Leap Design

Such a funny snowy day her in Colorado. The kids had a delayed school start so it was a lazy morning. I heart lazy mornings. But they'll be home any minute — it's time for me to get the fire started and warm up some hot cocoa to greet them. In the meantime, here's something pretty:




My dear friend and business partner, Laurie Smithwick owns a graphic design company with her husband Bob, called Leap Design. They recently re-designed their website and it is freaking awesome. If you are looking for a design team for print or web (Laurie does design, Bob does programming), you should for sure give them a whistle. You will love working with them.

The photos are of Laurie & Bob's wedding invitations. The wedding took place at a summer camp. So fabulous! Lots more pics in the portfolio section of their website.

Oh. And don't miss: I just posted more stories about pregnancy and growing families below.

Big Orange Balloon

I'm dying over Tracey Clark's image of the prettiest balloon ever posted on Shutter Sisters. How dreamy would it be to see this in person?

Rune Guneriussen

Gorgeous photos by Rune Guneriussen. This snowy globe one is outstanding. I haven't tried to find any deeper meaning in it, but I can't stop looking at it. So I'm pretty sure it's trying to tell me something.

Thanks for the link, Lauren.

Urubbu Fine Greeting Cards

Wow. I felt like I had happened upon some really cool person's secret stash when I clicked over to Urubbu. Check out their incredible greeting card designs. So handsome. I almost don't want to share.

Twig & Thistle Blog

This morning, on new-to-me blog Twig and Thistle (it's a great one!), I saw two pretty things I wanted to share:

A calendar/book designed by Yoshie Watanabe — with real ribbon worked into each illustration. So beautiful. It's no longer in print, but if anyone finds a source on an existing copy, please let me know. I would love to own one.



And these yummy stamps showcasing Mexican imports. See more examples from the series on the Twig and Thistle post.

Product Display

Please Sir had an excellent post the other day (with lots of pretty pictures) on product display. Whenever I see beautiful shop display, it makes me crave owning a picturesque little store. I have no idea what I would sell, but it would be fun to make it pretty.

Thank you Notes

If I'm going to be writing really good thank you notes in 2009, I'll need to start with really good stationery. Like these sweet, simple Hello cards from Sarah Jane.

Baby's Breath

Spotted on kirtsy. This blog post featuring photos of Baby's Breath is beautiful. So simple and so winter-y. I especially heart the bouquet.

Mini Cake Stand

I know it's sold out, but I'm still coveting this little Scallop Cupcake Stand from Whitney Smith Pottery. Dear Whitney, please make more. Thank you.

Found via Say Yes.

Zena Hollaway

Spotted on kirtsy. Gorgeous underwater photos by Zena Hollaway featured on Daucus Carota. Completely awe-inspiring. I just love that someone's brain thinks like this.

Sycamore Street

Say Hello to Sycamore Street Press. If you try to find something they've produced that you don't like, you won't succeed. For it is all beautiful. Beautiful! I love holding a prettily printed something in my hand.

Smock

Based in Syracuse, NY and printing on sustainable papers, I am loving the collection of wedding and social stationery offered by Smock. Great details. Lined envelopes (which always make me happy). And look how the very charming fill-in-the-blank invitations become extra-super-charming with the help of a good calligrapher:

Hand-Painted Ribbon

I don't know if you've been watching, but it's been extra-fantastic at Kirtsy this week. I've bookmarked like 30 different links I want to share with you or remember for some future project. You can find the top links this week by clicking here.



In fact, here's one that I found like 2 minutes ago: hand-painted ribbon at LeiLiLaLoo's Etsy shop. I'm going to be happy all weekend just because I know this exists.

Pretty File Folders

I use file folders all the time. All. The. Time. And I love it when I come upon pretty ones. Audrey of Bright White Design just sent me a link to these. Pretty plus 100% recycled. 12 folders in 6 designs for $16.50. Nice.



And can I just say here that I can't wait(!) to take the kids shopping for school supplies!!!!

Garden Party

Jordan taught me that if you're looking for pretty party ideas, wedding magazines are one of the best resources. She's brilliant like that. In the current issue of Wedding Style Guide there is a story on a Garden Party Bridal Shower that made my heart go pitty pat. I'd love to throw the same party — not as a bridal shower — but just as an excuse for the ladies to lunch.




I love the tagged canning jars ready to host fresh flowers that the guests arrange themselves. I love the hearty sandwiches served on sheets of brown paper. Lots of lovely details. Bonus: you can even get free downloads for the party stationery — invitations, hang tags and signs — so that you can throw a party just as pretty as theirs.

And if you're not subscribing to this Australia-based magazine, you might want to do so. Wedding Style Guide is a treasure. Full of gorgeous photography and brilliant party and entertaining ideas.

Migros Had Me At Hello

Mr. Josh-with-the-flawless-eye sent me a link to this post featuring food packaging for a Swiss company called Migros. Gorgeous. And smart. Take a look.

via The Dieline.

Anyone up for some armchair traveling? — Guest Mom Allysha

I LOVE this photo blog, Portes et Fenetres (which is French for Doors and Windows). I stumbled across it while looking for pictures of France, where I lived for a year and a half. It is dedicated to photographs of interesting and lovely (you guessed it) doors and windows. The photographers, simply known as Guy fils, Julien, et Guy père (who, I'm guessing, are a father and his sons) capture some beautiful sites in France and abroad. I visit several times a week. It's an inexpensive way to travel.

Simple Songs Designs

I was just introduced to Simple Song Design's etsy shop — full of fantastic stationery and office supplies. And now I count my self as a devoted fan (those to-do push pins won my heart!). I have to say I'm kind of embarrassed that her work is new-to-me, because she's totally a sk*rt editor.

Posh Peacock

The pretty tags, magnets and stationery at Posh Peacock have caught my eye. Designed by self taught, Boston-based artist named Christine. Yummy color.

Nature Contained

The other day I received a charming box in the mail from Nature Contained. And when I opened it I was both surprised and delighted to discover three pastel eggs resting on a bed of green grass. A delight for the eyes and to the sweet tooth, because the eggs are filled with El Rey Organic Venezuelan chocolate.

To be clear, these eggs are not plastic or foil or paper. These are actual hen and quail eggs, carefully emptied and cleaned, then filled with decadent truffle. What a sophisticated Easter treat. And what a brilliant idea.

