Bloom Street

Fire and Ice

2012-01-25T13:31:00.001-08:00

I was asked by my friend Terra at Magnifique Photography to come up with bouquets for a "Fire and Ice" bridal shoot. Total creative free reign. I'm excited to get some sparkly, perfect pictures from the shoot amidst ice sculptures. I had as much fun as I could afford with that one, and planning and executing it has eaten up most of my spare moments in the last week or two. But isn't it nice (as a mom) to create something so concrete and tangible? Every so often, having something to show for all your work is really a nice change.

Speaking of which - nobody come over until I get my house put back together.

altar piece

2011-09-16T01:07:00.000-07:00

I know, that was a long break. And this isn't exactly me ending my break. BUT I did get commissioned to donate my services and create a floral piece for my Stake Conference. I say donate my services, because no way was I going to show up with what I could really afford to do on their budget. (They usually have the equivalent of a very small easel spray) If I'm going to take time away from my family to do a floral project, I'm going to enjoy it and make something I actually like.

Granted, there were still lots of budget limitations when I hit the wholesaler's cooler. I went on a Friday and their inventory was low; pickings were slim. I may have spent the entire budget on flowers, (and could have easily spent more, it could have been so pretty!) and then raided my neighborhood for more material. Yes, that was me sneaking in your bushes with my clippers. I'm told it's a florist's madness.

Opportunities like this remind me how anxious I am to have my own home and subsequently my own garden. I have a long list of plants I want in my yard just so I can clip from them. You know, and not get caught cutting from other people's yards. As often.

I wish you could have seen my husband and I struggling to invent an invisible way to hang this piece. There was lots of wire and prayer involved. We installed it Saturday afternoon for the Saturday evening session, and I didn't breathe easy again until the Sunday meeting ended and as soon as the closing prayer was said I bolted to the front of the room with wire-cutters in hand to take it down. I was so tired of being so nervous. It was a heavy design, and I'm not yet overly confident in my mechanics and their ability to defy gravity for that long. But I'm pleased and relieved to have seen it succeed. I doubt my next mechanical challenge will seem such an ordeal.

2011-07-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

I just gave the last 38 hours of my life to this wedding, with the exception of 3 hours of sleep and a very few moments stolen away to do glamorous things like eat instant oatmeal and pack diaper bags. I am pretty pleased with how it turned out, and more importantly the bride's mother was thrilled with it. I just don't want to think about how long it's going to take to get my craft-cave cleaned up and in working order. The chaos level is unreal.

My friend Jennie Love warned me that centerpieces just about kill you. This was my "take a break" photo session when I was half way done. The last 4 were painful to complete. Literally. My hands are hammered and I cut myself in at least 6 places on my left hand. And mentally following the whole formula that many times and keeping everything straight and in order was enough to make me a bit batty. Plus lots and LOTS of stress over peonies that were blush instead of white until they matured a bit, but then were prone to shattering...... and lisianthus with stems too soft to insert into floral foam. Party in my stress-sensors.

hop skip

2011-07-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

No time for coherent sentences, but I'm taking a break from unpacking and settling into our new house to do my last wedding for a while. I was insane to attempt a wedding within a week of a major move, but I think it's going to be great! (I, on the other hand, am going to be taking a week-long nap as soon as it's over!)

pinks

2011-07-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

In the middle of my crazy weekend of moving I got to do flowers for a sealing. Pink on pink on pink. Half of the flowers are from my mother's neighbor's garden. Another wedding this week and then I collapse in a heap..... or something.

folding paper

2011-06-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

This wedding was so much fun, and so much work!

The bride's incredible mother did most of the work by creating a boatload of origami for me to wire and use. It was a lovely personalized touch.

Thanks Andrea for a beautiful day!

sneak peek

2011-06-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

goings on in my cave space this week......

origami and pins and needles

2011-06-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

A major element in the design for this week's wedding is origami. My bride's mother is Japanese and a credentialed origami instructor. She mailed me boxes of the most perfectly folded tiny origami elements to use for the wedding, and I've spent a good portion of the week wiring everything, which has proved about as time consuming as it sounds. But I'm excited to see it come together. I'm a huge fan of using origami for event decor, especially as a nod to the bride's heritage.

pinterest (source?)

borrowed and bleu

the crane chandelier project at the wedding co

origami place cards via pinterest (source?)

hanging cranes at the selby

in progress

2011-06-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Mini manzanita trees taking form. My dear husband deserves cookies for all his help.

featured: manzanita

2011-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a wedding that is incorporating manzanita branches as mini-trees. Here's a few examples of this technique:

Elizabeth Ann Designs

featured: gypsophilia

2011-06-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

Every flower is lovely (excepting perhaps flowers that smell bad) but some flowers get a bad reputation from being used poorly repeatedly over time.

The best examples of this are carnations and gypsophilia, or baby's breath. The problem with the usual application of baby's breath is that it plays to its weaknesses rather than its strengths. People often attempt to "artfully scatter" baby's breath amongst things, and a single stem of gypsophilia will always look rather naked. The true beauty of this flower is best showcased en mass.

