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

Fancy This: 10. 27. 09

These lovely (seemingly-random) pieces jumped out at me yesterday as I was trying to put a post together for you all.  I love it when that happens!  I'm not even sure what you would list as being the common theme here, but I do know that I love each and every piece.  I mean, how amazing are the shoes...and the dress...and...and...

• Light Blue Sky Dress ~ Bellebas
• Mechanical Animals Paper Dolls Set ~ Oh My Cavalier
• Forest Tonttu Original Hand-drawn Egg Cup with Hat ~ Heidi Burton
• A5 Stem Print Notebook ~ The Green Apple
• Mini Typographica Notebook ~ Patina Stores
• Dynamite Ball & Chain Pillow ~ Hable Construction
• Classic Tornado Rollerball Pens ~ Kate's Paperie
• Colin Sandals ~ Kate Spade

One Good Thing: New Prints from Hello Handmade

 
Hello lovelies!  Shanna and Betsy of Hello Handmade are at it again.  Hurray!  Just today they've released their Winter 2009 line of gorgeous hand-lettered printed goods...with more to come in November.  Visit their shop to see more and to purchase.  xox Ez

Color Crush: Grey + Mint + Tan

This color combo is my new fave!  Of course I think this about every single Color Crush post that I put together...but this time I really mean it.  ; )

I would absolutely love to use this palette to decorate my bedroom.  And with the addition of some candles or twinkly lights I can imagine it as a color scheme for a small intimate wedding or dinner party...maybe even a modern take on Holiday decor!  So pretty!

• Linen Throw ~ Haus Interior
• Acorns and Oak Leaf Watercolor Painting ~ Golly Bard
• Chinoiserie Pillow ~ Dwell Studio
• Oliver's Twist Necklace ~ Elephantine
• Amanda-S Ante Ocean Shoes ~ Chie Mihara
• Book Boxes ~ Wisteria

Chic for Cheap: Art Inspired

Hello lovelies!  Last week's weather was cold (36 degrees) and rainy here.  I'm a California girl in shock...eek!  In a hurried attempt to keep my poor Converse-covered feet dry, I ran into Target and picked up a pair of their rain boots (surprisingly comfy) and a red umbrella (both featured above).  They along with this teacup print were the inspiration for this entire look. 

Melissa's put together a Chic for Cheap outfit on her blog too.  Stop on over and check it out.  xox Ez

• Teacup Art Print ~ Inkblok

• Knit Beret ~ Alloy
• Totes Stick Umbrella ~ Target
• Fleece-lined Knit Top ~ Forever 21
• Sleeveless Knit Cardigan Sweater ~ Forever 21
• Carson Stretch Cord Skinny ~ Alloy
• Knit Jacket with Optional Hood ~ Forever 21
• Zandra Flannel Rain Boots ~ Target

Inspiration Daily: 10. 15. 09

I don't want to rush winter (believe me)...but the other night, after first seeing this wonderful piece by Katy Gromball, I fell asleep and had the most magical dream.  I haven't stopped thinking about it since.  Isn't her work lovely!  I'm also in love with this piece of hers, and am secretly hoping that someday the work she's used in her shop banner will also make it into her shop as a postcard or print.  xo Ez

+blog

Today I Love: Lonny

Have your seen this loveliness (found via Good-Grace)?  Online magazine Lonny is taking blogland by storm (I think I'm catching the tail end of it), and it's no wonder.  Just starting flipping through their virtual pages and you're sure to be hooked for good.  So go on (if you haven't already) and read Lonny right here.

One Good Thing: New Lisa Congdon Prints

I'm a huge fan of Lisa Congdon's work.  She just added these two new prints to her shop today and I'm in L.O.V.E.!  Stop on by to check them out (the birdhouse print is also available as fabric!), or visit her on her blog and flickr for more goodness.

BTW... Lisa and her partner's dog Wilfredo is the cutest thing ever...I have a little crush on him.  Go check out his flickr set, and you will too!  xox Ez

Color Crush: Paprika, Black, and White

• Pia Wallen Crux Wool Blanket ~ Cloudberry Living
• Wool-blend Ribbed Tights ~ J.Crew
• Fig of Provence Extra Pur Soap Bar ~ Compagnie de Provence
• Little Black House ~ Nora Aoyagi
• Pencils with Wooden Box Ruler ~ Kate's Paperie
• Fog Linen Napkins ~ Haus Interior
• Oak Leaf Painting ~ Jamie Shelman

Hello lovelies.  How was your weekend?

I'm on a black and white with pops of color kick these days... so I apologize if the palette is getting old for you guys.  This post started last week after I spotted these yummy tights at J.Crew and discovered the sweet oak leaf painting by Jamie Shelman.  I just knew they wanted to be in a Color Crush post together, so I obliged.  hope your Monday is beautiful.  xo Ez

A Very NICE Announcement

Hello lovelies!
First of all, I'd really like to apologize for being SO out of it lately. I know postings have been rather light around here in the past few weeks so I thank you so much for sticking by me...you guys are the best!

I mentioned to you all a few weeks ago, that I've been juggling several "secret" projects. Well today I'm thrilled to finally be able to tell you about one in particular. As some of you may have noticed, my Etsy shops have been on vacation mode since my big move back in July. I'm happy to announce that I'm relaunching my Nice Package shop next week with a couple of new & exciting changes.

