Inspirations – On Being Literal…
In the studio, the word literal has no shelter. In my world, the stuff of making art, creating impressions with something tactile like paint requires a need for embellishment both literal and figurative. We strive to paint a picture of our couples’ love everyday without necessarily painting the whole picture. Do you know what I mean? We like to leave a bit to the imagination; allow for flourish to excite and delight, leaving the straightforward and documentary for snapshots on Facebook.
Some of this world’s most admired artists were masters at suggestion…Van Gogh didn’t need to paint every Starry Star to elicit magic in the hearts of all who view his masterpiece. DaVinci’s Mona Lisa stares off into a world unknown to the onlooker yet still her grin captivates. Georgia O’Keeffe flooded her landscape paintings with a curious luminosity and stark composition yet we still feel the warmth and drama of the desert’s impact at each glance.
Van Gogh, Leonardo DaVinci, Georgia O’Keeffe
Modern artists like Jose Villa can tell a story of passion in a simple glance from a bride in front of his lens. A beam of light for Elizabeth Messina can trickle into her images and conjure more emotion than room full of clapping party guests.
The delicate quality of Elsa Mora’s thistle paper-cut sculptures would likely make you stop in your tracks and gaze long before real thistle caught your eye. We ourselves as watercolorists adore the way an abstract touch of paint and water spread across the page can create moments of joy.
It is in these abstract and less literal moments that art begins to tell the true story of its creator and viewer. Finely detailed, uber realistic and straightforward moments have already told all there is to tell. Where is the fun in that?
May 9, 2012
A Peek into the Studio – Succulent Bouquet, Vintage Charms and a Seashell Bouquet
We’re amidst some of the most thrilling times of the year. Wedding season is in full swing and so are our creative spirits! Today I’m sharing some projects still very much in development as well as a favorite from the production table last week!
Late last week I create a new watercolor featuring Succulents, Scabiosa Pods, Peegee Hydrangeas, Raspberries and Seeded Eucalyptus; the perfect ingredients for a rustic wedding bouquet…When fashioned into an invitation layout the silvery greens and washy blues became lovely neutrals against a burgundy and silver paper palette.
Julie fell in love with our Austin Bouquet artwork but worked with us to make it her own. Her daughter’s wedding shower in in just a few short weeks so we imagine guests are already enjoying vintage detailed invitations by now! Small vintage glass charms in a celery green dangled from blush pink silk dupioni ribbon. The invitation was first wrapped with wide lace that allows a veiled peek at the watercolor blooms beneath. We had a blast coming to this design, take a look here to see the evolution.
We added a hand painted envelope liner too!
Natalie’s design is a fun combination of Art Nouveau inspired blooms, swirls and seashells. I adore the light and airy feel this design lends….
So what am I up to?
Just wrapping up a fun project with Eco Beautiful Magazine. Last week Jess and I traveled to Baltimore to be on location for their cover shoot. Check out some behind the scenes peeks here!
Planning several new collections to launch in late summer. Keep an eye out for our Botanical and Black Tie suites soon!
Just back from a glorious 2 weeks in Utah. Will be documenting all soon on kristyrice.com!
We launched a new series over at the Muddy Brushes Gallery. Each week I will share a favorite design from our permanent galleries with a little info about why. Be sure to check in to see some old favorites and never before seen creations!
May 7, 2012
My Story is Art – 12 Years and Counting
Yesterday the hubby and I celebrated our 12th Wedding Anniversary. 12 years. Wow. Time seems to be chasing me with the constant reminder that each moment has something valuable to be noticed, felt…experienced. The seasons pass quicker, the milestones come and go at a fevered pace these days, amidst the flurry of life. It is all too easy to let it pass by without so much as a nod.
What I love most about Adam (the hubby) is his thirst for life, his need to savor the small moments, his passion for the people that surround him. He reminds me everyday to stop and soak up small experiences and plan to celebrate the big ones. He is my rock in this life, he is the good I measure all by, he is my compass on this journey. I love you babe.
