An Artful Life/Artful Admirations – Stephanie Elizabeth Designs

Today’s post is a combination of An Artful Life and Artful Admirations.    Through a look into my home I would like to introduce you to the work of the artist behind one of my most prized art collections.  Years ago when I first began my business I traveled to Art shows locally selling my stationery.  I met wonderful artists in my travels,  many of whom I still see today.   One of these artists is Stephanie Elizabeth whose forte is painting found objects with her signature style.  I adore Stephanie’s snowmen as evidenced by my Holiday entryway decor.  Join me for a tour…

My father’s vintage Victrola is the centerpiece in this corner but this time of year the snowmen take over.  A vintage sled, completely painted from top to bottom is perhaps my favorite piece in the collection.  A pair of antique skates is the newest addition this year.
Stephanie’s very painterly, rich style of brushstroke combined with whimsical color palettes are central to her style.

In addition to painted pieces, Stephanie creates assemblage sculptures – this one makes my laugh each time I pass by – I love the button legs!

The focal point of the foyer is the staircase adorned with lit greens.  For years I have added Stephanie’s painted wooden bowls to my collection.  I finally acquired so many of these lovelies that I decided to hang them from the evergreen swags.

Take a look at the level of detail on these pieces.  After years of collecting  and creating art myself  I have found that pieces which reveal something new each time you look are those with the most impact.  This is precisely why Stephanie’s snowmen are so beloved.  From the inquisitive expressions, masterful shading and color use to the thoughtful text she uses, Stephanie’s art is truly dimensional in idea and application.  She brings to life the joy of fresh fallen snow, the crispness in the air as you build the first snowman of the year and the warmth you feel when sipping hot chocolate on a freezing winter afternoon.

Landscape Illustrations as Invitation Art

“Often while reading a book one feels that the author would have preferred to paint rather than write; one can sense the pleasure he derives from describing a landscape or a person, as if he were painting what he is saying, because deep in his heart he would have preferred to use brushes and colors.” – Pablo Picasso

Several months ago, Tonya contacted me with a request for an invitation whose main focus was the artwork.  She literally wanted the artwork to encompass most of the printed space with her wording playing second fiddle to the text.

I immediately loved the idea and ran with it.

Many couples have caught on to the trend and since then Jess and I have been painting watercolor landscapes of locations throughout the country.  What most excited me about this new style is the emotion we are able to capture in a landscape.  From the passionate red cliffs of Sedona to the magical rolling hills of rural New York , every brushstroke tells a story in color and shape.

And several more…

This Michigan treeline  landscape is so full of texture you can easily get lost in the details!  The idea that guests really have to look for the wording is fun – enjoying this invitation becomes an experience!

The ariel view in this design captures a sense of granduer, while the color palette is dreamy and romantic.

A Wild Week of Contrast: From Vegas to Zion and back!

Today is my first day back in the studio from a whirlwind 8 days out west.  As most of you know the hubby and I are big travelers.  One of our most beloved places on earth (besides home) is Utah, namely Zion National Park.  When I heard of the location for Engage 09!: The Encore we knew a trip to Zion was imminent.   What better timing as we are amidst the plans for our renewal ceremony there next May!

Today is just a little teaser of the blogging to come over the next few weeks chronicling my travels and inspirations from Vegas to Utah and back!  Be sure to keep an eye out for several Inspired Ink posts derived from the fabulous hotel and Casino design of the Wynn and Encore Casinos – wow, my head is still spinning!

Gorgeous mosaic work en route to Wynn Las Vegas via Encore Las Vegas, a fun shot of yours truly and Randi Fenoli from  TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress and lastly a bit of Momental stationery from the Engage Luncheon last Tuesday!

Painting daily was my goal in Zion National Park in addition to choosing the perfect ceremony location for our renewal vows next May.  Say hello to the hubby, Adam!

Feeling alive, getting inspired.

Last night, I posted an interesting question on Twitter.  Certainly not a question that has never been asked before, but an interesting one just the same.  The question was simple -  “what makes you feel most alive in your work?”  I immediately thought of the question I am asked so often – “what inspires you”?  I think this is an important question we should all ask ourselves, regardless of our professions, don’t you think?

I put together a few images from the past several days that made me stop and say wow.  Obviously pattern is an affinity of mine, saturated color, yes, but also the concept of contrast.  The bull posing in front of the fussy wallpaper is a good example of my obsession with contrasts.

The gorgeous headboard below is motivating an invitation design, but after the idea simmers a bit in mind.

From top left – Longwood Gardens, Anthropologie, Catherine’s Animals, Red Headboard via Design Sponge

So, what inspires you; makes you feel most alive?

An Artsy Vow Renewal Celebration

When it comes to parties, weddings and anything celebratory I am just bursting with ideas.  My mind first wanders to ponder all the exciting stationery opportunities that are possible.

You can imagine my excitement when the hubby and I decided to throw a bash celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary next year!  Beginning with a few days in Zion National Park and ending with a celebration in PA there are so many details to consider.   We decided to renew our vows in Zion; a magical place that holds so much meaning for us both.  We feel connected to the landscape and truly peaceful while hiking and painting in the red rock landscape.  

Meet Adam – the hubby!

So to make it official and organize my thoughts a bit I created a quick timeline:

I of course plan to blog about every little detail along the way.   After 7 years in the wedding biz I have gathered a tremendous amount of inspiration.  So many ask me what I would do if I were to plan my wedding again; now I have the chance to answer this question.  Now let me say this…I loved every moment of my wedding 10 years ago and really wouldn’t change a thing.  I do however recognize that the hubby and I have changed and grown together over the years so I want our renewal celebration to reflect this fact!

The colors we chose, inspired by an impromptu antiquing trip.

Vintage Tableloth Dress via Lottilulu’s, Hay Bale seating via Inspired Events, Yellow Depression Glass 1 and 2, Outdoor Seating, Cool lanterns,  Ron Ben-Israel Cake, Vintage Photo Booth,  Flowers, Lounging Couple, Soda Bottle Buffet via Project Wedding, Soup Can Centerpieces.

The celebration in PA will mirror the red rock color palette inspired by our love of Zion, pay homage to our rustic roots (both of us having grown up in a rural setting) and will reflect a certain elegant flair.

Opulent Versailles: A Baroque-Inspired Collection

Working feverishly to overnight a few carefully crafted menus and table names to arrive in CA just in time for a Wednesday photo shoot. The design direction included words like, ornate, detailed, Versailles, Baroque along with a palette of whites and gold.

The menus are highly painted with freehand swirls, curls and white highlights. I used a lovely combination of matte linen cardstock plus shimmering champagne and white.

Working feverishly to overnight a few carefully crafted menus and table names to arrive in CA just in time for a Wednesday photo shoot. The design direction included words like, ornate, detailed, Versailles, Baroque along with a palette of whites and gold.

The menus are highly painted with freehand swirls, curls and white highlights. I used a lovely combination of matte linen cardstock plus shimmering champagne and white.

Inspirations – Hotel Fauchère

This afternoon I am creating a design for Michelle that is entirely inspired by the Moroccan tile floor at the Hotel Fauchère in Milford, Pennsylvania. I revisited the website today to gather images for color direction and created a simple inspiration board. I am obsessed with the look of the bar – everything from the Warhol/Lennon photo to the precise color arrangement of each bottle.