New Law Kills the Handmade Industry

I know I signed off, but if you need something to protest, or a new cause to march for this winter—this would be it. Here is a link to a video to introduce the problem. After watching the video click on the links posted to learn more. And yes, I will have to quit selling my dolls if the new law passes because I cannot afford the tests.

Happy Holidays!

I will be around family for the next few weeks so I am officially signing off and saying, "Have a VERY Merry Christmas and New Year!"

Want of the Week

I would love to have perfect place settings for the perfect occasion. I'm liking the pink and white dish from Etsy seller Maggie Weldon Inc. They would work nicely for a winter party or perhaps a Valentine party.

Thank You for Voting!

Your votes came in and I got 2nd place!! (Only three votes below the winner yeah!) So my prize is a little more exposure—in one of the gift guides I think—for free! Thanks everyone, you are the best!

Branches and Butterflies

Remember the project preview I posted a little while ago? Here is a peek at the announcements I just finished. I had so much fun! The directions I received from the bride were to make a heart out of branches, use the color brown, and she wanted a pocket to hold all the pieces. (Click images to view larger.)

I decided to mimic the shape of the ceremony arch. I also included a few butterflies to foreshadow the planned butterfly release.
The cards are pressed by Tryst Press (they always do a great job)—so gorgeous. I wish you could see them in person. We used ecru Lettra letterpress paper, and the brown pocket is handmade Indian silk paper. The project included a menu, map, place cards, thank you cards, RSVP cards, and matching envelopes as well.

Next up, I'll be handmaking a sign-in book out of the left over paper. So check back later (in a month or so) for more . . .

Cast Your Vote—Three Days Left

One of the Minelolly Dollies has been nominated for best child's toy on Esty. Now it's up to voters to decide who wins. If you would like to vote for me, you will either need to sign in to Etsy or create an account. Next go to THIS link and vote for the little green Abducted Twice doll. (Click on the circle next to the name, a star will appear. Then scroll up to the top and click the vote button on the right.) Your vote is much appreciated!

Trees

I spent a bit of time over at MarthaStewart.com and found these trees. . . . Click Images to direct you to site.

I enjoy looking at the base of the trees just as much as the ornaments. It's fun to see how people handle that particular part of decorating when there aren't presents to stack around the bottom.
I've been thinking about doing this (see below). I have a line of ornaments that my grandma started giving me when I was little. My mom has continued the tradition. Now I have several that I would like to display, and I think this idea will work!

Below (Ornaments are made from seed packets.)

Mini tree, ornaments made from pipe cleaners.

Want of the Week

I am currently loving the Utopia collection over at Jonathan Adler. (Dare I say currently? I've been oogling the collection for a few years now.) I would probably bring these out for a Christmas dinner party. Can you smell the hot chocolate? Can you taste the marshmallows?

Oh Christmas Tree!

Of course, we all remember this gorgeous pink tree from Blueprint Magazine (now out of print) a while back—who would have thought a pink tree could look so UN-kitsch?

Now I am on the hunt for more fun and beautiful trees. So, for the next few weeks I'll be sharing my finds. Enjoy! This first batch is from Country Living (not necessarily my style, but good ideas still the same). Click Here to view all 31 designs!

Do You Ever . . .

see a single image and for some reason it appeals so much to you, that you keep going back to it? This wreath image has been like that for me. The colors are gorgeous—especially for this time of year. I thought I would take a shot at creating an image for you that describes what I see:

I would throw a winter berry pie and cobbler party (I love pie and cobbler). If weather permitted, I'd have it outside with relaxed place settings and lanterns.

It would be fun to send the guests home with a turnover in a tidy little package or perhaps a hand-made scarf.


Wreath: James Robertson Hanging Glass Bells: Cox and Cox Solar Powered Kilner Sun Jar: Cox and Cox Pie and Ice Cream (includes recipe): Sandra Kavital Turn Overs: Lara Ferroni Woman Scarf: Crazy Jane Knits Etsy shop Man Scarf: Happiknit's Etsy Shop

Tada!

I've just finished a fun logo/business card design. Yellow House specializes in interior design and wedding/event planning—they needed a logo that would "feel" like both. The elements from this design can easily be translated into a website and stationary system etc.

I think it's fun to see the creative process so I've posted the journey below. The three small images are rough drafts. From there we came up with the final version above.

ROUGH DRAFTS

(There is no website yet, but I'll post it as soon as I can.)

