Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, d.i.y. projects + freebies

Creature of Comfort: perfectbound

It's Friday... and it's time to catch up with the latest Creature(s) of Comfort: Kathryn and Julie of perfectbound.

From the very first moment I came across their photos on flickr... I was hooked.  They have a way of flawlessly styling and photographing everyday moments and things, that truly elevates the ordinary into something completely extraordinary!  Such as: a. b. c. d. e.  Aren't these two amazing?!

{Q & A}

What is one thing that never fails to inspire you?

We love going to libraries and bookstores. There is just something about being surrounded by all those books, it's like endless possibilities waiting to be discovered. It is great to be inspired by mediums other than yours. Reading an engaging story or a touching love letter can be a wonderful way to get new ideas flowing. It probably helps that there are usually comfy chairs and the smell of coffee brewing near by.

How are you currently incorporating your inspirations into your blog/designs/art?

One of our favourite things to do is search for new objects of design as well as the designers and artists themselves. We enjoy sharing what we find with our blog readers and hope we can introduce them to something or someone they haven't discovered yet. We also take all of this inspiration and use it as fuel for our own designs. We are currently in the process of creating items for a shop and are inspired everyday by all the amazing work that's out there.

What is your favorite indulgence?

Julie: Buying magazines, because it's a fresh dose of inspiration each month!

Kathryn: Extravagant breakfasts. I really love breakfast, it's almost a bit of a problem because I usually end up having breakfast for dinner and I'm not sure how healthy that is!

What are three creature comforts you can't live without?

Julie:

1. Music. I listen to music every night before I go to bed. I pretend I'm a rockstar and sing along.

2. Baked Goods. My drug of choice!

3. A notebook. To facilitate my obsessive list making and jot down anything that comes to mind. I'm rather forgetful!

Kathryn:

1. A really good pillow. My favourite part of the day is when I get to climb into bed and drift off.

2. Accessories. An outfit just doesn't feel complete without a few finishing touches. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, a pretty pin.... they make me feel girly.

3. A pet. I grew up with pets and can't imagine it any other way. Having animals around makes my soul happy.

Do you have a personal motto or words that you live by (quotes and song lyrics are fine too)?

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. - Confucius

This is the whole idea behind perfectbound and why we decided to start our blog. With each day we are growing and learning more about how to make our dream become reality.

I couldn't be happier to hear that they are working on special items for a shop!  What great news!  Thanks for sharing more about your inspirations with us here today ladies.  It was a true pleasure!

xo. Ez

See more from Kathryn and Julie on their {BLOG} + {FLICKR}

{THEIR INSPIRATIONS} from left to right:
top row: The Mandate Press, Betsy Dunlap, Stephanie DeArmond
middle row: Rebecca Thruss, Snow and Graham, photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo
bottom row: Paul Paper, Margaret Kilgallen, photo by Anthropologi

Inspiration Daily: 10 .31 .08

Artwork by Aya Rosen {just so you know, some adult content is displayed on this site}

(Photo Border by wwitch22)

Too Cool for Ghoul

I know the title of this post is cheesy, but I don't have a lot of clever stored up when it comes to Halloween so I hope you'll let it slide.  : )

These lovely etsy finds are about as close to Halloween-themed as I like to get.  The genius of course is that none of these items are actually holiday specific!  I can totally picture the Ant Vase with a giant peony bursting out of the top during the Spring... or the Poison Bottles filled with pretty little posies.  So subversive... so cool!

{COOL-IO} Humane Felt Taxidermy Rabbit Foot Key Fob by Lycanthrope Boy * Vintage Bottle with Poison Label at Blue Bell Bazaar * Petite Double Ruffle Crepe Trim in Pearl Gray from Birds of a Feather * Ant Bottle by Tara Gilchrist

And if your looking for a fun Halloween-themed freebie... check out these little witch cards by Samantha Haan.

A Picture's Worth

Earlier this year I featured the work of artist Tony Bevilacqua here on CC and mused aloud that I hoped he would one day offer prints and such for guys and girls on a budget (like myself).

Well, Tony emailed last week to let me know that not only has he heard my plea and made affordable pieces available in his shop, but that the full proceeds of all sales in his shop are now going to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).

Sadly, last January Tony's fiance was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.  Tony has chosen to take an active approach to finding a cure for her by running the ING Miami half marathon and is working to raise the funds needed to participate in the event.  If you feel moved to give you can visit Tony's personal fundraising page
or perhaps you might like to take this opportunity to purchase some fabulous art from Tony's shop (art is perfect for Holiday gift giving too).

I'm wishing you and your finance all the best Tony!

