…While On Exhibit In London!

Take a look at these more than functional party dresses!

In what ways are they functional, you ask?  They became the structure of this party venue at the London Festival Of Architecture! 

“Party Dress is a roving performance that is part living architecture; part monumental fashion.” - Party Dress

Interesting, isn’t it?  The structure of the tent is none other than the dresses worn by a group of lovely ladies.  And we thought the only proper time for someone to go under a dress in public was when the groom took off the bride’s garter! 

So next time you’re asked to stand up in a wedding and you don’t like the bridesmaid dress chosen for you to wear, just be thankful the bride’s not asking you to become her venue as well!

To see more pictures of this fascinating work of performance art, click HERE. 

…Turned DIY Event Decor!

My husband and I are currently looking for ways to decorate our bedroom walls.  When I saw this idea from Pink Grapefruit Style, I thought, what a fun, easy and affordable idea!  I think I might just have to try this for our room - I’ll let you know how it goes. 

Of course, I can’t see something creative without thinking of how one could incorporate it into wedding as event decor, so dream with me a bit here…

According to Holly from Pink Grapefruit Style, all you need to create these lovely pieces of art is 12×12 scrapbook paper, glue and foam board.  See her instructions HERE.  SUPER easy, right?!

Super affordable is what I really love about them.  So picture making these for your wedding or other event you might be soon hosting, only do it a little differently! 

Put 12×12 scrapbook paper on both sides of the foam board instead of just one.  Cut a little slit in the top of the board, and run a a long piece of ribbon through it.  Tie the ribbon around the slit.  Add different embellishments to each one if you wish or leave them plain with just the design of the paper.

Then, hang these decorative squares from the ceiling at your event!  Hang them above the dance floor, or just low above the tables.  You could even make small 4×4 squares, and hang them in the entryway!  Now picture this art twirling in the air in a festive way, knowing that YOU created it.  Way cool.

Thank you Holly for the inspiration!  To read the post about her wall art idea, head on over to her cheerful blog, Pink Grapefruit Style.  Happy crafting!

Thank you for nurturing my dreams, encouraging me to follow them and for continuing to inspire me every step of the way.

Love!

…Grace Ormande At Wedding Style Inspires Us To Get Pouty!

Scheduling a boudoir photography session for either before your wedding or the morning of, is the new very sexy trend for brides right now!  In fact, it’s part of the Always A Bridesmaid blog’s Sexy 10!

“Boudoir comes from the French word ‘to pout or sulk’ and refers to a woman’s dressing room, bedroom, or private sitting room - all of which can lead to thoughts of beautiful things: the sweet smells, the gentle lighting, the stillness, and the woman inside preparing delicately for something wonderful that is about to happen.” - The Wedding Photography Directory

Maybe it’s something you choose to have done before the wedding, so you can give the pictures to your fiance the night of the rehearsal dinner. 

This sexy gift would give your man yet another reason why he’s so lucky to be marrying you, along with something to look forward to in your future together!

Or, perhaps it’s something you choose to do the morning of your wedding, while getting ready.  Not only as a gift to your husband after the wedding, but as a gift to yourself - to make you feel sexy before you take the big walk down the aisle! 

Every bride is beautiful, but imagine the confidence it would give you as you walk towards him to say “I do“, after having a very sexy experience, knowing how excited he’ll be when the pictures come in!

I understand that not every bride would feel comfortable with this idea right away, but keep in mind with a professional photographer, you can choose exactly how revealing you want to be or not be, based on how comfortable you feel.

If you’re not comfortable with showing a lot of skin, or don’t think your husband would feel comfortable with a stranger taking revealing pictures of you, you could always opt for a cute pair of cotton pajamas, too!

Remember, being sexy isn’t always about showing skin…it could be something as sweet as wearing your fiance’s shirt and boxers to something as sophisticated as a long black silk robe. For some, being sexy is looking risque…everyone is different!

Do what makes you feel good.  After all, in the end, that’s what it’s all about!  To see more fabulous wedding boudoir photography, go to:

 Grace Ormande’s Wedding Style

To learn more about this sexy new trend, read this article:

 A Bridal Boudoir Story by Liesl Clark.

Modern Decor.

Picture this at your wedding to set a cozy atmosphere or even for your home. 

