What better time to splurge on creative printed invitations and notecards than on the occasions closest to your heart. Below are some inspiring ideas for invitations and note cards you can use.

Now that the day of hearts is upon us (along with this exhausted economy), lovers are at a loss for making this V-day a bit different from others. From the cute, the sweet, the naughty to the yummy, here are some simple, cheap and yet quite unconventional gift ideas for your valentine.

Let’s take a break from print and delve into fascinating modern interior and product designs. Here are some products and websites I found but feel free to add on to the list!

When you need your headlines to jump off the page of your design, electricity effects are a great way to get attention. Often the impression of electricity is just as eye-catching as the real thing. Besides, you do not want the design to distract from the message. This tutorial walks you through a simple method of creating an electric effect for your text that is both eye-catch and subtle.

Hi tech designs often call for an abstract circuit board effect in the background. Whether you are advertising for a web banner or a poster, circuit boards carry with them the impression of technology and a state-of-the-art look. Instead of searching for a potentially copyrighted image, just make your own circuit board in Photoshop with this tutorial.

Starburst patterns are a classic style that can be used for retro or modern designs. Instead of fumbling around the internet for a background that works for you, you can use this simple technique to create your own. This tutorial walks you through a few easy steps so you can create your own starburst backgrounds in whatever colors you want.

Photoshop has many tool that can be used for composition – creating a new image from scratch. Abstract lighting effects are very useful for adding unique effects to images are even as part of an entire composition itself. This tutorial shows you how to create your own abstract lighting effect in a few short steps.

Now that the week’s coming to a close, you, like every hardworking individual in this country, deserve to sit back and take a break. Here are some creative and inspiring modern pieces of art you can post on your desktop and ponder on while sipping a warming cup of coffee. Click on the image for a bigger sized version of the wallpaper. Happy Friday folks!

Canadian designer Michael Rei creates everything from 3D products to custom design services for local and international clientele. He has worked with Labfifteen, New Dawn Hosting, Design Squad International and The Pure Simplicity Group among others. He considers design to be his hobby, so his career as his hobby keeps him busy around the clock. This guy hardly sleeps!

Here are 7 online goldmines to really cool and inspiring website designs. Below each URL are some samples of website designs you can find from the list. Feel free to contribute if you know of a great website with a really creative design.