oh, how far we've come

I started this blog over 2 years ago. My initial hope was that it would be a creative outlet, give me a place to seek out amazing finds and showcase all the lovely things out there. My secondary hope was I could use my knowledge, learn a thing or two along the way & open up a retail shop....well November 30th, the shop opened! My blog has been quite neglected but my head is filled with so much to share, so I will be posting more in the weeks to come. 

First though, here is the beginning of our (my Mom, Paulette & I) shop. Stumble & Relish, located in Evanston, Illinois (1310 A Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201).

We fell in love with the space that was formerly known as Folk Works Gallery. The previous owners were there for over 12 years so we are hoping to continue their success. The space was cute & quaint and after looking at MANY locations we kept coming back to this one. Plus, there are so many great local shops in the neighborhood! We picked up some great estate sale finds. Thanks to my friend, Amber, this brown metal tool chest is now something we could not live without!

We had SO much help along the way, painting was a huge undertaking and we couldn't have done it without all of our friends & family. Yes, I made them paint the ceiling dark teal blue & it was well worth it but quite a task!

 

Look at the end product! Wow, how far we've come in 7 weeks! We worked to decorate inexpensively but we wanted there to be some character to our pieces- we have a display cabinet that is probably from the 20's mixed with an IKEA rug and back-dropped by our bold paint & simple stencil. Needless to say we like to mix it up & in the end we made it work. The shop will always be a work in progress, the product we sell will be the stars & we will do the best to tell the stories of each piece we find.

Stop by & stumble on something lovely today...

in the mail

I haven't kept up with a lot of things lately but I am still making an effort to drop at least one card in the mail every week. Honestly, it is a reason for me use & find all the amazing cards out there! This card from Laura George captures the essence of everything I love about mail plus her illustrations are so stinkin cute! Sigh...another reason to love snail mail.

in the mail

It has been a busy, busy week but I did find the time to drop some sweet Halloween greetings in the mail to some of my favorite people. Honestly I could have spent hours doodling on these envelopes but I restrained myself. Festive Halloween Lanterns from a. favorite design.

yes, i still send snail mail & love it...

oh what fun, baby shower decor

My brother & sister-in-law are having a baby girl so time to throw a little shower for the both of them! The baby room has a modern woodland theme using neutral gray, a bold dark raspberry & pops of yellow artwork. So the theme for the shower was yellow using mostly the gifted artwork as decor.

Geometric Owl & Fox prints from Gingiber || Heart & Feather print from Lovely Sweet William
Handmade paper flowers from Scrappuchino || Yellow polka dot wrapping paper & yellow print paper (used to wrap guest gift soaps & matte art prints) from Paper Source || Hanging garland made from invitation left-over scraps

Bookshelf bought at flea market & painted to match the baby's room || All guests brought a book as a gift to add to the book shelf || Lamp from Target || Yellow ceramic flower vase from Anthropologie || Bear soap strait from the Yellowstone Lodge

 

Yellow painted cloths pins from The Papered Crown & will be used in the baby's room to hang artwork || Garland made from left over paper scraps || Cutest baby ever from Night Owl Paper Goods printed on Birch wood || Butterfly & Dragonfly prints from Peace of Violet || Triangle note card from Courtney Oquist || Hedgehog illustrated print from Mika Art

in the mail

I saw this bold, graphic card at Foursided and I had the perfect person to send it off too. Even the envelope shows the awesome artwork from Petra Borner.

color love

In the past I have never been a huge fan of Mums but this year they have caught my attention. You've got to love something colorful & hearty when everything around slowly turning brown. Today on Poppytalk they showcased this lovely Mum garland. I love the colorful ombre of mums!

photo kindly borrowed from Poppytalk.

in the post today

Sending out a sweet little note today, just because. You're so sweet letterpress card from a. favorite design.

send a card today...