Want some of your own? Well, if you live near Tiverton, RI you can stop by their charming shop and pick some up. Or, you can order the ship-able eggs over the phone at 401.624.4484.

Perfect Poppies

Oh man. These delicate little poppies would be so pretty sprinkled through your daughter's hair (or your hair) this spring. Made of repurposed vintage fabric by the etsy shop Foundling. Available in several colors and as tiny broach pins as well.

Found on sk*rt.

Hello March!

This is it: February 29th. Leap Day.

And tomorrow is March — lovely March — and time to think about Easter. I'm so delighted about it. These images from the current Smith & Hawken catalog have me aching for Spring and aching for this Easter Nest. Oh so pretty.



It's been a great week. Thank you for making my sister's feel right at home. I hope you enjoyed their posts as much as I did. (How could you not? They're all so brilliant.)

Have a great weekend. If you haven't had the chance yet, you can enter the Bun in the Oven Giveaway through Sunday at midnight — over $500 worth of prizes — you don't want to miss it. Another "don't miss": lots of hot new deals in the Marketplace!

Cotton Idea Studio

I just received an email from Cotton Idea Studio and can barely tear myself away from their website to tell you about them. Gorgeous, gorgeous paper goods. I keep caressing my screen in an attempt to touch them because they are so delicious. Journals, personalized stationery, note cards, coasters, happiness.

Apparently, in addition to their online shop, they have an actual store front in Laguna Beach. And that's one more reason I should move to Southern California.

Hicks Paper

I'm so admiring the graphic, simplified illustrations on this stationery line. It's called Hicks Paper and it's designed by Sarah Hicks Malone — a former Martha Stewart art director. Baby announcements, event invitations. Lovely.

Birdies

Lovely Laurie sent me a link to these adorable little birds made by Lauren Alane. They have me thinking of spring.

Check out her flickr page to see photos of all her little birdy creations — complete with charming captions like "Mr. Brooks is a gentleman" and "Miss Genevieve teaches her students about mushrooms."

More Nesting Dolls

Can I tell you enough how happy sk*rt makes me? I find the coolest stuff there every. single. day. Like these fantastic nesting dolls for your tech-minded friend created by the Art Lebedev Studio. If you had these on your desk, you'd have the coolest cubicle in the building. Plus, they coordinate well with Kyran's nesting doll post from yesterday.

via sk*rt, via popgadget

Apiary Design

Oh man! Have you seen the beautiful paper goods at Apiary Design? Notecards, birth announcements, invitations, custom work. I know I'm usually a sucker for white space, but these all-over patterns in unexpected colors have me itching to hold them in my hands and take a closer look.

My Future Summer Home

This home makes my heart race. It's in Sao Paulo, Brazil. And I wish I was too. Lots more delicious photos if you follow the link.

I found this on sk*rt.

Elum Letterpress

Katherine Center just sent me a link to Elum, a wonderful stationery company. Luxe journals, desk sets, single cards, wrapping paper. Take a minute and look through their stock. Beautiful, beautiful letterpress work. Valentine's Day is only weeks away, so I'm especially loving these two.



Fun note about Katherine:
You my remember her as the author of her popular novel The Brightside of Disaster (really good!) and from her week here as a Guest Mom. And now, keep your eyes peeled for the paperback version of Brightside at Target — they've chosen her book as a featured pick — so exciting! Hooray for Katherine!! Don't you just love Guest Moms? It's fun to get a peek into the lives of such interesting women.

CocoBlu Card Just for Me

Sarah of CocoBlu Studio saw my post about Portuguese packaging & designed a stationery card with the same feel in my honor. And what an honor! I love it. What a treat. Thank you, Sarah.

Portugal Knows Beauty

I know the design world is currently all about simple. minimalist. mid-century modern. But man oh man did my heart go pitty pat when I saw this photo of Portuguese beauty packaging. I love the elaborate details in these pieces. I'll take one of each.

Speaking of pretty, lots of new and pretty offers for Design Mom Readers in the Marketplace. Check it out.

image from pg 69. Wallpaper*. December 2007 issue.

Funnel Paper Goods

I know you're out there. You've got presents for the kiddies hidden in closets. Stuffed on high shelves. In the basement. In your neighbor's basement. But at some point, you are going to have to retrieve them.

And wrap them up.

Luckily, I've just discovered a new favorite wrapping paper source: Funnel Paper Goods by designer Eric Kass. With names as wonderful as the patterns — like Uncle Bob's Pajamas and Rangifer Tarandus — wrapping will be anything but tedious. Bonus: most of the prints are neutral enough that they will serve long after the tinsel has been swept from your home.

Also, I think these prints would look especially good tied up with some of this twine.

Beehive Bazaar

Every Holiday season, some of my dearest friends put on the Beehive Bazaar in Utah. I've never been. I live too far away. And I'm always jealous of those who get to attend. It's happening this weekend. If you'll be in the area, I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you drop in.



Take a look at the Beehive Bazaar blog to get a peek at this year's vendors. These refurbished school chairs by Heidi Blackwelder and these darling felt pendants by Molly Call both caught my eye.

Beth's Farm Kitchen

On Friday, as we stepped off the subway we happened upon the Greenmarket at Union Square. I couldn't help but notice the tables and tables piled high with these festive boxes, at the booth featuring Beth's Farm Kitchen. Each box holds a little jar or yumminess.

Dozens and dozen of jams and chutneys. Every conceivable flavor. All bottled locally at Stuyvesant Falls, New York. The folks at Beth's Farm Kitchen are big on sustainability and have been supporting local and small family farms for years. These would make excellent hostess gifts this holiday.

While I was snapping photos, Ben was sampling and swears the products are delicious.

Flood Street Curiosity Shop

Have you seen all the cute items Jordan has added to her shop? I've got to order me some of that twine. I would basically use it non-stop. And the giant balloons? They're like the happiest thing ever invented.

Inspiration Boards

I just found Snippet and Ink. A blog that produces a daily "inspiration board" based on colors or a theme. Fantastic.

Retro Numbered Bottles

I've been back to this AT post like 5 times. I am in love with the numbered bottles. Apparently they are vintage, and no one knows the source, but I'm thinking that I could have something like this cut out of vinyl to put on a yet-to-be-acquired collection of my own jars.

Keep in Touch — by Guest Mom Zanne Blair

Ciao Bellas!!!!

