I am not one for obsessing over the after life, but if you walk into the Post Mortem Gallery – in New Hope, PA – you are sure to be as bewitched as I was. I’ve inserted a gallery at the bottom of the post, so don’t miss all the great items that I got to see in person!

The most interesting to me in that shop, was the mourning art (or Art Memento Mori). The owner of the shop was nice enough to engage in some conversation and directed me towards the pieces on the wall. Have you ever heard/seen these? I have not. Using a loved one’s (those who have passed away) hair to create art. Look closer at the images, all of those organic forms are made from hair. The image on the right, all of those leaves on that family tree are made from the hair of each person listed. Amazing!

I decided to take a very imprompu trip to an antiques store today, and came across these maps for a second time. This time I had to get them. The smaller maps have a lovely black/aqua/orange color palette and the large one was printed in 1936 and is in fabulous condition. Most of them are of Canada but I also bought one of New York with a great illustrated map (upper right on the last photo), but I have no clue when it was printed. I’m not sure what I will exactly do with them yet, but I have a few inklings.

Seriously?! I love color, and this just blew me away – and not because it’s groundbreaking or anything crazy, but because it’s simple and lovely. For the Love of Color, is just that. Just add to your RSS feed and enjoy. Awesome.

via @designvagabond

Where does inspiration come from? Anywhere, from anything, or by anyone. I received an email from Esprit this morning and these shirts made me think, what a great color palette these would make for stationery. And Whoo-la, here they are! And unfortunately I can’t directly link to these shirts due to the way their site is setup (bad thing!)

From left to right, top to bottom:

Row 1: Just Married window display, Flickr; Custom Invitation, Faye + Co
Row 2: Gray Area Pom Paper Decoration by PomLove Etsy, Combination Ring on Love & Pride, Groomswear on JCrew.com
Row 3: Same-Sex Wedding feature in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, Groomsbuds by EmersonMade, Black Paper Hearts Confetti by embellishyourpage  on Etsy

From left to right, top to bottom:

Row 1: Jonas Peterson Photography, Christian Louboutin High Heels, Sailor Jerry Cufflinks
Row 2: Born Free T-Shirt on Etsy (for the groom to wear under his tux), Tattoo Invitations custom designed by Faye + Co, Custom Heart Tattoo Broach – as a boutonniere or for Bridesmaids
Row 3: Custom Engagement Announcement by Jon Contino, Provide guests with Sharpie Tattoos for a not-so-permanent look

How COOL is this? Tweed Ride Philadelphia was held on Saturday where all of the participants wore tweed and rode around the city. Looks like so much FUN! View many more photos on the Flickr page here.

From left to right, top to bottom: Jesus crown of thorns by Leonski, Frida Kahlo Ornament Set by missbutler, Lee Hale’s Rose Thorn Earrings, Crown No 1 on White by OrbisOrbis

From an Advertising Portfolio of Olivia Golden.

Double Grip Gauges for the Letterpress.

Metal Number Tacks, I love that number 22!

Commune is a creative company in Japan with four designers and two bloggers creating astounding work from advertising to identity to packaging. Formed in 2005, Commune has tried to establish itself as a place where professionals from various fields intimately work and communicate with each other, forming a commune.

Below is a brief look at their work.

I really liked the work created for The Legend of Kung Fu, and the Super Board is even more impressive – but you’ll have to visit their site to see that.