FYI, the most common varieties of gypsophilia are bambino, cassiopeia, million stars, new love, mirabella, orion, and perfecta.

the petal's edge

No other flower can quite create the delicate, full silhouette that gypsophilia can. In large bunches it is the perfect balance of flower to green plant matter to create something reminiscent of froth and lace. I'm particularly fond of these applications:

wedding bee

source?

rex and regina

leftovers

2011-05-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

I had some gypsophilia and salal left over from last week's wedding. Lucky for me, those are both excellent for drying. So I made a few wreaths to hang around my mother's house. Waste not, want not!

Amy and Roy Wedding

2011-05-01T04:05:00.000-07:00

{ETA: This wedding was featured on Magnifique Photography (hooray!) See the feature here.}
There was lots of praying for cooperative weather this weekend. While it didn't exactly deliver, I'm glad my bride stuck to her outdoor venue. It was beautiful. And the flowers loved the snow, even if the guests didn't!

Easter

2011-04-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

I had enough flowers left over from the funeral piece this week that I wanted to do something egg-shaped for Easter. I picked up some pink spray roses and tulips at the supermarket, and the rest is what I still had on hand. This does not make for the freshest arrangement, but I still think there's a loveliness to it.

And after I finished this piece I had extra pinks and still had some aspidistra leaves. I threw this mini together for my mother's vanity.

Up for bid

2011-04-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

I created these arrangements for a charity auction last week. When I'm left to my own devices I always seem to gravitate toward the Hogarth curve and the Phoenix design. They're just such statement shapes, and make it so easy to showcase gorgeous flowers.

I could have done without wiring all those bells of ireland though. Being phototropic they will bend toward the light, even after they are cut. So if I want them to stay put, they must be wired.

Funeral Spray

2011-04-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

This week I made my first (and maybe last) funeral spray. It's good to have done, now I know what to say the next time someone asks me for an estimate on one. (I was clueless). Definitely not an area I want to specialize in, but I'm all about trying new things!

lookie!

2011-04-18T22:23:00.000-07:00

Check out my work featured in this wedding shoot over at Magnifique photography!
Go me!

glue glue glue

2011-04-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today are work-like-crazy days.
Lots of glue, lots of loose leaves and stems all over the place.

Some kids who are cooperating with my lunacy.

And some very, very cute boutonnieres.

More to come!

This is what I call a WIP

2011-04-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

I had to make two trips to the wholesaler today (30 minutes away) because they forgot most of the greens in my order the first time. This did not do much to increase my overall happiness and creativity.

BUT

we are forging ahead.

Tomorrow I intend to be monstrously productive.

Work in progress

2011-04-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Getting my feet of the ground is slow.
But trust me, I've been working my tail off.
There should be more photos soon, but here's what today has been full of, much to my children's dismay.

I always try to get everything done that I can before I have the live flowers on hand. If I'm to deliver the freshest product, I need to be able to work fast and not spend any time on projects that could have been completed in advance.

Feeling Official

2011-04-05T15:01:00.001-07:00

My happy mail for the day:

business cards!

Now let's see if I can keep this boat afloat.

impending

2011-03-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

This little happy place is shortly getting a new life as part of my business blog. I just can't be maintaining an infinite number of happy places on the web. Watch for it at: bloomstreetfloral.com
Once everything is working properly, I'll set up this url to just forward you there.

I know, so exciting....
not unless you are me.

Quote(s) of the Week: becoming

2011-02-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

image - flickr

Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death.

-Anais Nin, "Winter of Artifice"

"And eventually being perfect became like carrying a backpack filled with bricks every single day.... What is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."

— Anna Quindlen (Being Perfect)

Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken, it will become unbreakable, inpenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.

- C.S. Lewis

these are a few

2011-02-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

I would label myself as an eclectic blog reader, with wide ranging interests and a few bad habits. But I spend enough time reading blogs that I ought to share some of my favorites that you may not already be reading.

Blog Guidebook - Things you should know if you blog
Money Saving Mom - You never knew there were so many ways to save money
Tiffany D - Because I'm clueless about makeup and need somebody to hold my hand
Tollipop - This lady inevitably cheers me up. Not for the overly cynical.
Pineapple Paintbrush - Awesome Art ideas for kids - currently running an online class.
Sheye Rosemeyer - Photography blogger with a heartbreaking backstory
Laurie Cinotto Art + Craft - Awesome inspiration for me as a crafter/florist
Tartelette- One of my favorite food bloggers, come hungry! Her food styling is superb.

at the end of the..

2011-02-22T22:29:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of celebrating St. Patrick's day with not only green and shamrocks... but with rainbows and pots of gold. I have a few friends who celebrate the holiday by having a leprechaun come in the night and bring their kids a pot of gold (foil covered chocolate coins). Not sure if I'll ever be that organized, but I do love to celebrate!

source

for my dentist

2011-02-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

I figure being married to a dentist may someday mean having input in the aesthetics of a dental office. (someday). There are a few quirky touches I'm tempted to consider.

source

quote: small and simple things

2011-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

"Little by little, one travels far." -J R R Tolkien

Origami in feb

2011-02-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

There's something a little bit brilliant about an origami valentine.....

source

etsy roundup: a valentine to wear

2011-02-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Etsy does not fail me when I inquire after a necklace for the Valentine season. Each of these brought at least one friend or family member (or myself!) to mind.

