Hey all! I've been working with my friend, Brandy, proprietress of Modern Toile Photography to get her website ready so she can FINALLY share all her photos with the world but the last little element we're working on is the logo.
If you wouldn't mind taking a gander at some options below and casting your vote, well, that would be just lovely of you! (Double click on the images for larger versions)
I'm not entirely sure the javascript version will work so just in case, here's the direct link: http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1672047/
Gracias!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Talkin' 'bout a clean desktop!
To continue with the random bits that have been lingering on my desktop...
...first I bring you labels! I've been going through pricing for some custom invitations (which I've already half named the Faith Hill/Tim McGraw invitation suite in my head- I don't know why- it just jumped out at me) and it's $50 for a big old box of regular envelopes. The cheapest I can get them printed is $235 for 500 envelopes. Now, granted, if you're smart with what address you use you can use them for shower invitations, wedding invitations, thank you cards and whatever else you want but you're sitting on a lot of A7 envelopes with your name on them if the others come with their own envelopes.
But really who wants to spend another $235 when you're still going to need someone to address the "to" section later on anyway! Not I, Brown Cow. So that's why when I did my invitations and then later sent out moving cards --- WAIT HOLD THE EFFIN' PHONE. How are my invitations (which later became the Elizabeth and Darcy invitations) not featured on ye olde blog? WTF, mate? These are the times I wish I had an underling to yell at instead of berrating myself. We shall remedy that quickly, my dears. The posting of the Elizabeth and Darcy, that is. Not the underling, unfortunately. Anyway, where was I? Ah. Labels.
Those are a little beat up since they were the two that were returned when we flubbed the addresses but you get the idea. I super love the moving card label (left) for the Monopoly moving card (which is also for sale, so you too can have your very own!! In your very favorite monopoly block color-- I went with Illinois/Kentucky/Indiana red but it was a close call over PA/NC/Pacific Ave Green). We have a list of addresses (now corrected) which we use whenever we need to send out a mass mailing. Xmas cards, invitations- whatever, it's great.
Secondly I'll jump ahead and show my effin' invitations! (Shaking fist at mystified husband and dog). Ta-da. These are/were my invitations. The map is the unfolded inside of the written directions (which are below the map). I used labels again on the reply envelope (top right). The whole kit and caboodle went into the pocket of the Envelopement which I loved. The design on the back was someone I scribbled down on the metro and spent foreeeeever refining. The back has our first initials in what looks like a swirly pattern but the swirly pattern is actually "Cox" (my married name) in a funky cursive. No one really picked up on it which I actually like more because it was my little secret personal bit that I had added.
The essentials are all there for the Elizabeth and Darcy suite, as you can see, to the left, where the invitation is chillaxin' in my mint plant. The rest of the pieces can be found in my Etsy store along with a series of invitations in different colors to give you a better idea of what the invitation would look like in your wedding colors.
Don't worry, no swirling letters with my last name on the back. :)
Speaking of etsy, the next item to be cleared on my desktop (since it will be saved here for posterity) is the most awesome shirt ever. I came across this when I was searching for something to wear to my friend's 30th bday party but times as they are (combined with the fact I'm a tight wad) I just couldn't justify $60 and then another $10 for shipping. Grrr. I really want it though. I don't want this to be another "Sgt. Pepper inspired t-shirt that they no longer make for women and I should have just bought it when I saw it online 2 years ago thing!!!! @#$%$#^!!!!" I'm slightly bitter.
Don't you love it? AHHHH I LOVE IT. This will be a present to myself. I'm now not sure I want to tell you about because you could take mine. Le sigh. I'll be nice. It's from Les Enfants Sauvages, which is an awesome store name for awesome things. It comes in several colors and is made of "indian cotton veil" which I have no idea what that is but it sounds very soft. The proprietor will be at the Renegade Craft Sale in Brooklyn this weekend if you're in the area. Damn it! I was just in Brooklyn too.
The tear drop cut outs go around the back as well and it's got a tie of some sorts so you can pull it in at the waist just like Stacy and Clinton would want me to! Waahhh!
[Photo by LesEnfantSauvages]
Lastly I'll just throw some pretty pictures your way. The first was from Antler magazine which is an online mag that I read the first issue but wasn't really loving it except this photo. I have written down "Antler-Ozemhaluk" as the title of the image. I'm hoping that "Ozemhaluk" is some sort of photo credit to give credit where it's due.
The next photo (of the bride) was found on my search for wedding magazines around the world. It was on the home page of an Aussie magazine but I was never able to find
the wedding that went with it (much to my dismay) but I liked the photo so much I thought I'd keep it around.
I tried to look it up from the photographer but I couldn't find it on his website and I'm beginning to believe that it's more of an editorial shot than a shot from a real live wedding ceremony.
Touché, internet, touché.
[Photo by: George Fetting]
Super lastly, we have something I was looking through today via Not Martha: Niki-lynn's photo stream on flickr. I was really blown away and then she had a birthday celebration photo and she's FIFTEEN YEARS OLD. If this turns out to be some sort of LonelyGrl whatever marketing bit- I'm revolting.
