Own, and save! a piece of history...

Landreth Seed Company, one of the oldest American companies, and THE oldest seed company, is in grave danger of closing soon.  Despite a huge resurgence in gardening from seeds in recent years (thanks, economy), Landreth is about to go under.  In an effort to make a last gasp for air, they are taking orders for their 2012 BEAUTIFUL catalog now, to be shipped in time for Christmas presents. 

A catalog for a gift?  Why yes!  The catalogs contain engravings of original hand-drawings of heirloom seeds and plants.  Historical tidbits of info and tips are included, and the whole thing makes for a beautiful gift for any gardener or lover of botanical drawings.  Or anyone that values centuries-old, family-owned companies.  The catalogs are $5, and despite their own desperation, they are committed to printing everything here in the US, rather than sending it overseas for a fraction of the price.

 
Heck, while you're at it, order a few gift cards for your favorite gardeners!  Besides heirloom seeds, they have bulbs of all varieties, historical weather instruments for your favorite weather geek, and a lovely little library of beautiful books for sale.  Now go shop!  Even if it's only that gorgeous, special catalog.

Also, Monday...I'll have two tickets to the Wedding Extravaganza of the Year to give away!  You want these!

Pinterested in a lot of stuff...

Like the rest of the world, Fiore Blossoms is now on Pinterest!  (I'm not even going to pretend I'm original, or that I discovered something new, but if YOU still haven't, it's time!).  Just wanted to let you know that I've been pinning like mad and starting to collect some great ideas there for tables, flowers, paper, food; anything event related. 

And, a few of my favorite go-to's for hordes of ideas:

Perfect Palette...TONS of palettes and gorgeous ideas!:  http://pinterest.com/perfectpalette/

Wedding Wishfulness from Leslie Hoggatt: http://pinterest.com/lesliehoggatt/products-i-love/

BHLDN pins!  And it's not just their stuff...: http://pinterest.com/BHLDN/

and Jordan Ferney...you know that old Police song?  "Every Little Things She Does is Magic".  It was written about her!  And this is where she collects some of her ideas.  I'm glad I get to spy!  http://pinterest.com/jordanferney/

A wicked awesome room...

My wicked (and I use the term in the fondest way and only because she named herself that many, many years ago) step-mother is visiting right now, so I finally got to see the fantastic room she did this past spring for the Showhouse of Art and Design in Marietta, Georgia.  If you're looking for any design help in the greater Atlanta area, she is most definitely the woman to work with! 




Design by the super talented Ann Gronewald, Antiques and Interiors.

And you call this work?

Working on one of the many things-in-the-works this morning.  Throwing pretty things around and taking pictures for backgrounds.  Love this job today.  (Details on the pretty things...an antique Chinese calligraphy brush that was a surprise belated b'day gift just yesterday, from a sweet friend.  Pretty earrings by talented Abilena; new superfine silk ribbon that is my fave, and will be going on bridal bouquets from here on out; fan coral from a source that claims to be responsibly harvested...hope so.  Little bug gems from my own nuptials about an eon ago; and all calligraphy by yours truly.  Aren't they pretty escort cards?  You too can have such loveliness...) 

So many things in the works....

A magazine shoot...new calligraphy services...a brand-new website with a SHOPPING CART(!!!yes!  there will be shopping!), and a whole bunch of other things going on as well.  School is underway, Noah has recovered from the flu he got after 1 hour (literally, 1 hour) of school, lots of family on their way from Atlanta, gardening...and feeling so thankful for the return of routine, fall schedules, soccer games, September sunshine, each day.

p.s.    The lace chuppah above is new and awesome.  I've got it, you want it.  Call me.

p.p.s. If you are planning a wedding or a party in the bay area, or if you want to fly them somewhere else, or if you just need to get down, POP FICTION is where it's at.  Just came home from a whirlwind 24 hours in San Fran as a wedding guest, and my booty is in recovery.  Pop Fiction was so jammin' that I didn't leave the dance floor until the power went out, lights off.  I was so dedicated that they gave me an honorary turn on the base towards the end of the night.  Sweet.  For a good time, call them!

Falling sand

I'm usually a very frilly, vintagey type girl; one that loves tarnished silver bowls and Grannie's cracked china.  So what is this craze I'm feeling for Yukihiro Kaneuchi SAND vases? I love the way they build this sense of anticipation; that at any second the sand could just come tumbling down and leave a naked stem standing there.  (Because when it comes right down to it, I'm a girl that loves drama most of all!).

via Design*Sponge 

Pretty Quinn!

Such a pretty bride from last year...and a pretty photo from Maurice Photo. Purple phaleonopsis, dark callas, "Black Magic" and "Vino Rosso" roses, and hypericum berries comprised her bouquet. But I think it's her gorgeous smile and bridely glow that really make this picture fantastic.

Real Weddings: Kat + Dom

Our Seattle calendar got a little confused this year, and it seemed Labor Day was destined to be the first day of summer for us, as opposed to Memorial Day.  But one thing about Seattle that most of those naysayers don't know?  When it comes, we know how to do summer right.  Dom and Kat's gorgeous Alderbrook Labor Day wedding a few weeks ago is proof...the most gorgeous summer day, a long drive down the Peninsula through beach cabin territory, a relaxing ferry ride, and Mora ice cream to wrap it up.  Oh, and the wedding was pretty fun too.

If you're too school for cool...

 

The boys have finally filled up their backpacks, tied their new shoes, and sharpened their pencils.  You might just see me around here more often.  In the meantime, I'm finding old-school notebook paper so charming!

1.  Notebook tee from Artware Editions   2.  Darling pencil pouch by printsandpatterns   

More of this later, just working on changing upload method...

Fodder and down-dog

It's been a busy day today, getting ready to head out at 5 am for a pretty daytime wedding at Alderbrook tomorrow.  And my colleague is worthless...she's too busy practicing doga to be useful.  But I can't wait to see these ranunculus, succulents and orchids in action.  Oh, and I have to wait around all day after the wedding is set up, so that I can do tear down after.  I have to cool my heals for five hours or so on a sunny beach with nothing to do.  You people probably think this job of mine is all fun and games with pretty flowers and happy brides, but see how I suffer?