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

Inspiration Daily: weekend edition - "pretty pale" + link love

Image credits:  1. Untitled, 2. white, 3. blancshoes, 4. shewascompletelyexhausted, 5. whiteballoonsandalightswitch, 6. number the tea cups

Happy Friday everyone!  Here are a few links for your Friday/weekend perusal. 

• A few blogs I'm loving right now: Little Lost Love  |  The Inspired Bride  |  My Black Book  |  O Pistachio
• Gessele...an awesome free font I'm crushing on.
• Wonderful screenprinted tea towels.
• Wishing I had thought of this adorable design first (and knew how to crochet too).
• I can't stop thinking about the chalkboard wall in 500 Days of Summer.  Is anyone else obsessed with it like I am?  Raise your hands people...don't be shy.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  xox Ez 

Inspiration Daily: weekend edition - "closer"

Hello lovelies!  The images I chose for today are a mini celebration of all the tiny ordinary details in life that are so easy to overlook.  I hope that this weekend you will be astounded by the beauty of small ordinary (but extraordinary) things.  They are there if we just look 'closer.' 
Hope to see you here next week.  xox Ez

Image credits:  1. Untitled, 2. The Book Collection, 3. Untitled, 4. Focusing on Carré's Hair, 5. Untitled, 6. a good place for it 
Created with fd's Flickr Toys

Weekend Link Love: 07. 24. 09

photo by me

Hello lovelies!  I'm signing off for the weekend and will be trying to finish packing my home...the moving truck arrives Monday August 3rd and there is still so much to be done!  I hope your Saturday and Sunday will be filled with relaxation and beauty!  See you here in a few days!  xox Ez

• FREE printable Bumblebee Gift Tags from Leo on the Loose
• Summertime is berry time!  Wouldn't it be great to go berry picking with these sweet hand-wired baskets from Victorian Trading Co.
• My daughter and I will be making our own version of these Stitching Postcards (via Twig & Thistle) to track our drive from California to New Jersey.  I found a good outline map of the US right here (scroll down to the "Produce Map" section and click the link).
• Have your own designs printed onto fabric (and even sew for you) at KarmaKraft.  I'm dying to give it a try!
• CC sponsor Derder is offering an exclusive 15% discount plus FREE gift on all orders for Creature Comforts' readers.  Use code "creaturecomforts" in the notes to seller box at checkout.  No minimum purchase required.  Discount not applied to shipping charge.  Offer ends 8/14/09.

Inspiration Daily: weekend edition "summer's colors"

 

Have a gorgeous color-filled weekend everyone!  xox Ez

1. wave and light., 2. Adam and Halli's Wedding, 3. Untitled, 4. I collect globes.

Weekend Link Love: 07. 03. 09

Have a fantastic weekend everyone (and a fun and safe 4th of July for those of you here in the US).  I'll see you here again next week!  xox Ez

• I definitely want to try some of this scrumptious-sounding Berry "Pizza" this weekend.
• This 4th of July Cupcake Topper downloadable freebie is the sweetest (use the download as a template with your own patterned paper and it can be used for any occasion).
• With all the sweets I'll be eating over the weekend it's a good thing there is this great free printable Food Journal Download to help get me back on track (I plan to use it every day...starting next week).
• Next week I'm headed to New Jersey to house/apartment hunt (I'll still be blogging), and I so wish I was taking this amazing bag along with me (maybe next time).
• Letterpress + birds = perfection!
• Creature Comforts has some amazing new and return sponsors (I hope you'll like them as much as I do): Laurel Denise  |  June Shin  | Roll & Tumble Press  |  Betsy & Iya  |  Kind Over Matter  |  Dejarnette

Blogs I Love: 06. 19. 09

Hello lovelies!  The weeks just seem to keep flying past and I'm planning to spend today and the rest of the weekend packing like a madwoman.  With any luck I should be moving to New Jersey in a month or so.  Eek!

