Book of Cards & Gift Wrap Idea!

Here are a couple cute ideas from {Design Editor}. A cool idea of creating a book of cards received at a birthday or shower that makes for a wonderful keepsake and a great way to wrap the gift that is both stylish and functional.

I'm Back!!!

It has been FAR TOO LONG since I have been able to sit down and get to blogging! I have missed it so much! My little brother graduated college, we went on a family vacation, I went to a destination wedding in Cancun, moved to a new apartment, been busy at work...it's been nuts! But I am back now and ready to share a ton :)

Being that I just moved, I have been thinking a lot about decorating and furniture. One of my main challenges over the past few weeks has been figuring out the seating in my living room/dining room area. I only have enough room really for one main couch and a chair, so I have been trying to come up with some other ideas. I seem to be drawn to the idea of cute floor cushions or putting cushions in front of the fireplace. Today I came across these awesome retro {bean bag chairs} on Etsy and had to share! LOVE them!

Twig Push-Pins

These are awesome! I saw these twig push-pins on {Design*Sponge} yesterday and thought it was such a great idea that I would love to do! The idea came about from a tree being trimmed in the yard and instead of throwing it out, {they} made something with the twigs. It makes a bulletin board or wall actually look like a work of art :)

The New Mr. & Mrs. McElveny

A few weeks ago I wrote about the {dessert table} I did for my good friends Natalie & Garret's wedding on the beautiful Central Coast. These GORGEOUS amazing photos were taken by {Jake}, Necia and Steven of {Mike Larson Photography}. Jake and Necia also shot their {engagement pictures} a while back. Natalie and Garret's eye for beautiful design and talent was evident throughout. From the arch at the ceremony that was designed and built by Garret himself, to all the awesome DIY aspects of the reception. Their style and their love came through crystal clear that day :) It was one AWESOME party as usual guys!

Anyone who just got engaged, getting married, or want pictures taken for any other reason...I would highly recommend them...however my recommendation is not really as important as what the photos themselves say about their skill and talent! Yet another beautiful wedding captured guys :)

Outdoor Essentials for Spring :)

With the weather warming up these days, I have been dreaming of having my own home with a beautiful backyard for entertaining and relaxing. What better place to go for furniture and other outdoor living essentials than {Crate&Barrel} One day...

Ya ya ya...I love me some GREEN!

Dieline Finds

Here are some of my recent favorite package designs found on {The Dieline}. The hanger tea bags are so cleaver and I love that {Method} came out with laundry detergent! Can you believe that all you need is 4 pumps for 1 load and you don't have to deal with large bottles, messy caps, or heavy boxes of powder detergent!

Delphine Press 2010 Letterpress Calendar!

I am so happy to finally have my 2010 {Delphine Press} letterpress calendar! (not to be confused with {Dauphine Press}) Stay tuned and I will share each month's beautifully printed design :)

Pet Beds!

Here are two very different kinds of pet beds, both awesome in their own ways. I love the simplicity in design and the patters of the {wall mounted pet beds}, but I also love the vintage traditional look of the {DIY pet center} transformed from an old secretary desk.

Dimmalimm

I don't know about everyone else, but I always seem to forget which glass of wine is mine after setting it down among others'. The slip-on coasters are not only functional as coasters and a way to known which one is yours, but are beautiful as well! {Dimmalimm} is a mother/daughter team from Iceland working independently with Los Angeles designers on fashion development. They are 3rd and 4th generation dressmakers and have been working together on things such as costumes, interior textiles, and high fashion since the early 90's. From time to time they are inspired to do their own projects and sell them, these being some of them. They are believers in ethical manufacturing and sustainable fabrics, so they make all of their products and fabrics are purchased from local vendors. I love these pillows as well!

Handmade Fabric Napkin Rings

This weekend was all about (much overdue) resting, sleeping in, enjoying downtown, and best of all catching up on some therapeutic craft time. I did some serious damage to my wallet at {The Cotton Ball} in Morro Bay as I have done before...and here is what I came up with for my first project using my new fabrics! Stay tuned for more to come :) These will be for sale soon when I get my {Etsy} shop up and running!

