Put this on the "I gotta get me one of these!" list. While not entirely functional, the cool factor on these is through the roof. Created by little factory this scarf is laser cut utilizing the letters of the alphabet to create the pattern, giving it a interesting and textured appearance. Almost random feel from afar, but quite interesting as you get close enough to recognize what the design is.

For those of us who love to see letters as art, this is a must have. Check it out at:  http://littlefactory.com/scarf/uppercase/

For those who might not appreciate the random letters, what can this inspire? Perhaps it is your latest tagline, cut into the scarf, which can double as a impromptu banner. How about your next sporting event giveaway? Scarves with your team name, motto, etc laser cut out of them? 1,000 fans holding up your sports team banner could be a really cool effect in a stadium and it would likely be taken home and pinned up on walls, bulletin boards and in offices for years to come. Can you say that for the little foam fingers?

I know this might be a bit of a diversion, but this evening as I was working in the yard, prepping for a nearly 100 person fairly spontaneous party at our house (a whole other story...) I saw something in an apple tree that caught my eye. Upon further inspection, it appeared to be some type of butterfly or moth. I grabbed my camera and snapped off a couple (that means dozens) of shots. And while is was great to get that close and it just sat there and allowed the papparazi to snap away, it wasn't until I got back to my computer and really started looking at it, that I was inspired.

When you get busy and have a lot going on, sometimes it is easy to overlook the small things. This put things in perspective pretty quickly. At the point when you have designed something you are really happy about, and think it is pretty spectacular, take a look around. Nature can put you in your place pretty quickly. Just look at the symmetry, balance, color palette, contrast, texture. Quite a humbling experience. So next time you get hung up, or just need a little reality check, turn to nature. Become inspired, you never know what will spark something in you.

So yesterday afternoon, as a former co-worker, Jeff, who is just finishing up his MFA at SCAD and I sat down for a malt beverage, he passed me his business card. I immediately notice something unusual about it, it was printed on of a portion of a Diet Coke box. The familiar silver coating on the back with a hint of a red k and an e. Writing his thesis on green design, it was completely appropriate. Something he is passionate about, translated into that standard 2" x 3.5" card. (or in my case, a bit smaller).

For years, designers have been looking for ways to make their cards stand out, sometimes pure gimmick others pure genius. For me, the genius comes when the card, earnestly reflects some aspect of who that person is. Jeff's did just that. He is a designer, but because of the reuse of materials, existing resources, and creativity of the card, I have a bit better insight into his passions. Obviously green, obviously creative.

So, I had started to think of other creative cards, and came across this site which features many, check them out and if you have any favorites that don't make this list, send them my way and we will create one of our own.

And remember, as you are working on that next business card, how can you find a way to show the person receiving the card a little bit more about you? Not just the company, your occupation, but who you are and what your passions are.