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.