May 4, 2012
My Story is Art – A Honky Tonk 40th Anniversary Party Part II
I’m back today with a final look at my parent’s 40th Anniversary party!! Today is all about the stationery and boy did I have a blast…of course. Thanks to Daniel Lanton for styling these gorgeous shots so no detail went unnoticed. Get caught up with the story here…
A rich palette of jade, bright gold and tans were used. Inspired by old whiskey bottle labels, I created a hand drawn frame and crest with a textured hand and smudge-y finish. Magnolia blooms here and there lent a touch of femininity. Lyrics from my mom’s favorite country song “On the Road Again” were subtly handwritten around the frame. I love small details like this in stationery suites…those little moments of meaning that make such impact.
A lot of wood textures were used throughout the party styling so I wanted to create a similar feel on paper. Each menu was painted with textured stripes of green watercolor onto a jade cardstock.
Canteen 900 is an eclectic space filled with mismatched vintage kitchen furniture and massive crystal chandeliers. The main chandelier was reclaimed from a local grand hotel and was lowered near the cake for the party.
Each guest went home with their choice of Jack Daniel’s gourmet mustard.
And of course everyone had a blast in the photo booth styled by Maggpie Vintage!
Event Styling and Design – Kristy Rice, Momental Designs :: Venue, Catering – Canteen 900, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania :: Photography – Daniel Lanton, Darker Shades of Brown Photography
Stationery – Momental Designs :: Coordination – Danielle Pasternak Events :: Entertainment – The Hometown Boyz :: Cake – Truly Scrumptious, Kingston, Pennsylvania :: Vintage Rentals – Maggpie Vintage Rentals :: Linens – LaTavola Linen
May 2, 2012
My Story is Art – A Honky Tonk 40th Anniversary Party Part I
This artful story is less mine and more that of my parents, but I had fun bringing this tale of lifelong love to life. Cyd over at The Sweetest Occasion featured the gorgeous images by Daniel Lanton recently and I am just too excited to share even more.
My parents were married in 1972. She was 18, he was 25. They began their adventure together as two young adults who loved simple pleasures; small gatherings with friends, good music and good food. Growing up, country music classics were blasted in our house, so much so the neighbors would complain!
Mom and Dad’s love of music is what inspired this surprise 40th anniversary party. Great food, simple flavors, the best people and of course the laid back sounds of country and bluegrass classics defined the night.
Mismatched linens from LaTavola in gold patterns were mixed with eclectic table settings filled with wooden crates, kitschy restaurant style red candles, pails of peanuts and red ranunculus in vases. Thinking on dive bars and hole-in-the-wall venues, I tried to give their casual charm an updated and slightly more sophisticated vibe. Nothing stuffy or over-styled here. Simplicity was key and having fun paramount.
Nostalgic items from my parents’ wedding in 72 were displayed under glass throughout the party; the invite, original shopping list for reception food, newspaper announcement, marriage certificate, etc.
Everything from Deviled Eggs with Ham and Pickled Red Onion to Grilled Beef Sliders with Homemade Chips were enjoyed by all. I created simple food signs on the backs of vintage and used postcards to add a bit of historical romance.
Definitely my most favorite stationery detail (more on the invites and more later this week), were the hand illustrated placemats! This drawing, which took me over a week to create was truly a labor of love and an attempt to pay homage to my parents’ very colorful years together.
A heavily detailed visual trivia was illustrated and printed as placemats for each guest. “What is Linda’s favorite country tune?” and “Jake’s favorite food?” were just some of the questions mingled with graphic sketches telling the story of their personalities!
So grateful for the talented team of artists who helped me put this together! XO More soon on the pretty cake and hand painted stationery!
Event Styling and Design – Kristy Rice, Momental Designs :: Venue, Catering – Canteen 900, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania :: Photography – Daniel Lanton, Darker Shades of Brown Photography
Stationery – Momental Designs :: Coordination – Danielle Pasternak Events :: Entertainment – The Hometown Boyz :: Cake – Truly Scrumptious, Kingston, Pennsylvania :: Vintage Rentals – Maggpie Vintage Rentals :: Linens – LaTavola Linen
Welcome to the studio! My name is Kristy Rice and I work alongside six fantastic friends-artists-designers who help me bring the Momental Experience to Brides all over the world. I love custom wedding invitations, painting, paper and feel blessed to work in my studio each day. Each week I love to share studio happenings, my favorite projects, inspirations, diy tips and real wedding photos!
