LET'S PARTY! MY FAVORITE PARTY SUPPLY SHOPS

This week one of my favorite bloggers—Jordan from Oh Happy Day—announced some big news. Not only did she release a gorgeous new blog design, but she also debuted her brand new dangerously fabulous party supply shop. I mean, you know me, this stuff is like crack! Pretty candles, balloons, confetti, banners, containers, favors, you name it, Jordan has got it. And now my craft closet is yearning to snatch it up! Seriously, do yourself a favor and check out the goodness here. The styling of every single item is perfectly playful, including the happy striped awning masthead. I love it all and you will too.Seeing Jordan's party planning skills on display in her new shop made me think about all the other online party goods shops I have bookmarked over the years. Just in case you are a fool for festivities like I am, click through the link to find a round up of my favorite sites to seek out for silly, celebratory supplies.

PER YOUR SUGGESTION: SEW WANDERLUST

Talk about dedication! Designer Teresa Lim decided some time ago that she found taking snapshots too fleeting and superficial a way to experience the places she traveled to. Instead she began embroidering her favorite settings in situ on her travels. Lim says that by taking the time to make a small sewn piece in each place she goes she becomes endowed with an intimate knowledge of that place, and walks away with more than a facile photographic souvenir.I love the idea behind Lim's project, called Sew Wanderlust, so much! But am certain I wouldn't have the patience to do this any my own trips. Too many things to do, too many sweets to eat! Still,  we can all enjoy the fruits of her labor, right?See more of Lim's embroidered travel works here.
(Thanks to my dear friend Susie for the tip; originally posted on Bored Panda)

BEHIND THE SCENES: THE (NOT SO) SECRET LIFE OF THE OBSESSIVE IMAGIST

I had a little panic attack this morning when I opened my computer and saw the date. December 12th! What?!! How are we halfway through December already? I feel like 2015 is stalking us like a lion in the Serengeti. Wasn't it only yesterday that we were preparing for Halloween?

All of this panic sent me into the typical tizzy of an a classic overachiever, leaving me thinking, what have I done with myself over all this time? Well, it turns out that when time flies is usually not because you are having fun, but because you are busy as all get out. This fall, while not making as much progress on my dissertation as I would like, I still managed to submit several (labor intensive) fellowship applications, write essays for a professor's amazing new book, interview two very cool artists for my dissertation research (this guy and this lady!), help curate this show and put together its catalog and probably some other things I can't remember. So, you know what, dear readers, let's all take a moment every once in a while to give ourselves a break! We work hard. We get things done. And though you may never check off all the items on your 'to do list' in one day/week/month, you are still making a difference. You are still moving forward (just keep swimming!). And that's what matters.

Don't you feel better now about 2014 winding down?

But, I do realize that this blog is supposed to be about art and design and eye candy and not so much about me blathering on about work. So here are a couple of instagram shots I took this fall of fun things I did to take my mind off of the stress of school/work/life. Hope you like them!

above | Over Thanksgiving I checked out the newly renovated Harvard Art Museums. The building is beautiful. The collection is amazing. The conservation studio is to die for. I highly recommend you head over there yourself.

 

Plus they have a crazy awesome organization system for pigments and restoration materials. It took all my strength not to break into this private room and drool all over those gorgeous cabinets and rainbow colors . . . 

above | I like to relieve stress by baking. For Thanksgiving I made apple pie and cheddar sage biscuits. They were tasty. That is all.

above | Last week I had the privilege of doing a little side project under the guise of my calligraphy business: The Wright Hand. I promised not to spill the beans about the client's identity (Sorry!) but let's just say that I addressed 400 beautiful holiday cards for a luxury beauty company.*

not pictured but still cool! | In other random crafty news, I am also hosting a holiday crafting event tomorrow at the wonderful Jo Malone store on Bleecker Street! We will be making holiday baubles from 12pm - 6pm. Stop on by and see me!

above | My fabulous family friend, Andrew*, set me up with some sweet tech recently (hooray for new computers!) and as I thank you I used the opportunity to send over a little holiday care package (tips for making your own here). I somehow managed to resist eating all the goodies—including chocolate peanut butter fudge and chocolate chip cookies with sea salt—before sending them off. Heroic restraint, I know.

And that's pretty much it! I am looking forward to some serious Christmas celebrations in the coming weeks and kicking 2015 off right. In the meantime, no more debbie downer stuff.

As always, you can follow all my exploits on Instagram here. I would love to follow you too, so drop me a line with your info and I will get on it! Until then, Happy Friday and Happy Holidays!

*I have removed parts of the addresses on these mailings for the privacy of the recipients.

FEELING CRAFTY . . .