I love PA - a way to proclaim your love of place

Heartache and Sorrow journal necklace - for those who'd rather there wasn't a Valentines day

Hershey's Valentines stamp locket for my Cousin in Hershey

infinity - for mushy newlywed types

circle pendant - for those who think hearts are too cutsie (and for me!)

an old fashioned locket - for those who are both sentimental AND on a budget

An even cooler locket - for those not so much on a budget.

a very petite heart - for those who like subtlety (and for me!)

a love knot - for when it's "complicated"

for the vampire fans - it's ok, we can still be friends

for the textile nerds

for the romantics (and me!)

for the crafty ones

for the bling-addicts

Midwinter itch: crocus

2011-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

I think the most important flower for any garden to have is the first one to bloom each spring. And the earlier it can do that for me, the better. I am a woman who can barely tolerate winter and by February I just about lose my mind. So having some perky little crocuses appear in March is akin to having the heavens part and a choir of angels sing. You'd better believe that if I live where there's winter, I will always have crocuses planted.

image

Etsy love: Tush Tush

2011-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

I was trolling through all my saved favorite Etsy sellers lately and rediscovered Tush Tush. If I could pick one talent that I absolutely do not have and bestow it upon myself I think I'd choose to be able to paint like this. (Or play the violin... but that one I may still be able to tackle in this life).

I found the chandelier of my dreams

2011-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

But I have no idea how to find it in real life. (The blog post I saw it on had no sources). Dreams are more fun anyway.

Quote of the Week: Stars

2011-01-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

"If the stars should appear but one night every thousand years how man would marvel and stare."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

image

Rhythm and ideas

2011-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

My friend Shelley reminded me recently of the awesome webzine Rhythm of the Home.

Check it out for some awesome Waldorfian ideas of what to do with bored kids. What, your kids are never bored? Well what am I doing wrong then?

Some of my favorites:

St. Lucia Day
Storytelling with Young children
Mail Kit
Plough Monday
Art Bag
Embroidering your children's artwork
Benefits of Play
Pop up books
Crafts for young children
making playscapes
wishing rocks

The perfect shoe

2011-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

In my mind, is a T-strap with a short 1-2" heel.
Stylish and sure-footed. Not too trendy, and you could walk a mile in such a pair, and look good doing it.

source

When life gives you lemons...

2011-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

decorate with them! Something about lemons seems so clean and perfect for a new year to me.

William Sonoma Home

Elizabeth Anne Designs

on etsy; make your own monster

2011-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

The mother of boys in me loves this idea.

by David Scott Cole

arts and crafts and transoms

2011-01-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

I have such a soft spot for arts and crafts architecture. Lately I've been dreaming of a friendly little bungalow with lots of built-ins and details. Details like these sublime art-deco and art-nouveau transoms above the front door. Pretty sure I'll have a few of these in heaven.

Visions in Glass

Glass designs by George

And wouldn't it be the ultimate way to mark your address? I adore this idea:

R.A. Cleve

Sunrise Stained Glass

Quote(s) of the Week: tulips

2011-01-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

The thought of the first spring flowers and blossoms tends to be my lifeline through the doldrums of real winter. It's time to be forcing bulbs and branches in order to feed my soul.

"But I have always thought that these tulips must have had names. They were red, and orange and red, and red and orange and yellow, like the ember in a nursery fire of a winter's evening. I remember them."
— Neil Gaiman

as tulips do

the tulip doesn’t know the word pink,
but lives it every day, warm
as the inside of a mouth

its petals don’t know their name
but the inner-breath of lovers
repeats it over and over,
like veins

it has never heard of the word bulb
yet from the dark earth
it pushes its heart ---

as headdress,
as opened light

Nicolette Marguerite van der Walt

kids stuff: Snow Fortress

2011-01-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

If you live where it snows, and you have a boy (or three) then you might need one of these.

Ask me how I know.

fashion: role models

2011-01-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

Most areas in my life benefit from choosing succinct role models. I have my "mothering" role models, my "homemaking" role models, my "wife" role models, my "brilliant use of language and learning" role models, blogging role models, and more.

But choosing succinct "personal style" role models? That just feels like such a big commitment. My "style", aside from not technically existing, would probably have multiple personalities if it did exist.

But here are a few I'd consider if you asked me today:

Caitlin Wilson manages to make globe-trotting with a baby in-tow look effortless and chic. I can't even make taking a nap look effortless and chic.

And Tollipop's Caroline manages to wear what she loves and make it look good just because she loves it. I'd love to look that happily uninhibited. (Am I allowed to turn to the under 12 set for fashion inspiration?)

My friend Vanessa is always inspiring. The girl just glows, and seems incapable of making a fashion misstep.

I try to stay away from celebrity-worship. I by and large don't care what really rich or famous people buy or wear or do. I'm perfectly content to not have the troubles that so much fame or money tend to bring with them. But, every time I've bumped into a photo of Olivia Palermo, I've had to concede that she's gorgeous. I have the consolation of knowing that most of the world thinks she's a shark.

