Tidbits

A few tidbits, with very little writing.  My brain is tired from collecting an entire rainbow of blooms today, in preparation for Carina and Matt's celebration on Saturday.  (Think blank-slate art gallery with reclaimed wood floors and 40' high ceilings...black and white damask...flowers in every shade of the rainbow, gathered into dramatic monochromatic bouquets).

Oh, what do we have here?  A sweet girl with some...bird wings?

Well, how lovely! Why haven't we all made ourselves a pair of these yet? 

A very interesting article from the NYT Home & Garden section this week.  I'm fascinated by the role of the economy on visual aesthetics within our homes; particularly the meaning of the interiors that an economic slump produces.  And maybe this explains my shelves of dead things in my living room (coral, alliums, shelf fungus, Araucana eggs, feathers, birds' nests, even a crocodile head--it comes together, really!).  And interesting to consider how the current decor will be perceived in years to come.  Just read it already.

Thanks Urban Unveiled for featuring Fiore Blossoms this week.  Love you guys, everything you do for the Seattle (and beyond) wedding industry, and being part of your group.  The feature shows a few of my all-time favorite flower photos, and a little more info about my background and favorite wedding moments.

Do you ever think about this situation?  About the universe, scale and perspective?  I do. 

And...I'm back!

Good news!  The long hiatus (thanks to a Beta version of IE that went very, very wrong) is over.  I've been busy, with lots to share soon.  A new family member (Ruff!), and beautiful bedroom remodel (a little Bollywood, a little fairytale, a little brothel...a whole lot of awesome!).  Inspiration, and some shots of recent work.  Can't wait to share.

*Photo of Kansas City Arts Incubator, via 100 Layer Cake.

Tag...you're it!

I love beautifully wrapped packages, but I usually settle for some simple paper and a great gift tag. If you're of the same mindset, a few ideas...

Darling chalkboard (reusable!) gift tags from etsy seller heart of light, via armelle.

FREE printable mailing labels...or gift labels...or bin labels if your new years rezzy is to get organized...from Oh, Smile.

Jewel-toned mini cards from The Paper Addict. Great prices!

Old favorites...thin wood tags from Bell'ochio.

Also loving their vintage French baggage tags. (psst! they just updated their on-line shop)

Of course, if you're in the do-it-yourself mood, PaperSource is the go-to source for great supplies--stamps, paper, cord etc. Did you know that they have a blog now? It's chock full of great ideas and how-to's. I also have to say, if there is a store anywhere near you, I found the BEST stocking stuffers there this year. Wacky, off the wall stuff you won't find anywhere else.

Paint by numbers

I had a paint by numbers kit in sixth grade--a horse that took me about a year to complete--but haven't tried one since. But I'm thinking it might be a fun project to revisit...via one of the photo converter software programs out there. Basically, you take a photo you love, scan it, and crop/enlarge until you love what you have. You pick the brand of paint you want to use, and the program prints out a template and list of colors. I'm thinking of whole wall of kitschy flower paintings would be adorable in the new sunroom!

More info here, found via Little Green Notebook.

week in review {march 27.09 edition}

I've read Lobster and Swan forever, but just realized Ms. L&S also has a blog titled Record the day. Gorgeous little daily collages of the ephemera of life. I wonder if I could ever get myself together enough to do this with all the detritus I seem to accumulate.

What to do with all the mushroom birds floating around my house, drawers, studio etc. Via absolutely beautiful things.


Exquisite florals from Takashimaya NY via Little Pheasant.

Anna...you took the words right out of my mouth! Amen Sista!

I'm longing for my garden. These gorgeous photos by Anna Kern via Purple Area didn't help.

Two purple and green weddings this weekend, and I'm celebrating...the last weekend with two weddings in the same day. New policy, new light feeling! Have a good one! --Lex

Hanging Votives

This morning I've been dealing with a hanging votive shipping snafu that resulted in a shortage of 80 hanging votives for this coming weekend. After a few moments of panic, an extra cup of coffee, and a 20 minute Baby Einstein video that saved my life with the younger (fussy and sick) set, I found excellent directions for do-it-yourself hanging votives from Justin at Nettleton Hollow. Here they are...and thank you, thank you, thank you Justin!

Now I need to run off and put some more Baby Einstein on if I'm going to get through this week.

Materials:
Votive Holders (that open as they go upward - straight cylinders won't work);
Floral Tape
Fine Wire
Wire Cutters (or heavy scissors).

Directions:
1. Wrap your floral tape (or masking tape, although you'll probably have to sacrifice that votive holder) around the top of the votive holder. This is CRUCIAL for a happy votive-making experience - it helps keep the wire in place as you wrap it.

2. Wrap the wire around the top of the votive a few times, then bend each end backwards so it stays in place. Note that once you are finished, you coil will sit lower on the votive than here, so keep that in mind when you are wrapping. Cut the wire from the spool, and slide the coil off of the votive holder.

3. Wrap the ends of the wire back around the coil to keep the coil from springing apart.

4. Attach the handle by simply wrapping the ends of a length of wire around opposite sides of the coil.

Photos and directions from Nettleton Hollow.