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

In Good Company: Cox & Cox

I love every little thing about UK based shop Cox & Cox.  Theirs is the sort of site where you can easily find yourself lost (in a good way) while looking though (and drooling over) all their beautiful products.  Take a look at the eye candy they offer right here.  xox Ez

Psst...they ship internationally too.

Deals + Steals: Delphine Letterpress

Hello lovelies!  Today CC sponsor Delphine would like to offer any of you brides-to-be (you can pass the discount on to betrothed friends and family too) a generous $125 discount off a custom letterpress save the date or invitation order (code: CREATURE125).  Delphine's unique approach to custom design allows you to adjust colors, fonts and more right on your screen until you've created a look that works perfectly for you.  To see how it works, click the " Quote/Customize" button below a letterpress sample image and test it out.  It's fun!  Offer expires: October 30, 2009.  Shop Delphine.

Mood Board: A Fall Wedding

This wedding board began a few months ago (back before I made my big move across the country).  The entire concept and palette was born when I discovered the gorgeous bow brooches by A Alicia Handmade Accessories.

I really wanted to choose colors and pieces that reflect the beauty of Autumn, without falling into the stereotypical burnt-orangey color palette.  It also seems that these tones could also lend themselves well to a Spring event (for those of you lovelies on the other side of the Equator).

Sources - Board One:

• Pale Green Table Setting ~ Martha Stewart Weddings
• Bow Brooches ~ A Alicia Handmade Accessories
• Gorgeous Bouquet ~ Saipua
• Orion Gown ~ J.Crew
• Pretty Pleats Wedding Cake ~ Martha Stewart Weddings
• Rough Herkimer Solitaire Ring - 14K yellow gold ~ One Stone New York
• Champagne Geneviva Heels ~ Steve Madden

Sources - Board Two:

• Mint Leaves Necklace ~ Osage Orange Studio
• Succulent (perfect as a place setting/favor at a small reception) ~ Monkeys Always Look
• Cosmetic Bag (your bridesmaid's gifts, solved!  Available in additional colors) ~ Ketti Handbags
• Marshmallow Lip Balm (make the first kiss memorable in a good way) ~ MOR Cosmetics
• Moss Notched Mailing Labels (perfect for invites and thank you notes) ~ Paper Source
• Cotton Cady Serena Bridesmaid Dress in Cypress ~ J.Crew
• To Have and to Hold Tote Bag (just the sweetest bag ever...don't you agree?!) ~ Melangerie

Font Source (used on Board One):

• Adagio Pro ~ $49.00 at Fonts.com

Coming up tomorrow... there will be a super amazing reader discount from one of my sponsors: Delphine.  You're not going to want to miss it!  xox Ez

D.I.Y Ice Cream Parlour Party by Lucie Summers

If you haven't seen this post yet, you simply must run on over to Eat Drink Chic right now for the most dazzling D.I.Y. Ice Cream Sundae Party inspiration ever (plus a load of free customizable downloads)!  I can't even imagine how much thought and time Amy must have put into this project!  I am in awe!  While you're over on her blog be sure to check out her other incredible D.I.Y. projects and printable freebies.  They're the best!  Thanks for your generosity Amy... you amaze me!   xox Ez

New Blog: Color Me Inspired

Need a little inspirational pick-me-up?  Then head on over to the brand new blog Color Me Inspired and enjoy the first (of what is sure to be many) gorgeous posts by friends Trisha and Becka.

It looks like they also have an etsy shop for printable downloads coming soon (the fans below are available for free on Color Me Inspired), so be sure to keep an eye on these talented ladies.  I can't wait to see where they will take their lovely site(s).  xox Ez {images © Color Me Inspired}

Inspired By: Utterly Engaged e-Magazine - Issue #002

Earlier this month I shared my excitement with you over the brand new e-magazine Utterly Engaged (not just for brides-to-be, in my opinion).  Well issue #002 just came out and very nearly knocked me out of my chair!  Look at these gorgeous sample pages from the new issue (are you drooling yet)...and then hurry over and see the rest of it right here.  xox Ez

 

{all images from Utterly Engaged - Issue #002}

Eye Candy

Hello lovelies!  Did you all have a relaxing weekend?  I was so busy with moving preparations, heading up the games and decor for my sister's baby shower, and helping an injured magpie...that I ran out of time to put together a regular post for you all this morning.  I'm sorry!