So I apologize for leaving you without my Weekend Link love, but I hope you'll take the time to explore and enjoy these four new additions to my blog galleries!  Have a fantastic weekend!  I hope to see you all here next week!  xox Ez

Just added to the Design & Style blog gallery:

Star Crafty

New to the Art & Crafty blog gallery:

One Pretty Thing

And newly added to the Wedding & Events blog gallery:

Green Wedding Shoes

Grey Likes Weddings

Weekend Link Love: 06. 12. 09

Hello lovelies!  I hope you have some fun plans for your weekend.  My to-do list is calling me, so my link love will be shorter than usual today.  Enjoy the next few days!  I hope to see you all here again next week.  xox Ez

LINK LOVE:

• I just had a little shopping spree (shhh...don't tell my bank account) at Nothing Elegant... a fabulous etsy shop filled to the brim with Japanese crafting supplies such as paper masking tapes, deco tapes, stationery, sticker and more.
• I'm obsessed with vintage milk bottles at the moment (I snagged this one last week).  Here are a few awesome finds that I've added to my favorites: 1  |  2  |  3
• If you've been looking for attractive seamless backgrounds for your projects, look no further than Web Design Ledger's awesome roundup (be sure to read rules of use on each designers page before use).
• Remember the new Love Postage Stamps that I raved about?  Well even more bloggers/creatives have been inspired by the awesome design and you can find a round-up of fabulous love stamp inspired freebies right here.
• I love my sponsors (they keep Creature Comforts afloat after all)...and I'd love for you to pay my two newest supporters a visit: The Bubble Roome  |  Bonnie Jones Photography

Weekend Link Love: 06. 05. 09

{photo by me}

Hello lovelies!  At last it's Friday...hurray!  I hope that your weekend will be filled with relaxation and fun...and a sprinkling of sunlight and magic too.  I'll see you all here next week.

Link Love:

• Clipart from Clipart ETC (for non-commercial use) is a great resource and would be ideal for d.i.y. wedding or party invites, etc.
• Loving this mobile created by repurposing old security envelopes and craft paper
• D.I.Y. Mousepad Makeover by The Long Thread - I really need to do this one!
• I'm not sure if I've ever loved a teacup as much as I love these ones by Karin Eriksson {available at Manos}...a girl can dream right.

 More Link Lovin':

• The delightful crew from Lucky Me blog has featured Creature Comforts as their "Lucky Link" of the month!  I'm so flattered.  Be sure to check out their gorgeous site for wedding inspiration, diy projects, eye candy and more!
• I'm so inspired by the paper cutting work of Made by Julene (via S.HOP Talk)
• My computer is loaded to the brim with amazing free fonts from dafont.com.  If you're a fellow font lover be sure to pop over for a visit {tip: click through their themes section if you're looking for something specific}.
• I'm pleased to introduce my newest sponsors and hope you'll have a chance to pay their sites a visit:  Oh Smile  |  Whimsy & Spice  |  Cutiepie Company  |  Bonnie Jones Photography  |  Holli (currently offering free shipping on paintings and watercolors + 20% off on all painting and watercolors for CC readers.  Use promo code "CC" in the notes to seller box at checkout to redeem.  Offer ends 6/8/09).

xox Ez

Weekend Link Love: 05. 22. 09

Hello lovelies!  I'm sorry I had to skip "Blogs I Love" this week (I'll be sure to make up for it next week).  I'm off on a trip down to Southern California to celebrate my sister and brother-in-law's graduation.  I'll see you all again on Monday!  Have a marvelous weekend!  Oh, and by the way... I'm having a huge sale in my shop Monday (before I close up shop for a couple months during my move).  Stay tuned for that.  xox Ez

• Possibly the cutest Alphabet Poster I've ever seen.
• I want to live for a day inside this photo... maybe lay out a picnic blanket underneath it and have day of food and fun with all of you!
• Would it be wrong to buy jam just so that I could have the jars to store things in?  I want to organize every little thing in my house just like this or repurpose them like this or this.
• Have you seen the new Behind the Design section of J.Crew's site?  So inspirational!
• I love this vintage paint-by-numbers painting...such great colors!

