One big challenge I’ve come across as an online-only shop owner is how to best display my homepage in order to give new and returning visitors the best scope of the range of products they will find on LAMA. I’ve been bouncing around some ideas in my head for months now that I’m eager to jump on and, after checking out Supermarket Sarah (via Modish), I have been inspired to move this task to the top of my “to do” list.

I absolutely adore the way UK shop owner Sarah has cleverly displayed the products she sells through her online shop. it’s simple, warm and inviting and definitely makes me want to come in and have a look around. I completely admire Sarah’s innovative way of showcasing her goods. Fantastic! Thanks for the inspiration!

Over the weekend, I came across the work of Brazilian folk artist Jose Francisco Borges. Born in Northeastern Brazil, Borges has become one of Brazil’s most famous folk artists working in the wood cut medium.

Beginning his career as a folk artist and poet, Borges published his own work in a series of pamphlets called folhetos. Shortly thereafter he began to operate his own printing press to produce wood cut prints for their covers. After being recognized for the beautiful wood cut artwork he was producing, Borges was encouraged to produce larger format prints in color as well as the traditional black and white.

Jose Francisco Borges has since become internationally famous for his incredible folk art. Having his work exhibited in The Louvre and the Smithsonian and the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, Borges has successfully shown the world the beauty of Brazilian wood cut art.

To read more about Jose Francisco Borges and to view more of his work, click here. Also, to find out more information on wood cut art, click here.

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve got some serious Oakland pride. That’s why I was so excited when one of my favorite Oakland shops, Urban Indigo, introduced their iconic Oakland map earlier this week. Lucky me, I already have one hanging in my apartment! My wonderful boyfriend headed down to Urban Indigo with Miles while I was in NYC to purchase this awesome welcome home gift for me. How sweet!

If you love Oakland as much as I do, I highly recommend you head down to Urban Indigo this weekend and pick up your own. Bonus! It fits perfectly in an inexpensive Ribba frame from Ikea. To check out the map in greater detail and to find Urban Indigo’s location, check out the newsletter below. Go Oakland!

Yesterday was my first day back in LAMA HQ’s after a 5 day trip to NYC for the New York International Gift Fair. It was a good experience overall to check out a ton of great new products that will be making their way into shops soon, but I’ve come to the conclusion that maybe trade shows just aren’t my thing. I think I’ll be sticking to different means of scouting out products from now on. It was, however, so much fun to finally experience New York in the summer! It was scorching hot but a nice change of pace from the cool Oakland summer (think SF sans fog).

One of the highlights of my trip was spending some time with my favorite graphic designer Hijiri K Shepherd. Yes, I’m slightly biased towards Hijiri because she happens to be LAMA’s graphic gal. Regardless, she’s totally sweet and was kind enough to show me around a beautiful part of Brooklyn called Dumbo.

“Hi Everyone, I’m Hijiri!”

walking to the park

view of the Brooklyn Bridge from Dumbo

Another view into Manhattan from Dumbo

Not only was Hijiri kind enough to show me around town, but she also made this awesome custom letterpress stationary for me at her studio! I wonder how she knew my favorite color was blue? Hmmm…

To get your own fabulous Hijiri K stationary and prints, check out her shop here. Also, don’t miss her fantastic blog (Heart Fish) here. Thanks again Hijiri! I can’t wait to hang up my letter C in my office!

Yesterday, the always informative Holly Becker of Decor8, posted about Papaya’s Oregon based office space. I was completely blown away by the photos of this truly inspirational office. Hello color! Amazing. It’s all of my girly dreams come true. I mean, I wouldn’t mind living there let alone working in a space like that! Talk about inspiration. I hope LAMA has a space like this someday. Here’s to bigger dreams. Thanks Holly for sharing.

orders department

Who’s warehouse looks like this! Incredible.

To check out the full post with a lot more great photos, click here.

I love this venn diagram by Budd Caddell. What a beautiful way to show what it takes to build the perfect business. I think I may pick up the poster version for my office.

This week, Argentina celebrated Dia del Niño (children’s day). This popular holiday celebrated throughout the world is simply a day to celebrate and honor the children in our lives. In Argentina, the holiday is celebrated much like Mother’s or Father’s day is here in the states. Children receive presents from their parents just for being, well, kids! Wow, I sure could have used an extra day of presents while I was growing up. Being a Christmas baby, It was rough to have only one day of gifts all year long. Dia del Niño would have been awesome! Oh well. Poor me. Anyhow, Check out these cool, kid friendly products below created by favorite Buenos Aires shop Pesqueira for Tienda Malba. If I were in grade school, I would definitely be sporting that red bag. Happy Dia del Niño Argentina!

Thanks Milk Tooth’s Rain for sharing photos of my home with your readers. Love the mention! Check it out here.

Look what I discovered on my google alerts this morning. I lovely mention on a beautiful blog. Thank you Naomi of Inspire*Inspire! I’m so happy you found LAMA. To check out this fabulous UK based blog, click here.

Miles at 9 months w/ his squirrel and fav red ball

Miles the LAMA shop dog and my personal BFF is celebrating his 5th birthday today! Hooray for my little Leo! I couldn’t ask for a better office mate and LAMA product model. That’s right! In case you haven’t noticed, Miles has modeled is several product shots taken throughout the year. Check out some of my favorites below:

Modeling The Bird Tote by Tanya Aguiniga

Modeling the Boucle Alpaca Throw by Ethnique

Modeling Perro Mediano by Sopa de Principe

Happy birthday to a very special doggie who has spent the last 5 years being completely awesome. Hanging out with Miles all day makes my job so much fun. I’m sure anyone who gets to work with their best friend would agree. I love you Miles! Besos para mi amor!