Candy is Dandy, But...

...books is better!

As a kid, anytime I had some money "burning a hole in my pocket" as my parents would always say, well, I ran to the candy store.  But now, that I'm older, I don't know about wiser, my candy choice runs to the visual variety.  And I run to the bookstore.  For eye candy. 

Santie brought me a little folding money for Christmas and since I've been "budget challenged" ever since the ULO (unfortunate lay off) of Sweet Hub, well you can bet your bottom that I hit the Barnes pdq.  

I had seen this softbound book reviewed in one of the Somerset mags (sorry, can't remember which one), and Jenny hit the nail on the head with this one. 

Authors Elsebeth Gynther and Christine Clemmensen do not disappoint. Instructions are clear and concise with instructions from beginning to end on basically how to collage.  Visual stunning as well. 

Perfect for a beginner or for someone who needs a kick in the old creativity pants (such as myself). 

Next up is MaryJo Koch's Collage Journals.  I'm such a fan of MaryJo's and have been for ages now.  And this book is just gorgeous.  Lots of great projects to get your art juices going (wow, that almost sounds gross eh?). 

And yes, say it with me in an annoying falsetto....freebies in the back!

Niiiiccce. 

And now under the category of good things come to those who wait. 

I have been waiting for this particular book for evah!  And truly, my little heart skipped a beat when I saw it on the Half Price books shelf last Sat.  And when I can get a $30.00 book for $7.98...well, icing on the cake. 

Carolyn helps you get past the usual "gift bag with tissue crammed on top" standard of gift wrapping. Using gorgeous papers and embellishments, she makes the presentation of the gift almost as equally good as the gift.  And don't we all love presentation?  That's half the fun.

Seriously.  Ad dog biscuit.  Is that sinkin cute or what?

And not just wrapping, but she gives ideas for the entire party from invites to cake to decor. 

Great color combos...

...and just visually fun. 

Ribbon....drool.

And this was my favorite.  What a great looking gift for birthday or the new bride.  And I'm so into yellow, black and grey right now.  Thanks Sis (eye roll). 

Are ya still with me?  Can you absorb a little more?  THIS is the most enjoyable RH I've seen in awhile.  For me, it was awesome from front to back.  Reminded me HUGELY of our beloved MECH mags.

Great article on Paris to the Moon gift shop.

Cool home decor with lots of coluhhh.

And darn it, its just FUN!  And two things I love are color and fun.

And if you are still with me, last but not least on our eye candy tour is this pretty.

I was one of two lucky peeps that won Tricia's giveaway of her Blissfully Traveled magazine.  I chose the March/April 2009 issue as my prezzie.

Tricia picks a locale, heads there and then gives you the skinny on great shops and finds in the area.  All in a beautifully packaged magazine.  One of the highlights of this issue is Curious Sofa. 

As well as several others in the Kansas City area.  Tricia sells her paper beauties in her Etsy shop.

And just a quick thank you to say thank you.  :D  Thanks for all the Etsy love this week.  I've got several orders to get out this morning and I know stock is running low.  I've got lots of goodies to load up and I hope to be able to do that later tonight. 

But now, I'm off to package orders.  And having been wonderfully inspired, hopefully, they will be packaged awesomely!  :D 

Comments

[Cindy (Junque Art)]

Wow lots of great books! I'm with ya on the extra $$ thing, I go for books too! Looking forward to lunch!! Hugs!

[Rosemary]

Great eye candy, and not fattening either.
Have a great day,
Rosemary

[Diva Kreszl]

oh my, what lovely books you found! I can't resist books either but usually try to find them in the bargin section at B&N's or used from amazon.

[Tricia samsal]

Thank you for the magazine love! So happy you enjoyed it.
Hugs, tricia

[Lisa]

Oh goodness! The Scraps book and the Collage Journals look amazing! Lots of inspiration in there. I STILL have not gotten my RH in the mail yet. I can't tell you how that infuriates me. It seems there is no benefit to subscribing anymore, because they are out on the newstands a week or more before they come in the mail to you. UUUGH! OK. The rant is over. :)
PS I do have the Carolyne Roehm book and it is wonderful.

[Lori]

oh my goodness!!! your book and magazine choices look most excellent...not to mention the beauty that you won...i really like the look of the Mary Jo Koch book, it looks really amazing!!!

[Maija Lepore]

Wonderful inspiration!!!!

[kathy lowry]

yummy _ yum yum !!! i want them all !! lucky you !!! kathy _ ga ♥

[HouseHold6]

I spy more yellow! That gift box with the butterflies... how CUTE is that presentation!? I want a present like that.

Oh yes... I am so ready for Spring to spring! Or Spring to sprang? Sprung?

[Angela]

Books? Oh, yeh. We just had that discussion, then I came home to read your blog. Great features here! Haven't perused the Romantic Homes yet (adore Paris to the Moon) but looking forward to that! Congrats on winning Blissfully Traveled - must check that out! ~ Angela

[mendy]

Oh wow!! I could spend hours flipping through those books! Lucky you! Now I've got the B&N itch...:)mendy

[[email protected]]

I was just at B & N...surely didn't see those. Are they in the art section ??? Sometimes I can't get past the magazines and cookbooks. Now I'll just have to go back!!!
lynn

[deedee roe]

FUN! :) Score on the 1/2 Books find.

[Joanna {sweet finds}]

you got some great eye candy! Love the books! I wanna make more journals. :) hoping to see you soon. hugs, Joanna

[susan]

i love books and magazines! i think a trip to B&N is in order, thanks for the eye candy :) hope you are well. xo suz

[Kim]

You & I are the same!!! Nothing makes me happier than an armload of pretty books & magazines. Especially if they are home/artsy/British magazines!