And since I was 10, I've always felt safest when I tried to emulate the irreplaceable Audrey. Too bad there are no similarities in our body types. I am short and curvy where she was long and lean. Her only real curves were her hips against her amazingly small ribcage, and I have nearly no hips but plenty of curves everywhere else! Now more than ever I appreciate how she made motherhood look good, and how she shamelessly prioritized it.

Speaking of flowers

2011-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

I saw a Martha Stewart tutorial for making poinsettias out of bump chenille.
Possibly the cheapest, easiest diy flowers ever.

Roundup: flowers to wear

2011-01-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am not immune to the overwhelming trend toward embellishment. In the seas of frills and flowers superstars like Emersonmade and MissRubySue have appeared. But there are still a few original ideas out there.

Interiors: Blue on Blue

2011-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am not alone in craving dark walls lately. But something about the light blue details in this dark blue room has me tripping over a smile I didn't realize was there. Okay, the salmon pink is pretty happy too.

LGN

Been recreating it in my head:

One of my favorite parts of this room is the chandelier. Naturally it's "vintage" meaning "good luck finding anything like it." I tried anyway.

Foremost is the Ochre "Light Drizzle Chandelier" Available only to the trade, and probably thousands of dollars.

There's also a small knockoff on ebay - looks like a knockoff though.

I'm wondering how hard it would be to DIY something like this with teardrop chandelier crystals?

The rug in the photo is "Bright Flame" from Dash and Albert, and is no longer in production (of course). But these two are comparable:

Rainbow Seashells

Steps

Or you could easily go with a more traditional rug like a Kilim with a similar color scheme. It would un-retro the feel of the room considerably, but could still work.

Haystack Needle's Ebay find

I love the white credenza in an otherwise color-filled room. And it wouldn't be hard come up with one if you were willing to replace the hardware yourself. With a little imagination all sorts of statement pieces could happen.

Faux bamboo chairs are becoming ubiquitous, and are pretty easy to paint, I'm a fan of these variations:

Cover the seats in something fabulous and you're set.

All by Schumaker

Myy favorite think in the room may be the little decanter and glasses. Something about them makes me feel spot-on. And luckily such a thing is not hard to find.

Nancy's Vintage

ioffer

Nonna's Keepsakes

The Artwork I love, but the Anthurium and vase, while perfect in color for this room, are also a little personality-less. Why not a container more like this:

Maison Luxe

With some hanging amaranthus:

flickr

And the pale blue tapers in the lotus candlesticks top it off perfectly!

1st dibs

creative candles

AND... time to stop. Neglected children alert!

Quote(s) of the Week: Women

2011-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

"There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women."
  ~Madeleine K. Albright

"The torment that so many young women know; bound hand and foot by love and motherhood, without having forgotten their former dreams."
  ~Simone de Beauvoir

"They may talk of a comet, or a burning mountain, or some such bagatelle; but to me a modest woman, dressed out in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation." ~Oliver Goldsmith

"Women deserve to have more than twelve years between the ages of twenty-eight and forty." ~James Thurber, Time, 15 August 1960

"A woman who cannot be ugly is not beautiful."
  ~Karl Kraus

Kids Stuff: Kick Legends and Oxfords

2011-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Somehow or other I want nothing more than to have little boys running around in solid leather shoes. I haven't made it happen yet, other than some used saltwater sandals. Something about how they grow through shoes so fast makes it hard to justify. I hope someday I do this one without trying to justify it, but for now I just look and like a lot. What's your philosophy for kids' shoes?

source

Wish We Wore: Sensibility Patterns

2011-01-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Did I need another reason to pine for little girls? I didn't think so. But I found one anyway. Sense and Sensibility Patterns. Created by a Stay-at-home-mom (my favorite kind of small business), the site has some lovely period clothing patterns. Lots of detail and lots of research in each, and a perfect forum for users to share their finished products and tips. Oh, AND online classes for people like me who need to be walked through every little step. And yes, they though to make coordinating doll patterns. Genius, I tell you.

Christmas Cookies

2010-12-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

I was really tempted to try baking a different Christmas Cookie every day in December and blogging about it, but then I realized that making that many messes in the kitchen would surely result in an eviction notice.

Maybe next year.

In the meantime, here are some cookies that would have made their way into my bake-off.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Holiday Biscotti

Ginger Snaps

Peppermint Bites

Lemon Pistachio Wreaths

HAVE to include these meringue stars

Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Glazed Doughnuts

Chocolate Covered Marshmallows

Macarons

Linzer Cookies

Chocolate Meringue Cookies

Churros

Relevant Art

2010-10-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

I love having art in my home, but I find I have a hard time finding art that is relevant to home life. I'm a fan of images that calm and that idealize domesticity.... seems appropriate for a domestic setting to me. More appropriate than war heroes or even still lives. While my ideal is always to have an original, here are a few I wouldn't mind a high quality print or reproduction of. (I think I must have been hungry when choosing these.... most of these people are eating.)