Ahhh clean desktop. Now I shall go finally work on my website after many months! Woo-hoo!
[Photo by niki-lynn]
...first I bring you labels! I've been going through pricing for some custom invitations (which I've already half named the Faith Hill/Tim McGraw invitation suite in my head- I don't know why- it just jumped out at me) and it's $50 for a big old box of regular envelopes. The cheapest I can get them printed is $235 for 500 envelopes. Now, granted, if you're smart with what address you use you can use them for shower invitations, wedding invitations, thank you cards and whatever else you want but you're sitting on a lot of A7 envelopes with your name on them if the others come with their own envelopes.
But really who wants to spend another $235 when you're still going to need someone to address the "to" section later on anyway! Not I, Brown Cow. So that's why when I did my invitations and then later sent out moving cards --- WAIT HOLD THE EFFIN' PHONE. How are my invitations (which later became the Elizabeth and Darcy invitations) not featured on ye olde blog? WTF, mate? These are the times I wish I had an underling to yell at instead of berrating myself. We shall remedy that quickly, my dears. The posting of the Elizabeth and Darcy, that is. Not the underling, unfortunately. Anyway, where was I? Ah. Labels.
Those are a little beat up since they were the two that were returned when we flubbed the addresses but you get the idea. I super love the moving card label (left) for the Monopoly moving card (which is also for sale, so you too can have your very own!! In your very favorite monopoly block color-- I went with Illinois/Kentucky/Indiana red but it was a close call over PA/NC/Pacific Ave Green). We have a list of addresses (now corrected) which we use whenever we need to send out a mass mailing. Xmas cards, invitations- whatever, it's great.
Secondly I'll jump ahead and show my effin' invitations! (Shaking fist at mystified husband and dog). Ta-da. These are/were my invitations. The map is the unfolded inside of the written directions (which are below the map). I used labels again on the reply envelope (top right). The whole kit and caboodle went into the pocket of the Envelopement which I loved. The design on the back was someone I scribbled down on the metro and spent foreeeeever refining. The back has our first initials in what looks like a swirly pattern but the swirly pattern is actually "Cox" (my married name) in a funky cursive. No one really picked up on it which I actually like more because it was my little secret personal bit that I had added.
The essentials are all there for the Elizabeth and Darcy suite, as you can see, to the left, where the invitation is chillaxin' in my mint plant. The rest of the pieces can be found in my Etsy store along with a series of invitations in different colors to give you a better idea of what the invitation would look like in your wedding colors.Don't worry, no swirling letters with my last name on the back. :)
Speaking of etsy, the next item to be cleared on my desktop (since it will be saved here for posterity) is the most awesome shirt ever. I came across this when I was searching for something to wear to my friend's 30th bday party but times as they are (combined with the fact I'm a tight wad) I just couldn't justify $60 and then another $10 for shipping. Grrr. I really want it though. I don't want this to be another "Sgt. Pepper inspired t-shirt that they no longer make for women and I should have just bought it when I saw it online 2 years ago thing!!!! @#$%$#^!!!!" I'm slightly bitter.
Don't you love it? AHHHH I LOVE IT. This will be a present to myself. I'm now not sure I want to tell you about because you could take mine. Le sigh. I'll be nice. It's from Les Enfants Sauvages, which is an awesome store name for awesome things. It comes in several colors and is made of "indian cotton veil" which I have no idea what that is but it sounds very soft. The proprietor will be at the Renegade Craft Sale in Brooklyn this weekend if you're in the area. Damn it! I was just in Brooklyn too.The tear drop cut outs go around the back as well and it's got a tie of some sorts so you can pull it in at the waist just like Stacy and Clinton would want me to! Waahhh!
[Photo by LesEnfantSauvages]
Lastly I'll just throw some pretty pictures your way. The first was from Antler magazine which is an online mag that I read the first issue but wasn't really loving it except this photo. I have written down "Antler-Ozemhaluk" as the title of the image. I'm hoping that "Ozemhaluk" is some sort of photo credit to give credit where it's due.The next photo (of the bride) was found on my search for wedding magazines around the world. It was on the home page of an Aussie magazine but I was never able to find
the wedding that went with it (much to my dismay) but I liked the photo so much I thought I'd keep it around.I tried to look it up from the photographer but I couldn't find it on his website and I'm beginning to believe that it's more of an editorial shot than a shot from a real live wedding ceremony.
Touché, internet, touché.
[Photo by: George Fetting]
Super lastly, we have something I was looking through today via Not Martha: Niki-lynn's photo stream on flickr. I was really blown away and then she had a birthday celebration photo and she's FIFTEEN YEARS OLD. If this turns out to be some sort of LonelyGrl whatever marketing bit- I'm revolting.
Ahhh clean desktop. Now I shall go finally work on my website after many months! Woo-hoo!