Reveal by Adam Frank…this light fixture creates the illusion of natural sunlight streaming in through a double window and onto an interior wall.  When the air flows through the projector, it even makes the branches look like they’re swaying in the breeze!

 Gotta have it?  Find it HERE.

This cozy chair by designer Tokujiin Yoshioka will make you feel as though you’re embraced in a field of flowers with petals everywhere.

 Find out more about this chair HERE.

I Can’t Stop Looking At Pretty Things…Help!

You’ve had those days, right?  Where you’re completely overwhelmed with beautiful inspiration and you just can’t stop looking?  I do that here.  Sometimes I need to remind myself to lay off the caffiene and step away.  But today, I’m just enjoying it.  Like a dreamy, partly sunny day!

Now take a look at this beauty I just found…you’ll see what I mean!

The Deco Detective

Enjoy!

…Then Comes Your Friend Pushing A Baby Carriage!

You’ve heard that song when you were little, right?  Well, now that we’re older we may actually have a friend who’s about to push a baby carriage, so why not celebrate by giving a creative gift?

If you’ve been invited to a baby shower, get inspired by this crafty baby carriage created by Mary Jo Albright.  Inside she included flowers and rolled onsies.  What a sweet gift for any expecting or new mom!  And to think it all started with a $1.00 tin from Target.  Amazing!

To read about her crafty little creation and see more of her awesome work, go HERE.

Thanks for allowing us to share your picture, Mary Jo!

Stamps By Impress!

If you’re a DIY bride looking to find some great stamps, you must check out Impress.  They have a wide selection of stylish stamps for your wedding and other special occasions too! 

So get stamping.  Create your own invites, programs and thank you notes.  Decorate other accessories for your wedding such as table covers, card boxes, favor boxes and tags.  Get creative!

www.impressrubberstamps.com

…Stamped Table Decor!

This tablescape from Undecorsecree.com got me thinking of how easy & fun it could be to decorate your tables with stamps!  What a cost effective idea, for the bride on a budget who still craves style!

Notice the butterflies…

Instead of investing in expensive tablecloths for your reception, head on over to your local craft store, pick out some really cool stamps and colored ink pads to go with your wedding theme, and stamp away onto paper table covers! 

Instant style.  Instant savings.

This, That and YOU!

While thinking about inspiration and where it comes from for each of us, I started to wonder where brides might get theirs from when choosing their wedding colors.

Whether it’s found from blogs, websites, magazines, the color most likely to be found in your closet, a garden, a shoe, or a belief…inspiration is all around us.  Here’s what inspired me to share with you today, dear readers!

Photography by One Starry Night!  This blog reminds me of life, love, and hope.  Which of course reminded me of marriage.  Be sure to check out the rest of her blog, it’s personal, real, and soulful.

 If you’re a bride who’s still trying to decide on wedding colors, try getting inspired by the beautiful photography over at www.onestarrynight.com!  You’ll love it.  I promise!

Illustration of Carrie Bradshaw By Jillian Tamaki

Take a looksie, darlings, at this illustration Jillian Tamaki did for Entertainment weekly’s “Sex and the City” issue which came out last month.  It’s an illustration of Carrie Bradshaw…but does it remind you of anyone else?  If you ask me, it reminds me a little of ourselves!

I love my computer, blogging and obviously weddings!  I constantly have coffee by my side as I type away, and while I may not wear glamorous ballgowns as I type, I do enjoy admiring my little collection of high heels (even if some of them were bargains…hey, stylish doesn’t have to be expensive!).  

Does this stunningly fabulous drawing remind you of yourself at all? 

At the San Diego Museum of Art!

This post is for Denise over at Bellis Studios, who introduced me to the beautiful art by Georgia O’Keeffe!  If I could fly her out there to see this right now I would!  Maybe the exhibit will come to Chicago some day!

“O’Keeffe’s remarkable play of color and abstract form illustrate a path-breaking spirit of bold modernity. The exhibition includes early and rarely seen abstracted landscapes, works that originated from her experience in nature and are surprising for their visual dynamism and pared-down simplicity.

In the work of O’Keeffe, Stieglitz found a partner and the embodiment of the consummate modernist artist. Reinforcing the importance that Stieglitz placed in her artistic persona, the exhibition includes a vital sampling of the numerous photographs he took of O’Keeffe, presenting her as the iconic woman, favored model, and quintessential American modernist.” - www.sdmart.org

 Things She’ll Love For Mother’s Day!