If you have been reading this blog for a while you know that I love books. In fact, at this moment as I look around the room I realize that there are hundreds of books within arms reach. Nerd alert!Anywho, while I have to read art history books for my dissertation every day, I get a hankering to read craft and decorating books whenever possible. I get a little jittery unless a do something creative or crafty every couple of days and craft/design/DIY books help stave off that craving until I actually have time in my schedule to make something. That said, I have a constant wishlist of these books saved up in my Amazon cart tantalizing me with fun, inspirational ideas. In case you have similar craft cravings, here are a bunch of the books I have had my eye on . . . one | made by hand, $18.94 | Lena Corwin is a master and this book looks incredible!two | paper to petal: 75 whimsical paper flowers to craft by hand, $15.80 | I have a soft spot for fresh flowers (a rare thing that's actually cheaper in NYC!), but this book might cure me of that habit.three | find & keep, $18.15 | Colorful collections become cool projects? Sign me up!four | playful: fun projects to make with + for kids, $16.73 | Sometimes kids craft books have the best projects! Simple, fun, and graphic, this book has gotten rave reviews and I am dying to sneak a peak.five | martha stewart's encyclopedia of sewing and fabric crafts, $24.92 | I bought a sewing machine this summer and am all about fabric projects these days. Martha's book is basically a bible leading me to a sewing promise land.six | a field guild to fabric design, $18.10 | Speaking of sewing, it is surprisingly hard to find fabric that meets my crazy colorful pattern-plenty standards. Tips in here could spark a serious fabric design habit.seven | decorate with flowers, $17.34 | I am excited to learn all the new ways to use flowers to liven up our tiny apartment. As if I need another excuse to hit the flower stand at the local bodega!eight | design bloggers at home, $21.37 | I draw most of my inspiration from fellow bloggers, so to steal a glimpse into their picture perfect homes is too tasty to miss.nine | surprise-inside cakes, $18.75 | Technically not a craft or design book, but how irresistibly cute do these cakes look? Yay for creative baking projects!ten | pretty packages: 45 creative gift-wrapping projects, $15.57 | I am obsessed with dressing up gifts in fancy packaging and the tips packed into this book look like they would definitely help me step up my game even further.eleven | project kid: 100 ingenious crafts for family fun, $15.86 | More family fun; the cover alone is out of this world. (Get it?! Spaceship? Insert pitying chuckle here.)twelve | bright bazaar: embracing color for make-you-smile style, $20.56 | This is the only book of the group that I actually already own, but boy is it awesome. If you aren't afraid of festooning your home in bright color (or if you are but want a change), don't miss this!
That's is. Anything I missed? I am always happy to add to my wishlist . . . Hope you have a lovely weekend! See you next week!

MODERN QUILT PATTERN INSPIRATION

You know how Pinterest can be this black hole of inspiration, where you start searching for something on a whim—in my case modern quilt patterns—and hours later you look up from your screen with quilt piecing patterns burned on your retina and a lingering confusion where the afternoon went? Yesterday I fell head first into that black hole and came out with these pattern-perfect quilts that will, hopefully, search as my muse when I endeavor to make my first quilt this winter (I will do it, gosh darn it, even if it seems overwhelmingly complex!). Even if you are not a craft nerd like me, I have a feeling you will appreciate these beauties. Take a look with me, will you?

the pattern of the quilt above was derived from computer code!

I love the color and traditional-cum-modern pattern of this example.

Love this bolder take on a sweet crib quilt.

This simple, fresh design was based on a Society 6 print. Cool!

Again, modern yet classic, this quilt is full of bright orangey goodness.

Who doesn't love chevron? This would be a graphic example for a minimalist home.

Or go even bolder! This pattern reminds me of Charlie Brown!

I love the use of ombre in this girls quilt, proving feminine can also be modern and cool.

I am dying over the colors in this example. So pretty!

This cross pattern/plus pattern baby blanket is AWESOME. Very grown up without losing its playfulness, don't you think? 

Grey, mustard and yellow are always an elegant combo. This triangle patterned piece is no exception.

Last but not least—this one is my favorite of the lot—is this chic orange, coral and B&W number. I think it would look fabulous on a bed with tiny white and black polka dot sheets, don't you?
p.s. Feeling quilty? Previous quote about my favorite quilt patterns here.

TIME FLIES!

Guys, where has this week gone? Matter of fact, where has this summer gone?!! I can't believe we leave for Italy next week! And two days after we get back, in mid-September, is my Mom's 60th travel-themed birthday party. So much fun to be had, so little time!

To get ready for all the fun times ahead I have been working my crafty magic behind the scenes (in between bouts of mad dissertation work. I hope to be able to share more details and instructions for these projects after the party, but until then here are some fun sneak peaks.

above | I painted these tiny wooden airplanes pretty colors to decorate the birthday cake. I am planning devil's food chocolate with white buttercream frosting; these planes will be attached to wires and inserted into the cake to look like they are buzzing around it. Cool, right? planes bought here

above | I had these vintage-style postcards made up with a custom cancelation stamp on the back. I hope to have guests write notes on the back and then, after the party, bind them into a keepsake guest book. postcards bought here

above | Using my favorite yellow crepe paper rolls, I made these cute sunshiney garlands to hang as a backdrop for the food table. Love them! crepe paper from here

above | Last, but not least, I have spent the better part of this week putting together these favors—pocket-sized Moleskine notebooks stamped to look like passports. I can't wait to show you the step by step of these puppies; there are lots of fun details customized for the party, including the little security stickers on the back. What do you think? I hope the guests like them!Anything I am missing? If you have more clever travel-themed ideas for the party, lay them on me in the comments. Thanks! And happy weekend!
p.s. I posted all of these photos to my Instagram account this morning. If you like what you see, head on over here and follow me! 