[Photo by niki-lynn]
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Grab bag
Hey there! Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. (How can it already seem like a distant memory?) I had a whirlwind trip to NYC for my friend's 30th and learned there are some amazing perks to knowing someone who is a sommelier. I have also learned that staying out to 4 am and drinking like you're on shore leave is not something you can just jump back into. :)
Things have been pretty cold and gray up in the Northeast which has been unfortunately reflecting pretty closely to how things have been going for me this past week (friend's birthday excluded) so I'm going to keep it simple and try and turn things around with clearing up all the things I've been saving on my desktop.
First, a gorgeous new font, Memoriam by Canada Type:
All my loving, indeed. I'm always looking for scripty fonts that won't make people gag on wedding invitations (cough *scriptina* cough) and this definitely fits the bill.
Secondly I came across this surprise wedding on Studio7 (wedding photography). That's right. A SURPRISE wedding. The couple invited all their friends over for an "engagement party" and little did they know when they got there it was the actual wedding.
(photos by Studio7 Photography)
The photographers caught each of the bridesmaids reactions as they saw the bride in her wedding dress (I love the girl on the bottom left!) and apparently the brides brother told the rest of the guests that "the engagement had been called off... [dramatic pause].. because they're getting married tonight!" Talk about dialing it up to 11!
The next wedding I've had saved was found on Snippet and Ink and was planned by Alison Events. Growing up I started dance in Pre-K and continued to my senior year, was tech crew in Middle School for the musicals (I had auditioned but never got in to any of them but all my friends were in it so I still wanted to be apart of it*) and then in high school was in all 8 shows offered over the 4 years, and then 2 more shows in college so I think it's safe to say I liked the stage experience. So when I saw this wedding had taken place in a small club with the ceremony on stage, you know I was all over it.
(Above three photos by Adi Nevo)
The guys wore pinstripes and fedora, there was a slight Mexican vibe throughout complete with tequila shot and Pacifico waiting to the guests at their seats, a swing dance lesson before the dancing got started and the Mood Swing Orchestra for people to practice their new skills to all night long. I can't tell you how many of my friends from high school this would be perfect for.
Wow, my desktop is overcrowded. I still have 3 more random photos but I think those will wait until Monday. Have a great weekend!
Things have been pretty cold and gray up in the Northeast which has been unfortunately reflecting pretty closely to how things have been going for me this past week (friend's birthday excluded) so I'm going to keep it simple and try and turn things around with clearing up all the things I've been saving on my desktop.
First, a gorgeous new font, Memoriam by Canada Type:
All my loving, indeed. I'm always looking for scripty fonts that won't make people gag on wedding invitations (cough *scriptina* cough) and this definitely fits the bill.Secondly I came across this surprise wedding on Studio7 (wedding photography). That's right. A SURPRISE wedding. The couple invited all their friends over for an "engagement party" and little did they know when they got there it was the actual wedding.
(photos by Studio7 Photography)The next wedding I've had saved was found on Snippet and Ink and was planned by Alison Events. Growing up I started dance in Pre-K and continued to my senior year, was tech crew in Middle School for the musicals (I had auditioned but never got in to any of them but all my friends were in it so I still wanted to be apart of it*) and then in high school was in all 8 shows offered over the 4 years, and then 2 more shows in college so I think it's safe to say I liked the stage experience. So when I saw this wedding had taken place in a small club with the ceremony on stage, you know I was all over it.
(Above three photos by Adi Nevo)The guys wore pinstripes and fedora, there was a slight Mexican vibe throughout complete with tequila shot and Pacifico waiting to the guests at their seats, a swing dance lesson before the dancing got started and the Mood Swing Orchestra for people to practice their new skills to all night long. I can't tell you how many of my friends from high school this would be perfect for.
Wow, my desktop is overcrowded. I still have 3 more random photos but I think those will wait until Monday. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Everyone who NEEDS this Memorial Day vaca-- please raise your hands.
(Don't you just love Anne Taintor? We wanted have her magnets as shower favors but they were a little too much for us in the end. Le sigh.)Well I am totally looking forward to having a couple of days off. My friend is having her 30th birthday party! YAY! This year both of my bridesmaids are turning 30 and my Mom is turning 60. Holy f-ing party planning, I know.
But that's not why I decided to blog today. (Unless you have some good ideas what I should wear to NYC this weekend- if so- abandon the rest of the post and email me, you can go back and read it later). I've always wondered where people who want a unique wedding dress go if they don't know a tailor or seamstress... well, you can go to shopflick and get this beauty from Mr. Larkin.
Or you can get this for everyone you know from the Beard Head Store:
Aren't choices grand?
Friday, May 15, 2009
In the immortal words of Lil John...
I was cruising through Mighty Good blog on google reader when I happen to come across these little darlings:
And since this wedding season I actually have weddings to go to I was like maybe I'll spluge and get me some new shoes. Now let me note that I am not a shoe person. I currently wear my JUNIOR PROM SHOES to fancy events. Yes, over 12 year old shoes. I have really bad ankles and really sensitive feet so most of the time shoes shred my feet to blister covered ribbons then I trip and sprain my ankle (TMI? Sorry) so when I find something that mostly works-- I stick with it. But these are cute. They appear to be made out of some sort of cotton derivative not pleather or barbed wire (which I feel must be a secret ingredient in other shoes). So I figure-- totally J. Crew. I'm totally going to blow like $80* on these shoes but then I'll have cute colorful shoes so shut up little cheap-o voice in my head!
