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

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

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

In Good Company: Haus Interior

I received an email about Haus Interior earlier this month, and finally had the chance to visit their online shop over the weekend.  The selection of merchandise that they carry is beautifully curated...with established brands stocked along side some of our favorites from the indie / handcrafted scene.  Prices start at under $10, so there is truly something for everyone.  Get your shop on.  xox Ez

+ The Cultivated Home (blog).

In Good Company: Elisabeth Bentz

If you spend any time at all on etsy than you've probably had the pleasure of seeing the textile designs of Elisabeth Bentz already.  Elisabeth transforms ordinary linen fabric into unique pieces of useable art and I adore her simple yet lovely aesthetic.  I've bookmarked her shop as a perfect go-to source for special holiday gifts and more.  Perhaps you might like to do the same.  xox Ez 

Julie & Kathryn - Color Crush: Pink & Orange

Hello all, it's Julie & Kathryn from perfectbound! One of our favourite colour combinations right now is pink and orange. Nothing packs a punch like this vibrant duo – it can really liven up any room or outfit! The dining room pictured in the June issue of LivingEtc. is amazing, isn't it?! When dealing with such saturated colours it helps to see it all put together before trying it in your own home. How bold would you be willing to go?

And if you haven't checked out John Galliano's spring/summer 09 collection, be sure to take a look. We are loving the pinks and oranges paired with black.

clockwise from top left }

Pink and Orange Mor pillow by Madeline Weinrib
Mr.Pink Diana F+ at Urban Outfitters
Kaarna umbrella by Marimekko
Vintage 1960's Pop-art style curtains by Classic Modern Textiles
Orange patent "Lotte" clutch by Lauren Merkin
Column dress in pink by Virginia Johnson

Color Crush: Neutrals

I've entered the part of Summer where the thrill of warm weather every day has worn off (it's been over 100 for weeks) and have now begun wistfully longing for Fall.  How about you?  Are you ready for the next season to arrive or are you still loving every bit of Summer?  xox Ez

• Chipboard Postcard ~ Set Editions
• "Park" Large Square Pillows in brown and yellow ~ Lena Corwin
• Constellation Blob Painting ~ Erin Dollar
• "Illy" Heels in Dark Grey Leather ~ Nine West
• Maasai Large Elastic Bracelet ~ ABC Home
• Screenprinted Ice Cream Purse ~ Kay Stanley
• Nedim Clutch ~ Nine West
• White Rangoli Coaster IV | 8 pack ~ Kamal
• Gray and Yellow Dip Cup ~ Up in the Air Somewhere

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

Currently: Pattern Hunting

 
{PATTERN LOVE}

• Honeycomb Biggie by Mary Meyer at Oak
• Zigzag Rug at West Elm
• Louis the Horse thread-stitched original art by Dare Song
• Tattoo Necklace with Chain by Eninaj
• Giuseppe Zanotti Pumps at Piperlime (not even close to within my price range, but man aren't they gorgeous to look at)!
• Hand Thrown and Slip Decorated Bowl by Lucinda Chips (add this talented lady to your watch list.  Her work is fantastic... I've been obsessing over her candlesticks for ages now).

Hello lovelies!  We're almost to the weekend.  Hurray!  I hope your week has been going well so far. 

This post was in process since last week.  It started out as just a feature of one great item (the rug)... but then I quickly became fascinated with the pattern and went on a hunt for more like it (or similar to it).  Does that happen to you too?  What was the last thing that sparked your interest in the design and style world?  I'd love to know.

xox Ez

Two Good Things

{LINKS} Block Party Press at ModCloth -Mohair Throws at Jayson Home & Garden

I am currently, completely and obsessively in love we this vibrant scarf and these supreamlty soft throws.  Such amazing colors!  Just perfect for cheering me up on a gray day!

Given

Just yesterday, the lovely Marichelle posted a round up of some the wonderful handmade gifts that she gave and received this past Christmas, and her post has inspired me to do the same.
I tried my utmost to make or buy as many handcrafted gifts as possible this holiday, and I was so happy with everything I purchased (some of these lovelies were gifts I gave myself).  Check out my list (of course these are all sold items, but the sellers may have more or similar items available).