{more}

• I can't get this amazing photograph out of my head since I posted about it over a year ago.  I still love it just as much as I did the first time I saw it.
• Get 20% off at Night Owl Vintage when you use promo code vintage20 at checkout (expires 12-31-09).
• If you haven't entered already, be sure to sign up for your chance to win one of three prints from Abby Try Again.
• A big huge thanks to the lovely crew over at HGTV's Design Happens blog for listing me as one of their favorites!  I'm pinching myself!
• If you have a moment I'd love for you to visit my newest (and newly renewed) sponsors.  They're the best!  Abby Try Again  |  Love Jujube  |  Monica Marks  |  The B-line

Weekend Link Love: 05. 15. 09

Happy weekend everyone!  It's time for me to get started on the huge job of packing my house up.  I'm looking forward to getting started (but not looking forward to the inevitable mess).  What will you be up to this weekend?  Whatever your plans are I hope you will have a relaxing and enjoyable two days.  See you back here on Monday!  xxo Ez

• I adore the lettering on the wonderful new card collection by Linda & Harriet
• I've been aching to try and make my own prize ribbon... with this helpful DIY tutorial maybe this weekend I can finally do it.
• I love when functional things are attractive enough that you actually want to display them!  This wonderful Carved Wood Elephant Bottle Opener has made it onto my wish list (even though I never need to open bottles).  ; )
• I am deeply in need/love/want with this Ruffle V-neck Tee from J.Crew.  I wonder if I could alter one of my own shirts and get the same effect?
• I'm super excited that Better Homes and Gardens has picked up my DIY Charley Harper Gift Tag project and are now sharing it on their site (I apologize in advance for their pop-ups).  You can also find another Charley Harper project while you're there... this one is by the lovely Brittni Wood of PapernStich!

And last by not least:

• My sponsors are the ones who keep Creature Comforts afloat and I love them so much.  If you have a moment I'd love for you to visit my newest (and newly renewed) supporters.  There are so many wonderful things to discover: Makool  |  Fuss Jewelry  |  Chandeliera  |  Sakura Bloom  |  Madison Belle  |  Delphine Press  |  Lounge Luxe  |  Roll & Tumble Press  |  Zedena Designs  |  Hostess Jo  |  Oh Smile  |  Quest for Cape Town  |  Betsy + Iya
  

Weekend Link Love: 05. 01. 09

Happy Friday everyone!  For my weekend link love this week I decided to do a roundup (of sorts) for Mother's Day gift ideas that you can buy or make.  I'm still undecided on what I'm putting together for my mom and grandmother, but hopefully I'll make up my mind over the weekend.
Enjoy the next few days.  I hope they are relaxing and sunshine filled for you!  xox Ez

{FEATURED}

• Pears and Magnolia Art Print  - Janet Hill Studio
• Flora-Licious Surpise-mi Gift Set (pick two scents) - Mi Spa
• D.I.Y. Teacup Pincushion Tutorial - (found via WhipUp)
• Flip & Tumble Reusable Shopper Bags - (I love my Baggu Bags, but the clever storage design of these makes me want to switch over.  Be sure to watch the super short "how it works" video, and check out their blog too.)
• Vintage Cathrineholm Yellow Lotus Nesting Bowl Set of 2 - The Vintage Supply Co.

{MORE}

• For the vintage lovin' momma, check out High Street Market
• Letterpress Recipe Cards = fabulous
• I purchased a set of these Turquoise Nesting Bowls for my mom last xmas and they were a HUGE hit...they would make a wonderful mother's day gift.
• Pretty things in beautiful natural textiles and motifs can be found at Inklore
• If you really love your momma...anything from Abigail Percy will do.
• And last but not least, might I recommend a little look through my freebies and tutorials gallery.  You just may find something fun (and free) to make and give.

Weekend Link Love: 04. 24. 09

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  My daughter and I are having a garage sale (my first ever... eek) and I'm hoping I'll find a moment to relax too.  Enjoy a few little links that I'm lovin' in the meantime.  Hope to see you here next week.  xox Ez

• Decoylab is having a super 20% off sale on almost everything in their shop.  Perfect for Mother's Day gifts or any other occasion!
• Traci French's "Spring" series of photographs has been taking my breath away.  {her SHOP . her BLOG}
• Making your own Fabric Covered Thumbtacks is easy and fun (plus they make a great custom gift when presented in a sweet little box or tin).  Find the DIY directions on How About Orange.
• Trampoline is one of my favorite vintage shops on etsy.  The product photos alone are magazine-worthy!
• The stunning work of Isabelle Abramson is on my wish list of things I will buy if I ever win the lottery or strike it rich some other happy way.  Gorgeous!
• This shop has the cutest cards ever.
• These Custom Silhouette Pillows would make awesome gifts (you could get your pets image on there too).
• It really is!  I really do!
• I'd love for you to pay a visit to my wonderful new sponsors: Holli  |  Bowl Full of Lemons  |  Eclectic Eccentricity

Weekend Link Love: 04. 17. 09

  {photo by me}

Happy Friday lovelies!  I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend ahead of you. 

