Showing posts with label Inspired By. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspired By. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Thanksgiving Table

A little inspiration to get you in the mood for turkey!



I love a good table setting, especially with wood, white, gold and greens, but the thing I'm most excited about are the faces that will be around our table this year. We're hosting, so have family coming from all around to join us. Hope yours is a Happy one!

[Sources: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX]

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Italian Holiday

My junior year in college, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Florence, Italy. That was a decade ago, and I've been plotting my return trip ever since I left. On Holiday is my ode to two things that I like a lot: Italy and Fiats. I figure maybe if I draw about them enough, my return trip will come true.



I had considered putting a tree on top of the car, but then thought that the skis were much more romantic -- two lovers jetting away for the weekend through the Italian countryside to a remote little ski chalet where they sip hot chocolate, sit by the fire wrapped up in cashmere blankets and leisurely flip through the pages of A Farewell to Arms. At least that's what I think of.

Image Sources: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Inspired By [Johnny Miller]



This past weekend, I found myself lost scrolling through the pages of Johnny Miller's website. [Wait, does that sentence make sense? You can find yourself lost somewhere, right?!] The compositions, colors, lighting -- incroyable...





and sometimes downright delicious...



Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Window Dressing



A fascinating look at the making of Bergdorf's window displays is in the latest issue of Lonny. Be sure to watch the video, too -- fantastic videography and a perfect song to go along.



I love a good behind-the-scenes!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Inspired By [Treats]



Both sweet treats and a couple others, like the monsterific Halloween card from Rifle Paper and those cute as a button lamb costumes made out of cotton balls. Oh, and a logo-ed pumpkin? Definitely not what goes on with pumpkins at our house! We have one sitting at our door warning people in black Sharpie marker "Do not come near me or a hand will reach out and grab you and throw you in the lava pit."

[Images, TOP ROW: Twig & Thistle Ghost Cake, Amy Atlas Dessert Table, Monogrammed Pumpkin by Sweet Paul; MIDDLE ROW: Rifle Paper Co. Card, Martha Costumes, Martha Halloween Table, Twig & Thistle Treat Bags; BOTTOM ROW: Amy Atlas Treats, Martha Treats, Martha Pumpkins]

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Inspired By [School Days]



Every August, I can be heard saying "Yay -- We get to go buy school supplies! I love buying school supplies." And my boys look at me like I've all of a sudden turned into an alien lizard who just might eat them if they aren't careful. They think it's weird. The joy of labeling binders and organizing pencil boxes is lost on them. Don't you remember the excitement of a new desk and fresh erasers just ready to be marker-ed and glued? [Did anyone else do that? We always had them squirreled away in our desks: as the glue dries, it soaks up the marker colors/pattern, which provided endless entertainment.]

Friends, it's been a tough transition this year. First grade doesn't seem to have the same appeal as Kindergarten. I'm hoping that was all just the first week jitters, though, and that once the new routine is in place things will brighten up.

[Images: FIRST ROW: Milk Magazine Gallery; Library Pocket Journal from the Curiosity Shoppe; Bianca and Family. SECOND ROW: Moma Choco Tape Dispenser; Sweet Bella Chalk; Know-it-all Pencil set from the Curiosity Shoppe. THIRD ROW: Knot and Bow Classic Sticker Set; Small Magazine chairs; Jonathan Adler highlighters]

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Have a Coke and a Smile



I grew up in Atlanta, where my aunt asked me one morning "if I wanted a Coke for breakfast."[remember the old commercial with the song "I want a Coke in the morning!"?]
It's also where my wool-suit-and-hose wearing grandmother would have a Coke in the bottle everyday for lunch. [which probably consisted of a Tomato or Pimento Cheese sandwich]
When we'd get sick, the first [and arguably the best] remedy was a Coke. [even still when I had morning sickness and was talking to my parents on the phone, the first thing my dad said was "you know, the best thing for that is a good ole Co-cola]
When New Coke came out, we boycotted the soft drink aisle. [really, what were they thinking?]
The World of Coke would come set up once a year in my school cafeteria, so we could taste Coke that was sold in China and Mexico.
And, when I went to camp in North Carolina, I couldn't figure out who had played the nasty trick of stealing the Coke machine and replacing it with a Pepsi one. And what the H is Cheerwine? [I actually came to like Cheerwine over the course of the 3 weeks- It's not like I was going to drink a Pepsi!]

I generally drink water, but on the occasion when I want something else, there's nothing quite as refreshing as an ice cold Coke [in a glass bottle, mind you], especially during the long, hot summer. How about you? Do you vote Coke or Pepsi?