{GIFTED}

1. Horse Clock by Decoylab {for my daughter's room}
2. Custom Painted Birds by Astulabee {for our home}
3. "Grace" Original Drawing by Amanda Blake {for my bedroom}
4. "Hello There" Pencils from Simple Song Designs {for my desk and to give as wee gifties}
5. Clutch by Made by Hank {haven't decided who to give this to yet}
6. Handcrafted Bear Softie by ManOmine {for me}
7. Porcelain Artwork by Ashley G {another piece for my room}
8. Perfume Oil by Dress Green {I got the Coconut Vanilla and I love it}
9. Beecher the Owl by The Quirky Corn Crib {gorgeous craftsmanship.  Given to Melissa}
10. Fabric Banner by Candace Todd {for my daughter's room}
11. Original Painting by Holli {for my daughter's art collection}
12. Custom Pillow by Umber Dove {given to Melissa}
13. Set of Nesting Bowls by Karin Lorenc {truly gorgeous in person.  Given to my Mom}
14. Spotted Owl Print by Hadley Hutton {probably for my daughter's room}
15. Sparrow Necklace by Edor {a birthday gift for my daughter on her upcoming 10th b-day}
16. Felted Softies by Kit Lane {for us.  So incredibly cute in person}
17. 2009 Calendar by Seventy and Sunny {for someone special}
18. Little Softie by Mumka {so cute it actually hurts.  For me of course}

There you have it.  Man, a lot of those were for me, huh?!... (hides head in shame).  But I did make a lot of gifts too (earrings, calendars, prints, painted wooden apples, etc... so hopefully I don't look totally selfish).
What was your favorite gift that you gave and received over the holidays?  I'd love to know.  Add links to your comment to show us if you are able.

In Good Company: Sparkle Power

Today I'm thrilled to share a tiny interview with you all that I recently had with the lovely Candace of Sparkle Power.

Candace is a busy mom to two little ones (with one on the way) and she somehow still manages to find the time to create beautiful handcrafted wares for her etsy shop Sparkle Power.  I love everything she makes... in fact I've been pining away for just about every single thing in her shop for ages.  Looks like it's time to go x-mas shopping for myself!

If you're a fan like me, then you're in luck... because from now through Nov. 25th you can have 15% off of any purchase.  Just mention CREATURE COMFORTS in the "message to seller" section at checkout and then wait for a revised invoice!

{Q + A with Candace}

Q: How long have you been crafting for, and what made you decide to open your lovely etsy shop almost a year ago?

I've been crafting for as long as I can remember.  My mom is a really crafty & creative person.  She always seemed to have some project in the works, whether it was a cross-stitch piece, a quilt to tie or a prom dress to sew.  I watched my mom take on anything & she seemed to do it with such ease.  The crafty gene was definitely passed on to her children.  Growing up with her example, I never seemed to be afraid to try anything.  I can remember as a teenager gluing pressed flowers to my wooden cassette tape holder & rolling up magazine pages to glue in rows around a picture frame.  I subscribed to Martha Stewart Living magazine when I was a junior in high school.  I just had a need to make things & that need has never gone away.  I opened up my etsy shop as a way to help bring some income to our family  while my husband was finishing up college.  It took some time to get rolling but has really been a great blessing in our lives.

Q: It can be tricky balancing work and family life (you have 2 little girls, and a baby on the way), how do you do it?  Do you have any special tricks up your sleeve that you can share with us?

I've learned to do all of my crafting at night once my kids have gone to bed.  During the day I can find 10 minutes here and there to pull fabrics, jot down some notes, or cut fabrics.  All my sewing is reserved for when they are asleep.  Although I would love to work while they are around, it just never works out.  My kids are so interested in the sewing machine & the scissors & it's too hard for me to focus on just one thing.  So I tend to save my work for times when I am alone.  My 4 year old daughter, Sadie, especially loves to be involved in crafts & I love nurturing that interest in her.  So we like to do kid appropriate crafts every now & then.  I look forward to when they get older & can work more independently & side by side with me.

Q: What does a typical day in your life look like?

My morning is full of household chores.  This is usually the time when I will pack up any orders from my shop, pay bills, clean the house, etc.  After lunch Sadie goes to preschool & my 1-1/2 year old daughter, Claire, goes down for a nap.  Lately, because of my new pregnancy, I have been taking a nap with her.  Under normal conditions, this is a nice, quiet alone time for me which I usually use for focusing on my shop work.  Washing, ironing & cutting fabrics and getting everything arranged and ready for the sewing machine once night hits.  I usually have some one on one play time with Claire before we go pick up her sister from school.  Once we're all back together again, we have an afternoon snack & catch up with what Sadie did at school.  We then go out & run errands which is something different every day....post office, fabric store, grocery store, thrift store.  On days when we have no errands to run, we either play at home or go to the park.  Then it's time to think about dinner.  My husband gets home from work & we eat & have some family time before the kids get ready for bed.  After the kids are down I will either do some sewing, clean up the house or watch a movie with my husband.

