The Art of Hand Lettering

I took a calligraphy class almost a year ago and wish that I had more time to practice this beautiful form of art.  The old adage definitely holds true for this skill...practice makes perfect! 

image via {Laura Hooper Calligraphy}

So, in an effort to try to hone this craft, I've decided to do calligraphy on the envelopes of my baby's birth announcements. I know...lofty goal, right?? Well, I went ahead and ordered the envelopes and ink, and have already gotten started on the project. Here is the style that is inspiring me...

image via {Laura Hooper Calligraphy}

I love Laura Hooper's gorgeous calligraphy. She offers so many different styles to choose from...can we say this is one talented lady?? I like the mix of calligraphy and print on this envelope and am hoping it will help me address the envelopes a bit faster. I figure if I can knock out most of them before baby comes than I should be able to accomplish this goal. Fingers crossed!!

Tablescape Tuesday: Bohemian Flair

I was on pinterest this weekend and spotted this fabulous table styled by Southern Social Events on Ruffled. I love the Bohemian look and have lately wanted to put together a tablescape featuring that theme but just haven't had the opportunity or the confidence to pull it off! The mix of patterns used are simply perfect.  Combine that with a gorgeous centerpiece, festive chair detail and chandeliers and you've got yourself one unforgettable table. I just can't get enough of it, so you got lots of eye candy...i.e. pictures... to check out this morning!

images via {Ruffled}

Tablescape Tuesday: Cutting Board Placemats

I always love seeing unique ways to set a table so when I came across this image of cutting boards used as placemats, I just had to blog about it. Rustic elements definitely make my heart skip a beat, so of course this table has quickly become one of my favorites. The simple sprig of rosemary at each place setting is a nice touch and I'm sure adds a note of fragrance as well. To me this is a perfect organic look for outdoor summer parties that can be dressed up or down! 

image via {bread and olives}

Framed Agates

Remember when I was talking about this DIY project? Well, it took me a little longer than I thought to actually tackle it, but I am happy to report that it is complete and my framed agates are now hanging in my den! So, how did I do it? Well, it all started when I saw these Agate Coasters at West Elm. If I had done better research I could have found cheaper agates on ebay or etsy, but I was in a "hurry" and jumped at West Elm's Agate Coasters when they were on sale. Regardless, I love the color and am very happy with my purchase!

With my agates purchased, I then needed to find a frame. I really didn't want to spend a lot of money on this project so I headed over to Michael's and found this...

What I love about this frame is that the matting is raised up a touch so it allows my agates to fit perfectly. Otherwise the glass may not have gone on so easily, or at all. The next thing to consider was how to get the agates to stay put inside the frame?? When my father-in-law was in town he suggested using loctite. He is an engineer so he knows what he is talking about :) and I went with it.

After applying the adhesive we kept the frames lying flat for at least 24 hours before hanging on the wall, and I am happy to report we have not had any agates falling out of place! So, here is the final look...

As you can tell, I am not a photographer!! I wasn't sure how to get rid of the glare, so I apologize for these images, but you get the picture right?? I think all in all this cost me around $150. Better than paying the $150 price I've seen for just one framed agate!! What do you think??

Maternity Session

A little over a week ago my husband and I did a maternity photo session with photographer Ashley Eiler. It was so fun to have a few pictures captured of the two...wait, I mean the three of us :)! The hubs and I never take pictures together unless we are on vacation so it was great to have an excuse to have some professional pictures made. Here are a few of my favorites...

images via {Ashley Eiler Designs}

I can't believe in 3 weeks I will be slipping these booties on my baby's tiny feet. Someone please pinch me!! 

Tablescape Tuesday: Shibori Inspired Bridal Shower

A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to be a "fly on the wall" at this fabulous styled shoot by Kathleen Cook and Spindle Photography.  The inspiration behind this bridal shower tablescape is the Japanese tradition of Shibori...a method using indigo to dye cloth with a pattern of binding, folding or twisting. I am officially obsessed with the color indigo, so of course this shoot was right up my alley. Throw in a gorgeous, bright and cheerful floral arrangement, gold flatware, calligraphy, and Anthropologie dinnerware and you have me at hello...

This shoot was recently featured on 100 Layer Cake, so to see the rest of the beautiful images from Spindle Photography, including the DIY on Shibori, click here!

Images via 100 Layer Cake

Photography: Spindle Photography

Styling: Kathleen Cook

Florals: Hot House Design Studio

Inspired by Nature

image via {Style Me Pretty Living}

Happy Monday everyone! I feel like it is always hard to start the work week, but this piece of eye candy has me inspired today. With the warm weather abounding down south, I just want to be outdoors, especially for entertaining. But... if you aren't with me on this, you can always bring the outdoors in with these gorgeous moss chargers. You will feel like you are in a garden just sitting around your dining room table!

On My Wish List: Zoe Necklace and Bracelet

With my little one's arrival pending soon, I've been thinking lately about how much I would love a beautiful piece of jewelry with his or her initials. I recently stumbled across Ex Voto Vintage Jewelry and fell in LOVE!  I think this necklace or bracelet would be perfect for displaying my baby's initials. What do you think??

Tablescape Tuesday: Mother's Day Brunch

I'm so in love with this beautiful Mother's Day Brunch tablescape from Camille Styles. Aren't the flowers simply gorgeous?? While they do seem formal, the casual place settings tend to make this a more approachable table. If you don't want to splurge on flowers, spring is the best time for gathering blooms from your yard. 

image via {Camille Styles}

How will you be celebrating Mother's Day this year?

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I hope you have some fun plans for celebrating Cinco de Mayo today! My husband is going to be whipping up a delicious enchilada casserole for us to devour. And, with the weather so nice, I'm sure we will be dining outdoors on our deck. Gotta soak up it while we can before the crazy summer heat sets in! If you are entertaining friends this evening, here is a fun place card idea from A Fabulous Fete. I just love Lauren's creativity with an avocado, don't you?

image via {A Fabulous Fete}

Fiesta Time!

One celebration I can always get behind is a FIESTA! I love mexican food and of course margaritas, so Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite days to embrace. I pinned this image of an invitation awhile ago, and it still makes me smile. I just love the touch of fringe at the bottom. Such an easy way to add a special touch to your Fiesta invitations.

image via {Olive Pit}

No Fiesta is complete without a fabulous margarita to sip. If you hop on over to Camille Styles blog, you can check out her selection of the 10 Best Margarita recipes.