To give you something pretty to look at in the meantime (while I'm taking my dogs to the vet for their second round of vaccinations and working on my next post for you all), I put together this little board of eye candy.  I'll be back with more later today.  Until then...xoxo Ez

• Photo from Martin Rusch
• Painted Goldfinch Necklace by Christina Goodman ~ Lori McLean
• Photo by Lisa Cohen
• Photo by Chris Nicholls
• Square Letterpress Frame Mat in Water ~ Sycamore Street Press
• Table Styling by Flush Designs ~ via A Summer Picnic Wedding blog
• Travel Size Toothpaste by Couto ~ Lucky Scent

New Online Magazine - Utterly Engaged

Even if you're not currently engaged (but especially if you are)...you're not going to want to miss a single issue of the brand new free e-magazine Utterly Engaged.  With fabulous budget-friendly tips, d.i.y. projects, and gorgeous and inspiring images it is a must for any bride-to-be (or person such as myself...who isn't getting married but still loves all the eye candy)!  I hope you'll enjoy the first issue as much as I did!  xo Ez

Chic for Cheap: Wedding Guest (full-figure edition)

Today's Chic for Cheap post comes at the request of CC reader Molly.  She will soon be attending a wedding with her husband and is struggling to find something affordable, fetching and figure flattering.  Here's how Molly describes her challenge:

"I especially love your Chic for Cheap posts, but as much as I love them I can rarely wear any of the looks because I'm a plus sized girl...I usually wear about a size 18. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there, so I thought I'd email you with my latest wardrobe dilemma.
My specific problem is that I'm going to an outdoor wedding in a few weeks.  My husband will be the best man, so I'll be standing next to him all day (he'll be wearing a tux) and I don't want to look too informal. July in Maryland is hot and humid, so I'd like to be in something lightweight and airy. Because of my own self-image, I'm not keen on showing a lot of leg (i.e. above the knee...I like to think I have nice legs from the knee down though!) or my upper arms. And a great deal of the wedding and reception will be on grass, so wedge heels that won't sink into the dirt are a big plus. I am totally open to lots of color and/or pattern, I'm an art teacher and don't mind looking the part!"

For Molly's outfit I decided to show two colors of the same dress since both are equally lovely, but one might appeal to her more than the other (they are available up through size 18).  The accessories would go beautifully with either dress and since the dress is sleeveless I picked out a little white scarf that can be draped across her shoulders and upper arms to cover that area while still allowing her breath in all that heat and humidity.  Finally the shoes (the hardest part for me to find this time around) are wedges (perfect for the grass) and have a slight metallic sheen to them (which makes them just dressy enough to get away with).  I hope this is of some help to you Molly.  Have a great time at the wedding!  Don't forget to check out Melissa's outfit on her blog right here.  xox Ez

• Beaded Georgette Dress (in Deep Seafoam or Forest Green)  ~ Newport-News
• Marisella Dangling Earrings ~ Forever 21
• Fringed Gauze Scarf ~ Old Navy
• Set of 2 Bangles ~ NYLightMetals
• Metallic Elizabeth Slingback Wedges ~ Target

Looking for more Chic for Cheap inspiration... see all the past outfits right here.

Happy Birthday Creature Comforts + a freebie

Hello lovelies!  Today I'm celebrating because yesterday was Creature Comforts' 2nd birthday!  What a great second year it has been...and I owe every bit of joy, inspiration, and fun to all of you who have made blogging such a wonderful part of my life.  Thank you for the love and encouragement you've shown me.  I adore each one of you more than I can express!

As a little "party favor" I've created a super special printable stationery set for you all to download and enjoy.  I think it's my most favorite freebie yet, and I hope you'll love it too.

Downloads include:

• 2 folded note cards - they can also be cut in half for use as note flats or post cards (1 petal + 1 linen)
• 2 printable letter sheets (1 petal + 1 linen)
• assorted labels and stickers - COMING TOMORROW

• Download Free-lace-notecards
• Download Free-lace-letter-sheets

Enjoy!  xox Ez

Today I Love: Marquis & Camus Jewelry

I came across the amazing jewelry line of Marquis & Camus last week and I haven't been able to get them out of my mind ever since.  Each piece is carefully handcrafted using vintage treatures that are then reworked and given a new life as wearable works of art.

The ingenuity and attention to detail in each design is so inspiring to me!  Wouldn't you love to see a chic bride wearing one of the pieces from their Victorian Romance colletion?!  {shop here}

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

Today I Love: Handle & Spout

I've been meaning to post the fabulous work of Handle & Spout for such a long time now.  I'm so happy that I finally remembered to do it today.

I adore their pretty hair accessories and their Leather Link Necklaces are another favorite of mine.  Plus aren't the colors found in their little hair pins absolutely delicious (and perfect for weddings and special occasions)?!  {shop}

D.I.Y. Shoe Bag Tutorial by Betz White

I would consider myself to be a moderate sewer at best.  I've always wished I was better, but it just isn't gonna happen.  So when I came across this fabulous D.I.Y Shoe Bag Tutorial by Betz White yesterday I immediately filed it away as a "project I must do within the somewhat near future." Not only is it simple enough that I can manage to follow along, but it incorporates another one of my great loves...vintage bedding!

I also think that these bags would make the best gifts!  They'd be perfect for brides and bridesmaids and could be used for more than just shoes!  The possibilities are endless! 

{SHOES - from top to bottom}  Christa  |  Regina  |  Pompadour  |  Steffi  |  Amaya

If you love this project, then you'll also love Betz's etsy shop and book, Sewing Green.  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

Boutonnieres for Cool Guys

I was looking around for floral design and inspiration the other night when I came across Fritts Rosenow.  Aren't these the coolest boutonnieres you've clapped eyes upon!  One of the hardest things for my sister's wedding was finding (or in my case, creating) accessories for the guys that wouldn't offend their sensibilities.  There are many more styles to be seen on the Fritts Rosenow website.  Also be sure to check out their floral design site right here.