Sharing a Meal, by Henry Jules Jean Geoffroy

The Breakfast Table, John Singer Sargent

The Honeymoon Breakfast, Daniel Knight

The Dinner Party, Jules Grun

One of the Family, Fredrick George Cotman

Fisherman's Family, George Bellows

The Hulsenbeck Children, Runge

The Happy Family, Ferdinand Georg Waldmuller

The Gilchrist Family Breakfast, William Wallace Gilchrist Jr

Ruspoli family from Italy (1806 or 1807), ?

Le Centre de la Famille, Paul Cesar Helleu

A Family at Table, 1938, Ivan Kulikov

A Peasant Family at the Table, 1882, Jozef Israels

Fall Floral Roundup

2010-09-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

While I did throw together a roadside wreath with my preschooler in an hour and a half recently (including the time spent driving down the road and cutting our supplies together), I'm wishing I could invest a little bit more time and money and make something like one of these:

(Judy Yiu)

(Martha)

(domestically speaking)

(the home executive)

(lots of ideas at Organic Bouquet)

(this next)

Maybe someday when I have a front door of my own......

Dining Room drama

2010-09-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

My husband is out of town picking up a family heirloom dining set for us to restore. While I wish he was home (I'm going into labor any minute now), I'm really excited about our new furniture, and I've got dining rooms on the brain.

This is not necessarily a good thing.

But instead of actually buying anything I shouldn't - I'll just share where my brain is taking me.

The dining table is large enough to seat 8-10 with leaves in, but only has 4 chairs. The seats are currently covered in century-old black leather that's beginning to show it's age. I'd like to stick with something easy to clean, maybe a faux ostrich leather? Maybe in Navy?

I found this loveseat on KSL classifieds for $75. I can't tell if it's real leather or not, but I think it'd make a great banquette along one side of the table, and be an easy-to clean surface. All it appears to need is a few upholstery nailheads where they've gone missing.

Add a long colorful (more coordinated than the one shown below) bolster pillow and it's just about perfect.

I have become completely smitten with this rug on ebay. $375 is steep for me right now, but for a persian rug this size in this condition, it's a steal. And the colors are insanely gorgeous.

Add a Buffet/Server with a limed finish, with white and silver serving ware, plus a spattering of colorful pieces, possibly a collection of mosser cake stands:

Either side of the buffet will have perfect little lamps trimmed in blue grosgrain instead of the olive green, and green slag candlesticks with pink tapers:

Wall Color - a pale blue-gray like Farrow and Ball's Borrowed Light

Art - I've got this floral painting rolled up under my bed, waiting to be stretched and framed:

Plus an image or two (or some ephemera if I can find any) reminiscent of turn-of-the-century dining halls...

Curtains in a bold navy horizontal stripe, with red or yellow trim on the leading edge.

(image via Jenny Komenda)

(via etsy)

And someday I need a dining room just so I can start collecting and displaying Aynsley China....

in a hutch like this:

(Jenny Komenda.... again)

And if this dining room is set for guests, I'll need a Saipua-esque centerpiece

in the midst of a toned-down Eddie Ross-esque table setting

Just brainstorming...... and swooning over the rug........

Kiki+ Coco in Paris

2010-09-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

Seriously, this video is making me awfully sad that I've neither a daughter nor prospects for a family trip to Europe anytime soon. Despite that sadness, it still makes me happy.

Doll made by Jess Brown

Festival of....

2010-09-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be in Utah, and happen to need something to do, then I'm going to share everything I've found lately. I'm nice that way.

Sept 2-4 Go Cart Races in Layton
Sept 3-4 Midway Swiss Days
Sept 3-6 Payson Onion Days
Sept 4 - West Point's 75th Anniversary
Sept 4-6 Camp Floyd Days
Sept 9 - Hawaiian Civic Club Party
Sept 9-11 SLC Greekfest
Sept 9 - 19 Utah State Fair
Sept 10-11 Brigham City Peach Days
Sept 11 - Avenues Street Fair
Sept 15 - College Night @ Springville Museum of Art
Sept 18 - India Fest
Sept 18 - Sandy City Heritage Festival
Sept 18-19 Utah Valley Wood Sculpture Show
Sept 25-26 Crossroads of the West Gun Show

October 10-11 Oktoberfest @ Snowbird
October 23-24 - Kirkin'O'the Tartan - Scottish ceremony
October 29-30 - Annual Bison Roundup - Antelope Island

December 1-4 Festival of Trees
December 2&7 - Governor's Mansion Tours
December 3-4 Rocky Mountain Christmas Fest

+ the 3rd Friday of each month is the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll
Red Butte Gardens Calendar
Thanksgiving Point Calendar
Hogle Zoo Calendar
Discovery Gateway Calendar
Treehouse Museum Calendar
Clark Planetarium Calendar
Capitol Theatre
Utah Symphony
Pioneer Theatre Company
BYU International Cinema
KSL's Hike of the Week
Draper Mountain Park and Amphitheater
Desert Star Theatre
Pleasant Grove Promenade
Utah Farmers Markets

So, you tell me. What have I missed?

Thinking Halloween thoughts.... already

2010-08-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

I'm really turned off by 80% of all things Halloween.
However, I do think it'd be cool to decorate a la Miss Havisham and go victorian with the whole thing.

In fact, what I'd really love to do is set a Halloween dinner table with tarnished silver, black amethyst glass, black lace and dark carnival glass......... (maybe a few fake cobwebs?)