 Hopeful Limited Edition Print by Betsy Walton - $35

Betsy Walton Etsy Shop

(Print originally found at the beautiful Creature Comforts Blog!

Blue Butterfly Micro Umbrella - $15.95

The Nature Store

Set of 3 Bud Vases - $29, Or purchase the monogrammed set for $39!

Williams-Sonoma

It’s Life.  Sometimes It Just Gets In The Way!

A fellow blogger, Kal Barteski (from I Love Life), explained my feelings perfectly when she said, “It seems that just when we get a delicious little routine we love - there are all kinds of things to mess with it “. 

While we love life, and accept it as gracefully as we can as it sometimes comes crashing in on us, I couldn’t agree with her more.  To read more of her post, go HERE.  But don’t forget to check out the rest of her amazingly creative mind and artistic talent by reading her very sweet BLOG!

So that’s what it is.  It’s life.  Lately life has been so hectic.  A happy hectic though.  A good life.  Just a hectic, happy and good life!  Lots of things on my mind, and plenty of creative ideas to share with you, along with some things I’ve made.  As for now, check out Kal’s creative, life-inspiring blog.  She’s a wonderful artist!  Have a lovely day!

(I) Love Life.  Get Inspired.

Artist and designer Chandra Michaels has created a super sweet line of accessories that would make the perfect gift for any girl! 

The urban-style art she illustrates on her items acts as modern, hip and alluring eye candy.  It’s fun, sassy and sophisticated.  It’s girly greatness.  It’s pure Sugarluxe! 

 ”Sugarluxe is really more than just fun accessories and fabulous products, it’s truly a Fashion Philosophy.   Think of it as a personification of the things in life that are really sweet: best friends forever, a few cocktails every now and then, and lots of fancy stuff always. Cheers.”  -Chandra Michaels

I’m loving the compact mirrors by Sugarluxe! 

For only $34.00 each, it’s the perfect answer for any girly girl.  Get one for each of your bridesmaids, to fit their personalities.  Then splurge and get one for yourself!  Go on - you deserve it. 

Swoon over their other great accessories and designs at: www.sugarluxe.com

Let your inner artist shine on your wedding day, by creating artwork for your guests to sign. 

The couple created this lovely piece so they could treasure it & display forever.  I LOVE the creativity!  To read more about this, how they made it, and how else they used it (it’s way cool), check out THIS post by Love and Splendor!

I SO love this.  So much.  Did I mention I love this?  Yeh, well, I do.

Introducing Our New Guest Blogger & Letterpress Expert Denise at Bellis Studios!

I’m happy to welcome my favorite letterpress designer, Denise, owner and operator of Bellis Studios!  With her amazing talent and incredible eye for design and color, she creates exquisitely unique letterpress stationery and invitations.  Recently featured in the Spring 2008 issue of Bride & Bloom Magazine, along with other press, she’s on her way to letterpress stardom! 

I am so excited to not only introduce Denise as a fabulous designer you should know, but also as our new guest blogger! 

Denise will be stopping by to share with us her creations, inspirations, thoughts and ideas.  

She’ll be giving us her expert advice and tips on letterpress, color, and design. 

Getting married?  If you have any questions about how to choose your wedding stationery, just contact us!  We may just feature your question and the answer on this blog! 

In love with letterpress?  Let us know your thoughts and ideas, and we’ll be happy to share them! 

Learn more about Denise and Bellis Studios HERE and at HERE!  Want to read more about letterpress?  See what Denise has to say about it HERE! 

Don’t forget to check out her site, shop and her blog:

www.bellisstudios.com & www.bellisblog.com 

The band,”Vertical Horizon” once sang, “You’re a god, and I am not…”. 

Well, if there were a “color god”, it would probably be Hue Consulting!

Trying to come up with a color scheme for your special event, or just trying to paint a few walls?  Visit the Hue Consulting blog, a great reference for all your colorful inspiration needs! 

Now for some vertical and colorful inspiration…

I love the idea of hanging streamers or ribbon from tree branches for an event.

Can you believe those are actually hanging paint samples!?  It’s true!  Time consuming, I’m sure, to put together nicely, but obviously it can be done…what a creative idea!