Free Seating Cards and Treat Bag Toppers + An Announcement

Okay lovelies... as promised I have a fun new printable freebie for you.  Seating Cards/Treat Bag Toppers!  Don't you just love multifunctional designs?!
These are super easy to use:

• Simply download the PDF file (prints six to a page, three of each design - tags are 3.28" wide)
• Print onto heavy-weight cardstock paper
• Cut out along the outer lines
• Fold in half

-For Seating Cards, leave as is.
-For Treat Bag Toppers, sandwich the top of your treat back inside the fold of your Topper and staple twice (as shown in the photo).

BONUS IDEAS: Print onto solid sticker paper.  Cut the cards in half and use the front scalloped portion as a decorative label and the back patterned portion as a sticker or envelope seal!

And now for my little announcement... I've opened a new etsy shop devoted to creative packaging (the little glassine bags used for the favors above are from my shop)!  Won't you come visit me at Nice Package and consider adding me to your shop feeds.  I'll be adding more items and goodies as time goes on.  If you have anything in particular that you'd love to see me carry, please be sure to let me know.  I'm also happy to customize an order for your party or event too.  It's the little things that make great things possible, right?!

xox Ez

Two Good Things: Wedding Edition

While putting together today's wedding post I came across the wonderful "Tandem" and "In This Boat Together" prints by Aimee Sicuro (Weather Girl).  I can't really pin down precisely why I love them so much, but I do... "I Do."  ; )
Don't you think these would make perfect wedding or engagement gifts?  There's much more to be seen in Aimee's shop (more than just wedding related too).  xox Ez

A Wedding in Pinks + A Giveaway

I've been dreaming of putting a new wedding-themed post together for you all for quite a while... and I'm glad that today I was finally able to.  Not only do I have some pretty wedding related inspiration for you, but read on and you can enter to win a gorgeous feathered fascinator hair clip (shown on the second inspiration board) by Ten Things (perfect for a wedding or any special occasion).   Also coming up in just a bit will be a new free download and a little announcement.  Hope you'll be back for that.  xox Ez

{BOARD ONE}

1. Fairest of Them All Silk Taffeta Wedding Dress - Holly Stalder
2. Perfect Palettes: Pink and Gold - Martha Stewart Weddings
3. Pictures Without Borders - Martha Stewart Weddings
4. Present Perfect Cake - Martha Stewart Weddings
5. Perfect Palettes: Using Pink - Martha Stewart Weddings
6. Bowl Em Over Table Arrangement - Martha Stewart Weddings
7. Martinez Valero 'Waverly' Pumps - Nordstrom
8. 14k Raw Circle White Sapphire Solitaire Ring - singleB: beautiful

{BOARD TWO}

1. Elle Bloom Series - Cream Dupioni Silk Ring Pillow - 5eizen
2. The Bride Wore Feathers - Hair Clip - Ten Things (ENTER TO WIN BELOW)
3. Wedding Love Birds Cake Topper - Rain's End
4. Wedding Topper  - The Small Object (similar toppers found here)
5. Luxury Big Bow Bridal Clutch - Via Bella
6. Pink and Black Boutonniere - Sweet B Papers

{BOARD THREE}

1. Vanilla Bean Macrons - photo and recipe by Canelle et Vanille
2. Pretty Pinups Favors - Martha Stewart Weddings
3. Floral Bouquet - photographed by Rachel Whiting
4. Fuschia Party Dress - Corduroy Kids
5. Rice Paper Fan - Ideal Favors
6. Fuschia Colored Glass Tealight - Paper Source

To enter to win the feather hair clip:

• Leave a comment telling me what your ideal wedding/party color palette would be.  I adore details, so if you have specific ideas of how you'd use the colors, I'd love to hear.
• Be sure to use your first name AND last initial when commenting or you will not be included in the random drawing when I select the winner.
• This giveaway will end Monday (4-20) and the winner will be announced here Tuesday (4-21).

A Mustard & Blue Wedding

Over on Snippet & Ink last month, Kathryn posted the most exquisite wedding inspiration board and I've been thinking about it ever since.
Now I've finally gotten around to putting together my own virtual wedding using her board as inspiration.  I also decided to create some free D.I.Y. Printable Numbered Table Cards after spotting the ones in the photo below in Martha Stewart Weddings.  Mine were created with a mustard-toned yellow checkered background.  They're perfect for weddings or for any large party were seating needs to be arranged.

{LINKS}

• Tilly Floral Headband by Tree & Kimball
• Lace Yoke Strapless Maxi Dress at Fleur Wood
• Ring Bearer Pillow by Blanc By SDC
• Lucy ring with Chalcedony in Gold Vermeil by Monica Vinader, at Astley Clarke
• Nine West Dayglow Sandal in yellow at Endless
• D.I.Y. Numbered Table Cards from Martha Stewart Weddings
• D.I.Y. Numbered Table Cards and Guest Book Card from me.  (download below)