(I should mention that my husband neither understands nor supports my pressed glass obsession)

As hostess, I'd have to find something stiff, lacey, and very dark to wear:

Set the table with something that feels awfully old:

Places set with some tarnished silver platters:

tarnished silverware:

Topped with Black Amethyst plates:

and goblets:

Lots of tarnished silver and black candlesticks:

filled with black candles:

And dark vases filled with wilted or dried white roses.

A few pressed glass hands, just for creepiness (draped with pearls?):

Also for creepiness, either taxidermy, silhouettes, or raven prints:

And lots of ornate serving dishes:

All done by candlelight.

(You'd probably need a few more touches of white on the table in candlelight, for contrast)

Serve either an uber-formal english dinner, or just something seasonal and yum.

Spend the evening listening to some phillip glass, or something equally disconcerting.

End the evening with some ravenous chocolate or red velvet cake atop this beauty:

(No really, someday I shall own a black amethyst hobnail cake stand..... despite the fact they are so rare I can't even locate a decent photo of one)

It's a Halloween party I could really get excited about. And that's saying something.

(And I shall probably not think about Halloween again until I am frantically digging costumes out of our storage unit on the 30th.)

An etsy roundup amidst my derth

2010-08-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

One of my greatest finds as I've tried to furnish our borrowed space has been these solid brass bookends.

I love them so much I suddenly want to surround myself with all things brass.
Maybe someday, when I have a home of my own, I'll find a spot for some of these touches.

for flowers:

for my dresser or bathroom counter:

for an unexpected spot of whimsy:

For a perfectly regal powder room:

Dining table:

I wish this were larger, it'd be the perfect maildrop:

Boy's room:

These would be lovely flanking a mantelpiece, with or without flowers:

Yellow Cottage Boutique

2010-05-31T11:12:00.000-07:00

Since I am busy gestating another non-girl child, could somebody else please take advantage of the insanity that is Pom Pom at the Yellow Cottage Boutique? Another spot where I wish everything came in my size.

little art by little artists

2010-04-19T05:33:00.001-07:00

Ok, so actually I have to share one thing amidst my non-posting. I think this is a brilliant and space-effective way to share/keep/remember kids art. I have a child who can churn out 30 pictures in an hour, so that's important to me!

hiatus

2010-04-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

So sorry folks
there has not been much in the way of spare moments around these parts.
and if there had been, I would have happily spent them like this:

image via flickr

Between growing another small person, and keeping the two existing small persons alive.... and packing for a move across the country.... and supporting my husband through crazy-intense board exams and graduation requirements..... there's just not much left.

Don'tcha worry, this too shall pass. in the meantime, my tumblr page is still getting the occasional tear-sheet-esque upload. It's about all I can offer for visual stimulation.

favorite sellers

2010-03-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

I love etsy's "save favorite seller" feature, because once you start saving sellers as favorites, etsy creates an rss feed of all items listed by your favorite sellers, and you can save it on the feed-reader of your choice. Here's what popped up in my bloglines lately (I appear to be on a neutrals kick):

crochet collar at EmmaDear

milkglass tree plates at JWhite2

Milkglass compotes (I have that bottom one and love it!) at JWhite2

Pride and Prejudice ornaments by Brookish

Milkglass bowl by JWhite2

Stunning candlesticks by JWhite2

Vintage Typewriter - JWhite2

Pride and Prejudice mug by Bookish

Floral Trim by EmmaDear

So, I guess the moral of the story is that if you are me, sellers like JWhite2 could easily take all my money, if I had any. Hopefully I can use that inspiration on the rare occasions when I get to go thrifting instead.

Perpetual Learning

2010-03-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Dandee pointed me toward BYU's FREE independent study courses.

On my list:

Helping Children love your Family History
Building a Functional Family
Developing Self Reliant People
Planning and Preparing your Garden
Citizen's Guide to American Politics
Organ Performance
Student Finance
Self Discipline (!!!!)
Temples Past and Present
Purposes of General Conference
The Writings of John: epistles and revelations

Oh, and LOTS more. I'd better be realistic and tackle one at a time. I expect I need to start with self-discipline!

Parasols

2010-03-08T04:02:00.000-08:00

I am crushing on this baby jumper. It's even on sale. Too bad boutique sales do not resemble the price point on the Target clearance rack.......

Sewing for boys

2010-03-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

This is something I've never managed to catch the vision of. Something about the way boys wear their clothes just makes me not want to expend my effort. To a boy, clothing is a tool and to a girl, clothing is adornment. This is a gross generalization, but usually accurate. Luckily, there are people who manage to sew for boys, in case I ever decide to dig my heels in. Check out this celebrate the boy series on MADE.

Little Travelers

2010-03-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

I've become a bit enamored of the Little Traveler's series. Their available dvd's have jumped to the top of my netflix queue, and I may or may not have spent a morning pouring over their kids blog and mom blog. (Especially loving the 52 meals from 52 countries challenge)

I just can't decide if traveling with kids sounds like a dream or a nightmare.

Flowering Branches

2010-03-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Is Winter dragging on a little too long in your corner? It is in mine. My latest coping mechanism is forcing flowering branches, via this tutorial from my friend Jennie at Straight from the Garden. It is saving the day!