You’ve got to check out the lovely letterpress tags inside the latest Spring 2008 issue of  “Bride & Bloom” magazine!   

 Tag #1 shown (pg.19) was created by my favorite letterpress designer from Bellis Studios. 

I simply adore her work.  These tags would add the perfect little touch of sunshine to any gift bag! 

Getting married?  Why not use these pretty little tags to add to your bridal party gifts?  Bellis has also created cards and coasters that coordinate with these tags, which would be a nice little way to thank them for standing up.   

“Trying to come up with an interesting way to package your wedding favors?  How about thinking outside the box (pun intended).  Get creative with unique gift tags!  Gigantic in size, unexpected in texture, or just plain pretty - any way you go, your guests will love stylishly fun tags.”

- Bride & Bloom Magazine

Bellis Studios also creates other beautiful stationery designs, check out her new shop to see!  Want to learn more about Bellis Studios and even get a discount to her shop?  Read her blog HERE, and don’t forget to have a sunshiney day!

 Love is in the air, and on these walls! 

What a great idea, to stencil words onto your wall!  Not feeling crafty?  Order words, quotes, or sayings from Wonderful Graffiti! 

Get inspired by this wall, found on Perfect Bound’s Blog!   I absolutely love it.  This would also be a great idea for decor at your wedding!

L-O-V-E.

LOVE!

I was recently searching for ideas for my sister’s wedding coming up, and came across these adorable vases!  I simply ADORE them! 

What a great gift they would make for any teacher…even though apples are nice, and gift cards too…how cool would this be, and it’d be something your teacher could always have to cherish!

These vases would also make great centerpiece ideas for any teacher who’s getting married.  Wow.  I’m so excited I stumbled across this site!  Too cool.

Get yours at: www.iloveuma.com!

Originally found at www.decomodo.com, and AWESOME AWESOME blog you MUST check out, they’ve found the coolest things!  Thanks, Decomodo!

Make a statement.  Make them say, “Wow!”.  Make this! 

Photography By: Jasmine Star.  Wall hanging art by Tord Boontje, can be purchased HERE.

I recently came across this beautiful picture taken by photographer Jasmine Star. 

I love this idea of using wall space to decorate your wedding…and even more so, I love the fact that I’m pretty sure one could easily re-create this look for their own wedding!

Time consuming it would be to make this, but indeed it could be done.  Remember when you were little, and made snowflakes out of paper?  All you had to do was fold the paper in half, and cut little corners and pieces out of it. 

Why not do the same thing, only cut the shapes into flowers instead of snowflakes!  Hang & tie them together with clear wire which can be found at any local craft store.  

Wa-la!  FABULOUS, CREATIVE and BEAUTIFUL decor for your wedding.  Love it!

Now you can really love your coffee, as it’s wearing it’s own corset! 

Gives “loving coffee” a whole new meaning, doesn’t it! Too funny.  And while different, I can’t deny it…I think it’s adorable! 

Look hot & trendy carrying this lovely corset coffee holder by the Etsy shop  Jenn Gee!  Choose from several different patterns -It is only $12.00!  It’s 100% Cotton and washable!

It’s not a deal, it’s a steal!  After you’re done with your coffee (and finished undressing it…HA HA!), you can put the corset in your purse and use it your uh, next “coffee date“! 

You KNOW you want one.

Modge Podge My Love!

Anybody that knows me well knows how much I love decorating bottles, frames and things with Modge Podge.  Modge Podge what?  Modge Podge is a clear glue, sealer and finish that can be used to apply paper or fabric onto objects to leave a beautiful shine.   Thanks to my Nini (grandma) who introduced me to this fabulous stuff!

When I came across THIS post from Bella Dia, I had to share it!  She’s created beautiful votive holders using Modge Podge.  These votive holders are bright, fun and flirty…sure to cheer up any space!  Check out her post to learn how to create these lovely little light seducers in all sorts of colors! 

These votive holders would make such a great gift to someone special!  Or, how very cool would they be to make as decor for your wedding, in your wedding colors, of course!

Google often has some creative ways of decorating itself. 

I’m loving the new 2008 Google look!