[IMAGE CREDITS: top row: Olivia Graham diner, Simple Bloom Photography crate and building; middle row: Amy Atlas favor bags, Style Me Pretty bottle of Coke, Emeco Coke chair at DWR -- these chairs are made out of recycled Coke bottles!; bottom row: Style Me Pretty Coke crate, flowers unknown?, Style Me Pretty freezer]

Friday, July 9, 2010

Inspired By [Summer]



Sleeping in [as in not having to get a child to school by 7:35 AM], cooking out, sleepovers, wearing bathing suits all day, tents and sleeping bags, smores [the boys even invented their own version called "barf your face off smores," which translates "stack as many candy bars and marshmallows you can and then eat as much as you can until you barf." Charming, no?]...there's a lot to be said for summertime. What's your favorite part?

[Image credits -- top row: clothesline Lonny Magazine; tent Poppytalk; Tweet by Willowbaus sailboat. middle row: The Parent Trap via Design Sponge; dinosaur jump house 100 Layer Cake; barn Style Me Pretty. bottom row: Ellen Silverman Smores; pick up Style Me Pretty]

Friday, July 2, 2010

Inspired By [Stars + Stripes]



Bright color, clean lines, a little sparkle here and there -- what's not to like?

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

[Images clockwise from top left to center: Oh So Beautiful Paper striped straws; Wovenplay Striped swimsuit; Lissy Elle fort; Milk and Paper Petits Sachets; Elizabeth Anne Design origami stars; Style Me Pretty popcorn boxes; girlhula gummed stars; Sam Edelman Clive flats; Milk and Paper Petits Drapeaux]

Thursday, June 10, 2010

A Bit of Holiday Inspiration



Hey gang. It's been a crazy week over here. Last night, I was pouring myself a glass of wine, and then proceeded to put the wine bottle back into the cupboard with the wine glasses instead of the fridge. Walked away and thought "why does that not feel right?"

There are several reasons for the fog I'm walking around in: last week of school events, a Brandi Carlisle concert [Oh yes, it was amazing as always. I'm just the teeny tiniest bit obsessed with her and Tim and Phil. And now the unbelievable drummer Ali. She was headed to Charleston after our show here, and I was tempted to just follow the tour bus. Brandi in Charleston -- what could be better?!], a teething baby who just decided that being immobile wasn't really her thing, and lastly, trying to muster up as much constant creative energy as possible to get holiday card designs churned out.

It was a bit comical to me designing holiday cards in June in the South where it is as hot as the dickens and the constant refrain in our house these days is "Close the door! You're letting out the bought air!" Anyhow, above are some images that inspired me for the latest batch. And below is the now mobile little nugget...



I'll be back soon, hopefully with less loopiness! Peace out.

P.S. you can follow the link on the right to see my latest holiday design...

[Images clockwise top left to center: anyone?; snippet & ink typewriter; martha; smashing magazine; anyone?; martha; marc johns antler illustration; style me pretty pie; wovenplay hoola girl]

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Inspired By [Night Lights]



Because Christmas lights are one of my favorite things, I've been drawing inspiration from them for the new holiday cards. What I've enjoyed seeing, though, is the use of twinkling lights year round. We've got lots of work to do in our back yard, but as soon as we get it in shape, I'm thinking a whole lot of lights are in order!

One day soon I need to get around to posting designs with their inspirations...one day...soon...

[Images clockwise top left to center: Simon Brown Camper; Christian Oth Studio Fireworks; Snippet & Ink; Style Me Pretty; Gramercy Park Hotel; Hotze Eisma; 100 Layer Cake; I Am Blessed Bird on Light Strand; Brooklyn Bride Mason Jar with lights]

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Inspired By [Sun + Surf]



I've been working away on holiday card designs, and I can trick myself into thinking it's that time of year by playing Christmas songs for only so long before I step outside -- it's 90 degrees here! And then my mind drifts from snowflakes and reindeer to being barefoot on the beach, long baths after a day in the sun, lounging around playing cards all afternoon on the deck with the sound of waves crashing in the background...would you like to join me?

[Images clockwise from top left to center: Jack and Lulu Stripey Straws via Anthropologie; Dagmar Daley sunsuit; Coastal Living bunks; Buy the Seas Knot Door Stopper; Life Magazine via Coastal Living; Bensimon Tennis Elastique; Coastal Living bath; Ellen Silverman blackberries; Coastal Living ceiling fan]

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Inspired By [Storage]



A couple of months ago, I saw a feature in the New York Times Magazine on Diane Keaton. She took a photo of bins "because she loves storage - the very idea of it." I just so happen to agree, and loved the way that was phrased. Shelves, bins, closets, cabinets, containers -- what's not to love? And thus, my ode to storage -- because sometimes things don't have to be explained, simply enjoyed. Enjoy!

