogs this Valentines day, but these tiny heart cookies from Brooklyn Bride via Oh Happy Day are just too adorable not to repost!  2. The same goes for these DIY valentine pins from the Purl Bee - I love the hand-stitched detail. 

And there you have it, the first edition of gathered. I hope you've enjoyed it -- let me know what you think, or if you'd like to see anything featured in the future!