All White is Overrated :)

I have really been loving the idea of a bride not having to be in white head to toe. Shoes are one of the parts I think a woman can really go all out with and still remain traditional with the dress. It adds a splash of fun and color - it can also be the way to tie in the color of the bridesmaids dresses. Here is a collection of ones I have liked as I have come across them over time. Whether they are Louboutins or J.Crew - these are all super cute!

Pop + Shorty ~ Design the Pops!

As a designer spending many hours a day working with wonderful web producers - I got a kick out of {this} :)

Beautiful Attic Conversion

This kid-friendly and kid-inspired attic conversion is simply amazing. There is a full, furnished playhouse - with the most awesome play kitchen, full of light, various play areas (pool table for the adults), a built-in window seat with a trundle bed, and an overall great atmosphere. I absolutely love EVERYTHING about this. From the layout, the creative ideas for kids, and the overall design/decor style. I am in love :) A great find from {Apartment Therapy}, of course.

MoMA Store ~ Espresso Set

Check out this great {Espresso Set}, by the Felina Sok-Cham, the winner of the student design contest through {MoMA Store}. This can be used to serve espresso or even appetizers and desserts. I especially love this because of how much Armenian coffee my family drinks and serves to guests. I always hated carrying a tray full of cups and saucers that would always slide around and sometimes spill. This seems like a great solution with the plates/coasters essentially locked into their place on the tray. This was found via {NOTCOT.org}.

JK Wedding Entrance Dance - Forever

On Thursday of last week, a friend of mine sent me a link to this amazing video on You Tube. It quickly spread around the office and then within hours I started seeing it on many of the wedding/design blogs I visit daily! Since its debut on July 19th - this video has had over 12 million views and is taking the web by storm! This choreographed wedding ceremony entrance, to Chris Brown's "Forever" is a hit. It seems as if that video just might have pulled him out of celebrity exile, at least for the moment. Currently in iTunes’ number 9 slot for top purchased songs, Forever’s role in the wedding procession video has managed to help it rise as high as the number 6, and might have even made Chris Brown relevant again. Not only has this been a hit on the web, but on TV as well! Many news stations/shows have been talking about this - The Today Show actually invited the newlyweds to reenact the dance on their show.

Crate & Barrel Faves

With the 4 weddings this summer and one more in the fall, I have been spending a lot of time taking a look at gift registries! I am going to have to say my favorite for now is Crate & Barrel. I have selected some of my faves they have out now - I want 'em all!

Nervous System Jewelry Design

The Etsy shop {Nervous System} was found by my {friend} who shared it with me know I would be intrigued. The jewelery art pieces are made using silicone rubber that is cut into an organic network of distorted ellipses. The shifts in direction and scale created a sense of movement and tension around the wrist. They are inspired by the complex forms of radiolarians - plant cells - or even honey comb. The white ring was made by building up layer by layer in durable nylon plastic using Selective Laser Sintering, a kind of 3D printing. These forms would be impossible to create by traditional manufacturing methods. The process creates a piece with coral-like texture, while the slight flexibility of nylon and airy design make it fun to wear. Nervous System creates unique, modern jewelry combining rapid prototyping methods with industrial materials. If you are interested in the process, check out this {link}.

Flicker Photo Layout - Pretty Sweet

This {Flickr link} was sent out a while back at work and while cleaning up my email folders I found it again and thought it was definitely worth sharing!

HUNDE HUS - Modern Pet Sanctuary

I thought this was a pretty cool modern pet sanctuary that doubles as a nightstand. Danish Etsy seller {MadsHome} is offering one of the cutest, decor-friendly pet pieces. The inside provides a quiet, dark shelter and a matching cushion - the terrace offers a lookout spot with a cozy sheepskin.

Penny Tile Floor - The Standard Hotel

Check out this awesome penny tile floor in{The Standard Grill} in {The Standard Hotel}