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

One Good Thing: Tiny Terrarium Gift Tags

I've been admiring the offerings in the Lilly BonBon shop for quite some time now (her sweet cupcake toppers and lovely handmade goodies are perfection), but these precious handcut Tiny Terrarium Gift Tags just pushed me over the edge.  Aren't they just too cute?!  xox Ez 

Wish List: Patterned + Blue

Hello lovelies!  I hope you had a fabulous weekend.  I'm still here in New Jersey hunting for an apartment/home (not much luck so far) and will be back in California and hopefully returning to a more regular posting schedule in just a few days.  Thanks for hanging in with me.

In the meantime...here are a few pretties from my wish list.  Such lovely colors and patterns don't you think?!  What's on your wish list right now?  I'd love for you to show me with a link in the comment section below.  xox Ez

• Vintage Blue Embroidered Infant Top ~ Belle Heir
• Sukie Plained Lined Journal ~ Greer Chicago
• Ladybeard illustration ~ Clare Owen
• "Dress I Saw at Church" pattern design ~ bluekdesign
• Ring ~ Isharya
• Boucle Wire Wastepaper Basket ~ Shoestring Home
• Ishi Plates (on sale for only $1.50) ~ Crate & Barrel
• Nari Noodle Bowl ~ Crate & Barrel

Inspired Spaces: Paula Mill

I love the beautiful and inspiring home of artist Paula Mills.  I first found her on flickr and have been drooling a bit ever since (wow, that sounded gross).

Lucky for us, she also has an etsy shop where she sells her illustration work and other loveliness (such as bags, brooches, tags, and such).  See more here: {flickr} . {etsy shop}. {blog}

Scenes from an Imaginary Vacation

It's time to take an imaginary vacation!  Of course an actual one would be preferable, but this little collage of loveliness with have to hold me for the time being.  Imagine you're going on a vacation...where are you going?...what will you bring along (and more importantly, can I can fold myself up and fit in your luggage)?

• Despite the fact that I'm terrified of drowning...this photograph by Philip Newton has me wishing that that was me on the stern of the boat.
• I'll wear this little antique keys necklace by Shonah Jewellery Design to remind me that no matter how far I roam, home is never too far away.
• Before I leave I will map out my trip on a lovely vintage globe (maybe I'll find myself someplace that doesn't exist anymore).
• When sending out postcards to my friends and family I'll be sure to affix these beautiful Hand-lettered Air Mail Seals by K is for Calligraphy.
• I'll never go anywhere without my wonderful Hand-woven Cotton and Hemp Tote from Farmhouse Wares.
• And I'll wear these Pink Studio Sandals from Piperlime everywhere...for no reason more than I just love them.
• Sammy Seagull will keep me company on the boat (but he's gonna have to lose the pipe first).
• I'll write about all the wonderful adventures I'm having in this Frame Journal by Sub-Studio...
• And nibble on all the Hazelnut Chocolate Whiskey Sandwich Cookies I want (from my sponsor Whimsy + Spice)...because after all...it's only an imaginary vacation.

xox Ez

In Good Company: GreetQ - Exceptional Greeting Cards

 {Cartolina cards}

I spotted GreetQ over on bloomacious last week and I immediately had to bookmark their site to share with you all.  At GreetQ you will find some of the most gorgeous greeting cards and paper goods around...but that's not all.  They've taken the art of snail mail to a whole new level with their Buy Now, Personalize It, and Schedule it features. With the click of a button you can "put your card giving on autopilot."  I love it!  {shop}

{cards by Egg Press and Masha D'Yans}

Color Crush: Melon + White

I've decided that this particular shade of pink aka "melon" is my new favorite.  It's so cheery and bright and seems to add just the right pop of color to an outfit or space... the white tones down the "sweetness" just a bit.  What color(s) are you currently crushing on?  xox Ez

