The color wheel

Continuing on this theme of inspiration... here are a few pictures that have got me excited about paint swatches again. This gorgeous home of Abigail Ahern was recently featured on Design*Sponge. It inspired my newest color palette featuring gray with shades of purple mixed in. Do you think these shades will go with my new green velvet couch? Or perhaps they can freshen up my minimalist bedroom. I also love the way the bright pink accent chair makes this room all fit together. Which may be why I've decided to paint my previously black curtain rods bright pink! Now to just get the wall colors to compliment...

Where inspiration is found

Any creative knows that during the process, there can be drafts, cross-outs, re-dos and start overs. I know an idea is good when I carry it around in my head for awhile, admiring it, brimming with pride and pure joy of it's existence. Then I bring it to life. However getting to that idea phase to begin with is usually a different story each and every time. Some people I know keep a notebook for sketching when the idea comes. Joan Didion wrote in her book, The Year of Magical Thinking, that she and her husband would carry note cards in their front pockets, so as to get the idea down before it left their respective brilliant heads. Others look to nature for inspiration. I can confess that I never quite know when creativity will strike. For example the invitations above where commissioned with only one condition: to be designed in a modern-ish style (meaning not formal and no scripty font). Free reign = designer's dream! Thus I was left to be influenced by two other lovely pieces of design. I chose my Martha Stewart dishes for color and my quatrefoil patterned curtains for shape. Where and how do ideas spark for you? photographs by gina houseman

Old becomes new

I've been thinking a lot about paper lately. And it's because, we've all been hearing quite a bit about our new found electronic communication. We flirt via text message, ponder via twitter burst, and converse through email. News and entertainment alldevoured online. Do kids in school still even pass notes? Do they fly paper airplanes?

Well the Dundler Mifflin's of the world may be worried, but I'm not. I still believe that people like to announce their happiest events on something solid, and tangible. I also think this gives paper a chance to reinvent it's purpose. Above are some invitations I made for two of my favorite peoples' wedding. Recipients said how much they liked the heavy stock and the tactile feel of the letterpressed design. I'm working on some new ideas for another announcement of sorts and wondering what I can do to push the envelope (oh yes, pun intended). My latest quest is see of I can continue to use this traditional form of printing to express modern day taste. photographs by gina houseman

Still here

I haven't written in awhile. The slight improvement in weather has pushed me outdoors. I've been running, I've been biking. I've been making photographs and also working on this.

Don't worry, I'm still passionate about things handmade that provide warmth on blustery days. In the spirit of such warm things, I'm particulary thrilled about the recent engagement of two of my dear friends. Right on schedule the wedding plans have commenced, bringing to light the work of some truely talented folks in the industry. The above photo was taken by Whitebox Weddings, a favorite recommendation to my dear friend bride-to-be. I agree these two ladies have a eye for details on the big day, and happen to think this is the cutest, most clever engagement photo ever taken!

photograph by Whitebox Weddings