I've been obsessed with
Cartolina Cards for a long time now. This line is designed and produced by the talented British Columbia-based graphic designer, Fiona Richards.
And, I have quite a large stash of her cards in my drawer, ready for the next occasion!
Fiona's designs are influenced by exotic curiosities that surrounded her growing up in Scotland with her grandparents in their 300 year old stone house, filled to the brim with strange and curious mementos from their lives as textile dealers in old world India.
The odd collections of things that filled her home were items that her grandfather brought back from India and South Asia. Everything from books & pictures, to silverware and ornaments. Since childhood, Fiona was exposed to a world of curiosities that have influenced her design work.
Fiona's family photographs are a bizarre collection of elephant riding, pith helmet wearing, and family swimming in the Indian Ocean wearing pointed grass hats.
Elephants play a leading role in imagery for Fiona's cards. They are always a favorite for buyers.
(above) A couple of Fiona's favorite pieces of ephemera that her grandfather collected from India and Asia.
These old French letters sit in a glass jar next to Fiona's computer. The handwriting inspires her every day...
Fiona's studio is filled with artful treasures and design relics she collects on her travels to the markets and shops nearby and abroad. She has amassed quite a collection of vintage items that give her endless inspiration such as her "favorite little tins."
She loves their typography and handpainting...
Curious collections of Fionas include these 2 miniature drawings from Switzerland from a local farm sale, hand-carved wooden boats found in the walls of a Victorian house; tortoiseshell eyeglasses; extra-long paper scissors; rubber stamps
Ancient patterns, colors, exotic images and textures make Cartolina Cards one of my favorite lines...And they're printed on recycled paper of the highest quality!
Even the back of the cards are so beautifully detailed...
Cafe Cartolina cards can be found in shops all over the world, from the U.K. to the U.S. Or, you can purchase them online
here at Modern Paper Goods.
Wait! Did I mention that Fiona has one of the most beautiful
blogs?
Cafe Cartolina is a feast for the eyes. Join Fiona on her latest quests from travel & collecting to design & fashion.
Thanks Fiona for your endless inspiration, and for giving me a reason to visit my local gift shop frequently!
photos from Cafe Cartolina & Cartolina Cards
Happy Monday! Ready for another week of 
Wouldn't it be fun to surf the web with one of these retro-fitted Victorian style computers by Old Time Computer? I'm mesmerized by them!
The ultra modern joins with medieval times to give your computer a Victorian look with these custom pieces. Take for instance an Apple iMac Oak Custom Cover. Just slip on your computer and you walla! A beautiful hand built wood desktop. And these custom-made keyboards that look like old typewriters. So steampunk.
You can view all of Old Time Computer designs here. They even have iPhone and iPad holders!