1. Lace Shopping Basket ~ The Container Store (Melissa has one, and it's fabulous)
2. Handcrafted Patchwork Marchmont Blanket ~ This is J
3. Lyla Suede Peep-toe Heels ~ J.Crew
4. Savoy Decanters ~ Z Gallerie
5. Claus Porto Rozan Bar Soap ~ The Conran Shop
6. Papaya Blossom Flower Printable Party Invitations ~ Paper Source
7. Looks Like Lace Coaster Set ~ Smak Parlour
8. Makoto Bag ~ Textile Arts

D.I.Y. Cupcake Toppers & Garlands with Repurposed Paper

While packing up my house I keep coming across project ideas that I've filed away to share with you all at sometime or other.  I'll have to save the other ones until after my move, but today I wanted to show you how to make some sweet and super easy cupcake toppers and little paper garlands, using scraps of paper that you have laying around your home or office.

For my toppers and garland I used a mix of magazine tears and security envelopes (of which I have a massive drawer full).  My daughter and I are always on the lookout for discarded security envelopes, and luckily the recycling bin at our post office is always chock-full of pretty little wonders for our collection.  I'm also in the midst of ripping apart my magazine collection and consolidating my favorite clippings into organized binders...so this project fit in just perfect.  I shy away from calling this a truly eco-friendly craft, but by giving new life to old paper that would otherwise be headed for the rubbish heap...it is at the very least a project I (and hopefully you) can feel relatively good about creating.

CUPCAKE TOPPER SUPPLIES:

• Scrap paper at least 1/2"x 3.5"
• Ruler
• Scissors
• (optional) rotary cutting tool or craft knife and self-healing mat
• Toothpicks (plain, not the mint kind) with only one pointed end.  If you only have two-sided variety you can carefully snip off the sharp point beforehand with some wire cutters or sharp scissors.
• Glue stick

DIRECTIONS:

1. Collect up scrap paper of standard to medium weight from around your home or office.  Suggestions: security envelopes, magazines, old calendars, old letters, kids artwork, discarded gift wrap, old maps, etc.
2. Cut strips from your scrap paper that measure 1/2" x  3.5" using scissors or your chosen cutting tool.  Keep in mind the colors, patterns and motifs that will show in the section you cut out.  For a cohesive look, try matching colors or using complimentary shades or patterns.
3. Fold your strips of paper in half, then open and apply glue to the inside of your rectangle.
4. Roll the non-pointed end of your toothpick along the top of your glue stick until it has a coat of glue attached to it (this will help is stay put during the next step).
5. Insert your toothpick (dull-side up) along the fold line inside your rectangle.
6. Seal the two sides together, pinching lightly where the toothpick is hidden inside the paper to secure.  Smooth out any air bubbles.  The toothpick may be slightly loose at this point, but this should improve once the glue has dried.
7. Using your scissors, cut out a V shape at the end to create the look of a pennant.
8. Top your cupcakes, treats, or favors and enjoy!

Note: please take special care when using toothpick toppers around little children.

GARLAND SUPPLIES:

• Scrap paper at least 1"x 4"
• Ruler
• Scissors
• (optional) rotary cutting tool or craft knife and self-healing mat
• Twine, ribbon, or string of some fashion.  The silver variety I used was found in the beading section of my local craft store.
• Glue stick

DIRECTIONS:

Follow cupcake directions above with two variations:

• Cut paper strips into 1"x 4" strips.
• After folding papers in half and applying glue, attach them to a thin length of twine.  You can space the papers out how you'd like.  Hang and enjoy!

I hope you liked my little projects and that they will inspire you to start looking at the scraps of paper around your home a bit differently.  xox Ez

Chic for Cheap: A $50 (or less) Office Makeover

I loved the Chic for Cheap challenge that reader Lindsey gave to us this week.  She has recently taken on a new job and wants to jazz up her workspace, but painting or drastic changes to the room are out of the question...that and she wants to spend no more than $50!  This truly was a challenge and forced me to try to think outside the box a bit...especially when it came to bringing color into the room.  Here my ideas are for a chic updated space...with only $27.00 out of pocket!