One Good Thing

These little acrylic necklaces by Trumpery are just too cute.  Call me crazy, but I think you could not only wear them around your neck... but use them to hang on your x-mas tree as well!  Love it!

Inspiration Daily: 10 .30 .08

{FALL-OWEEN  INSPIRED} Please view the full sized originals by following these links.  1. One cup please, 2. Untitled, 3. ., 4. goldfish, 5. harvested from the garden, 6. Vanity (365/175) Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

WANTED: Orchid Accents

I'm a girl obsessed.  I can not get enough of this color!  I think it works especially well in small doses - shoes, accessories, etc.  What is your current color obsession?   
{LINK LOVE} * Organic Virgin Coconut Oil with Lavender at B~glowing * Litchi Blossom Solid Perfume Stick at Flutter * Pur.mgta Pumps by Devotte (the most luscious shoes ever) * Thomas Paul Perch Pillow in Violet (front and back shown) at Pillows and Throws * Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg Bowl With Fawn (one can wish) at Rose and Radish * Pink Petals Silk Clutch by LaVitaLola * Vintage Little Red Riding Hood Dish Set (3 pieces) at Picnic by Ellie

Tea + Talk Time

Head on over to Melissa Loves for our Tea + Talk interview with the talented Heisuke Kitazawa.  Bring your favorite hot beverage along.

Inspiration Daily: 10 .29 .08

{SEEING} Six of my flickr favorites.  See the full sized images by following these links: Group One: 1. Katta, 2. ----------------CUESTAS®----------------, 3. 12 vintage pink millinery leaves Group Two: 1. Violet Bruise, 2. mark, 3. Rainbow of frit

{TASTING} Freshly baked Pumpkin bread (well almost fresh... I made it yesterday) and Chai tea... Yum!

{SMELLING} Vanilla and Harvest Spiced candles that I'm burning right now, and fresh tulips that I picked up from Trader Joe's yesterday.

{LISTENING}

myspace flash

This Music Player was created @ FlashWidgetz.com.

{WANTING}... that's coming up later today!  ; )

Mark Your Calendar... It's Time to Win

Hello again lovelies!  I don't normally blog in the evening, but this is too exciting to wait until tomorrow. Jill of Beau Ideal, who creates some of the most exceptional paper goods recently sent me one of her 2009 calendars.  I was literally speechless when I received it.  Each month features noteworthy humanitarians, artists, authors, celebrities and more in the most exquisite hand-lettering, and is accented in beautiful color examples shown in the second image).  The quality of the printing and paper is divine.  The 2009 Beau Ideal Calendar retails for $48... and now one of these beauties could be yours free, courtesy of Beau Ideal.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!  Here's how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment detailing your favorite day of the year and why it is special to you.  Is it a holiday, birthday, anniversary, or some other date?  I want to know!
• Do not forget to including your first name AND last initial so that I can identify the correct winner when it is time.

The winner will be chosen at random and announced next Monday 11/3/08!
Thanks Jill for offering this wonderful prize!

2009 Calendar Roundup

I have a problem.  I am a self-confessed calendar-aholic.  I love everything about them... the fresh artwork, the lettering, the numbers... its a combo that can't be beat.  Here are a few of my favorites for 2009 (most are indie made - yay)!  And in a few moments... you'll have a chance to enter to win my favorite calendar for 2009.  See you then!

{SNEAK PEEK} SUSYJACK* Available soon!

{AQUA CRUSH} Dutch Door Press -  See Jane Work - Cicada Studio - Ink + Wit

{IMPRESSIVE} Papered Together - Delphine Press -  Paper Source  - Sycamore Street Press

{COLLECTED} Seventy and Sunny - Story by Mia - Blue Tricycle - Elles

Also check out these FREE calendars:

• Carnivorous Plants Printable Calendar from A Print a Day
• Free Calendar Download from Nubbytwiglet

This is Beautiful

The final collection photos for Echoes as created by these 4 talented ladies:

heather : website : blog : flickr : shop
emily : blog : flickr
alicia : website : blog : flickr : shop
rachel : blog : flickr : shop : website

Deal(s) of the Day

I've been collecting up several deals and discounts to share with you all.  Be sure to mark these down and take advantage of them for some early holiday shopping!

Bella Bijou: 15% off all jewelry from now until 11/30/08.  Promo code: CREATURE

Room Service: 15% off everything through 1/1/09.  Promo Code: "creaturecomforts"

Lollipop Pottery: 20% off everything until 12/1/08.  Promo Code: "Creature Comforts"

Temno: 20% off on purchase of $10 or more until 11/28/08.  To redeem: Type Creature Comforts in the notes to seller box at checkout and wait for an updated invoice before paying via Paypal.

