Friday, September 28, 2012

in the mail today

I have had this postcard for a very long time and figured this was the perfect time to drop this lovely Japanese watercolor in the mail for a friend. You can find more of these at Minoji's World & www.kamibashi.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

my latest purchase, i know you're jealous!

I could not resist this crayola tower I recently found in the school supply aisle. Remember the smell of new crayons? Remember your favorite color (I always used up the silver crayon first!). I love the nostalgia of crayola crayons & I love having color surround me...I thought this was some great color inspiration. It's usable art plus it's fun to look back at the things that have inspired you & made you happy along the way. What was your favorite crayola crayon color?

Crayola Crayon Tower:
• 150 crayons, spinning tower & crayon sharpener
• old favorites like sea green, green-yellow, burnt orange, brick red, blue-green, periwinkle
• new favorites like metallic big dip o' ruby, metallic blast off bronze, wisteria, caribbean green, goldenrod, macaroni & cheese, metallic razzmic berry, metallic deep space sparkle

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

color love today

There are so many good things about fall and I am just in love with beets but especially the amazing color. There is nothing else as vibrant, beautiful purply-pink-red like a beet. Even if you don't like to eat them you can enjoy the amazing color with the lovely green leaves. Oh and martha stewart has some delicious recipes if your interesting in baking up some of  these beauties.

Monday, September 24, 2012

wrappin' up something awesome

I love giving gifts I really like and here's one I just love!

Photo 1: So fun to open something & it immediately lets you know how awesome you are, thanks Vital Industries I appreciate that!
Photo 2: 8 bright bike glasses screenprinted- 4 different bikes, 8 awesome colors
Photo 3: Bottom label of these lovely hand printed glasses
Photo 4: Ok, this one is my favorite- love the bike, love the color!
Photo 5: 4 different bike styles- which one is your favorite?
Photo 6: a.favorite design Mom's Favorite Ticket sibling rivalry birthday card- perfect for the little brother who needs a day to be mom's favorite :)
Photo 7: Smudge Ink bicycle wrapping paper- perfect wrap, don't ya think?
Photo 8: All wrapped up, hope he likes it!



Friday, September 21, 2012

in the mail today: letters to soldiers

I believe in the little things and although it's just a little holiday cheer, I love the idea of sending cards half way around the world to our soldiers. Our friends at a.favorite design are sending cards to soldiers and I really wanted to do my part and honestly it's been fun. If you would like to write one, I'd be happy to make sure it gets where it needs to go (card can be holiday, general or a thank you, no sealed envelope, card will be read, write it to a general soldier, include your info if you like, send cards till the end or November & obviously no propaganda).
Send it to me:
Jaime
c/o letters for soliders
4430 n. winchester ave
chicago, il 60640

Thursday, September 20, 2012

the perfect little girl gift

I looked high and low for the perfect gift for the little "e" in my life. When I saw this I knew she needed to have it. It's cute, she could keep it forever and well if she lost or broke it (she is a 4 year old girl after all!) I wouldn't be heart broken because it didn't cost a fortune. But I do love it, happy birthday little e!

Personalized tiny heart necklace from Filagree Pheasant.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

a new addiction

So I was introduced to these interesting little air plants this summer. They are a great pop of greenery, they look like sculptured art work and they aren't easy to kill. I'm starting to feel like you can't have too many.

Air plant mix from Twisted Acres | Purple Pod with Velutina air plant Bird & Feather Co. | Three Iona colorful 
air plants from Twisted Acres | Set of three glass terrariums & air plants from The Tropical Garden

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

color love today

I saw this emerald-citrine twine and fell in love. I want to wrap all my presents with these beautiful, bright colors. I love the twine but this color combo makes me happy! I can't wait to get my hands on some of my own. Check out all the beautiful photos here or shop for yourself here.

all photos & product care of angelina liguori at studio carta & endizioni by studio carta blog.


Monday, September 17, 2012

paper art by jurianne matter

I was stumbling through the bloesem blog (very cool, I suggest you check it out) and saw this very cool Holland-based paper designer & artist, Jurianne Matter. She has such a great design sensibility, fantastic color combinations and such sweet paper products. Adorable little trees, wish boats, pop-up posters and all things that make you want to decorate & give this paper artwork. Now I just have to figure out where I can get my hands on some of her lovely work in Chicago? I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more from her soon. You can admire all of her work at http://www.juriannematter.nl/blom-en.html.

Friday, September 14, 2012

a card today

Thought this was a sweet lil' card to show my appreciation for a lovely weekend in a Michigan cottage. This card, from egg press, even had a wood grain envelope perfect for this woodsy occasion.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

chevron chic

Chevron seems to be everywhere and I am lovin' it in all these great new ways. I love the way chevron can make cross-stitch have a modern feel, awesome nail art, an amazing sculputural necklace that would be a show stopper and colorful block printed tea towels. So many great ways to use chevron. Do you have any favorites?

Turquoise chevron modern cross stitch from simply honest | Black chevron nail decals from long changed
Chevron coiled necklace from belle costes NYC | Chevron tea towels from willow ship

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

stationery love: blackbird letterpress

If you haven't had the pleasure of getting to know this sweet letterpress line, let me introduce you to blackbird letterpress. This line is sweet, clever with a bit of wild life. I love how playful all these pieces are and to give or receive one will put a smile on anyone's face. Give some blackbird to your favorite people!

Bee mine diecut card | Get whale card | letterpress DIY station wagon & tear drop camper | missing u diecut card | Letterpress yeti holder | Swings notebook | Palmistry coasters | Recipe card set | Bear Hug diecut card holder | Armadillo notebook

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

cuff color

These lovely colored cuff bracelets from neck lush remind me of fall. They're soft, they're tough plus they have some fantastic colorful designs! This would be a staple in my wardrobe. Not only do they create some pretty amazing cuffs, check out the scarves and necklaces too at neck lush.

Friday, September 7, 2012

in the mail today...

It never fun to say good bye but I have a new pen pal. My friend is officially leaving the Midwest behind and making her way to New Hampshire right now! Well I think she's great and thought it was the perfect occasion for this little card from egg press.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

michigan or bust

I'm on my way to a little Michigan get-a-way, yeah!
Well here's a little love for the mitten state.

Hell Yeah Michigan T-shirt from The Sibling Shop.
Michigan necklace from Sprout 1 World. They also do any state or country just for you.
Michigan letterpress print from 1 Canoe 2 Letterpress.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

sweet little box

There is something about a sweet little box that I can't resist. I like to keep my favorite pieces in my favorite little places like these bright wood pixie ring boxes! I saw these boxes some time ago on the swiss miss blog (you should check it out!) and I keep finding myself going back to them to figure out who I can gift one of these little gems too. Hmmmm maybe a pink one with a little girl gift, dark blue with some cufflinks, red with some red earrings? The colors are great and I love the brights mixed with the salvaged wood- they really are little works of art.


Pixie ring box from Oh Dier Living: Handcut & made from salvaged wood. Choose from 16 colors.

Monday, September 3, 2012

oh... happy labor day


I hope your all having a lovely labor day weekend. I hate to think that summer is coming to an end but trust me I will enjoy every last moment! However, I am looking forward to some new colors like the beautiful cabbage violet color in my garden. Hopefully I'll get some planted this weekend and I'll have some photos of my own to share.

fall container planting photos from:
ornamental cabbage from Saunder's Brothers.
succulent planter from Midwest Living.
cabbage & ornamental peppers from Mariani Landscape. (featured on WGN today!)