HOLIDAY DECOR

Like many of you, I have had the beautiful season of fall on my mind lately. Football season (War Eagle!), the leaves changing and falling, breezy afternoons, no more sweltering heat, and one of my good friends' favorites - pumpkin ... they all get me in the spirit of fall. I have been trying to collect some fall inspiration images to spur a festive table setting and possible mantel/fire place alteration, but my motivation hasn't kicked in just yet. I am hoping to accomplish this soon! Until then, here are some pictures that may inspire your fall decor.

[I just registered for a few fun domes w/stands at Pottery Barn]

[not positive on all images, but several are martha stewart]

Maybe it is due to a strong element in my wedding, but I am loving the use of candlelight right now. I really like the pumpkin with the holes carved out creating a creative use of candlelight and the staggering pillar candles surrounded by tiny pumpkins. Perhaps these ideas may make it into my decor?

I also spotted these uses of candlelight and thought they could be really cool for the fall as well.

[lauren stern via shoebox decor]

[unknown]

Melrose has a "working" fireplace and I expect lots of cozy fires this winter so putting the candles below may not be as functional as a fun arrangement on the mantel for me. But, if you don't burn fires and want something different than the typical log arrangement, try this! Very pretty and may even put off a little heat ;)

IN LOVE

This past weekend I headed South to my hometown for two cake tastings. It was fabulous and so delicious! Each baker gave us a sample + a small (6") cake to take home! In the end we had 4 mini cakes, so to say that I am "cake-ed" out is an under statement! My fiance even got to enjoy a little sample once I returned home.

While reading one of my favorite design blogs, Beast Pieces, I discovered these a-maz-ing invitations that I just fell in love with. Beast Pieces is the blog of the brilliant letterpress company Studio on Fire. They collaborated with designer Coral Pheasant to print her wedding suite. I could not be more jealous! Check out some of her images:

LOVE that buffet script! Not to mention, that sans serif accent type is the SAME one I picked for my suite, Estilo! Great minds think alike ;)I have always thought Estilo is simple and quirky at the same time.

Wow, that cream gauze fabric and gold thread is the perfect accent! Gray, cream, and gold - what color combo is better than that? Check out these awesome stamp collages! Now these must have taken some time and research - but worth it in the end!

Those vintage stamps are beautiful. I love the orientation of the envelopes as well - vertical, such a unique tough to this collection. I also adore the labels, of course!

Those sayings are so creative. I love the contrast of the beautiful script + the casual, fun phrases. This suite is definitely and inspiration and one of my favorites so far. I hope you enjoy as much as I do! 

BABBLE BEST: shower invitations

A friend pointed out the other day that Minted's Facebook page had a link sharing Babble's (the popular new parent website) favorite baby shower invitations - and guess what? Of the 9 categories, 2 of my designs for sale on Minted were featured! I was super excited! Check it out:

If you want to see the rest of my designs for sale on Minted click on the link to the right! 

1st BIRTHDAY: invitations

I recently designed these invitations for a friend that was wanting to do something special for her daughter's first birthday. She wanted something sweet with a muted color palette that wasn't too fancy for a family only get together. She mentioned serving cupcakes and I ran with my idea from there. They were printed on cream linen paper and paired with a butter yellow envelope.

REFURBISHED FURNITURE

I saw this interesting piece of furniture on a blog the other day and wanted to share its uniqueness with ya'll. Tell me if you can spot what it is constructed from ...

Yes, if you guessed an old pallet then you are correct. The artist, Katrin Arens,  used a few old nails to hold in the bowls and plates on display. I really think it is a neat idea and would look awesome in the right setting. I could picture it mounted in an older, historic home with maybe a bench below? Or a simple bookshelf for extra storage. She has some other cool pieces as well so explore her site.

I totally agree with Katrin's statement,

"Creativity, a passion for simplicity, and dedication to the reclamation and re-use of materials, combined with unusual and individual treatments and processes, make ordinary objects extraordinary."

I love antique pieces, or furniture that has been revived with a little elbow grease. They all are so special and exhibit so much character. My pet peeve is someone that thinks too highly of their antiques - overpricing items you can find at any flea market or junk yard leaves a sour taste in my mouth! The beauty of buying salvaged items in re-constructing them to make them your own - you shouldn't have to pay an arm and a leg for it and then refinish it.

She describes her furniture concept as,

"Each piece is unique and handmade, using materials reclaimed by Katrin Arens; from derelict country houses, from cellars, and from carpentry studios. The pieces themselves are as rich in history as they are clear in design – histories which are concealed beneath surfaces with strange shapes, patterns and scars. Thorough craftsmanship and treatments using traditional techniques give the pieces both a smooth finish and an enigmatic feel, exuding long-forgotten colours and scents."