I have to admit, I'm not so good at keeping in touch. It's one of the reasons I started blogging. I couldn't keep up with the letters, phone calls and emails. I feel so bad about it. I am lucky enough to have friends and family who, after not seeing or talking to for months or years, we are able to visit like it was yesterday when we last saw each other. So I try to give peeks into my life for my family and friends through my blog.

My best friend called me one day (she lives 3000 miles away) and suggested we start a blog together. So we did. It's starting slowly (busy lives...), but it is gathering momentum and allows us to "see" each other on a more regular basis.

Even though I'm not so good at it anymore, I still love old fashioned letters in the mail or a postcard. I still do write the occasional note, so I gather up pieces and kits of stationary here and there, and sometimes I make my own. Enjoy these print, stationary and letter links and think about your friend you haven't talked to in a while and give them a call, write them a note, or send them an email.

{freshly}blended - Nicole's overview of the Stationary Show in May contains wonderful images of notes, cards and paper.

I love these from skinny happy labels from Every Jot and Tittle


Annacote

{Paper Relics}

at Orange Button

Linda & Harriet


Pearl & Marmalade


Posh Peacock


Studio Olivine

pepperinapress

I've really enjoyed blogging with you this week, and I hope you will keep in touch and visit me (please say hi!) at my blog: ZanneStars, and if you live in the Western MA area, come take a class at LuckyStitches! and make something.

School Supplies by Working Class Studio

The Savannah College of Art & Design started Working Class Studio as part of their curriculum. It's the smartest thing. Each quarter students are selected as interns to work in the Studio and produce actual products that are sold nationwide. This provides real, practical experience for their students and helps them build up a portfolio so they can land a great job after graduation. The design coming out of Working Class studio is excellent. I'm a big fan.

For this year's fall season, they launched a Back-to-Campus Collection that's being marketed at Barnes and Noble. Nine journals, two pencil pouches, a sketchbook and a canvas messenger bag. All designed by students for students. Definitely worth a trip to Barnes and Noble to check them out.

I know they were designed for students, but they're pretty enough for moms as well.

Balinese Umbrellas

Another gift show find that's been on my mind. These umbrellas by Zen Zen make me want to throw a party. Can't you just picture a great lawn with a dozen (or two) of these in assorted sizes and colors?

They also seem like they would make a good princess hideaway — maybe hang one from the ceiling and attach some sheer fabric that falls to the floor. Instant fairy tale.

From what I understand, Zen Zen is strictly wholesale. I'm still looking for a source where you can buy these retail.

Fall Issue of Small Magazine

The fall issue of Small Magazine is out. If you're unfamiliar with Small, it's an online magazine featuring beautiful products for the young kid set (think 5 and under). The magazine is beautifully shot. This is the 3rd edition and I find I really look forward to clicking through the pages.

Jordan's Etsy Shop

My sister Jordan is getting ready to launch an online shop of her favorite things. While we wait for the big launch, we can get a sneak preview by checking out her etsy shop. She's carrying screen-printed gift tags, her famous lemon-head invites and cookie labels.

Jordan has impeccable taste and I can't wait to see the shop.

Polka Dot Cupcake

How do you suppose one would go about making a cupcake like this? Smooth (but not perfect) rounded top. Polka dots of varied sizes. I saw it in a catalog here and I think I'm in love.

Yellow Rickrack

Don't you wish you lived near my sister Jordan so she would bring you home-baked cookies in a darling cookie jar that she labeled herself? And you could borrow her brown polka-dot table cloth?

Me too.

Petaline

I just received an email from Alison, the creator of online shop Petaline, where she promotes and supports women in the Seattle/Portland area who are moms and who, like Alison, "want to find a way to still be creative and stylish and stay at home with their babies." Totally check it out — the whole site is eye candy. Alison also has a beautiful blog and an etsy shop where she features yummy found objects. Some of my favorites after my first visit to Petaline:


Flowerfly, signed, limited-edition print


Evette Bag


Tulip Blouse

Card File

I think this card file by Cecily Ink would make a cute hostess gift. It has 3 tabs to organize your stock of cards and comes in three colors.

Nice to Meet You

I'm still going through my millions of business cards from BlogHer and checking out blogs and remembering who was especially happy or charming or funny or kind or smart or beautiful or friendly or visionary or outgoing or enthusiastic or inspired. The photo above is a picture of a few of the most colorful and creative cards I collected at the conference.

My very most favorite cards belonged to Birdie, who made each card one at a time with the help of her son. She used reclaimed paper and rubber stamps. Each card was it's own little bit of art. A project within anyone's budget. Here's a glimpse of 5 Birdie cards, front and back:

Color and Photography — by Guest Mom Andrea Scher

It has been so much fun being a guest blogger this week for this fabulous site! Thank you all for welcoming me and reading my tidbits. Because I am all about color and photography over at Superhero, I thought I'd end on this theme. Here are some things I found to inspire you as you go into the weekend!

Melissa Muszynski's colorful resin jewelry:




from The Daily Planner, The Harbin Mini Journal Set:


The Spectrum Photo Album Set:


Love these leather journals (with multicolored pages) by Jenni Bick:


And if you are wondering what project to tackle this weekend, try organizing your bookshelf by color:



And one more little weekend project is to make mini cards or stickers from Moo.com. They are supercheap and you can use images directly from your flickr account.

Stuck on Stuck in Customs

I'm infatuated with Stuck in Customs, an awesome photography site.

Found on sk*rt.

More Vacation

Our summer traveling is still wonderful. A few nights ago, my older 3 kids went to Grandma's for a sleepover and had a fantastic time making artwork with sun dye. See instructions on my Mom's blog here.

Next up: Once we've slept in after the July 4th fireworks, we're heading to Southern Utah for a week. I'm way excited. I can't wait to introduce my kids to Zion National Park and the Snow Canyon Sand Dunes. It's going to be blazing hot -- 110 degrees -- but that's nothing my sister Sara's freezer full of creamsicles can't beat.

I'll be sans computer for the week -- and I'll miss you -- but I'll be back in New York and blogging again on Thursday, July 12th. Have a great week!

One last note before I go: my sister Jordan has happy news. . .

Back This Afternoon

Hello Friends. I've got great stuff for today -- including a Book of the Week post and a Giveaway! -- but I won't have adequate computer time until this afternoon/evening. Hopefully you can check back later. . .

In the meantime, I'll leave you with a picture of these gorgeous cupcakes my friend Stephanie supplies to local bakeries. I wish you could enlarge the photo and see the luscious details.