HAPPY EASTER!

Happy (almost) Easter! Do you have any fun plans this weekend, whether you celebrate Easter or not? I am heading home to hang out with my family, eat way too much delicious food, and generally enjoy some nice spring weather.But you know what else I will be up to this weekend? Crafting, of course! Here are a couple of fun Easter-themed projects you might like to do too . . . 
Bunny ears headband for kids

Polka dot easter eggs

Felt bunny finger puppets

Spring centerpiece of paper flowers

Conversation bunny centerpiece

Bunny dinner rolls

Paper cup Easter baskets

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

LAST MINUTE VALENTINE CARDS

Are you a bit of a Valentine's Day procrastinator? Never fear! I have rounded up a couple of inspirational ideas that you can print, create or craft in a flash. Plus you will get bonus points for avoiding the Hallmark aisle!

Insanely adorable free printable valentine postcards by You Are My Fave

Awesomely geometric heart card (with free template) from the fabulous Mini Eco

Bold typographic free printable valentines from Ann-Marie Loves

Calligraphed cuteness from the Etsy shop JustaBirdPrintables ($5 download, print yourself)

Pretty patterned mini card free printables from A Pair of Pears


What are your plans for Valentine's Day? I have a couple tricks up my sleeve to surprise the hubby, but on the whole we are keeping it low key. I hope you have a weekend full of love and happiness; I will see you back here next week!

TIPS FOR THE BEST VALENTINE'S CARE PACKAGE

I have a secret super power. No, it's not laser vision or the ability to fly—though that would be awesome—it's the power to put together a kick-butt care package. What's that you say? That's not worthy enough to merit super hero status? I believe my friends and family would beg to differ. In this era of instant, impersonal digital communication, nothing beats getting a good ol' care package (summer camp style) from a loved one full of goodies.

If you are interested in joining me in super hero status with your dearly beloved, click through to learn my tips and tricks . . . . 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

What are you doing for Thanksgiving? I am headed to my parents house, where I will be joined by husband and his family plus several family friends. I don't know about you, but I love Thanksgiving! I love the relaxation of sitting down to eat with all my favorite people and just chatting (or doing some fun activities!). I also love having the opportunity to bake up a storm . . . in fact as you read this I am almost certainly elbow deep in pie, cookies and cranberry applesauce (a family tradition). Just in case you aren't as psyched about turkey day as I am, I have rounded up a couple of crafts, ideas and resources that are sure to get your mind a-whirring.ONE | pretty DIY gourd-candle centerpieceTWO | turkey day slot machine menu generatorTHREE | reminders for keeping fido safe during dinnerFOUR | wishbone DIY place cardsFIVE | wooden candle centerpiece DIYSIX | essential thanksgiving tips from NYTimes expertsSEVEN | grateful letter garland how to
Have a lovely holiday! I will be back here next week.
p.s. I am thankful for you guys, my lovely readers! 

THIRTEEN CREEPY CRAWLY COOL CRAFTS

My first year living in New York I shared an apartment with a roommate. She was a super cool girl who was obsessed with Halloween. Literally, she would start planning her costume and her wild Halloween party months in advance; the spider webs went over the cabinets in our kitchen in September! Coming from a house that was steadfastly anti-Halloween (my parents kept the lights off like we weren't home, ha!), I was in awe of her spooky spirit.

Feeling inspired with some creepy creativity this year, I thought I would share a round up of fun Halloween crafts to get you in the mood. Even doing just one or two of these thirteen thrilling DIYs (plus a viewing of this classic movie) would get you sufficiently ready for All Hallows Eve.

Without further ado, here are the choicest crafts for your fabulous fete (or chill night at home!):

one.  Shrunken Heads in Cider, Martha Stewart

two.  Gauzy Glow Pumpkin, Better Homes & Gardens

three.  Car & Camper Pumpkin, Better Homes & Gardens

four.  Masked Portraits, Country Living

five.  Mini Fanged Pumpkins, Martha Stewart

six.  Waterproof Outdoor Paper Lanterns, Sugar & Cloth

seven.  Eerie Eyeball Wreath, Country Living

eight.  Masked Animals, Merry Thought

nine.  Lantern Pumpkins, Country Living

ten.  3D Halloween Balloons, Small Fry

eleven.  Boo-tiful Cake, Martha Stewart

twelve.  Mad Scientist Pop-Up Laboratory, eighteen25

thirteen.  Bloody Mary Shots, Pottery Barn