Click on the link from Mighty Goods, scan to see where I can get me some...
PAYLESS?!?!
WHAT?!? YEAAAAAAH!!!
I also like these which are on sale for $14.99!! They have a little bling which I'm usually not 100% down with on shoes but if anyone gets that close to my shoe I probably don't care what they think.
And these for $12.99!!! THIRTEEN DOLLARS!!! Basically for the price of a burrito, chips and guac you can get darling little shoes. And they come in 4 different colors so you can get orange shoes if you want and not worry that you have something it'll work with.
*Ok this is where my friend emails me and says "Awww you're adorable. You think nice shoes only cost $80. Try $180." but I write $80 because $80 is the way upper echelon of how much I would pay for the shoes pictured. Err... well probably any shoe provided it was off the shelf and not crafted by lechrechauns for me. Then I'd be willing to pay $140. Or pay them with thimbles of whiskey! Muahahaha!**
**Yeah so at this point I should mention that I had really weird dreams last night that included a Prince video with complete choreography that I'm pretty sure doesn't exist and my dog talking to me like the puppies in Air Bud so there may be some lingering effects... but the shoes aren't one of them!
And since this wedding season I actually have weddings to go to I was like maybe I'll spluge and get me some new shoes. Now let me note that I am not a shoe person. I currently wear my JUNIOR PROM SHOES to fancy events. Yes, over 12 year old shoes. I have really bad ankles and really sensitive feet so most of the time shoes shred my feet to blister covered ribbons then I trip and sprain my ankle (TMI? Sorry) so when I find something that mostly works-- I stick with it. But these are cute. They appear to be made out of some sort of cotton derivative not pleather or barbed wire (which I feel must be a secret ingredient in other shoes). So I figure-- totally J. Crew. I'm totally going to blow like $80* on these shoes but then I'll have cute colorful shoes so shut up little cheap-o voice in my head!Click on the link from Mighty Goods, scan to see where I can get me some...
PAYLESS?!?!
WHAT?!? YEAAAAAAH!!!
I also like these which are on sale for $14.99!! They have a little bling which I'm usually not 100% down with on shoes but if anyone gets that close to my shoe I probably don't care what they think.
And these for $12.99!!! THIRTEEN DOLLARS!!! Basically for the price of a burrito, chips and guac you can get darling little shoes. And they come in 4 different colors so you can get orange shoes if you want and not worry that you have something it'll work with.
*Ok this is where my friend emails me and says "Awww you're adorable. You think nice shoes only cost $80. Try $180." but I write $80 because $80 is the way upper echelon of how much I would pay for the shoes pictured. Err... well probably any shoe provided it was off the shelf and not crafted by lechrechauns for me. Then I'd be willing to pay $140. Or pay them with thimbles of whiskey! Muahahaha!**
**Yeah so at this point I should mention that I had really weird dreams last night that included a Prince video with complete choreography that I'm pretty sure doesn't exist and my dog talking to me like the puppies in Air Bud so there may be some lingering effects... but the shoes aren't one of them!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Their labor of love
On Thursday last week when I was gearing up for the Harry Potter trials, I found myself staring at that very last Harry Potter in the hizzouse inspired picture from Once Wed, and decided that I MUSTMUSTMUST find out more about it. To the left is the picture in question again so you don't have to go clicking around.The picture is the combined efforts of Joy Thigpen, who has some lovely close ups of the above table as well as fabulous inspiration boards, and Our Labor of Love photography which you are just going to have to go take a look at after this. There's just no other way around it. Becaaaause, in addition to having
Like... maybe rethink the ban on line/group dances at the reception...
Or realize you don't need to grow your hair out for your wedding when this short to medium 'do looks so great (and thank you for the overhead shot so it will be that much easier to show the hairdresser!)...
Or find the perfect way to coordinate your bridesmaids in the winter without demanding jacket styles (the salmon colored wraps)...
Hello? Flowers? Get your printer and your pointing finger out! I want that, that and that.
Or need something crazy gorgeous that you probably wouldn't have thought of yourself? LIKE UPSIDE DOWN FLOWER CHANDELIER THING-A-MA-BOBS?!? Yes, please.
ALL PHOTOS BY OUR LABOR OF LOVE
ALL PHOTOS BY OUR LABOR OF LOVEBRIDE BEWARE THOUGH-- WARNING WARNING-- if you click on the link that says "Smilebooth" on their blog, any holdout feelings on whether or not to do the whole photo booth thang at the wedding will be crushed. Obliterated. You will neeeeeed a photo booth. You'll give up the schmancy shoes just to get a photo booth. You'll wonder how you can start incorporating it into your non-wedding-related life. And finally, you'll want to work at Google because they apparently throw kick ass parties for their employees.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Distressed without the 100 year wait
My friend, R., of Harry Potter in the hizzouse fame, asked me the other day if I knew about any ways to distress wedding invitations and- shockingly- I kind of did. Two Christmases ago my husband and I got his niece and nephew Watson Scavenger Hunt tickets (which are awesome and in many cities in case you're wondering) so I decided to make it a scavenger hunt to find the tickets. I got a little overboard and found myself in the kitchen with a lighter try to figure out how much is too much singed edges and trying to find things to stain the clues.