Q: I love how you utilize vintage materials in your designs.  How does your creative process work, and what is your favorite thing to make?

I love vintage materials.  Finding the materials that I use for my projects is almost as exciting as the actual making!  Often I will come across a fabric & know exactly what to make with it.  Searching for materials totally spurs my creativity & I love having a large stash of fabrics that I can go to at any time.  I wish I had a more solid creative process, but I really just seem to catch wind of something & it takes off.  Usually when I'm in the groove, ideas for the next project will come to mind before I can even finish up the one I'm currently working on.  I don't have one particular item that is my favorite to make because I have a hard time making the same things over & over.  I think I am happiest when I am trying out new things.  I do however love to make items that are practical.  Items that can easily be worked into a person's everyday life.

Q: What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom that inspire you?

I am constantly reminding myself to just be me!  It is so easy to get swayed especially when you are making items that you want others to buy.  I have to keep telling myself that sticking to my original vision will ultimately make me the happiest, despite whether or not the item sells very quickly.

Thank you so much Candace!  You and your creations are such a delight!

{SHOP} . {BLOG}

Inspired By: Lodge Nouveau - Part II

Okay... as promised I'm back for part II of my Lodge Nouveau kick!  Thanks for all your great comments on part I... each one was so appreciated!

{LINK LOVE} * Black Bird Felted Wool Animal by Little Love Blue * Wild Mushrooms - Earthly Delights Fabric by CicadaStudio * Brown Sapling Flatware at Jayson Home & Garden * Treebuttons Pack of 4 Magnets by Wook Woodworking * Chunky 'n' Cozy Cowl Neckwarmer by Spratters & Jayne  * Overnight Table Lamp at CB2 * Log Applique Zip Pouch from The Hollow Stump * Gnome and Mushrooms Decal from Elephannie

Now I'm off to pack for a weekend trip to L.A..  I will have sporadic internet access, so I will try to post your comments up as regularly as I can.  Don't forget to sign up to win a $100 gift certificate to Stewart + Brown, and be sure to check in tomorrow for a very special Creature of Comfort!

Through Rose-Colored Glasses

Hello lovelies!  Thank you for all your great comments and sweet emails regarding my freebie from yesterday!  You are all so wonderful to me and inspire me so much!  Thanks for brightening my day(s): )
This little post was inspired by the photography of Marcio Simnch which I think I discovered via We Heart It.  As soon as I saw these three images I knew that I would create a post around them... it just took me a while to find all the right things to include.  I adore the sad and delicate feeling in Marcio's images and felt that the coiled braids in the model's hair resembled roses... so that's where I took off from, and how I ended up with these lovely things.  I hope you like them.

{A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME}

1. (on my most wanted list) Handcrafted Rosace Jacket by Rose La Biche 2. Velvet Pillow with Faux Fur Rose by Hettle (found via decor8)  3. Makeup Bag in Bouquet by Flowie  4. DIY Ribbon Rosettes (create by the now defunct Adorn Magazine) - insrtuctions still available through Kaboodle 5. Merino Rosette Tanks at J.Crew  6. Destiny Heels in Grey Suede by Paris Hilton at Zappos  7. Satin Rosette Belt at J.Crew  

In Good Company: Karaku Style

I am a die hard lover of all things Kawaii ( or cute in Japanese - definition here).  Did you know that?!  So it's no surprise that I was instandly smitten when I came across Karaku Style on etsy for the first time the other day.  I love the stamps... and the fabric... and the.... oh my!  See more HERE.

Creature of Comfort: Coco + Kelley

Happy Friday lovelies!  I'm on my way down to the Domino Bazaar in Los Angeles for the day, so I'm leaving you with a wealth of inspiration - otherwise known as Cassandra from Coco + Kelley blog!  Enjoy!

Q: What is one thing that never fails to inspire you?

A: Going for a walk. Wherever I am, if I just get out, see the city, go for a hike... there's so much to see! Nature is the most inspiring ~ just the other day I was outside marveling at the texture of the bright green leaves of the trees in my backyard and how they contrasted so beautifully with the slightly overcast sky. And how could you capture that in designing a room? Or a dress? And cities are just energizing. Besides Seattle, I really love heading to San Francisco, New York, Portland and Boston. They all have great art, architecture and shopping!  All you really have to do is open your eyes and mind to it. Inspiration is everywhere.