• Use pretty paper to line desk drawers and add some much needed color to your work area (keep paper in place with double sided tape) or use it to dress up the covers of plain plastic binders ~ Gift Wrap from Parkside Papers
• Flowers on your desk are an instant pick me up and you can change them as frequently as you'd like.  Before you run out and buy some though, take a look around where you live and see if there are any blooms that are free for you to clip and enjoy.  During the Fall, look for pretty leaves and in the winter; decorative branches, pine cones or fir branches  ~ Floral inspiration by Something to See
• Download and print decorative labels to keep your files, books, and such organized.  Visit the following links for some great free printable labels:  Oval Labels (by me)  |  Rectangular Labels (by me)  | Pretty Rectangular Labels from i-DiY (found via Yellow Goat)
• It's important to surround yourself with things that make you happy.  I have these pencils on my desk and they never fail to bring a smile to my face.  You might find some other little affordable detail that means something to you. ~ pencils by Simplesong
• A vintage milk glass container can serve as both a pencil cup and a vase.  Smaller vintage containers could be used to organize paperclips, pushpins and such. ~ vintage milk glass from Adventures in White.
• Keep your files in order with this great vintage wire basket ~ from 26 Olive Street

I hope this has given you some ideas for your space Lindsey.  Be sure to check out Melissa's room ideas right here.  And if you want to see a fabulous office makeover for $0...visit Suzanne's lovely blog!
xox Ez

An Interview with Drew of Kitsch Cafe

Hello lovelies!  I'm so glad you've stopped by, because today I have the privilege of introducing you to the super talented multi-shop owner / blog writer, Drew (I featured his vintage fabric note cards last month) .  In the female dominated design blog world, I think it's great to see a guy creating and sharing his talent with everyone so freely.  Find out more about his life, what inspires him, his tips for taking great photographs and more...

Meet Drew:

Where you live:  The sometimes European feeling, mostly beautiful and always underrated and misunderstood Cincinnati, Ohio.

Business name(s):  Kitsch Café and the newly launched Kitsch Café Handmade

Blog name(s):  Kitsch Café Studio Blog  |   Drew-o-rama  |   design cincinnati

Do you share your life with anyone special? - Boyfriend / Pets / Etc:

I have a wonderful architecture-and-design-loving handsome boyfriend named Blake. I don't have any pets, although I would absolutely love a Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher (if only to dress it up in sweaters that I knit and carry it around in one of my over-sized bags. ok, I'm kidding! ... sorta.)

You are such a talented guy with an amazing eye for styling and the vintage find... have you always had such a wonderful ability or is it something that you've learned through school or over time?

Wow, thanks Ez for the nice comments!  I went to design school and have a degree in graphic design. I was exposed to great design by my professors who taught me to recognize and support well designed products. I have worked in the design field for 10 years. I was lucky that my first boss taught me the power of design and styling and making a product seem like more than it really is.  However, to be honest, it's only recently that I've been able to truly relax and recognize my own style. Since starting my first blog I stopped being embarrassed about the things I like, whether it's 1970s bed linens, kitschy owl figurines, or 1950s children's book illustrations. Once I got positive feedback on my styling, photography and design skills, I haven't held back and my creativity has soared. It's very freeing. I'm excited to see where it's going to take me.

Are you a self-taught photographer/stylist?  Do you have any tips for us on how to take photos that look as lovely as yours?

I had 2 years of typical photography classes during design school. After school, I would take photos when I traveled, but I didn't really do anything seriously until I bought my first digital camera. Once I was able to take as many photos as the storage card would allow and also see them instantly on the view screen, the fear of wasting film was gone and I was free to explore.  I had never really thought about photo styling until it became necessary after opening my Etsy shop. I needed a way to keep myself interested in taking photos for my shop and to have them stand out among all the other amazing Etsy vintage sellers. When it comes to styling, I just use my gut and allow myself to experiment.