This is not quite a tutorial since you'll still have to play around with the technique but here are the results from my first trial.
(before left; after right)
Staining with Tea
I first started with a brewed tea bag concentrating on the corners and let that sink in for about 5 minutes, and gently blotted areas that pooled too much in the center over the text with a paper towel.
To keep the staining to the corners I perched the invitation over the paper towel and let that sit. Play with this time to see how much it will stain the corners.
This was probably the best idea from the new trials. I was trying to find a way to singe the edges without lighting it on fire because that tends to streaks of ash across the front and would definitely leave ash all of the envelope. I used the flat iron when the invitation was only slightly damp but if you do a slow fanning motion you can create a stiff curl (kind of like you would if you were flipping your hair).
So here's the before and after again. It's not a style for everyone but it's nice parchment-y look.
I printed several test versions so I can keep on experimenting. I'm thinking Coke maybe the next trial since it would stain and not smell (like coffee would).
And, yes, it's a Harry Potter invite. I did it quickly for something to test with but... I'm liking it. A lot. So you'll definitely see more of it in the future.
(The paper used was Paper Source Luxe Cream Cover. I also tried their Opal Cover which had a nice sparkle to it but the tea just beaded off.)
This is not quite a tutorial since you'll still have to play around with the technique but here are the results from my first trial.
(before left; after right)Staining with Tea
I first started with a brewed tea bag concentrating on the corners and let that sink in for about 5 minutes, and gently blotted areas that pooled too much in the center over the text with a paper towel.
To keep the staining to the corners I perched the invitation over the paper towel and let that sit. Play with this time to see how much it will stain the corners.
This was probably the best idea from the new trials. I was trying to find a way to singe the edges without lighting it on fire because that tends to streaks of ash across the front and would definitely leave ash all of the envelope. I used the flat iron when the invitation was only slightly damp but if you do a slow fanning motion you can create a stiff curl (kind of like you would if you were flipping your hair).
So here's the before and after again. It's not a style for everyone but it's nice parchment-y look.I printed several test versions so I can keep on experimenting. I'm thinking Coke maybe the next trial since it would stain and not smell (like coffee would).
And, yes, it's a Harry Potter invite. I did it quickly for something to test with but... I'm liking it. A lot. So you'll definitely see more of it in the future.
(The paper used was Paper Source Luxe Cream Cover. I also tried their Opal Cover which had a nice sparkle to it but the tea just beaded off.)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
April Showers, where are my May flowers?
In the Northeast we had a peak of sunny weather in the end of April. Just enough to haul out the grill and the lawn chairs and it's been dreary and rainy ever since. But at least it's about 50 degrees.
I think I've mentioned before that when I went to go pick out my wedding flowers I could name four (roses/irises, which I don't like and peonies/rananculus which were both out of season) and dislike both. Thankfully my florist had a stack of books and I went through and pointed.
Since then I've been getting my flower education slowly by surely through yoga. Strange, I know, but one of the women in my classes, Jeri Solomon, is a the owner of Jeri Solomon Floral Design and brings new arrangements every week and for all of us not quite in the know, leave a small card explaining what is what. I can now spot forsythia in yards in the neighborhood. Today we had lovely hyacinths (which I originally thought were lilacs but hey- they're pretty close- get off my back). :)
Jeri was a featured floral designer for Bloomingdale's Registry in April and I have some gorgeous pictures that might help you forget gray skies for a bit.
I really can't decide which one I like best. The first one is so vibrant and I love the textures but the second one had such elegant structure to it and the pop of the yellow against the black vase in the third one is so snappy. Now I suppose the real challenge now would be if I could say what everything is. I'm seeing orchids in all. Calla lilies in the last two. And I'm 80% sure those are gerber daisies in the last one. But then again, you could always just point and say "I like THAT one."
If you're in the Northeast definitely check out Jeri Solomon Floral Design. She creates gorgeous arrangements for weddings, corporate events, social events, and even if you just need to impress your guests with a kick ass arrangement in your house. And when I find a new spectacular flower from her yoga arrangements- I'll be sure to let you know.
I think I've mentioned before that when I went to go pick out my wedding flowers I could name four (roses/irises, which I don't like and peonies/rananculus which were both out of season) and dislike both. Thankfully my florist had a stack of books and I went through and pointed.
Since then I've been getting my flower education slowly by surely through yoga. Strange, I know, but one of the women in my classes, Jeri Solomon, is a the owner of Jeri Solomon Floral Design and brings new arrangements every week and for all of us not quite in the know, leave a small card explaining what is what. I can now spot forsythia in yards in the neighborhood. Today we had lovely hyacinths (which I originally thought were lilacs but hey- they're pretty close- get off my back). :)
Jeri was a featured floral designer for Bloomingdale's Registry in April and I have some gorgeous pictures that might help you forget gray skies for a bit.
