BEAUTIFUL

Birmingham received 2" of snow last night and it was such a beautiful sight this morning. I kept my fingers crossed for a "snow day" but no luck. I quickly snapped this photo before leaving Melrose this morning. 

I realize it is time for the AU flag to come down, but there are so many other things on my plate right now that I keep forgetting. Yes, the blog has been neglected due to the wedding (which is 2.5 wks away now!) but I promise to clue ya'll in on everything asap! I have lots of fun projects to post so be on the lookout. 

MORE WATERCOLOR

It seems that the fabulous trend of watercolor usage is still growing and making its way into more and more print pieces. If you remember, I posted about watercolor here and here and featured a few of my favorites at the time. I think I continue to gravitate towards this medium because it allows every piece to be unique and original. Watercolor can be as fluid and free as you want it, or controlled and refined. A few of my recent finds have all involved some sort of hand illustration and I wanted to share a few. 

First, some beautiful business cards designed by Jordan Ferney. I posted about her husband, Paul Ferney, last year and his amazing paintings. How awesome is that for them both to be so creative? 

Next, through the world of Etsy I have discovered some very talented artists that lend a great deal of inspiration. I love the simple backgrounds that allow the illustration to be the focus and the colors to really stand out. These featured below would be perfect in a nursery or a very serene setting.

1. amber alexander

2. lulabies

3. the Wheatfield

Anna Bond's whimsical illustrations have really become famous in the design/invitation world and I am dying for a set of her beautiful cards. Anna and her husband, Nathan, started the company Rifle Paper Co. based off of her paintings and it has sky rocketed. Here are a few of my favorites:

Lastly, I stumbled upon the blog Oh My Deer and fell head over heels for her watercolor 2011 calendar. It is available in her etsy shop. I would purchase this, but I am a little OCD when it comes to organization and planning so I feel the need to document everything in my calendar. But, this would make a fabulous piece of art for Melrose. 

If you like the watercolor trend but don't want to spend the money, check out this lovely free printable calendar by Creature Comforts. I just printed off one for myself to hang in the office. Click HERE to go to the link. 

HONEYMOON: st. lucia

I know I have been M.I.A. for awhile thanks to wedding planning and Auburn winning the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ... so I wanted to do a quick post. 

I just purchased these two items for our upcoming honeymoon and I am super excited:

dress & straw hat

The upcoming online magazine, High Gloss, just sent out their newsletter with a feature on what to take when traveling somewhere warm and it really spiked some ideas. 

Click here to see the full article and where to get some of those fabulous items. I am currently on the search for a new swimsuit to take and I sure do love those bright colors! Any suggestions?

Brandon and I will be headed to the Jalousie Plantation in St. Lucia on February 27th and I could not be more excited! I researched for several months before I decided on this resort and I just hope it is everything I can imagine and more. I think the thing that sold me was the decor. I did not want some cheesy resort with palm tree fabric and fish plastered to every wall ... instead, I wanted something very classic and sophisticated to enhance my week of relaxation! Check out these pictures from the resort:

Doesn't it look gorgeous? I can't wait! That is it for more -- more to come when time appears! 

MARBLE EFFECTS

I have noticed a design trend lately of incorporating marble textures into the print and home decor world. I saw this fun tutorial a few weeks ago via the wedding blog Ruffled on how to make your own marble paper and it inspired me. I thought it was really awesome and would make great envelope liners. You can easily customize your own colors -- it doesn't have to be neon!

Cool, huh? And, while I was flipping through the latest issue of Lonny Mag I found this spread illustrating beautiful products that all consists of marble. I love the color palette of the book cover (1) and the lamp (3).

[click to enlarge]

I can't remember how I first discovered this pillow, but it fits in perfectly with this post + my design taste ... cream and gold. 

A few months ago I posted about interior designer Kelly Wearstler's china she designed that I love. Well, besides her own china line, she also designed bedding for Sferra and the pieces are gorgeous. How do you like her marble texture? It is divine to me. 

POTTERY FAVS

With wedding stuff occupying most of my time lately, I have started paying a lot of attention to china. I just keep stumbling upon these beautiful pieces of hand-made pottery that I could picture displayed in my dining room or entertaining a house full of guests. I love unique, one of a kind pieces, and like I mentioned before I have developed a slight obsession with tea cups so that may lend to my attraction as well. I wanted to share a few artists that I have found and my favorite pieces. (feel free to ship any to Melrose)

1. LeaWoodCeramics :: I love the simple shapes and elegant thickness to all her pieces, but I especially enjoy the touch of quirkiness the ink strokes convey. The black and gray touches are classic enough to mix and match with any dinner sets. 

2. Sara Paloma Pottery :: With my love for white, you know I would love these dainty pieces with touches of gold. So sweet!

3. Gretel :: Gretel is a company that sells home accessories from around the world. All of the brands are beautiful and share an appreciation for simplicity and creativity. 

Do you have any pottery favorites? I know Etsy has tons more ... I just found these through other bloggers.