Here are my three tips to great photos and photo styling:

1. Natural light! Most people don't have fancy lighting equipment, so use natural, morning light. Oh, and turn off that nasty flash!
2. When it comes to the backgrounds that I use, I experiment with color, texture and patterns. Don't be afraid. Nothing is wrong. Make your photos stand out. Trust yourself and go for it!
3. Take lots of photos of one subject. Switch things up. Use props. Don't use props. Change the color of the background. Use a white background. For every one of my final photos there were probably 50 that didn't make the cut

By the way, I use a 6 year-old point-and-shoot digital camera. You don't need fancy equipment to take great photos.

Describe a typical day in your life:

• I am NOT a morning person. I usually get up around 9am. I stumble around until about 10 when I finally start waking up. I make some cappuccino and eat some cereal and fruit for breakfast while checking email.- The internets usually suck me in and before I know it, I've wasted 2 hours looking at blogs, Flickr, Facebook...
• I am a big believer in "To-Do" lists. I check my list and do anything else I need to on the computer. This is usually when I write and research blog posts for the day or even the week.
• If I need to take photos, I do that during the morning. That can take up to 3 hours.
• I eat a light lunch and either start working in the studio, packing up orders or run errands. I live in a very walkable neighborhood that has everything I need within 4 blocks. It's not uncommon for me to not use my car for several days in a row. Errands are easy and I like the break.\
• In the evening, I go to Blake's and have dinner, or make dinner for myself and keep working (with internet breaks) in the studio.
• I really get going around 8pm which is when I get my second wind. I work until 2am most nights.
• Go to bed. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Do you have any go-to sources for inspiration (online or in your daily life)... spill the dirt:

I have a huge list of blogs in my Google Reader queue, which include all the usual design and craft blogs. The sites that I really find inspiring are varied:

• Nerd Boyfriend - This site in genius.
• Dear Ada - Love Ada and her fine art finds.
• Mr. Peacock - Because it's nice to see men authoring style blogs. And Robert is so nice!
• F*ck You, Penguin - This guy is super hilarious and makes me LOL every time.

Your new studio space is amazing and I know you recently received some wonderful handmade worktables from your Dad...do you have any extra plans for your new creative room?  What sorts of projects are you currently working on in there?

Thanks again for the nice comments! I am very lucky to live in an inexpensive apartment (a benefit of living in a smaller city) that has a formal dining room that I have turned in to my studio. It's a work in progress right now.
A month ago I quit my "9-5" job, for various reasons. It was my plan to quit eventually, it just happened sooner than I had thought. I jumped right in setting up my studio and business. I'm in the process of developing new items. Keep checking my shop and blogs, as there will be new items every few weeks, including:

• A line of knitted and vintage fabric throw pillows
• A line of stationery, including vintage fabric covered note cards already in the shop, and notebooks that will arrive in the next few weeks.
• Weekly additions to the Kitsch Cafe Vintage shop.
• Anything else I want to make that utilizes vintage fabric and/or knitting. Recently, I have been working on hats, men's ties, small zippered bags all using vintage fabrics as well as packs of vintage paper ephemera for collage and scrapbooking.

Answer these questions:

I am: The youngest grandchild on both sides.
I love: My stylish mother, my intelligent father
I dream of: An apartment and atelier in Paris
My favorite song is: Someone to Watch Over Me by Gershwin
In 10 years I hope to be: Doing what I want.

And finally, what are 3 creature comforts you couldn't live without?

• My great boyfriend and amazing friends
• My giant Prada bag
• Knitting needles and yarn

Thanks, Ez for interviewing me!  I hope that I can inspire others to be themselves, find their style, and be happy!

Thank you Drew!  It was truly my pleasure!  Don't forget to visit Drew's sites and flickr for more inspiration.

One Good Thing: Printables from Little Paper Dog

I'm loving these PDF Printables from Little Paper Dog's shop on etsy.  Isn't  the hand-drawn design as sweet as can be!  With this set you get labels, recipe cards, and a shopping list...all for only $5!  Score!