I really can't decide which one I like best. The first one is so vibrant and I love the textures but the second one had such elegant structure to it and the pop of the yellow against the black vase in the third one is so snappy. Now I suppose the real challenge now would be if I could say what everything is. I'm seeing orchids in all. Calla lilies in the last two. And I'm 80% sure those are gerber daisies in the last one. But then again, you could always just point and say "I like THAT one."
If you're in the Northeast definitely check out Jeri Solomon Floral Design. She creates gorgeous arrangements for weddings, corporate events, social events, and even if you just need to impress your guests with a kick ass arrangement in your house. And when I find a new spectacular flower from her yoga arrangements- I'll be sure to let you know.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Dum dum da dum
So my searches of all things wedding from around the (english-speaking) world was kind of a bust. There is no foreign Martha Stewart that we just don't know about. The British, Scottish and Irish wedding magazine sites were pretty close to ours but in the sense it had links to vendors but no expansive image galleries.
I did find this though:
I still don't know what we used. All I know is that I walked down the aisle to the same thing as Princess Di. That's how I was sold on that from the organist. Princess music? Yes, please.
I did find this though:
PRELUDEI'm not sure if they have this on the US version of Brides but to have samples of those to listen to those before would have been VERY helpful. For my wedding, the organist played samples for my Mom and I and we were like "umm, the first one I think".
1. Hayden Symphony No. 100 in G Major, South German Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor, Alexander Von Pitamic
2. Bach Air on the G String, The Hamburg Orchestra. Conductor, Robert Stehli
PROCESSIONAL
1. Wagner Wedding March from Lohengrin, The Hamburg Symphony Orchestra. Conductor, Hans-Jurgen Walther
2. Clake Trumpet Voluntary, Philharmonica Slavonica. Conductor, Alfred Scholz
3.Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks, The Munich Symphony Orcestra. Conductor, Albert Lizzio
SIGNING THE REGISTER
1. Shubert Ave Maria, City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor, James Fitzpatrick. Soprano, Charlotte Kinder
2. Pachelbel Canon in D, City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor, James Fitzpatrick
RECESSIONAL
1. Mendelssohn Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Philharmonica Slavonica. Conductor, Alberto Lizzio
2. Handel Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Salzburg Chamber Soloists
3. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, Philharmonica Slavonica. Conductor, Henry Adolph
I still don't know what we used. All I know is that I walked down the aisle to the same thing as Princess Di. That's how I was sold on that from the organist. Princess music? Yes, please.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Queen's English
In the post-Domino decor blog world (which sounds like it should be small but isn't) I feel like people have started gravitating to a couple of cool magazines from Australia like Real Living Magazine. This prompted a quick search to places that I thought would have similarly new and fresh wedding magazines. My first thought was Brazil (all those colors! all the culture!) but, oh right, I don't speak Portuguese. So back to those who speak English and specifically the Aussies and I found this:
They have a nice blog and you can buy issues online (both digital $11.95 AUD [$8.68 USD] or printed $14.95 [$10.86]) if you don't feel like jetting around the world for a magazine but what I thought was best was they have a big ole free downloads section!
They're most idea for bridal shower (other various pre-wedding shindigs) and favors which is great because I feel like those are aspects of the wedding where you stop and think "Wait, THERE'S MORE PLANNING?!!?"
I'm liking this new theme at the moment so I'm off to find more across the pond (or WAY across) inspiration!
They have a nice blog and you can buy issues online (both digital $11.95 AUD [$8.68 USD] or printed $14.95 [$10.86]) if you don't feel like jetting around the world for a magazine but what I thought was best was they have a big ole free downloads section!
They're most idea for bridal shower (other various pre-wedding shindigs) and favors which is great because I feel like those are aspects of the wedding where you stop and think "Wait, THERE'S MORE PLANNING?!!?"
I'm liking this new theme at the moment so I'm off to find more across the pond (or WAY across) inspiration!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Because you'll need that hair for the wedding photos
Sometimes you find the perfect image and in your rapture quick "save as" you don't quite remember to label it as something other than "wedding-idea.jpg" and then when you want to find where you got it from later-- CRAP. Was it Snippet and Ink? Or Martha Stewart? Brooklyn Bride?
Or maybe you're reading a blog and just found the most perfect photo ever and you want to know if it's part of a series but alas, your lovely blogger has forgotten where he or she got it from.
So you spend hours online searching for it and getting more and more frantic and clumps of hair get ripped out BUT NO LONGER!!!
This just saved my sanity. I had saved some images for general "later business use" but the place where I had listed them as being from isn't selling the photos 2 years later. Fast forward two hours later of me scouring sites until -- LIGHTBULB-- TinEye. Found where the photos are being sold now in roughly 3 seconds.
So now that you are keeping that pretty hair, I've been meaning to ask if anyone has any shoulder length hairstyles they want to pass onto me? [Awesome segue, I know.] I'm offering up chin length (and one shorter) looks in return.