Google rocks.   Now go Google something! 

www.Google.com

I recently was given this award by Denise, over at www.bellisblog.com, and it really made me smile!  Her kind gesture and words were so sweet, and I’m so grateful to have her not only as a friend and fellow blogger, but an aunt too!  So thank you, Dee!  You make me smile, too!

Denise does amazing letterpress work with stationery (check out www.bellisstudios.com ), and is always so inspiring.  She found and followed the dream that found her, and it’s pretty darn cool.  She inspires me, and I look up to her as if she’s the big sister I never had.   If I could give this to her I would, but it seems the rules are to pass it forward, so I will.  It’s time to pass it on!

There are so many bloggers out there that write such entertaining and creative posts, with great ideas and finds, but my favorite blogger (and it was hard to choose) aside from Denise at Bellis is Kal Barteski, over at lovelife.typepad.com.

Kal is a very creative soul, and creates these lovely posts filled with her beautiful, fun and whimsy art and photography.  She is an “artist, designer and a painter”.   She gets you inspired.  She makes you want to motivate.  She awakens your soul to appreciate the little things in life by turning them into art.  She rocks.

Her story inspires me too…as she LOVES what she does!  That has got to be the greatest feeling, to love your work.  Not many people get to do that, but she is one of the lucky ones.  Why?  Because she worked hard so she could literally LOVE her life! 

If you haven’t yet, check her blog out, and also her work!  She even published a book!  But the best little thing she’s created?  Her new baby girl, “Pilot” who just recently arrived.  Welcome to the world, Pilot, and congratulations, Kal!

With Christmas nearing quickly, I thought I’d post this little spot about photographing Christmas lights.  It can be tricky, as I’ve realized, so when I found these helpful tips, I was thrilled! 

To find out how to master that picture, go to Photojojo now!

This helpful site gives you tons of tips on how to take the perfect Christmas pictures, and also has tons of creative ideas for other photo projects as well! Now go get that tripod. Have fun! And of course, Happy Holidays!

By Yours Truly!

I love going through my old things and finding little treasures.  This is one of the drawings I did in high school…and while it’s just feet, it’s my favorite.  It’s a drawing of feet with a towel over them…so I hung it in my bathroom!

Every Christmas my family gets together to celebrate, eat, open gifts, and enjoy eachother’s company.   As the family grew larger, we started picking names out of a hat to see “who had who” that year, to buy for.  Good idea, right? 

While Christmas is not all about gifts, but more so the love behind them in my family, we decided to start a new tradition.  The Christmas Ornament Exchange! 

From now on, each Christmas, we’ll continue to pick names out of a hat to see “who has who” to get a gift for.  Only this year there is no wondering what to get for that person.   Because this year, it’s limited.  To ornaments. 

Whether it’s a home-made ornament, or a store bought ornament, it’s strictly ornaments.  It can be a funny one, a sentimental one, a handmade one, one that reminds us of that person, one that describes that person, etc.  The possibilities are endless!

Cool, huh?  So now, year after year, as we decorate our trees at Christmas, we’ll be saying, “Oooh…look!  This is the ornament that so-and-so bought me!”, or “Cool!  I remember this!  This ornament so-and-so made for me!”.  And after several years go by, we’ll all have our very own family decorated Christmas tree.  With special ornaments to remember those loved ones by. 

So let the creativity begin!   This year I get to give an ornament to my younger sister Michelle, and my husband gets to give an ornament to our new aunt Dee!  I’m so excited.  The ideas are already flowing, but the challenge is still there.  We’ve gotta think of something good!  Stay posted to see pictures of what we decided to give and why! :)  And of course, Happy Holidays!

To purchase ornaments shown in picture above, go to:  www.tamar.etsy.com, a delightful little shop!

Say “CHEESE”!  But not cheesy! 

Fabulous new idea: Custom Bridal Illustrations!

You’ve got your dress.  You’ve got your photographer.  You’ve definitely got the groom.  Now all you need?  An artist!

Custom bridal illustrations could just be the new trend for 2008…you never know!  Whether it happens or not, what a great idea!  Definitely not your typical “bridal portrait”, now is it.  This would make an awesome and unique gift!  And you’d earn major points for creativity!  Spent all your money on the wedding already?  On a budget?  No problem!  What a great gift for the bridesmaids to get in on and purchase together for the bride.  Budget problem solved!

The illustration will fit a standard 8″ x 10″ picture frame.