Guest Post on Melissa Loves

Hi everyone!  For some reason when I woke up this morning, all the posts that I'd prepared for today were gone.  So now while I scramble to try and piece them back together, I wanted to direct you over to Melissa's lovely blog where I wrote a guest post for her last Friday.  I know...it's cheating to be posting something from last week, but hopefully you won't mind too much.
Head on over to Melissa Loves to see all the attributing links to my "inspiration board."  xox Ez

Collecting Inspirations from Flickr and More

1. Vintage Fabric Covered Note Cards - kitsch cafe handmade (flickr)
2. Pops of Color (magazine scan) - Anastasia C
3. Painting the Living Room - Knitting School Dropout
4. Bouquet Sash Belt - J.Crew
5. Show Poster - Small Stump
6. Floral Arrangement - Small Stump

1. Woodgrain Letterpress Card Set and Distinguished Panel Cards - Greer Chicago
2. Sangria Butterfly and Peacock Swallowtail Butterfly - Bug Under Glass
3. Vintage Paint by Numbers Horse Painting -
4. Tutorial: Flower Collar - Katie Did blog (via CC reader Annie)
5. Assorted Vessels - Mothology
6. Birch Bark Tubes - Small Stump + Studio Choo

Hello lovelies!  Sometimes when I start a post it begins one place and ends in such a different place that I am almost startled to see the finished result.  If you're a blogger, do you ever find that happening to you too?

In any case, when I first started this post it was going to be a single image (inspiration daily), but then I quickly decided that I wanted to put together a collection of images that have been inspiring me (board 1).  From there I felt inspired to find some pretty products to go along with my photo pics (board 2)... and here you have it.  xox Ez

One Good Thing: King and Queen Stamps

Every day at our little post office I peek at the stamp display to see if the Postal Service has finally produced some swoon-worthy postage...and sadly I'm always disappointed.  But no longer!  I just spotted these wonderful King and Queen Stamps over on The Crafts Dept. and I'm picking myself up several sheets today!  If they don't have them in your local post office, you can purchase them online.  Wouldn't these be amazing on wedding invites?  I'd actually love to see a whole wedding theme designed around them!  What do you think?

And speaking of The Crafts Dept....they are currently holding a contest for the redesign of their blog banner.  The winner will receive a copy of Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts and will have their design used on the site.  I entered my design yesterday (crossing my fingers)...and you can enter too.  Here's more on the contest and the official rules.  Entries are due by May 22 and everyone gets to vote for their favorite on May 25th.  I can't wait to see the beautiful designs that everyone will come up with!
xox
Ez

Today I Love: Jane McDevitt's Vintage Matchbox Labels

Hello lovelies!  I hope each one of you had a wonderful weekend.  I managed to get several boxes packed, and even more things bagged up for donation!  Hurray for productivity!

Today I thought I'd share something with you all that I've been enjoying for quite sometime now over on flickr: Jane McDevitt's Vintage Matchbox Label Collection.

These beauties are the perfect example of how mundane details don't actually have to be mundane.  Each one is a wonderful little piece of art.  I don't know about you, but I would adore to see Jane's collection in person.  Such an inspirational visual feast!

See much more (she has over 1000) right here and here.  xox Ez

Inspired Artist: Anna Melcon Bond

Have you ever come across someone who has so much talent that you wish that they could just bottle it up and sell you some?  Well Anna Melcon Bond is one of those wonderfully talented individuals whose work astounds me.

Her illustration work is divine, her photography fantastic, her blog delightful... and when she opens her shop (coming soon) I'm sure I'll swoon right out of my seat.

If you aren't already familiar with Anna and her work, then by all means be good to yourself and visit her: {website} . {flickr} . {blog} right away!

xox Ez

Paris en deux parties (Paris in two parts)

Today I wanted to capture two sides of Paris... sadly not from personal experience, but how I imagine it to be.  See, ever since I can remember I've dreamed of traveling to Paris, France and living there for a year or more.  My daughter has picked up the dream and we often talk about riding Vespas along the streets; a baguette, croissants and sketchbooks tucked in our knapsacks.  Someday I hope we will make it there together and live our dream, but for today these inspirations will do.