The last one the face is blurred out because it's someone I went to high school with who's picture I stumbled across on myspace or something a long time ago. We didn't really know each other but I really liked her hair in the picture so I saved it. The first Katie Holmes image has been my go-to for awhile but I'm thinking about growing my hair out a bit for the summer.
Have a good hump day and hope TinEye helps!
Or maybe you're reading a blog and just found the most perfect photo ever and you want to know if it's part of a series but alas, your lovely blogger has forgotten where he or she got it from.
So you spend hours online searching for it and getting more and more frantic and clumps of hair get ripped out BUT NO LONGER!!!
This just saved my sanity. I had saved some images for general "later business use" but the place where I had listed them as being from isn't selling the photos 2 years later. Fast forward two hours later of me scouring sites until -- LIGHTBULB-- TinEye. Found where the photos are being sold now in roughly 3 seconds.So now that you are keeping that pretty hair, I've been meaning to ask if anyone has any shoulder length hairstyles they want to pass onto me? [Awesome segue, I know.] I'm offering up chin length (and one shorter) looks in return.
The last one the face is blurred out because it's someone I went to high school with who's picture I stumbled across on myspace or something a long time ago. We didn't really know each other but I really liked her hair in the picture so I saved it. The first Katie Holmes image has been my go-to for awhile but I'm thinking about growing my hair out a bit for the summer.Have a good hump day and hope TinEye helps!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Stickin' it.
My latest design love is definitely packaging and branding. I've started reading a slew of blogs (err... um 2, Dieline and Brand New... but it SEEMS like a slew) and one of them mentioned something that really stuck with me: packaging is the advertising. Sure if you're a big company you still dole out the big bucks for advertising but when the consumer faced with 39 packages of new health conscious potato chips-- that bag better look good. And think about, how many of your favorite brands has re-designed lately. Or seems to re-design every other time you go to the store. (I feel like Green Giant frozen veggies that are targeted for some kind of health [antioxidant, healthy weight, etc] and Wheat Thins are always changing).
As a result a good portion of the packaging design coming out these days rocks my socks AAAAND has got me thinking.
(left: Student work by Shon Tanner: right: Azul Reál Cachaça by Adam&Co.)
(left: Student work from Melissa Adams (this is actually a lot like some custom work I've been doing but you'll have to wait to see that later); right: Student work from Eyal Baumert)
(left Est natural cosmetics by Satelite, right: Lovejoy Vodka produced by Integrity Spirits and designed by ID Branding)
How lovely, right? So this got me to thinking- does a wedding invitation really need to be paper? I've been writing this post for a couple days and thinking what could be accomplished by just using stickers. Looking at these packages you can definitely have beautifully designed stickers and I've been trying to think of cool ways to base wedding invitations around it. I have some ideas but I'm not 100% there yet.
The more I think of weddings the more it seems everyone has these grand ideas of what it HAS TO be and less about what COULD work. Less thinking outside of the box- more building something better entirely, if that makes any sense*. :)
*It's hot today. My brain may be melting.
As a result a good portion of the packaging design coming out these days rocks my socks AAAAND has got me thinking.
(left: Student work by Shon Tanner: right: Azul Reál Cachaça by Adam&Co.)
(left: Student work from Melissa Adams (this is actually a lot like some custom work I've been doing but you'll have to wait to see that later); right: Student work from Eyal Baumert)
(left Est natural cosmetics by Satelite, right: Lovejoy Vodka produced by Integrity Spirits and designed by ID Branding)How lovely, right? So this got me to thinking- does a wedding invitation really need to be paper? I've been writing this post for a couple days and thinking what could be accomplished by just using stickers. Looking at these packages you can definitely have beautifully designed stickers and I've been trying to think of cool ways to base wedding invitations around it. I have some ideas but I'm not 100% there yet.
The more I think of weddings the more it seems everyone has these grand ideas of what it HAS TO be and less about what COULD work. Less thinking outside of the box- more building something better entirely, if that makes any sense*. :)
*It's hot today. My brain may be melting.
Friday, April 24, 2009
I'm ridiculous
I'm planning my escape into the sunshine and the Phish Gin and Juice cover just came on iTunes as I found this:
I think I made this like 5 years ago. I can't really remember why but I still think it's funny.
Have a great weekend!
I think I made this like 5 years ago. I can't really remember why but I still think it's funny.Have a great weekend!
Suzy Homewrecker
My friend brought me a cute little apron (the Minerva) for my birthday* when she visited last weekend and I wore it the other day and my husband said "Ooh I like it, you look just like a little Suzy Homewrecker" I think he meant "Suzy Homemaker" but I think it's funnier this way.
Yesterday was full of general craftiness. First there was the sewing craftiness. I have a simple sewing machine from Sears that I got a couple of years ago and get inspired every once in awhile. I am BY NO MEANS a good "sew-er". But I have fun- and that's what counts in my book.
