::it's a bird, it's a crane::

A pretty pair just hit the shop. Get decoratin'...

images: 1  2  3

::i made a shelf::

With 6 petals inventory expanding, there's a definite need for more surface area in the studio. There are some amazing vintage goods getting ready for their debut in the shop this week + lots of handmade ideas drawn out and being put to production mode.

This image of Erin's (of Design For Mankind) office had me dreaming about a perfect shelf.

I found a light colored piece of lumber in a perfect size at the hardware store. I also picked up a few simple, metal brackets, and spray painted them the same color as the silverware. I didn't even bother painting the wood-- all natural. Then we hung it up (J helped). I love the minimalist look of the shelf, especially considering I'm going to fill it up...quickly.

That's the beauty of hardware stores-- so many options. I may not have purchased the "right" equipment for the job, but couldn't be happier with my shelf and it works for me.

P.S. I added a few items yesterday and tweeted. Follow along to be the first to hear. 

::in her house::

Check out the unique home of Charlotte Rust. It's a kitchen plus a surprise room up there. And the outdoor space, I dig the wooden crates and natural feel-- especially for being smack dab in the cityscape.

source // found via here

::do it yourself // yellow utensils::

You may have seen this picture (or one like it) running around Pinterest. This was on the top of my "to make list" and I love how they turned out. Now, I'm on the lookout for a set of jars so they don't have to hide in a drawer.

I found this set at a local thrift store for like $5. The floral pattern on the handle sold me. All it takes is a set of silverware, spray paint, painter's tape + clear spray sealer. I chose a mustard yellow color that works well with everything I own. 

Prepping was the time consuming part. Wrapping each top with painter's tape is easy, but being a perfectionist, I wanted to make sure the tape lined up evenly on each side. Two coats of paint + sealer later, I unwrapped them like it was Christmas. 

On to the next project!

::exterior::

Exteriors are so much better with a little paint chipping mixed with a few cracks. It gives it character. Found an amazing set of urban images (via Flickr) with character + lovely shades of pink.

::dots + florals::

A peek at a few of the garden party dresses in the new Fall 2011 collection from Whitney Deal. I'm good with a dot or floral pattern any day. Her tagline: honest-to-goodness love.

::whoa, vintage in color::

I'm a big fan of Hilda Grahnat's many talents. Blown away by this vintage collection, photography and styling. Vintage galore...color coded.  Loving the tins, odds + ends with great typographical elements, cool lamps + a bunch of alarm clocks.

source

::porcelain pattern::

A utensil that toasts a pretty, porcelain pattern onto your bread. How classy.

source via here

::to the greatest::

Wishing you more than the best on your big day. Happy birthday to the greatest man I know. Thank you for everything you do + for everything you've taught me. I'm so lucky to call you Dad.


LOVE YOU!

::tag it::

When it comes to packaging, we like it clean. And I've always loved stamps {flashback: did you guys have an embossing gun too? I loved watching the stamps become 3D with embossing powder. It was like magic}. Since every item in the shop is unique in terms of size, shape, material + weight, each shipment gets special treatment. Here's a little tag that's attached to the items from our shop during the packaging process, so when you open it up you know what to do...

::how rad is this?::

Stopped dead in my tracks when I stumbled upon this little guy. I love duel purpose home decor. This bike shelf by Mission Bicycle Company is too cool. And when you're spending a small fortune on a pretty bicycle, you might as well showcase it.

thanks, fernando, for sharing.

::hello, shiny::

This happened Sunday night. I'm as happy as a girl with a new Mac.

::weekend preview::

It rained a full 24 hours here. Although, it was kinda nice to be indoors with the windows open to listen to it fall. You gotta appreciate the little things, that's what weekends are for. I enjoyed doing "nothing" (sleeping 'til 10, dishes, laundry, vacuuming + and lots of lounging on the couch with J-- A wild Saturday night at my house).

We recently put together a fun, little photo shoot featuring vintage home decor from the shop. Here's a preview...