1. Sensual Paris Dream III - fine art print - Liberty Post (via Hidden in France) 2. "At Tiffany's" Handmade Dress - MQuin 3. Vintage Illustration Sketchbook - Happy Cat 4. 14k Gold Key Pendant Necklace - Ariel Gordon Jewelry 5. Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick - Chanel 6. French Ribbon Brooch - Bari J. 7. Bradshaw Heels - Alloy

1. Thinking Print - Cosas Minimas  2. Modern Quill Pen - Jayson Home & Garden 3. Check Mate Slanted Bow Top - Lamixx 4. Solid Silver Skeleton Key Necklace - Ball & Chain 5. Bow Ballet Skimmers - Gap 6. Linen Cotton Dish Towels - Linen Me 7. Paris: Made by Hand {blog} 8. Replica Porcelain Milk Bottles - Alyssa Ettinger 9. La Bicyclette photographic print - Alicia Bock

*Special thanks to Rachel and Michelle for helping me to translate the title of this post.  Merci beaucoup!

My Friends Favs Feature at Paper n Stitch

Last month Brittni (of Paper n Stitch) surprised me with an invitation to be May's guest curator for her FriendsFavs feature.  Of course I said "yes," and got right to browsing through the fabulous assortment of treasures on her site.  It was hard not to pick every single thing, but I finally narrowed it down to 20 of my most favorite goodies.  Pop on over for a visit and take a closer look at my picks... you know you want to!

A big thanks to Brittni for inviting me to be a part of her beautiful site!  xo Ez

Color Crush: Shades of Blue

Hello lovelies!  Are you all sick of my blue posts yet!  I hope not, because I really don't know if I can help myself.  There is something so fresh and perfect for every season about the color blue.  For this little collection of goodies I picked out beautiful blues with some subtle accents of white and gold for a summery vibe.  What do you think?

1. Linen Pincushion - Namolio
2. Vintage Blue Grosgrain Ribbon - Pink Sewing Machine
3. Photograph by Sussie Bell
4. Blue Flower Magnetic List Pad - Red Stamp
5. Majesty Jewel Ring - Forever 21
6. Fleur de Violette Soap Bar - Bestow
7. "Clady" Heels - Dillard's
8. Beachy Satchel - American Eagle

Speaking of blue... actually aqua to be more specific... look what arrived in the mail yesterday!  I adore Abigail's work and have a few other things from her... but this is the first full-sized bird of hers that I've had the honor of owning.  Words and photos cannot describe it's loveliness.  Now my little bird is perched upon my desk, right beside my nest of "eggs" ...and she's making the day so much brighter! 
Now I'm off to photograph a few new items for my shop and run some errands.  Hope the rest of your day is beautiful.  xox Ez

An Apple A Day - new PDF in the shop

Hi lovelies.  Sorry I've been kind of missing in action today.  My aunt is in town and is helping me out around the house so I've been having fun getting caught up.
Now before I take off to pick up my daughter from school I wanted to show you the brand new PDF I just designed and listed in my Wren & Chickadee shop.  Ever since the Apple A Day Poster that I posted last week I've been a little bit apple obsessed.  There is just something so perfectly lovely about a crisp little green apple.  Don't you think?!
In any case, I hope you'll stop by my shop for a little visit, and maybe you'll be inspired to pick up a set.  Not only are these great for personal use, but a printed stack of the note or flat cards would make a PERFECT end of the year teacher gift.  And PDF files are great in that, once you purchase it, it's yours and you can print and print to your hearts content (plus there is no shipping charge).  Wahoo!

In Good Company: Bowl Full of Lemons

I heard from Shelly of Bowl Full of Lemons this weekend and I was immediately taken with the wonderful offerings in her shop.  Such bright cheery colors and lovely patterns.  I'm thinking this just might be my one stop Mother's Day gift shop.  You can read Shelly's blog right here.  xox Ez