Unique Vintage

2010-03-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

I'm maybe kind of FREAKING OUT over the vintage-inspired bathing suits over at Unique Vintage. Such as:

this

this

this

and this

Mercury

2010-03-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

This tablescape has me totally re-thinking mercury glass. I used to have it pigeonholed for Christmas only. The possibilities!

Image from the ever-impressive JL Floral Designs

Gussy

2010-02-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

I'm gushing over new etsy shop Gussy's gorgeous reclaimed chairs.
Someday, when I have a place to put one, I want one.

Lark

Doiliez

Why so Blue

Pink Yearling

Jack Jump

2010-02-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

My 3 year-old is a huge fan of candles at dinner. I like it too, so I try to oblige. I'd really like to have a fabulous pair of candlesticks perpetually at the ready. The problem is I can't decide what kind.

Painted?

Haven Vintage

Silver?

Jens Closet

The flawless High Street Market

Glass?

Brass?

Wood?

Crystal?

Just can't get enough

2010-02-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

My weak spot of late is the original Odwalla Superfood.
(My boys love it too - green color and all)
I can't vouch for it's nutritional value, but it sure hits the spot when I'm craving something that tastes healthy.
But at $4-6 per 16oz bottle, it's a habit I cannot afford to keep.
Or at least I shouldn't.
Perhaps if I can splurge on some spirulina, I can make my own?

Is it dress weather yet?

2010-02-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

too bad about that groundhog.
I'd like to shed a few layers and wear something like.....

Timeless Vixen Vintage

also Timeless Vixen Vintage

Amanda Archer

Allen Company Inc

Ouma

Holly Stalder

Oh well, off to find a sweater and wool socks.

Seems like it' always Schumacher

2010-02-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

Even though I could not possibly justify even a discounted Schumacher fabric purchase, I still keep an eye out for some great prints on The Designer's Attic. This Shalker print as seen on this sofa has me daydreaming to no end. What are the chances it'll still be floating in my head when I arrive at a place/time where I could actually do something with some fabulous fabric? This "moving across the country in a few months" thing is killing the hoarder in me.

Lace Collars

2010-02-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

If anyone has seen or read Cranford, they will recall the hilarity of a lace collar being retrieved from a cat's innards. The idea of a handmade item being so valuable and irreplaceable is a little foreign to us now, but I long for it a bit.

Speaking of lace collars.......

La Camelot

Mary not Martha

Pink Polish Design

Emma Dear

Emma Dear

Boutique Belle

Zorya

Misfit Chic

Mary not Martha

Vital Temptation

Ode to a ....

2010-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Have had Grecian/Victorian (-ish) Urns on the brain lately.

Le Vintage Maison

Beautiful Reign

The Lovelys

Great Findz

Sherman Cat

Loves it Wants it

Chantclair

JWhite2

The Treasure Cat

Floral Tablecloths

2010-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have a soft-spot the size of Texas for vintage floral printed tablecloths.
I own a few, but I'd really like to use them in my home with abandon.

Little Cabin Vintage

Vintage Girl Stuff

Swan Creek Cottage

Cat Nap Cottage

Malibu 3512

Vintage Stew

Gram's Textiles

Vintage Linens

I'd also like to (maybe) start an all-around collection of Vera linens.

Dazzleship

Swoon Antiques

Love Elizabeth
Cinful Oldies

Bastet Dreams

Betty and June

Find 4 You

Etsy Roundup: Pressed Glass

2010-02-16T04:09:00.000-08:00

I think a collection of colored pressed glass pieces on a mantle in a white room would be stunning.

Some eye candy for this February Morning:

via Emily Lynch (my new etsy crush)

Via Helen Shassack
Incredible candlesticks via The Antique Cellar (clever name)
Amber Compote by Boots n'Gus

I'm dying over this compote - also at the Antique Cellar

Current Crush: Delphite

2010-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

I knew I liked Jadeite (and even have the beginnings of a collection), but lately my eye is on the more elusive Delphite. Isn't that creamy blue color incredible?

Valentines Party in my head.

2010-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love throwing couples Valentines Parties, though they aren't always well received. I suppose you'd have to have just the right invitees.

But a perfect party in my mind would include:

A festive typewriter and love-note writing station. Everyone writes a love-note to their spouse/significant other, then we all try to match the note to the writer. There is of course a prize for the best guesser.

(image of pink royal typewriter - and I want one)

Possibly a famous couples costume contest...... or at least some trivia.

There clearly must be an extravagant dessert table:

(Like everybody's favorite Amy Atlas)

Games would have to include The newlywed game (played with pink dry-erase boards)And possibly the Lifesaver Game - if it's that kind of crowd. (The pass-an-orange-under-your-chin-game would also work) (Image via flickr)

To improve communication and teamwork, we might have a crafty valentine competition. The couple with the best piece of art gets the best prize, but we collectively come up with an award for each entry. ("Best use of glue as a decorative element" - we can get creative) Image via Christmas Traditions

We might round the evening out with an old-fashioned dance-off. (You remember the one in It's a Wonderful Life?)
Or if this is real-life and we're having a hard time finding people to invite who know how to dance, we could always resort to a DDR tournament.