{LINK LOVE}

• Have you downloaded your free copy of Parasol Magazine yet?  It was created by Yasmine of A Print A Day and it's filled to the brim with fabulousness!
• I'm obsessively in love with these Fringe Making Scissors
• Pretty free Bookplate Download from Martha Stewart
• Fabulous free Cherry Blossom Wrap Label from Blah,Blah,Blahg
• Have you been entering to win the amazing goodies offered through The Bright Side Project?  If not, do yourself a sweet favor and start now!
• This site is pure eye candy (found via the Three Potato Four blog)
• I need this bag.  I'm pretty sure I could fit every possible thing in it.  Yay!
• Vanessa wrote a really sweet post about Creature Comforts on her blog MaxxSilly.  Thanks Vanessa!
• I was so flattered to discover one of my projects on this fabulous list of D.I.Y. projects (discovered via Lucky Me). 
• Amy from Pikaland just launched the Good to Know Project: advice and inspiration from artists/illustrators/designers on creativity, business & life.  Don't miss it.
• Don't foget to enter for your chance to win: a print set from Print + Press  |  Feather Fascinator from Ten Things
• I'd love for you to pay a visit to my most recent sponsors.  All of my sponsor's support is what keeps the lights on for Creature Comforts and I so appreciate them.  White Lotus  |  Milk

See you all here Monday!  xo Ez

Weekend Link Love: 04. 10. 09

{photo by me}

Hello lovelies!  The weekend is finally here and I couldn't be more thrilled!  Do you have any big plans?  I've been working hard on a few projects that I can't wait to share with you soon (not yet though)... so I'll probably continue to put some time into those over the next couple of days.

Before I get to my link love for the weekend I want to apologize for not following through with a tutorial for you all like I said I would.  The week really got away from me and bad weather complicated things (I couldn't take any decent photos of the project).  Hopefully I'll have it ready for you soon.  Thanks for your patience.

{Easter projects by Sidsel}

And now...

{LINK LOVE}

• I'm loving this easy and fun Free Printable Easter Mobile.  I hope I get a chance to try my hand at some Felt Marker Colored Wooden Eggs too (both projects by Sidsel on Spagat).
• Wolfie and the Sneak (who recently closed their virtual doors) are back for a one day mega sale.  Art prints are going for $5-$10 and originals are selling for $30-$40!  Don't miss it!
• Blossom Creations has a new Rubber Stamp Set that I'm in love with.  Wouldn't these make such pretty embossed decorations on envelopes or wedding paper!
• This print makes me so happy!
• I'm pretty sure I need this necklace.
• The brand new Limited Edition Alphabet Print by Bless is so perfect I want to hang it in my room!
• I hope you'll pay a visit to my new and return sponsors (who's generous support keeps this little ol' blog afloat): Pling  |  Delphine Press

Have a wonderful Easter everyone!  See you all here next week!  xo Ez

Weekend Link Love: 04. 03. 09

{how to fly a kite by Julie Morstad}

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you will all have a wonderful weekend of relaxation and fun.  More Spring cleaning is in order around my home, and maybe a bit of gardening and cookie baking too.  I hope you'll come by next week... I'm planning to share a special tutorial with you all.  See you soon!

WEEKEND LINK LOVE (Sorry it's a bit short. The host where I save all my links is currently down and I can't access them at the moment.):

• Did you know that my favorite artist, Julie Morstad has re-opened her site, now has a shop, and a beautiful set of Alphabet Cards for sale through Amazon?  I discovered all of this on Book By Its Cover (which if you haven't visited already, you most certainly should).
• I'm pining over these amazing shoes.  My heart says "yes," but my wallet says, "no."
• And these shoes are the cutest I've ever seen.
• This pillow would look fantastic on my couch or bed.
• If you love birds, then you'll heart this Folkloric Print
• The sweetest little clutch  |  The tastiest letterpress  |  The happiest way to start your day
• I'd love for you to pay a visit to my newest sponsors: Laurel Denise  |  Simply Hue  | Mud Puppy  | Roll & Tumble Press

xox Ez