Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Gift Wrapping Ideas That Wow

I am not the world's best gift wrapper, that would be my mother.  As a new seller on Etsy I have had to think a lot about how to package my items in an appealing way for buyers, which gives me a little anxiety I admit.  While researching how to do this I stumbled upon the Etsy Blog that tackles this topic and a million others.  I had to share some of the remarkably creative ideas for packaging because while the item inside is special, the outside makes the transaction so exciting and personal.  These are great ideas for anyone giving a memorable gift and if you read the blog you'll find out they're not that expensive or difficult! 




Etsy

Etsy















Sunday, April 22, 2012

Country Kitchens

Dreaming of kitchens for no reason tonight.  Maybe because I just finished cooking dinner in our shockingly inadequate city kitchen from the 1920s with the icebox still intact.  It serves it's purpose for now, but I have a few ideas of the kind of space I'd truly love...


French country kitchen
designs-kitchens



Country French kitchen!
bit



country kitchen love
Pinterest



country kitchen, country cooking
elle decor




Kitchen Kitchen Kitchen! Kitchen Kitchen Kitchen! Kitchen Kitchen Kitchen!
goo






kitchen
linkee



I'm in love with wide open kitchens, large light fixtures, wood, brick, stone, subway tiles on the backsplash and of course a killer stove.  Can you say La Cornue?  Only if you can dish up about $10,000 - $20,000!  Hmm, how much are Vikings?


Thursday, April 19, 2012

Wedding Thank You Gifts

During my search to find something special for the wedding guests I stumbled upon these goodies.  So many sweet things to choose from, but really what is a practical keepsake?  I doubt a lavender plant will fit in their luggage...but it's a great idea!

The eco friendly gift.
Favor Creative


Simple and sweet.
Jo Blake



A ball of string?  Maybe to wrap a gift with.

Lonely Heart



Thank you tag, great accessory.

Jo Blake



Heart magnets, unique.

Bragging Bags



Small tins with the bride and groom's initials.  Not sure the purpose, but they look cute!

Bella Baroque Design


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Monday, April 16, 2012

Practical Uses for Impractical Bird Cages

I can't quite pin down the reason I love bird cages so much.  I don't want an actual bird- too messy and noisy.  Without a bird there seems to be no practical purpose for owning a cage.  But then again, people have created some elegant design possibilities with these unlikely props that make having one a little less ridiculous.


An unlikely book case.

awelldressedhome.com



This vintage yellow highlights all the cage's detail.

cheryl-comfort.blogspot.com













Such a unique floral idea with the rusty metal cage.
google.com


I like how this one is tucked in the corner by old portraits and a French envelope window shade.  


Charming place card holder.  


Clean and bright room with a rustic cage.

lovecreativerooms.blogspot.com


A shabby chic look with china and roses.





Here's my own bird cage.  The first gift from my sweetheart when we started dating (very thoughtful indeed).  It usually sits by the window on a table, but after these inspiring designs I might rethink my decision!




Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Wedding Wednesday- Bouquets

There are so many unbelievable bouquet ideas out there that it is simply overwhelming!  For this post I chose some of my favorites based on their ability to evoke vintage style in a creative and unique way.  Have a look...


Gorgeous eye popping color!
Style Me Pretty


Creative Sparkle: A-Maz-Ing!
Zsazsabellagio


In last Wednesday's wedding post I mentioned how much I love the idea of adding jewelry to a bouquet.  The cameo is so classic.
Style Me Pretty


Here is another example of jewelry using a locket.
Dont' know the source, sorry!

What is there to say about cotton, but soft and delicate.  So different.
Style Me Pretty


My Scottish roots love this plaid/tartan ribbon.
Style Me Pretty



These next two bouquets are whimsical with vines and muted colors.  


Karen Wise


Style Me Pretty




Soft, full and elegant.











So...which one would you choose?  




Monday, April 9, 2012

Treasures From Flipp, San Francisco

I frequent this unique store off of Polk Street in Russian Hill called Flipp.  A while ago I wrote a post about the couch I purchased there.  Since then I can't help, but stop in whenever I have the opportunity to see what new stash of goodies they have acquired.  Flipp's owner Dan has an eye for mixing vintage items and modern home decor, a classy and clean combination.  Here are some of my favorites from March.  















The store has a tranquil outdoor space full of sculptures, succulents, whimsical hanging birds and Asian inspired pieces.  I wish I had a garden!