Rosebud Design Studios

Laurie the Great sent me a link to Rosebud Design Studios. Fantastic stuff. Explore the site for lots of pretty and lots of pretty funny.

A Night at the Met

On our way to La Boheme last night, we received word that it had been cancelled because of rain. Total bummer.

But. It happened to be Museum Mile Festival yesterday as well, which meant that certain galleries in the Met were open till 9:00. A very worthy alternative to the Opera.

We spent our time in the special collection Impressionist and Early Modern Paintings: The Clark Brothers Collect. I was surprised how consistent I am. I walk into a gallery and am immediately drawn to the American art. Every single gallery. I knew I liked the Americans, but I didn't realize how much.

My favorites from last night:


Frederic Remington, The Scout


Edward Hopper, House by the Railroad


John Singer Sargent, Portrait of Carolus-Duran

Simply Silhouettes

Silhouettes are still as hot as can be. If you're wanting to get in on the hotness, check out the excellent range of products from Simply Silhouettes. You send in the photo. They make the silhouette. And put in on any of several very cool objects. T-shirts and hoodies. Wall Art. Good-looking gifts. I love the yellow messenger bag.

Neds

Have you seem the images from Ned Design? The colors are great. And I love that even without faces, as I search the figures, I'm totally reminded of certain friends and family members.

I've seen these images in real life as notecards and tiny giftcards. They are adorable and very-well made. I think a series of the 9 x 9 inch prints would be darling in a playroom or family room.

Some of the originals are even available for purchase.

Google Candy Bar

A couple of weeks ago, when I attended the Personal Democracy Forum, I was able to take advantage of a candy bar sponsored by Google that was just enchanting. First, because it was bar of free candy. Second, because it was candy in the Google colors, displayed in the same order as the Google colors.

And these candies were not "sort-of" in the Google colors, they were pretty much exact matches. So even though the logo was displayed in a relatively small way, the whole candy bar just screamed Google.

The candy bar was brilliant. And yummy. Actually yummy. Google provided small white bags labeled with a Google stickers and you could just help yourself. Wouldn't this be fun to do at a party?

As if I wasn't already in love with Google.

Colander Display

My new blog friend Beachy posted some pictures from her shop. Her colander display makes me happy.

Question: is there a scenario outside of shop ownership where one could talk oneself into owning 20+ multi-colored colanders?

Hammerpress

It's June. June Rocks.

Especially this June. This June is so rocking because I've got all kinds of rock-and-roll happenings planned this month. Like our very first Guest Dad, posting next week, who happens to totally rock. And a Guest Mom posting on the 25th who rocks just as hard.

So to start the month on a hardrock note, I'm going to tell you about my Stationery Show find number 3: Hammerpress Design. Their booth was great and they were cool and friendly to chat with. But now that I've checked out their website I'm totally intimidated by them. Their work is fantastic and their porfolio is extensive.




And they know how to rock: I am so loving their series of event posters. 10 webpages worth of posters to choose from. And each one as awesome as the next. All are available for purchase — and at reasonable prices, I must say. I hope when my kids are teenagers they'll let me put posters like these in their bedrooms.



If you have more time to browse their site, don't miss their everyday stationery. And especially don't miss their portfolio of custom wedding invitations — truly stunning. Hammerpress Rocks!

Jezebel

Stationery Show find #2: The silhouette work at Jezebel is captivating.

Order per card or by boxes of 6 or 7.

Giveaway: Lego Cufflinks by Jacqueline Sanchez

It's wonderful Wednesday. It's the end of May. It's time to look ahead to June. Let's do a giveaway for the men in our lives — to help us get in gear for Father's Day. The talented Jacqueline Sanchez sent me a link to her Forever Young line of lego-based-jewelry and I was an instant fan. So we set up a Giveaway for a pair of impeccably designed, finely crafted, absolutely happy LEGO CUFFLINKS!!




What's not to love? Legos are practically a symbol of parenthood. You can find them tucked into the corner of many a child-filled home. When you step on random piece in the middle of the night and muffle your scream of pain so as not to wake your slumbering children, legos serve as a not-so-subtle reminder that your priorities are in order, that your children are cherished.

These lego cufflinks let you wear your parenthood on your sleeve — like a badge of honor. Plus, they're a good compromise for the man who is all grown-up and working for his family's benefit, but still loves a good toy. But don't let the playful aspect fool you — all of Jacqueline's jewelry is exquisitely made and a bit extravagant. The winner of today's Giveaway can choose their cufflinks: red squared or black rounded like the ones above. Or. The winner can contact Ms. Jacqueline herself and she'll tell you the additional colors that are available. Her cufflinks retail for $150 — a perfect Father's Day Gift splurge.

Ladies, you're also in luck. Jacqueline designs lovely lego jewelry for Mom as well. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces rings. Everything made from the finest sterling silver — and plastic legos. Some pieces are blinged-up with diamonds and gold.






If legos aren't your thing, you'll definitely want to check out Jacqueline's other jewelry lines. She's a woman of many talents. She even offers a gorgeous bridal line and stunning custom work. What a fun find!

Thank you Jacqueline Sanchez!

-------------

Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have until midnight PST on Thursday, May 31st to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced Friday morning.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

The Stationery Show 2007

The stationery show was just wonderful. This was the first year I attended as a member of the press and it was the coolest thing ever. I could ask more questions, and more personal questions. And because I wasn't there to place orders, there was no sales pitch. It was just really, really good. I was able to have great conversations with about 30 different vendors/artists — a tiny fraction of who was at the show — but still wonderful. I'll be posting about many of these vendors over the next weeks.

In these pictures, you can see the registration area at the convention center and a pile of all the pretty business cards and brochures I picked up. I tell you, it was a feast for the eyes.

Warm Biscuit Fabrics

The other day I received 2 emails from 2 different readers about Warm Biscuit's excellent vintage fabric collection. I love having a new fabric source! These are a few patterns that caught my eye.

Gone Fishing. . .

So I'm supposed to spend the day at the National Stationery Show.

No really. This time I mean it.

And my friend Sara reminded me of another booth I definitely want to check out: Blonde-Designs, a wonderful company that I featured very early on in this blog's history, and a company that later sponsored one of my first Giveaways. It will be fun to meet the women behind the designs.

