All Things Circus

{Ferris Wheel}

{Carousel}

Lately I've had a renewed fascination with all things Circus. I did a few fun little ink sketches. I first drew them, then scanned them into Photoshop. I then scanned in some pages from a cookbook from 1908 that I found at a vintage shop. I love the feel of old paper like that... but couldn't bare the though of actually drawing directly onto it!

For fun I photocopied the simple ink sketches for my son to color in. He loved them and now keeps asking to go riding on a ferris wheel.

I'm going to enlarge them to an 8x10 and probably hang them in his room. After all, his room does have yellow stripes on the ceiling! It's very fun + fitting.

Storybook Wedding

 {Clara + Brandon's Wedding}

Featured on Offbeat Bride are some pictures of a fantasy wedding I wish I had though of! Perhaps for our vow renewal. Clara + Brandon are featured for their storybook wedding, which couldn't have been more unique or cute.

Photographed by Helmutwalker Photography, you can find more details from their story there.

This bride is so charming + inspiring.

Belated Holiday Wishes

With the scramble of Thanksgiving I haven't had a chance to wish everyone Happy Holidays! Between myself and my son getting sick, things have been falling to the way side over here. We've been busy taking vitamins, setting up our Christmas decorations and getting crafty for our home + family presents. I'll post more on that soon (but not too soon to give away what we're making!).

My workshop with Madelyn Mulvaney wrapped up & I'm already missing the Sunday inspirations. However, after waiting for a couple of months, registration arrived for my new year's class with Susannah Conway.VERY excited to bring in the new year with her!

On top of the holiday gatherings and preparations I've been feverishly working on getting everything in order for my own e-course I'll be hosting in the new year. With lots of help from amazing fellow artists, it should be something truly inspiring. I'm up and night busy scribbling away at all the ideas that are pouring in. 

In the meantime, here is some inspiration I've found lately over on i.Anton's flickr photostream. I get lost in these amazing images over and over again.

the ANTHROPOLOGiST

{Rachael Eustace; Photographed by her father David Eustace}

I have discovered such a powerful, raw + truthful space compliments of the ANTHROPOLOGiST. Its an online showcase of a few choice artists and their process' along with present work.

I feel soooo inspired and filled by all that I have seen on here. I've been a fan of Andrew Zuckerman and his simplicity in short film making with deeply profound universal messages.

{Bright Star; Jane Campion}

I've discovered an amazing powerful woman artist in director Jane Campion. I'm really looking forward to discovering more from her.

But the artist that has touched me most is the lovely scrapbook collection of David Eustace and his daughter Rachael as they embarked on a 3 week road trip "In Search of Eustace" across the U.S. The pure essence that comes with this father + daughter relationship & their beautiful documentation of the simple act of driving is beyond memorable.

{Rachael Eustace; Photographed by David Eustace}

The quiet moments we have with our children are fast and fleeting. The beauty of this trip that they took makes me think about how fast I will watch my son grow and become a man.

I can remember a road trip my Mother once took me one. It was to visit a great Aunt of mine (more like an ex-wife of my great grandfather; so I've always called her "Aunt" for lack of labels) starting at her home in Wyoming. We saw the Grand Tetons, ate endless cookies, watched the buffalo roam in Yellowstone (where we became snowed in for 3 days; another adventure in itself). It was magical to me and something I will never forget even though I couldn't have been more that 11 or 12 years old at the time.

I look forward to adventures like that with my son + husband.

Memories that last a lifetime and the stories just get better the longer they have to marinate.

I feel refreshed after soaking up these awe-inspiring artists.

X

A Monkey's Fist

{"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on"}

A fellow friend of mine over in my '~Yes' workshop loved this as much as I did. This little rope knot is called a Monkey's Fist. I have it hanging off my work desk in my studio. Often times I find myself getting to the end of my rope. There is always 'something' else or 'someone' else taking me into a flurry of nothing to do with 'me'.

I've just gotta tie a knot, grab on for dear life and hope the blood in my arms will return enough to pull myself back up!

Man Shops Globe; My new addiction!

{Man Shops Globe}

As if I wasn't already addicted to all things lovely at Anthropologie... This Sundance channel show, Man Shops Globe, is by far my new favorite. I could watch the episodes over and over. If you haven't seen it already, DVR it or click your OnDemand button now! Keith Johnson truly has the most amazing job. I would love nothing more than to travel the world hunting flea markets and street fairs to find treasures. Anthro is my inspiration mecca, my "happy place" that I love to wander (and wonder) off in to recharge and get new ideas. The endless creativity of their window and store displays never let me down.

Scott Campbell's Burn Book

{Calavera Burn Book}

A Brooklyn based artist, Scott Campbell, is taking the meaning of "old school" to a new level. He is known for tattoos but is putting his artistic skills to further use. Available online at The Future Perfect. These intricate laser cut books would look amazing anywhere... on a bookshelf, coffee table, bedside table or just in my own studio for inspiration!

A Beautiful Quilted Laptop Case

{Quilted Laptop Case}

I think this is so clever. Pam Garrison crafted this simple and fantastic laptop case by sewing on "panels" of fabric to an existing case. I am forever in search of a great bag to put my laptop in and still have yet to find it. This is definitely a project I'd like to do! My only problem is its impossible to find a pre-made case for a 17 inch laptop.

DIY T-Rex

{DIY lamp}

My little boy would love to get his hands on one of these DIY dinosaur lamps created by ThinkGeek. They have a Triceratops,  Diplodocus and a T-rex. I think the Diplodocus wants us to bring him home.

Freshly Fallen Fall Leaves

{fall leaves circa 2008}

I had to take a quick break to give a shout out to Fall! By far my favorite season. The scarves, hats, boots, sweet apple chamomile tea, comforters, slippers, sweaters, dark mornings, gathering for holiday DIY projects, leaves, wreaths, pine cones, family, warmth... 

How sweet it is.

<3 

Photo Inspiration

I just love these lovely photorgaphs.

I <3 Peonies

I mean these just HAVE to be the ideal flower all around. Stunning, classic, lovely and all around gorgeous.

And all around the most expensive pick!

I'm desperately hunting for an affordable alternative.

Apologies for being so lack with the blog these days. The past few weeks have been complete insanity with the move! Well 10 gallons of paint later things are almost in place. A bit more organizing to be had, but back on the wedding wagon I go!

99 days and counting....
yikes!

Another timeless photo

Mr. Jagger



Great photo.

Inspiration for Groom Look

Sexy. That's all I have to say.

Classic. Clean. Sexy. Manly. Timeless.
User friendly and can be worn again.

I love it.

My Inspiration Dress

Taa- Daa!

Of course this dress would be nothing less than a designer gown by Monique L'huillier. Which translates to roughly $5,000. I was lucky enough to find it for $2,500 on a previously-owned wedding dress site. However, that was still not in my budget or moral code. I mean, if I had the dough no doubt I would spend it. However for one night? One night and never wear it again?!

But alas, this was my inspirational starting point. I have to say my dress isn't too far off! And for a fraction of the price.

If only I could ride a Motorcycle

Does it get any tougher?!

photos from Offbeat Bride

Snaps

Something about dresses and cars I can't get enough of: