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Alexx Boisjoli runs a small design studio in Toronto that focuses on ceramics, and he emailed me about his latest project that involves the production of one thousand bottles with ten illustrators.

Alexx says:
The Bottled Project hopes to create a direct connection between the craft world and illustration, we hope to give the opportunity of ceramic production to ten designers who may not have the chance otherwise. In collaborating we’re hoping to expand skills of ceramics with the creative talents of emerging illustrators.

Their first illustrator is Nolan Pelletier (whom you may remember from my post here ) and it looks absolutely lovely! I think he may still be looking for an illustrator or two, and you can contact him directly for more information — here’s the design brief.

For those who’d like to collect these pretty little works of art, you can head over to Alexx’s Etsy shop.

Pattern by Lindsay Nohl

Pattern by Chris Hajny

Pattern by Francesca Buchko

Paper Bicycle Creative is run by three surface product designers — Lindsay Nohl, Francesca Buchko and Chris Hajny based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During the day, they design everything; from apparel to stationery, to home and gift products, and at night they work on the Daily Pattern project out of their love for patterns and art.

They’re always looking for people to collaborate with (with monthly prizes to boot!) so head over to their blog to read up on how you can get involved!

I think I did mention that stamps were one of my obsessions, and no one does stamps better than Sarah of The Small Object. She has loads of new stamps, notepads and all sorts of other wonderful things up for sale in her shop – have a look and I know you’ll be smitten, just like I am! I found her about 6 years ago and I’ve been following her updates ever since.

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On another note, I’d like to share something that’s been on my mind lately.

On Pikaland, I write about artists and illustrators from all around the globe without prejudice. Up-and-coming talents are featured because I believe they have what it takes to go far, and I don’t shy away from featuring established artists as well. It’s very important to me to support them – no matter if they have already been at it for a very long time, or those who have just begun. Every business requires word of mouth to help spread the news around, and I don’t take for granted that those who have been around longer might need help from time to time as well. Perhaps it’s just me, but with each passing day I’m so afraid that they might fade away, and that would absolutely break my heart.

This came about after I went looking for a few artist’s shops (a lot of them that I knew before I started Pikaland) and was stopped short because a lot of them had closed down. I felt so very sad, and guilty at the same time. I kept asking myself was there something that I could have done to help somehow?

So if you like someone’s work, perhaps give them a shout out on your blog? Never for a moment think that what you do won’t count, because nothing can be further from the truth. All it takes is just one little step.

And with that, have a wonderful weekend folks – I’m going to rest, sketch, draw, read and regroup for the weekend. Everyone deserves a little time-out no?