But while I'm gone, I've posted 4 more Ask-Design-Mom questions below — and all 4 are waiting patiently to be answered. If you can help me out by offering up some great ideas for these worthy questions, I would really appreciate it. I'll put my two cents in when I have a minute. ..

Have a great day!

Sesame Letterpress

Have I reported on the Stationery Show yet? No. And I can't. Let me explain: I really wanted to go last Thursday but preparations for Friday's conference ended up filling up the day. So on Friday, I snuck away from the conference with my sister to catch the last few minutes of the show. How shocked was I to get there and find out I HAD THE DATES WRONG!! The Stationery Show didn't start until the next day.

Boy did I feel stupid.

To sum up: I haven't see the show yet but plan to be there sometime this week and promise to report.



In the meantime, if you're looking for a stationery fix, check out these darling baby calling cards created by Sesame Letterpress. Love the silhouette. Love the rounded corners. Love the colors. Lovely.

Sesame Letterpress is a new-to-me company and I can't wait to explore the rest of their website to see what further treasures I discover. You can get more info and see the excellent work of Sesame Letterpress on their site. Plus, lots of pictures at the Sesame Letterpress Flickr page.

Edible Glitter — By Guest Mom Hailey Meyer Liechty

My friend Laura sent me a wonderful package, out of the glittery blue sky. This edible glitter is lovely to look at and is basically flavorless. It is made out of gum arabic. Lovely, lovely.

Just sprinkled some pink over real whipped cream for Stella's chocolate birthday cake for a final touché. You can find them here.

Hostess with the Mostess Stationery Week

The Hostess with the Mostess has a special week going on at her blog. And I am especially in love. She's spending the whole week showcasing stationery(!) — everything from wedding invitations to everyday cards. I'm grinning just thinking about it.

Yesterday she featured several companies — all new to me — and all producing really beautiful work (like Avie Designs, who made the hot cards below). I can't wait to see what she posts today. Plus, as icing on the cake, she's hosting a couple of stationery giveaways as well.



The whole week is in honor of the New York Stationery Show, happening this week. Can you see why I'm so happy? The Stationery Show is like a second Christmas for me. Pretty overload x 10. Confession: I think I even prefer it to the Gift Show. I've got family coming to town. A big conference on Friday. Hosting book club tonight. So I'm not even sure which day I can go. But I'm bound and determined to get there.

And for your own pretty overload, I highly recommend you pay a visit to the Hostess right away.

Year of the Calendar — by Guest Mom Hailey Liechty

This school year has been berserk. We have had 6 different school schedules for 5 children. (Our one son goes to 2 kindergartens, to help him with speech/language.) Many times I have missed important things because I didn't write something on the calendar or didn't check it. Then I realized: It has to be the year of the calendar!

For years I've wanted a simple, oversize (but not massive) calendar. That shouldn't have been too hard to find. Silly kittens, icky flowers, great rock gardens of the world were not necessary. I also wanted to find one printed on uncoated paper, so I could write and erase! The calendar becomes a family journal. The squares are large enough for small daily drawings. Since I couldn't find it anywhere I had to make it and have it printed.

My friend Hiedi helped with the design and many suggestions. It is bland and fun to decorate. I have the children fill out their dates and they are so proud when their month is up. We have three months hanging on a metal door. I also keep a secondary calendar close by to help plan far down the year.

Silk-screened Dish Towels

These silk-screened kitchen towels are making my heart sing. Great patterns. Great colors. By PataPri. Find them at her etsy shop.



via hostess blog

Beehive Bazaar

I am just itching to go to the Beehive Bazaar this weekend. Two women I adore, Stephanie Higginbotham and Hailey Liechty (our next Guest Mom), are two of the wonder women behind this event. And from what I know of Steph and Hailey, it's guaranteed to be a fun-time had by all. (Plus, I put a lot of stock in event posters, and this one rocks.)

Of course, I'm in New York and will be missing it. So I beg you: if you're anywhere in the vicinity of the lovely Bazaar this weekend, please pay a visit and then send me an email with some juicy details so that I can live vicariously through you. Three cheers for Indie Artists!

Planter Bench

I have outdoor settings on the brain. And oh. This bench has such lovely possibilities. By 5.5 Design.

via k-style

Finger Magic Origami

I believe I've mentioned before that I've found origami to be a good way to keep my daughter Maude's able hands busy. So when Cindy from Finger Magic Origami sent me a link to her site, I did a little exploring. In addition to being a great little online shop that sells all things origami, the site is also an excellent resource for origami instructions (including videos). But what I especially liked is the lifestyle section of the site.




See photos of origami camping and having tea in the quirky Origami Adventures section. And don't miss O is for Origami, where Cindy photographs the alphabet as seen in the world around her.

By the way, this is a lovely pasttime for kids — spotting hidden alphabets out there in the world — sort of a more challenging "I Spy" game. (I'm not totally sure of the relationship between this activity and origami, but don't mind, because I think hidden alphabets are great.)

Embellish Your Glassware

These glass sticks by Blik are so smart. On glassware, on a carafe. This is the kind of project that could keep children's hands busy during last minute preparations for a dinner party: Hey kids, why don't you and your guests put these polka dots all over the water glasses, while I frost the cake and visit with their mom. . .

Nice find Hostess with the Mostess!

Little About Me — by Guest Mom Amy M

First of all I want to say how grateful I am for this opportunity. I have enjoyed thinking about what I would cover and what I would share with you. A daunting task, but a fun one never the less. Since this is my first post I just thought you'd like to know a little about the mom writing the posts for the week, and since I'm 31 I thought I would share 31 things that make me me.

1. I love to be creative
2. I love quiet
3. I rarely eat breakfast
4. I am thinking of running a 1/2 marathon...just thinking
5. Monday is my favorite day of the week
6. I rarely use coupons
7. I love photography
8. I enjoy giving myself manicures and pedicures even though they're not that good
9. I hoard idea books
10. I care what people think
11. I love handmade cards
12. Though I like apples I find them to be the most boring of all the fruits...perhaps because there so easy to find
13. I usually never watch a movie more than once
14. I could watch Pride and Prejudice everyday
15. Still working on adopting Parenting with love and logic in my home
16. I want a Mac
17. I love to snack
18. I need to get my passport
19. I love to learn new things and to teach myself how to do it
20. Karen Krasne extraordinary desserts is now my favorite place for chocolate cake...too bad it's in San Diego
21. I do not like pie
22. I'm a massage therapist
23. My word for the year is "DO"
24. I drive a Land Rover
25. I hate when people are late
26. I love the changing color of light depending on the time of day
27. I dream of having a gallery filled with my photographs
28. I'm a mother of 3 little girls
29. My husband is my best friend
30. I love to be home
31. I'm an introvert

I could go on I guess, but I'll leave it at that. Go here if you want to learn even more about me.



