The Elements of Style — by Guest Mom Kacy Faulconer

Hello friend. I am a huge fan of Design Mom and happy to be guest blogging here in the company of design gurus/mavens/enthusiasts; however, there’s one glaring problem: I don’t know what design is. Do you “do” it? “Practice” it? “Execute” it? To be honest I can’t even say, “I know it when I see it.” But still. I do have something to offer: grammar.

Take a look at the most recent edition of William Strunk and E.B. White’s Elements of Style. I love! If you have ever taken an English class you probably have an old-beat-up-much-loved copy of this simple style guide. It’s quintessential, as they say. How Maira Kalman got the idea into her head that she should illustrate this guidebook is beyond me. (Listen to her story on NPR here—there’s even an opera of it!)

Strunk and White’s examples were already clever and unexpected. The illustrations are perfect. Do read it. Us English teachers will be so pleased.


Somebody else’s umbrella


Well, Susan, this is a fine mess you are in.


He noticed a large stain right in the center of the rug.


Find it here or here.