More to come and a shop update this week, too.

::mix + match::

Do you ever have the urge to just get all dressed up but nowhere to go? That's me, right now. Instead, I paired these pretty little numbers with vintage pieces from the shop. That gold dress down there would be so fun to twirl around in with the long fringe. And that orange sleeve detail makes me smile. A little mixing + matching...

red: 1  2   /   orange: 1  2   /   gold: 1  2

::in + out::

Geez, this week is flying by. I've been doing some cool design work that I really enjoy, so the days are fun. One project I've been working with my friend, Meghan, is this little landing page for her boutique, m.marie (that's where I got my crocheted TOMS down below). She's launching an online shop very soon, too!

We had a final birthday celebration last night-- J took me to see my favorite band, Incubus. We were practically in the front row and I was giddy like a school girl when they started playing. I managed to get one quick shot before my phone died + here's a few more from the week. 

::she's got style // carey mulligan::

There are some girls that can just roll out of bed looking gorgeous. I'm certain Carey Mulligan is one of 'em. I love her understated style: beautiful clothing choices, little make-up, easy hair + few accessories (if any). She'd make a burlap sack look chic. Since I went short, I'm looking for inspiration on how to style it. She makes me want to cut more off. Where can I find that mustard, pleated dress?

sources:  1  2  3  4  5

::throw me a rope::

I'm a big fan of reusing materials and finding new ways to incorporate them into my home. And Pinterest is an amazing way for me to keep track of all the cool DIYs I find online. Here are some neat rope decorations that caught my eye. Some more realistic than others...

source: 1  2  3  4

::recap::

Last week was one of those memorable weeks I'll look back on for a looong while. The stars aligned and lots of good things happened. I guess getting older isn't so bad.

Ohh, as if it couldn't get better, I'm going to see Incubus play tomorrow (thanks, J). My all-time favorite band. Still. I'll tell Brandon Boyd you said hi.

::the gift of vintage::

There are gift certificates in the shop now-- in $25 and $50 amounts. They can be mailed via post or email and will include a special coupon code to use during checkout. Give the gift of vintage.

Uhm, did you get the memo? These are 26% off, too (until Sunday).

::2 pedals::

The only thing as cool as 6 petals is 2 pedals.

source: 1  2  3

::26::

Another year older. Carpe diem.

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::because i'm getting older::

ENJOY 26% OFF

I hope you're enjoying a loooong weekend with friends + family. Just wanted to pop in to announce a birthweek sale in the shop (because birthdays should be celebrated for at least a week) and I'm extending my birthday discount to you. 

I'm sure you can find a little vintage something with your name on it in the shop.

source

::everyday plastic made cool::

Aren't these painted plastic bottles neat? LEIF has transformed dish detergent, motor oil, yoghurt and lotion bottles into pretty (and eco-friendly) flower vases. I love 'em. How about a little DIY project for the long weekend?

::DIY window dressing::

Last week on a thrifting outing with friends, we ventured into a military surplus store. I was intrigued by all the old ammunition boxes in the front entryway and knew this was going to one of those dig-for-the-gold sort of shops. This is the same store I found my fan propeller magnet board under a table in a dirty cardboard box. 

I was drawn to these burlap sacks for the texture + typography. Google Translate tells me it reads, "the care service." Understandable, given the flanking cross symbols. It came complete with canvas ties on top and the size was perfect for the long window in my bedroom. All I had to do was hang up a curtain rod, tie a few knot + BAM...a window unique treatment. 

::shop update // travel in style::

The end of summer is approaching...fast! What better way to end it than a nice vacation. But, you gotta have cool travel gear. Here's what's new in the shop.

I'm also planning an early birthday getaway for the long weekend. I was gonna venture home, but plane tickets are pricy right now. It's not until the 6th, but I gotta take advantage of Labor Day. We're talking about heading north, maybe to DC + northern Virginia. Of course, stopping at antique shops along the way. 

Hey Northern Virginians + DCers...any suggestions/recommendations?