Here are a few of my favorite things

Shade tees
American Eagle Jeans
Paper Source A7 boxes (perfect for 5x7 photos)
Russel+Hazel Smart Grid paper pad
American Craft modern albums
CatsLife Press stamps
Amy Butler designs
Living Out Loud by Kari Smith
She by Kobi Yamada
Fresh Sugar Lip balm

Look forward to spending the week with you,
amy

Note from Design Mom:
I'm so looking forward to Amy's posts this week. I don't know Amy at all. Not even a little bit. I came upon her blog and was impressed, so I sent her an email inviting her to be a Guest Mom. And she accepted. And those 2 emails are the total extent of our relationship. And I guess that's why I'm so looking forward to her posts — I love how blogging connects people and I'm excited to learn more about this week's Guest Mom. Welcome Amy! I'm glad you're here. Please make yourself at home.

Luscious Lemon Baby Shower Invitations

Umm. Did you see my sister Jordan's blog yesterday? Check out these fantastic lemony shower invitations she designed and printed. Don't you wish Jordan was throwing you a party?

Lots more pictures on her blog. . .

Your photo + Soda = Cool

The ever-cool Jones Soda, famous for ever-changing crazy pictures on their labels — pictures sent in by customers — is now offering a service called My Jones. Basically, you can order Jones Soda with photos you provide.

A custom 12-pack is $29.99. I know. That's almost $3 for a soda. But what a great party favor! I'm thinking totally worth it.

via the wonderful Cool Mom Picks

Twig Crayons

60 natural wood crayons made from forest salvage. More expensive than crayons should be. I don't love the holder, but the crayons are just so appealing. Their twigness would be pretty on display.

Thanks for the link, Hailey.

Inspiring Apartment Tour

Did anyone else see this home tour posted on design*sponge awhile back? This wall of keys was so inspiring to me. I've come back to look at it a dozen times. So I thought I would share.

The home belongs to one of the talented women behind Hable Construction, Llubav Obando Choy. The key photo was my favorite, but really, the whole apartment is lovely. You can see the 9-photo tour here.

This Thinking Blogger Thinks About Design

Last week, the kindly Brooke (maker of the darling magnets featured above) tagged me with a Thinking Blogger meme. I was deeply flattered — especially considering the honor came from a deep thinker like Brooke. And because I mostly think about design, I'm going to tell you about 5 design blogs that I love and that make me think. I don't personally know a single person behind any of these blogs, so I'm not actually tagging them. But if any of you feel the urge to tag someone as a Thinking Blogger and carry the torch, please do.



1 House Industries' Show & Tell
2 Hoping for Happy Accidents
3 Wee Wonderfuls
4 Things of Random Coolness
5 Love Made Visible

And do take two minutes to look at Brooke's object photos. So pretty. I love the famous people magnets — is that Ricky Gervais?

Kaas Glassworks (first posted 11/10/06)

Chloe's Mom gave me a head's up about the truly amazing work of Carol Kaas, when she happened upon a feature about Ms. Kaas here. After I saw the feature, I went straight to Ms. Kaas' site and could have stayed there all night.

Really beautiful decoupaged glass serving pieces. Stunning historical images. So much texture I was tempted to touch the screen. Serving trays, paperweights, coasters. Lots of shapes, lots of sizes.

Best of all, Ms. Kaas has what looks like a picturesque shop in the West Village, so you can go see this stuff in person. Can't get to New York? Luckily, you can order online.

Pick out something really beautiful for your Mom, for your sister, for someone that needs something beautiful.

More Mobiles (first posted 10/26/06)

We've already discussed my love of mobiles. How happy was I to see the amazing selection designed by Hanneby. Go browse and be happy.

via clemantine (nice find!)

Potluck Studios (first posted 10/9/06)

An unexpected Family Fun Day perk: In the middle of the afternoon, our hostess invited anyone interested to drive over to the Pine Cone Hill Tent Sale about 20 minutes from the farmhouse. Although I loved about one million things under the tent, I walked away with only one — the perfect cake stand for Baby Betty's 1st birthday, by Potluck Studios.

I bought the small 8" one in light aqua blue. Bonus for me: it retails for $27, but was $8 at the tent sale. Double sweet.

second pic from Brides.com

Animal Shaped Rubberbands (first posted 9/14/06)

Maybe the happiest thing I've ever found on the internet. Apparently, they return to their original shape after you use them. Find them at Unica Home.

Takashimaya (first posted 8/1/06)

With our dear friends, the Rathers, moving, there have been conversations about places in the city they need to visit before they're gone. I recommended a thorough browsing of Takashimaya — a hi-end Japanese department store on 5th Avenue.

There are few places in the city that are more beautiful than this space. And it's not too big, like Saks or Bloomingdales, so you can thoroughly explore it without shop-till-you-drop-tired-feet. One highlight is the lobby where fresh flowers are arranged before your eyes.

If you love designy things, it's a New York don't miss. Buy something there, anything, just to see the way they giftwrap.

Friday Letter to Nie Nie — by Guest Mom cjane

Dear Nie,

It's FRIDAY! It's FRIDAY! This week has been insane with this-and-thats, and I am going to take the weekend off! Maybe do the spring cleaning with my new Method Cucumber cleaning agent? (I don't think I've ever used the words cleaning agent. But who cares? It's fabulous FRIDAY!) Also on my weekend agenda? Shuffle around in my muumuu (you are jealous, you want one. Badly.)

Other things I am grateful for today include:

A patient husband, who has provided me with plenty of what-ever-I-need-to-help-me-feel-better.

My Pinkie Pie Kitchenaid that helped me whip up some fudge brownies to take to people-in-need-of-chocolate. (I can hear their call at nights when I am laying in bed...)

Blooming trees everywhere I look.

The new Darlybird earrings I purchased tonight at the Darlybird Trunk Show! Also at the Darlybird show: Enjoyable conversation with darling friends and the best cupcakes that have ever passed these lips. Um, lemon with raspberry frosting? Um, yes, okay.