Get your custom bridal illustration done at Brooklit’s Etsy Shop! 

If you’re a professional procrastinator like I sometimes am when it comes to writing Christmas cards, you’ve gotta check out this great deal!   

From now until Christmas Bellis Studios is offering FREE USPS Priority Mail upgrade on all purchases! That means you’ll get your package in 2 to 3 days, instead of the post office’s normal 7-10 days!! (This offer is only valid on items being mailed within the United States.) 

So get shopping! www.bellisstudios.etsy.com

To learn more about the art of letterpress, go to www.bellisstudios.com, or check out her blog at www.bellisblog.com!

Browsing blogs is truly a joy for me, especially when they have to do with weddings!  When I stumbled upon this photograph through a blog, I realized the “wow” factor it had.  It is truly such a classic, timeless photo. 

I remember when we were planning our wedding, we gave our photographer a “must take” photo list, pictures and shots we really wanted captured from our special day. 

I knew our photographer was an expert, but there were still a few we’d ask her to make sure to get, and she did.  We were so pleased! 

So if you’re planning a wedding and happen to find photos you love, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer to take them!  Not only will you end up with an array of amazing photos from their point of view, but you’ll have been able to add your own special ideas too.  Happy planning!

To read the story about how this photo happened, and to see more great photography, check out this awesome blog, www.photographs.wordpress.com! 

It’s truly one of the coolest blogs I’ve seen!

Can you guess what this is?  I found it to be so beautiful.  Maybe beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I love it. 

I love how the leaves formed into a perfect circle in the bird bath at my grandparent’s house.  The color of the leaves, against the stone, I had to get a picture!  Sometimes you just find cool things, you know?

True Love Can Last Forever.

To see more beautiful pictures that show love still exhists in this world, go to:

http://www.veer.com/products/gallery.aspx?gallery=1439

 NEW!  Send a simple message this holiday season… joy.

 Guess who has a new holiday card out?  My favorite letterpress designer, Bellis Studios!   Read her blog at: www.bellisblog.com to find how she created this new beautiful & fresh design, or purchase your set at www.bellisstudios.com!

Set of six letterpress Christmas cards, 5.75″ x 4.375″ (A2) with matching envelopes features her own Christmas tree illustration. Colors are pale citrus green and cranberry red. Printed on white (crane’s beautiful 100% cotton ‘Lettra’ paper). Blank inside.  Go to www.bellisstudios.com and get yours now! 

You don’t want to be like me and still have cards waiting to go out from 3 years ago yet do you?! lol  So get shopping!

 Oh, the things you can do!

Over at http://chicago.apartmenttherapy.com/, check out some of the entries for the Fall Colors Contest Roundup!  I’m loving this one…though it’s not listing who sent the entry in, what a creative idea!!! 

It’s always fun to add your own little unique touches to your home, and this person decided to do it by adding a little art to their stairs!  Often we forget that space, and worry too much about the top of the stairs, when all along, the part we really look at, should be just as pretty too!  So get the paint out, or throw up some cool wallpaper onto those stair panels.  Get creative!  Use your stairway canvas to add new color and art into your life.

Make It Unique.  Like You!

I’m all about swirly, girly, frilly and fun…so of course I fell in love with this wall design, found on Design Sponge.  View the original post here: HERE!

While I know it’s easy to just throw a stencil pattern up there on the wall, how cool would it be to just paint freehand, whatever design comes to mind, and make it yours? 

Oh, the inspiration….(sigh).

Love this wall design but don’t feel like painting?  Buy it at Velocity Art and Design!

www.velocityartanddesign.com

Aren’t these fun to look at? 

1st Photo by: http://sfphoto.wordpress.com/

2nd Photo By: http://katemcelweephotography.wordpress.com/

Bellis Studios designed these notecard sets for Abandoned Wild Babies Animal Rescue (AWBAR).  Proceeds from the sale of these cards will help fund AWBAR.

The set includes 6 notecards, 2 of each design.

Money raised for AWBAR will help offset the expenses of raising and releasing wildlife in 2008. Expenses that include: food, shelter, and vet bills. In addition, money raised will go towards establish not-for-profit status.  Find out more about AWBAR here.

Get your cards here!

Visit www.bellisstudios.com, for more great stationery!

Loving this art by Brian Taylor! 

