In love with Illustration!

Hi everyone, it's Jane with my September post (barely made my deadline!) One of my very favorite things in life is illustration. I fell in love with picture books when I was little and to this day have my own library of my special childrens books. It's not just books that tug at my heart... I love illustrated paper goods (of course!), fabric, editorials, books, advertising, clothing etc.

Below are some of my favorite illustrators, their websites and links to some fabulous illustration blogs. Enjoy!

Illustrators
Nila Aye   www.nilaaye.com


Ed Fotheringham   www.edfotheringham.com

Loraley Bove   www.lorelaybove.blogspot.com

Illustration Blogs
Ten Paces and Draw   www.ten-paces.blogspot.com

"Ten Paces and Draw is a blog about collaboration and illustration. As artists we thought it would be fun not only to catalog inspiring work by others, but to start an ongoing illustration project to which we can all actively contribute."

Super fun stuff - my favorite series is on Harry Potter (see one of the illustrations below. Sketch by Francesca Buchko, final by Katie Turner)

Pikaland    www.pikaland.com

Pikaland creator Amy Ng says this about her site, "Pikaland is a blog about living the illustrated life — an art and illustration blog that’s a collection of beautiful things and inspirations that I stumble upon on the internet that’s made/designed by illustrators and artists, and is updated almost daily". Amy has also created an amazing place to take online illustration classes - Camp Pikaland, "A virtual school for artists, by artists". I am currently taking a few classes (but behind in my homework - yikes!)"

May your Holidays be beachy and bright!

We simply love the idea of sharing vacation snapshots as holiday photocards! This year we've added fun new designs to our lineup that we think are perfect for showing off your vacation pics! This is just a sampling of what we have to offer - view our entire collection here.

1. Azra Tile Turquoise   2. Coral Repeat   3. Cheer Dot   4. Polka Dot Ribbon - Raspberry and Navy  
5. Madras Patch   6. Bold Stripe   7. Happy Everything   8. Jetties Navy   9. Kate Raspberry & Green

Labor Day Giveaway!

It’s "New Design Time" here at BG and we are gathering new design ideas! We thought it would be fun to do a Labor Day Giveaway (because it rhymes!) and find out what design suggestions you have for our design boards. Below, we have posted some of our best selling foldover notes to help get your creative juices flowing! To enter, simply leave a comment below with your pattern suggestions. We will randomly draw a winner on September 6th (Tuesday). What do you win, you ask?! The lucky winner will receive 25 personalized foldover notes their choice with envelopes printed with your return address! Comments must be received by Monday, September 5th at 11:59 pm EST. We'll announce the winner on the 6th here, our Facebook page and on Twitter so make sure you keep your eyes peeled!

1. Madras Patch Blue   2. Floral Pink Toile   3. Greek Key Band Pink   4. Chinoiserie Navy   5. Bright Floral   6. Coral Repeat Teal   7. Espadrille Preppy   8. Madison White with Black   9. Chain Link Navy   10. Toile Pink with Lime Check

Prep School!

We're anxious to see the little ones off this fall as they go back to school. While we hate to see them go, fortunately we'll be sending them in style. And we're ecstatic to see fountain pens for children so we can pass along our tradition of mailing hand written notes! What are your back-to-school must-haves?

1. Boatman Geller Sticker in Madras Patch Blue   2. iPlay Print Umbrella in Pink   3. Hunter Kids' Young Hunter Original Boot   4. Boatman Geller Note Pads in Alligator and Whale   5. J.Crew Girls' Cupcake Ruffle Dress   6. Boatman Geller Bag Tag in Polka Dot and Crest Lacrosse   7. J.Crew Boys' Long-sleeve Sailboat-stripe Popover   8. L.L. Bean Deluxe Book Pack in Sky Blue   9. Lamy ABC Fountain Pen

Back to Campus!

It's time to get ready to head back to campus. Whether you're off to college for the first time or a seasoned pro, we think these are some great products to get you on your way! What will you be taking back to campus?

1. Boatman Geller Chocolate Brown Notetote   2. Read Your Bookcase by Saporiti   3. IKEA Oleby Work Lamp   4. Case Logic Cable Knit Netbook Sleeve   5. Shower Caddy from Vera Bradley   6. Boatman Geller Floral Brown Acrylic Notepad   7. Boatman Geller Bright Floral Bag Tag   8. Lamy Safari Ball Point Pens in Aqua and Pink   9. Boatman Geller Modern 12 Month Calendar