 

The first and most exciting part is that my friend Marichelle and I have decided to partner up and go into business together. You might already know Marichelle from her blog, etsy shop, or the post I wrote about her last month...but if not, then let me just tell you that she is full of creativity and working with her is entirely too much fun (from impromptu dance breaks or mannequin poses in front of her window simply to amuse ourselves, to a million other silly kooky things).  Of course in the midst of all the fun we have also been working our tails off to create a unique line of home decor products and packaging supplies that we hope you guys will really love.

We'll be "soft-launching" the line this Saturday at the Brooklyn Flea - Fort Greene (as long as the weather holds out for us). Deb of Bonbon Oiseau has kindly offered to share her space with us. We hadn't planned on finalizing the collection so quickly and to be completely honest, another 6 months of tweaking would've been ideal, but the opportunity came and we couldn't pass it up. So if you're in the Brooklyn/NYC area this Saturday (October 10th) please stop on by to say "hello." We'd love to meet you!

If you can't make it by the Brooklyn Flea, then be sure to keep a lookout for the launch of our shops (etsy and Big Cartel) next week. We also started a blog where we'll be sharing behind-the-scenes pics, lots of DIY and how-to projects with a few bonus freebies of course. Can't wait to see what we've been up to?...come on over right now for a sneak preview!  xox Ez

Inspired Artist: Charmaine Olivia

I've blogged about Charmaine Olivia's art before, but some of her new pieces are really calling out my name.  I'd love to have the two here framed side-by-side and hung on my wall.  Neither are currently available in her shop, but perhaps she might be persuaded to offer a print or two if it is requested.  (*crossing fingers)  xo Ez

Charmaine has much more to see: deviant art . blog . etsy shop

Today I Love: Free Desktop Wallpapers from Pushmepullyou

I spotted these amazing free desktop wallpapers over on How About Orange yesterday and just had to share.  Eleanor is such a fantastic artist...her style reminds me of one of my faves: Charley Harper.  Now if I could only make up my mind about which lovely will dress up my desktop first.  Which one will you choose?

See all the free designs here (the page displays as a index of links - click on each one to view).  Also be sure to visit Eleanor's site and blog.  xox Ez

Inspired by: Ilustrator Britta Naslund

Today I'm loving these Illustrations by Britta Naslund.  I'd say more, but unfortunately I'm writing this in the heavy fog of a flu bug that found me out earlier today.  Hopefully I'll be feeling back to my usual self in time for tomorrow's posts.  Wish me luck.  xox Ez

+ porfolio . etsy shop

Inspiration Daily: 09. 17. 09

bed and la lumière du soleil by AT*5

Inspiration Daily: 09. 16. 09

Image ©Marianne Goldin

Pink Lanvin by Marianne Goldin

One Good Thing: Dirt Poster

This Dirt Poster by Roland Tiangco (via Little Bits & Blogs) is pure genius.  While removing the poster from it's envelope the recipient's hands become smudged, and as the unfolded poster is handled, the following text appears: "The future belongs to those of us still willing to get our hands dirty."

If you love the Dirt Poster, than be sure to also checkout Roland's project Life:size... A book that opens up to reveal cleverly printed and folded pages, that when properly unfolded reveals a lifesized bookcase full of books.  So brilliant!

Inspiration Daily: 09. 10. 09

Bluie by Tom Edwards {portfolio} {flickr}

I'm not sure what it is exactly, but I am completely smitten with this adorable portrait of Bluie the cat.  Usually I'm more of a dog person than a cat one, but this cutie has clawed it's way into my heart.  Doesn't it just make your heart say "Awww!"  xox Ez

Inspiration Daily: 09. 09. 09

Rescuers by Betsy Walton {portfolio} . {etsy shop}

Color Crush: Black + White + Red

It doesn't get more simple than a color combo of black and white with pops of red, but I'm having a mini crush on these hues at the moment.  I think I'm going to go give my nails a fresh coat of candy apple red polish and wear my favorite cozy black sweater.  Ahhh... Fall!  xox Ez

• Take a Number Water Glasses ~ Blue Ribbon General Store
• Little Red Riding Hood Screenprinted Card ~ Pinecone & Chickadee
• Buffalo Check Napkins ~ Pendelton
• 'Sleep - We Will Wake You Up to a New Day' - Print by Karin Akesson ~ All Things Original
• Travel Sized Hair Powder by Lulu Organics ~ Lucky Scent
• Chinese Laundry 'Bog' Boots ~ Piperlime
• Minimalist Clutch ~ Gogovivi Designs
• Milk Mustache Pendant ~ Paper Bullet
• Bird & Cage Stamp Set ~ the Curiosity Shoppe

One Good Thing: Letterpressed Art Vignettes

A couple of weeks ago we (Marichelle, Melissa, and I) headed into New York City for the International Gift Fair (where we met up with Cassie, Laurel and Jennifer - my first time meeting these lovely ladies).  There were so many wonderful things to look at and drool over...and we walked around in a happy daze all day until our feet were about to fall off.  The only think I ended up bringing home with me though was this adorable print from Yee-Haw Industries.  One of the huge selling points (besides how friendly Kevin and Julie were and how sweet their prints are, was the awesome letterpressed mat that came with the print.  Anyhow... I just discovered that you can pick up their "Letterpressed Art Vignettes" at the Curiosity Shoppe.  Hurray!  They are affordably priced from $5 - $7.  Time to stock up!  xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 09. 02. 09

Lovely photo art by Marina