Good art for a good heart! 

Donations from the purchase of Brian Taylor’s art work
go to the International Red Cross!

One of my favorite sites for inspiration is www.veer.com, a visually stimulating site for all things art and photography.  They also have a little shop on hand, which is where I found these lovely little mousepads!  To the creatives, from a creative, hope you enjoy!

“I Draw Pictures All Day” Mousepad - $20.00

“Creatives Understand” Mousepads - $20.00

I’ll never forget, when I was in high school, I created a HUGE collage on my wall.  It  was a work of art that I took great pride in.  I’m still amazed to this day that my mother let me put tape on that wall…but I’m thankful. 

My collage was made out of art, magazine clippings, articles, words, everything I’d find that described me, went up on that wall.  No pictures of people, just art and words. 

Today, I enjoy creating collages on other items, such as bottles, vases, boxes, frames, you name it.  I just enjoy making them personal, as each one is different to describe the person it’s being made for.

I’ll show you some of my work soon, but for now I want to share another artist who makes amazing collages, with portraits.  Michelle Caplan.  I’ve seen this work done before, but never so beautiful as this. 

Go to http://michellecaplan.blogspot.com/, to see more of what I’m loving!  Her work is breathtaking…it really captures the moments, and creates a beautiful treasures to forever hold onto.  Here’s one piece she did…check it out!  Tell me that’s not true love!

For more information on this artist, you can also check out her shops:

www.michellecaplan.com and www.mcaplan.etsy.com.

Custom table designs by www.madebygirl.com, an amazing design site! 

Add a little rock ‘n’ roll to your living space…with this awesome coffee table!  I bet Steven Tyler would love this.  I love it, and I’m pretty sure my husband would too!  Who wouldn’t?  It’s just way too cool.   

For other great ideas on interior decorating, check out the designer’s blog at http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/.  Happy decorating!

She’s been your best friend forever.  Has seen you through thick and thin.  And now you want her to stand up in your wedding.  How sweet. 

So how do you ask her?  With a sweet, kind and tear-jerking card, of course!  And a GREAT laugh!!!  Throw some fun into it, and check out cards for all occasions by www.naughtybettyinc.com!  Warning, PG-13!

Inside:
Be one of my best friends and walk down the aisle with me!

 When entertaining, it’s always fun to show off your dinnerware!  Fall in love with these great sets, found on www.wrapables.com. 

Tracy Porter Lotus Dinnerware

 Victoria Chocolate Vines Dinnerware

Check out Giselle’s brazillian shoe ad…for Ipanema.  When I look at these pictures, I don’t really find myself fascinated with the shoes, but rather the photography.  To read more on her ad, go to www.fabsugar.com!

Now where do I go to get this dress?  I’m sure my husband would love it! 

Every once in a while I find amazing artists through blogging, and just have to share them!  Check out this art by www.stellaimhultberg.com:

One of the reasons I love art, whether it’s on paper, through music, dance, or other things, is how it can make you feel.  How you can find yourself relating to it, how it calms you and helps you find peace.  When something you can relate to touches your heart, it really just makes it so awesome.  Do you concur?

Art ~ The creation of beautiful or significant things.

Cosmos, flowers & now drawings of mine! Both created today, 9/6/07…yay!

For as far back as I can remember, I have always enjoyed art.  Whether it be drawing, painting, or creating things, I have always loved it.  I took art classes in school, and while I never really pursued art, I never forgot about it either.  I lost touch with it over the years, but the creative side of me always stayed by my side. 

Recently I have been drawn (no pun intended!) to finding artisitc blogs and websites to pull inspiration from.  All of the amazing and beautiful creative ideas out there, why wasn’t I adding my own?  So now it’s time.  It’s time to get back into art.  First step?  I splurged on some colored pencils yesterday.  Today?  I created two drawings!  It’s been since high school since I’ve drawn, so they may not be the best but it’s a start…and besides, I’m proud of them, if not for how they turned out, but because they’re my own!

It’s so fun, and it reminds my soul, my spirit, and my heart that I need to start creating again.  It’s therapy, almost.  I love it!  So each time I make something, rather than hang it on the fridge like I used to when I was little, I plan to post it on this blog…and who knows where it will take me!  Maybe nowhere, maybe somewhere…either way, it’s back in my life and I’m thrilled!