So, if I were to throw this party, would you come?

Valentines Idea #9: goodie bags

2010-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Twig and Thistle's free Valentine goody-bag PDF is a perfect last-minute solution for all your valentines panic! Now, what to put inside?

Valentines Idea #8: Vintage chocolate boxes

2010-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Jessica's lovely post about beribboned valentines boxes has me itching to start a collection. I think they would make the perfect Valentines decor.

Valentines Idea #7: Forced Bulbs

2010-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

I can really think of no better way of brightening winter than pretending it's spring inside. The stunning red color prevalent in Amaryllis seems so festive and smart just about now. (Image via Hyacinth Vases)

Valentines Idea #6: Crayon Hearts

2010-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

These crayon hearts, spotted over at Wee Wonderfuls, look like the perfect way to brighten up the dreary month of February, AND give a cabin-fevered preschooler something to do!

Valentines Idea #5: heart-shaped scones

2010-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I think heart-shape-ing any of your food is a brilliant thing to do right about now, but these heart-scones over at Such Pretty Things look so good I'm going to have to try them!

What to Wear for Valentines: via etsy

2010-02-06T06:00:00.001-08:00

IF I had a big Valentines date, here's what I'd like to be wearing:

dress from the frill of it
shrug from ananya (wish the white was more of a cream, but what a piece!)

Birdcage veiled hat from Prance and Swagger
Heels from mygmascloset

Filigree earrings from Vanias Art Shop

Locket by M Stevenson Designs

Bracelet by Milady Jewels

Clutch by AngeeW

( I would create a lovely polyvore for you, but polyvore and etsy forbid one another apparently)

Valentines idea#4: pie in a jar

2010-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing says love quite like a pie with a heart in the middle. Especially if it's miniature. I think these cute little jars of pie would be the perfect valentines gift for friends. Found via My Favorite Things.

Valentines idea #3: lovi heart postcard

2010-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love this idea, and can only imagine how fun it would be to receive one of these lovi postcards!

Valentines idea #2: a kiss in your pocket.

2010-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

I cannot get enough of Katie Sokoler. She makes me want to be a more fun human being, which is important for my kids. Here's her kiss-in-pocket-flipbook.

house slippers

2010-02-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

With an end to my rental living and "it's a rental" mentality in sight, I've been in the mood for some house slipper living. I'd ideally like to have a pair for every walking family member. My browsing brought me to the new-to-me etsy shoe shop The Generation and their chic-y little ballet flats.

Valentines idea #1

2010-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

Wow - January slipped through my fingers, did it not?
Oh well, onward and upward to my favorite holiday smack in the middle of my least favorite month. Let's see what we can do to make it cheery.

Starting with this heart garland tutorial from About Orange. Totally something I can do with the kids, and save my precious alone time for something else.

It's that time of year

2009-12-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

When I tend to disappear for long spells.
Merry Christmas!

The most ridiculous over-the-top...gorgeous birthday party ever.

2009-11-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

And it's for a 2-year-old.

The invitations, the flowers, the Mosser cake plates, the anthro-catalogue-invites, the paper straws, the DRESSED UP BUNNIES!
Shoot me now.

In keeping with my expensive taste

2009-11-20T11:28:00.001-08:00

My latest love - Cherner Chairs

via apartmenttherapy sf

via a room somewhere

2009-11-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

I have of late discovered my love of most things Art Nouveau.
In that spirit I am unable to get this mirror out of my mind.
I cannot possibly justify it to the husband, I need one more fragile item to move across the country like I need a hole in my head.
But I will be sighing over this mirror for years to come.
(On the bright side, Longwood is offering an Art Nouveau Floral design class and I'm totally taking it!)

13bees

2009-11-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

Most perfect vintage dress ever.
Anyone have $177 to spend on me?

Decant - The perfume Court

2009-11-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

I'm slightly loving this idea.
The Perfume Court and the Scented Salamander essentially sell you a decanted sample of just about any perfume. Perfect in the world of online shopping where you don't want to drop $80+ for something you may hate.

Grocery Store Musical

2009-10-21T08:41:00.001-07:00

Why doesn't this ever happen when I'm grocery shopping?

Learn more here.

Owl Shower

2009-10-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to stumble upon this owl baby shower, especially since we have a similarly-themed first birthday party coming up. Are owls trendy? You tell me.

sunburst mirrors

2009-10-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

I've been hankering after sunburst mirrors lately.
Or rather, they've been popping up in my dreams.
If only I could find something like one of these lovelies on clearance at Homegoods.
Yeah, I know.
That will also be happening in my dreams.
(All from Horchow)

Hautelook

2009-09-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

If you have a girl, it is worth joining Hautelook just for this sale on Niege clothing. {It's another one of those deal of the day type sites.} Oh, such pretty girl stuff. (Then you browse down through the boys and feel significantly less excitement.... story of my life).

The little green notebook strikes again

2009-09-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

I am all but obsessed with Jenny's latest project.
I have GOT to get myself some girls!

Perfect Kitchen

2009-08-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

For the record, I am deeply, madly in love with this kitchen.