Simplicity in Detail

I gasped when I came upon these images on Homebug. They are of a renovated 18th century palazzo in Florence by Italian architect, Sabrina Bignami. This is the perfect example of new meets old, and it's completely breathtaking. Click Here for more images.

Want of the Week

Ahem, "One to go with every outfit please!" See Red Ruby Rose for more.

Simple Creativity

Look what I found over at Matthew Mead. So simple, in a graphic design sort of way. Had to post them.

By the way, if you've never visited Matthew Mead . . . go have a peek. With "fresh ideas for modern living" you'll probably enjoy the browse. Also, take note—past issues are posted back to 2004!

Holiday Wreaths

Time to start thinking about holiday decor! I am not a fan of many wreaths. But when I stumbled across these on Flickr, I started to become one. (The bottom right would look nice at a wedding too no?)

From top left to bottom right: 1. TibbyGirl 2. Robot Jumping Rope 3. Craftapalooza 4. The Shopping Sherpa

Perfect Pillow

We just purchased our first couch! (Not my first choice, but at a huge discount, I am glad to have it.) And now I am trying to find pillows—a more difficult task than I had originally thought.

I want something graphic, unique, and colorful. I may add a few black and whites to the contrast. I haven't settled on anything yet, but am leaning toward this first pillow from Lagom Design. The rest are my faves from today's search.

From top left to bottom right: 1. Lagom Design 2. Jonathan Adler
3. Anthropologie 4. CribCandy

5. Sown's Etsy Shop 6. PillowsandThrows
7. DermondPeterson 8. Anthropologie

9. Jonathan Adler 10. CribCandy

Want of the Week

Check out Roadside's Etsy shop, click here. These are are prints. Can you believe it? They look so 3-D. They have so much personality. Well done!

Miette Patisserie & Confiserie

"European, modern and understated" go check out the delicious looking treats at Miette Patisserie & Confiserie —located in San Francisco, I think I'm going to stop by next time I'm in town.

Want of the Week

It was a last minute decision to throw a funeral themed Halloween party this year, so I didn't get a chance to look for the hair piece I wanted to go with my black mourning costume. But if I could have ordered one, it would have been one of these.

From top left to bottom right: 1. by Feather Brain 2. by Portobello's Shop 3. by Brenda's Bridal Veils 4. by Vie Modern

Filagree Custom Announcements

I did these announcements a few years ago (Pro-Bono) and thought I'd share. Upon removing the ribbon, the gate folded announcement opens up to show photos of the bride and groom along with wedding details.

Halloween Treats

I figure some of you might be doing some spooky entertaining this weekend. Here are a few Flickr photographs I rounded up of some fun cupcake ideas.

From top left to bottom right: The Frosted Cake Shop • The Bleeding Heart Bakery • Musecatcher • The Frosted Cake Shop • Katchen • Princess of Ilyr • Uplatecakes • rkbcupcakes • my simply sweet • kimwebb25

Want of the Week

Totally Cuuuuute. I'm loving this Louis XV Bergere chair from Etsy seller The Vintage Laundry's Shop. I think I would have a lot more pink in the house if I didn't have a hubby. . . . To check out other items in the shop click here.

Project Preview

What am I working on these days? Well . . . I'll give you a little teaser. Below are some photographs for wedding details from which I will base custom designed announcements. I am finalizing the design and will go to press in a few weeks. So check back soon to see what we came up with!

Above: Photo from Spirit of the West Resort (the venue.)

Source of other images unknown. I received them from the bride who got them from the wedding planner. If anyone recognizes the photos please let me know so I can give proper credit.

Purple for Mom

Since my mother's favorite color is purple and her birthday is coming up, I thought it would be fun to put together some pretty purple images for her and your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!



Sweater: Anthropologie Roses: by Sugar_gd Bag with Buttons: Sew Mo's Etsy shop Cupcake with Flower: by Mejika Wedding Cake: by Andri L Saddle Bag: Pongobay's Etsy shop Cupcakes: by CharmChang Button Pin: Kreated by Kelly's Etsy shop Shoe: Endless.com

Want of the Week

I would probably use these in an office, maybe holding pens, pencils, rulers, and scissors. Click Here to view more details on the item or visit Jill Rosenwald's Etsy Shop. What would you use these for?

Blog: Cupcake Bake Shop

Click Here to check it out. Lots of recipes and cute photos.