in print

Oh, I am crazy-nuts about antique prints! They are perfect for hanging in small spaces that need some color, or group lots and lots of them together in different frames to cover the empty place above the sofa. (My friend, L.C., just did exactly that, and it makes her apartment look like a page from domino magazine. Btw, domino, you will be missed!)

Anyway, I came across Panteek on a recent online search. With more than 30 years in the antique business, they know their stuff. Best of all, the prices are fair and the selection is incredible. The images above are from Panteek.com and most of these are still available for purchase. Check it - top to bottom: Orvis Lake Flies -1892, Munting - Aloe Vera, Bodmer - Native American, Curtis - Asiatic Globe-flower, and Jefferys - Queen Elizabeth.

i'm minted!

Exciting news! minted has added a few of my designs to their stellar for-sale collection of save-the-dates, thank-you cards and menu designs. Any of these can be turned into any kind of announcement or invitation, even wedding invites. Check these out: cards from top to bottom: Barbados Menu, Bibliotheque Save-the-Date and Bright Autumn Berry Thank-You Card. (Photo Credits: minted.com)

P.S. BIG happy birthday shout-out to my sister, Laura!

pretty winter

The other day, I was telling a friend that I am really sick of winter. But then, I rediscovered these photos I took at the beach about a month ago. The first one is with a flash and the second is without - same scene. The other two are from one of my daytime beach walks. I was surprised to find this colorful orangey-red plant on the dunes. It was like a little leafy sunset. See, even winter can be pretty! But, I'll admit to still longing for warmer weather. Spring, get here soon!

fiesta forever!

Here's a little peek at one of my latest projects. I designed these fun red and black cactus flower invites for an upcoming engagement party in Texas. The theme was Mexican Fiesta and the hostesses wanted to do something special and custom-made just for the bride and groom. I love the finished product, wrapped up with some classic red and white striped baker's twine.

january recs

Listen to this: Empire of the Sun's "Walking on a Dream" - new favorite song. Read more about the band over at Rolling Stone. Not on itunes yet, but it should be. I heart this song, seriously.

Read this: Apologies in advance to the people that just don't get it, but the Twilight book series is great reading with a really sweet love story. Stephenie Meyer is awesome. You MUST read them, pronto.

Watch this: 24 starts tomorrow. Welcome back, Jack Bauer.

I am working like crazy on some new designs and will post again soon. Hurray for 2009 - it is going to be fantastic!

the latest!

I've been developing a new custom stationery line for Fall-Winter, and am planning on giving some of these as Christmas presents to friends and family. It will most definitely be a handmade holiday this year! I'm also working on some other surprises, which will hopefully be posted soon. In the meantime, please have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

good tunes

I worked all weekend and made myself a little playlist to keep things moving. The album covers are almost as great as the fab music inside. Check out these songs at itunes (from top): "Ordinary Day" by Emilie Mover, "Time to Pretend" by MGMT, "Can't Go Back Now" by The Weepies, "Bruises" by Chairlift, "Shake It" by Metro Station and "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance" by Vampire Weekend.

oh baby!

Ok, so I saw the new James Bond last night and I was wowed by it, of course. But, if you go see it, pay attention to the titles - and, especially the titles at the beginning of each new city he visits. Tried to find stills to post here, but no luck. I was wild about the fonts used. Very cool.

Soooo, in place of that, above are some of my latest designs. I was going to enter these baby announcements in a minted.com contest, but just ran out of time. (Photography in the designs is courtesy of Wink Photography.) I'm working on ideas for the next contest - Wedding Save the Dates - and I'll post my entries for that one here as soon as possible. Entry deadline is in 2 days - I better hurry up! Stay tuned.

fabulous = eddie ross

I'm loving Eddie Ross' blog. In case you didn't know, he was a stand-out star on season 2 of Bravo's Top Design, which just ended last night. Although Eddie didn't win, his design style is fantastic - classic paired with comfort and creativity. Currently, he's the Senior Style Editor with Martha Stewart Living. And, his blog is a daily treasure trove (seriously!) of great ideas. I especially love Eddie's "Before and After" posts featuring yard sale, flea market and thirft store finds that he transforms into fabulousness. Pictured above is a recent "Object of the Day" from his blog - a beautiful piece of Chinoiserie transferware that he found on ebay for $29! I heart the bamboo pattern and must find one for myself. Check out Eddie's blog here!

rare indeed

I am going crazy over these books from Rare Device in San Francisco. All of them are just so pretty and would look nice in a big, healthy stack by the bed or on the coffee table. I'll admit, I can be the type who judges books by their covers, but in this case, I think the insides would be just as awesome as the outsides. Just think of all the fabulous inspiration and ideas too!

PHOTO CREDITS - from top, via Rare Device - Ulysses: The Artwork of Andrew Schoultz, Margaret Kilgallen: In the Sweet Bye & Bye, Handmade Nation and Olle Eksell