[Image credits clockwise to center: Martha; 1st Option; Martha; Dwell Bins; Lonny; Martha; Living Etc.; I don't know??; Lonny]

Friday, April 30, 2010

Inspired By [The Note]



A little inspiration to get you excited about letter writing!

[Images clockwise from top left to center: Treehouse Collective; Brione's & Co. Pendant letter writing kit; bird and banner; Rifle Paper Co.; Hello Handmade Valentine; Paperfinger Custom Return Address Stamp; Hello! Lucky stationery; Bird and Banner; Neither Snow calligraphy]

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Inspired By [Spring]



Having just returned from Atlanta where the Dogwoods were a-blooming, I've got a new spring in my step, and am finding myself in the mood for walking barefoot on the grass, picnics, digging in the dirt, flower clippings and flowering branches, and dinner al fresco. How about you? What do you look forward to in Spring?

[Images clockwise from left to right to center: Snippet and Ink; Style Me Pretty dogwood cake; Elizabeth Anne Designs picnic; Ritzy Bee; Style Me Pretty Umbrellas; Gemma Comas flowering boots; bike 100 Layer Cake; Yummy Life Photography; outdoor table Snippet and Ink; potted plant Ritzy Bee]

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Inspired By [Nest Eggs]



The white, the woodsy tones, the pop of blue or orange, ovals, twigs -- the whimsy of it all makes for some wonderful inspiration.

[Images clockwise from left to right to center: Martha - this would be a fun thing to try one day; Paloma's Nest hope egg; lonny magazine; Martha - peonies in nest centerpieces; Revisions egg votive soy candle; Star Egg Nightlight from giggle; Birds by ArhitectMade; Maggie Taylor; Martha - Nesting Baby-Bluebird Cupcakes]

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Master Key

Do you know the Oliver Wendell Holmes quote "Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness?" That's the inspiration behind this design. I wanted there to be meaning behind the symbol without it being overt, and to maintain the elegance of a classic invitation in a modern version.



And for the suite, I'd be tempted to line the envelopes in a pattern that looks a bit like the inside cover of an old novel, a la Persuasion, perhaps? [the one shown is from Paper Source] I'd also put the quote on the reply card and/or program.



[Voting continues for this challenge! My designs can be found here, here and here; and check out the other talent there as well! Inspiration images sources clockwise from top left to right: martha; martha; the red balloon via ohdeedoh; snippet & ink; 100 layer cake; martha; style me pretty; snippet & ink; martha; martha]

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Green Love

It's Green Love, just in time for St. Patrick's Day! In my second design for the minted challenge, I wanted to combine a clean, modern pattern with lively text and color. The particular wedding I had in mind was an outdoor wedding, late afternoon in Spring. Here's my inspiration board for it:




And with a reply card:


*For some reason the green on the reply card is translating darker, but it would obviously be the same green.

The boys were excited to go to school today in their green. At one school, "leprechauns" had been up to a lot of mischief and there was glitter and gold coins everywhere. They had also left a big mess in the classroom and on the playground. The kids were so cute running around looking for "evidence!"

[Voting continues for this challenge! My designs can be found here, here and here; and check out the other talent there as well! Inspiration images sources clockwise from top left to right: martha; martha; snippet & ink; amy atlas; martha; snippet & ink; martha; amy atlas; martha; amy atlas]

Monday, March 15, 2010

Pretty in Plaid

As I mentioned in this post, I joined in the latest minted challenge, which was to create a modern wedding invitation. The only parameter was that you had to submit three and only three designs. First up, my ode to plaid!

This is my attempt to translate the layered geometry of plaid in a fresh and modern invitation, and was thinking particularly about an elegant ranch or farm wedding. I think it could work for many different seasons and venues, though -- warmth of plaid in winter, the cheeriness of plaid in spring and summer. Below are some images that provided inspiration:



I felt the need to create the whole suite because it just seemed a little incomplete to me with just the invitation. I'd pair the invite with a black envelope and do some calligraphy with white ink. The front of the reply card would be all plaid, and then the back very simple with just text.



Designing for this challenge has made me want to put on a wedding! I'll be back throughout the week with the other two designs and inspirations...

[Voting has begun for this challenge! My designs can be found here, here and here; and check out the other talent there as well! Inspiration images sources clockwise from left to right: jose villa; style me pretty; martha; martha; ellen silverman; martha; ellen silverman; jose villa; style me pretty]

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Inspired By [ Ruffles ]



Now that I'm looking, I feel like ruffles are everywhere! I think the arrival of a baby girl in our house [and subsequently ruffled clothes] has me loving the fluffy texture and movement of them. How this will translate onto paper, I haven't quite figured out!

[Images clockwise from top left: martha; snippet and ink; anthropologie; snippet and ink; crewcuts; jose villa; jose villa; jennifer behr; martha]
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