The apron you sent me last year. Just to...you know...wear around and look devastatingly domestic.

Archer Farms Blood Orange Italian Soda.

A good friend sent me this blog so that I could get my Paris fix — which is good since I discovered this week that I have a medical condition called Transatlantic Deficiency. It’s very serious. I might have to buy a ticket soon before I become too American.

My muumuu.

What are you grateful for today... I mean, besides your new house? (Given.)

I love you,
c jane

P.S. Tell Claire to draw me a picture and send it my way. The fridge looks so naked these days.

P.P.S. I am also glad that Gabby let us partake of the goodness that is Design Mom. Perhaps we didn’t fail afterall...

Custom Artwork by Ida Pearle

Bek just introduced me to the precious work of Ida Pearle. Take a minute to check out her custom prints for children. You provide the name, skin tone and hair color, and she'll customize one of the above images just for you — and there are many more image choices on her site. Printed on archival paper and matted: $68.

Her delightful portfolio goes far deeper than custom art for children, you can find her other work here. Or, read about the Artist here.

Ask Design Mom: Tablecloths

Ask-Design-Mom Question:
Hi Design Mom, I'm hooked on you and your site. I have a kitchen table that I don't especally love and we're hoping to get a new one. But, in the meantime I'm looking for a table cloth or cool placemats that can distract the eye from the actual table. Do you have any ideas? Thanks! — Missy

Design Mom Answer:
Great question, Missy. Ever since you emailed me a few weeks ago, I've been keeping my eyes open for pretty table linens — mostly tablecloths — since you're looking to hide your current table. Here are a few that made my heart flutter a bit.

Because it's just plain gorgeous:

A graceful print from Atelier LZC (I sure do love everything I've seen from their studio):


Probably the most inspired option I've seen lately. By Lotta Jansdotter Tang. (Also featured above.):


Because I love navy and white when the weather warms:


Check out the subtle and gorgeous botanical patterning. I would love to feel this fabric in my hands:


And a 1950's daisy print available on etsy:


This is just a drop in the bucket, Missy — a person could dedicate a whole blog just to beautiful table linens — but I hope this inspires you to find something pretty. Design Mom Readers, please do chime in with info on any unusually pretty table linens you've seen lately.

Wednesday Letter to cjane — by Guest Mom Nie Nie

Sister of Mine,

Those eggs are sure to please! What lovely colors you used. As I recall you were the first to create an Easter tree. You were in high school and on a creative kick. Mom took a snapshot of that photo somewhere. Maybe you have it? I would love to see that again.

Remember you bought me that cute pink hat from Anthropologie a few Christmases ago?

I wear it to church on Easter. Since I am not completely done unpacking boxes from the move, I am debating on buying a new hat.

And as for gloves, Lucy and I found some darling vintage cotton gloves at the antique store.

A lady must look elegant on Easter I say!

Stuffing the baskets this year is going to be simple. The girls will receive art to display in their new room.


And for the boys I am going to buy Nicholas and Oliver this adorable quiet book from Kelly McCaleb.


I am also making nests this year with some lovely little birds to glue to the sides. I’ll fill them with colorful chocolate eggs.


Are you making a basket for Ralphy? Or one for your husband? I am re-covering Jimmy’s dog bed this weekend. I will send pictures, its going to be classy — in semi-aristocratic way — he is after all a pure bread Brittany Spaniel!

Lets plan a trip! Sedona? Park City? Your call.

Love to you,

Nie

Wednesday Letter to Nie Nie — by Guest Mom cjane

Dearest Beloved Nie-ster,

Here is a picture of our Easter eggs this year.

As you know, I can't live without the joys of Mod Podge.

These are real eggs that we blew-out (read: dizzy head) and decorated with tissue paper. I like that the Mod Podge makes the eggs more durable. I have a batch from every year since we've been married. I think I deserve an award.

Speaking of awards…or, rather rewards…

I don't have a hat to wear for Easter, but I did get this awesome vintage Easter dress in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Every time I go to Twin Falls I find the best dresses in their second-hand shops. I’ve decided that buying vintage dresses is going to be my first (and hopefully) only collection. Let me just tell you sweetheart, I am up to twelve dresses (including this one featured in Lucy’s engagement pictures)

and five skirts! If only I had lacy gloves. Are you going to wear your hat and gloves to Sunday Easter services? I guess I could wear my swanky rubber gloves from El Paso…

I am having sushi with my friends tonight. I can't decide if I'm more excited to wear my new blue shoes

or eat some Nigiri with a tich of wasabi. Mouth watering choices all around.

c jane

P.S. Tell Jane that I like, love her, like , a whole bunch.

Ceramic Eggs

These glazed ceramic eggs make me smile. The colors. The clean color vs. white contrast. The patterns.

A great alternative if you're not up to making your own. Or a great gift for a grandmother who is no longer interested in getting her hands dirty with dye and glue.

via hwtm

Tuesday Letter to cjane — by Guest Mom Nie Nie

Sister,

How was your dinner? Did Andrew devour the black bean burgers? Yum. Next time you make them, you must make this little bean medley called Cowboy Caviar. It is a good mix of just the right tastes of what spring is. Side dishes are crucial to a good meal you know. Split open the chips and immerse to your hearts content.

2 cups corn
2 cups black-eyes peas
1 cup chopped tomato
1 bunch cilantro
1 sm. Bunch green onions, chopped
2 avacados, chopped
1 t. cumin
1/8 t. pepper
_ t. salt
_ cup olive oil
2 cloes garlic
mix well.

I have been thinking about your tinted chap stick inspiration. I think I have discovered a winner. Murad Pomegranate Lip Therapy hit the spot.


While on the subject of make-up, Oliver continues to put my make-up on. He wakes up at 6:30 each morning, and while I am sleeping, he is applying.

He has single-handedly destroyed my mascara. While in my searches for the finest mascara out there, I came across this. Shu Uemura makes this lovely product that is thick and adds serious volume.

I’m a fan…are you?

For decorating eggs this year all one needs is eggs and very thick glitter.

The glitter adds so much sparkle and pizzazz to the pastel traditional Easter egg. I also plan on hanging them from a live branch I cut from the garden. That way, in a few days when the blossoms on the branch bloom, I will have a live Easter egg tree.

What are you going to wear for the hunt? What about Easter dinner? I am determined to wear my Easter hat to church. Do you have one?

I wish I could spend the holiday with you. I will miss you.