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

A: I try to post things that really move me. Sometimes, I'll have an entire post written and by the end of it I'll realize that what I was writing about isn't as amazing as I thought it was, and I ditch the whole thing. I like to make connections between textures, styles and colors across interiors, fashion, photography, and nature. Above all, I want my blog to inspire others, so I try to take the things I love, put them out there, and hope that they'll move my readers as well. Sometimes, those things are incredibly simple, which makes me love them even more!

Q: What is your favorite indulgence?

A: Traveling. I love getting out and seeing new places. It's inspiring, and it's good for the soul! And of course, once I get to where I'm going it's all about food. I am Italian, after all... it's how we connect to everything!

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

A: 1) Music. ALL THE TIME. My parents were always playing music at home growing up, and I really can't operate without it!
2) Great dinner parties. Good friends, good food, good wine. You really just can't beat those nights.
3) Glamour. Whether it's teeny diamond earring studs that never get taken off, or a breathtaking chandelier. I think we've all got to have something that makes us feel a bit fancy once in while!

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

A: I am addicted to quotes! Can I have two?  The quote for my blog: "In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different." ~ Coco Chanel (of course!)
The quote for my life: ""Don't give up trying to do what your really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can ever go wrong." ~ Ella Fitzgerald (quite fitting, don't you think?)

{CASSANDRA'S INSPIRATIONS}

1. Quartz Votive
2. Green Dress by Stella McCartney
3. Photography via Vogue Italia (sorry, i don't have the photographer's name)
4. Kate Spade Passport Cover
5. Thomas Binns Cuff from the "Faux Real" line
6. Mongolian Wool Pillow
7. Lama Chair
8. Magazine Photo via Paper Pony's Flickr Stream
9. Chandelier 

Thank you for sharing a wonderful glimpse of your life with us today Cassandra.  You've inspired me completely!  Be sure to see more of what inspires Cassandra on her BLOG and in her ETSY SHOP.

  Have a gorgeous weekend everyone and I'll see you all here Monday!

In Good Company: Sartoria Vico

A few days ago, reader Stefania wrote to introduce me to Sartoria Vico... the Italian knitwear company that she started with three of her friends.  I loved everything the moment I clicked over to her site, and decided to find out a little bit more about Stefania and her beautiful creations.

Q: Do you ship outside of Italy?
A: For sure, our customers can chose and buy products online on the website, paying via paypal and receiving the goods directly at home. We deliver all around the world through SDA service. To be honest, Italians are not so used to shopping online, so our web clients are 85% foreigners!

Q: Were does your inspiration come from when designing such a great collection?
A: Thanks for the "great" tag!  We basically apply the traditional design process: we select a list of needs, finding the right solutions for each of them, adding functions to our basic items and accessories. Inspirations for shapes, lines, colors and details come from fashion history, books and magazines from the 50s, 60s and so on, filtered by our passion, taste and instinct plus some experience coming form years of knitting with mommies and grannies.

Q: How did go about starting your line with your 3 friends?
A: Starting with three friends was easy: we met at the design faculty, sharing houses, friends, experiences, loves and tears. We became friends, then, good friends, then best friends. Then came the hardest part: shaping a business out of our passions (knitwear, dressmaking, design, texture and textile).  A task we are still running day by day....

Q: Defined your Fall line in 6 words or less:
A: Delicate, convenient, warm, multi-functional, versatile but still feminine.

Thank you so much for sharing a special look at your business with us today Stefania!  I look forward to many beautiful collections to come.  To see the full Sartoria Vico line, click here.  And while visiting, be sure to play on their adorable little interactive dress-up page, right here.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!  xox Ez

D.I.Y. - Fabric Party Garland

Here's another gorgeous D.I.Y. tutorial from none other than the Purl Bee (I first spotted it on the wonderful ritzy bee blog).  The color palette chosen for this fabric party garland would work perfectly with my inspiration daily post from earlier today too!  The best part about about a project like this is how easily it can be adapted to suit your own tastes and decorating needs!  I'm thinking of putting one of these together for my holiday decor this year, and maybe another one to pull out for birthdays and impromptu tea parties!  Enjoy!

{project and photos from the Purl Bee}

Trend Watch : Scarfs

Scarfs are shaping up to be a huge trend for the upcoming season.  I'd take any of the offerings at A Peace Treaty (with a fabulous story)!  They are gorgeously crafted and created in fresh beautiful colorways... plus I love the clean layout of their site.  {LINK}

Your opinion needed:
What do you think about this trend?  Will you be a part of it?  If so where are your favorite shops to pick up chic scarfs?