Kristy Says support Can for Comments

The very talented photographers, Christine Tremoulet and Anne Ruthmann among many other bloggers are participating in Cans for Comments. I follow the blogs of these ladies and was so inspired by the Cans project I decided to give it a try myself.

Real Wedding Friday – Kelley and Ben, 08.23.08 Part I

In Kelley’s Words:

What was your inspiration for your colors and/or theme?

I chose non-gender specific colors, and therefore elected to stay away from any pastels. We both loved the unique green colored offered, and elected to offset that soft color with a medium raspberry and pearl white accent colors. This variety of colors really made a statement, as each was so unique yet complimentary.

What was the guest reaction to your stationery choices?

I really couldn’t get over how many compliments that I received regarding our wedding stationary items, especially the Save-the-date booklets. Guests were most impressed by how coordinated all of the items were, while each piece possessed a slightly different “tweak” to the master design. It kept them guessing from one event to the next, and they were actually looking forward to seeing what we had in store for them next.

Next week…the wedding and reception, invitations and more!

Inspired Ink – Bouquet by The Desinger’s Co-Op

I discovered this bouquet, on the Bridal Inquirer Blog this week. The bouquet’s beauty relies on crisp shades of green and an uncommon collection of flora. I just love the use of clover (I believe), so unexpected! Immediately drawn to the monochromatic loveliness, I knew I had to create an invitation to compliment.

I chose two shades of green, one very soft with silvery undertones, the other very fresh and saturated. The lacy pattern was pressed in a light silvery sage with hand-painted accents on blooms throughout.

This bouquet could easily inspire an entire event with its organic textures, elegant mood and refined color palette. Be sure to check out Bridal Inquirers inspiration board for more ideas!

Photos and Floral Design courtesy of The Designer’s Co-Op

Well Said – Walt Whitman

I love this poem, so simple and sweet. Perfect if you are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary.

I give you my hand…I give you my love…I give you myself…

An Artful Life – An Artful Christmas Part I

I have always loved Christmas. When I was young, my mother fashioned warm, twinkling days filled with parties, wreath making, gift wrapping and anise cookie making- creating memories I will forever hold dear. The hubby and I lived in Poughkeepsie, NY for years and even though only a handful of people visited during the season we still decked out our place from top to bottom. Lets just say that Adam adores Christmas, as much as I do; this year he spent countless days orchestrating an outdoor light show that slows down every car that passes!

My love of saturated color and details galore is quite evident in the Christmas décor I have been perfecting for years. When we moved back to our hometown four years ago, we built a home made for the holidays and entertaining. We wanted our home to be a haven for loved ones. Each November, yes,(gasp) at least one week before Thanksgiving, Adam and I begin the decorating craziness that typically takes 2 weeks to complete. The result however are rooms filled with twinkling garlands, porcelain villages, holiday photo collages and yes, 6 Christmas trees…

The main tree in our great room is 9 feet tall and filled with completely mismatched but cherished family heirloom ornaments. One of my favorites is the “fat ballerina”!

Every year friends visit to help trim the tree – this year my best friend since grade school, Maria, brought her son Zach – He was such a good helper!

The ochre hand-painted stripes in this room seem to just glow with warmth when the tree is lit.

No room is left untouched by Christmas! Here the master bedroom is detailed with feather wreaths and trees, a blue and white skinny tree and bowls of pearly white ornaments. Many ornaments on the skinny tree were my Nana’s. She was very resourceful in her day and used anything available to tie ornaments to her tree. I have left all her original “ornament hooks” in tact – even the yellow yarn and twisty ties!

The dining room décor boasts rich shades of purple and gold. Pictured here is one of my 6 “Snowman” bowls from a collection by Artist and friend Stefanie Elizabeth. These cherished bowls hang from the entry stairs garland (tune in next week to see more). Even Sir Michael is in the festive mood with his Santa hat!

I have an obsession with Chili peppers so it was only natural for me to have a Chili Pepper tree in the kitchen! Our many travels out west have give me the chance to collect some very quirky chili ornaments. One of my favs is this Snowman that I picked up at the Christmas Store in Santa Fe. Other favorites are the glitter chilies from my favorite shop in Moab, Earth Studio

Check in next week for An Artful Christmas Part II. The sun room, the bathroom tree, the entry and maybe a look at Adam’s outdoor adventures!

Kristy Says Emma’s Friends favors have soul!

Yesterday I enjoyed a quiet morning with my mom shopping at a local craft fair. As I made my way through the aisles of vendors I came upon a lovely display of soaps and such. I am always drawn to thoughtful displays and Emma’s Friends immediately caught my eye with their simple collection of soap filled baskets, neutral color palette and perfectly appointed demo station.

Emma’s Friends soaps and lotions are truly different from others. In addition to offering hand-crafted, all natural soaps, lotions and lip balms, Lynn has created a stimulating and empowering work environment for individuals with special needs.

My words explaining this lovely company cannot even begin to describe the heartfelt passion Lynn has for her company. I chatted with Lynn for quite a while and of course purchased many of her items. After hearing about Emma, the soaps and stories I realized I was buying much more than a bar of sweet cranberry soap or jar of rich Dream Cream, I was buying a bit of happiness and supporting a company whose 1st priority is to enrich others lives.

Great thing – Lynn offers favors!