Mi Spa: Free shipping on all orders from 10/28/08 through 11/29/08.  Promo Code: "freeship4cc"

Great stuff right?!  A special thanks goes out to the shops who've made these specials available to Creature Comforts!  Thanks guys!

One Good Thing

I just discovered these sweet Wallpaper Series prints by Arin Hart Fishkin and love them. They have a really nice graphic feel to them but are also very soft and inviting.  It's an unexpected combination that really works for me.

{PORTFOLIO} . {ETSY SHOP}

Chic for Cheap: An Animated Film Screening in Hollywood

{LINK LOVE} Metal Disks Necklace * Mixed Medallion Pendant Necklace * Luna Medallion Necklace all from Forever 21 * Wool-Blend Double-Breasted Coat at Old Navy * Black Silk Tie-Front Mini Dress by Tufi Duek at Bluefly * Date Clutch in black from American Eagle * Ornate Resin Bangle from Banana Republic * Papoose Heels from Nine West

Reader Kelsi wrote in with a request for this week's Chic for Cheap look.  Here's how she describes the challenge: "I need an outfit for a screening and wrap party of an animated feature film. The screening will be held at the Kodak theater in Hollywood with the party following directly after. The invitation specifies the style of dress as semi-formal and the event is in the evening in early November so it will be chilly."

I loved this challenge, because I used to work at the Hollywood and Highland Mall where the Kodak Theater is.  I even got to walk down the red carpet once myself... Okay, I was really just on my way to work and happened to be walking across it when a security guard politely said: "Miss, please step off of the red carpet."  Ah reality... at least for that one moment I felt golden!

For this look I picked out the red jacket and pumps for some wow factor.  I imagined that you'd then remove the jacket and wowza... little black dress and done right!  Actually, now as I'm wrapping up this post I realize that red might not have been the best choice for a red carpet event (that's some camouflaging action for sure).  In any case I hope my finds give you some ideas for the perfect look you'll create Kelsi.

Don't forget to check out Melissa's ensemble right here.

Inspiration Daily: 10 .28 .08

Image from Baked NYC (discovered via miel et cannelle)

(Photo Border by wwitch22)

Color Crush: Dove Gray + Silver

Group One: 1. Vintage Inspired Flap Dress by Lamixx 2. Kate Grenier Carpe Diem Wall Hanging at Greer Chicago 3. Porcelain Dove Necklace by Revisions Design Studio 4. Roxie Heels by Type Z at Zappos 5. 5 Year Diary at Fred Flare 6. One Ceramic Bird Wing by Sara Paloma Pottery 7. Silver Rabbit Lapel Pin at Fred Flare

This one's for you Melissa (Melissa is also currently crushing on gray)!
I love gray and always have.  It's the perfect neutral... and a great stand-in for black.  It works well with every color and pairs especially well with little pops of color such as a fuchsia scarf or yellow tights.  Love it! 

Group Two: 8. Tempo Velvet Pillow in Graphite from Crate and Barrel 9. Flourish Dove Pillow by Thomas Paul, at Pillows and Throws 10. Petiole Flatware from Pottery Barn 11. Orange Blossom Hand & Body Wash from Mor Cosmetics 12. Roost Porcelain Feather Ornaments at Velocity Art And Design 13. Kat Von D. Eyeshadow Duo at Sephora

Coming up tomorrow:

• New Deals + Steals
• The best calendar ever
• and More!

Now I have to work on an assignment for my daughter's school whilst eating fresh pumpkin bread that I just pulled out of the oven.  Yum!

One Good Thing

Here's one good thing that I just have to share with you all as I prepare my next post.  This adorable Kid Parade Tape by Shinzi Katoh (available at Fred Flare) makes me want to gift wrap every single item in my house.  Wouldn't that be so cute!  Impractical, but incredibly cute!

Get it HERE.

And the winner is...

Hello and happy Monday lovelies!  My weekend just seemed to fly by and was filled with pumpkin carving, house cleaning, and other domestic goodness.  How about yours?

Before I announce the winner of the little notes giveaway, I just have to tell you how much each one of your wonderful comments means to me.  I have read through them all multiple times, and you've truly inspired me me with your stories of kindness and caring.  I can't even begin to tell you how much hope you've all given me.  You are all such beautiful people and I am so honored that you have chosen to make Creature Comforts a part of your day!  Thank you for that!

And now...

If you are a winner, Congratulations!  I will be emailing you and will have your prize out to you soon.  Thanks for playing everyone!  More chances to win in other giveaways will be coming soon... stay tuned!

Inspiration Daily: 10 .27 .08

Little Black Dress by Miss Capricho

(Photo Border by wwitch22)