Loves,
Nie

Tuesday Letter to Nie Nie — by Guest Mom cjane

Nie,

I picked up some Cucumber Method yesterday at Target. Smells like good times. This is my kind of house work! And no worries about pruning these delicate hands, because I do have some very perky cleaning gloves shipped to me from El Paso for my birthday from my friend La Yen.


I have fallen madly in love with Tamara de Lempicka thanks for the link. And while we are on the subject of artists, I haven't been able to get Meredith Frampton's paintings from the Tate Modern out of my head since I saw them last June in London.

Cheers to female artists!

As for my make up this season, I am going simple: Sun on my face, and loads of Terra Tints. Tinted chapstick? Genius.



We had Lucy and Andrew over for dinner tonight. It was Andrew's first experience with black bean burgers since marrying into the family.


By the way, thanks to you for inviting me over to your house so many years ago for my first black bean burger. I've never been the same since. My recipe comes from my go-to vegan recipe book How It All Vegan.

SPICY BLACK BEAN BURGERS
1/2 cup flour
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 small hot pepper minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 medium red pepper diced
2 cups cooked or canned black beans, mashed
1/2 cup corn niblets
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp fresh parsley

Set flour aside for coating. Saute onion, garlic, oregano and hot pepper in oil until onions are translucent. Add peppers and saute for another 2 minutes, until pepper is tender. In a large bowl mash the beans with a fork. Stir in all the vegetables, corn, bread crumbs, cumin, salt, chili powder and parsley. Mix well. Divide and shape into patties. Coat in flour. Cook on a lightly oiled frying pan on medium high for about 5-10 minutes, or until brown.

If you don't garnish with avocados...well...forgettaboutit. (Of course, you already know that.)

Lucy and I planned the family Easter egg hunt for this weekend at her farm. Which makes me think-how are you decorating your eggs this year?

Give Ollie a sloppy kiss for me.

loves, loves,
c jane

Jordan's Party

Last Friday, my sister Jordan posted about an amazing party she organized for her church. In case you missed it, check out the photos here.

Then, one million people wrote to her asking for how-to details about the party, so she posted instructions here. And one more update on drink dispensers here.

Yeah for creative sisters!

Good On Paper

These sparse, sophisticated cards from Good on Paper are so Spring appropriate.

Sweet Things for Spring — by Guest Mom Lindsey Johnson

On this official, full day of Spring, I'm feeling in the mood for flowers and pastels and polka dots. What about you?


Isn't this wreath from Red Envelope so cute for your front door?


I love this one, too, from Williams-Sonoma.


These plates from Crate and Barrel are just begging for an Easter Petit Four or Lemon Meringue Tartlet to placed upon them.


These also make me smile. I would actually look forward to drying my dishes with these adorable tea towels. Find them here.

Don't forget your feet!

I hope I'm not the first one to tell you about Havaianas. (7)


They are the must have flip-flop. Seriously. I would not lie about something so important. (I wear them all year long. They could almost be surgically attached to my feet.) You have to get some. Right now. They have 43 styles of womens sandals, with many colors to choose from!

How are you going to celebrate Spring?

The Happiest Lunchbox

Dear friends, how happy is this lunchbox?!! And how happy is Design Mom knowing that it exists. I find it easier to be a green parent when zip-lock wasting is replaced with pretty.

Melamine in four separate (beautiful) sections.

Paper Flowers

Because my sister is taking a well-deserved blogging hiatus, I was browsing her archives this morning to get my daily fix. I came across a post she wrote about Jude Miller's paper flowers.

While all of Jude's creations are beautiful, this peony is truly outstanding. I could stare at it for a long time. (Confession: I have been staring at it all morning.)

The Incredible Edible Egg

Knowing that by the time April gets here and I'm ready to take on Easter — when the holiday will only be about a week away — I'm trying to get on top of things now. In fact, I'm thinking March 15th (tomorrow) is the perfect day to pull out the Easter box and see what festive goodies have been packed away all year.

My stylish friend Hailey sent me a link to these chocolate quail eggs and I've fallen in love. They're gorgeous. They've got me all Easter-inspired.

From Gumps in San Francisco.

Hotel Boxes

Oh man! How much fun to stack up an assortment of these Hotel Boxes and then figure out what to put in them. So pretty.

Watch the (short) slide show here and get excited about the possibilities. See the available patterns here.



via shelterrific

Wheat Grass

My brother Josh came by last week to pick up some wheat kernels to plant wheat grass. (I have a large supply. I really love wheat grass and picked wheat up in bulk awhile back. Feel free to come by for your own bag.) I was so happy for a reminder that it was time for this activity — which is practically a spring ritual at our house.

Super easy and very gratifying. Early in my marriage, I learned how to do this from Lisa at Oh Judy. I've had success in glass containers with pebbles at the bottom for drainage and in traditional ceramic containers made for plants. I've had success in low-light and right in front of a window.

If you plant your seeds today, you'll have gorgeous wheat grass in about a week. In fact, mark your calendars now for the perfect day to plant some in time for your Easter displays.



Easy directions:
-Fill and level your container with potting soil. Leave about an inch of space at the top.
-Place an even layer of wheat kernels on the soil. It should be a pretty solid layer with only a little bit of dirt showing.
-Water daily. Keep the soil pretty moist. For a 6-inch container, I would pour in a glass of water each morning.

That's it. You'll see sprouts in about 48 hours. And wheat in about a week. The wheat won't look great for ever — some people trim it with scissors to extend it's life — but I prefer to just replant. Apparently you can also juice it. But in my life, its beauty benefits outweigh its health benefits.

two pics from flickr

Cake Pulls

Apparently there is a (long-forgotten) tradition of pulling charms from Wedding cakes:

"Prior to her wedding, a bride would hide several sterling silver charms attached to satin ribbons within her wedding cake. Before she and the groom cut the first slice, her bridesmaids would each pull a charm as a special keepsake of the day. Each charm had a special meaning and foretold luck, romance, or good fortune. Cake pulls also are no longer hidden within the cake. Today, bakers place the sterling silver charms with only the ribbons showing under a plastic film that separates them from the bottom of the cake and protects the elaborately decorated confection."

I love this idea. We are in the midst of planning Maude's 8th birthday party, and this would be so great to do with her birthday cake. After the guests pull the ribbons, they could make charm bracelets for an activity.

My Charmed Life sells cake-pulling kits — and dozens and dozens of charms.