It all started with me smelling like beef. We're still training our puppy so I've gotten in the habit of carrying a handful of the soft puppy dog treats in my pocket. Now all my pants smell like beef, chicken, salmon or liver. Then Fiona on Burn Notice (on USA Networks) was occasionally wear a magical NON-FUGLY fanny pack and I remembered a cute wallet in Denyse Schmidt's Quilts and it kind of went down like this:
+
=
And then I realized that although I kind of like the idea of this hip hugging design that smaller would be better so I started making another smaller one and then something happened with the bobbin or rather the thread from the needle ends up wrapping around whatever encases the bobbin and yeah- no idea how to fix it so the other one is half done.
Second bit of craftiness was that I made Chocolate Caramel Crack(ers) that I saw a couple days ago on Smitten Kitchen and... well... Hi, my name is Kristen and I'm an addict.
(image from Smitten Kitchen- I didn't do as nice a job cutting mine)
Honestly, if you think your job/friendships/etc. are in peril: make some of these, don't tell them where you got the recipe from and believe me, they're going to have to hold on to you. Deb says you can add nuts (I used walnuts on half) BUT as I was considering sprinkling some on my grapefruit this morning I thought "coarsely chopped pretzels would be out of sight on this".
Hopefully it will be as nice for you (where ever you are) as it's forecasted for the Northeast this weekend-- we may see 80 DEGREES! AHHHHSOEXCITED! Go play!
*My birthday is Nov. 1st. I think she's adopted an annual birthday present concept where you get it when you get it and you'll get about one a year. I think it's a fabulous idea present-wise. Cake should always be there to acknowledge the actual day.
Yesterday was full of general craftiness. First there was the sewing craftiness. I have a simple sewing machine from Sears that I got a couple of years ago and get inspired every once in awhile. I am BY NO MEANS a good "sew-er". But I have fun- and that's what counts in my book.
It all started with me smelling like beef. We're still training our puppy so I've gotten in the habit of carrying a handful of the soft puppy dog treats in my pocket. Now all my pants smell like beef, chicken, salmon or liver. Then Fiona on Burn Notice (on USA Networks) was occasionally wear a magical NON-FUGLY fanny pack and I remembered a cute wallet in Denyse Schmidt's Quilts and it kind of went down like this:
+
=
Second bit of craftiness was that I made Chocolate Caramel Crack(ers) that I saw a couple days ago on Smitten Kitchen and... well... Hi, my name is Kristen and I'm an addict.
(image from Smitten Kitchen- I didn't do as nice a job cutting mine)Hopefully it will be as nice for you (where ever you are) as it's forecasted for the Northeast this weekend-- we may see 80 DEGREES! AHHHHSOEXCITED! Go play!
*My birthday is Nov. 1st. I think she's adopted an annual birthday present concept where you get it when you get it and you'll get about one a year. I think it's a fabulous idea present-wise. Cake should always be there to acknowledge the actual day.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Minted Contest!
As promised here is the graduation party invite I've been working on for the latest Minted contest:
I think it's a little more Urban Outfitters than the rest so I'm excited......buuuuut since it IS going off in a little more of a different direction I'm thinking I'll wait to post it until the submission date gets closer. Or I'll say "screw it" and post it later on today so I can forget about it for awhile since I'm already throwing it out in the world now. It's about 50/50 shot.
Also in the news- I bought a new hat. This is not the most flattering photo but I was mid-thought whether I should choose the LEAST expensive wine or the SECOND least expensive wine to not seem so cheap (I bought both instead! Choosing is overrated.)
(image by Modern Toile photography [link to come!])
And new Earth Day inspired news is that we've joined Boston Organics. I'm not sure if places like this are everywhere yet but I'm sure they will be soon. We've signed up for the cheapest 1/2 fruit 1/2 veggies every other week plans so every other Friday a box of delicious goodies show up at our door. It's like a cross between being in a cooking show and being rich (I pretend a magical butler picks the food and leaves it for us)
(image from farmfresh.org)
I think it's a little more Urban Outfitters than the rest so I'm excited......buuuuut since it IS going off in a little more of a different direction I'm thinking I'll wait to post it until the submission date gets closer. Or I'll say "screw it" and post it later on today so I can forget about it for awhile since I'm already throwing it out in the world now. It's about 50/50 shot.Also in the news- I bought a new hat. This is not the most flattering photo but I was mid-thought whether I should choose the LEAST expensive wine or the SECOND least expensive wine to not seem so cheap (I bought both instead! Choosing is overrated.)
(image by Modern Toile photography [link to come!])And new Earth Day inspired news is that we've joined Boston Organics. I'm not sure if places like this are everywhere yet but I'm sure they will be soon. We've signed up for the cheapest 1/2 fruit 1/2 veggies every other week plans so every other Friday a box of delicious goodies show up at our door. It's like a cross between being in a cooking show and being rich (I pretend a magical butler picks the food and leaves it for us)
(image from farmfresh.org)We ate kale the other night. KALE, people! I had a kiwi for desert the previous night instead of a Reese's peanut butter cup egg leftover from Easter. I think the plan tonight is to roast up the zucchini and potatoes on the grill since it's getting nicer. Hm, come to think of it, if anyone knows if you CAN grill zucchini and/or potatoes with good results-let me know that as well.
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