Things #6: This week's stuff instalment features socks, seeds and a set of queens

This week we’ve gathered a very random collection of goodies. Not only have we got the newest issue of Library Paper to dive into, but also seeds to plant and socks to wear; proof that the world of design isn’t constrained by boundaries. (Except personal space boundaries, those are important.) There’s also an unusual pack of playing cards and a beautiful book. We’ve really hit the jackpot!

Roads Designer Classics Series: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tender is the Night

Much to our enjoyment, Roads has added three new books, which means three new covers, to their Designer Classics Series, and here’s one of them. Isn’t it lovely! Like the rest of the series, the Tender is the Night cover graphic is the work of Conor & David, a design team made up of Conor Nolan and David Wall. These guys have managed to give a beautiful picture of what the book has to offer using only one circle of space, which is an impressive feat.
www.conoranddavid.com

Socks: Zulu Zion

Socks are an important part of life. You’re probably wearing socks right now, and if you’re not I bet your feet are either pretty cold or doing that horrible sticking to the inside of your sweaty shoe thing that they do. Socks don’t often get the recognition they deserve, but Zulu Zion has solved that problem by using the boldest and brightest patterns they could come up with to make sure their socks can’t be ignored. Inspired by graffiti, 90s pop art and African tribes, these socks are the perfect way to keep your feet stylish and warm this English summer.
www.zuluzion.com

Jessica H.J. Lee: The Queens

These cards might make for a lousy game of Snap, but for these illustrations that’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make. Jessica H. Lee sent them us all the way from New York and we love them, even though she forgot Liz ‘The Queen’ Windsor. The detail she’s gone into is incredible, with the standard suit symbols turning into cheese for the dairy queen and a heavily made up eye for the drag queen. And she definitely gets extra credit for including Queen Latifah.
www.jessica-hj-lee.com

Seed Packets: SowHow

Have you ever had the sudden urge to garden? No? Us neither, until we saw these beauties. SowHow’s stunning seed packet designs don’t stop at the front, they follow through into the simple instructions inside, making it seem all too easy for you to turn your garden into a haven for beetroots, leeks and all your other vegetabley friends. SowHow are based in Bristol but they deliver, so if you’re feeling green-fingered it’s easy to get your hands on some. Plus, if they don’t grow you’ll still have some pretty pictures to look at.
www.sowhow.com

Library Paper: Issue #4

Well, well, well, if it isn’t our old friend Library Paper, back with their fourth issue. When we covered their third back in October we were overjoyed they’d been so successful and their newest creation hasn’t changed our minds. The format is the same, striking images accompanied by a page of commentary written by the designer, giving an inimitable insight into the personalities of the people behind the pictures. It’s witty while being informative and has incredible variety; we’re already looking forward to the next one.
www.librarypaper.com