Meet the Blogger: Jennifer of I Art U

June 28, 2010

Q: 5 words that describe Jennifer:

A: curious. imaginative! reflective. harmonious. and adaptable 🙂

Q: What got you to start blogging?

A: I was in major need of a creative outlet! Blogging is the perfect outlet. It helps me organize thoughts and ideas as well as share my passions and inspirations with others!

Q: When people ask you what you do for a living, how do you describe it?

A: I like to say that I practice the art of creatively living and loving well 🙂

Q: When you are in need of some inspiration, where do you look?

A: I’m inspired by the juxtaposition between the city and the earth! Those two things are inspirations within themselves–and I seek their wisdom! Blogs are also essential to my daily living–there are many that I look to for creative awakenings!

Q: You have incredible design taste. What are the elements that catch your eye when it comes to design?

A: Wow, thank you! I am flattered! Let’s see…in short, I am consistently drawn to clean and simple design! I’m also drawn to a lot of texture, colors, and symmetry (YUM)! I drool over mid century modern and sustainable and urban design! Those are just off the top of my head!

(all image resorces found via i art u)

Find Jennifer Here:

blog | twitter | facebook | flickr

*Thank you Jennifer for being a part of the series and sharing your inspiration with us! Look forward to more!

If I could I would….dress my little man in Crewcuts.

June 25, 2010

When my little G wears a suit or polo or something that makes him look like a little man, I just can’t get enough. That is why, if I could, I would have him in all things Crewcuts🙂 Of course, my favorite thing to put him in is still onesie pajamas. Nothing sweeter than the baby in pj’s. 🙂

Happy Weekend!

Design Feature: Three Potato Four

June 23, 2010

I have been meaning to post and share with you about Three Potato Four for a while now. It was an instant favorite when I first cam across their site. Check out their unique shop and meet the family behind it! I was particularly attracted to the items with numbers. Maybe that’s my love for typography:D

Find Three Potato Four Elsewhere:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Happy Birthday to my Bestest Friend.

June 22, 2010

(Cassia via Simply Hue creative group)

My best friend and sister and I have birthdays a day a part. She is almost exactly two years older:) Mine is today and hers is tomorrow. We always talked about growing up and living next to eachother with our kids. We are living that dream this year. She lives less than a mile down the road….

“An older sister is a friend and defender – a listener, conspirator, a counsellor and a sharer of delights and sorrows too.” -P.B.

So, Happy Birthday to my best friend and sister. I am blessed to have you in my life! I thank God for you and the example you have always been for me.

Our husbands surprised us with Michael Buble tickets for our birthdays!! Excited would be an understatement….

Meet the Blogger: Chris of Postcards & Pretties

June 21, 2010

Tell us the story behind the name Postcards and Pretties:

There is no real story behind the name. Since postcards are mainly used to send short messages to people, I saw my blog as a virtual postcard where I would be able to share my ideas and inspirations with my readers in different parts of the world… and not to mention I liked how two words sounded together. J

What has been the best aspect of blogging for you?

It’s a tie…the best things for me about blogging is getting all the ideas I dream about out and being able to share them with my readers. I also love the blogging community – I would have never thought that I would meet such incredibly talented people {fellow bloggers, photographers, vendors, etc.} from all over the world with a common goal to inspire, create and support. I love that!

Your inspiration boards are incredible! What are your resources for inspiration?

Wow! Thank you! Let’s see…Antique shops, flea markets, magazines {online or print} and wedding and design blogs are mostly my main resources. I find inspiration in pretty much everything and anything. I’ve noticed since I began blogging I tend to be more observant and keep notes of random things that could possibly transform into next weeks inspiration board. I’ve even began to carry a small journal in my bag for whenever I get inspired.

Do you have a current favorite color scheme or wedding trend?

It varies…but I would have to say soft neutrals – lots of cream, soft brown, pink and peach – to me there is something warm and casual about those colors.

I’m also a big fan of simple and intimate outdoor weddings especially with vintage/heirloom pieces mixed in and diy projects.

Just for fun-What is your ideal way to spend your weekends?

Sleeping in!! but that never happens. I love to visit local farmer’s markets, doing a bit of shopping and spending time with my nephew and niece.

Find more Postcards & Pretties Here:

Blog | Twitter | Flickr

* Find all the resources for the photos on Chris’ blog! Thank you Chris for being a part of the series and sharing your inspiration with us! Can’t wait to see more!

DIY: Free Printable Father’s Day Shirt & Tie Card

June 17, 2010

Father’s Day snuck up on me pretty fast! There are some really cute Shirt & Tie cards out there, but since I have limited stores where I live, I knew I couldn’t go out and buy one. PLUS, as I have mentioned before, HANDMADE cards in my family are A BIG DEAL 😉 So I made one for my son to give to his daddy. This is a super easy printable card for you to pass on to your father or hubby! Download, Print, and customize. Read further for directions!

(Download Tie Version Here)

(Download Bowtie Version)

Directions:

– Download and Print. (8.5 x 11)

– Cut along top center dotted line and fold and crease over solid lines.

– Cut the bottom dotted lines to create the tailored shirt look.

-Customize by adding colored paper on the inside fold, buttons on the shirt cuff,

and tissue paper in the shirt pocket. Get creative!

Let me know how it goes! I hope this makes someone smile:)

News: Need your advice! + Shop Updates

June 15, 2010

Hi friends:) I just got back last night from our little vacation. We traveled to St. Louis and Louisville for a wedding, visiting old friends, my sister’s graduation party, and soaking up time by the pool:D I am wiped out and avoiding unpacking…he he. It was so much fun though and well worth it.

I am in the process of adding lots of new items to the shop. Just wanted to give you a peak of my design process. I am always finding inspiration through imagery and it often turns into an accessory design:) Here is just one example..

(Little Miss Modern Circles Headband)

Also, NEED SOME ADVICE! I would like to open a second online shop site other than etsy for a few reasons. Does anyone have a shop on bigcartel.com or any other online market place? I need your feedback! Let me know your experiences…pros and cons!

Look forward to catching up with some blog reading:) Be sure and check the shop for new items popping up this week!